Black Cabs

by John McLaren

It's hardly surprising that John McLaren has already sold the film rights to Black Cabs (along with his earlier Press Send ), as this powerful thriller moves with the velocity of an action-packed movie. Using three London cabbies as his protagonists, the uncompromising picture of London life on both sides of the river is idiosyncratic and astringent. When three cabbies attempt to make a killing on the stock market by eavesdropping on the plans of a corporate magnate to engineer a huge take-over, they find they have taken on the sinister might of international banking community. The beleaguered heroes, Len, Terry and Einstein, soon find the sharp suits they are up against have no scruples about using extreme violence to protect their interests--a top financial executive is discovered dead in the back of a cab, and the boys are forced to investigate a monumental cover-up. A further turn of the screw is provided by Len's desperation for the money--on which his daughter's life depends. McLaren, who was once a banking director, has an insider's knowledge of the financial world and is particularly cutting when it comes to fiscal "the predator has to join in the auction or walk away beaten. In the testosterone-ridden, ego-filled world of big business, succeeding with a hostile bid is one of the most admired martial arts". -- Barry Forshaw

Genres: Fiction

Paperback

First published September 4, 2000

About the author

born 1951

Reviews

[J.A. Kerr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great if far-fetched story of 3 cabbies trying to raise money. McLaren built up believable characters and the story moved with decent pace. Good descriptive writing "monstrous rage" and I enjoyed the banter of the cabbies as much as the financial data from the bankers. Overall an enjoyable read.

[Bhavya · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

[Ross Borkett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ridiculous and cliched, but equally I couldn’t put it down. Made me smile, really really enjoyed it, a fun read.

[The Cats’ Mother · Rating 2 out of 5]

Black Cabs","John McLaren","0684858266","review","Yes it's completely implausible, but very enjoyable. A trio of London cabbies decide to make money on the stock market using tips overheard from bankers in their cabs, to help pay for treatment for a sick daughter, but get involved in investigating a murder.