By the Sword

by I.S. Paton

A macabre discovery in a city cemetery... A political scandal engulfing the city... A samurai-obsessed swordsman on the rampage... The severed body parts point to one gangland killer 'Banzai Billy' Boyle. What lies at the root of his obsession with the bushido culture of Japan? How is he linked to sleazy politician and prospective MP 'Big Jim' McConnarty? Are the walls of Barlinnie Prison secure enough to contain him? Can police crime analyst Grace Andrew track him down before she becomes the next victim? This conspiracy unravels in horrific detail as it twists and turns from the grimy backstreets of Glasgow to the cherry-blossom groves of Japan, where it reaches a terrifying and gut-wrenching conclusion.

Genres: Scotland, Japan, Fiction

242 pages, Paperback

First published October 27, 2011

Reviews

[Iain · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my book! I was going to give it 5 stars but that seemed cheeky.

[Jack · Rating 3 out of 5]

Grace is in a new job as intelligence officer for the Glasgow police. She becomes involved in the hunt for a brutal killer which takes her a long way from home. Rather far fetched adventure, but well written.

[Moira McPartlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't normally read crime but the combination of settings (Glasgow and Japan) intrigued me as did the name of the protagonist 'Banzai Billy' Boyle. This is the story of a Glasgow psycho loose on the streets armed with a sword. The plot slices through the pages and leaves your mind blood splattered. some of the scenes have a real yuck factor, told with graphic imagery. None of it pretty. I loved the change of pace and tone when the story moved to Japan. It is so evocative that I almost felt some warm feelings towards Billy and his desires.

[Ian · Rating 1 out of 5]

I didn't enjoy this at all. I was going to set out my reasons but decided to go with the old adage "if you can't say anything positive then don't say anything."

I notice from the ratings that others have scored this highly. Each to their own!

[Rod Glenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gripping and gritty crime thriller set in Glasgow and Japan filled with colourful characters and grimy realism. A top notch crime thriller.