What do you think?
Rate this book
R.I.P Robbie Silva
Jed Collins, fresh from jail, is struggling to go straight when he hooks up with wild child Gail. Before long Jed is back to blagging ― with Gail in tow.
But Jed has a past, and Gail has a secret about her gangster father that she wants to keep under wraps.
One week in the Scottish capital for Jed and Gail turns into a bloody rollercoaster ride that leads straight to Hell.
But Jed has a past, and Gail has a secret about her gangster father that she wants to keep under wraps.
One week in the Scottish capital for Jed and Gail turns into a bloody rollercoaster ride that leads straight to Hell.
- GenresNoir
ebook
First published January 1, 2012
2 people are currently reading
52 people want to read
About the author
Tony Black
77 books115 followersTony Black is the author of more than 20 books, most recently Her Cold Eyes. He has been nominated for eight CWA Daggers and was runner up in The Guardian's Not the Booker prize for The Last Tiger.
He has written three crime series, a number of crime novellas and two collections of short stories. His acclaimed author interviews series was collected under the title, Hard Truths.
His novella, The Ringer, was adapted for the stage and the Ayr Gaiety performance can be found on YouTube.
A former Young Journalist of the Year, he still writes for the press regularly.
For more information, and the latest news visit his website at: www.tonyblack.net or his blog: www.pulppusher.blogspot.com or find him on Facebook, Twitter or Linked-In.
He has written three crime series, a number of crime novellas and two collections of short stories. His acclaimed author interviews series was collected under the title, Hard Truths.
His novella, The Ringer, was adapted for the stage and the Ayr Gaiety performance can be found on YouTube.
A former Young Journalist of the Year, he still writes for the press regularly.
For more information, and the latest news visit his website at: www.tonyblack.net or his blog: www.pulppusher.blogspot.com or find him on Facebook, Twitter or Linked-In.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
January 1, 2013
Jed Collins has been out of prison for only thirty minutes before he finds himself landed with a whole heap of problems. The first is Gail, a thoroughly sexy blonde with a bad history. Second is her brutal father, gangland boss Robbie Silva who promises a big payday for Jed but with a high risk. Throw Jed’s own difficult upbringing into the mix and you have an explosive cocktail that leads to violence, theft and murder…Jed is going to be lucky to stay alive and out of prison.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novella, a master class in the genre. It was punchy, gritty and tough - just how excellent noir should be. The fast-paced, violent action in RIP Robbie Silva starts immediately when protagonist Jed, a likeable just ex-con, meets troubled Gail. The story gallops along, taking the reader along for a wild ride that doesn’t let up until the final sentence.
As a result I had to read RIP Robbie Silva in a single sitting, getting myself into all kinds of trouble with the family because I ignored them for a couple of hours. However, it was worth it. I spent the time happily savouring the gritty Edinburgh location, seedy ambiance and the machinations of the troubled characters as they struggled with themselves and each other. A scattering of local vernacular through the story added to the weighty atmosphere without being distracting or off putting.
Here’s an example of the style:
‘The barmaid was in her bad fifties, bat-wings and a corned-beef complexion. Her over-dyed black hair was scraped back in a tight scrunchie and showed at least an inch of grey roots; when she smiled at me I wanted to heave.’
A difficult subject underpins RIP Robbie Silva and is the reason Jed, despite deep misgivings, inexplicably finds himself drawn to Gail. In the explosive finale, Jed and Gail lay their demons to rest with a major plot twist I didn’t see coming.
If you want to learn how to quickly build a highly credible story, strong characters, and a real sense of place then read Tony Black. A great writer and a great story.
**Originally reviewed for Books & Pals blog. May have received free review copy.**
I thoroughly enjoyed this novella, a master class in the genre. It was punchy, gritty and tough - just how excellent noir should be. The fast-paced, violent action in RIP Robbie Silva starts immediately when protagonist Jed, a likeable just ex-con, meets troubled Gail. The story gallops along, taking the reader along for a wild ride that doesn’t let up until the final sentence.
As a result I had to read RIP Robbie Silva in a single sitting, getting myself into all kinds of trouble with the family because I ignored them for a couple of hours. However, it was worth it. I spent the time happily savouring the gritty Edinburgh location, seedy ambiance and the machinations of the troubled characters as they struggled with themselves and each other. A scattering of local vernacular through the story added to the weighty atmosphere without being distracting or off putting.
Here’s an example of the style:
‘The barmaid was in her bad fifties, bat-wings and a corned-beef complexion. Her over-dyed black hair was scraped back in a tight scrunchie and showed at least an inch of grey roots; when she smiled at me I wanted to heave.’
A difficult subject underpins RIP Robbie Silva and is the reason Jed, despite deep misgivings, inexplicably finds himself drawn to Gail. In the explosive finale, Jed and Gail lay their demons to rest with a major plot twist I didn’t see coming.
If you want to learn how to quickly build a highly credible story, strong characters, and a real sense of place then read Tony Black. A great writer and a great story.
**Originally reviewed for Books & Pals blog. May have received free review copy.**
August 8, 2012
"Brilliant Novella from the Master Of Crime". This is one of those novellas that keeps you hooked all the way through, I could not put it down and read it in it`s entirety in just a little under 2 hours. Irving Welsh named him as his favourite crime writer. Read this and you will understand why. 11/10
A fantastic Novella by Tony Black,
No spoilers here, trust me an read it for yourselves
A fantastic Novella by Tony Black,
No spoilers here, trust me an read it for yourselves
August 8, 2012
"Brilliant Novella from the Master Of Crime". This is one of those novellas that keeps you hooked all the way through, I could not put it down and read it in it`s entirety in just a little under 2 hours. Irving Welsh named him as his favourite crime writer. Read this and you will understand why. 11/10
August 5, 2012
Brutal. Tony Black is one of the best writing today. Highly recommended.
August 16, 2012
‘R.I.P Robbie Silva’ is a fast, one sitting read about Jed, a somewhat reformed criminal recently released from prison and Gail, the women who is likely to put him back in the slammer. Adding to this mix, is the crime boss Robbie Silva, who isn’t introduced until mid-way through the novella who sees great promise in Jed’s unlawful talents and shares a rather perverse relationship with Gail.
I loved the crazy and unstable character, Gail who’s body is just as deadly as her erratic and unpredictable criminal nature. The correlation between Jed and Gail’s past with their respective experiences enabled a strong bond to form to give reason to the later stages of the plot was enjoyable to read and enabled ‘R.I.P Robbie Silva’ to come across as more than a crime story.
There is a little bit of Dave Zeltserman’s ‘man out of prison trilogy’ to ‘R.I.P Robbie Silva’ and it’s just as good. Jed has ‘series character’ written all over him, I sure hope Tony Black is planning more stories and sticky situations to thrust Jed into. 4 stars.
Tony Black’s style and story substance is a beautiful mash-up of Ken Bruen, Dave Zeltersman, Alan Guthrie, and Ray Banks. Highly recommended.
I loved the crazy and unstable character, Gail who’s body is just as deadly as her erratic and unpredictable criminal nature. The correlation between Jed and Gail’s past with their respective experiences enabled a strong bond to form to give reason to the later stages of the plot was enjoyable to read and enabled ‘R.I.P Robbie Silva’ to come across as more than a crime story.
There is a little bit of Dave Zeltserman’s ‘man out of prison trilogy’ to ‘R.I.P Robbie Silva’ and it’s just as good. Jed has ‘series character’ written all over him, I sure hope Tony Black is planning more stories and sticky situations to thrust Jed into. 4 stars.
Tony Black’s style and story substance is a beautiful mash-up of Ken Bruen, Dave Zeltersman, Alan Guthrie, and Ray Banks. Highly recommended.
August 15, 2012
Another beautifully put together novella by Tony Black. Short and to the point this tale of robbery and revenge will leave you breathless. Buy it and just dive in.
August 21, 2012
R.I.P. Robbie Silva is a fast paced, gritty read set in the dark side of Edinburgh. Jed Collins meets a beautiful woman who is just a little out of control. Turns out her father, Robbie Silva, is one of the top gangsters around. And he has a job for Jed. It's a quick read and full of action.
Only problem I had with the book though, was the slang. Some stuff just went right over my head. There were a few times where I just had no idea what the chracters were talking about. Most of it I gathered, but some left me re-reading sentences.
Otherwise, it's a great crime novella well worth your time and I'll be looking for more from Mr. Black.
Only problem I had with the book though, was the slang. Some stuff just went right over my head. There were a few times where I just had no idea what the chracters were talking about. Most of it I gathered, but some left me re-reading sentences.
Otherwise, it's a great crime novella well worth your time and I'll be looking for more from Mr. Black.
July 19, 2015
When fresh out of jail Jed Collins meets Gail Silva sparks fly pretty much right from the start. She’s a stunning firecracker and whole heap of trouble but when Jed gets mixed up in a robbery, with her gangster father Robbie Silva then things really get explosive. Author Tony Black laces the narrative with authentic local language and adult humour, while glimpses of Jed’s turbulent past give a greater depth to the story, delivering an emotional punch in this sizzling crime novella set in Edinburgh from popular author Tony Black. Once again Blasted Heath publishing unleash another crime classic.
April 1, 2014
You can count on Tony Black for colorful argot and jarring action. Jed holds your attention as the central figure, Gail is convincingly nutty (especially once you find out why), and the other members of the cast are well-drawn too.
However, I've seen one of the central themes a little too often for my liking, including another appearance in Black's own work. The ending also felt abrupt.
However, I've seen one of the central themes a little too often for my liking, including another appearance in Black's own work. The ending also felt abrupt.
August 21, 2012
don't bother unless your Scottish
November 18, 2012
It is a novella which means it is good when you need a short read. Good story, i enjoyed it.
February 27, 2013
Powerful modern crime/noir. Very recommended.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews