What do you think?
Rate this book
Squeaky Clean #2
Paperboy
DCI Alison McCoist is back: newly promoted and even less popular. Chuck Gardner is the proud owner of both a confidential paper-shredding business and a serious betting habit. When Chuck finds some scandalous paperwork and McCoist investigates a rat-nibbled corpse under a flyover, they are both sucked into a deadly stramash of gangland wars and police corruption. Can Chuck solve his gambling and gangster problems before some heed-banger feeds him into his own shredder? And can McCoist claw herself out of this latest shitemire without her own shady dealings coming to light? It might depend on how far she's prepared to go...
384 pages, Hardcover
First published March 6, 2025
26 people are currently reading
270 people want to read
About the author
Callum McSorley
24 books68 followersCallum McSorley is a writer based in Glasgow. His debut thriller, SQEAKY CLEAN, was published to great acclaim in 2023 and went on to win the prestigious McIlvanney Prize for best Scottish Crime Book of the Year. His new novel, PAPERBOY, sees the return of SQUEAKY CLEAN's troubled detective, Alison 'Ally' McCoist, newly promoted but sadly no less despised by her peers.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
April 11, 2025
Ally McCoist is back and she’s now been promoted to Detective Chief Inspector following her escapades in ‘Squeaky Clean’. Her and her team are tasked with the investigation into a decomposed body dumped just off the M8 motorway in Glasgow. Her investigation leads her into the sights of two notorious gangland bosses both vying to fill the vacuum left by Paulo McGuinn who was murdered and whose nephew was convicted of his death. McCoist also has McGuinn’s widow Lottie on her case, who doesn’t believe for a second that her nephew was capable of carrying out such a crime.
This, the second in the Ally McCoist series, is a dark, violent and stomach churning thriller that’s fill with brilliant Scottish humour. Most of the conversations take place in Glaswegian and I suspect non Scots may struggle to fully understand everything that’s being said. I had no such problem as it’s a real laugh out loud read. It’s a convoluted tail that climaxes in an unexpected twist and of course leaves things up in the air for continuation in the next novel ?
This, the second in the Ally McCoist series, is a dark, violent and stomach churning thriller that’s fill with brilliant Scottish humour. Most of the conversations take place in Glaswegian and I suspect non Scots may struggle to fully understand everything that’s being said. I had no such problem as it’s a real laugh out loud read. It’s a convoluted tail that climaxes in an unexpected twist and of course leaves things up in the air for continuation in the next novel ?
May 15, 2025
Great stuff. In some places it was laugh out loud funny, and the patter between the detectives/hard men was very much stuff I can recall from various pubs in my years living in Glasgow. It’s not for the squeamish - various deaths occur and some are described vividly.
August 8, 2025
Tartan Noir with a wicked sense of humour...
November 13, 2025
Good not great
August 20, 2025
The second Alison McCoist Glasgow noir crime thriller is just as much fun as the first.
Now DCI McCoist is dealing with some of the fallout following the death of Paulo McGuin. There’s a power struggle brewing in Glasgow and a corpse has been found underneath a flyover.
What follows is classic Noir, the Glasgow accents are done brilliantly.
It’s tough, it’s gritty, it’s a great read.
Now DCI McCoist is dealing with some of the fallout following the death of Paulo McGuin. There’s a power struggle brewing in Glasgow and a corpse has been found underneath a flyover.
What follows is classic Noir, the Glasgow accents are done brilliantly.
It’s tough, it’s gritty, it’s a great read.
March 12, 2025
I don’t think I’ve ever laughed so much reading a crime novel, especially one that’s as dark, violent and full of grit as Paperboy. Like its award-winning predecessor, Squeaky Clean, Callum McSorley’s novel is creative and exciting and as steeped in Glasgow as Billy Connolly.
After the events of Squeaky Clean, McSorley returns us to Glasgow’s dark underbelly. This time our hapless characters are Chuck Gardner – a man who shreds paper on an industrial scale for a living and who is also an inveterate gambler. You wouldn’t necessarily immediately think of the sorts of things that can go awry for a man with a giant shredder, but trust me, Callum McSorley has thought them all through in a particularly dark and excruciating fashion. If in doubt, Simply Shred.
Meanwhile Detective Ally McCoist has managed to redeem her dodgy reputation somewhat, though more by luck than good judgement and finds herself, somewhat scarily, promoted to D.C.I.
Paulo McGuinn’s wife Lottie wants to see her husband’s murder case re-opened, something that makes D.C.I. McCoist a tad nervous. As she investigates the murder of a lawyer whose rancid body was found under a flyover, both McCoist and Gardner find themselves unwillingly drawn into Glasgow’s gangland wars, with a side order of police corruption. Since McGuinn’s death, Glasgow’s gangsters have been vying for the role of top dog and violent episodes won’t stop until the matter is settled.
One of the novel’s most striking features is its use of authentic Glaswegian dialect. McSorley crafts dialogue that immerses readers in the city’s unique linguistic landscape, capturing the rhythm and vernacular of its inhabitants. This means that the sweary words flow like pus out of a burst boil and the language is as profane as it can get, but somehow, delightfully so.
By allowing his characters to speak as they would do normally, McSorley gives depth to his characters and grounds the narrative in its setting, allowing the dialogue to contribute significantly to the novel’s immersive quality.Paperboy offers us a narrative rich in authentic dialogue, nuanced characterisation, and a vivid sense of place, especially when that place is rancid and seedy…
McSorley’s characters are intricately developed, each embodying the complexities of life in Glasgow. Ally McCoist stands out as a compelling protagonist, not so much navigating as drifting between professional challenges and personal demons. Her portrayal as a flawed, somewhat hapless, yet determined detective adds layers to the narrative. The supporting cast of grotesques and half-wits are equally well-drawn. This depth of characterisation ensures that we are wholly invested in their journeys, making the stakes of the plot more impactful.
The novel’s dark humour is a defining characteristic, providing levity amidst the tension. McSorley balances the grim aspects of crime with sharp wit, reflecting the resilience and spirit of his Glaswegians alongside a serious dose of toxicity. This humour is woven seamlessly into the narrative, enhancing the storytelling without undermining the gravity of the situations depicted. This comedic undertone enriches the reading experience, offering moments of relief amid a welter of seriously grim violence.
Glasgow is more than just a backdrop in Paperboy; it is a character in its own right. McSorley captures the city’s essence, from its bustling streets to its hidden corners, painting a vivid picture of the seedy underbelly of life. The setting informs the plot and shapes the characters’ identities and choices. The author’s understanding of Glasgow shines through, anchoring the narrative and making the events and character interactions more resonant.
Verdict: Paperboy is a brilliant read. Combining a taut and dangerous police procedural with black as coal humour, gory and noisy violence (I could hear the squelches) and some truly terrible punning, Callum McSorley has written another vibrant, successful novel, cementing his already growing reputation
After the events of Squeaky Clean, McSorley returns us to Glasgow’s dark underbelly. This time our hapless characters are Chuck Gardner – a man who shreds paper on an industrial scale for a living and who is also an inveterate gambler. You wouldn’t necessarily immediately think of the sorts of things that can go awry for a man with a giant shredder, but trust me, Callum McSorley has thought them all through in a particularly dark and excruciating fashion. If in doubt, Simply Shred.
Meanwhile Detective Ally McCoist has managed to redeem her dodgy reputation somewhat, though more by luck than good judgement and finds herself, somewhat scarily, promoted to D.C.I.
Paulo McGuinn’s wife Lottie wants to see her husband’s murder case re-opened, something that makes D.C.I. McCoist a tad nervous. As she investigates the murder of a lawyer whose rancid body was found under a flyover, both McCoist and Gardner find themselves unwillingly drawn into Glasgow’s gangland wars, with a side order of police corruption. Since McGuinn’s death, Glasgow’s gangsters have been vying for the role of top dog and violent episodes won’t stop until the matter is settled.
One of the novel’s most striking features is its use of authentic Glaswegian dialect. McSorley crafts dialogue that immerses readers in the city’s unique linguistic landscape, capturing the rhythm and vernacular of its inhabitants. This means that the sweary words flow like pus out of a burst boil and the language is as profane as it can get, but somehow, delightfully so.
By allowing his characters to speak as they would do normally, McSorley gives depth to his characters and grounds the narrative in its setting, allowing the dialogue to contribute significantly to the novel’s immersive quality.Paperboy offers us a narrative rich in authentic dialogue, nuanced characterisation, and a vivid sense of place, especially when that place is rancid and seedy…
McSorley’s characters are intricately developed, each embodying the complexities of life in Glasgow. Ally McCoist stands out as a compelling protagonist, not so much navigating as drifting between professional challenges and personal demons. Her portrayal as a flawed, somewhat hapless, yet determined detective adds layers to the narrative. The supporting cast of grotesques and half-wits are equally well-drawn. This depth of characterisation ensures that we are wholly invested in their journeys, making the stakes of the plot more impactful.
The novel’s dark humour is a defining characteristic, providing levity amidst the tension. McSorley balances the grim aspects of crime with sharp wit, reflecting the resilience and spirit of his Glaswegians alongside a serious dose of toxicity. This humour is woven seamlessly into the narrative, enhancing the storytelling without undermining the gravity of the situations depicted. This comedic undertone enriches the reading experience, offering moments of relief amid a welter of seriously grim violence.
Glasgow is more than just a backdrop in Paperboy; it is a character in its own right. McSorley captures the city’s essence, from its bustling streets to its hidden corners, painting a vivid picture of the seedy underbelly of life. The setting informs the plot and shapes the characters’ identities and choices. The author’s understanding of Glasgow shines through, anchoring the narrative and making the events and character interactions more resonant.
Verdict: Paperboy is a brilliant read. Combining a taut and dangerous police procedural with black as coal humour, gory and noisy violence (I could hear the squelches) and some truly terrible punning, Callum McSorley has written another vibrant, successful novel, cementing his already growing reputation
June 21, 2025
Around a year has passed by since Paulo (Paul) McGinn was sent to his maker by Ally, but the dust has hardly begun to settle. McGinn’s nephew Colin is in prison for his murder, thanks to some manipulation behind the scenes by senior officer Devlin who is now pulling McCoist’s strings. Not something she is happy about, but her options are somewhat limited. Lottie McGinn has doubts about the circumstances of her husband’s death and her sister is adamant that Colin would do no such thing, he didn’t have it in him.
When a man whose body is found on a skatepark, with his face gnawed off by rats, is identified as Carter Lennox, a lawyer who deals with the lower end of the market, things look in danger of unravelling for McCoist. Meanwhile, given the task of disposing of Lennox’s papers Chuck finds something that is dynamite. This leads to the search for a ‘shit list’ that promises great power to the holder, something worth shedding blood, a lot of blood for.
The author excels in imagining the flawed everyman who, through a combination of stupidity and bad luck, gets caught up in situations they can’t extract themselves from. Every attempt to do so leads to being sucked further in, like struggling against quicksand. This time it is ‘Chuck’ Gardiner the ginger haired proprietor of confidential waste shredder Simply Shred. Chuck’s big flaw is gambling. Chuck tries to gamble his way out of trouble, like so many before him, leading to indebtedness to loan sharks and the like. The reader will have some sympathy for his foolish predicament, but can he find redemption through the opportunities that come his way.
The violence is bloody and brutal, somehow managing to be shocking but also almost cartoonish at times. Underlying it all is a dark streak of the macabre, highlighted by an appropriate Macbeth quote that naturally goes over the heads of the heavies. Blood cannot be completely washed from their hands; these hard men of Glasgow are not ones to be messed with.
For such a dark novel it is surprisingly full of humour, some it quite surreal to the circumstance. In this aspect the author is a natural, be it the dog’s encounter with a seagull, Devlin and his apparent discomfort in his trousers or Colin’s confusion over vape flavours, these left-field interruptions always find their target.
Once again McCoist finds herself in places she shouldn’t be, introducing some pleasing danger to a well-paced story that keeps returning to previous events. McCoist realises she’s trapped, with poor options available and a sense that for every step forward in progress there is another one back, sometimes two or more. Not only must she solve crime but manage to keep herself out of the frame for the killing of McGinn. She can never go back so must battle forward which is appealing for the reader. McCoist is in a hole, but she cannot stop digging.
For me it is the language that makes this an outstanding novel. The dialogue is brilliant, full of the vocabulary of the street but without going full on dialect that becomes difficult to read. It is also very, very funny, full of insults and the nonsense idle men talk about when killing time. The three audiobook narrators do an excellent job not only injecting life into their characters but bringing an almost poetic quality to the insults and expletives. The Italians may have mastered the vociferous public argument but leave the deadpan insult to the Scots.
Another superb crime story from the streets of Glasgow and like many of its inhabitants it’s gritty, funny and has a big heart
When a man whose body is found on a skatepark, with his face gnawed off by rats, is identified as Carter Lennox, a lawyer who deals with the lower end of the market, things look in danger of unravelling for McCoist. Meanwhile, given the task of disposing of Lennox’s papers Chuck finds something that is dynamite. This leads to the search for a ‘shit list’ that promises great power to the holder, something worth shedding blood, a lot of blood for.
The author excels in imagining the flawed everyman who, through a combination of stupidity and bad luck, gets caught up in situations they can’t extract themselves from. Every attempt to do so leads to being sucked further in, like struggling against quicksand. This time it is ‘Chuck’ Gardiner the ginger haired proprietor of confidential waste shredder Simply Shred. Chuck’s big flaw is gambling. Chuck tries to gamble his way out of trouble, like so many before him, leading to indebtedness to loan sharks and the like. The reader will have some sympathy for his foolish predicament, but can he find redemption through the opportunities that come his way.
The violence is bloody and brutal, somehow managing to be shocking but also almost cartoonish at times. Underlying it all is a dark streak of the macabre, highlighted by an appropriate Macbeth quote that naturally goes over the heads of the heavies. Blood cannot be completely washed from their hands; these hard men of Glasgow are not ones to be messed with.
For such a dark novel it is surprisingly full of humour, some it quite surreal to the circumstance. In this aspect the author is a natural, be it the dog’s encounter with a seagull, Devlin and his apparent discomfort in his trousers or Colin’s confusion over vape flavours, these left-field interruptions always find their target.
Once again McCoist finds herself in places she shouldn’t be, introducing some pleasing danger to a well-paced story that keeps returning to previous events. McCoist realises she’s trapped, with poor options available and a sense that for every step forward in progress there is another one back, sometimes two or more. Not only must she solve crime but manage to keep herself out of the frame for the killing of McGinn. She can never go back so must battle forward which is appealing for the reader. McCoist is in a hole, but she cannot stop digging.
For me it is the language that makes this an outstanding novel. The dialogue is brilliant, full of the vocabulary of the street but without going full on dialect that becomes difficult to read. It is also very, very funny, full of insults and the nonsense idle men talk about when killing time. The three audiobook narrators do an excellent job not only injecting life into their characters but bringing an almost poetic quality to the insults and expletives. The Italians may have mastered the vociferous public argument but leave the deadpan insult to the Scots.
Another superb crime story from the streets of Glasgow and like many of its inhabitants it’s gritty, funny and has a big heart
March 12, 2025
This is the hotly (by me anyway) anticipated follow up to the brilliant Squeaky Clean which I would definitely advise you read first as this book follows pretty much directly on from the shenanigans contained therein.
So... DCI Alison (Ally) McCoist is back. She is newly promoted after her part in bringing down a key player in the world of Glasgow Gangsters. This does not come without its downsides, the biggest of which is that she is even more unpopular, despite sharing her name with an absolute legend - and no, it still doesn't get old...!
The previous book was centred around a car wash. This time, we concentrate on a confidential shredding company - Simply Shred - and its owner Chuck Gardner, named for the ginger baby in rugrats! He comes to the attention of Ally when she is investigating a rat-bitten body found under a flyover which turn out to be that of a solicitor. Chuck being tasked to "sanitise" his office rather quickly after his demise. But he bites off more than he can chew when he discovers something that, well, could assist him with his gambling debts... Something that could also bring Ally down if the truth of what really happened at the car wash comes to light... Meanwhile we have a gap to fill, so there is a bit of a gang war going on...
So... this book is all kinds of convoluted and interconnected and has a rather varied and eclectic cast of many brilliantly colourful characters. Hence me really pushing for you to read book one first. And to be honest, Squeaky Clean is a fantastic book so... It's also quite brutal, I will make mention of an industrial shredder and just leave it there, but it really doesn't pull any punches along the way. But aside from that, it is also very funny, there are some great puns and some wicked black humour to be found herein.
It also gets on with itself very well indeed, often at a rate of knots and there is a lot going on. Culminating in a rather satisfying ending.
In fact, the only bad thing I can say about it was the end. And by that I mean I didn't want it to. Cos this means that I have to wait a while for more of the same shenanigans. And boy am I waiting for book three with baited breath.
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
So... DCI Alison (Ally) McCoist is back. She is newly promoted after her part in bringing down a key player in the world of Glasgow Gangsters. This does not come without its downsides, the biggest of which is that she is even more unpopular, despite sharing her name with an absolute legend - and no, it still doesn't get old...!
The previous book was centred around a car wash. This time, we concentrate on a confidential shredding company - Simply Shred - and its owner Chuck Gardner, named for the ginger baby in rugrats! He comes to the attention of Ally when she is investigating a rat-bitten body found under a flyover which turn out to be that of a solicitor. Chuck being tasked to "sanitise" his office rather quickly after his demise. But he bites off more than he can chew when he discovers something that, well, could assist him with his gambling debts... Something that could also bring Ally down if the truth of what really happened at the car wash comes to light... Meanwhile we have a gap to fill, so there is a bit of a gang war going on...
So... this book is all kinds of convoluted and interconnected and has a rather varied and eclectic cast of many brilliantly colourful characters. Hence me really pushing for you to read book one first. And to be honest, Squeaky Clean is a fantastic book so... It's also quite brutal, I will make mention of an industrial shredder and just leave it there, but it really doesn't pull any punches along the way. But aside from that, it is also very funny, there are some great puns and some wicked black humour to be found herein.
It also gets on with itself very well indeed, often at a rate of knots and there is a lot going on. Culminating in a rather satisfying ending.
In fact, the only bad thing I can say about it was the end. And by that I mean I didn't want it to. Cos this means that I have to wait a while for more of the same shenanigans. And boy am I waiting for book three with baited breath.
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
April 7, 2025
British folk of a similar age to me will remember the TV crime series Taggart, which pandered to a lot of English stereotypes about life on the seamier side of Scotland’s biggest city, and which depicted a thriving world of crime flourishing just below the surface in Glasgow. The eponymous Taggart was played by Mark McManus, who carved out a character that was as tough as the criminals he sought to thwart. Quite early on in each episode he would utter the line, ‘There’s bin a murder’, managing to instil the phrase with a plethora of trilled Rs, and thereafter my family and I would hold a sort of sweepstake to try to guess what the eventual body count for the episode would be. Three murders in an hour-long show (well, actually quite a bit less than an hour once the advert breaks were considered) was seen as a very tame episode.
However, even Taggart at its most violent and bloodthirsty would seem utterly anodyne when compared to this second novel from Callum McSorley. His protagonist is DCI Allison “Allie” McCoist, who is absolutely fed up with people making jokes about her name and references to the legendary Rangers and Scotland striker. She is also wracked with guilt over her part in the murder of Glasgow gang boss, Paulo McGuinn – not so much about his death in itself, but more the circumstances that had led to it, and the fact that McGuinn’s nephew had been convicted for it.
Now, however, she is facing new problems as she investigates the murder of a leading solicitor, whom she had briefly encountered with regard to Paulo McGuinn. He has been tortured, and his body left by a roadside. His business partner is uncharacteristically quiet, and refuses to help her investigation. Meanwhile, gambling addict Chuck Gardner, who runs a secure document shredding business, finds himself being drawn deeper and deeper into dubious activities well beyond the fringes of the law.
There are numerous storyline threads here, and McSorley weaves them together into a highly effective tapestry to provide an engaging story that is alternatively gory and hilarious
However, even Taggart at its most violent and bloodthirsty would seem utterly anodyne when compared to this second novel from Callum McSorley. His protagonist is DCI Allison “Allie” McCoist, who is absolutely fed up with people making jokes about her name and references to the legendary Rangers and Scotland striker. She is also wracked with guilt over her part in the murder of Glasgow gang boss, Paulo McGuinn – not so much about his death in itself, but more the circumstances that had led to it, and the fact that McGuinn’s nephew had been convicted for it.
Now, however, she is facing new problems as she investigates the murder of a leading solicitor, whom she had briefly encountered with regard to Paulo McGuinn. He has been tortured, and his body left by a roadside. His business partner is uncharacteristically quiet, and refuses to help her investigation. Meanwhile, gambling addict Chuck Gardner, who runs a secure document shredding business, finds himself being drawn deeper and deeper into dubious activities well beyond the fringes of the law.
There are numerous storyline threads here, and McSorley weaves them together into a highly effective tapestry to provide an engaging story that is alternatively gory and hilarious
September 16, 2025
Paperboy by Callum McSorley is a sharp, darkly funny crime novel set in the heart of Glasgow. It follows newly promoted DCI Alison “Ally” McCoist, and Chuck Gardner, a paper-shredding business owner with a dangerous gambling habit. When Chuck uncovers some incriminating documents and Ally finds a body under a flyover, their lives spiral into a chaotic mix of gangland trouble, corruption and some very grim surprises.
I loved the mix of grit, danger and humour in this book. The story is not for the faint-hearted at but it’s filled with moments and descriptions that made me laugh out loud. There’s references to Face/Off, Noel Edmonds gunk tank and Bruce Willis in the Sixth Sense to name but a few of the many sentences I was highlighting as I read!
Glasgow is very much a character in the book and I could almost hear the voices thanks to the authentic local dialect, which I thought added so much personality to the novel. Choaclit milkshake was one of my favourites!
Ally is a brilliant character. She’s flawed, determined and morally grey while Chuck’s constant bad luck and questionable choices make him oddly endearing. The supporting cast are as colourful as they are unpredictable, and the dialogue feels so natural it’s like overhearing real conversations whenever I’m up in the city.
Although Paperboy is a sequel to Squeaky Clean, it works perfectly well on its own. The writing is pacy, the plot kept me hooked and I enjoyed every moment of being thrown into this wild, dark and very Glaswegian world. I can’t wait to see what comes next!
I loved the mix of grit, danger and humour in this book. The story is not for the faint-hearted at but it’s filled with moments and descriptions that made me laugh out loud. There’s references to Face/Off, Noel Edmonds gunk tank and Bruce Willis in the Sixth Sense to name but a few of the many sentences I was highlighting as I read!
Glasgow is very much a character in the book and I could almost hear the voices thanks to the authentic local dialect, which I thought added so much personality to the novel. Choaclit milkshake was one of my favourites!
Ally is a brilliant character. She’s flawed, determined and morally grey while Chuck’s constant bad luck and questionable choices make him oddly endearing. The supporting cast are as colourful as they are unpredictable, and the dialogue feels so natural it’s like overhearing real conversations whenever I’m up in the city.
Although Paperboy is a sequel to Squeaky Clean, it works perfectly well on its own. The writing is pacy, the plot kept me hooked and I enjoyed every moment of being thrown into this wild, dark and very Glaswegian world. I can’t wait to see what comes next!
January 7, 2026
This is a follow up to Squeaky Clean which I enjoyed, Glasgow noir with a brushing of dark humour. This is a follow-up, and so much so that it can’t really be read as a stand alone; it refers too much to the previous book.
The main character, or antihero, was Davy in the first book, a car wash employee, here it’s Chuck, also an antihero, but this time he works in a paper-shredding business. You can almost tell what’s going to happen at some stage in the novel without me saying more.. that’s okay.. but it’s a follow-up that is too similar in structure to the first book. Many readers want that.. but I hoped for something a bit different.
If there’s a difference, it’s that McSorley has added far more than a sprinkle of supposed humour here. The inserting of dark humour to a gritty crime novel is a a difficult thing to get right, it’s what sets the best writers apart. He has overdone it here.
McSorley clearly has skill, as he showed in Squeaky Clean, so I really hope he doesn’t write a third in the series, and moves to something completely different.
The main character, or antihero, was Davy in the first book, a car wash employee, here it’s Chuck, also an antihero, but this time he works in a paper-shredding business. You can almost tell what’s going to happen at some stage in the novel without me saying more.. that’s okay.. but it’s a follow-up that is too similar in structure to the first book. Many readers want that.. but I hoped for something a bit different.
If there’s a difference, it’s that McSorley has added far more than a sprinkle of supposed humour here. The inserting of dark humour to a gritty crime novel is a a difficult thing to get right, it’s what sets the best writers apart. He has overdone it here.
McSorley clearly has skill, as he showed in Squeaky Clean, so I really hope he doesn’t write a third in the series, and moves to something completely different.
March 25, 2025
After the death of Paulo McGuinn, Ally McCoist has found herself promoted and with a big secret to hide. Paulo's death has left a void in Glasgow's underworld and several vultures are circling. Chuck owns a paper shredding business and runs a sideline in passing confidential papers to a contact protecting him from the loan sharks he owes. Lottie just wants to know who killed her husband.
This the follow-up to McSorley's debut and is, if anything, even better. Written in a Glaswegian vernacular that takes some translating this is a complex story with the blackest of humour running through it. There are some wonderful scenes involving McCoist's dog, some very brutal scenes and some which just reflect everyday life, all inside a very violent set of characters. The book will not be everyone's taste because of this but it ticks all the boxes for me!
This the follow-up to McSorley's debut and is, if anything, even better. Written in a Glaswegian vernacular that takes some translating this is a complex story with the blackest of humour running through it. There are some wonderful scenes involving McCoist's dog, some very brutal scenes and some which just reflect everyday life, all inside a very violent set of characters. The book will not be everyone's taste because of this but it ticks all the boxes for me!
June 6, 2025
Paperboy is Callum McSorley’s follow up to Squeaky Clean. Glasgow crime boss Paulo is deid and DCI Alison McCoist has been promoted. Still trying to get over the whole sorry mess, Ally now has to solve a murder before all the evidence is shredded.
There are loads of colourful characters - criminals, polis, lawyers and gamblers - it seems everyone is dodgy, so who to trust?!
This is an excellent second book in the series - you just can’t guess what’s coming, it has you laughing out loud one minute, and trying not to boke the next!
If you haven’t read the first one, do yourself a favour and read that first. Thanks to @netgalleyuk and @pushkin for a drc to review in my own words
#crimethriller #scottishcrimewriting #crimefiction #bookreview #bookreccomendation #fiction #scottishfiction #book #tartannoir
There are loads of colourful characters - criminals, polis, lawyers and gamblers - it seems everyone is dodgy, so who to trust?!
This is an excellent second book in the series - you just can’t guess what’s coming, it has you laughing out loud one minute, and trying not to boke the next!
If you haven’t read the first one, do yourself a favour and read that first. Thanks to @netgalleyuk and @pushkin for a drc to review in my own words
#crimethriller #scottishcrimewriting #crimefiction #bookreview #bookreccomendation #fiction #scottishfiction #book #tartannoir
January 11, 2026
DCI Alison McCoist is making her way to American soil, first in “Squeaky Clean” and for a second time in “Paperboy”.
First, if you have never met someone from Scotland, this may be a tough read for you. My wife has taught two brothers from Scotland, and this is exactly how they talk. If you are not familiar with the rhythm, it can be disconcerting to your American mind. I did have to laugh at one point. If you took out all of the F-words, you would probably have a pamphlet.
Now that that is out of the way, the mystery is good. The writing is dark and witty. All of it is a sure delight. Now, this will depend on your tolerance of the language in the novel. But man, it is good. I’ve enjoyed both novels.
Welcome aboard, DCI Alison McCoist. Glad you could make it to the States.
I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.
First, if you have never met someone from Scotland, this may be a tough read for you. My wife has taught two brothers from Scotland, and this is exactly how they talk. If you are not familiar with the rhythm, it can be disconcerting to your American mind. I did have to laugh at one point. If you took out all of the F-words, you would probably have a pamphlet.
Now that that is out of the way, the mystery is good. The writing is dark and witty. All of it is a sure delight. Now, this will depend on your tolerance of the language in the novel. But man, it is good. I’ve enjoyed both novels.
Welcome aboard, DCI Alison McCoist. Glad you could make it to the States.
I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.
October 20, 2025
This was picked off the shelf at the library by my 4 year old. I struggled to make out some of the Scottish as it was written but got in the flow later in the book. I'm not sure why but the cover did not warn me there could be gore and like, gang/mobster wars. Intrigue and violence... SO MUCH violence. This is not the kind of book I normally read. I had a moment where I was trying to figure out how to get through the next passage, knowing what was coming. Unlike TV it doesn't keep going while you're not looking so I had to skim a bit and still got some graphic detail. But I pushed on. Satisfying ending, I think. Things mostly wrapped up. Not bad for something I struggled to get through.
April 11, 2025
DCI Ally McCoist is a hard-as-nails Glasgow copper with secrets.
She's on the case when Chuck Gardner, who runs a business shredding confidential papers, finds something that might pay off his gambling debts.
McCoist’s unconventional investigation peels away a bloody veil concealing crime gang wars and polis corruption.
Some dialogue is in Glasgow dialect which enriches the atmosphere but can slow things down till you get the hang of it.
This sequel to award-winning Squeaky Clean is an intoxicating stew of sudden shocks, raw brutality and dark humour peppered with some great characters.
She's on the case when Chuck Gardner, who runs a business shredding confidential papers, finds something that might pay off his gambling debts.
McCoist’s unconventional investigation peels away a bloody veil concealing crime gang wars and polis corruption.
Some dialogue is in Glasgow dialect which enriches the atmosphere but can slow things down till you get the hang of it.
This sequel to award-winning Squeaky Clean is an intoxicating stew of sudden shocks, raw brutality and dark humour peppered with some great characters.
March 2, 2025
If you like your thrillers dark, gritty, with touches of humour and full of great characters, this is for you! I absolutely loved this read with DCI Alison Mc Coist as the lead character, totally embroiled in some serious gangster business in Glasgow. I really highly recommend reading the previous book, Squeaky Clean too. If the author doesn't write a third book, I will be seriously disappointed! Definitely one for crime thriller fans to enjoy. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.
March 2, 2025
The follow up to the award winning Squeaky Clean, is another superb read from Callum McSorley.
This gritty and quite dark, violent thriller set in Glasgow follows DCI Ali McCoist and her wayward life and policing.
Gangsters, blood and guts, money and corruption, it’s cracking stuff that’s just done really well. McSorley seems to be having a lot of fun writing these thrillers full of wicked,y black humour and I’m all for more of this great new series.
Top stuff from a great new author.
This gritty and quite dark, violent thriller set in Glasgow follows DCI Ali McCoist and her wayward life and policing.
Gangsters, blood and guts, money and corruption, it’s cracking stuff that’s just done really well. McSorley seems to be having a lot of fun writing these thrillers full of wicked,y black humour and I’m all for more of this great new series.
Top stuff from a great new author.
February 15, 2025
Did you read Squeaky Clean? If not, why not?
This is much the same, dark, brutal, violent, funny and incredibly good.
There's a lot going on, many people to keep track of, but you do, because the story is told well. The characters are memorable (in the book. Don't ask me about them next week)
This being book 2, makes me hope we can expect book 3.
Great stuff.
This is much the same, dark, brutal, violent, funny and incredibly good.
There's a lot going on, many people to keep track of, but you do, because the story is told well. The characters are memorable (in the book. Don't ask me about them next week)
This being book 2, makes me hope we can expect book 3.
Great stuff.
September 26, 2025
The second in this tartan noir crime thriller series featuring Glasgow police detective Ally McCoist. On the case of Chuck Gardner, a gambling addict who runs a paper-shredding business. Chuck gets into deep trouble when the local gangster gets him to dispose of a body in his industrial shredder. Horrific and darkly humorous in equal measure.
March 23, 2025
Callum does it again - absolutely brilliant book right up until the final page. Squeaky Clean was great and this is a fitting follow up.
I attended a book event recently with Callum and he mentioned that he sees one final book in the Alison McCoist story and I can’t wait to read it!
I attended a book event recently with Callum and he mentioned that he sees one final book in the Alison McCoist story and I can’t wait to read it!
January 13, 2026
I found it hard to put this down. It is fast paced and bold.
The Glasgow dialect is incredibly engaging. The only reason it is 4 stars and not 5 is I found the ending tamer than the narrative that preceded it. It was too easy.
The Glasgow dialect is incredibly engaging. The only reason it is 4 stars and not 5 is I found the ending tamer than the narrative that preceded it. It was too easy.
March 12, 2025
4.5 stars review to follow
March 14, 2025
My new favourite crime series!So funny and so dark!The next one can't come fast enough :D
April 6, 2025
Not quite as good as 'Squeaky', but still entertaining. Maybe just too many names to keep track of. Hopefully there will be a book 3.
McCoist's dog is the star!
McCoist's dog is the star!
May 11, 2025
Oh no! Can't wait for book 3 of this boisterous, brutal, Glasgow brawl of a series. Unputdownable!
May 11, 2025
Previous book Squeeky Clean restored my faith in books after a slump and the latest book does not disappoint, belter!
June 9, 2025
Another cracker from Callum. Thoroughly enjoyed another Ally McCoist drama - bring on the next one.
July 26, 2025
left open for another book !
August 6, 2025
wow, better than book 1 and ending is intense. Loved it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews