Full Sun

by Iain Kelly

Cal Jackson has just been released from prison. Now all he wants is a quiet life.But when his sister marries into the family of corrupt businessman Francis McArthur, Cal finds himself caught in the middle of an ongoing war between his new family and the police.

When a childhood friend, the mysterious and enchanting Elise Moreau, disappears, Cal’s got his work cut out to find her and discover what links her to McArthur.

And that’s before the first dead body turns up.

As a heat wave grips Glasgow’s mean streets and vibrant night life, Cal is reluctantly forced to act, before he finds himself either back in prison, or buried in the ground.

Genres: Crime

287 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 28, 2024

About the author

Iain Kelly lives in Scotland, UK. His latest novel, 'Full Sun', a crime thriller featuring ex-con Cal Jackson and set in Glasgow was published in November 2024. The follow-up, 'Hostile City' is due in January 2026.

He is married with two children and works in the media industry as a television editor. When he is not creating stories through sound and vision, he is writing them. 'A Justified State,' published in 2018, was his first novel. It was followed by a sequel, 'State Of Denial' in September 2019 and 'State Of War' in 2020, which concluded 'The State' trilogy.
In 2022, he first partnered with The Book Guild to publish the coming-of-age mystery 'The Barra Boy', which was followed in 2024 by the historical thriller 'All We Cannot Leave Behind'.

Find out more and read more of his work at his writing blog: www.iainkellywriting.com

Reviews

[Iain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cal Jackson has just been released from prison. Now all he wants is a quiet life. Then the first dead body turns up.

The first Cal Jackson novel, set in present day Glasgow, for fans of crime thrillers and detective noir.

The second book in the series, HOSTILE CITY, is now available from all good bookstores and online.

I wrote it, so clearly I'm biased, but I hope you will enjoy reading it too.

[Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cal Jackson is released from prison & tries to return to a normal life, but people & events soon make him wonder if life outside will ever be the same again.
Iain Kelly brings his characters brilliantly to life & the reader soon feels they know them as well as real people, whether they are are major players or just making a fleeting appearance.
Full Sun is one of those rare novels that you wish would never end & I found myslef missing the characters when I finished the final chapter. Thankfully there were four words that really cheerred me up....CAL JACKSON WILL RETURN. I can hardly wait!

[Laura Kirkham · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had an absolute blast reading Full Sun and couldn’t put it down until I finished it. It’s a gripping Glasgow-based mystery that feels properly lived-in. Kelly gets the tone, the atmosphere, and the rhythm of the city just right. Although East Kilbride only gets a quick visit and a few shoutouts, they’re surprisingly accurate and gave me that wee spark of “yep, that’s home.”

Iain Kelly has created a compelling lead in Cal Jackson: flawed, interesting, and the sort of guy you want to follow just to see what trouble he’ll stumble into (or create). The plot moves smoothly, with enough twists to keep you guessing but never so much that it feels overcomplicated.

In short, Full Sun is clever, engaging, and full of heart. A brilliant start to what I really hope becomes a long-running series. I’m absolutely buzzing to see where Cal’s story goes next and can’t wait for Hostile City coming out in January!

[Robbie Sheerin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another book finished for the year. FULL SUN by Iain Kelly was fun and enthralling. A story of Scottish gangsters and a man who just wants to make good and be left alone after getting out of prison, but sometimes family and past mistakes are too difficult to walk away from. Ian Kelly does a wonderful job of telling a story with feeling and emotion, and completely wrapping the reader up in the narrative. With the backdrop of gritty Glasgow, this was very endearing to me. I look forward to book two.

[Kevin Mclachlan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full Sun is an excellent thriller with a likeable but flawed protagonist and a plot which keeps you hooked from start to finish. I am looking forward to see what adventure Cal Jackson gets embroiled in next.

[Linda Lawrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Iain Kelly has done it again by writing a fantastic novel which I couldn’t put down. Set in Glasgow, Cal Jackson has just been released from prison. He is caught up with a notorious corrupt businessman Francis McArthur to whom his Sister, marries into his family. Cal’s friend Elise disappears, he has an unenviable past and we observe how everything is linked. I certainly look forward to meeting Cal Jackson again as the author has suggested we will.

[John MacLeod · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is really impressive that the author,Iain Kelly, doesn’t get stuck in any comfortable rut with their choice of subject matter. Recent publications ‘The Barra Boy’ set in the Outer Hebridean island in 1982 and 2022,and ‘All We Cannot Leave Behind’,(2024),based in the Edinburgh of 1920,could not be more different in setting to this latest book.
However ‘Full Sun’, (2025),turns out to be equally enjoyable and memorable. In common with these previous stories,the reader becomes quickly immersed in the story and feels utterly compelled to follow the fast moving events.
On release from prison Cal Jackson wants to keep out of trouble,yet is immediately moving in dangerous circles as he attends his sister's wedding and comes face to face with his new in-laws.Set in a vividly depicted contemporary Glasgow,the tale moves at pace through Cal’s constant dilemmas of doing the right thing and just hoping to keep himself, and others out of harm's way as he discovers just what’s going on in the family business.
Thanks to NetGalley and The Book Guid for a pre-release copy.

[Alex Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent Thriller set In Glasgow that tracks the life of Cal Jackson, recently released from prison and in the process of rebuilding and starting a fresh.

Unfortunately for Cal, his past is linked to a shady family, and as his own family becomes intertwined with the McArthur family there was only going to be one outcome.

A story deep in corruption and lies plays out as Iain Kelly writes one of those thrillers that’s difficult to put down with its sharp chapters and in Cal, a character very easy to like.

Well crafted, with some sinister characters and perfectly placed shocks, this is a fine start to a new series.

I’ve read one of Iain Kelly’s other books and it’s great to see an author who can write different genres and styles with as much confidence as the other.

Really Good stuff.

[Lynn Mckendrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed the book .

[J Kromrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

"Full Sun" by Iain Kelly is a gripping and evocative novel that masterfully weaves themes of resilience, hope, and human connection. Set against a backdrop of environmental and societal challenges, the story follows a diverse cast of characters whose lives intersect in unexpected and profound ways.

Kelly's prose is elegant and accessible, painting vivid landscapes and emotionally rich scenes that draw the reader in from the first page. The narrative's pacing is superb, balancing moments of introspection with bursts of action that keep the story engaging and dynamic.

One of the novel's greatest strengths is its characterization. Each character is meticulously crafted, with distinct voices and motivations that make them feel authentic and relatable. As the story unfolds, their individual journeys of self-discovery and growth are heartwarming and thought-provoking.

Thematically, "Full Sun" explores the impact of climate change and societal upheaval on the human spirit. Kelly adeptly navigates these complex issues, offering a narrative that is both timely and timeless. The novel's exploration of hope and resilience in the face of adversity is particularly poignant, leaving readers with a sense of optimism and a renewed appreciation for the strength of the human spirit.

"Full Sun" is a beautifully written and emotionally resonant novel that will leave a lasting impression on its readers. Iain Kelly has crafted a story that is a compelling read and a powerful commentary on the world we live in.

Highly recommended for those who enjoy thought-provoking fiction that speaks to the human experience.

[Karolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here is my review for Full Sun by Iain Kelly

I really enjoyed reading this story which was gritty and very intriguing. Cal Jackson has just come out of prison and is forced by a police officer, Sergeant Miller, to take a job offer with Francis McArthur, working in a nightclub. He had to report anything interesting back to her as she has Francis McArthur in her sights. He picks up working behind the bar really quickly. I felt there was an undercurrent running in this story and I was intrigued to find out what it was. The book was really well written and thought out by the author. It held my attention and I found I couldn’t put the book down as I wanted to know what happened. The storyline was interesting and I felt as though something bad was going to happen. I liked the author’s writing style and I found the book really easy to read. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.

Blurb :

Cal Jackson has just been released from prison. Now all he wants is a quiet life.
But when his sister marries into the family of corrupt businessman Francis McArthur, Cal finds himself caught in the middle of an ongoing war between his new family and the police.
When a childhood friend, the mysterious and enchanting Elise Moreau, disappears, Cal’s got his work cut out to find her and discover what links her to McArthur.
And that’s before the first dead body turns up.
As a heat wave grips Glasgow’s mean streets and vibrant night life, Cal is reluctantly forced to act, before he finds himself either back in prison, or buried in the ground.

[Naturalbri (Bri Wignall) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely love that the author has taken us to yet another brilliant location, around Scotland. Not enough books are properly set in my home. By that I mean where the author really brings the true essence of that Scottish location to life. Iain does just that, by really delving into some of gritty truth of Glasgow. So many places mentioned, I know from uni days and it was excellent to feel back to that time, but with it taking on the backdrop of a crime family.
The characters in the history book are absolutely brilliant. They bring every fibre of this book to life, really making it very engaging and extremely exciting. It was hard not to get completely caught in the moment, trying to figure out all the ins and outs of exactly what is happening.
I loved the pacing and attention to detail from the author. It really made this book stand out and I could not put it down because of that.

[Louise Searle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This thriller follows ex-con Cal Jackson after he is released from prison and tries to integrate back into the real world. Except he can’t move on from an accident he caused a long time ago and ends up becoming an informant for the police. When a childhood friend goes missing he gets a lot more than he bargained for.

I could not put this book down! Iain Kelly tells this story so well I felt like I knew Cal myself and wanted to shout at him through the book! There was so much tension and emotion.

However I’m angry with the cliffhanger at the end!!! How could you leave us with THAT 🤣

[Debs Carey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cal Jackson, fresh out of prison for assaulting a police officer, attends the wedding of his sister to his once best friend - son of the corrupt local businessman, Francis McArthur. Cal made a bad mistake when he was younger and McArthur uses his connections to save him, but Cal's father ends up owing McArthur - a burden which leads to him taking his life. Both events cause Cal's life to spin out of control.

When the McArthurs offer him a job, he turns them down, until a local detective persuades him to change his mind. Things rapidly get out of hand, but it's the most unexpected subject which causes Cal's life to be in danger.

As ever, great descriptions of Glasgow midst heat wave.

[Lee Coates · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this wholly immersive book. The seedy underbelly of the Glasgow streets just jump off the page. There's a lot to admire here. Richly textured characters, vividly realised locations and a propulsive storyline. Would highly recommend this book for any crime thriller lover or anybody who just likes a good summer read. Iain Kelly is an author who deserves to be on everyone's bookshelf.

[Martha Brindley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another very enjoyable read from the author! Filled with interesting characters and set in Glasgow, I just love Cal Jackson! Great plotting, plenty of action, with an ending that left me wanting more, makes this an easy 5* read. I can't wait for Cal to return with more thrills and action.

[Jaakko Koskela · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's got it all: an underdog main character, organized crime, deaths, twisted family ties, crooked relationships and fair share of action. All the twists I was hoping for and some definitely unforeseen turns. Very nice pacing and smoothly flowing, fast-reading text.

This was the first book I read from Iain Kelly, will not be the last. Highly recommended.

[Richard Marzetti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this. Scottish noir. Well paced, developing story, tense moments, action, and a why-done-it. Will certainly read a follow up.

[Susanne Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

A true page-turner, Kelly’s new one belongs with the best in crime fiction from Larsson to Grisham. Cal, the main character was so real that I nearly forgot he was a guy in a novel. I empathized with him like a friend, as he returned from prison to a crappy flat, a beater car, and a family he hardly knows. The violence in the fight scenes was enough to make me cringe but I couldn’t look away. At the end, I didn’t feel I was dangling off a cliff, but more of a distinct urge to look forward to the next in Cal’s series. I’ll wait patiently because it will be worth it.