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Beyond the Rage
"Funny and brutal, heartfelt and compelling" Craig Robertson. Even though he’s a successful criminal, Kenny O’Neill – Glasgow's answer to Tony Soprano – is angry. Not only has his high-class escort girlfriend just been attacked, but his father is reaching out to him from the past – despite abandoning Kenny as a child after his mother’s suicide. Kenny is now on a dual mission to hunt down his girl’s attacker and find out the truth about his father... but instead he unravels disturbing family secrets and finds that revenge is not always sweet. An intelligent, violent thriller shot through with dark humour, Beyond the Rage enthralls and disturbs in equal measure. With an intricate plot, all-too-believable characters and perfectly pitched dialogue, this is a masterclass in psychological crime fiction writing.
330 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 24, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
February 11, 2015
An immensely readable thriller from Michael J Malone here, both exciting and often very funny, a bit of a dark heart and some terrific characters.
Kenny O’Neill is a bad guy. Except actually he’s very likeable. Plus you don’t really want to get him mad. I loved him and for me this was what made the novel, I was rooting for him all the way as he tries to track down the culprit who attacked his girlfriend, at the same time unravelling family secrets.
This is delightfully crafted, keeping you hooked into the story – the sense of place is fantastic, Mr Malone brings the underworld and darker side of Glasgow magnificently to life, giving the characters a beautifully visual backdrop to work against. This is modern noir at its best, an intelligent thriller with great depth of storytelling still with a lovely flow to it that makes the reading of it a pure joy.
There are some twists and turns along the way, an often brutal and terribly authentic story – the characters and the world they inhabit pop, it will often have you on the edge of your seat and the next moment laughing out loud.
Exciting, believable and hard hitting, yet with a heart and soul that will appeal to thriller and crime readers as well as anyone who can appreciate a well constructed yarn, this comes highly recommended from me.
Kenny O’Neill is a bad guy. Except actually he’s very likeable. Plus you don’t really want to get him mad. I loved him and for me this was what made the novel, I was rooting for him all the way as he tries to track down the culprit who attacked his girlfriend, at the same time unravelling family secrets.
This is delightfully crafted, keeping you hooked into the story – the sense of place is fantastic, Mr Malone brings the underworld and darker side of Glasgow magnificently to life, giving the characters a beautifully visual backdrop to work against. This is modern noir at its best, an intelligent thriller with great depth of storytelling still with a lovely flow to it that makes the reading of it a pure joy.
There are some twists and turns along the way, an often brutal and terribly authentic story – the characters and the world they inhabit pop, it will often have you on the edge of your seat and the next moment laughing out loud.
Exciting, believable and hard hitting, yet with a heart and soul that will appeal to thriller and crime readers as well as anyone who can appreciate a well constructed yarn, this comes highly recommended from me.
July 5, 2015
I bought this book when it was first released but unfortunately due to my ever-growing “To Be Read” pile it sort of got buried. Well shame on me! This book was absolutely phenomenal and I smacked my hand for letting it get lost on my kindle.
Kenny is a character I have come across before in the author’s McBain series (a great series by the way!). We get to know a lot more about him in this book. He really grows on you. You know he is a criminal, he can be cold and a right so-and-so but there is just “something” about him that is quite likeable.
The story-line itself keeps you guessing throughout. At one point I was quite pleased with myself thinking I had it all figured out and then BOOM…the OMG moment where I was left a little shell-shocked as I was completely wrong! Loved that!!
There was one character who literally made my skin crawl: Mason Budge. Even just typing his name gave me shivers. This is one sadistic psycho. The author’s characterisation brings this guy to life within the pages and I found myself hoping that he would get his just desserts at some point. Whether he does or not, as I am not telling, you know you want to see this guy suffer!
And I absolutely adored Mark and Calum…how they meet Kenny is a story in itself but I won’t spoil anything. Kenny takes the brothers under his wing and these wanna-be gangsters find themselves in some difficult positions.
And of course, there is Alexis–the high class prostitute poor Kenny finds himself deeply in love with. Not your typical love-story at all. I am not sure how I actually felt about her as I felt that the author only scratched the surface on who she is. Which of course made the mystery and suspense all the more intense.
By all accounts this was a fantastic read and I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Another winner for Michael J Malone which I highly recommend. Why not click the link below and get yourself a copy!
February 7, 2015
I loved this story of a Glasgow gangster showing a more human side.
Beyond The Rage is a brilliant read…the characters are well realised, expertly utilised and the story is gripping. I have no qualms over scoring it 5/5, it’s an absolute gem.
Extract from a full review which can be found at www.grabthisbook.net
Beyond The Rage is a brilliant read…the characters are well realised, expertly utilised and the story is gripping. I have no qualms over scoring it 5/5, it’s an absolute gem.
Extract from a full review which can be found at www.grabthisbook.net
February 8, 2026
Despite my rating this book wasn't that terrible. There were a couple of editing issues which really jumped out at me, I don't expect a professionally published novel to have spelling errors or mis-typed words in it, but other than that editing issue I thought the actual writing was fairly engaging and the sex scenes were relatively well-written. I just didn't like any of the characters and the story was not very engaging. The main character was an alpha bro's wet dream given that he was rich, able to readily defend himself with violence, and only slept with prostitutes because it was more convenient rather than because he had to. It felt like he was a red-pill podcaster who pretended to respect women in a wink-wink kind of way. Don't get me wrong, I hated the prostitute character as well, she was written the way that I imagine men think that women feel about sex work. It kind of felt like the third book in a series and you were expected to have got to know the characters already. Like I said, it wasn't terrible, it was readable, but it wasn't very engaging and I'll remember it for about 5 minutes.
July 2, 2015
Glaswegian author Michael J. Malone's prose is onyx; unique and glittering in its darkness. While journalism is a common background for crime writers, Malone has 200 published poems to his name, and that rare talent for language bleeds into his storytelling in this noir-ish tale.
Kenny O'Neill is both hero and villain; a likeable criminal at the core of this exquisite thriller. A Glaswegian gangster capable of brutality, but with a degree of heart and (sort-of) moral compass, whose rage powers a fascinating thrill-ride into the underbelly of Scotland.
Kenny has every right to be angry. His father abandoned him after his mother's suicide, yet is now reaching out years later, while at the same time his girlfriend - a high-class hooker - has been viciously attacked. Balancing white knight and black hat, Kenny is driven to try to solve the mysteries of the past and the present, quick-stepping through a minefield of dangers as he seeks answers, and vengeance.
Malone does a tremendous job at crafting a novel with a dark heart, yet peppered with moments of humour and plenty of things that can make readers grin, even laugh. Kenny is Tony Soprano-esque, in that he's a bad guy, but also incredibly fascinating, layered, and you just can't help but root for him on his quest. There's an intriguing cast of characters that orbit around Kenny's life too, from the high to the low in Glaswegian society, wannabe tough-guys to aging mentors and dangerous monied men. Malone infuses them all with some nuance - there are no cardboard cut-outs or caricatures here. People want things, for very human reasons.
BEYOND THE RAGE has a twisting plotline that will thrill crime fans, keeping the reader guessing as events unfold, while delivering depth of character and stylish prose that elevates it to the higher echelons of the genre. Just a damned good story. Dark, absorbing, filled with ferocity and feeling.
Delightful seems a bizarre word to use for such a noir tale, full of unsympathetic people, but delighted I was as I was carried along by Malone's craftsmanship, the words crackling with intensity, pages filled with spark.
A violent and visceral read from a master storyteller. Highly recommended.
Kenny O'Neill is both hero and villain; a likeable criminal at the core of this exquisite thriller. A Glaswegian gangster capable of brutality, but with a degree of heart and (sort-of) moral compass, whose rage powers a fascinating thrill-ride into the underbelly of Scotland.
Kenny has every right to be angry. His father abandoned him after his mother's suicide, yet is now reaching out years later, while at the same time his girlfriend - a high-class hooker - has been viciously attacked. Balancing white knight and black hat, Kenny is driven to try to solve the mysteries of the past and the present, quick-stepping through a minefield of dangers as he seeks answers, and vengeance.
Malone does a tremendous job at crafting a novel with a dark heart, yet peppered with moments of humour and plenty of things that can make readers grin, even laugh. Kenny is Tony Soprano-esque, in that he's a bad guy, but also incredibly fascinating, layered, and you just can't help but root for him on his quest. There's an intriguing cast of characters that orbit around Kenny's life too, from the high to the low in Glaswegian society, wannabe tough-guys to aging mentors and dangerous monied men. Malone infuses them all with some nuance - there are no cardboard cut-outs or caricatures here. People want things, for very human reasons.
BEYOND THE RAGE has a twisting plotline that will thrill crime fans, keeping the reader guessing as events unfold, while delivering depth of character and stylish prose that elevates it to the higher echelons of the genre. Just a damned good story. Dark, absorbing, filled with ferocity and feeling.
Delightful seems a bizarre word to use for such a noir tale, full of unsympathetic people, but delighted I was as I was carried along by Malone's craftsmanship, the words crackling with intensity, pages filled with spark.
A violent and visceral read from a master storyteller. Highly recommended.
July 18, 2015
Disclosure: Michael J Malone is a good friend and colleague. As an author myself, I have a self-imposed rule that I don't review friends' books. It can be an ethical minefield. I am now going to break that rule.
Reason for this is that Beyond the Rage is such a bloody good read. This is Glasgow-set tartan noir with emotional depth, humour and heart. It's robust stuff in terms of sex and violence, both honestly depicted, but that depth, humour and heart run through the story, adding hope and sparkle. Our hero is a criminal, not a lovable rogue, but he does have standards. The banter between him and his policeman pal made me laugh out loud.
With Michael J Malone's books I always feel that I'm getting an insight into the psyche of the 21st century urban/West of Scotland Scottish male. The sense of place is also terrific and the story fair bowls along. More please, Michael. (less)
Reason for this is that Beyond the Rage is such a bloody good read. This is Glasgow-set tartan noir with emotional depth, humour and heart. It's robust stuff in terms of sex and violence, both honestly depicted, but that depth, humour and heart run through the story, adding hope and sparkle. Our hero is a criminal, not a lovable rogue, but he does have standards. The banter between him and his policeman pal made me laugh out loud.
With Michael J Malone's books I always feel that I'm getting an insight into the psyche of the 21st century urban/West of Scotland Scottish male. The sense of place is also terrific and the story fair bowls along. More please, Michael. (less)
October 21, 2015
A grim a gritty novel set in Glasgow, lightened with some humour. The story of a Glasgow badman searching for his father.
May 4, 2017
I think this is another book that was good, just not my style. Kenny was a likeable character, but I didn't feel any real connection to him. I also felt like there were far too many irrelevant characters that were difficult to keep track of. Plenty of scenes are filled with Kenny talking to someone who does nothing to advance the actual plot. The story of Kenny's father and how everything wraps up was really well done, but even though this book is only 300 pages, I felt like it took far too long to get to that point.
January 21, 2017
For the first few pages this teetered on the edge of overly blokey for my personal taste, but then the character of Kenny O'Neill, and the need to find out more about his several dilemmas, took hold and the story fairly cracked along, with enough heart-stopping moments, very well told, to keep me glued to the finale.
November 18, 2017
Received through GoodReads First Reads for reviewing - thank you.
I have to confess this has been sitting on my shelf for some time and I regret not have read it sooner. I was surprised at how good this was. I like Kenny. Yes, he's a criminal but he has a good heart. The characterisation is excellent. I would love to read more by Malone, and certainly this is a book I would happily read again.
I have to confess this has been sitting on my shelf for some time and I regret not have read it sooner. I was surprised at how good this was. I like Kenny. Yes, he's a criminal but he has a good heart. The characterisation is excellent. I would love to read more by Malone, and certainly this is a book I would happily read again.
April 22, 2022
Turgid, derivative, predictable and unconvincing. Don't waste your time.
January 17, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this. It mentioned places in Glasgow I am familiar with. It had good characters, good twists and I am looking forward to reading more from Michael J.Malone.
August 4, 2024
Kept me guessing
October 24, 2016
A likeable villain in a world of harsh realities and retribution.
'Even though he’s a successful criminal, Glasgow villain Kenny O’Neill is angry. Not only has his high-class escort girlfriend just been attacked, but his father is reaching out to him from the past despite abandoning Kenny as a child after his mother’s suicide. Kenny is now on a dual mission to hunt down his girl’s attacker and find out the truth about his father… but instead he unravels disturbing family secrets and finds that revenge is not always sweet. '
This is the third book in Malone's successful McBain series, but this time DI McBain's pal, Kenny O'Neill, is the central character. Malone's writing style is fluid and compelling, Kenny is a likeable villain and the reader is drawn into the seedy underworld that is Kenny's life. Malone creates conflict, and introduces just enough information for you to feel sure that you know what is happening, while feeding you enough misdirection for you to miss it. It is a clever and complex tale, interweaving the life of a villain with the nightmares of childhood and the possibility of happiness.
You don't need to read the other books in order to enjoy this one. And it is a great read. As a writer, Michael J Malone is a skilled exponent of his craft. As a storyteller, Malone presents an exciting and page-turning adventure. This is is a book that you'll find it hard to put down. Hard man Kenny O' Neill is shown to be vulnerable in a world where weakness can get you dead. Malone takes the reader into Kenny's world, with its harsh realities and retributions, creating suspicion and hope in equal measure.
Be prepared for a marathon reading session, as you’ll find it difficult to put this book down.
'Even though he’s a successful criminal, Glasgow villain Kenny O’Neill is angry. Not only has his high-class escort girlfriend just been attacked, but his father is reaching out to him from the past despite abandoning Kenny as a child after his mother’s suicide. Kenny is now on a dual mission to hunt down his girl’s attacker and find out the truth about his father… but instead he unravels disturbing family secrets and finds that revenge is not always sweet. '
This is the third book in Malone's successful McBain series, but this time DI McBain's pal, Kenny O'Neill, is the central character. Malone's writing style is fluid and compelling, Kenny is a likeable villain and the reader is drawn into the seedy underworld that is Kenny's life. Malone creates conflict, and introduces just enough information for you to feel sure that you know what is happening, while feeding you enough misdirection for you to miss it. It is a clever and complex tale, interweaving the life of a villain with the nightmares of childhood and the possibility of happiness.
You don't need to read the other books in order to enjoy this one. And it is a great read. As a writer, Michael J Malone is a skilled exponent of his craft. As a storyteller, Malone presents an exciting and page-turning adventure. This is is a book that you'll find it hard to put down. Hard man Kenny O' Neill is shown to be vulnerable in a world where weakness can get you dead. Malone takes the reader into Kenny's world, with its harsh realities and retributions, creating suspicion and hope in equal measure.
Be prepared for a marathon reading session, as you’ll find it difficult to put this book down.
July 30, 2016
A very good read, that makes a refreshing change from the cop-centric thrillers that dominate the crime genre. Great plot, great characters, believable and realistic dialogue, and some very clever twists - all delivered at a cracking pace.
Thoroughly recommended.
Thoroughly recommended.
October 3, 2015
Top notch stuff from a name to watch
April 18, 2016
A fantastic read, great characters and a brilliant plot.
I'd give this more than five stars if I could.
I'd give this more than five stars if I could.
April 3, 2017
Kenny O'Neill, a hardman trying to legitimise his shady dealings, turns 30 and his aunt gives him some letters from his father who disappeared from Kenny's life 18 years ago when his mum committed suicide. Despite the letters telling him his father disappeared to save Kenny's life he sets out to find him. At the same time he has fallen in love with a prostitute, Alexis, who has troubles of her own and is relying on Kenny to help her. How these two plots intertwine is the basis of the novel.
Mr Malone has written a cracker of a novel. Yes, it is violent, has adult sex scenes and much profanity but that's life on the mean streets of Glasgow or the fictional ones anyway and it adds a certain reality to the plot and makes it a grown up read. I read it one sitting because I couldn't put it down and was desperate to see what was coming next. Kenny O'Neill is probably not a man you would want to have a drink with - he's tough, uncompromising and hard (or is that an old fashioned description now?) but he has his problems and you can't help but warm to him over the novel as he reveals hidden depths. Ray McBain, the hero of Mr Malone's two previous novels, makes a couple of cameo appearances mostly, I think, to provide some timely comedic relief and his banter with Kenny had me laughing out loud as it's so Glaswegian - crude, rude and self deprecating.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and would heartily recommend it to anyone wanting a robust, engaging read.
Mr Malone has written a cracker of a novel. Yes, it is violent, has adult sex scenes and much profanity but that's life on the mean streets of Glasgow or the fictional ones anyway and it adds a certain reality to the plot and makes it a grown up read. I read it one sitting because I couldn't put it down and was desperate to see what was coming next. Kenny O'Neill is probably not a man you would want to have a drink with - he's tough, uncompromising and hard (or is that an old fashioned description now?) but he has his problems and you can't help but warm to him over the novel as he reveals hidden depths. Ray McBain, the hero of Mr Malone's two previous novels, makes a couple of cameo appearances mostly, I think, to provide some timely comedic relief and his banter with Kenny had me laughing out loud as it's so Glaswegian - crude, rude and self deprecating.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and would heartily recommend it to anyone wanting a robust, engaging read.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews