Dark of Night: Episode One

by C.S. Duffy

Ruari was on his way to confess love to best friend Lorna. But her killer got there first.
He’s been thrown out of the police, his ex is moving on with her life. He has nothing left. Except a glimpse of Lorna’s killer.
And hallucinatory flashbacks from a bad trip in his teenage years that mean he can’t always trust his own eyes.
And the increasing sense that while he’s after the killer, someone is after him.
There's a serial killer on the loose in a city where elderly women beat up would-be muggers, half the ten-year-olds are feral and a monster on a murderous rampage is greeted with shouts of show us your willy!
If you can handle Scottish humour of the blackest order, gripping twists that will have you gasping out loud and a pace faster than a runaway haggis, you’ll love Dark of Night.

Set in Glasgow this is pure Scottish gold - Books from Dusk Till Dawn
Glasgow has just found itself a fresh new name in crime fiction - ChapterinmyLife This addictive series of books is already on my top reads list for this year - Portobello book blog

Genres: Scotland, Mystery

210 pages, Paperback

First published November 28, 2017

About the author

C.S. Duffy writes psychological suspense thrillers with a healthy dose of black humour.

Her background is in film and TV. She has several projects in development in Sweden and the UK, and her thriller feature Guilty will be shot in April 2018 in Canada. She is the author of Life is Swede, a psychological thriller that was originally written as a blog - leading several readers to contact Swedish news agencies asking them why they hadn’t reported the murder that features in the blog.

Claire also runs Hollywoodland, a series of podcasts about the pioneering female filmmakers of 1910s/20s Hollywood.

Reviews

[Dash fan · Rating 4 out of 5]

4☆ Pacy, Enthralling Murder Mystery

Glasgow Kiss is the first episode in a new crime series. For me it was very much a Murder Mystery.

When Ruari is determined to confess his feelings for best friend Lorna he has no idea that when he gets off the bus that day he will never see her again.
As he is about to discover she has been brutally murdered!

Ruari is ex police so when he finds out what has happened to Lorna he isn't about to sit back and do nothing. The love of his life has been taken from him before he gets the chance to tell her how he feels.
He owes it to her and her family to catch her killer before they strike again!

Alongside Ruari, Detective Cara Boyle is also tasked with investigating Lorna's murder.
It's not long before Boyle is confronted with more murders, are they connected? And does she now have a Serial Killer on the loose? Can they both work together to find the killer before it's too late?

I just want to warn you this does end on a clifhanger as it's just the first episode, so episode 2 will follow on.

Glasgow Kiss is a Pacy Crime Murder Mystery, the characters are well developed, strong, likeable, relatable and I'm looking forward to learning more about them in episode 2 as they go from strength to strength.
The plot is entertaining, witty, enthralling, with juicy twists to keep you guessing, the who done it style is well written and will keep you on your toes.
I'm looking forward to reading the next instalment, as I have a feeling this is going to be an addictive new series.

Thank you to Shannon at R&R Blog Tours for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

My Review is also on my Blog Website :-

https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2019/0...

[Susan Hampson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well there is a saying, don’t put off till tomorrow what you can do today and in Ruari’s case there was never a truer statement. Finally after years of friendship with Lorna, he has built up enough courage to tell her that he loved her. Now that is big, or it would have been if she hadn’t been murdered. Gosh life is a bummer at times. Well Ruari is determined not to sit back and let the trail go cold to find her killer, so what he lacked in courage to declare his love for her he doesn’t lack in conviction in finding out why she has been killed and by who.
Set in Glasgow this is pure Scottish gold. The descriptions of the area sound very authentic to the point I think I could do a tour of the City and Campsies just from my knowledge from the book. Then the characters have that natural interaction that just brings them to life with a raw quick-witted humour. It feels like it is written with an intimate knowledge of walking these streets and modelling many of the characters from life there.
This is the author’s debut novel, not that you could tell for a minute but it does come with a warning. This is Episode One of Three and to get the full outcome of the story you really do need to read all three books. Is it worth it? Most definitely because this really is a little belter.

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruari has decided that tonight is the night he will confess to his friend Lorna that his feelings go beyond friendship and that he loves her. However, when he arrives at her house, he finds a police guard outside. Lorna’s body has been found in the Campsie Hills. Reeling from her death, Ruari decides to try to find out what has happened to her. He is convinced that hot shot lawyer Alec McAvoy who he saw her with not long before she disappeared is responsible. He’s not the only one who thinks Alec is involved. Detective Cara Boyle is investigating the case and before long has more bodies to contend with. It seems a serial killer is on the loose in Glasgow.

Both books in the Dark of Night series are completely addictive. They are very fast paced with the short punchy time-stamped chapters adding to the sense of a fast-moving investigation. They are books which kept me guessing right up to the end. For all they are about a serial killer, there is a lot of humour in them too and a real sense of warmth towards Glasgow and its people.

I think that CS Duffy is a fresh new voice to watch out for in Scottish crime fiction and deserves lots of recognition for this series. When I reached the end and absolutely HAD to read Episode Two straight afterwards!

[Suellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought I would check this trilogy out. It was free on Kindle Unlimited and sounded kind of like the Dublin Murder Squad (Tana French) only it takes place in Glasgow, Scotland. There are three episodes so I thought I would read the first one and decide on the other two later.

Part One was pretty interesting and entertaining but I don’t feel compelled to continue on to parts two or three. I had a bit of a problem following her scene transitions in the beginning but that just might be Duffy’s writing style.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, I think Glasgow has just found itself a fresh new name in crime fiction! CS Duffy has produced an excellent debut in the first episode of the “Dark of Night” series!

Ruari’s dreams of finding true love with his best friend Lorna, are cruelly dashed when she is found brutally murdered in the Campsie Hills just outside of Glasgow. Ruari has his suspicions when he finds out Alec McAvoy, hotshot lawyer had a drink with her the night before she was murdered. Ruari had been in the police until he had to give up work on medical grounds but his desire to find Lorna’s killer kicks in that policing instinct and off he goes. Will Ruari uncover the truth or is he just about to find himself in danger?

Dark of Night, is short and sharp, full of the Glasgow banter and humour laced with a good old-fashioned murder mystery. Lots of twists and turns and little pools of red herrings kept me engrossed all the way through. And of course for me, the winner with this one was the sense of place. I know these places the author describes, I can see the Campsies from my house, I know the routes she is talking about, the buses and trains that Ruari takes. How deliciously real it made my reading experience!

The characters in the book are authentic “Glesga” characters with that dry wit, irreverent humour and that way of telling a stranger your life story if you stand beside them for longer than 5 minutes, shone throughout the book. From the earwigging of conversations in the cafe to the local community centre dancing classes, it felt realistic and believable.

This is episode one of the trilogy, so not all questions are answered in the book. The ending may infuriate some as it definitely leaves you on a massive cliff edge just waiting to fall right over! But don’t despair, episode two is available to buy and episode 3 is due to be published next month!

[Celine Godfrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maybe it's mostly because I'm Scottish and love crime books and loved the Scottish phonetics and colloquialisms used in this book. I wasn't sure in the first chapter how I felt about it as I'm not used to reading the Scottish language as it's spoken so it felt a bit forced. But once I realised and accepted this IS actually how we speak (actually, it was cleaned up a little in the book) ... then I started to appreciate how well woven the story was.

And my enjoyment just grew from chapter 2 onwards. Lots of characters therefore lots of suspects. a lot of interlacing which you don't realise until the investigators reveal things. I actually thought by about Chapter 4 I knew where the story was going and was just waiting for the characters to pick up on the clues that I had. But no ... it has taken a few other turns along the way which I'm pleased about. The Glaswegian humour is both very prominent and subtle throughout!

The characters have been well established so I can see how this continues into a series and can't wait to crack on with the rest. In fact, the cliffhanger at the end of Book 1 surprised me so much I immediately started book 2. A good ploy by the author!

The author has apparently had some criticism for spelling errors in the book. I noticed a few genuine ones but not so many they distracted me or my enjoyment. Some of that criticism may be attributed to the fact that Scottish phonetics are used and unless you are Scottish or are very familiar with hearing Glaswegians speak, you may well think the words are mis-spelt. Just bear this in mind if you're not or haven't.

It also says a lot that my last book, an easy cosy mystery, took me two months to finish. This one was done in two days and I'm glad to have found a book and series interesting enough to spark my desire to switch tv off and actually read again.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

There’s a sinister killer in the loose in Glasgow! Who is causing such terror in the Scottish city?!

My heart broke for Ruari as he discovered Lorna had died when he had finally plucked up the courage to share his feelings. It’s hard to tell someone you like them, even harder when you’re friends with them. But then to have that opportunity ripped away 😫

It took me a little to get into the story as unlike other novels I’ve read that jump between perspectives, Dark of Night jumped between different points of view mid-way through chapters. But once I was used to this format, I whizzed through the mystery, desperate to find the killer.

The author managed to capture the essence of this Lowlands city. I could hear the Glaswegian dialect coming through in the dialogue and even the thoughts of the characters!

I was led up the garden path that the author intended. I have absolutely no clue who is the Dancing Girl Killer. Oh and that cliff hanger!! I need to find space in my reading pile to find out what happens in Episode Two!!!

[Jessica Bronder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ruari is in love with Lorna but the last time he saw her was the night before when she brought a new guy into his work. He realizes that Lorna had no idea how she feels since he has never told her. But when he goes to tell her, he learns that she has been murdered and he is now a suspect.

At the same time forensic pathologies Amy Kerr thinks she has found the Dancing Girls Killer that escape capture in London five years ago. Ruari is a former officer and not going to sit by the side and let the police conduct their investigation. Both Ruari and Amy decided to catch the killer.

This is a really good mystery that had me guessing through the whole book. I love how the view point is from a couple of different people that are not the police. It gives the mystery a fresh look from the regular police procedure yet still fast paced. And I have to say the ending is a huge cliffhanger. Now I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

[Angela · Rating 2 out of 5]

I heard the author enthusiastically talking about the Tartan Noir genre on the Reading Envy podcast. Having recently moved back to my home city of Glasgow, I was keen to read a locally set crime novel and this sounded intriguing. However, whilst the serial killer story is good, I found the numerous timeline errors and typesetting/editorial mistakes to be a major distraction for this pedantic reader. I think my copy is a self published paperback, so one might expect a few typos, but there were just a few too many for my liking. So much so that I may write to the author and offer my services as a proof reader! I’ll probably still buy Episode 2 anyway, as I can’t guess what happens next.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

A serial killer thriller set in Glasgow.
The murdered Lorna becomes fully realised to us-more than just a victim, though we never actually meet her (although it appears that there may soon be an opportunity to do just that). She sounds like a great person to hang out with, and we are moved by Ruari's grief as he attempts to unmask the killer of his friend at great danger to himself.
A great first instalment that builds to a climatic finish. Looking forward to Episode Two.

[Jacob Rundle · Rating 3 out of 5]

The world building was interesting. I did feel like I was in Glasgow. for someone who has never been there, it was interesting. The plot fell flat for me. There wasn't anything that really stood out to me. The writing was well done. And, the main character was relatable.

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

A brilliant opening ‘episode’ to this piece of Glasgow noir. Terrific writing right out the James Patterson playbook with each chapter just begging you to keep going. So many passages of brilliant writing too, with quite a few highlighted on my Kindle.

“She was like a kaleidoscope, shifting and twisting and changing every time he blinked.”

[K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cliff hanger ending, need to read episode two very soon. Good book, I like how it is not only set in and around Glasgow, but it is written with people speaking as they would.

[RoseMary author · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of the murder of Lorna and her friend Ruari’s path to finding her killer is intricate. The characters—both good and bad (are we sure which is which?) are fully described and you can easily connect with them emotionally. While there are a number of characters, because they have unique voices, it’s easy to keep track of them.
Having discovered CS Duffy via Jeri Walker’s WordBank blog, I enjoy her writing—she conveys fun in her blogs and great imagination. I like that Dark of Night, while dealing with a serial killer, doesn’t use bad language or utter gruesomeness to convey the depravity of what’s occurring. The story is as much about the people as what they do.

This is just me: I am not a fan of books that stop mid-story. The serialization of a novel doesn’t work for me. When I am rapt by a story, I want to see it through. Counting on me to remember everything and pick it up in six months or whatever, is more than I give my brain credit for! If the serialization doesn’t work for you, simple solution is to wait until all three episodes are published and read straight through.

[Rubina G Gomes · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good, dark, twisty, fast paced ride but could have been a bit more fun.

[Janice Atkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I downloaded this book through a promotion on Facebook. I’d never heard of the book or author beforehand but when reading the blurb and it mentioned a body found at the Campsie’s I knew it was my kind of book. The book mentions lots of places I know which for me is always a bonus. The book is fast paced with lots of interesting and believable characters, my favourites being Cara Boyle and her younger husband. This is an author to look out for. Off to download episode 2.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an interesting mixture of Glasgow humour and and dark intrigue. From the beginning you were trying to guess who the murderer was with the writer teasing us with small clues along the way. Great character descriptions! A real page turner. Cant wait for the second episode. Would recommend reading this one.

[Jo Harwood · Rating 3 out of 5]

Spoiler alert

Cliff edge ending! This isn’t the sort of trilogy you can read separately Make sure you can get Episode 2 ( and I suspect Ep 3 ) immediately! I don’t usually like books that jump about so much in the first few chapters which is why I only gave it 3 stars but stick with it the strands do come together only to leave you needing to read the next one straight away!

[William Cameron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting

Came across this book quite by chance. I’m so glad I did. The author manages to grip you straight away and builds the tension throughout. Great characters, good Glasgow patter and a serial killer on the loose. I have already downloaded the next two books. Whatever you do read this. It would make great television.

[Moira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. Started book 2 immediately.

[jim mooney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unexpected

Enjoyed the description of Glasgow some well developed characters.surprised at abrupt end but look forward to the second book in the series

[Craig Gillan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, dark and twisted in places, laugh out loud parts as well

[Sophie Brodie · Rating 5 out of 5]

An invigorating read! There's something I really I enjoy about books that are set in Scotland and this one is actually set on my doorstep, which has really helped me to connect with the book (and that's a hard task as I've not felt able to engage with fiction as much as I'd like to since I stopped studying 3 years ago).
Having met Claire at the St. Enoch Centre for a book event in April - after seeing a few of her videos on TikTok and deciding I'd like to hear more about her writing - I picked up this book as well as her two newest novels (those are next on my list 😉). My only regret is that I didn't buy the full series then and there, because now I'll have to wait for them to arrive and I can't binge read them 😅

You can tell this was written as a screenplay but that's actually a good thing - you get multiple perspectives in quick succession and can easily imagine the scenes and characters. It never feels confusing or too fast moving. And I love that - like a scene for screen - some of the chapters are only one page, providing some much needed context or insight into a seemingly trivial yet subsequently meaningful occurrence.
With dialogue in dialect, the humanity and humour shine through, adding a light touch to the narrative of a very dark story.
It has the mystery factor, tickling that bit at the back of my brain that tries to make some sense of it before Ruari does! In fact, at one point I nearly put down the book to make a map of the places around Glasgow that the significant events took place in, but I decided against it as I wanted to keep reading.
The twists kept coming and I can't believe it had a cliffhanger ending - never before have I actually felt surprised by a cliffhanger, but this one had me anxious to know what happens next... 😬

Can't wait to read more, and I feel so lucky to have found an author whose works I now want to read in their entirety! For all these reasons, and the enjoyment I got from this book, 5 stars and a recommendation (I even explained it to my Mum who reads one book every 3 years and she might be tempted enough to try it!).

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love everything about this book! It’s an addictive, fast paced, good old fashioned murder mystery.

The writing is solid. The location and language feels very authentic and I absolutely love that about this book. C.S. Duffy knows her stuff and it shows.

I highly recommend checking this one out. It’s a really well done mystery with an authentic Glasgow feel, likeable characters and wonderful writing. You don’t want to miss it.

*I read this book as part of a blog tour with R&R Book Tours. All opinions are my own.*

[Sophia Scarlett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely had to finish this book tonight. I loved that it was set in Glasgow and the Scottish banter was brilliant. My favourite line "our summer was on a Tuesday" are you even Scottish if you've not used this line!? 😂😂
I loved how fast-paced this thriller was and you will be guessing to the very end. There's a killer on the loose and all is not what it seems to be. A 5️⃣ 🌟 Highly recommended. It would make fantastic tv series. Fabulous ending on a cliffhanger. On to number

[M.A. Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

C. S Duffy has written a completely addictive murder mystery with a fast paced narrative and entertaining characters you will love to hate at times. Witty with just enough twists. I give this book five stars for individuality.

[Vanessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I probably enjoyed this more on a second reading. Lots of twists and turns and second-guessing on my part, and a total cliffhanger ending. I'm glad I have the other books now so I can continue on with the series sooner rather than later!

[Gordon Johnston · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting serial killer story - very much part of a longer work so don't expect resolution at the end. The characters are strong but there are just too many intersecting plot lines and the multiple settings and timelines involved make the narrative confusing.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this first episode and there were definitely some twists along the. Frustrated it ended on such a cliff hanger though...

[Fiona Spooner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping and exciting

I wasn't expecting to end the book without it being neatly closed off. I can't wait to read the second book to find out what happens next!!