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Murder in the Merchant City
Annette Somerville, a young single mother, earns her living in a high-class Glasgow sauna parlour, scrupulously keeping her respectable home life separate from her professional activities. During a series of murders in the city, seemingly unconnected, Annette realises that all of the victims have been regular customers.
What should Annette do? No one else seems interested, and her boss makes it clear that going to the police will cost Annette her job. But Annette’s new boyfriend, a former customer of the sauna, could be the murderer’s next victim.
Can Annette continue to keep her two lives separate, or are they destined to violently clash?
What should Annette do? No one else seems interested, and her boss makes it clear that going to the police will cost Annette her job. But Annette’s new boyfriend, a former customer of the sauna, could be the murderer’s next victim.
Can Annette continue to keep her two lives separate, or are they destined to violently clash?
256 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published April 7, 2019
14 people are currently reading
77 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
March 9, 2019
I picked up this book on a recent visit to Waterstones bookshop. It was on display and immediately caught my attention, a quick glance at the synopsis and I was running off to the tills.
Whilst murders are being committed, the men are linked only in that they have all been visitors to the same sauna parlour.
This book was very well written given the serious theme of the book being murder and the sleazy reputation of sauna parlours. The author wrote with such compassion that I could feel a real empathy for those involved and the daily struggles they face.
The book is a quick read and I highly recommend taking time to read it. I have Angus McAllister's Close Quarters sitting here to read next!
Whilst murders are being committed, the men are linked only in that they have all been visitors to the same sauna parlour.
This book was very well written given the serious theme of the book being murder and the sleazy reputation of sauna parlours. The author wrote with such compassion that I could feel a real empathy for those involved and the daily struggles they face.
The book is a quick read and I highly recommend taking time to read it. I have Angus McAllister's Close Quarters sitting here to read next!
March 9, 2019
I picked up this book on a recent visit to Waterstones bookshop. It was on display and immediately caught my attention, a quick glance at the synopsis and I was running off to the tills.
Whilst murders are being committed, the men are linked only in that they have all been visitors to the same sauna parlour.
This book was very well written given the serious theme of the book being murder and the sleazy reputation of sauna parlours. The author wrote with such compassion that I could feel a real empathy for those involved and the daily struggles they face.
The book is a quick read and I highly recommend taking time to read it. I have Angus McAllister's Close Quarters sitting here to read next!
Whilst murders are being committed, the men are linked only in that they have all been visitors to the same sauna parlour.
This book was very well written given the serious theme of the book being murder and the sleazy reputation of sauna parlours. The author wrote with such compassion that I could feel a real empathy for those involved and the daily struggles they face.
The book is a quick read and I highly recommend taking time to read it. I have Angus McAllister's Close Quarters sitting here to read next!
May 3, 2023
Good thriller, capturing the seedy environment very well, with a well drawn set of characters
June 22, 2023
A really enjoyable quick read spoiled by a duff ending.
March 31, 2021
Thrilling
July 6, 2024
eh. To be fair, crime / murder mysteries are not my thing so im extra critical of them.
It was nice to have the setting be in Glasgow, with the characters running around a map I know well, going to pubs and institutions like the GFT that were fun to see referenced
Another book about women that feels clearly written by a man lol. Relied heavily on tropes
I found the pacing to be quite weird here. The killer is revealed in the last 4 pages but not in a way that felt satisfying or clever
This book absolutely should have had a SA warning — the fact that it didn’t and had explicit references to violent assault makes me wonder… is is because the author is writing about prostitution and therefore expects that to happen to them? Pretty shitty if you ask me.
Dialogue was underwhelming but I did appreciate the weegie accent pulling through
Claudia’s big moment was my favorite part. Loved , salvaged part of the book for me
It was nice to have the setting be in Glasgow, with the characters running around a map I know well, going to pubs and institutions like the GFT that were fun to see referenced
Another book about women that feels clearly written by a man lol. Relied heavily on tropes
I found the pacing to be quite weird here. The killer is revealed in the last 4 pages but not in a way that felt satisfying or clever
This book absolutely should have had a SA warning — the fact that it didn’t and had explicit references to violent assault makes me wonder… is is because the author is writing about prostitution and therefore expects that to happen to them? Pretty shitty if you ask me.
Dialogue was underwhelming but I did appreciate the weegie accent pulling through
Claudia’s big moment was my favorite part. Loved , salvaged part of the book for me
October 11, 2019
A link between a series of 90s Glasgow murders emerges - all of the victims were customers of a Merchant City sauna, in reality a brothel. But who is behind the brutal killings?
The novel is light and easy to read, and represents the Glasgow of the period well. But the characters are very weak, really a series of one dimensional stereotypes: the callous money orientated madam, the "tart with a heart", the vacuous glamour girl, etc. This isn't really a crime thriller, rather a sometimes wry observation on the sauna scene with occasional humorous incidents.
The plot meanders slowly along, much of set it around barman Jack who falls for sauna worker Annette. Several potential murder suspects are introduced - the moral crusader and the angry businessman amongst them. But the case for each is so obvious that the reader instantly recognises them as red herrings.
The novel is light and easy to read, and represents the Glasgow of the period well. But the characters are very weak, really a series of one dimensional stereotypes: the callous money orientated madam, the "tart with a heart", the vacuous glamour girl, etc. This isn't really a crime thriller, rather a sometimes wry observation on the sauna scene with occasional humorous incidents.
The plot meanders slowly along, much of set it around barman Jack who falls for sauna worker Annette. Several potential murder suspects are introduced - the moral crusader and the angry businessman amongst them. But the case for each is so obvious that the reader instantly recognises them as red herrings.
March 26, 2023
I borrowed this book from the library as I like to read books set in places I know and I am familiar with Glasgow's Merchant City as it's within walking distance of my flat. Some of the story takes place around Byres Road which is another area I know well.
This is a lighthearted read about prostitutes in a Merchant City "sauna". Someone is murdering the punters who patronise the "sauna" and there are various suspects. I had a feeling about the identity of the killer from an early stage but it is a nicely told story. A romance between one of punters and his favourite "masseuse" too.
This is a lighthearted read about prostitutes in a Merchant City "sauna". Someone is murdering the punters who patronise the "sauna" and there are various suspects. I had a feeling about the identity of the killer from an early stage but it is a nicely told story. A romance between one of punters and his favourite "masseuse" too.
October 27, 2020
I really enjoyed this novel. The writing was excellent; the pacing, for the most part, was wonderful. What I really liked was the handling of the mystery. The author did a great job of making the reader think the killer was one character then ruling them out in the next couple of chapters.
Each character seemed very well drawn. I thought the dialogue seemed very real and at times could be serious and dark but had a very wry witty element so common in the West Of Scotland.
Great fun.
Each character seemed very well drawn. I thought the dialogue seemed very real and at times could be serious and dark but had a very wry witty element so common in the West Of Scotland.
Great fun.
December 30, 2021
After having read and loved Close Quarters I was delighted to see this in Waterstones.
Once again, McAllister writes with wit and a keen awareness of what makes Glasgow tick; the people. Each character feels so authentic and the relationships between them are honest and realistic.
Once again, there was a twist in the plot which just took great, darkly comic writing to a whole new level. I cannot recommend this enough.
Once again, McAllister writes with wit and a keen awareness of what makes Glasgow tick; the people. Each character feels so authentic and the relationships between them are honest and realistic.
Once again, there was a twist in the plot which just took great, darkly comic writing to a whole new level. I cannot recommend this enough.
May 31, 2023
Set in the early 1990s a series of murders in Glasgow are linked to the Merchant City Health Centre - a sauna where Annette works. Until now, she's managed to keep work and her life separate but while work don't want her to report her suspicions to the police she realises that her boyfriend could be in danger.
A readable crime novel that just misses the extra something that several other Glasgow crime authors have
A readable crime novel that just misses the extra something that several other Glasgow crime authors have
July 12, 2025
A good character written book as always from Angus McAllister. The characters jump of the page and Glasgow comes to life. I have only given four stars as for me the plot twist was a little obvious. It is nice to see some of the nicer and less likeable characters get what they deserve either way. An easy, enjoyable good read.
March 23, 2019
Centered in Glasgow, majority of it focused on the people involved in the prostitution business with a murder plot intertwined. Really well written with final great twist. Kept me enthralled and guessing throughout. Read it in 2 days. Would highly recommend for a quick read.
February 15, 2020
I kept reading as I wanted to find out who was behind the murders.
Some likeable characters and some really nasty ones.
I enjoyed the descriptions of central Glasgow.
Not sure I'd rush to read another of his books.
Some likeable characters and some really nasty ones.
I enjoyed the descriptions of central Glasgow.
Not sure I'd rush to read another of his books.
October 19, 2022
Glasgow well represented and recognisable through characterisation and setting. A few loose ends, and weak final chapter let it down, but provides a few suspects throughout with some red herrings to keep you guessing.
January 25, 2026
Decent thriller based on Glasgow, with a good representation of the city. Enjoyable read but repetitive prose at points. Good mix of characters who divert your suspicions. Easy to read and plot interesting enough to keep you hooked.
August 6, 2019
better than you might think
August 19, 2020
Fantastic book, I loved it and read it in two sittings it was very well told. Looking forward to reading Close Quarters now also by Angus McAllister
March 31, 2021
Thrilling
January 5, 2023
I enjoyed this book, characters were interesting and decent pace
February 9, 2024
Enjoyable murder mystery romp with humour (and local interest)
April 25, 2024
I didn’t know who the killer was until the end. Kept the misters very well. Many stories at the same time to disperse the posible suspect.
March 7, 2025
I enjoyed this book. It was well written and I had no idea who the murderer was until the denouement.
January 12, 2026
I enjoyed the book but it wasn't a page turner for me
October 2, 2023
The book’s title perhaps says it all – there are murders, some scenes are set in Glasgow’s Merchant City – but is a trifle misleading. The action centres not on the Merchant City itself but on the so-called Merchant City Health Centre, a massage parlour - and an establishment with all the connotations that description of a business inevitably invokes. This is staffed by women in white coats - at least until they take them off to get down to offering extras. The most important of these to the plot are the beautiful Miranda, with the beaming smile and that way of saying, “How are you?” to her regulars, no nonsense up-front Claudia, the conventionally attractive Candy, the more homely in style Annette, and new girl Justine.
The narrative is mainly double stranded, Annette, from whose viewpoint we see the goings-on in the brothel (let’s not mince words,) and barman Jack who is resorting to paying for his sexual pleasures after his wife left him some time ago. There are also chapters from the murderer’s viewpoint, outlining his modus operandi. A psychologist later on suggests that because the victims are all men the murderer is in fact a woman but the treatment of his contribution leaves little doubt that view is a red herring.
The first victim was one of the Health Centre’s clients but that could have been coincidence. When the second also turns out to be a patron Annette in particular feels they ought to contact the police but Edna at front of house does not want to attract their attention. But it comes anyway. There are subplots involving the proprietor of a free newspaper who wants to rid Glasgow of “havens of vice” and a client of the Health Centre who beats up one of the sex-workers. (The revenge Claudia takes on him is well deserved and condign.)
Murder in the Merchant City does not have as many amusing moments as McAllister’s previous Glasgow murder novel Close Quarters, possibly because its contents do not range about Glasgow’s West End quite so much. Its characters are well enough rounded, though some occupy the novel as representatives of types and perhaps Annette comes a bit too close to the designation “whore with a heart of gold.” Her motives are sound and reflect well on her.
It’s an enjoyable enough read and comes as close to a “cosy crime” novel as any modern example of the genre.
The narrative is mainly double stranded, Annette, from whose viewpoint we see the goings-on in the brothel (let’s not mince words,) and barman Jack who is resorting to paying for his sexual pleasures after his wife left him some time ago. There are also chapters from the murderer’s viewpoint, outlining his modus operandi. A psychologist later on suggests that because the victims are all men the murderer is in fact a woman but the treatment of his contribution leaves little doubt that view is a red herring.
The first victim was one of the Health Centre’s clients but that could have been coincidence. When the second also turns out to be a patron Annette in particular feels they ought to contact the police but Edna at front of house does not want to attract their attention. But it comes anyway. There are subplots involving the proprietor of a free newspaper who wants to rid Glasgow of “havens of vice” and a client of the Health Centre who beats up one of the sex-workers. (The revenge Claudia takes on him is well deserved and condign.)
Murder in the Merchant City does not have as many amusing moments as McAllister’s previous Glasgow murder novel Close Quarters, possibly because its contents do not range about Glasgow’s West End quite so much. Its characters are well enough rounded, though some occupy the novel as representatives of types and perhaps Annette comes a bit too close to the designation “whore with a heart of gold.” Her motives are sound and reflect well on her.
It’s an enjoyable enough read and comes as close to a “cosy crime” novel as any modern example of the genre.
April 27, 2021
Easy, quick read
an enjoyable easy, quick read. Not quite what I expected but a good read none the less.I would recommend it
an enjoyable easy, quick read. Not quite what I expected but a good read none the less.I would recommend it
February 14, 2019
Having been brought up in Glasgow I was drawn to this book as the story unfolds within the streets and areas in Glasgow which I am familiar with. I was not sure what to expect - murders are being committed, men are being killed and the only one thing that links them is that they have all been visitors to the same sauna parlour.
This book was actually really good. Although the subject matter of murder and the sleazy issue of sauna parlours is a serious topic, there was so much humour within this novel also.
This was a light quick read and I would recommend it.
This book was actually really good. Although the subject matter of murder and the sleazy issue of sauna parlours is a serious topic, there was so much humour within this novel also.
This was a light quick read and I would recommend it.
March 19, 2021
Not the best
James Patterson has no need to worry. Glasgow is my home town. I was ashamed with the standard of writing. The story was a bit hackneyed. Confess to reading first few chapters then skipping forward to see perpetrator as guessed. Yes.
Sorry lad, not a fan.
James Patterson has no need to worry. Glasgow is my home town. I was ashamed with the standard of writing. The story was a bit hackneyed. Confess to reading first few chapters then skipping forward to see perpetrator as guessed. Yes.
Sorry lad, not a fan.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews