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Black Is The Colour
It has been almost three decades since the brutal murder of a young father took place on the streets of Glasgow. This sets in motion a chain of events in nearby Paisley, against the turbulent backdrop of Thatcher’s Britain.Fleeing the country as a child Cal Lynch returns to Scotland a man, a lawyer, determined to exact vengeance on the gangster who killed his father and tore his family apart.His desired retribution would be complex and challenging. He had dreamed, trained and prepared for the day of his return. He would control the outcome.Falling in love was not part of the plan – it would distort Cal’s focus on his ultimate goal and expose his carefully concealed weaknesses.As Cal’s revenge on Eddie Quinn draws ever closer, what happens next will leave him broken and fighting for his very existence.
183 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 20, 2020
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14 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
April 29, 2022
Black is the Colour by Seamus Connolly is a fantastic debut noir crime thriller that is gritty and exciting. I really enjoyed the writing style. It was compelling and transported me right into the story.
The characters are fantastic. Well rounded and realistic. My favorite part was the witty dialogue that really helped me connect to them. The bits of humor helped break some of the tension but kept the story flowing.
I’m looking forward to more from this author. I really enjoyed Black is the Colour. Great characters, great plot, and great writing — all the ingredients for a fantastic novel! Don’t miss out!
Thank you to Zooloo’s Book Tours for the free review copy. All opinions are my own and unbiased.
The characters are fantastic. Well rounded and realistic. My favorite part was the witty dialogue that really helped me connect to them. The bits of humor helped break some of the tension but kept the story flowing.
I’m looking forward to more from this author. I really enjoyed Black is the Colour. Great characters, great plot, and great writing — all the ingredients for a fantastic novel! Don’t miss out!
Thank you to Zooloo’s Book Tours for the free review copy. All opinions are my own and unbiased.
May 22, 2022
Where to start? As an American born in 1980, this era is a new experience. Thatcher's era, Scottish setting - bleak, massive unemployment.
Cal returns - as a lawyer to seek justice for the murder of his father years ago.
So many complex characters, so little optimism. Of course a love interest to provide some hope.
Very well done, amazing writing, such an incredible talent. Looking forward to the next.
Cal returns - as a lawyer to seek justice for the murder of his father years ago.
So many complex characters, so little optimism. Of course a love interest to provide some hope.
Very well done, amazing writing, such an incredible talent. Looking forward to the next.
March 22, 2021
Great book set in my home town so it was great to visualise the places mentioned on the story. There are a few twists and turns in the story line and the book had me drawn in quickly. Interested to read more by the same author.
April 26, 2022
Connolly writes a wholly immersive story shining a light on deindustrialisation during the 80’s. It doesn’t shy away from the bleak times endured and the daily struggles faced whilst capturing the Scottish humour, determination, and hope for a better tomorrow.
The Glasgow setting transports us straight into the story and the dialogue adds to the authenticity making the characters seem very real. We hear the story from multiple voices and I enjoyed the different tones they bring and getting to see their contrasting points of view. The interconnecting lives of these well developed characters pull you further into the story.
We see that they are good people dealt a bad hand. There’s much social injustice – there aren’t any jobs and they aren’t able to provide for their families. They have been severely let down by the government, and the darker sides of Paisley are able to thrive.
Cal is returning to his home town seeking to right a brutal wrong committed against his Dad. He’s bought the local law practice as part of his plan to get closer to Quinn. He’s a character you easily feel invested in; he’s a good guy trying to make a difference for the community, and clever, but you can’t plan for everything!
Dixie’s a fantastic character, he’s funny bringing a lightheartedness to the narrative, but we also see his financial woes, and how much he loves his family and wants the best for them. He gives Cal the lie of the land, and wants to ensure his boys stay away from the easy escapes of drugs and crime.
Eddie Quinn believes he’s untouchable, he presents himself as a successful businessman doing good deeds but the reality is that he’s violent, cruel and only cares about his growing empire. The reach he has and the lives he impacts is limitless.
I love the police investigation, the interviewing and courtroom scenes; we see Cal in his element. It was compelling seeing these chapters unfold and feeling like you were a part of the proceedings.
The plot keeps you on your toes, you’re not sure how things are going to play out. There’s twists laced through the pages and the final chapters grab you and don’t let go. There’s a shocking, tragic turn of events that gave me goosebumps – I wanted to be able to intervene, that’s how real the characters feel!
Connolly creates a tense and gripping read that pulls on your heartstrings. Family and friendship are the beating heart of the story, and we see the lengths the characters go to for these. A superb debut, I can’t wait for the sequel.
With thanks to @ZooloosBT, @seamusconnolly_, and @SpellBoundBks for a place on the tour and the opportunity to read and review this book
The Glasgow setting transports us straight into the story and the dialogue adds to the authenticity making the characters seem very real. We hear the story from multiple voices and I enjoyed the different tones they bring and getting to see their contrasting points of view. The interconnecting lives of these well developed characters pull you further into the story.
We see that they are good people dealt a bad hand. There’s much social injustice – there aren’t any jobs and they aren’t able to provide for their families. They have been severely let down by the government, and the darker sides of Paisley are able to thrive.
Cal is returning to his home town seeking to right a brutal wrong committed against his Dad. He’s bought the local law practice as part of his plan to get closer to Quinn. He’s a character you easily feel invested in; he’s a good guy trying to make a difference for the community, and clever, but you can’t plan for everything!
Dixie’s a fantastic character, he’s funny bringing a lightheartedness to the narrative, but we also see his financial woes, and how much he loves his family and wants the best for them. He gives Cal the lie of the land, and wants to ensure his boys stay away from the easy escapes of drugs and crime.
Eddie Quinn believes he’s untouchable, he presents himself as a successful businessman doing good deeds but the reality is that he’s violent, cruel and only cares about his growing empire. The reach he has and the lives he impacts is limitless.
I love the police investigation, the interviewing and courtroom scenes; we see Cal in his element. It was compelling seeing these chapters unfold and feeling like you were a part of the proceedings.
The plot keeps you on your toes, you’re not sure how things are going to play out. There’s twists laced through the pages and the final chapters grab you and don’t let go. There’s a shocking, tragic turn of events that gave me goosebumps – I wanted to be able to intervene, that’s how real the characters feel!
Connolly creates a tense and gripping read that pulls on your heartstrings. Family and friendship are the beating heart of the story, and we see the lengths the characters go to for these. A superb debut, I can’t wait for the sequel.
With thanks to @ZooloosBT, @seamusconnolly_, and @SpellBoundBks for a place on the tour and the opportunity to read and review this book
April 9, 2022
What an absolutely fabulous read this book was. If I didn't need to go to work I would have easily read it in one sitting.
From the synopsis, I knew this was going to be a thriller, I didn't realise just how twisted it would get though. Cal has returned to Scotland, he has a plan and one that he has thought about for many years. He has revenge on his mind and he knows who he has in his line of sight. As a solicitor, Cal is able to use his experience and also the law to get what he needs to get. Or, so he thinks. Things don't go all his way and there will be a price to pay along the way.
This is s set in the criminal world in Glasgow. While Cal has been away and made himself a name and a career he has never forgotten his roots. This is something that the author brings into the story and it is great to see. Cal knows the streets, and the people and thinks he knows what he is getting himself into. Plans, well on paper they are always great and even if you think you have all the alternatives covered, well there is something that will go awry.
This is a tense thriller and mystery novel and considering it is only around 180 pages long, the author has certainly made for an addictive story. This is one that is dark, it has unexpected twists and not everything is black or white.
I really liked getting to know Cal and some of the other characters. It doe shave that feel that there could be more to come in way of a series. I do hope so as I think there is the potential for much more.
There are a good amount of characters and I think the balance is about right for them, they are there because they are needed. Again there are some who I do think would make for great recurring characters.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is a well-paced story with plenty to keep you thinking and guessing. A couple of great curveballs to keep you on your toes and I look forward to reading more from this author. It is one for crime, thriller and mystery fans and one I would definitely recommend.
From the synopsis, I knew this was going to be a thriller, I didn't realise just how twisted it would get though. Cal has returned to Scotland, he has a plan and one that he has thought about for many years. He has revenge on his mind and he knows who he has in his line of sight. As a solicitor, Cal is able to use his experience and also the law to get what he needs to get. Or, so he thinks. Things don't go all his way and there will be a price to pay along the way.
This is s set in the criminal world in Glasgow. While Cal has been away and made himself a name and a career he has never forgotten his roots. This is something that the author brings into the story and it is great to see. Cal knows the streets, and the people and thinks he knows what he is getting himself into. Plans, well on paper they are always great and even if you think you have all the alternatives covered, well there is something that will go awry.
This is a tense thriller and mystery novel and considering it is only around 180 pages long, the author has certainly made for an addictive story. This is one that is dark, it has unexpected twists and not everything is black or white.
I really liked getting to know Cal and some of the other characters. It doe shave that feel that there could be more to come in way of a series. I do hope so as I think there is the potential for much more.
There are a good amount of characters and I think the balance is about right for them, they are there because they are needed. Again there are some who I do think would make for great recurring characters.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is a well-paced story with plenty to keep you thinking and guessing. A couple of great curveballs to keep you on your toes and I look forward to reading more from this author. It is one for crime, thriller and mystery fans and one I would definitely recommend.
April 30, 2022
A debut thriller that is set in 1980s Scotland. One that is in the grip of the Thatcher years where money is tight, jobs are not easy to come by. The bleak setting of Black Is The Colour is one that took me right back to the 80s. I didn't live in Scotland but I recognise the time, anyone living in places that were working class in this era, can empathise.
Although a gritty and bleak story it isn't all dark and dreary. Seamus Connolly's characters are colourful and the humour that the Scottish can find in any situation is interwoven throughout. The knowledge that Seamus Connolly has of the area is detailed enough to make me feel I was back there but in Glasgow, not Oldham.
Cal is a solicitor with a plan. He returns to Scotland with his mind set on revenge. A revenge he has mulled over for many years. With his experience within the law he feels he has all the tools at his fingertips to set everything to play out...he thinks. As events play out they don't all go as planned, we see Cal finding he has a price to pay.
Black Is The Colour isn't a big book to read, but there is more than enough packed into it to create an addictive, dark story. I particularly enjoyed the fact that this not a simple right or wrong, back or white book, it's a shades of grey and everything in-between. It isn't without its twists and turns that kept me guessing too.
A really well paced book that holds the mystery and thrills needed to keep the reader wanting to know what is going to be next. A great debut that any thriller and mystery fan will definitely enjoy.
Although a gritty and bleak story it isn't all dark and dreary. Seamus Connolly's characters are colourful and the humour that the Scottish can find in any situation is interwoven throughout. The knowledge that Seamus Connolly has of the area is detailed enough to make me feel I was back there but in Glasgow, not Oldham.
Cal is a solicitor with a plan. He returns to Scotland with his mind set on revenge. A revenge he has mulled over for many years. With his experience within the law he feels he has all the tools at his fingertips to set everything to play out...he thinks. As events play out they don't all go as planned, we see Cal finding he has a price to pay.
Black Is The Colour isn't a big book to read, but there is more than enough packed into it to create an addictive, dark story. I particularly enjoyed the fact that this not a simple right or wrong, back or white book, it's a shades of grey and everything in-between. It isn't without its twists and turns that kept me guessing too.
A really well paced book that holds the mystery and thrills needed to keep the reader wanting to know what is going to be next. A great debut that any thriller and mystery fan will definitely enjoy.
May 12, 2022
‘Black is the Colour’ was a tale of revenge and family honour all set in the environment that was the West of Scotland in the Thatcher years. This is a topic that is close to my heart as I studied it at uni and my family also lived it. All my uncles worked in the shipyards. I was enthralled and finished this in one sitting! There were some twists and turns that were pleasing and one shocking moment!
I enjoyed the character of Cal as he came across as quite a gentle soul really despite his plan of retribution but it was all the side characters that really helped to build up a true picture of Paisley! Everyone knows a Dixie - for me it's my cousin William. Always in and out of places helping others and knows what the score is! But it was the kids as well that made this book shine. You have to love Mickey, Tubbs and Maire-Claire's antics. Plus wee Mary bless her!
I loved about this book was the social commentary on how Scotland was forced to de-industrialise during the Thatcher era and the detrimental effect this had in communities all over the country. It shows how proud working communities were ignored and crushed by the government. Men who were grafters were suddenly left with nothing to do but watch telly, drink and fight. Tensions ran high, I don't laugh out loud when reading but I did when one of the characters shouts ‘f*** Thatcher’ at the TV as my grandad used to do that all the time!
This is a great start to what hopefully will become a full series as I would love to know more about Cal and his story!
I enjoyed the character of Cal as he came across as quite a gentle soul really despite his plan of retribution but it was all the side characters that really helped to build up a true picture of Paisley! Everyone knows a Dixie - for me it's my cousin William. Always in and out of places helping others and knows what the score is! But it was the kids as well that made this book shine. You have to love Mickey, Tubbs and Maire-Claire's antics. Plus wee Mary bless her!
I loved about this book was the social commentary on how Scotland was forced to de-industrialise during the Thatcher era and the detrimental effect this had in communities all over the country. It shows how proud working communities were ignored and crushed by the government. Men who were grafters were suddenly left with nothing to do but watch telly, drink and fight. Tensions ran high, I don't laugh out loud when reading but I did when one of the characters shouts ‘f*** Thatcher’ at the TV as my grandad used to do that all the time!
This is a great start to what hopefully will become a full series as I would love to know more about Cal and his story!
July 10, 2022
An interesting first crime novel. I enjoyed the atmospheric writing as we come to know criminal defence lawyer Cal Lynch and the tight knit community trying to build lives and futures for their children in a 1980’s Paisley with rocketing unemployment and the tight grasp of a thriving criminal underworld.
The characters are solid and I would enjoy getting to know them more. The victims of Cal and the police’s separate, but complementary efforts to bring down the Quinn criminal empire are well developed making the losses more impactful.
I’d love to see this pick up by an experienced publishing house and re-worked with the help of a good editor. At the moment there are some significant gaps in the plotting which means it barely holds together in place, and the back cover blurb ends up doing a big job to provide context and ‘big picture’ perspective which is missing from the novel itself.
But, a good start and I look forward to reading more from this author in future.
The characters are solid and I would enjoy getting to know them more. The victims of Cal and the police’s separate, but complementary efforts to bring down the Quinn criminal empire are well developed making the losses more impactful.
I’d love to see this pick up by an experienced publishing house and re-worked with the help of a good editor. At the moment there are some significant gaps in the plotting which means it barely holds together in place, and the back cover blurb ends up doing a big job to provide context and ‘big picture’ perspective which is missing from the novel itself.
But, a good start and I look forward to reading more from this author in future.
June 1, 2022
An absolute brilliant read!
The novel is based in Glashow in the 80s, plenty of Thatcher references and deindustrialising going on
Excellent characters Cal is perfectly portrayed as the son with a plan!
A great read!
The novel is based in Glashow in the 80s, plenty of Thatcher references and deindustrialising going on
Excellent characters Cal is perfectly portrayed as the son with a plan!
A great read!
February 13, 2021
Hooked from the start!
I was hooked from the start, fantastic imagery and likeable characters with great twists and turns. Can't wait for the next book!
I was hooked from the start, fantastic imagery and likeable characters with great twists and turns. Can't wait for the next book!
April 26, 2022
Loved this, a story that really gathered pace and turned into a real page turner.
July 19, 2022
This is a gritty novel set in the very dark streets of Glasgow. - read the rest here - https://simplyhonestreviews.webador.c...
July 22, 2024
Based in Paisley. Good crime book with a fun twist!
October 31, 2025
2.5 stars
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews