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The Sound of Sirens
In a dead-beat coastal town in North East Scotland, seventeen-year-old Malky Campbell is desperate to help his pregnant and heroin addicted girlfriend.
DI Stark, a middle-aged detective, alarmed by the rise of teenage crime in Port Cawdor, uncovers the operations of a county line gang that are flooding the area with drugs and engaging in a vicious turf war with a local family.
Malky has just started working on his family’s trawler with his cousin Johnny, when their boat pulls up Johnny’s brother in its nets. The rest of the crew, the tightly-knit community and the police start to suspect that the cousins are responsible for his death.
With his brother dead, Johnny inherits the family trawler, which he plans to use to smuggle drugs into the country for the county line gang, giving him enough money to start a new life.
Ewan Gault’s debut, The Sound of Sirens is a tough, modern crime novel, presenting the complexities of young life in a town at the end of the line.
‘The Sound of Sirens reads like Irvine Welsh blended with Ian Rankin. A fast paced and darkly addictive crime story, exploring what it means to be young, male and on the peripheries of 21st century Scotland.’
G. R. Halliday, author of Dark Shadows and From the Waters
‘Beautifully and darkly written, The Sound of Sirens is redolent with the reek of the boats and ports of the North East coast, and the stench of crime. Ewan Gault’s writing perfectly shows the hardship of life at sea, and disaffected youth struggling to survive on dry land, where the only escape is addiction.’
Mark Leggatt, author of The London Cage and The Silk Road
‘A gritty, murderous crime novel? A Bildungsroman? A scathing indictment of wasted youth in contemporary Scotland? This excellent page turner is all of these and more, and is guaranteed to please to the last breath.’
Craig Gibson, One O’Clock Gun
DI Stark, a middle-aged detective, alarmed by the rise of teenage crime in Port Cawdor, uncovers the operations of a county line gang that are flooding the area with drugs and engaging in a vicious turf war with a local family.
Malky has just started working on his family’s trawler with his cousin Johnny, when their boat pulls up Johnny’s brother in its nets. The rest of the crew, the tightly-knit community and the police start to suspect that the cousins are responsible for his death.
With his brother dead, Johnny inherits the family trawler, which he plans to use to smuggle drugs into the country for the county line gang, giving him enough money to start a new life.
Ewan Gault’s debut, The Sound of Sirens is a tough, modern crime novel, presenting the complexities of young life in a town at the end of the line.
‘The Sound of Sirens reads like Irvine Welsh blended with Ian Rankin. A fast paced and darkly addictive crime story, exploring what it means to be young, male and on the peripheries of 21st century Scotland.’
G. R. Halliday, author of Dark Shadows and From the Waters
‘Beautifully and darkly written, The Sound of Sirens is redolent with the reek of the boats and ports of the North East coast, and the stench of crime. Ewan Gault’s writing perfectly shows the hardship of life at sea, and disaffected youth struggling to survive on dry land, where the only escape is addiction.’
Mark Leggatt, author of The London Cage and The Silk Road
‘A gritty, murderous crime novel? A Bildungsroman? A scathing indictment of wasted youth in contemporary Scotland? This excellent page turner is all of these and more, and is guaranteed to please to the last breath.’
Craig Gibson, One O’Clock Gun
- GenresFiction
282 pages, Paperback
Published October 22, 2021
48 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
November 9, 2021
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review as part of the book tour hosted by Lovebookstours.
The Sound of Sirens is a captivating story set in a poverty stricken drug fueled area of North-East Scotland.
We meet Malky Campbell who's a 17 year old - Malky lives within a fishing community and the story starts almost straight away when Malkys Uncle Joe's body is found in the river - dead. An investigation is launched and we meet DI Stark who's determined to uncover what the trawler community has going on. DI Stark has a teenage daughter himself (Zoe) and wants to get away from the place they live I to protect her, but he must solve this case before doing so.
We see the worst of humanity, squalor, poverty, hardship and crime within this book and meet some unforgettable characters with huge hearts.
I was on pins reading this, hoping and praying for a better life and outcome for young Malky. We've all been 17 and in love and thought we know everything. DI Stark won't give up on Malky (who's doing what he thinks is right and has some tricky decisions to make) until he gets to the bottom of what's going on.
This is crime fiction at its best and I can't wait to read more from this talented author!
The Sound of Sirens is a captivating story set in a poverty stricken drug fueled area of North-East Scotland.
We meet Malky Campbell who's a 17 year old - Malky lives within a fishing community and the story starts almost straight away when Malkys Uncle Joe's body is found in the river - dead. An investigation is launched and we meet DI Stark who's determined to uncover what the trawler community has going on. DI Stark has a teenage daughter himself (Zoe) and wants to get away from the place they live I to protect her, but he must solve this case before doing so.
We see the worst of humanity, squalor, poverty, hardship and crime within this book and meet some unforgettable characters with huge hearts.
I was on pins reading this, hoping and praying for a better life and outcome for young Malky. We've all been 17 and in love and thought we know everything. DI Stark won't give up on Malky (who's doing what he thinks is right and has some tricky decisions to make) until he gets to the bottom of what's going on.
This is crime fiction at its best and I can't wait to read more from this talented author!
October 22, 2021
A harrowing concoction of crime, violence and heartbreak. A story that will leave a permanent imprint on your heart!
I was absorbed by the plot almost instantly, unlike many other books, Ewan doesn't mess around and the plot begins with Malky's uncle Joe's dead body being fished out of the water. From the moment that Joe's body was discovered, it was clear that something fishy (no pun intended) had happened and here the story begins to unwind.
The main character is seventeen-year-old Malky Campbell who by all means, appears to have a better academic chance than his other family members and people believe that Malky stood a good chance of being something good but with the influence of his cousins that chance is greatly reduced. The fishing community is a tight-knit bunch who believe Malky is destined to be in charge of his family's trawler. Malky and his family live in Port Cawdor which was previously a successful fishing town but has now succumbed to the drug epidemic, where young people dream of leaving but always somehow end up mixed up within the drug scene. I adored Malky, you could see his kindness shining through and his internal struggles with doing right by his family whilst trying to save his pregnant and heavily addicted friend from the harsh conditions she is living in. As the story continues you can see that Malky is faced with going against his own moral compass to make a decision to help his friends which leaves Malky in a very precarious spot. The entire time I was reading this book I was on edge, wishing Malky to make the harsh but sensible choice but knowing heartbreakingly that he is just a teenage boy who is in love and love is a powerful drug in itself.
I would argue that in Malky's case, love was his drug of choice and was the core reason why he makes some of the decisions he does, he's desperate to not only love and save his pregnant friend but to also be loved and I think that's what broke my heart the most.
DI Stark is an experienced officer who is sickened by what Port Cawdor has turned into. He is a hardened police detective who has had to deal with the ongoing drug crisis his town is facing, He fears what this drug rampaged place will do to his daughter Zoe and after seeing the worst of the worst type of drug-related crimes, he really wants out, but first, he has to figure out what exactly is going on within the trawler community. DI Stark is an intelligent and driven character that needs to unearth whatever secrets Malky is holding and he won't stop until he has achieved it but he also had a lot of heart hidden under that grumpy exterior.
This story whilst absolutely heart-breaking is an incredible read, you see humanity at its lowest, you experience what crippling addiction and poverty looks like, but the saddest thing of all is you see insurmountable amounts of hope that burns within the youth that have all the odds stacked up against them. This is the finest crime novel I have read in a long while, I absolutely recommend to anyone who loves a good authentic crime story to give this book a read, you won't regret it!
Many thanks to the publisher for sending me a copy of this book, I hope to see more of Ewan Gault's fantastic work in the future!
I was absorbed by the plot almost instantly, unlike many other books, Ewan doesn't mess around and the plot begins with Malky's uncle Joe's dead body being fished out of the water. From the moment that Joe's body was discovered, it was clear that something fishy (no pun intended) had happened and here the story begins to unwind.
The main character is seventeen-year-old Malky Campbell who by all means, appears to have a better academic chance than his other family members and people believe that Malky stood a good chance of being something good but with the influence of his cousins that chance is greatly reduced. The fishing community is a tight-knit bunch who believe Malky is destined to be in charge of his family's trawler. Malky and his family live in Port Cawdor which was previously a successful fishing town but has now succumbed to the drug epidemic, where young people dream of leaving but always somehow end up mixed up within the drug scene. I adored Malky, you could see his kindness shining through and his internal struggles with doing right by his family whilst trying to save his pregnant and heavily addicted friend from the harsh conditions she is living in. As the story continues you can see that Malky is faced with going against his own moral compass to make a decision to help his friends which leaves Malky in a very precarious spot. The entire time I was reading this book I was on edge, wishing Malky to make the harsh but sensible choice but knowing heartbreakingly that he is just a teenage boy who is in love and love is a powerful drug in itself.
I would argue that in Malky's case, love was his drug of choice and was the core reason why he makes some of the decisions he does, he's desperate to not only love and save his pregnant friend but to also be loved and I think that's what broke my heart the most.
DI Stark is an experienced officer who is sickened by what Port Cawdor has turned into. He is a hardened police detective who has had to deal with the ongoing drug crisis his town is facing, He fears what this drug rampaged place will do to his daughter Zoe and after seeing the worst of the worst type of drug-related crimes, he really wants out, but first, he has to figure out what exactly is going on within the trawler community. DI Stark is an intelligent and driven character that needs to unearth whatever secrets Malky is holding and he won't stop until he has achieved it but he also had a lot of heart hidden under that grumpy exterior.
This story whilst absolutely heart-breaking is an incredible read, you see humanity at its lowest, you experience what crippling addiction and poverty looks like, but the saddest thing of all is you see insurmountable amounts of hope that burns within the youth that have all the odds stacked up against them. This is the finest crime novel I have read in a long while, I absolutely recommend to anyone who loves a good authentic crime story to give this book a read, you won't regret it!
Many thanks to the publisher for sending me a copy of this book, I hope to see more of Ewan Gault's fantastic work in the future!
October 29, 2021
I really enjoyed this. Books with regional dialects written into them annoy me usually but this was written so well I could hear the characters talking.
I loved Malky. A man trapped between the person he wants to be and the person he is. He would have done so much better if he had left Port Cawdor.
Storyline wise this was gripping and fast paced. And not too long a book. So a very good read. I would definitely recommend it.
I loved Malky. A man trapped between the person he wants to be and the person he is. He would have done so much better if he had left Port Cawdor.
Storyline wise this was gripping and fast paced. And not too long a book. So a very good read. I would definitely recommend it.
November 29, 2021
****4.5 stars!****
Some books just read themselves, don’t they?
Unflinching, (at times) unpalatable, but nevertheless unputdownable, The Sounds of Sirens is the latest release from new-to-me author, Ewan Gault. This is Tartan Noir at its very best!
Set in a fictitious North East Scotland coastal fishing town, we follow our protagonist, Malcolm ‘Malky’ Campbell, and how one wrong decision causes a cascade of destruction. When you travel down the wrong path is there any way back?
I felt like I was swept away by a swell in the sea, and unceremoniously spat out and dumped back on the shore at the end!
I know you don’t need me to tell you I have issues *snorts*; of the becoming too invested in the storyline variety. This one weighed heavily on my shoulders at the end as I ruminated over all that had occurred.
I want to say so much and I can’t… ARGH! *shakes fist* I have the fear over saying too much as I’d hate to ruin any reader’s enjoyment of this dark and gripping crime novel. (Trust me, you’d be gunning for me if I did!)
Oh, what I wouldn’t give to interrogate the author! You may laugh, but I’m being perfectly serious *crosses arms*. I was left with several ‘what about?’ questions at the end of the book. I always have an unerring need to know E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G!!
Inquiring minds wanna know – will there be a follow up?
Before I go, I have one final thought that was on repeat as I read… when you scream into the void is it ever foolish to hope for an answer?
Some books just read themselves, don’t they?
Unflinching, (at times) unpalatable, but nevertheless unputdownable, The Sounds of Sirens is the latest release from new-to-me author, Ewan Gault. This is Tartan Noir at its very best!
Set in a fictitious North East Scotland coastal fishing town, we follow our protagonist, Malcolm ‘Malky’ Campbell, and how one wrong decision causes a cascade of destruction. When you travel down the wrong path is there any way back?
I felt like I was swept away by a swell in the sea, and unceremoniously spat out and dumped back on the shore at the end!
I know you don’t need me to tell you I have issues *snorts*; of the becoming too invested in the storyline variety. This one weighed heavily on my shoulders at the end as I ruminated over all that had occurred.
I want to say so much and I can’t… ARGH! *shakes fist* I have the fear over saying too much as I’d hate to ruin any reader’s enjoyment of this dark and gripping crime novel. (Trust me, you’d be gunning for me if I did!)
Oh, what I wouldn’t give to interrogate the author! You may laugh, but I’m being perfectly serious *crosses arms*. I was left with several ‘what about?’ questions at the end of the book. I always have an unerring need to know E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G!!
Inquiring minds wanna know – will there be a follow up?
Before I go, I have one final thought that was on repeat as I read… when you scream into the void is it ever foolish to hope for an answer?
November 21, 2021
A crime thriller yes, and has the elements you'd expect, but much more - super characters, and an overall highly intelligent tone - just so well written I guess. The passages set at sea are incredible.
And here is an insider note: of 35 crime novels submitted to publisher Leamington Books in early 2021, the three readers were unanimous that this was the stand out novel. So good, I had to publish it!
Take it from me, this is an outstanding book, and Ewan Gault a great new voice in Scottish fiction.
And here is an insider note: of 35 crime novels submitted to publisher Leamington Books in early 2021, the three readers were unanimous that this was the stand out novel. So good, I had to publish it!
Take it from me, this is an outstanding book, and Ewan Gault a great new voice in Scottish fiction.
October 14, 2022
I was intrigued by this book when it featured on the long list for the Bloody Scotland McIlvanney prize. Tartan noir is a genre that I enjoy, and the story is set in the North East of Scotland, where I am from.
The cover notes refer this as "Ewan Gault's debut". It isn't. He may have published part of this as a short story back in the noughties, but The Most Distant Way (2013) predates The Sound of Sirens (2021). Is it pedantic to mention this? Maybe. But why claim it? It also relates to my view that the narrative feels outdated. For example, there is no mention of social media and SMS is still prevalent among teenagers!
This novel was obviously inspired by the culture of the nineties and noughties. The setting, characters, and themes share many similarities with the writing of Irvine Welsh. In fact, two of the main plot developments appear to have been lifted from Trainspotting.
There was a lot I did like about this book. The prose was very good. The description was highly developed and portrayed a gritty realism. Gault certainly knows how to use simile and metaphor for dark and dramatic effect. The plot became complex and fast paced towards the end of the book, focusing more on narrative and less on description. The plot twists and turns were unexpected and well crafted.
I also enjoyed the Scots language dialogue. If I was being pedantic (again) I would have expected more Doric than Scots phrases. Doric is a dialect more prevalent in the North East of Scotland.
'There's wan ay the bastards now', would probably be more like, 'There's een o' the bastards noo'.
'Naw as if they said your names', would be, 'Nae as if they said yer names'.
So not entirely authentic, but the dialogue was otherwise enjoyable.
Overall, I did enjoy the book. I would probably have enjoyed it even more as a teenager in the nineties. Dour nihilism appealed more to me back then.
The cover notes refer this as "Ewan Gault's debut". It isn't. He may have published part of this as a short story back in the noughties, but The Most Distant Way (2013) predates The Sound of Sirens (2021). Is it pedantic to mention this? Maybe. But why claim it? It also relates to my view that the narrative feels outdated. For example, there is no mention of social media and SMS is still prevalent among teenagers!
This novel was obviously inspired by the culture of the nineties and noughties. The setting, characters, and themes share many similarities with the writing of Irvine Welsh. In fact, two of the main plot developments appear to have been lifted from Trainspotting.
There was a lot I did like about this book. The prose was very good. The description was highly developed and portrayed a gritty realism. Gault certainly knows how to use simile and metaphor for dark and dramatic effect. The plot became complex and fast paced towards the end of the book, focusing more on narrative and less on description. The plot twists and turns were unexpected and well crafted.
I also enjoyed the Scots language dialogue. If I was being pedantic (again) I would have expected more Doric than Scots phrases. Doric is a dialect more prevalent in the North East of Scotland.
'There's wan ay the bastards now', would probably be more like, 'There's een o' the bastards noo'.
'Naw as if they said your names', would be, 'Nae as if they said yer names'.
So not entirely authentic, but the dialogue was otherwise enjoyable.
Overall, I did enjoy the book. I would probably have enjoyed it even more as a teenager in the nineties. Dour nihilism appealed more to me back then.
November 8, 2021
I love the sea. It calms me down and relaxes me. However, I’m well aware of its dark, dangerous side.
The Sound of Sirens starts with a body pulled from the water. But what starts as a murder investigation spirals into something much darker and scarier.
Like the sea, the story flows and the going is rough and stormy for many of our key characters. These lost souls have a bleak future ahead, yet some of them face it with determination and good intentions… even if they are somewhat misguided in their actions.
Characters are engaging, if not likeable. Barely out of school, they are forced to grow up quickly and face up to the harsh realities of adult life.
Drugs. Neglect. Pregnancy. Despair.
Although dark and tragic, this book is well-written and incredibly visual: the sparse sea is lonely and isolating; the town streets terrifying. Our characters’ choices reflect their upbringing, morals & sense of duty.
With a strong pace and consistent drama, The Sound of Sirens provides plenty of action until the very last page, leaving the reader unsure if the characters are facing a life of hope or tragedy.
Gritty, gripping and grim.
I was provided with a copy of the book by Love Book Tours. All opinions my own.
The Sound of Sirens starts with a body pulled from the water. But what starts as a murder investigation spirals into something much darker and scarier.
Like the sea, the story flows and the going is rough and stormy for many of our key characters. These lost souls have a bleak future ahead, yet some of them face it with determination and good intentions… even if they are somewhat misguided in their actions.
Characters are engaging, if not likeable. Barely out of school, they are forced to grow up quickly and face up to the harsh realities of adult life.
Drugs. Neglect. Pregnancy. Despair.
Although dark and tragic, this book is well-written and incredibly visual: the sparse sea is lonely and isolating; the town streets terrifying. Our characters’ choices reflect their upbringing, morals & sense of duty.
With a strong pace and consistent drama, The Sound of Sirens provides plenty of action until the very last page, leaving the reader unsure if the characters are facing a life of hope or tragedy.
Gritty, gripping and grim.
I was provided with a copy of the book by Love Book Tours. All opinions my own.
September 2, 2022
This is the first book that I have read by this author and I wasn't disappointed. This thriller/crime book is set in a dead beat coastal town in scotland that sounds really dreary and the writinf is dreary and dark to mirror that. It is full of dingy and grimey imagery and I mean that in the best way in that it really sets the scene of this little town that is full of gangsters, drugs, crime and young adults who have wasted thier potential, even a police officers daughter who was a former head girl has got into a crowd that gets high and parties all the time.
It took me a hot minute and google to get fsmiliar with the scottish slang/language within the book but this didn't take any enjoyment away from it at all.
The book was fast paced and completely gripping, I read it in two sittings but more than this it was gritty and raw with the realness of an Irvine Welsh novel.
There are some triggering things in this book and there is a particular word used fairly commonly that may put people off, but overall I really enjoyed it.
It took me a hot minute and google to get fsmiliar with the scottish slang/language within the book but this didn't take any enjoyment away from it at all.
The book was fast paced and completely gripping, I read it in two sittings but more than this it was gritty and raw with the realness of an Irvine Welsh novel.
There are some triggering things in this book and there is a particular word used fairly commonly that may put people off, but overall I really enjoyed it.
September 11, 2022
I was really intrigued by the idea of a crime book set in Scotland! Set in a fishing village, we follow Malky, who falls into drug smuggling whilst trying to help his girlfriend, and the police detectives following the case.
I found parts of the book difficult to understand as a lot of the dialogue was Scottish and difficult to get to grips with, but it slowly got easier. The characters are really well written, which really helps draw you into the story and make you think about how this sort of thing happens in real life!
This book was hard hitting, thought provoking and at times quite sad, which although can be hard to read, really added to the atmosphere and the reality of the story!
I found parts of the book difficult to understand as a lot of the dialogue was Scottish and difficult to get to grips with, but it slowly got easier. The characters are really well written, which really helps draw you into the story and make you think about how this sort of thing happens in real life!
This book was hard hitting, thought provoking and at times quite sad, which although can be hard to read, really added to the atmosphere and the reality of the story!
November 14, 2021
I enjoyed this debut novel about drugs and their effect on the community and it's people in a Scottish fishing village. The book is told from two points of view, cop Jim Stark and teenager Malky Campbell. I enjoyed that it was written in regional dialect which added to the atmosphere and keeping the reader engaged. It was quite a dark read and focuses on the dangers of drugs and organised crime, and how it just doesn't just affect the people who use but people round about them.
November 4, 2021
I love a good suspenseful crime thriller and this is exactly that! From the moment I started reading I was hooked! We dive head first into the action where a body is pulled from the water and it becomes immediately apparent that there is a massive story about to unravel.
Our main man is Malky Campbell, a seventeen year old who is seemingly wise beyond his years, I have read many crime novels that have a character who comes from a bad family/ neighbourhood who is clearly the rare seed, the one who is ultimately strong and determined enough to get out and away from bad influences and crime, and I always enjoy those kinds of stories, so I knew that I was going to enjoy this.
We soon meet DI Stark, an officer who is concerned about his daughter falling into the deep depths of crime and addiction that are crushing Port Cawdor, in all honestly he’s a right son of a toilet brush, but he does have a softer side which we eventually see. He is also leading the investigation and is keen to get Malky to talk.
The story deals with addiction, teenage love, tough decisions plus much more. You are sure to experience a mix of emotions while reading this book, you will fall in love with Malky and sympathise with the choices that he makes. This is a story about hope, misguided youth and the importance of being true to yourself.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Our main man is Malky Campbell, a seventeen year old who is seemingly wise beyond his years, I have read many crime novels that have a character who comes from a bad family/ neighbourhood who is clearly the rare seed, the one who is ultimately strong and determined enough to get out and away from bad influences and crime, and I always enjoy those kinds of stories, so I knew that I was going to enjoy this.
We soon meet DI Stark, an officer who is concerned about his daughter falling into the deep depths of crime and addiction that are crushing Port Cawdor, in all honestly he’s a right son of a toilet brush, but he does have a softer side which we eventually see. He is also leading the investigation and is keen to get Malky to talk.
The story deals with addiction, teenage love, tough decisions plus much more. You are sure to experience a mix of emotions while reading this book, you will fall in love with Malky and sympathise with the choices that he makes. This is a story about hope, misguided youth and the importance of being true to yourself.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 9, 2021
This is an example of a brilliant literary crime thriller. It's the story of Malky, who ends up getting dragged into tragedy combined with plenty of trouble by his cousin.
The setting is Port Cawder, a town once prosperous through trawler business. The years have passed and the fishing trade has gone to nothing, so now it's a place where you see noone unless the local dealer has set a meet up. The kids have all turned to drugs in order to escape the fact that they have no prospects in life.
I was hooked as soon as I started this book, a gritty, dark story that deals with subjects people usually try to ignore in life, organised crime, drugs, murder, turf wars to mention a few. I found the characters relatable and really empathised with the kids. I see the harshness of today's world and Ewan Gault has put into words exactly how hard it is for kids today growing up in these type of environments.
His writing scored the images of Port Cawdor into my imagination and I felt the desolation of the area too. This is a book that makes you stop and think about how people judge the youth. It attempts to make you understand more of the difficulties rather than judge from your cosy, safe home.
I applaud the author and publisher for this book. It is not always an easy read but, I feel an important one. I highly recommend this book.
The setting is Port Cawder, a town once prosperous through trawler business. The years have passed and the fishing trade has gone to nothing, so now it's a place where you see noone unless the local dealer has set a meet up. The kids have all turned to drugs in order to escape the fact that they have no prospects in life.
I was hooked as soon as I started this book, a gritty, dark story that deals with subjects people usually try to ignore in life, organised crime, drugs, murder, turf wars to mention a few. I found the characters relatable and really empathised with the kids. I see the harshness of today's world and Ewan Gault has put into words exactly how hard it is for kids today growing up in these type of environments.
His writing scored the images of Port Cawdor into my imagination and I felt the desolation of the area too. This is a book that makes you stop and think about how people judge the youth. It attempts to make you understand more of the difficulties rather than judge from your cosy, safe home.
I applaud the author and publisher for this book. It is not always an easy read but, I feel an important one. I highly recommend this book.
November 3, 2021
A broken town full of despair, a body pulled out of the Cold Dark North Sea, Murder, Drugs and County Lines - all play their part in this stunning literary Crime Thriller From Ewan Gault and Leamington Books.
The Sound of Sirens is the story of Malky Campbell, an intelligent boy, drifting in life who gets caught up in trouble and tragedy with his cousin.
Set in the town of Port Cawdor, a town once rich in money from the trawler men, it’s now almost desolate and ruined with drugs, as the fishing trade has spiralled to very little, and with no prospects , the youth have turned to drugs to feel better about their lives..
Darkly moving and extremely powerful, this is absolutely superb writing and the town and its inhabitants are portrayed in a sadly profound way.
A story about addiction and despair and how far we can go, how low we can go, I was moved and encapsulated by this story and broken town.
Quite simply one of the best reads of 2021. It’s tragically brilliant and Ewan Gault deserves all the plaudits that will undoubtedly come his way.
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
The Sound of Sirens is the story of Malky Campbell, an intelligent boy, drifting in life who gets caught up in trouble and tragedy with his cousin.
Set in the town of Port Cawdor, a town once rich in money from the trawler men, it’s now almost desolate and ruined with drugs, as the fishing trade has spiralled to very little, and with no prospects , the youth have turned to drugs to feel better about their lives..
Darkly moving and extremely powerful, this is absolutely superb writing and the town and its inhabitants are portrayed in a sadly profound way.
A story about addiction and despair and how far we can go, how low we can go, I was moved and encapsulated by this story and broken town.
Quite simply one of the best reads of 2021. It’s tragically brilliant and Ewan Gault deserves all the plaudits that will undoubtedly come his way.
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
March 19, 2022
This beautifully written book transports the reader into a dark, desperate world to watch a tragedy unfold. We witness the befuddled actions of reluctant young fishermen, gangland violence and drug-addicted kids sleep-walking to oblivion. In this nihilistic world there are glimmers of humanity and love. The young narrator Malky attracts sympathy with his doomed attempts to save expectant young mother and addict Nicky. But money comes at a high price in this downbeat town, and it's heart-breaking to see Malky's slide into criminality.
The Sound of Sirens does not pull its punches. It reflects the immense damage done by profiteering drug dealers; causing the dark underbelly of a small sea port society to spiral out of control.
The Sound of Sirens does not pull its punches. It reflects the immense damage done by profiteering drug dealers; causing the dark underbelly of a small sea port society to spiral out of control.
November 18, 2021
Where to start? This is a heartbreaking and gritty novel that will grip you in a steel band of emotion and fear, not letting you go until the very end.
I loved Malky, who basically wanted someone to love him and to be loved. He’s a character who gets deeper and deeper in and you just end up on the edge of your seat, wanting to shout at him, to get him to a safe place.
The book is grim, gritty and full of gutsy behaviour. Particularly from Malky. A definite must read Tartan Noir.
With thanks to LoveBooksGroup, the Author and publisher for the advanced reading copy of this book.
I loved Malky, who basically wanted someone to love him and to be loved. He’s a character who gets deeper and deeper in and you just end up on the edge of your seat, wanting to shout at him, to get him to a safe place.
The book is grim, gritty and full of gutsy behaviour. Particularly from Malky. A definite must read Tartan Noir.
With thanks to LoveBooksGroup, the Author and publisher for the advanced reading copy of this book.
November 16, 2021
‘The Sound of Sirens’ is a gritty harsh look at the state of fishing villages in the north east of Scotland. It shows how communities can be decimated when a local industry like fishing declines and the knock on effects this can have on the local residents through poverty, violence, drugs and organised crime. This is a book which is more than just a crime book, its also a reflection on the state of our economically isolated areas and the reality which many people face. It shows us how people can be dragged into stuff that they don’t want to but are dealing the best they know how.
Malky, a 17 year old, is working on his family’s fishing trawler for the first time with his uncles and his cousins. However, his cousin who went missing overboard is caught in the nets they have to face whether this was a simple accident or something else is afoot. Did his cousins throw him over the rails? DI Stark is tasked with looking at the situation but struggles to find out what actually happened as there is no physical evidence.
Malky was a character you can’t help but like, even though he makes some questionable decisions throughout the book. His story shows that even when you have good intentions just one set of circumstances can lead to the start of a ball rolling which can’t be stopped. Malky is that boy in the family who might have had the chance to escape from Port Cawdor as he has the artist talent to go to university. However, it is his cousins which bring him down and the group which they hang around with. Drugs are rampant in this town and he has friends which are addicted to heroin and being used by the incomers and county lines gangs. It was a nice change to have a crime novel where the balance of the narrative was more on the ‘bad guy’ POV, as it allowed the author to show the intricate balance of right vs wrong and that grey middling area which Malky inhabited.
This is was darkly captivating story that shows the best and worst in society. It grabbed my attention and my heart. I definitely recommend this one.
Malky, a 17 year old, is working on his family’s fishing trawler for the first time with his uncles and his cousins. However, his cousin who went missing overboard is caught in the nets they have to face whether this was a simple accident or something else is afoot. Did his cousins throw him over the rails? DI Stark is tasked with looking at the situation but struggles to find out what actually happened as there is no physical evidence.
Malky was a character you can’t help but like, even though he makes some questionable decisions throughout the book. His story shows that even when you have good intentions just one set of circumstances can lead to the start of a ball rolling which can’t be stopped. Malky is that boy in the family who might have had the chance to escape from Port Cawdor as he has the artist talent to go to university. However, it is his cousins which bring him down and the group which they hang around with. Drugs are rampant in this town and he has friends which are addicted to heroin and being used by the incomers and county lines gangs. It was a nice change to have a crime novel where the balance of the narrative was more on the ‘bad guy’ POV, as it allowed the author to show the intricate balance of right vs wrong and that grey middling area which Malky inhabited.
This is was darkly captivating story that shows the best and worst in society. It grabbed my attention and my heart. I definitely recommend this one.
December 31, 2021
The Sound of Sirens is set in a small fishing village in Scotland. It’s a modern crime novel, dealing with the difficulties for young people in small communities. There is drug smuggling, fishing, relationships and families. It’s a story that grips you, hooks you in and leaves you turning pages.
Ewan Gault, the author, has painted some great characters, showing their struggles without judging them. He shows the pressures the young people are under. Malky, the main character, tries to do what is right for all those around him, but the web of lies and scheming is huge. I felt sorry for this lad, wondering how he would react to the next obstacle. I loved how he wanted to help and tries to see the good in people.
The Sound of Sirens describes the village well, and I enjoyed the character of the young policewoman. She was new to it all but had a great way of connecting with people. The book is rather bleak, with the characters struggling. This comes out well in the more senior policeman, Stark, who wants to help as well as get away from the place. I found his daughter interesting, and I kept wondering if there would be a next book about Stark..?
There were some unexpected twists and turns in the place, a few that made me smile a little, but most of it brings out the danger and damage that comes from drugs and dealing. Ewan Gault draws you into the hopelessness of the place and the resentment of the characters towards life and each other.
The Sound of Sirens doesn’t make for light reading, but it was so well-written, it has you turning the pages, hoping Malky makes it, hoping the police finds out, hoping… It’s a sobering book, one that is important and tells us more about county lines and the dangerous gangs that push drugs around the country. It’s good to be informed and to see what goes on, and a novel is a perfect way to do that.
Ewan Gault, the author, has painted some great characters, showing their struggles without judging them. He shows the pressures the young people are under. Malky, the main character, tries to do what is right for all those around him, but the web of lies and scheming is huge. I felt sorry for this lad, wondering how he would react to the next obstacle. I loved how he wanted to help and tries to see the good in people.
The Sound of Sirens describes the village well, and I enjoyed the character of the young policewoman. She was new to it all but had a great way of connecting with people. The book is rather bleak, with the characters struggling. This comes out well in the more senior policeman, Stark, who wants to help as well as get away from the place. I found his daughter interesting, and I kept wondering if there would be a next book about Stark..?
There were some unexpected twists and turns in the place, a few that made me smile a little, but most of it brings out the danger and damage that comes from drugs and dealing. Ewan Gault draws you into the hopelessness of the place and the resentment of the characters towards life and each other.
The Sound of Sirens doesn’t make for light reading, but it was so well-written, it has you turning the pages, hoping Malky makes it, hoping the police finds out, hoping… It’s a sobering book, one that is important and tells us more about county lines and the dangerous gangs that push drugs around the country. It’s good to be informed and to see what goes on, and a novel is a perfect way to do that.
March 21, 2022
The Sounds of Sirens - @gaultewan
In a dead-beat coastal town in North East Scotland, seventeen-year-old Malky Campbell is desperate to help his pregnant and heroin addicted girlfriend.
DI Stark, a middle-aged detective, alarmed by the rise of teenage crime in Port Cawdor, uncovers the operations of a county line gang that are flooding the area with drugs and engaging in a vicious turf war with a local family.
Malky has just started working on his family’s trawler with his cousin Johnny, when their boat pulls up Johnny’s brother in its nets. The rest of the crew, the tightly-knit community and the police start to suspect that the cousins are responsible for his death.
With his brother dead, Johnny inherits the family trawler, which he plans to use to smuggle drugs into the country for the county line gang, giving him enough money to start a new life.
Ewan Gault’s debut, The Sound of Sirens is a tough, modern crime novel, presenting the complexities of young life in a town at the end of the line.
This is a great debut crime novel, covering serious topics such as substance abuse, murder and drug use.I really enjoyed this book with the teenage characters being similar to the Skins (which I adore). There are a lot of characters to remember but the different personalities make them stand out and make it easier.
The book is written with Scots dialect which I loved along with the Scottish setting and the dual point of view from Malky and the police. The use of the regional language really brought the story to life and made it realistic.
I would recommend this book if you like a good crime novel. It isn’t a cosy crime book that will stay with you forever but it will stick in your mind being the tale that makes you consider about the society we live in and the many issues some people face day to day.
In a dead-beat coastal town in North East Scotland, seventeen-year-old Malky Campbell is desperate to help his pregnant and heroin addicted girlfriend.
DI Stark, a middle-aged detective, alarmed by the rise of teenage crime in Port Cawdor, uncovers the operations of a county line gang that are flooding the area with drugs and engaging in a vicious turf war with a local family.
Malky has just started working on his family’s trawler with his cousin Johnny, when their boat pulls up Johnny’s brother in its nets. The rest of the crew, the tightly-knit community and the police start to suspect that the cousins are responsible for his death.
With his brother dead, Johnny inherits the family trawler, which he plans to use to smuggle drugs into the country for the county line gang, giving him enough money to start a new life.
Ewan Gault’s debut, The Sound of Sirens is a tough, modern crime novel, presenting the complexities of young life in a town at the end of the line.
This is a great debut crime novel, covering serious topics such as substance abuse, murder and drug use.I really enjoyed this book with the teenage characters being similar to the Skins (which I adore). There are a lot of characters to remember but the different personalities make them stand out and make it easier.
The book is written with Scots dialect which I loved along with the Scottish setting and the dual point of view from Malky and the police. The use of the regional language really brought the story to life and made it realistic.
I would recommend this book if you like a good crime novel. It isn’t a cosy crime book that will stay with you forever but it will stick in your mind being the tale that makes you consider about the society we live in and the many issues some people face day to day.
November 10, 2021
In a dead-beat coastal town in North East Scotland, seventeen-year-old Malky Campbell is desperate to help his pregnant and heroin addicted girlfriend.
DI Stark, a middle-aged detective, alarmed by the rise of teenage crime in Port Cawdor, uncovers the operations of a county line gang that are flooding the area with drugs and engaging in a vicious turf war with a local family.
Malky has just started working on his family’s trawler with his cousin Johnny, when their boat pulls up Johnny’s brother in its nets. The rest of the crew, the tightly-knit community and the police start to suspect that the cousins are responsible for his death.
With his brother dead, Johnny inherits the family trawler, which he plans to use to smuggle drugs into the country for the county line gang, giving him enough money to start a new life.
-
#AD
Thank you so much to @lovebooktours for letting me be part of the book tour for this one!
I really enjoyed this book with the different dynamics between the characters. To begin with there were a lot of different names to remember and individuals to identify but their strong personalities soon made it easier. The authenticity of the additional dialect brought them to life even more so.
The storyline I really enjoyed with the contrasting point of view between the police side of the investigation and the ‘criminal’s’. It started with drama from the first sentence and I would’ve loved for this to continue all the way through which in some areas it did, however, in other elements I did feel that the storyline was moving a little too slowly for my liking, but this is a personal preference. Because of this, it feels more like a modern account of life in this town rather than a thriller novel.
DI Stark, a middle-aged detective, alarmed by the rise of teenage crime in Port Cawdor, uncovers the operations of a county line gang that are flooding the area with drugs and engaging in a vicious turf war with a local family.
Malky has just started working on his family’s trawler with his cousin Johnny, when their boat pulls up Johnny’s brother in its nets. The rest of the crew, the tightly-knit community and the police start to suspect that the cousins are responsible for his death.
With his brother dead, Johnny inherits the family trawler, which he plans to use to smuggle drugs into the country for the county line gang, giving him enough money to start a new life.
-
#AD
Thank you so much to @lovebooktours for letting me be part of the book tour for this one!
I really enjoyed this book with the different dynamics between the characters. To begin with there were a lot of different names to remember and individuals to identify but their strong personalities soon made it easier. The authenticity of the additional dialect brought them to life even more so.
The storyline I really enjoyed with the contrasting point of view between the police side of the investigation and the ‘criminal’s’. It started with drama from the first sentence and I would’ve loved for this to continue all the way through which in some areas it did, however, in other elements I did feel that the storyline was moving a little too slowly for my liking, but this is a personal preference. Because of this, it feels more like a modern account of life in this town rather than a thriller novel.
August 1, 2022
“”Guilt.” He let it hang. “Some folks think they can handle it. But they can’t. Not if they’ve done something really bad, or know someone who has. They think it’s just a feeling, something that can be controlled and, perhaps, they’ve had a taste of it before and think it’s….. manageable.”
“”But that’d be like someone who didn’t take a drink thinking they could handle a bottle of whisky.””
The Sound Of Sirens takes us to a small fishing town in the North of Scotland which is a shadow of its former self. Job prospects are low, the once lucrative family fishing boats being squashed by the larger businesses and with not much else to do the town falls into disrepair and drugs take over peoples lives.
Gaults debut is often haunting and beautifully written. The way he has captured the isolation of the town and the way it suffocates the characters trapped there is what makes the book something special. Although a crime novel there isn’t much mystery behind the crime, with no who-dunnit for long. It’s definitely more of an exploration into the world of crime and especially drugs; how it affects the lives of so many with no way out.
This is all told through the eyes of the main protagonist Malky who is often naive to his friends self destructive nature and how trapped they really are. As the book goes on we see his optimism for a future, for an escape squashed and his fight to try and pull himself and those he loves out. It also shows the lines between being the dealer and the user; just how this has horrible affects on people of both sides of this line.
That last chapter really encapsulates all of this and will stay with me for a long time. All in all a powerful debut that is sure to make every reader think about the lives of those deemed unworthy by society.
“”But that’d be like someone who didn’t take a drink thinking they could handle a bottle of whisky.””
The Sound Of Sirens takes us to a small fishing town in the North of Scotland which is a shadow of its former self. Job prospects are low, the once lucrative family fishing boats being squashed by the larger businesses and with not much else to do the town falls into disrepair and drugs take over peoples lives.
Gaults debut is often haunting and beautifully written. The way he has captured the isolation of the town and the way it suffocates the characters trapped there is what makes the book something special. Although a crime novel there isn’t much mystery behind the crime, with no who-dunnit for long. It’s definitely more of an exploration into the world of crime and especially drugs; how it affects the lives of so many with no way out.
This is all told through the eyes of the main protagonist Malky who is often naive to his friends self destructive nature and how trapped they really are. As the book goes on we see his optimism for a future, for an escape squashed and his fight to try and pull himself and those he loves out. It also shows the lines between being the dealer and the user; just how this has horrible affects on people of both sides of this line.
That last chapter really encapsulates all of this and will stay with me for a long time. All in all a powerful debut that is sure to make every reader think about the lives of those deemed unworthy by society.
September 12, 2022
On 9th of September was my spot on LoveBooksTours blog tour for The Sound of Sirens by Ewan Gault. I read this thriller/crime novel as a paperback for this blog tour, and I’m so happy that I took part in this tour as I really liked this novel. I’m posting this review a few days late as sadly Queen Elizabeth II passed away and as a sign of respect to the Queen I did not post any reviews on Friday.
Crime novels and thrillers are my favourite genres to read and review and this novel did not disappoint. It was dark in places, and seemed very real. This novel describes life in a northern fishing port in Scotland where working in the dying fishing industry is both hard and dangerous way of living. The young people and trawler men are turning to crime to survive and the drugs are just a way of life to these desperate youngsters. This novel was gritty, very realistic in places, thrilling and exciting. I really enjoyed reading it.
Ewan Gault is a new author for me; I really liked discovering a new author whose writing style I like, and I’m hoping to read more of his novels in the future. This thriller held my strand interest from start to finish. I really liked travelling to North East coast of Scotland via this novel. I could almost feel the rain and cold breeze in the air while reading this novel. It describes the area perfectly, the poor prospects of the young people unless they move away, and the weather; it creates a perfectly dark, tense, atmospheric and gritty novel.
I liked the writing style, character development and location of this novel. I’m giving this novel 4 stars as I liked it and I think other readers will like it too.
Crime novels and thrillers are my favourite genres to read and review and this novel did not disappoint. It was dark in places, and seemed very real. This novel describes life in a northern fishing port in Scotland where working in the dying fishing industry is both hard and dangerous way of living. The young people and trawler men are turning to crime to survive and the drugs are just a way of life to these desperate youngsters. This novel was gritty, very realistic in places, thrilling and exciting. I really enjoyed reading it.
Ewan Gault is a new author for me; I really liked discovering a new author whose writing style I like, and I’m hoping to read more of his novels in the future. This thriller held my strand interest from start to finish. I really liked travelling to North East coast of Scotland via this novel. I could almost feel the rain and cold breeze in the air while reading this novel. It describes the area perfectly, the poor prospects of the young people unless they move away, and the weather; it creates a perfectly dark, tense, atmospheric and gritty novel.
I liked the writing style, character development and location of this novel. I’m giving this novel 4 stars as I liked it and I think other readers will like it too.
September 8, 2022
There is no messing with the opening of this book we get straight into the story with the retrieval of a body amongst the fishing nets of a trawler, a body who happens to be a missing crew member that “went overboard”. The Sound of Sirens is set in a North Scottish town rife with drug issues and poverty. But, is a member of the crew desperate enough to kill to help their girlfriend escape the clutches of drugs and this down beat town?
DI Stark is an experience policeman who’s frustration at the way the town has spiralled is evident in the story and this heart-breaking, shocking read will stay with you for a long time afterwards.
I loved how the story goes straight to the heart of it, no build up, no long gritty build up of DI Stark, just straight in showing how he operates, I loved it! It was immediately absorbing because of this and managed to read the whole book in just two days!
This book is definitely not your typical crime novel, it’s dark and twisty and the scenes at sea are written incredibly well, it really brings an extra dimension to the murder, who dun it trope.
An excellent read!
Originally published at: https://www.thepursuitofbookiness.co....
We received a copy of this book in return for an honest review. All opinions are our own
DI Stark is an experience policeman who’s frustration at the way the town has spiralled is evident in the story and this heart-breaking, shocking read will stay with you for a long time afterwards.
I loved how the story goes straight to the heart of it, no build up, no long gritty build up of DI Stark, just straight in showing how he operates, I loved it! It was immediately absorbing because of this and managed to read the whole book in just two days!
This book is definitely not your typical crime novel, it’s dark and twisty and the scenes at sea are written incredibly well, it really brings an extra dimension to the murder, who dun it trope.
An excellent read!
Originally published at: https://www.thepursuitofbookiness.co....
We received a copy of this book in return for an honest review. All opinions are our own
November 11, 2021
I really enjoyed this book, I was captivated from the start. The author brought the reader straight into the plot and kept the suspense throughout the book.
The teenage characters seemed like people I would see on a teen drama like Skins. They were dark and mysterious. I found the main character, Malky, to be very interesting. He made some bad decisions throughout the book but behind that, you can see how he is trying to better himself. The topic of drugs come up in this book which has major effects on the teen characters.
I also loved reading about DI Stark and his team, they were very determined to get to the bottom of the drug issue in the area. Stark is driven to figure out what is going on with Malky.
The plot was well written and I enjoyed where the author took the story. The use of regional language within the book really brought both the characters and plot to life. I could imagine the characters speaking that way and I thought it added another layer to the story. It did take a bit of getting used to but it was used consistently throughout the book so I learnt quickly.
I thought this was a great crime/thriller book, I would highly recommend this one.
The teenage characters seemed like people I would see on a teen drama like Skins. They were dark and mysterious. I found the main character, Malky, to be very interesting. He made some bad decisions throughout the book but behind that, you can see how he is trying to better himself. The topic of drugs come up in this book which has major effects on the teen characters.
I also loved reading about DI Stark and his team, they were very determined to get to the bottom of the drug issue in the area. Stark is driven to figure out what is going on with Malky.
The plot was well written and I enjoyed where the author took the story. The use of regional language within the book really brought both the characters and plot to life. I could imagine the characters speaking that way and I thought it added another layer to the story. It did take a bit of getting used to but it was used consistently throughout the book so I learnt quickly.
I thought this was a great crime/thriller book, I would highly recommend this one.
November 2, 2021
I am a big fan of thriller crime books and I am so glad I got the chance to read this one ! Definitely an author to keep your eye out for!
In this book we have DI Stark , he is a detective in Port Cawdor , Scotland, county line gangs are flooding their with drugs at an alarming rate . When a body is pulled up in nets while Malky is on his family trawler, it turns out it is his cousin's brothers body ! With police and local community suspicious that they are something to do with the drugs trade, DI Stark needs to solve it fast!
The setting of this book is absolutely perfect for this storyline, a dead-beat coastal town in North East Scotland , the author paints the scene perfectly in your mind, you don't need to have been to Scotland to picture it perfectly, the author has done a brilliant job describing it. The storyline itself is fast paced , gripping, dark...exactly what you want in this genre , something to hook you from the start and not let you go ! A must read for crime thriller fans
In this book we have DI Stark , he is a detective in Port Cawdor , Scotland, county line gangs are flooding their with drugs at an alarming rate . When a body is pulled up in nets while Malky is on his family trawler, it turns out it is his cousin's brothers body ! With police and local community suspicious that they are something to do with the drugs trade, DI Stark needs to solve it fast!
The setting of this book is absolutely perfect for this storyline, a dead-beat coastal town in North East Scotland , the author paints the scene perfectly in your mind, you don't need to have been to Scotland to picture it perfectly, the author has done a brilliant job describing it. The storyline itself is fast paced , gripping, dark...exactly what you want in this genre , something to hook you from the start and not let you go ! A must read for crime thriller fans
November 5, 2021
After reading Skagboys not that long ago my heart dropped when I saw the Scottish dialect in The Sound of Sirens. I’ll be honest, I really struggle with it. My Scottish accent is abysmal, though after this book I feel I’ve nailed it! I haven’t, I’m kidding myself! Though I certainly feel I can tackle Trainspotting now more confidently than before.
Malky is out on a fishing trip when the trawler he is on pulls in a dead body. When he discovers it’s his brother they have found, Malky decides to use his new inherited boat for an easier money making scheme. Drug Trafficking. He is going to need cash fast if he is going to find a home for his Heroine addicted pregnant girlfriend. DI Stark, however has different ideas.
I really enjoyed this crime thriller. The plot was well thought out and the writing was brilliantly executed. I actually really loved the Scottish dialect in this one, it worked perfectly. I was hoping for a slightly faster paced read but it was still very much an enjoyable book. I’m definitely looking forward to reading more from this author.
Malky is out on a fishing trip when the trawler he is on pulls in a dead body. When he discovers it’s his brother they have found, Malky decides to use his new inherited boat for an easier money making scheme. Drug Trafficking. He is going to need cash fast if he is going to find a home for his Heroine addicted pregnant girlfriend. DI Stark, however has different ideas.
I really enjoyed this crime thriller. The plot was well thought out and the writing was brilliantly executed. I actually really loved the Scottish dialect in this one, it worked perfectly. I was hoping for a slightly faster paced read but it was still very much an enjoyable book. I’m definitely looking forward to reading more from this author.
September 10, 2022
This book was such a powerful and thought-provoking read.
Malky is a character that does his best to be a good person, but due to a series of events ends up falling into a life of crime. I felt as though what happens to Malky really could happen to anyone in similar circumstances. This definitely got me thinking about why people commit crime, and to what extent they are to blame for their actions.
The story is fast-paced and there is a lot going on in terms of plot — including drug smuggling, gang related violence and murder. This really kept things interesting!
Even though I am from the UK I found some of the Scottish dialect quite difficult to understand at first, but this did get easier as I got used to reading it. I would definitely be aware of this going into the book, however, I can understand why the author chose to use local dialect and it did add to the the story.
Overall, this is a great crime novel with really well written characters. I would definitely read more of the author’s work.
Malky is a character that does his best to be a good person, but due to a series of events ends up falling into a life of crime. I felt as though what happens to Malky really could happen to anyone in similar circumstances. This definitely got me thinking about why people commit crime, and to what extent they are to blame for their actions.
The story is fast-paced and there is a lot going on in terms of plot — including drug smuggling, gang related violence and murder. This really kept things interesting!
Even though I am from the UK I found some of the Scottish dialect quite difficult to understand at first, but this did get easier as I got used to reading it. I would definitely be aware of this going into the book, however, I can understand why the author chose to use local dialect and it did add to the the story.
Overall, this is a great crime novel with really well written characters. I would definitely read more of the author’s work.
November 5, 2021
📚Book Review📚
Sound of Sirens
Ewan Gault
🌟🌟🌟🌟✴️
First of all, I love the cover and title of this book. The almost colourless image of the harbour with the bold and striking title jumping right out. The image draws my thinking to the calling of the sea, but this clever pun on words, becomes evident once you dive into this detective novel.
After reading the first few pages of this book, I knew I was hooked. An amazing start, brilliantly written to grab your attention and intrigue.
The initial scene is set on a trawler out to sea off the coast of NE Scotland and swiftly moves into town where we are plunged into a gritty crime novel with no holds barred.
I found Gault's writing style perfect for the topics contained - covering difficult subjects such as murder, drugs, gangs, turf wars and organised crime. Although some parts were difficult to read, I really found myself empathising with the characters as our narrator took us on the journey from both sides and gave us a stark insight into the difficulties faced by youngsters growing up in this kind of environment.
I love that this book challenges us to understand rather than judge. It's so easy to look at situations like this from afar and assume. Spreading awareness, this helps us all understand that these things are very real and that these are people who need help and not judgement.
A difficult topic but brilliantly written. So glad that I had the chance to read this. One that will stay with me for a while.
Sound of Sirens
Ewan Gault
🌟🌟🌟🌟✴️
First of all, I love the cover and title of this book. The almost colourless image of the harbour with the bold and striking title jumping right out. The image draws my thinking to the calling of the sea, but this clever pun on words, becomes evident once you dive into this detective novel.
After reading the first few pages of this book, I knew I was hooked. An amazing start, brilliantly written to grab your attention and intrigue.
The initial scene is set on a trawler out to sea off the coast of NE Scotland and swiftly moves into town where we are plunged into a gritty crime novel with no holds barred.
I found Gault's writing style perfect for the topics contained - covering difficult subjects such as murder, drugs, gangs, turf wars and organised crime. Although some parts were difficult to read, I really found myself empathising with the characters as our narrator took us on the journey from both sides and gave us a stark insight into the difficulties faced by youngsters growing up in this kind of environment.
I love that this book challenges us to understand rather than judge. It's so easy to look at situations like this from afar and assume. Spreading awareness, this helps us all understand that these things are very real and that these are people who need help and not judgement.
A difficult topic but brilliantly written. So glad that I had the chance to read this. One that will stay with me for a while.
November 12, 2021
I kept going back and forth as to whether I liked Sound of Sirens. The plot was pretty good, part police procedural and part youth gone wild, drug edition.
Most of the characters are involved in shady business making it tough to like them. Malky was the only one I felt slightly bad for. He found himself mixing with a bad crowd and involving himself in some scary predicaments. He is a mix of good and bad, like an ice cream swirl went haywire. Good gone wrong would be a proper description I guess.
The dialect of the Scottish characters made me want to put the book down at times. It made reading it somewhat frustrating.
There were places where sentences didn’t make sense to me, because of the dialect. I suppose it would be clear to those who have been exposed to it, but I found it distracting.
If words like werenae, foonert, kens, and fae don’t throw you and the plot sounds like a winner to you, give it a read.
Read more riveting reviews at Latishaslowkeylife.com
Most of the characters are involved in shady business making it tough to like them. Malky was the only one I felt slightly bad for. He found himself mixing with a bad crowd and involving himself in some scary predicaments. He is a mix of good and bad, like an ice cream swirl went haywire. Good gone wrong would be a proper description I guess.
The dialect of the Scottish characters made me want to put the book down at times. It made reading it somewhat frustrating.
There were places where sentences didn’t make sense to me, because of the dialect. I suppose it would be clear to those who have been exposed to it, but I found it distracting.
If words like werenae, foonert, kens, and fae don’t throw you and the plot sounds like a winner to you, give it a read.
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September 5, 2022
Kids playing in an adult world full of drugs, smuggling, and addicts
Gault gives a very dark view into the world of kids playing in a dangerous world.
We follow the main character of 17-year-old Malky as he wants to make money to help his pregnant friend, but Malky doesn't fit into this life; he is doing it for the money. Through this character, I found myself, as the reader, feeling sorry for the other characters and questioning how they had gotten to this point in their lives.
Admittedly, I struggled to get into this novel and found it picked up halfway through in which I was hooked and intrigued, getting annoyed with the character of Johnny, which any reader would have, and also questioning the actions of the police force as they seemed corrupt or unable to work together.
Gault writes a very dark narrative that I would never want to experience in real life. A narrative that will stay with you well after reading it.
Gault gives a very dark view into the world of kids playing in a dangerous world.
We follow the main character of 17-year-old Malky as he wants to make money to help his pregnant friend, but Malky doesn't fit into this life; he is doing it for the money. Through this character, I found myself, as the reader, feeling sorry for the other characters and questioning how they had gotten to this point in their lives.
Admittedly, I struggled to get into this novel and found it picked up halfway through in which I was hooked and intrigued, getting annoyed with the character of Johnny, which any reader would have, and also questioning the actions of the police force as they seemed corrupt or unable to work together.
Gault writes a very dark narrative that I would never want to experience in real life. A narrative that will stay with you well after reading it.
November 3, 2021
I have too many words about this book 🙈
Firstly, I found the book really interesting and intellectually written. It is set up as a modern crime detective story in a small Scottish community but it’s so much more than a traditional crime novel. It cleverly explores the complexities of what may lead to criminal behaviour, police corruption and how young people can become disaffected and disengaged in a local community.
I found the book easy to follow as it’s pacey with lots going on- it’s heartbreaking, harrowing and it directly tackles issues of addiction, poverty and county lines.This book had SO much content and it was gritty, superbly written and took my heart. I felt so invested in the stories, characters and lives of those in the book and it made me want change to happen and for systems and support to be better for young people- especially Malky. As a reader you are constantly asking yourself how could things have turned out differently?
All that being said, I am so torn because I felt disappointed by the last 50 pages… for me it ended too abruptly, I wanted more and for me there were lots of unanswered questions. I could have read hundreds more pages of this book. The story just didn’t feel ready to end. I know this could be intentional but as a reader I felt like I had nowhere to go with all of this emotion! 🙈🤷♀️
This book asks you as a reader to stop, think, reflect and ask questions and if you are looking for a thought provoking crime novel this is for you.
Firstly, I found the book really interesting and intellectually written. It is set up as a modern crime detective story in a small Scottish community but it’s so much more than a traditional crime novel. It cleverly explores the complexities of what may lead to criminal behaviour, police corruption and how young people can become disaffected and disengaged in a local community.
I found the book easy to follow as it’s pacey with lots going on- it’s heartbreaking, harrowing and it directly tackles issues of addiction, poverty and county lines.This book had SO much content and it was gritty, superbly written and took my heart. I felt so invested in the stories, characters and lives of those in the book and it made me want change to happen and for systems and support to be better for young people- especially Malky. As a reader you are constantly asking yourself how could things have turned out differently?
All that being said, I am so torn because I felt disappointed by the last 50 pages… for me it ended too abruptly, I wanted more and for me there were lots of unanswered questions. I could have read hundreds more pages of this book. The story just didn’t feel ready to end. I know this could be intentional but as a reader I felt like I had nowhere to go with all of this emotion! 🙈🤷♀️
This book asks you as a reader to stop, think, reflect and ask questions and if you are looking for a thought provoking crime novel this is for you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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