The Quaker
His name fills the streets with fear…
In the chilling new crime novel from award-winning author Liam McIlvanney, a serial killer stalks the streets of Glasgow and DI McCormack follows a trail of secrets to uncover the truth…
Winner of the 2018 McIlvanney Prize for Scottish Crime Book of the Year
A city torn apart.
Glasgow, 1969. In the grip of the worst winter for years, the city is brought to its knees by a killer whose name fills the streets with fear: the Quaker. He takes his next victim – the third woman from the same nightclub – and dumps her in the street like rubbish.
A detective with everything to prove.
The police are left chasing a ghost, with no new leads and no hope of catching their prey. DI McCormack, a talented young detective from the Highlands, is ordered to join the investigation. But his arrival is met with anger from a group of officers on the brink of despair. Soon he learns just how difficult life can be for an outsider.
A killer who hunts in the shadows.
When another woman is found murdered in a tenement flat, it’s clear the case is by no means over. From ruined backstreets to the dark heart of Glasgow, McCormack follows a trail of secrets that will change the city – and his life – forever…
”’It's one of those novels that as soon as I finished it, I looked forward to reading it again. Not only did I love the evocative recreation of Glasgow but the characters created were refreshing and surprising. It was such a pleasure to read” - Susan Calman
”'Every aspect of The Quaker is superb” - Washington Post
”'A vivid portrayal of a city” - Sun
”'A totally gripping murder mystery, thought provoking but thoroughly entertaining” - NB Magazine
”'Pacy, inventive, assured - and authentic … a story of brilliantly crafted shifts of plot and pace … McIlvanney is a writer with unfolding, developing and substantial gifts” - The Herald
”'Skilfully dovetailed … atmospheric … a solidly crafted and satisfying detective story” - Laura Wilson, Guardian
”'An absolute master of Tartan noir … the corruption of the late Sixties is splendidly evoked, as is DI Duncan McCormack” - Daily Mail
'Atmospheric and arresting, The Quaker reveals 1960s Glasgow in all its lurid shades' Val McDermid -
'This is a terrific novel, dark, powerful and beautifully written. I finished it a while ago, but I'm still haunted by the characters and the place' Ann Cleeves -
”'The Quaker is one of my favourite reads of the year. A powerhouse of a book with Liam McIlvanney's full lyrical powers on display. Loved it” - Steve Cavanagh
”'Another atmospheric, scary and utterly brilliant book from Liam McIlvanney. Superb” - Adrian McKinty
Praise for Liam McIlvanney: -
”'An authentic, atmospheric and ambitious debut” - Val McDermid
”'Gripping, unflinching … McIlvanney has flair and assurance and executes a powerful tale with all the dexterous sensitivity and ballsy swagger the subject is due” - Scotland on Sunday
”'This is a bold, impressive debut” - Daily Telegraph
”'Superb storytelling, a wonderful eye for character, and a passion for dialogue” - Daily Mail
”'McIlvanney tells the story with clarity, terrific dialogue and convincing characters” - The Times