Overview

The Dark Remains takes us back to 1970s Glasgow and introduces a young Jack Laidlaw at the very start of his police career. When a well known lawyer with criminal links is found murdered, Laidlaw is pulled into an investigation that exposes corruption, violence, and moral compromise across the city. As the case unfolds, we see the roots of the detective he will become, questioning authority, resisting shortcuts, and refusing to look away from uncomfortable truths.

Writing & Atmosphere

The writing is sharp and controlled, blending tough dialogue with moments of reflection. Glasgow is vividly drawn, from smoky pubs and rain soaked streets to cramped flats and police offices. The pace stays tight, but the book still finds room to explore the mood of the city, capturing a sense of unrest and change that shapes every decision the characters make.

Characters

Laidlaw is the clear centre of the novel. He is intelligent, stubborn, and deeply uncomfortable with easy answers. His partnership with his more conventional colleague highlights his restless approach to policing. Around them, suspects, witnesses, and criminals feel grounded and human, shaped by circumstance rather than stereotype. Even minor characters leave an impression.

Themes

This is a book about justice and compromise, and about how power protects itself. It asks what it costs to pursue truth in a system that values reputation and order over honesty. Glasgow itself becomes part of the story, a city that tests loyalties and forces choices that are rarely clean or simple.

What Worked

• Strong narrative voice: clear, confident, and rooted in noir tradition.
• Setting: 1970s Glasgow feels lived in and specific.
• Character driven plot: Laidlaw’s outlook shapes every turn of the case.

Minor Quibbles

• The investigation follows a fairly direct path, which may feel restrained for readers expecting complex twists.
• Some historical references pass quickly and may reward slower reading.

Final Thoughts

The Dark Remains is a gritty and thoughtful crime novel that captures both the birth of a detective and the city that forged him.

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)