Overview

Squeaky Clean is set in Glasgow’s east end and follows two people stuck in places they want out of. Davey Burnet works at a car wash and hopes for a better life, but one bad decision puts him in serious trouble with local criminals. At the same time, DI Alison McCoist is dealing with the fallout from a demotion that has left her on thin ice at work. A stolen car links their stories, pulling them into a mess of violence, poor choices, and hard truths about survival.

Voice & Atmosphere

We loved how rooted this feels in Glasgow. The writing is sharp, funny, and rough around the edges in a way that feels honest. The dialogue carries a lot of the energy, using dialect naturally without feeling forced. There is humour throughout, but it never undercuts the danger or desperation that hangs over the story.

Characters

Davey is easy to care about, even when he makes terrible decisions. He wants to be better, but keeps getting in his own way. McCoist is tough, worn down, and stubbornly committed to doing her job right. Seeing the story from both perspectives gives the novel balance and keeps the tension moving.

Themes

At its core, this is a story about class, loyalty, and the hope of redemption. The book looks at how hard it is to escape the circumstances you are born into, and how systems are often stacked against people trying to change. The car wash itself becomes a quiet symbol of the wish to start fresh, even when the dirt keeps coming back.

What Worked

• Strong local voice: the Glasgow setting and language feel genuine and grounded.
• Dark humour: comedy runs alongside violence without softening it.
• Dual viewpoint: switching between Davey and McCoist keeps the story moving.

Minor Quibbles

• The dialect may take some adjustment if you are unfamiliar with it.
• The final section moves quickly and could have lingered longer on the consequences.

Final Thoughts

We found Squeaky Clean to be gritty, funny, and full of heart, a crime novel that cares deeply about the people caught inside its mess.

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)