Redemption Point Book

This is a book that starts with a punch on the nose and doesn't stop beating you up until you reach the final full stop where I dare you not to shake your fist at Allan Guthrie and shout with frustration, 'You bastard!' and then scream.

The book challenges our perceptions of the characters that inhabit the parts of Edinburgh where tourists won't visit, where people have to keep their heads down when they are walking so they don't step in the 'dog shit.'

This is not a charming book in any way. Robin, the main character, suspects his wife Carol of cheating on him with his best friend, Eddie. The detective agency he has employed shows him photographic proof that his suspicions are indeed true but this is when Guthrie delivers his first 'What?' moment to the reader. Robin, who appeared to be a fairly normal, if somewhat inadequate man, punches the investigator on the nose, breaking it and leaves him with blood running down his face.

Should we feel sorry for Robin? His wife, after all is cheating on him. Chaos erupts when Robin, Carol and Eddie hold up a Post Office, forcing Robin to put the issue of adultery aside as he struggles to carry through the robbery. From this point the story quickly spirals into a chaotic world of schizophrenic proportions that none of the characters can control.

Feuds and vendettas abound as revenge is sought for deaths and murders. Guthrie takes great enjoyment describing in minute detail the torture of victims as he does with Thompson in the massage parlour.

Any sense of morality is challenged throughout the book when we are asked to consider if it is just and acceptable that violent people should die violently. Themes of greed and revenge are layered throughout the book but Guthrie also delves deeply into his characters' psyche and describes a full mental breakdown very vividly.

Two-Way Split fits very easily into what is expected from Tartan Noir. But this is Stuart MacBride without the humour or moral compass. Interestingly, none of Guthrie's characters are without blemish, there is no relief to be found anywhere. This is not a comfortable read, but read it you must, and I can't wait to delve into Guthrie's black, dark world again. You may have to come and save me......