How much do you remember of a book you read 10 years ago? Apart from what they call a classic, I mean (that's probably why they're classics, they're memorable). Because although I don't recall all the details of "The Cutting Room", Louise Welsh's first book, I do remember the impression it left on me. This was that it was a very accomplished thriller with a particularly distinct setting.
Therefore, I jumped, almost literally, at the opportunity offered to me by NetGalley to read The Second Cut. The Second Cut is not a sequel, but a thriller taking place in the same geographical setting with the same main character, gay auction room denizen Rilke, and with some recurring characters from the previous novel. Times, however, have moved on and the book is set in Glasgow once again but 20 years later. Rilke is therefore 20 years older, but not much wiser, and far more cantankerous.
Society's approach to homosexuality and deviance may have changed somewhat in the Grindr. era, but there are still battlefields. Drug addiction is even more of a problem, as is organised crime which feeds it. Gay orgies are a thing. Poverty still rages and the auction business is still as seedy as heck.
Faced with the sad and suspicious death of an acquaintance, despite himself, Rilke cannot help getting involved again and very soon find himself up to his neck in the cutthroat milieu of the Glasgow underworld.
I am very happy to say that The Second Cut does not disappoint and is as memorable and atmospheric as its predecessor, the witty and pithy dialogue deserves particular mention.
A fine read, but not for the squeamish.
