Fiction – paperback; Abacus; 214 pages; 1996.
A book that opens with the lines “Jesus Fuck” has to stand out from the rest of the crowd. Christopher Brookmyre’s tale of a journalist investigating the murder of a leading doctor in Edinburgh is definitely that.
Quite Ugly One Morning is, by turns, appallingly violent and hilariously funny, but the writing is confident, sharp and in-your-face. The dialogue is biting and witty, the plot clever and thought-provoking, the characters strong and well-defined.
I thoroughly enjoyed the romp which covers everything from hit men, dodgy bed-and-breakfast accommodation, corrupt hospital officials and dangerous medics. This would be perfect fodder for a made-for-television movie or mini-series.
Reading Matters 