I was unsure of this book when I started it, mainly because there's a scene near the beginning with jarring exposition between two characters. But that really was an aberration, when the story got going I felt pulled in. Denise Mina has an engaging way of writing, and she captures the atmosphere of Glasgow deftly.

The plot is rooted in women's experiences of men's behaviour in a way that is honest without being po-faced or preachy. I really liked all of the main characters, especially Maureen, the woman at the centre of the story. I want to read more by the author now, and would rate this book as definitely worth your time.