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  • Strange Loyalties

  • Laidlaw Trilogy, Book 3
  • By: William McIlvanney
  • Narrated by: Mark Bonnar
  • Length: 11 hrs and 22 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (123 ratings)
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Strange Loyalties cover art

Strange Loyalties

By: William McIlvanney
Narrated by: Mark Bonnar
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Summary

When his brother dies stepping out in front of a car, Detective Jack Laidlaw is determined to find out what really happened.

With corrosive wit, Laidlaw relates an emotional quest through Glasgow's underworld, and into the past. He discovers as much about himself as the loved brother he has lost in a search that leads to a shattering climax.

©2019 William McIlvanney (P)2019 Canongate Books Ltd

What listeners say about Strange Loyalties

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

The Least Good

So unrelentingly dark. It felt like a 8 hour conversation with the a morose drunk.

As, ever brilliantly narrated. I preferred the previous books, leavened with some Glasgow wit

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Brilliant

A truly gripping story heart wrenchingly honest and written so beautifully and poetically that you want to stop listening regularly just to absorb the intensity and density of imagery within the writing. Some might describe it as grim and depressing, relieved only by the pepperings of dark Glaswegian humour, there were times when I felt this was the case but on reflection and having completed the book I understand the profound messages it conveys about our human state. I feel a better person for having read it.
The narration was perfect.

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4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
  • A
  • 05-08-22

Quite the finale

Wow! What an ending to the Jack Laidlaw trilogy. Having listened to both the previous books in this series - enjoyable, but not outstanding - I'm so glad I continued to the third. Beautifully written and brilliantly read, this is a strong thriller with interesting characters, believable motivations and philosophical insight.
Would recommend.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Excellent book and Narration

Mark Bonnar’s performance is top drawer!

Classic McIlvanney exploring the human condition. Sad that this is the last Laidlaw book!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Absolutely brilliant

I have no words to describe the brilliance of McIllvanney's writing. I will listen to this again and again for it is poetry for the soul.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Enjoyable end to the trilogy

The third part of the trilogy is a different fish, as Laidlaw investigates (unofficially) the death of his brother, which may or may not, have been suicide. Or were the usual cast of thugs and thieves responsible?

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

A great story

You'll know what to expect with this if you've read the first 2. Bonnar is a great narrator.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Excellently written and narrated

This audiobook was my introduction to the great William MacIllvanney. He takes description of a thought , person or scene beyond adjectives. Mark Bonnar was the perfect narrator and I wish he had been chosen to narrate all of his books.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A masterclass in descriptive writing

William McIlvanney is a wonderful writer, he presents a masterclass in descriptive writing once again, enhanced by an excellent narrator. Read all three of his Laidlaw books and would recommend without hesitation.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Not as good as the previous two.

I found this overlong with too much introspection. it's still a good novel and I love Mark Bonnar's narration.

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