When the narrative begins, we learn that Dr Margo Dunlop’s adoptive mother has died. In cleaning her mother’s belongings, she discovers a series of letters sent to her but concealed from her birth mother’s sister. This discovery prompts Margo to seek out her birth aunt and learn about her birth family.She learns that her birth mother was a sex worker who was murdered and that her aunt believes that the killer is still at large. Moreover, her aunt has been receiving threatening letters over the years.Soon after the reunion, Margo receives threatening letters as well.
This framework provides the impetus for Margo to become involved in a search for the killer, while delving deeper into her birth family’s past.She develops a relationship with her aunt Nikki and haltingly they bond and inch towards the truth.
The resolution of this search is somewhat unexpected. However, for me, the strength of the book lies not in the mystery but in the delineation of the characters and the bonds they form across their divergent societal positions. Heartily recommend.
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Reviews with images
Tartan noir set in the mean streets of Glasgow where a young doctor searches for her birth parents
Ever since I read the fantastic "Garnethill" trilogy I have been a devout fan of Denise Mina. Deemed the 'Queen of Granite Noir', she is one of my favourite authors.This is more a social commentary than a crime novel, though of course crimes, and their investigation lie within its pages. The title really says it all, "The Less Dead". This is how the police, and to a large extent the public, seemed to view the killing of sex workers in 1980s Glasgow. As though the women were worthless, as though their death mattered much less. They were the 'less dead' and not worth a thorough investigation. These disregarded and disdained women was viewed with apathy. They were unremarkable and unmemorable and their murder investigations were given the very lowest priority.The Glasgow setting is intrinsic to the story and is almost a character unto itself. Well described by an author who clearly loves her home city - warts and all. "The Less Dead" was inspired by the real life murders of sex workers in Glasgow in the late 1980s and early 90s.Margot's reluctance to keep the police apprised of her situation was frustrating, though understandable in a way - especially in light of Lilah's frequent run-ins with the law. She puts herself in jeopardy in a foolhardy way, yet you can understand her motivation.The ending didn't surprise me. The journey to the ending was compelling. Recommended!
Top reviews from other countries
Antonia
Excellent condition and FAST delivery
Reviewed in Canada on January 1, 2022
jimthistle
Quirky, honest, entertaining and brutal.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 24, 2022
