Those kind folks at Polygon have gathered some of the glowing reviews for Thunder Bay.

Here are some extracts:

‘The risks Skelton took in creating Thunder Bay have paid off in spades. As well as creating a sympathetic new protagonist, he has crafted an emotionally truthful tale and delivered it in a lyrical style that places him among Scotland’s top cadre of crime writers’ – Louise Fairbairn, The Scotsman and Yorkshire Post

Explosions of violence are inevitable, though Skelton holds back on them, building up the suspense and oppressive atmosphere before going in for the kill. A particularly gripping thriller from the author of the Davie McCall series. – Alastair Mabbott, The Herald

It’s beautifully written, descriptive and atmospheric. The pacing is perfect, and the conclusion unexpected. Douglas Skelton has delivered possibly his best work yet, and that really is saying something! It’s a triumph.’ – Suze Clarke Morris, Simply Suze Reviews

‘Douglas Skelton excels at planting little seeds throughout his writing, drawing the reader in, and ensuring that they pull up a chair and watch them grow. He succeeds in intriguing you and keeping you firmly on your seat until the last page is turned.’ – Sharon Bairden, Chapter In My Life blog

‘Dark, brooding, atmospheric and full of mystery, this is a book I would highly recommend you read. I loved it.’ – Jen Lucas, Jen Med’s Book Reviews

‘Skelton has produced an evocative, beautiful and tense tapestry of a read that will undoubtedly stand the test of time.’ – Mary Picken, Live and Deadly

‘A gripping and thrilling read from one of the great Scottish crime writers, themes of crime, mystery, secrecy and loyalty all woven together to make Thunder Bay one of those books that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page.’ – Kate Noble, The Quiet Knitter

Intense, thrilling and dark – the suspense gripped me! Douglas Skelton is a brilliant writer who draws the reader in to his stories – I always look forward to what he’ll be writing next! – Noelle Holten, Crime Book Junkie

I love when a book keeps you guessing, luring you page after page to conclusions and thinking you worked it out when no, no you really didn’t. – Lainy Swanson, So Many Books, So Little Time

Everyone feels real, believable and the key players are well fleshed out. Conversations feel natural – from the awkward kids, the focused journalist, the lord of the manor and the country police officer – they all have a voice and they are all distinctive and appropriate for their station or maturity. It breathes life into all the characters and the book resonates with their vitality. – Gordon McGhie, Grab This Book

Thunder Bay is a dynamic read, full of the wild and loaded with secrets, it is a fabulously gripping story – Liz Robinson, LoveReading.n

Oh – and Ian Rankin tweeted that it was a ‘wonderful piece of prose’. Granted he was basing that on an extract but hey, I’ll take it!

If we have missed any, please let me know!

Something amazing happened this week.

If you follow me on Twitter or Facebook you may have noticed I’ve mentioned it once or twice. Maybe more. No, definitely more.

On Thursday the longlist for the very first McIlvanney Prize for Scottish Crime Book of the Year was announced.

And my name was on it, for ‘Open Wounds’.

Can I tell you that my flabber was well and truly ghasted?

I mean, look at the names on there – Ian Rankin, Val McDermid, Lin Anderson, Chris Brookmyre, Stuart MacBride, James Oswald, Doug Johnstone, Lesley Kelly, ES Thomson!

I mean, jings. I was the only name I had to Google!

To say I’m honoured is something of an understatement and not just because of the scribblers with whom I’m figuratively rubbing shoulders.

The Late William McIlvanney was a giant among writers, not just those of us down there in the mean streets of crime.

laidlaw

I recall reading ‘Laidlaw’ for the first time, way back in 1977. I got my copy from the Mystery and Thriller Guild, remember them? I discovered so many great writers through mail order book clubs and it’s a shame they have now passed into oblivion.

I still have that hardback because I hate parting with books, although by necessity I’ve had to unload a number recently.

But my favourites will never go.

My regret is that I never met Mr McIlvanney, although I did stand beside him one evening as darkness fell during Bloody Scotland. We were outside the Royal Highland Hotel and I didn’t pluck up the courage to speak to him. I wish I had.

It’s fitting the Scottish Crime Book of the Year is now awarded in his name.

Every writer on the list owes him a debt. He didn’t create what later became Tartan Noir (a term I hate but it’ll do for now). He said that himself. But he did pave the way for the rest of us to come along like a Celtic charge, a swarm of tough Scots careering towards shelves with pens and PCs held like claymores.

Whoever wins come September will be doubly proud. First that their work has been recognised. And then because the winning title will be forever associated with greatness.

When the announcement is made at Bloody Scotland, I like to think that, wherever the greats go when the writing is done, the man himself will smile and raise an approving glass.