1979
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4.1 • 21 Ratings
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- $19.99
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- $19.99
Publisher Description
A Scottish journalist is drawn into a world of corruption, terror, and murder in the new novel by "one of crime fiction's most eminent writers" (Entertainment Weekly).
The year started badly and only got worse—blizzards, strikes, power cuts, and political unrest were the norm. For investigative journalist Allie Burns, however, someone else's bad news was the unmistakable sound of opportunity knocking, and 1979 is ripe with possibilities.
But Allie is a woman in what is still a man's world. Desperate to get away from the "women's stories" the Glasgow desk keeps assigning her, she strikes up an alliance with wannabe investigative journalist Danny Sullivan. From the start, their stories create enemies. First an international tax fraud, then a potential Scottish terrorist group aiming to cause mayhem ahead of an impending referendum. And then Danny is found murdered in his flat. For Allie, investigative journalism just got personal.
The debut of an intense new series, 1979 is an atmospheric journey into the past with intriguing insight into the present, from a Diamond Dagger winner and multiple Edgar Award finalist.
"The queen of psychological thrillers." —Irish Independent
"There are few other crime writers in the same league." —The Washington Post
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Set in 1979, this sterling series launch from McDermid (Still Life) introduces Allison "Allie" Burns, a new reporter for the Clarion newspaper in Glasgow. Fresh from Cambridge University, Allie impresses her colleague Danny Sullivan with her writing talent, and they become friends. The two share a desire to cover a big story rather than the lightweight pieces they're assigned. Feminism has yet to make its mark on women in the workplace, and Allie is thwarted by men in the newsroom who don't take her seriously. But Allie's star rises after Danny discovers a national money laundering scheme and he enlists her help with the investigation. She then discovers a secret IRA cell in Belfast looking for weapons, and she and Danny are caught in a dangerous situation resulting in another lead story. The mutual attraction between Allie and Clarion editor Rona Dunsyre provides some romantic heat. McDermid does an excellent job capturing a time in Scotland's history fraught with political unrest, IRA terrorism, and labor strikes that nearly paralyze the country. Fans will look forward to seeing more of the highly capable Allie.
Customer Reviews
Wonderful read even if you weren’t around in 1979
Loved the way we are brought back to this time and place. Can hear many of the songs from the era through the pages of the book. Great characters and story development. Can’t wait for more.
1979
I didn’t care for the ending. Mary Tyler Moore Mets Lou grant Scottish style.