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Exile

Book 2 in the series:Garnethill

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Exile, the second book in Denise Mina's Garnethill trilogy, follows protagonist Maureen O'Donnell as she investigates a murder mystery spanning from Glasgow to London. The plot delves into themes of addiction, abuse, and the dark underworld of crime, all set against the backdrop of Glasgow's economically troubled streets and London's dangerous neighborhoods. Mina's writing style effectively captures the gritty atmosphere of the cities, while her characters, especially the flawed yet courageous Maureen, drive the story forward with their compelling arcs.

Characters:

The characters are deeply flawed individuals, each with their own struggles, embodying themes of trauma and resilience.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is superb, combining rich descriptions with dark humor to create a compelling narrative.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot continues the journey of Maureen O'Donnell as she navigates the disappearance of a woman from a shelter, uncovering dark secrets along the way.

Setting:

The setting is vividly described, capturing the bleak and gritty realities of Glasgow and London.

Pacing:

Pacing fluctuates between slow character development and gripping plot moments, keeping readers engaged.
Chapter 1 POSTIE It was minus five outside the bedroom window and Maureen's face prickled against the cold. She wanted to get out of bed, wanted a cigarette and a coffee and to be alone, but his leg...

Notes:

Exile is the second book in Denise Mina's Garnethill trilogy.
The main character is Maureen O'Donnell, a survivor of abuse and a volunteer at a women's shelter.
Maureen investigates the disappearance of Ann Harris, a shelter resident who goes missing after claiming her husband abused her.
The story is set in Glasgow, Scotland, and includes scenes in London, England.
Mina's writing style is described as richly descriptive without being overly ornate.
The novel features themes of trauma, survival, and the challenges faced by marginalized women.
Maureen is portrayed as a flawed but deeply caring character with a tumultuous past of abuse.
The book is both darkly funny and gut-wrenchingly sad, blending crime fiction with a poignant look at human suffering.
Exile explores the underclass of abandoned and abused women, presenting them as real heroes.
Mina's characters are depicted vividly, with memorable descriptions that highlight their struggles and resilience.
The novel tackles serious issues like domestic violence, substance abuse, and familial dysfunction without glossing over the harsh realities.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of domestic abuse, substance abuse, mental illness, and violence.

From The Publisher:

A BODY IS FOUND ON THE BANKS OF THE THAMES.

MAUREEN O'DONNELL NOW HAS TWELVE HOURS TO CATCH A KILLER...

The last time Maureen O'Donnell saw Ann Harris, she was staying in the Glasgow Women's Shelter, drunk and with two broken ribs. A month later, Ann's mutilated body is washed up on the banks of the Thames.

No one seems to care what happened to her, and Maureen is the only person who thinks Ann's husband is innocent. With her personal life in turmoil, she runs away to London and starts to piece together Ann's final days. But time is not on her side. Maureen needs twelve hours to put things right, and she doesn't care what it costs...

'Confirms Mina's place in the premier division...Atmospheric [and] intense' Guardian

*Don't miss Denise Mina's most recent thriller, the Costa 2020 shortlisted, THE LESS DEAD*

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About the Author:

Denise Mina is the author of the Garnethill trilogy, the Paddy Meehan series and the Alex Morrow series. She has won the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year Award twice and was inducted into the Crime Writers' Association Hall of Fame in 2014. The Long Drop won the McIlvanney Prize for Scottish Crime Book of the Year 2017 as well as the Gordon Burn Prize and was named by The Times as one of the top ten crime novels of the decade. Conviction was the co-winner of the McIlvanney Prize for Scottish Crime Book of the Year 2019 and was selected for Reese Witherspoon's Hello Sunshine Book Club. Denise has also written plays and graphic novels, and presented television and radio programmes. She lives and works in Glasgow.

 
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