In this scorching crime hook-up, number one bestseller Ian Rankin and Scottish crime-writing legend William McIlvanney join forces for the first ever case of DI Laidlaw, Glasgows original gritty detective.

Lawyer Bobby Carter did a lot of work for the wrong type of people. Now hes dead and it was no accident. Hes left behind his share of enemies, but who dealt the fatal blow?

DC Jack Laidlaws reputation precedes him. Hes not a team player, but hes got a sixth sense for whats happening on the streets. As two Glasgow gangs go to war, Laidlaw needs to find out who got Carter before the whole city explodes.