Book Review: The Sideman by Caro Ramsay - gritty and relentless

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Caro Ramsay’s Costello and Anderson series goes from strength to strength. With each new book, the characters absorb a different dimension as they grow which keeps them fresh and us, the reader, wanting more. Their narratives evolve and respond to each investigation and that, I think, is the secret of their longevity.  The Sideman follows on from last year’s powerful The Suffering of Strangers and I would advise that you read this first.

 Still reeling from the previous novel's revelations, DCI Colin Anderson is adapting to life as the grand father and carer of his grandson, whilst trying to make sense of the murders that happened at the end of the previous novel and debating how much faith to invest in DI Costello’s allegations that his grand child, baby Moses’, step grandad is the perpetrator. Meanwhile Costello has resigned from the police and is pursuing her own investigation which seems to link into a murder on the banks of Loch Lomond.

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One of the main strengths of this novel is the way that Ramsay weaves her intricate storylines relentlessly to a dynamic conclusion. Her attention to detail is strong and her characterisation at times left me gasping – she isn’t one to pull punches as her description of an alcoholic’s life will uphold.  She has an incisive style that cuts to the chase and often shocks.

Alongside that, she paints a realistic vision of the versatility and contrasts of the Scottish landscape from city life to the highlands to the countryside.

For me this is a series well worth reading. Ramsey’s quirky narratives and unflinching plots deserve a place on even the most well stocked book shelf.