Ian Rankin and his 1990 novel, ‘Westwind’.
As far as I am concerned he is in a class of his own. I have read and particularly enjoyed his ‘corrupt cop’ ones set in Glasgow. He makes it sound - real and, of course, his characters are strong either with criminal intent or doing their best to prevent anarchy.
The introduction to ‘Westwind’ is five pages in length and sets out his struggle to get it written and eventually published in 1990. In the intervening period and to get it into print again he had to work on it.
I had no idea what this book was about before I picked it up. There is criminal activity - of course what would you expect from him - but the whole plot is involved with the world order as intended by some of the characters. That's enough of that otherwise I could give too much of the plot away. Suffice it to say that the story runs between two continents, unscrupulous and arrogant individuals are involved through out. There are watchers and listeners and computers are having to work hard to keep up.
The setting for the events keep the reader moving rapidly on and backwards and forwards between continents. The plots move fast too and the characters that are created are strong and interesting and even, un-nerving! He does them well. Oh yes, people get killed and there is a hint of romance, but that is left hanging!
What was going on in the 90’s is different to today, but the plot, the story and the intrigue holds good for today too. I enjoyed it and you can too and decide how much or how little could or could not have happened. Yes, I can criticise it, but not now until you read it. Enjoy, as I did.
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