Manchester 6
"The first story was my favourite of the collection although there is little between any of the tales in this magnificently strong debut."
Synopsis:
Manchester 6 focuses on the best and worst of human nature, personified in the gritty urban setting of Manchester, UK. Whether it's the paranoid, spliff-sucking writer who has an online spat, or an ex-soldier hunting a notorious gang, there's conflict galore. Meanwhile, hell hath no fury, like a window cleaner ripped-off of his Christmas tips, and a heroic family man faces Al Qaeda and the decision of his life. When you add to the mix the luckiest gambler in town having a ball, coked up in a lap-dancing club, and an eccentric ice cream van owner who pushes 'friendship' beyond the limit, you know something's got to give, and, boy, does it!
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Review:
Col Bury is a name to watch for the future. Not only is he the crime editor of a very well respected ezine he has had stories included in such august publications as 'The Mammoth Book of British Crime'. If this was a print book then he'd have been rightly championed for the prestigious Fresh Blood position. Manchester 6 is a slice of life seen through the eyes of generally decent people who have come up against the lower echelons of society. The first story was my favourite of the collection although there is little between any of the tales in this magnificently strong debut. Bury shows boldness by tackling different styles of writing which encompass humour, paranoia, action thrillers and urban discontent. Throughout 'Manchester 6' Bury puts a gritty voice to each situation which had me thinking of Louis Armstrong after he'd had a dozen cigars and some particularly cheap hooch. The prose is exacting in its neatness and nary a word is wasted. Remember you heard his name first on Crimesquad.com because Col Bury is going places.