Betrayed repeatedly by the world, the government, humanity, authority figures, and even one's friends and family, a once-sober mind can be led down a dark path of reflection. A politically charged radical vigilante is exacting revenge on the white collar crime coalition, methodically disposing of victims in a gruesome way as a result of their social injustices. Even those climbing the social ladder with the political elite aren't safe. Disillusioned with the current establishment and the status quo, starting a revolution begins with a personal uprising.

Cameron Colley, a young investigative journalist for The Caledonian in Edinburgh, Scotland, loves the thrill of the chase. He initially works on an article about whisky but is quickly warned off. Now, he's on the trail of a story involving a mole named Mr. Archer and a series of murders with links to military involvement. As the story unfolds, Cameron becomes increasingly unstable, physically and mentally. The two stories merge, and Cameron must work overtime to ensure his survival and secure the story of a lifetime.

The narrative switches between first and second person, with the second person told from the perspective of the murderer, making the reader feel complicit in the events. The first person narrative features a journalist with an unreliable lifestyle, while the second person narrative involves a master of disguise and killing. This novel tests the reader's detective skills but may be better suited for forensic scientists due to its graphic content.

\\n  \\"Oh God help me here on the island of the dead with the cries of the tormented, here with the angel of death and the acrid stench of excrement and carrion taking me back in the darkness and the pale fawn light to the place I never wanted to go back to, the man-made earthly black hell and the human scrap yard kilometres long. Here down amongst the dead men, midst-ways with the torn-souled and their wild, inhuman screams; here with the ferryman, the boatman, my eyes covered and my brains scrambled, here with this prince of death, this prophet of reprisal, this jealous, vengeful, unforgiving son of our bastard commonwealth of greed; help me help me help me…\\"\\n

\\n  \\" 'Here we are and we've had our experiment; there's been one party, one dominant idea, one fully followed plan, one strong leader — and her grey shadow — and it's all turned to shit and ashes. Industrial base cut so close to the bone the marrow's leaking out, the old vaguely socialist inefficiencies replaced with more rabid capitalist ones, power centralised, corruption institutionalised, and a generation created which'll never have any skills beyond opening a car with a coat hanger and knowing which solvents give you the best buzz with a plastic bag over your head before you throw up or pass out.' \\"\\n

\\n  \\"This is a kind of hit unique to the profession: near-instant in-print gratification. I suppose if you're a stand-up comic, a live musician or an actor the reward is similar and even quicker, but if what you're into is the printed word and the dubious authority of on-the-page black-and-white, then this is entirely the biz. The best fix of all comes from a front-page splash, but a page lead on an odd-numbered page provides a pretty sublime high, and only getting a basement piece on an even page produces any sensation of let-down.\\"\\n

\\n  \\"But in those moments of blackness you stood there, as though you yourself were made of stone like the stunted, buried buildings around you, and for all your educated cynicism, for all your late-twentieth-century materialist Western maleness and your fierce despisal of all things superstitious, you felt a touch of true and absolute terror, a consummately feral dread of the dark; a fear rooted somewhere before your species had truly become human and came to know itself, and in that primeval mirror of the soul, that shaft of self-conscious understanding which sounded both the depths of your collective history and your own individual being, you glimpsed – during that extended, petrified moment – something that was you and was not you, was a threat and not a threat, an enemy and not an enemy, but possessed of a final, expediently functional indifference more horrifying than evil.\\"\\n

\\n  \\"Oh, no, Cameron; I believe we're born free of sin and free of guilt. It's just that we all catch it, eventually. There are no clean rooms for morality, Cameron, no boys in bubbles kept in a guilt-free sterile zone. There are monasteries and nunneries, and people become recluses, but even that's just an elegant way of giving up. Washing one's hands didn't work two thousand years ago, and it doesn't work today. Involvement, Cameron, connection.\\"\\n

Iain Banks' novel Complicity stands out for its masterful use of first and second person narration.

Cameron Colley, a drug-abusing journalist on the verge of losing it all, stakes his reputation on a mysterious source who provides information about a series of murders from five years ago. We experience his story through his eyes, in the first person.

Meanwhile, through the second person narration, we are vicariously led through a series of murders and humiliating assaults in present-day London.

The two stories eventually converge, but the journey to that junction is filled with Banks' beautiful prose and nail-biting descriptions.

Moreover, the novel has a socio-political dimension, although describing it would spoil the reading experience. Suffice it to say that while the author set his story in the Hatcherite England of the 90s, his commentary still holds true today.

This is only the second Iain Banks novel I have read, with The Wasp Factory being the first, but it will definitely not be the last. His unique narrative style and engaging stories have truly captivated me.

Scotland is a nation that appears to be populated by Anti-Thatcherite liberals, substance-abusing, and depressed sociopaths who seem to have more dedication to alcohol than to work. Or at least that's the perception.

Banks is an outstanding writer, capable of making the gruesome seem ordinary and the ordinary seem gruesome. Cameron Colley, a journalist,嗅到 a conspiracy connection in some old murders and finds himself a suspect in the very crimes he is investigating.

As is typical with Banks, the glamorous and gratuitous unpleasantness masks unappetizing human truths. I have a passion for reading Banks, but one example of his tricky Gonzo crowd-pleasing style per year is sufficient.

It's important to note that this description of Scotland and its people is a fictional and perhaps exaggerated portrayal within the context of the story. In reality, Scotland is a diverse and vibrant nation with a rich history and a wide range of people with different values and lifestyles. Banks uses such extreme characterizations to create a sense of mystery and intrigue in his novels.

Overall, while Banks' writing can be disturbing at times, it also offers unique insights into the human psyche and the darker side of society. His ability to blend the ordinary with the extraordinary makes his books both captivating and thought-provoking.

Isn't it truly wonderful to read a novel where the landscape is familiar? Iain Banks has an uncanny ability to make me feel as if I've returned home with his vivid descriptions of Edinburgh, the A9, Inchmickery, and the Grassmarket. He even throws in casual remarks about places like Carnoustie (which is a humorous play on words with "carousing" on a computer spell check). This may mean nothing to those who haven't been to Scotland, but all the places and many of the landscape details described by Banks are real, accurately depicted, and in their correct geographical locations. That is, they haven't been distorted or manipulated for the convenience of the plot.

Knowing that this aspect of Banks' work is accurate, well-researched, and true provides a sense of comfort. It lulls me into the secure belief that all aspects of his fiction are crafted with similar precision (although I wonder if any aliens or off-world dwellers would care to comment on the accuracy of his sci-fi work?). For example, Cameron Colley, the protagonist and gonzo journalist, who whispers prayers to the great St Hunter, snorts coke, drinks heavily, chases women, smokes cigars, and licks speed in the 1980s and 1990s. He's the ultimate alpha male. But is he completely accurate? Possibly. Anyway, Colley finds himself in the middle of what can only be described as a journalist's wet dream when a story of epic proportions (conveniently also shedding light on Banks' political leanings during the 1980s) practically lands on his doorstep, wrapped with a bow and screaming "Write me!" in his face. Little does Cameron know that there's a darker side to an already rather sinister set of torture and murders, and that he is about to become the star of the show.

I actually know two real journalists, one who works for the BBC and the other for The Times. Of course, I won't name them here for fear of them seeking some kind of injunction on Goodreads. Sadly, neither of them is particularly gonzo. I haven't yet asked for their opinions on Cameron Colley, but I'll keep you updated.

One of Banks's darker forays into contemporary fiction is part thriller, part meditation on the human capacity for evil.

If we tolerate evil, or even profit from it, aren't we then all culpable and worthy of punishment? Such questions take on a deadly significance for cynical nicotine-addicted journalist Cameron Colley. He finds himself embroiled in the gruesomely inventive murders of a serial killer. The killer is intent on targeting the corrupt, greedy, and hypocritical.

Set in Scotland in the early 1990s, when Thatcherism had paradoxically made a virtue of greed while destroying much of the industrial base that generated profit, this is the blackest of black comedies. You'll probably wince more than you laugh. The story explores the moral ambiguities and the consequences of our actions in a society where greed seems to prevail. It forces the reader to question their own role in a world where evil often goes unchallenged.

Banks's writing is as sharp as ever, painting a vivid picture of a society on the brink of chaos. The characters are complex and flawed, making them all the more believable. As the story unfolds, we are drawn deeper into the web of mystery and horror, left wondering who will be the next victim and whether justice will ever be served.

Iain Banks, in my not so humble opinion, is truly one of the greatest authors of my lifetime. His Culture series stands as one of the pinnacles of science fiction literature. And his first published book, The Wasp Factory, is simply mind-blowing. I have delved into a wide selection of Banks's works, and while there are a few that may not be as strong, the majority are not only memorable but also incredibly compelling and wondrous.

Complicity is one such remarkable book. It tells the story of a journalist, Cameron, who is深陷于毒品和酒精的漩涡之中. He is addicted to computer games and burning out at his local Scottish paper. There is also a persistent cough that is worsening, but let's not mention the dreaded "C" word. However, he stumbles upon a new story that completely captures his attention. It hits all the right notes when it comes to his complaints about geo-economic and neo-capitalistic greed to his close circle of friends. It's a cover-up on the scale of Watergate or the Kennedy assassination, the kind of story that could change a journalist's life and catapult them to world fame. But is it too good to be true? Some of Cameron's contacts seem to think so.

This book is told from two perspectives. Cameron's story is narrated in the first person, allowing us to be inside his head as he navigates through these chaotic weeks of his life. We witness his addictions in full force. Whenever I read a Banks book, I always feel a sense of detachment because of the excessive drug use by his characters. In this case, I'm glad I don't partake in such substances, as Cameron's life spirals out of control and turns into absolute chaos. The second perspective is rather unique, told in the second person. You become the serial killer who is torturing and killing victims from high industry and world banking, fulfilling the wishes of a long-time friend. But which of Cameron's friends is it?

The identity of the serial killer isn't overly difficult to figure out. From the reader's perspective, there are really only two suspects: the man Cameron is cuckolding or his childhood best friend. To add a bit of complexity, the childhood best friend fakes his death, and Cameron is framed for all the murders that continue after his supposed demise. With Banks's penchant for playing with narration time, one can't simply assume that the two narratives are being told chronologically (even though in this case they are). Cameron's friend, Andy, is a total psychopath. You can sense it the moment you meet him. There's just something off about him. That's not to say that William (the cuckold) or his wife, Yvonne, don't also give off those creepy vibes. In true Iain Banks fashion, all the characters are either creepy, scummy, or morally ambiguous, making you question the very nature of humanity.

In the end, you discover that Andy is the serial killer. He is seeking revenge on several individuals who wronged him, including a doctor who caused the death of his sister through neglect and his Army commander who got people needlessly killed in the Falklands. He half-heartedly covers up these murders by targeting the who's who of Cameron's list of bad people who deserve to die. However, Cameron gets himself arrested too quickly by the police due to his manic state from excessive drug and alcohol use. So, Andy fakes his own death and frames Cameron, allowing him to accelerate his plan to kill his intended targets, as well as Cameron's other friend, William, for possible future reasons, and finally threatening to kill Cameron himself for being a coward and almost causing Andy's death on several occasions.

This book is a page-turner. I couldn't put it down. In terms of greatness, it ranks among the top tier for Banks. While it may not be one of his absolute best, as there are other works that are近乎完美, it still has many redeeming qualities. There are a few parts that may make you roll your eyes, but overall, it's one of the best books I've read this year so far. It should definitely be on everyone's radar to check out. I give it a solid 4.5 out of 5 stars. I'm aware that this review contains spoilers, but I don't think it will significantly impact the reading experience. It's less about the mystery and more about the journey and uncovering the motives behind everyone's actions. Every character is well thought out and fully fleshed out. Characters like Yvonne or the Scottish cop, who may seem two-dimensional at first, reveal so much nuance by the end that you wonder how you missed it when you were first introduced to them. This is a top-notch read that should be added to your TBR list immediately.

I didn't take as long as Goodreads thinks to read this book.

You see, I broke my wrist and wasn't able to go to the office. As a result, I had more free time on my hands. And I usually do the majority of my real book reading on public transport.

This book is written by another fine writer from Scotland.

It is a delicately woven tale that combines rather gruesome deaths with wonderment as to the identity of this killer with panache.

The story does encompass a group of four, but primarily focuses on the close friendship between Andy and Cameron.

It's truly great to see how things and minds unravel as the story progresses.

I must confess that I bought the film adaptation out of curiosity and also because of the quality of the actors in it. I'm eager to see how they bring this captivating story to life on the big screen.

I'm sure it will be an interesting comparison between the book and the movie.

You can definitely tell that this is one of Banks' early(ish) works.

The dark thread which runs through it - the drugs, sex and general disgust with the human condition - is so prevalent that at times you could be reading Irvine Welsh.

The plot is solid - it's a good thriller with a lot to say about the state of the world. Amazingly, despite being written in 1993, it's depressingly applicable to today's society.

The characters are engaging. I couldn't help but like the protagonist, though I think he's actually kind of a dick, which is classic Banks.

All in all, it's a great read. It keeps you on the edge of your seat with its thrilling plot and makes you think about the world we live in. The characters are well-developed and add depth to the story. Whether you're a fan of Banks or just looking for a good thriller, this book is definitely worth checking out.

5 days and +300 pages later (+4900 scrolled on Kindle). This is the second book I've read by this author, and I had never read two consecutive books by the same author before.

Why did I decide to read this book? Because the synopsis really hooked me. It's a synopsis that could truly be made for me: a noir novel, satire, drugs, and personal misery.

Let's say that for the "original" idea, that's why I'm giving it 5 stars. Because I think the narrative has a bit of potential, although it can be a bit too abrupt in the changes of time. There's something about the first-person narrative that I love, especially the detail when the murders are described, which is very personal.

I don't want to reveal many details of the story, but it's a setting that I quite like. Also, reading a bit of transgressive fiction with thriller and satire elements is very nice for the global mood.

As for the characters, I liked them quite a lot. But what I appreciate the most are the sexual descriptions and the murders. I really liked them, and they make me wonder how the author knows so much. Excellent empathy.

There will probably be a review because it's an interesting book, and in my opinion, more impactful than "La fábrica de avispas". Anyway, that's my opinion.

I truly love the fact that Scottish school libraries possess such wonderful books written by great Scottish authors. It is a remarkable thing to have a collection that showcases the literary talent and heritage of the region.

In contrast, it is quite amusing to think that in certain US states, there might be quite a commotion or overreaction. It's almost as if they would go "apeshit" - lol.

This difference in attitude towards literature and the presence of local authors' works in school libraries is quite striking. It makes one wonder about the various educational cultures and priorities in different parts of the world.

Scottish school libraries seem to value and promote the works of their own authors, which can have a significant impact on students' understanding and appreciation of their own culture and history.

On the other hand, the reaction in some US states might suggest a different set of concerns or perhaps a lack of emphasis on local literary traditions.

Overall, it is an interesting observation that highlights the diversity and complexity of educational systems and the role of literature within them.

A thriller that is extremely intense in terms of violence, contains explicit sex and drug scenes--but if you are not deterred by these elements, it is an exciting and thrilling murder mystery that also raises some significant and thought-provoking social, political, and moral issues.

Cameron Colley, a brilliant newspaper journalist, finds himself accused of several violent crimes against powerful members of society. This accusation stems from a piece he had written, in which he called for a 'Radical Equalizer' to address certain social injustices.

The story unfolds with Cameron fighting to clear his name and prove his innocence, while also delving into the complex web of social, political, and moral issues that his article had brought to the surface.

As the mystery deepens, the reader is taken on a wild ride through a world of corruption, power struggles, and moral dilemmas.

Will Cameron be able to prove his innocence and expose the truth behind the accusations? Or will he become a victim of the very system he was trying to change?

This thrilling murder mystery is sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats from beginning to end.

The main character in this story is extremely well-developed. Through a series of flashbacks, significant events and relationships in his life are gradually revealed. There are countless rich details here, which make the character and the story more vivid and engaging. Just like in The Crow Road, there is also a wonderful cast of supporting characters. Some of them are truly ghastly people, adding an extra layer of complexity and intrigue to the narrative. Banks has an outstanding ability to handle the much murkier side of human life, exploring the darker aspects of human nature with great skill and depth.

The story is set in Edinburgh and a variety of other Scottish locations, both real and fictional. All the real ones are described perfectly, and it is a great pleasure to read about places that the reader knows well. Written in the early nineties and set at that time, the story describes real events that took place during that period. This authenticity really brings the book to life, making it feel like a vivid snapshot of a particular time and place.

The story is very gripping, with plenty of action and excitement going on. There are also lots of twists and turns, especially towards the end, which keep the reader on the edge of their seat. The conclusion is both satisfyingly conclusive and open-ended at the same time, leaving room for the reader to think and reflect on the events and characters. Overall, this is a really enjoyable read that is sufficient to provoke plenty of thought on why people behave the way they do.