The Long Drop

The Long Drop takes place in 1950s Glasgow and follows two men: Peter Manuel, a career criminal accused of murder, and William Watt, a businessman whose family was killed. The story centers on one long night these men spend together in Glasgow's pubs, drinking and talking. Based on real events and people, the narrative moves between the night of drinking and Manuel's later murder trial. The dark streets and smoky pubs of post-war Glasgow serve as the backdrop for this cat-and-mouse game between the two men. The story examines violence and truth in 1950s Scotland, where respectable society and criminal underworld often intersected. Through the lens of this notorious case, Mina explores questions of guilt, justice, and the stories people tell themselves and others.

Readers appreciate Mina's detailed portrayal of 1950s Glasgow and her focus on the real-life Peter Manuel murder case. Many reviews highlight the atmospheric descriptions and the authentic dialogue that captures the city's character. The narrative structure, moving between courtroom scenes and earlier events, keeps readers engaged. Common praise points: - Historical research and accuracy - Dark, gritty atmosphere - Complex character development - Tight pacing - Authentic Scottish dialogue Main criticisms: - Confusing timeline jumps - Slow middle section - Heavy use of Scottish slang - Some readers found it hard to follow multiple characters Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (5,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (450+ ratings) Book Depository: 4.1/5 (200+ ratings) One reader noted: "The descriptions of Glasgow's underworld are so vivid you can smell the cigarette smoke and whiskey." Another mentioned: "The shifting timelines required concentration but paid off in the end."

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🔍 "The Long Drop" is based on Scotland's first convicted serial killer, Peter Manuel, who was hanged in Glasgow's Barlinnie Prison in 1958. 🏆 The novel won the McIlvanney Prize for Scottish Crime Book of the Year in 2017 and the Gordon Burn Prize for its innovative approach to true crime writing. 🍺 The pivotal 11-hour drinking session between Peter Manuel and William Watt, described in the book, really took place on December 2, 1957, though what truly transpired remains a mystery. ✍️ Author Denise Mina spent three years researching the case, including attending the Glasgow Police Museum and poring over original court documents and newspaper reports. 🎭 The book's narrative switches between the night of the drinking session and Manuel's trial, mirroring the way Glasgow itself was split between its respectable facade and its violent underbelly in the 1950s.