Titles in This Set Laidlaw The Papers of Tony Veitch Strange Loyalties Details Condition: New Format: Paperback Publisher: Canongate Books Age Range: Adult (18+) Overview The Laidlaw Trilogy brings together the three landmark novels that founded Tartan Noir: Laidlaw, The Papers of Tony Veitch, and Strange Loyalties, all by William McIlvanney. Set on the mean streets of 1970s and 1980s Glasgow, these brand-new paperback editions follow Detective Jack Laidlaw, a maverick investigator with a poet's eye, a boxer's instincts, and a restless conscience. Character-driven, morally complex and beautifully written, this collection is essential reading for crime fiction fans and a superb gift for anyone who loves gritty, literary Scottish storytelling from a genuinely groundbreaking author. About the Books William McIlvanney's Laidlaw Trilogy is widely credited with launching modern Scottish crime writing, influencing generations of authors including Ian Rankin, Val McDermid and Denise Mina. The first book, Laidlaw, introduces Detective Inspector Jack Laidlaw as he hunts the killer of a young woman found murdered in Kelvingrove Park, navigating Glasgow's underworld with unorthodox methods and a deep, uneasy compassion for the criminals he pursues. The Papers of Tony Veitch continues the story as Laidlaw is drawn into a tangled case involving a dying alcoholic vagrant, a missing student and a gangland murder, unravelling secrets across the city's divided communities. The trilogy concludes with Strange Loyalties, in which Laidlaw investigates the death of his own brother, forcing him to confront painful truths about family, loyalty and the past. Across all three novels, McIlvanney combines a tightly plotted procedural with genuine literary depth, exploring class, morality and the soul of a city through spare, poetic prose. Each book stands on its own but rewards being read in sequence, tracing Laidlaw's development as one of crime fiction's most enduring, complex and deeply human detectives. This paperback collection lets readers experience the complete arc of a series widely regarded as the foundation of the Tartan Noir genre, presenting all three novels brand new and ready for the shelf in one thoroughly satisfying purchase for any crime fiction reader. Key Benefits Complete three-book Laidlaw Trilogy in one collection Brand-new paperback condition, crisp pages, unmarked covers Foundational Tartan Noir novels praised by Ian Rankin and Val McDermid Award-winning: Laidlaw and The Papers of Tony Veitch both won CWA Silver Daggers Compact, travel-friendly paperback format, ideal for a book club pick A thoughtful gift for fans of Scottish crime fiction About the Author William McIlvanney (1936-2015) was a Scottish novelist and poet widely regarded as the godfather of Tartan Noir. His debut novel, Remedy Is None, won the Geoffrey Faber Memorial Prize, and Docherty earned him the Whitbread Award for Fiction. With Laidlaw, McIlvanney redefined British crime writing, blending hard-edged procedural plotting with literary ambition and a profound sense of place. The Laidlaw Trilogy remains his best-loved work, cited by countless crime writers, including Ian Rankin and Val McDermid, as the book that made modern Scottish crime fiction possible for a whole generation of writers. Why You'll Love This Trilogy Atmospheric, morally rich and unforgettably written, the Laidlaw Trilogy offers far more than a mystery — it's a masterclass in character, conscience and place. A must-own set for any serious crime fiction shelf, and a genuinely thoughtful gift for noir lovers and fans of classic Scottish detective fiction alike. Highly recommended. Please Note: Books are dispatched with the current UK edition cover as shown, sourced under the ISBNs verified for this listing.