Clubland - Softcover

Sampson, Kevin

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0099289768 ISBN 13: 9780099289760

Publisher: Vintage, 2003

Synopsis

After his last blag, Ged Brennan's had enough. He sees young kids making big money. Ged wants some of that for himself but there's no way he's getting involved in clubs, drugs and topless bars. So when he's offered the clubland empire of an executed gangster, he passes the parcel to his sex-addicted cousin Moby. Mistake.

After Ratter's death, his common law widow, Margo, is told that her landmark project, a media village, is to be taken away from her. Mistake.

The council's regeneration committee headhunt Ged Brennan to steer the final stages of Margo's development. He's read with righteous horror the bold new plans to create a 'permissive' zone in clubland. The last thing on his mind is that it'll be anything to do with him. Mistake.

The result is an intrigue of Machiavellian proportions, with friends and relatives plotting against each other and ready to fight - to the death - for what's theirs.

About this title

Review:

The Mersey might still be one of the world’s muddiest rivers, but the Liverpool depicted in Kevin Sampson’s Clubland is keen to leave its murky past behind. Brussels-bound bureaucrats toast the success of the post-Toxteth regeneration; young people are flocking to its universities and money men are clambering over each other for a slice of the lucrative club trade.

Veteran gangster – and hero of Sampson’s earlier thriller Outlaws--Ged Brennan wouldn’t normally turn down an opportunity to earn more money. He’s got a wife and kids with decidedly upmarket tastes, after all. But he’s also got strong principles. The idea of a decriminalised zone in the heart of clubland--where prostitution and drug use would be tolerated--appals him. Unfortunately, he’s not in the best position to fight a crusade. The council are head-hunting him as the figurehead for their latest scheme. He’s just handed over a string of strip clubs to his wayward--and distinctly warped--cousin Moby. And there’s Marguerite, hot-shot lawyer and Haitian ice-queen. Who, in addition to being the widow of Ged’s dead brother, has very much her own ideas about the future of clubland.

This is a highly original tale of tangled loyalties, set against a backdrop of shifting values. Ged Brennan is a protagonist to rival TV’s Tony Soprano: gentlemanly and coarse, principled yet disarmingly ruthless. His journey through the mean streets of Merseyside is sometimes shocking, sometimes disturbing, always tinged with wit. Read it--and be grateful you’re not living it.--Matthew Baylis

Review:

"His ear for the language of the street is astounding" (Linda Grant)

"Liverpool noir" (Independent)

"Kevin Sampson uses his pen like a pathologist uses a scalpel. He's the literary equivalent of filmmaker David Lynch. You may not like the world he takes you into, but his immense talent makes sure you can't look away. Brilliant" (Mike Hodges, director of Get Carter and Croupier)

"Dark but brilliant" (Heat)

About this edition

• Publisher: Vintage
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 0099289768
• ISBN 13: 9780099289760
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 256