Maureen O'Donnell, ex-psychiatric patient and survivor of sexual abuse, is facing the darkest episode in her life. Her abuser has arrived back in Glasgow in time for the birth of her sister's new baby; she owes more than she makes in a year in back taxes; and Angus Farrell, the psychologist who murdered her boyfriend is up for trial, with Maureen as the reluctant star witness. On top of it all, she has managed to become embroiled in someone else's family feud. Ella McGee, an elderly stall holder at the flea market where Maureen and Leslie are selling illegally imported cigarettes, is bringing a case against her son in the small claims court. When Ella dies in hospital after a brutal beating Maureen, who identifies all too readily with the underdogs of this world, can't stop herself from becoming involved. Soon Maureen too is under threat, and this time she has very few protectors. Denise Mina, the queen of Tartan Noir, is at the top of her form. With her talent for creating intensely believable and sympathetic central characters, and her unique and irresistible blend of suspense, compassion and with, Resolution with be THE crime novel of 2002.