Jack Laidlaw Books in Order
See the Jack Laidlaw crime novels that inspired Ian Rankin, with reading order, concise story summaries and an introduction to 1970s Glasgow's gritty Tartan Noir setting.
Last updated: December 24, 2025
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Publication Order
4 books
The Dark Remains
by Ian Rankin
2021
Set in 1972 Glasgow, this prequel finds newly minted detective Jack Laidlaw investigating the murder of a mob lawyer caught between rival gang bosses. Co written from William McIlvanney’s unfinished manuscript, it shows Laidlaw’s early clashes with colleagues, criminals and his own conscience.
Strange Loyalties
by William McIlvanney
1991
The Papers of Tony Veitch
by William McIlvanney
1983
Laidlaw
by William McIlvanney
1977
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