Synopsis:
Winner of the Bronze Noose Award 2026
Gritty, sharp-witted, and packing a serious emotional punch!
Lauren North
‘Thirty years ago the dominant voice in PI fiction was Robert B. Parker. His ‘Spenser’ novels are probably the best thing since sliced Chandler. Ever since I first read a Spenser novel I’ve wondered about an English Spenser to no particular conclusion, but in Graeme Cumming’s ‘Rand’ Scott (yes, that really is his name) I think we have a contender. Rand is the Spenser mix of borderline criminal and white knight, the hard-case with a heart of gold. That said, Cumming doesn’t pretend to copy Parker’s style, his voice is his own, his dialogue crisp, his sense of place superb … and he doesn’t give a flying F about food (sorry, Robert B.)
John Lawton
What an incredible novel. Cumming’s strong and authentic writing explores the murkiest worlds of covert policing in the most gripping and compelling way. Exquisitely plotted and expertly told.
Graham Bartlett
As good a crime thriller as I’ve read in years.
Rudders Writing
I love how he writes about vulnerable people with such care and compassion, and this adds an extra layer of complexity to the characters in this novel as well as giving the reader some interesting things to think about
Portable Magic
A cracker of a thriller that has the perfect ingredients for a great read!! Gritty, dark and twists that are perfectly placed.
Sharon Beyond the Books
Funny, smart, and with plenty of twists and turns.
Rambling Mads
Borderline is a cracking crime thriller, it’s dark, there is violence, there is intrigue and I was hooked!!
A Knight’s Reads
When the system isn’t working, work outside the system.
A search for a missing man thrusts Rand Scott into the dark realms of homelessness, drug dealing and sex clubs.
Kirsty Moore wants to find her brother Johnny, a one-time rock star.
The police also want him – for murder.
And there are others looking who don’t play nicely.
A simple job turns deadly as Rand uncovers a world where money talks louder than the screams of innocent bystanders.
My Review:
I don’t often read thrillers but when I do I often enjoy them so thought I’d give Graeme Cumming’s book, Borderline, a go.
And I’m glad I did, I enjoyed.
My thoughts: A well crafted, and plotted book which is gritty and exciting, (especially the last third of the book, which really sizzles). Expect musical references and realistic social commentary and dialogue including some laugh out loud moments.
Liked: Characterisation, particularly the main character Rand, (Cowboy,) not a policeman, not a pushover either. Rand follows his own moral code. He investigates and tries to find a missing man, Johnny Moore, a former fairly well known rock star who’s fallen upon hard times, (expect references to crime, drug culture, social issues, and homelessness,) and his sister Kirsty’s wish to help her brother, Johnny, at all costs.
Setting: Seedy sex club culture, homeless refuge, unscrupulous criminal elements, vulnerable women. Storyline and setting/s worked well.
A recommended read for thriller and other readers.
Well done to Graeme on his Bronze Noose award!
M.J. Mallon’s review of Borderline | Goodreads
Buy link:
Borderline eBook : Cumming, Graeme: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store
M J Mallon YA Author and Poet 