A Cool Head by Ian Rankin

(Orion)

"My dad used to say to me, 'Try to keep a cool head and a warm heart'. At least, I think it was my dad. I don't really remember him."

Gravy worked in the graveyard - hence the name. He was having a normal day until his friend Benjy turned up in a car Gravy didn't recognise. Benjy had a bullet hole in his chest, but lived just long enough to ask Gravy to hide him and look after his gun. Gravy had looked after things for Benjy before, but never a gun. When Gravy looked in the car he found blood, a balaclava and a bag stuffed with money. Gravy's not too bright but he wants to help his friend.

So Gravy finds himself caught up in the middle of a robbery gone wrong, a woman who witnessed a murder and some very unpleasant men who will do anything to get back the money Benjy stole...

Bestselling Scottish author Ian Rankin's new story is part of the 2009 series of Quick Reads, released to coincide with World Book Day. At just over 100 pages A Cool Head is a thrilling and accessible story for anyone who has lost the reading habit, as well as being a welcome burst of Rankin's inimitable style for die-hard fans.

Find out more about World Book Day & Quick Reads

Click here to buy a copy of A Cool Head 

We have 5 copies of A Cool Head to give away!

To be in with a chance of winning send your answer to the following question, along with your name and address, to info@scottishbooktrust.com with the subject 'A Cool Head competition':

Q: Which famous TV detective was created by Ian Rankin? 

Competition closes on Monday 30th March 2009.