COMPLICITY n. 1. the fact of being an accomplice, esp. in a criminal act A few spliffs, a spot of mild S&M, phone through the copy for tomorrow’s front page, catch up with the latest from your mystery source – could be big, could be very big – in fact, just a regular day at the office for free-wheeling, substance-abusing Cameron Colley, a fully paid-up Gonzo hack on an Edinburgh newspaper. The source is pretty thin, but Cameron senses a scoop and checks out a series of bizarre deaths from a few years ago – only to find that the police are checking out a series of bizarre deaths that are happening right now. And Cameron just might know more about it than he’d care to admit …Involvement; connection; liability – Complicity is a stunting exploration of the morality of greed, corruption and violence, venturing fearlessly into the darker recesses of human purpose.
Dive into the darkly humorous and thrilling world of Iain Banks' *Complicity*, a gripping novel that blurs the lines between observer and participant, journalist and criminal. Published in 1994, this Abacus paperback edition (ISBN: 9780349105710) plunges you into the chaotic life of Cameron Colley, a Gonzo journalist working for an Edinburgh newspaper. Cameron's days are a whirlwind of spliffs, casual S&M, and chasing down leads, all fueled by a healthy dose of cynicism and substance abuse. His latest story revolves around a mysterious source hinting at something big, a potential career-defining scoop. He stumbles upon a series of unsettling, unsolved deaths from years past. But as Cameron delves deeper, he discovers that the police are now investigating a string of similarly bizarre deaths happening *right now*. The chilling realization dawns on him: he might know more about these crimes than he's willing to admit. *Complicity* is more than just a mystery thriller; it's a searing exploration of morality in a world saturated with greed, corruption, and violence. Banks masterfully crafts a narrative that questions the very nature of truth and justice. Is Cameron a detached observer, reporting on the darkness, or is he inextricably linked to the depravity he uncovers? With its blend of dark humor, suspense, and razor-sharp social commentary, *Complicity* showcases Banks' signature style. It's a twisting, turning narrative that will keep you guessing until the very end. The 313 pages fly by as you navigate the murky depths of Cameron's psyche and the even murkier motivations of those around him. Fans of crime fiction with a literary bent, and those who appreciate authors like Christopher Brookmyre, will find themselves captivated by Banks' unflinching portrayal of a society teetering on the edge. It's a must-read for anyone interested in complex characters, intricate plots, and thought-provoking themes. *Complicity* solidifies Iain Banks' reputation as a master storyteller who isn't afraid to confront the darkest corners of the human soul. This book contains elements of police procedural and amateur sleuthing, making it an engaging read for different types of readers, and as such is difficult to put down.