Norway Room

Mick Scully lives in Birmingham. He has been a bouncer, teacher, acupuncturist and now works as a humanist funeral minister. His story collection Little Moscow was highly praised; The Norway Room is his debut novel.

Praise for short story collection Little Moscow: 'A dark new talent -- Jake Arnott A brilliant portrait of a city on the make. He has a fine eye for human frailty, a wry compassion for the doomed and a meticulous ear for dialogue Guardian A densely plotted look at Birmingham's underclass ... Mick Scully is uncompromising in his portrayal of violence but the characters have an emotional depth and emotional insight ... His portrayal of urban criminals is worthy of Jake Arnott or Ian Rankin. -- Charlotte Eyre We Love This Book Scully's Birmingham is worth a visit ... Definitely a new writer worth keeping an eye on. -- Calum MacLeod Shots Clever, converging narratives ... [Scully's] gritty, urban tragedy is full of compassion and humour -- Andre Paine Metro A smart, gritty account of Birmingham's criminal underworld ... the most intelligent and entertaining depiction of the insidious, parasitic power of organised crime I've read for years. Scully has given us a vivid portrayal of the Birmingham tower blocks and takeaways where his cast of rogues dwells, while the Brummie accent gives it a distinctive flavour ... Scully has a talent for lively storytelling and elaborate yet clear-cut plotting. The Norway Room doesn't glorify gangsters, though it is a humorous and sympathetic portrayal of the foot soldiers toiling in the city's underbelly. Scully's villains and victims are brought to life with arresting dialogue and deft exposition, and the narratives ultimately knot together when the burgeoning rivalries reach a shocking conclusion. The Norway Room is a gripping gangland story featuring morally nuanced, memorable characters. It's a fine debut novel that would make a great film. -- Andre Paine Crime Fiction Lover A dark and gripping first novel -- Will Davis Attitude