Quite Ugly One Morning
| Industry | Television production |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | London , United Kingdom |
| Products | Television movies |
Quite Ugly One Morning marks the first novel by Christopher Brookmyre, introducing readers to Jack Parlabane, the author's most frequently featured protagonist. Garnering both critical praise and widespread popularity, it earned the distinction of winning the inaugural Critics' First Blood Award for the best debut crime novel. Comedian Ed Byrne, a supporter and acquaintance of Brookmyre, chose this book during his guest spot on Radio 4's A Good Read.
Overview
Jack Parlabane occupies an apartment directly across from a police station in Edinburgh. While probing the savage killing of Dr Jeremy Ponsonby—a medic with a gambling problem discovered mutilated in the flat beneath—he becomes entangled with hitman Darren Mortlake, Ponsonby's former spouse Dr Sarah Slaughter, Detective Constable Jenny Dalziel, and NHS trust official Stephen Lime, who is involved in corruption.
The novel’s title alludes to a track from Warren Zevon’s 1991 release Mr. Bad Example. Following this debut, Brookmyre published the bestseller Country of the Blind (1997), which also features Parlabane.
Detailed Synopsis
Having recently escaped Los Angeles, journalist Jack Parlabane finds Dr Ponsonby’s mutilated corpse in a neighboring flat. Although initially viewed with suspicion by law enforcement and briefly questioned, he is soon released. Sarah Slaughter, Ponsonby’s ex-wife, discovers a plastic ampoule at the crime scene; Jack suspects the killing was motivated by personal or political reasons rather than a random burglary.
Darren Mortlake, a hired assassin employed by NHS trust administrator Stephen Lime, attempted to murder Ponsonby using potassium chloride to mimic a heart attack. During a violent confrontation where Ponsonby bites off one of Darren’s fingers, Darren ultimately kills and mutilates him before contaminating the scene to mislead investigators. While hiding at Mrs Kinross’s bed and breakfast, Darren impulsively kills her dog, attracting unwanted attention.
Jack collaborates with DC Jenny Dalziel in their inquiry; Sarah reveals that Ponsonby’s escalating gambling debts were being settled by wage deductions arranged by his father, suggesting possible manipulation within NHS staff. They uncover £2,000 hidden in Ponsonby’s apartment, hinting at attempts to silence him over illicit activities.
Leveraging contacts and hospital access facilitated through Lime’s personnel and disgruntled IT administrator Matt Dempsey, Jack decrypts Lime’s files disclosing plans to demolish an elderly care facility to make way for hotel construction—schemes designed to enrich Lime through bribery while erasing Trust liabilities. Mrs Kinross manages to detain Darren after drugging him; however, Darren escapes but suffers the loss of his hand beneath a train.
Following leads through proxy companies confirmed by contact Anna implicates Lime further. Sarah uncovers that Ponsonby had killed over thirty dementia patients during his on-call shifts to free beds and justify closing the care centre—revealing him as a serial killer serving Lime’s agenda.
When Lime realizes his files are unprotected and notices Sarah accessing patient records, he panics and flees. Police discover his residence abandoned. At Jack’s flat, Lime confronts Jack and Sarah at gunpoint alongside the injured Darren. He commands Darren to kill them both; Jack warns Lime that Darren will be eliminated afterward as part of eradicating loose ends—citing Ponsonby’s fate as precedent.
Darren attacks Lime; in response, Lime shoots off Darren’s remaining hand before Jack disarms him. Holding Lime at gunpoint, Jack threatens retribution against corrupt businessmen who have framed him. Overcome with despair, Lime breaks down just as police arrive; both he and Darren are arrested, bringing the case to closure. Jack and Sarah decide to spend time together and share a kiss.
Television adaptation
In 2003, the novel was transformed into a television movie produced by Clerkenwell Films for the ITV channel. The screenplay, penned by Stuart Hepburn and directed by Sam Miller, featured Irish actor James Nesbitt as Parlabane, who retained his natural accent instead of adopting the character’s original Glaswegian speech. Although the production team initially preferred Scottish actor Douglas Henshall, known for portraying Parlabane in a radio version, ITV executives ultimately vetoed this casting decision. The ensemble also included Eddie Marsan, Annette Crosbie, Daniela Nardini, and Mark Benton. The program was broadcast on 5 September 2004.
The adaptation introduced notable alterations to the storyline: Lime’s character was depicted in a more favorable light, with much of his background and political ideology excluded. Morven Christie took on the role of Jenny Dunlop (a name change from Jenny Dalziel), who functioned as Parlabane’s romantic interest instead of Sarah Slaughter.
Portions of the filming occurred within the City of Edinburgh, lending the production an authentic atmosphere reflective of its setting.