I have read several thrillers in the Detective Sean Duffy series by Adrian McKinty's set in and around Belfast during "The Troubles". This book was a little different as most of the main characters come from the other side of the track.
Killian has been trying to make a better life for himself after years as a minor criminal and thug, especially during the times of The Troubles. When his property investments leave him in debt he is drawn back into doing one last job to improve his fortunes. A contact from his past offers him a very well paying job - to find the divorced wife of a multi-millionaire who has taken off with his two daughters.
Killian has a different background to the average Irish thug. He was brought up as a Parvee, the Irish equivalent of a gypsy. Killian left them a long time ago, but their rules and ethics are still part of his nature. The job brings out the best and worst in Killian when he finds that he sympathises with the ex-wife and struggles to find the best solution for the young woman and her children.
Things get worse when the issue gets wider than a search for the children and a brutal Russian enforcer is hired to take over from Killian. Everyone is now in danger and Killian must do his best to protect the people that he was hired to find.
This is a complex book, both in terms of plot and characters. Some parts are extremely violent and not for the fainthearted (and are probably unnecessary). McKinty's love for Northern Ireland and its people shines through.
This is a book with lots of emphasis on honour, duty, love, courage and revenge. It is the work of a master storyteller writing about people and places that he understands and loves. I recommend it to the discerning readers who appreciate good literary fiction as part of their enjoyment of well-plotted and atmospheric thrillers.
I listened to this as an audiobook narrated by Gerard Doyle. This was a first-class listening experience and made the book even more enjoyable because of his authentic Irish accents.
No comments:
Post a Comment