 | The Ghosts of Belfast by Stuart Neville (The Belfast Novels Book 1) This gripping Irish crime fiction novel has skyrocketed as one of my top 5 favorite books of all time. It’ll leave you shocked, speechless and wanting more. Years ago Gerry Fegan was the muscle for the IRA, but is now a delusional drunkard that lurks in local pubs. He’s been seen talking to himself and drinking until he blacks out. What people don’t know is that twelve ghosts haunt him from murders he took part in for the IRA. These spirits torment him into avenging their deaths. Gerry must also fight to protect a woman he befriends and her small daughter when the IRA targets them. Gerry Fegan turns into one of the best anti-heroes I’ve read about in years. At its core The Ghosts of Belfast is a raw crime fiction novel. Stuart Neville’s debut novel is extremely well crafted with an incredible weave of paranormal activity. Do these evil men deserve to be hunted and murdered for their transgression against innocents? You betcha. I would’ve given The Ghosts of Belfast ten stars, but five was the maximum. |
"For me to be able to live in the light and live in the world, I had to find a way that I was comfortable in the awful darkness that was in my head . . . It was the writing that saved me and saved my life." Ken Bruen Novelist  The Killing of the Tinkers by Ken Bruen
This is the second novel in the Jack Taylor series and one of my favorites. Jack's got two new clients and we're along for the ride. Someone is killing men from a group of Irish gypsies called the Tinkers and Jack's hired to live among them. He's given a place to live in with all expenses paid and starts looking for clues. At the same time someone is also killing Swans in a local park and Jack's hell bent on finding out who. Join Jack as he searches for answers and struggles with his own inner demons. Jack Taylor novels are sarcastic and gritty real page turning fun. This is the novel that hooked me on anything Ken Bruen. Give it a try and you'll be reading everything Ken Bruen too.  Tower was a collaborative novel by Ken Bruen and Reed Farrell Coleman. Its a brilliant piece of storytelling told through the eyes of two friends. More crime mind candy... Go grab it, if you can find it. Here's an Interview with Reed Farrell Coleman discussing his writing process and working with Ken Bruen from 3,000 miles away.  The Guards by Ken Bruen
This is one of my favorite novels and the one that got me started with Ken Bruen. The main character Jack Taylor is an ex-police officer who is a part time private detective and full time smart arse. Hanging out in local bars, drinking Jameson with Guinness and chain smoking cigarettes is his thing. Jack struggles with his inner demons to conquer alcoholism, drug abuse, depression and family dysfunction. I can't praise his writing style enough. Ken Bruen's brilliant dialogue left me feeling like Jack and I were old pals. This is Irish crime fiction at its best and Ken Bruen is the Grand Master. You might even learn something about Irish culture or how they feel about all the crappy weather. |
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