Books matching: irish crime fiction
10 result(s)
- #1
Save:'The Ruin' by Dervla McTiernan follows Detective Cormac Reilly as he investigates a 20-year-old cold case involving the death of a mother of two due to a heroin overdose. The story unfolds with intricate plotlines, intertwining past and present crimes, corruption within the police force, and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals. As Reilly delves deeper into the mysteries, he uncovers dark secrets that lead to unexpected twists and turns, ultimately culminating in a satisfying conclusion. The writing style is described as well-crafted, engaging, and reminiscent of Irish crime fiction known for its complexity and psychological depth.
It was two hours into the day shift when Aisling finished her last chart and signed out, which meant she had the dressing room to herself. She took her time in the shower, letting the hot water ease t... - #2
Save:The House of Ashes by Stuart Neville is a haunting and gripping psychological thriller that delves into the dark history of a house named The Ashes. The story follows Sara and Damien, a couple who move into the house, unaware of its sinister past. As Sara uncovers the house's tragic secrets, she becomes entangled in a web of violence, abuse, and supernatural occurrences. Alternating between Sara's present-day experiences and Mary's haunting memories of the house, the novel explores themes of trauma, domestic abuse, and the lasting impact of past events on the present.
Stuart Neville masterfully weaves together a narrative that combines elements of crime fiction, psychological suspense, and supernatural intrigue. Through compelling character development and a dual timeline structure, the author creates a chilling atmosphere that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The House of Ashes is not just a tale of a haunted house; it's a story of resilience, redemption, and the enduring power of female solidarity in the face of male violence.
- #3
Save:A Gun for Sale by Graham Greene is a thriller novel published in 1936 that follows the story of a professional assassin named Philip Raven. After assassinating the Czech War Minister as part of a political ploy to push Europe towards war, Raven is betrayed by his employers and framed for passing counterfeit money. While being pursued by the police, Raven sets out to track down those who double-crossed him. The novel explores themes of political intrigue, betrayal, and the impending war, with a focus on the complex character of Raven and his morally ambiguous actions. Greene's writing style is described as evocative, suspenseful, and skillfully crafted, capturing the pre-war jitters and sentiments of the time.
MURDER didn't mean much to Raven. It was just a new job. You had to be careful. You had to use your brains. It was not a question of hatred. He had only seen the Minister once: he had been pointed out... - #4
Save:'Small Mercies: A Novel' by Dennis Lehane is a gripping story set in South Boston in 1974, delving into the lives of desperate people facing racial tensions and mob control. The protagonist, Mary Pat Fennessy, embarks on a relentless search for her missing daughter, Jules, leading her to confront the Irish mob and challenge the norms of her community. The novel intricately explores themes of race, class, and family dynamics, painting a vivid picture of a volatile setting where personal losses and societal struggles collide.
- #5
Save:'A Keeper' by Graham Norton is a dual timeline novel that follows Elizabeth Keane as she returns to Ireland after her mother's death and uncovers a hidden past through love letters found in her mother's closet. The story alternates between the present day and four decades earlier, revealing a tale of secrets, mysteries, and unexpected connections. The writing style effortlessly weaves between timelines, keeping the reader engaged with twists and turns that lead to a satisfying conclusion.
He longed for silence. The roar of the wind churned with the rasping rhythm of the waves and filled his head. Every morning, Edward woke to these sounds, and when his aching arms pulled the blankets u... - #6
Save:'The Guards' by Ken Bruen follows the story of Jack Taylor, an alcoholic ex-cop turned private investigator who is hired to look into the questionable suicide of a young girl. While the plot revolves around solving the case, the focus is more on Jack's turbulent life, his struggles with addiction, and his introspective journey. The writing style is described as hard-boiled, poetic, and atmospheric, with elements of Irish noir that delve deep into Jack Taylor's psyche and his morally ambiguous world.
It’s a serious place for serious drinking. No bouncers with intercoms on the door. Not an easy pub to find. You head up Shop Street, skip Garavan’s, turn into a tiny alley and you’re home. If not free... - #7
Save:"Tied Up in Tinsel" by Ngaio Marsh revolves around a Christmas party hosted by Mr. Hilary Bill Tasman at Halberds Manor, where guests include eccentric characters and a staff of convicted murderers. The protagonist, Troy Alleyn, wife of DI Roderick Alleyn of Scotland Yard, is at the manor to paint a portrait while her husband is away. The plot unfolds with a disappearance after a Christmas pageant, leading to suspicion among the staff and guests, and eventually, Superintendent Roderick Alleyn gets involved to solve the mystery. The writing style of the book combines elements of a traditional country house murder mystery with quirky characters and a cleverly executed plot that keeps the reader engaged throughout the story.
‘Thank you. When I so describe his activities I do not indulge in facezia. He went into partnership in a rag-and-bone way with my Uncle Bert Smith, who was already equipped with a horse and cart and t...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Roderick Alleyn ) - #8
Save:'The North Water' by Ian McGuire is a brutal and violent novel set in the 19th century aboard a whaling ship, the Volunteer, on a voyage to the Arctic Circle. The story follows a disgraced Irish surgeon, Patrick Sumner, and a ruthless harpooner named Henry Drax, as they navigate through a journey filled with murder, rape, robbery, and other brutalities. The writing style is described as vivid, gritty, and darkly brilliant, capturing the harsh realities of life at sea during that period.
He shuffles out of Clappison’s courtyard onto Sykes Street and snuffs the complex air—turpentine, fishmeal, mustard, black lead, the usual grave, morning-piss stink of just-emptied night jars. He snor... - #9
Save:'Wild Horses' by Dick Francis revolves around movie director Thomas Lyon who returns to Newmarket to shoot a film based on an unsolved crime that shook the horseracing world. As Lyon delves into the past scandal, he uncovers dangerous secrets that lead to new deaths and threats. The novel intricately weaves together elements of mystery, film making, and the world of horse racing, providing readers with a compelling and suspenseful storyline. The book is praised for its detailed descriptions of film production, engaging plot twists, and the exploration of complex characters.
He could no longer see newsprint or anything straight ahead, though peripheral vision partly remained. I called in more or less every week, both to keep him up to date with the racing columns in the n... - #10
Save:'Lair' by James Herbert is a sequel to 'The Rats' and continues the horror saga of mutant rats terrorizing humanity. Set in a different location, Epping Forest, the story follows a pest controller as the main protagonist who must confront the bloodthirsty mutant rats that have survived and multiplied. is described as fast-paced, graphic, and seething with malevolence, offering a thrilling and intense read. The author's writing style is noted for its effective slower build-up to the mayhem, teasing the reader with glimpses of the rats' intelligence, making them even more terrifying.
The rat had been trapped in the basement for five days. It had crawled into a dark corner behind a row of shelves to give birth to its litter and, when it had tried to follow the sound, the sound that...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Rats )
