N THE MORNING I'LL BE GONE, Adrian McKinty
This is the third book of what McKinty calls THE TROUBLES TRILOGY although I see a fourth one is coming out. This won the Ned Kelly Award and I enjoyed it immensely. It's a locked room murder inside a story of the troubles. I have not read the first two books so that probably factors in to a certain lack of knowledge of the character and his problems with the Royal Ulster Constabulary,
Sean Duffy has a chance for reinstatement in the local forces if he is able to find the whereabouts of an infamous IRA member. The two were childhood friends so this gives him a certain insight into the terrorist. His deal with those who can tell him Dermot's whereabouts is to solve the locked room murder of their daughter a few years back. And watching Duffy solve this crime is enjoyable. McKinty writes very clearly and yet doesn't repeat himself. It's a pleasure to be led through the clues by such a good plotter.
Also enjoyable is McKinty's use of Joseph Kennedy Jr. on a trip to Belfast. And the final scenes, which take place during Margaret Thatcher's stay in a Brighton Hotel, are exciting. I liked the style of writing and the cast of characters a lot. We get some of Duffy's life but not enough to slow the action down. I also really like the single POV in this book. It does make following a plot easier. Highly recommended for crime fiction lovers.
What Irish writers do you like?
For more most excellent book reviews, see Barrie Summy.
I'm amazed that you read the 3rd book in a trilogy without reading the earlier books first.
ReplyDeleteI just read the first one, as you know - THE COLD COLD GROUND - and liked it very much. It is set in 1981 during the Hunger Strikes and the run-up to the Royal Wedding. That was the exact period we were in Ireland (though across the border in the South) and it all seems right. I liked his first person narration too. I have book two on order.
ReplyDeleteJeff M.
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ReplyDeleteWell, I'm a big McKinty fan, so I've read just about everything. But I have a lot of other Irish writers I really like as well. Ken Bruen, Declan Burke, Declan Hughes, Stuart Neville, Colin Bateman, Gerard Brennan--they all have something to add to the mix. For some reason I haven't gotten to Tana French yet, I have no idea why. I think it was probably just the bookseller's syndrome which can manifest as an aversion to massive popularity.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I don't usually read mysteries or crime novels, I enjoy learning about the genre from your reviews.
ReplyDeleteYes, I like those writers too. And Gene Kerrigan. And Tana French is amazing.
ReplyDeleteOh right, Gene Kerrigan too. I knew I was forgetting someone.
ReplyDeleteI think I even have at least the first two Tana French books, so there's really no excuse.
So, Patti, I see you're on reading jag of mysteries by Irish authors! I'm definitely adding this to my list...although I think I'll start with The Cold Cold Ground. Thanks for reviewing!
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