the setup…
It’s 1980 Northern Ireland with all the turmoil and conflict experienced during The Troubles era. Detective Sergeant Sean Duffy, freshly promoted, heads from Belfast to his new command in Carrickfergus CID RUC (Royal Ulster Constabulary). He’s a Catholic detective in a primarily Protestant force and town, a man who automatically has a target on his back.
the heart of the story…
I’ve wanted to start this series for some time now and was thrilled to see the release of this prequel. Sean Duffy is a bit unusual as he’s well educated, intelligent and quick witted with a wicked sense of humor. In this short story, I feel I not only “got” the character but the strong sense of the setting, including the politics of the town, country and police bureaucracy.
the narration…
Gerard Doyle adeptly captured the essence of Duffy as well as the secondary characters and townsfolk. I’m looking forward to his storytelling in future books.
the bottom line…
My instincts were right to grab this gem. Sean Duffy is enough of a draw on his own but this period in history is one I’ve wanted to learn more about, from the inside. McKinty proves here that it’s a topic he’s well versed in from every angle. I couldn’t be more excited about what’s ahead.
Book info
- Release Date: February 4, 2025
- Series: Detective Sean Duffy #.5
- Narrator: Gerard Doyle
- Audio Length: 1 hour, 39 minutes
- Publisher: Blackstone Publishing
Listen to a Sample!
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Blue Mood Café 
Fab review Jo you’ve definitely intrigued me!
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Thanks, Nicki💜 If you have even a tiny bit of interest, this will be a deciding factor.
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I also want to read this series. I’ve read only the first book and liked it. I remember it as complex but that I wanted to read more. I may pick this one up before going on in the series. Great review!
Anne – Books of My Heart
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Thanks, Anne💜 It’s on Libro.fm!
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Can’t beat that title! Glad you enjoyed this one.
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Thanks, Marialyce 💜
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I love the title and can’t wait to get my hands on this, Jo.
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It is attention grabbing! Hope you enjoy, Sandy💜
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It sounds like this prequel is a great beginning to the series. Wonderful review, Jo. I have one of his standalones, The Island, to listen to for Reading Ireland, if I get to it.
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Thank you, Carla💜 I’ve collected most of the books in the series so this was a nice surprise.
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Fab review! I’ve been curious about this series… xx
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Thanks, Yvo💜 So have I!
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