Another Review at MyShelf.Com

Publisher: William Morrow & Co
Release Date: December 24, 2002
ISBN: 0060008490
Awards:
Format Reviewed: Hardcover
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Genre: Mystery / Irish Police Procedural
Reviewer: Brenda Weeaks
Reviewer Notes: Profanity and violence

Death in Dublin
A Peter McGarr Mystery, No. 16
By Bartholomew Gill  

      I’m going to say upfront that I came late to this series, but quickly became a fan and can recommend it to anyone who enjoys the type of police procedurals that don’t hold back.

     “’Tis a sad, sorrowful day for the Irish people and the world. Our greatest national treasure has been stolen.” This is the announcement by politician Brendan Kehoe, referring to the theft of The Book of Kells, along with the books of Durrow and Armagh, collectively a trinity which, according to Kehoe, “represents the highest form of Celtic-Christian art.

     McGarr and the Murder Squad are part of the theft case because a night watchman was killed in the incident. By the time Kehoe’s broadcast is made, McGarr has made his rounds to those involved and to the victim’s family. While Chief Superintendent Jack Sheard is working to appease the press, McGarr is filmed kicking them – literally -- out of the victim’s house.

     Bresnahan and Ward, former detectives, are McGarr’s backups once again. Scenes bounce between the three as they investigate, but McGarr gets most of the limelight. He doesn’t trust anyone and suspects even the most innocent – but that’s why he’s so good at what he does. Eventually, the case leads to an anti-Christian group called the New Druids, former IRA members, known for beheading their victims, who prey mostly on the immigrant population. McGarr suspects ransom as the motive, and he’s ready to take down the group responsible. The case will lead McGarr and others on the ride of their lives.

     Personally, McGarr suffered a loss in the last installment and continues to suffer emotionally. Readers are updated on the changes in his life and witness how he moves on. In fact, the conclusion of book is a fitting ending for McGarr and the series.

     For those of you who don’t know, Bartholomew Gill is a pseudonym name for Mark McGarrity. He wrote mysteries under both names, but the McGarr police series is the most popular. Unfortunately, he passed away last summer (2002), but Gill has left behind a great legacy for us to enjoy over and over, and to pass on to others. (On a good note, HarperCollins will be reissuing the first of the McGarr series.)

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