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Publisher:
William Morrow & Co |
Release
Date: December 24, 2002 |
ISBN:
0060008490 |
Awards:
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Format
Reviewed: Hardcover |
Buy
it at Amazon |
Read
an Excerpt |
Genre:
Mystery / Irish Police Procedural |
Reviewer:
Brenda Weeaks |
Reviewer
Notes: Profanity and violence |
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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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