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Mar 13

The Close By Jane Casey

The Closer‘The Close’ is the tenth book in the DS Maeve Kerrigan series by Jane Casey.

At first glance, Jellicoe Close seems to be a perfect suburban street – well-kept houses with pristine lawns, neighbours chatting over garden fences, children playing together. But there are dark secrets behind the neat front doors, hidden dangers that include a ruthless criminal who will stop at nothing. It’s up to DS Maeve Kerrigan and DI Josh Derwent to uncover the truth. Posing as a couple, they move into the Close, blurring the lines between professional and personal as never before. And while Maeve and Josh try to gather the evidence they need, they have no idea of the danger they face – because someone in Jellicoe Close has murder on their mind.

Even though this is the tenth book in the series, this is only the second or third book that I’ve read. And all the time, I intend to read more in the Maeve Kerrigan series.

The story is primarily seen through the narrative of Maeve, who’s investigating two cases, a murder of a doctor and then has been chosen to work undercover in a small estate when a man is found dead in suspicious circumstances. She has to work to her colleague with Josh and pretend that they’re in a relationship, which Maeve is struggling with after in an abusive relationship. Josh and Maeve have a complex relationship, their friends and colleagues, but there’s an obvious sexual chemistry between them that sizzles off the pages.

There’s also an inclusion of the perspective of the murderer and this made the story interesting, as I found myself trying to find out the murderer.

I really enjoyed seeing Maeve in a more relaxed role pretending to be a fluffier version of herself. Her interactions with people are softer in comparison to the harder version of herself with her guard up.

It’s quite witty in parts and this distracts from the darker moments in the story. As the story is a series, there are references to previous books and situations but has this just made me more keen to read the rest of the series.

‘The Close’ is a thrilling police procedural book that’s packed with drama, twists, suspicious characters that was gripping from the first sentence.

You can buy ‘The Close’ from Amazon and is available to buy from good bookshops.

May 25

The Killing Kind By Jane Casey

The Killing Kind‘The Killing Kind’ is the latest book by Irish author, Jane Casey.

Ingrid will never forget what John did. The people he hurt. The way he lied about it so easily. The way she defended him. Now he’s back. He says a murderer is after her. He says only he can protect her. Would you trust him? The clock is ticking for Ingrid to decide. Because the killer is ready to strike…

If you love a thriller with a creepily delicious leading man, then the latest book by Jane Casey is a must read for you.

In the story we meet Ingrid Lewis, a young barrister who has spent the last couple of years trying to escape the clutches of John Webster. A man who she represented in court and ever since, John has been obsessed with her. Harassing and tormenting her and causing her relationship to break and fear for her on life, even though she has a restraining order against him. Now, years later when a fellow barrister is killed in an accident, Ingrid is convinced that John is after her again. But in an unlikely turn of events Ingrid finds herself turning to John to help her find out who is after her, as John is already one step ahead.

I’ve not read many books by Jane but this book was an absolutely gripping thriller that pulled me in.

The story is written in the past and present tense and this really sets the tone and scene of the story, introducing John and his obsessive behaviour and how he terrorised her and this makes for chilling reading. I found John to be a fascinating character, he’s handsome, charismatic but also cunning who’s also protective towards Ingrid.

As the story progresses and people close to Ingrid are killed, Ingrid fears for her life and the only person who can keep her safe is John. And this truly is thrilling reading as John finally gets close to Ingrid and help her with his fearless and clever behaviour.

I genuinely enjoyed this story, it has all the makings of a great thriller. A fast paced plot that is cunningly written with police procedures and intricate detail that made for gripping reading. Filled with drama, suspense and a creepy man that you couldn’t help but warm to, ‘The Killing Kind’ is a compulsive story that was an absolute joy to get lost in.

You can buy ‘The Killing Kind’ from Amazon and is available to buy from good bookshops.

Apr 16

The Cutting Place By Jane Casey

The Cutting Place”The Cutting Place’ is the ninth book by Jane Casey in the Maeve Kerrigan thriller series.

Everyone’s heard the rumours about elite gentlemen’s clubs, where the champagne flows freely, the parties are the height of decadence . . . and the secrets are darker than you could possibly imagine. DS Maeve Kerrigan finds herself in an unfamiliar world of wealth, luxury and ruthless behaviour when she investigates the murder of a young journalist, Paige Hargreaves. Paige was working on a story about the Chiron Club, a private society for the richest and most privileged men in London. Then she disappeared. It’s clear to Maeve that the members have many secrets. But Maeve is hiding secrets of her own – even from her partner DI Josh Derwent. Will she uncover the truth about Paige’s death? Or will time run out for Maeve first?

Although this is the ninth book in Jane Casey’s series, this was the first book that I read by the author and I must admit it was a great story and introduction to a new series.

The story starts with the discovery of a dismembered female body and DS Maeve Kerrigan is called in to investigate. As she looks into the background of the victim, she begins to ravel the possible motives behind the woman’s death as well as the discovery of an elusive club.

The story is primarily told through Maeve’s perspective but there is an inclusion of chapters seen from the narrative of someone who has just done something terrible and their identity is not revealed.

I really enjoy a good murder thriller and ‘The Cutting Place’ was just that. DS Maeve Kerrigan is a great character, a strong woman who works hard in a predominantly male environment but has earned her colleagues respect through her eye for detail. Her relationship with her colleague and flatmate Josh Derwent is a turbulent one that makes for interesting reading, combining the professionalism and personal aspects of their relationship with wit and drama. The premise for the book revolves around a secret society club and it makes for interesting reading as Maeve investigates it and the sordid tales surrounding it.

The story is a tense and dramatic one, with suspense leaping off each page, the dynamics between the characters, as well as suspicious characters makes for truly gripping reading, that really leaves the reader on the edge of their seat.

Although in the book, Jane provides some character background, I was really intrigued by the relationship between Maeve and Josh and will most definitely be looking into reading the previous books from the series.

‘The Cutting Place’ is a gruesome and dark tale about the dark underbelly of high society, a fantastically written and a thoroughly well researched police procedural, packed with humour and some tender moments helping the reader recover from the darker ones, a must read!

You can buy ‘The Cutting Place’ from Amazon and is available to buy from good bookshops.

Feb 11

Noireland Is Back For 2020

Noireland International Crime Festival, BelfastA new year, a new line up and a new venue, Noireland is officially back with a bang.

Taking place on Saturday 28th March, this packed one day event will be taking place at its new home at the Clayton Hotel, Belfast.

The event sees the return of some of Northern Ireland’s finest authors as well some authors that have already graced the Northern Ireland crime scene such as Ann Cleeves and Liz Nugent.

They have also crammed in bestselling author, Mark Billingham, as well as a walking tour, a special screening of ‘Odd Man Out’ the wonderful Jack-a-noir-y and even a creative writing morning which promises to be informative, affordable and useful to all aspiring crime writers.
 
This year’s NOIRELAND is also full of exclusives – early releases from the likes of Steve Cavanagh, Brian McGilloway and Jane Casey. Plus, a sneak preview of Adrian McKinty’s new Sean Duffy novel at Jack-a-noir-y.

Check out the ‘At a Glance’ NOIRELAND programme to find out what’s on in our ‘Writers’ Morning’, ‘Noirish Afternoon’ and ‘Noirish Night of Stars’.

Sep 19

Murder One – New International Crime-Writing Festival For Dublin

Murder One

A stellar cast of crime and thriller writers have been lined up for a new crime writing festival taking place in Dublin in November. Murder One will feature a host international authors including Peter James, Val McDermid, Mark Billingham, Clare Mackintosh, Lynda La Plante, Lisa Jewell, Ruth Ware, Mick Herron and Robert Goddard together with many of your favourite Irish crime writers including Liz Nugent, Jane Casey, Patricia Gibney, Jo Spain, Karen Perry, Sam Blake and many more.

A three-day long weekend crime writing festival running from 2 – 4 November, Murder One will also feature readings and interviews with Irish and international authors, panel events, a speakers’ corner and forensics and writing workshops. Murder One will be a broad church which will aim to accommodate the kindred genres of thrillers and spy fiction.

International bestseller, Michael Connelly will open the festival with a special preview event on October 28th at 2.00pm in City Hall with Declan Burke moderating. Thereafter the main programme takes place in Smock Alley, one of Dublin’s premier event venues, from 2nd – 4th November.

International bestseller Lynda La Plante brings festival attendees a unique free workshop for anyone interested in the world of forensics or Crime Scene Investigation. This interactive event is hosted by Think Forensic whose experts include CSI’s, forensic scientists, and senior investigating officers. In Lynda La Plante’s CSI Murder Room, get a hands on introduction to forensic science and be briefed on the crime of the day, inspired by Lynda’s newest thriller Murder Mile. Lynda herself will be interviewed by Niamh O’Connor on Saturday 3rd November, talking about Murder Mile and the Steve McQueen movie due out in November, based on her novel ‘Widows’.

Murder One has been developed and will be curated by two of Ireland’s most experienced literary event programmers, Vanessa Fox O’Loughlin of Writing.ie, and Bert Wright formerly of Mountains to Sea dlr Book Festival and currently curator of The Dublin Festival of History and the DLR Voices Series. Working with Dublin City Libraries, Dublin City Events, and Dublin UNESCO City of Literature, the organisers aim to attract not just an avid local audience but also literary tourists from all over the world.

With crime writing consistently the highest selling genre worldwide, the time is ripe for a great literary city to expand its festival portfolio and Murder One, it is hoped, will become one of the key events in the national and international crime festival calendar.

Bert Wright said: “Not for nothing was Dublin chosen as one of the first UNESCO Cities of Literature. UK visitors always remark upon the enthusiasm and sophistication of Dublin audiences and this has been a festival waiting to happen. Irish crime writers are now rightly respected and admired the world over. England Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own crime festivals, so it really was time for Dublin to step up to the plate. It’s all enormously exciting and we can’t wait to get stuck in.”

Vanessa O’Loughlin said: “As a crime writer myself I’m constantly delighted by the passion and enthusiasm of Irish crime fans and I’m confident that they will welcome this new landmark festival in Dublin. In addition to my fellow Irish writers, we have attracted some major international names to make our first year a memorable one. In 2017, the top three bestselling books were thrillers and we plan to thrill festival goers whether they enjoy cosy whodunits or Cold War spy dramas. Check out murderone.ie to see the plot unfold.”

Alison Lyons, Director of Dublin UNESCO City of Literature, added: “Crime novels are enjoyed by a wider variety of readers than possibly any other genre, and are consistently among the most popular titles borrowed in libraries, so we have no doubt that there is a huge appetite for Murder One. We look forward to being a part of the festival and bringing readers and authors together, especially our widely celebrated and internationally renowned Irish writers of crime fiction.”

For more information and how to buy tickets, go to