Rain Dogs - (Sean Duffy) by Adrian McKinty

About the Book

When journalist Lily Bigelow is found dead in the courtyard of Carrickfergus castle, it looks like a suicide. Yet there are just a few things that bother Duffy enough to keep the case file open. Which is how he finds out that she was working on a devastating investigation of corruption and abuse at the highest levels of power in the UK and beyond. And so Duffy has two impossible problems on his desk: Who killed Lily Bigelow? And what were they trying to hide?

Book Synopsis

It's just the same things over and again for Sean Duffy: riot duty, heartbreak, cases he can solve but never get to court. But what detective gets two locked-room mysteries in one career?

When journalist Lily Bigelow is found dead in the courtyard of Carrickfergus Castle, it looks like a suicide. Yet there are a few things that bother Duffy just enough to keep the case file open, which is how he finds out that Bigelow was working on a devastating investigation of corruption and abuse at the highest levels of power in the UK and beyond.

And so Duffy has two impossible problems on his desk: Who killed Lily Bigelow? And what were they trying to hide?

Review Quotes

"A first-rate crime thriller that commands attention from the opening pages and keeps the reader interested until the end."

-- "Sydney Morning Herald"

"Adrian McKinty is a gifted storyteller I love to read and Sean Duffy is a character you will never forget."

-- "Don Winslow, New York Times bestselling author, praise for the series"

"Duffy is taking no better care of himself than he ever did. But his copper's instincts are as sharp as ever in this fifth installment."

-- "Kirkus Reviews"

"Every detail rings true...McKinty manages...another standout in a superior series, combining terrific plotting with evocative historical detail."

-- "Booklist (starred review)"

"McKinty expertly balances Duffy's tense and suspenseful investigation with the political tensions of the region."

-- "Publishers Weekly (starred and boxed review)"

"McKinty is one of the most striking and most memorable crime voices to emerge on the scene in years."

-- "Tana French, New York Times bestselling author"

"McKinty uses some historical events as a basis for a strong moral point of view while still delivering a fine tale."

-- "Library Journal"

"McKinty's story opens with a visit to Belfast by 'sporting royalty' Muhammad Ali--a challenge narrator Gerard Doyle meets with a gravelly, rhythmic delivery. Even better are Doyle's varied Irish accents, which help differentiate the various Northern Irish policemen who work with Detective Sean Duffy...Duffy's journey to Finland to investigate poses an interesting vocal challenge that Doyle handles admirably. His delivery further ratchets up the tension when the threat of IRA bombings and the death of a high-ranking police official add to the mayhem."

-- "AudioFile"

"McKinty's writing is dark and witty with gritty realism, spot-on dialogue, and fascinating characters."

-- "Chicago Sun-Times"

"Set during the Troubles, the Duffy series could be construed as historical fiction...but the books don't feel like historical novels. They're too urgent and too topical...His prose style is vital, vigorous, and...if you're not reading him already, do yourself a favor: start now."

-- "Irish Times"

"The pairing of McKinty's artful prose with Doyle's Irish brogue is near perfection. He gives distinctive voices to Duffy and each of his colleagues...making it easy for the listener to follow and appreciate McKinty's smart dialogue, dark humor, and clever plotting."

-- "Booklist (starred audio review)"

"The tension between McKinty's competing love of tight, formal puzzles and loose, riffing dialogue is what makes the Duffy novels such a joy."

-- "The Guardian (London)"