#5 Jack Taylor mystery set in Galway, Ireland and featuring the tormented alcoholic ex-Guard once again. Just released from the nuthouse where hes spent many months with his brain on vacation and subdued by medication after the tragic events at the end of the previous book (trying not to give spoilers here!), Jack discovers just how much Galway and his situation can change in just a few months time.
He discovers that his old landlady at the hotel has died and left him a hefty sum of money and an apartment, his friend Jeff has become a drunken bum, and someone has beheaded a priesta priest that had been one of those accused of sexual abuse of young boys a few years previously. His old nemesis Fr. Malachy actually approaches Jack and asks him to investigate, and Jack is also approached by a young man who has been following his career and wants to go into partnership with him as a pair of P.I.s.
Through many stressful, horrible situations, Jack manages not to succumb to his desire for a drink, but this tale, too, ends tragically in what is becoming a bit of a formulaic plot device. I really didnt expect anything different, as Jack can never seem to catch a break or a bit of lasting happiness. A stark and depressing tale, yet a deeply philosophical one that plumbs the depths of Jacks soul, I wouldnt read this if youre looking for something light and upliftingbut despite the predictable ending, it was still a good read.
He discovers that his old landlady at the hotel has died and left him a hefty sum of money and an apartment, his friend Jeff has become a drunken bum, and someone has beheaded a priesta priest that had been one of those accused of sexual abuse of young boys a few years previously. His old nemesis Fr. Malachy actually approaches Jack and asks him to investigate, and Jack is also approached by a young man who has been following his career and wants to go into partnership with him as a pair of P.I.s.
Through many stressful, horrible situations, Jack manages not to succumb to his desire for a drink, but this tale, too, ends tragically in what is becoming a bit of a formulaic plot device. I really didnt expect anything different, as Jack can never seem to catch a break or a bit of lasting happiness. A stark and depressing tale, yet a deeply philosophical one that plumbs the depths of Jacks soul, I wouldnt read this if youre looking for something light and upliftingbut despite the predictable ending, it was still a good read.
Another terrific entry in the Jack Taylor series. Unfortunately, I'm reading them out of order based on availability but it hasn't been a problem yet. I've been slowly able to piece together the events in Jack's life. This series is addictive. I love Jack's character even though he is an alcoholic and drug user. The secondary characters are also quite engaging and well written and the storylines are very interesting. Love the Galway setting, too. Very highly recommend.
Like John Connolly, this is another Irish thriller-crime-PI-writer. Apparently, the Irish have a great talent for this genre, as I enjoyed this one very much. It's similar to Connolly in that the main narrator is an alcoholic, ex-cop. Bruen's main character is a bit more of a degenerate than Connolly's Charlie Parker, though. And Bruen's writing style is much more in-the-moment-in-his-head, stream of consciousness-style. It's also surprisingly funny. I would recommend this, but not as readily as some other thrillers.
My main complaint is that I am reading them out of order - this is the 5th book and I've started the 2nd... This is really the opposite of how I like to read books. However, I am enjoying them - but more because of the characters than the plots themselves.
My main complaint is that I am reading them out of order - this is the 5th book and I've started the 2nd... This is really the opposite of how I like to read books. However, I am enjoying them - but more because of the characters than the plots themselves.
