Tangled Web UK Review May 2007
Priest by
Ken Bruen
hbk out January 06
Published by Bantam
at £16.99
Jack Taylor, alcoholic ex- guard and makeshift detective, is back in
Galway after time in psychiatric care. His city, and country, are in the
grip of change: riding the crest of prosperity as the Celtic tiger economy
booms, but also flailing in the wake of countless sexual abuse scandals in
the Catholic church exacerbated by the collusion of the church hierarchy.
Taylor is asked to investigate the decapitation of a local priest and
reluctantly takes on an eager young lad to help him with the case.
Bruen's narrative thrusts you into the heart and soul of a decrepit, cynical,
wounded hard-ass with little initial regard for his apprentice. Taylor's
actions are fuelled by rage and pity. Bruen eloquently articulates an
outsider's view of his own country, and channels the anger of a nation
betrayed by its church. There's sharp, black, humour here too and
moments of heartbreak. A dark and bitter read – perfect for those who
like their crime noir.
(
Cath Staincliffe
author of the popular Sal Kilkenny mysteries and the series creator of TV Blue Murder)
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