Collusion

Former police detective Jack Lennon searches for a missing woman and her daughter in Belfast, putting himself at risk as he uncovers connections to powerful criminal forces. His investigation leads him through the city's criminal underworld and into confrontations with both organized crime and corrupt officials. The narrative moves between Lennon's perspective and that of a ruthless hitman named Gerry Fegan, whose actions become increasingly entangled with Lennon's quest. Set against the backdrop of post-Troubles Northern Ireland, the story examines how past violence continues to influence present-day crime and corruption. Through its exploration of organized crime, political corruption, and personal redemption, Collusion depicts a society struggling to move beyond its violent history while confronting new forms of criminality. The novel serves as both a crime thriller and a commentary on Northern Ireland's complex transition to peace.

Readers note the book's intense pacing and dark portrayal of post-Troubles Belfast. Reviews highlight the authentic depiction of Northern Ireland's criminal underworld and complex moral questions facing the characters. Liked: - Raw, realistic violence that serves the story - Strong character development, especially protagonist Gerry Fegan - Detailed sense of place and Belfast atmosphere - Tight plotting without loose ends Disliked: - Some found the violence excessive or gratuitous - A few readers struggled with the Irish dialect/vernacular - Several mentioned difficulty keeping track of the political factions Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (2,100+ ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (240+ ratings) Sample review: "Neville captures the paranoia and mistrust lingering in Belfast. The supernatural element works because it's grounded in real consequences." - Goodreads reviewer Another notes: "The pacing never lets up, but the violence sometimes overwhelms the story rather than serving it." - Amazon reviewer

The Cold Cold Ground by Adrian McKinty A Catholic detective investigates murders during The Troubles in Northern Ireland while navigating political tensions and personal demons.

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Blood Ties by Brian McGilloway An Irish police inspector hunts a killer across the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic, uncovering connections to past political violence.

In the Woods by Tana French A Dublin murder detective's investigation into a child's death connects to his own traumatic childhood experience in the same woods.

The Ghosts of Belfast by Stuart Neville A former IRA hitman seeks redemption by hunting down his former commanders while being haunted by the spirits of his victims.

🔍 Stuart Neville wrote this novel while working as a guitar teacher in Northern Ireland, drawing from his deep knowledge of Belfast's atmosphere and history. 🏆 "Collusion" is the second book in Neville's Belfast series, following his critically acclaimed debut "The Ghosts of Belfast" (also known as "The Twelve" in the UK). ⚔️ The book explores the complex aftermath of The Troubles in Northern Ireland, weaving real historical elements into its noir crime narrative. 🌟 The novel's protagonist, Detective Inspector Jack Lennon, appears in several of Neville's subsequent books, becoming one of Belfast's most memorable fictional detectives. 🎯 Neville's meticulous research included consulting with former police officers and visiting actual locations featured in the book to ensure authenticity in his portrayal of Belfast's criminal underworld.