Shooting Sean

Shooting Sean is the fourth installment in Colin Bateman's Dan Starkey series, published by HarperCollins in 2001. The story follows Dan Starkey, a Northern Irish journalist turned ghostwriter. Starkey takes on a writing assignment for Sean O'Toole, an action movie star who wants to transition into directing films. The project involves a movie about a notorious IRA figure known as "The Colonel," which puts Starkey in a dangerous position where he must protect both his family and himself. The novel combines crime fiction elements with dark comedy, set against the backdrop of Northern Ireland's film industry and political tensions. The plot incorporates Starkey's personal struggles as he balances his professional obligations with keeping his wife Patricia and illegitimate son "Little Stevie" safe. Through its blend of humor and suspense, the book explores themes of identity, ambition, and the complex relationship between art and political violence in Northern Ireland.

Readers call this a solid entry in the Dan Starkey series, with slightly more serious themes than previous books while maintaining the dark humor. Praised elements: - Fast pacing and sharp dialogue - Balance of comedy and darker subject matter - Character development of Dan Starkey - Depiction of Belfast's social changes - References to 1990s celebrity culture Common criticisms: - Plot becomes convoluted in final third - Some find the Hollywood elements less engaging than the Belfast segments - A few readers note it's not the best entry point for new readers Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (127 ratings) Amazon UK: 4.2/5 (16 reviews) Notable reader comments: "The humor hits harder because the stakes feel real" - Goodreads reviewer "Gets the Hollywood/Northern Ireland culture clash exactly right" - Amazon UK review "Loses momentum when action shifts to California" - Goodreads reviewer

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🔸 Sean O'Toole's character draws inspiration from real-life action stars who attempted to transition into serious filmmaking during the 1990s, reflecting a common Hollywood career trajectory. 🔸 The novel was published in 2001, a particularly significant time in Northern Ireland's history as the Good Friday Agreement was still in its early implementation phase. 🔸 Author Colin Bateman worked as a journalist for the County Down Spectator before becoming a novelist, lending authenticity to protagonist Dan Starkey's journalistic background. 🔸 The Dan Starkey series has been adapted for BBC television, with "Divorcing Jack" (the first book in the series) receiving particular acclaim. 🔸 Belfast's evolving film industry, highlighted in the novel, has since become a major production hub, hosting shows like "Game of Thrones" and transforming the city's cultural landscape.