Finders: Justice, Faith, and Identity in Irish Crime Fiction

by Anjili Babbar

Some of the most iconic, hard-boiled Irish detectives in fiction insist that they are not detectives at all. Hailing from a region with a cultural history of mistrust in the criminal justice system, Irish crime writers resist many of the stereotypical devices of the genre. These writers have adroitly carved out their own individual narratives to weave firsthand perspectives of history, politics, violence, and changes in the economic and social climate together with characters who have richly detailed experiences. Recognizing this achievement among Irish crime writers, Babbar shines a light on how Irish noir has established a new approach to a longstanding genre. Beginning with Ken Bruen’s Jack Taylor, who rejects the detective title in favor of “finder”—a reference to Saint Anthony of Padua in the context of a traditionally secular form—Babbar examines the ways Irish authors, including John Connolly, Tana French, Alex Barclay, Adrian McKinty, Brian McGilloway, Claire McGowan, Gerard Brennan, Stuart Neville, Steve Cavanagh, and Eoin McNamee, subvert convention to reclaim their stories from a number of powerful influences: Revivalism, genre snobbery, cultural literary standards, and colonialism. These writers assert their heritage while also assuming a vital role in creating a broader vision of justice.

Genres: Nonfiction, Irish Literature

273 pages, Paperback

Published March 15, 2023

Reviews

[K.B. Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anjili Babbar has crafted a brilliant, well-researched examination of how Irish crime fiction authors incorporate faith into their complex heroes. Her personal connections with these authors create a once in a generation look behind the scenes of these iconic novels. It’s no wonder she won the Agatha Award, the Macavity, and was a finalist for the Anthony Award.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am very much more a 'casual fan' of Northern Irish crime fiction than I am a 'literary scholar' especially as I was initially drawn to reading it by the particular quality of Irish writing. To a small extent, I found the scholarliness of this impressive study a bit daunting, but having read, been impressed by and thoroughly enjoyed this study of many of my favourite Irish crime novelists I know it will enrich the experience of re-reading, which I most certainly intend to do.

[Philip Girvan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A high readable and thoughtful examination of the “ways Irish crime writers interrogate … justice, faith, and identity” as the author herself puts it on page 210. Am compelled to seek out a number of the books reviewed.

[L.A. Chandlar · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredible and enjoyable study of Irish crime fiction and how it has impacted all of crime writing and mystery. Fabulous book on all things Irish, discovery, identity, justice and faith. Highly recommend.

[Jay Stringer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read. It's about time someone gave Irish crime fiction its due, with so many great writers doing good work. This book takes them seriously.

[Super Amanda · Rating 1 out of 5]

A racially ignorant and superfluous “work.” Yet another tired, academic industrial complex attempt to take ownership of African diaspora and Black American folk traditions in juxtaposition with Irish literature. The similarities between Celtic and Black American culture ( in this case crime fiction) that non-Black and non-Irish academics like this author try to take ownership of is wearing thin at this point. Over a quarter of the book is footnotes and references.