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Seventy Times Seven
Danny McGuire doesn't like his job, but he's good at it. Since his brother's murder eight years earlier he has become a professional a hit man for hire, bent on retribution.The Danny's been contracted to eliminate the 'Thevshi' - the Ghost - the most elusive informant that has ever penetrated the Republican movement in Northern Ireland. But there's a the Thevshi claims to know who's responsible for his brother's death. Danny's never killed someone he needed to talk to first.The Target : When Finn O'Hanlon (A.K.A. the Thevshi) is attacked in a bar in Alabama he realises that his past has finally caught up with him. Forced to flee, he embarks on a desperate journey to find Danny McGuire before it's too late.The But Danny and Finn are up against someone who's spent years hiding a secret, and it's a secret they'll go to any lengths to protect.
464 pages, Paperback
First published August 28, 2012
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103 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
May 9, 2013
Eight years ago, Danny McGuire's brother, Sean was killed in an explosion when a bomb he intended to plant for the IRA went off prematurely. Sean was probably betrayed by an informer known as the Thevshi (the Ghost) and since then, Danny has dedicated himself to the task of avenging Sean's death. Though not formally a member of the IRA himself, Danny has become an executioner for the organization, assassinating informants.
Danny is now assigned the task of going to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, to kill a man named Finn O'Hanlon who's been identified as the Thevshi and who has escaped to America. Danny is also supposed to deliver some cash to an arms dealer who is going to provide weapons to the IRA. One inept team of assassins has already tried and failed to kill O'Hanlon, so now the IRA is sending in a pro to do the job.
But then, just before he leaves Ireland, Danny gets a message from O'Hanlon through an intermediary. O'Hanlon claims to know who killed Danny's brother, Sean. This means that Danny will have to find O'Hanlon and have a conversation before dispatching him, something that's not in the manual.
The story that unfolds involves any number of interesting characters, most notably Danny and O'Hanlon. It's a fun ride, but for my money it requires a suspension of disbelief at several points that was a bit too much of a stretch for me. My principal concern about the book, though, is that as Danny embarks on his assignment and as O'Hanlon escapes the first attempt to kill him, each of them falls hard for a woman. That in itself is not a problem. The problem is that, as a practical matter, they are virtually the same woman. Each is incredibly beautiful; each is whip-smart, and each is a wicked wise-ass. It's virtually impossible to tell the two women apart, save for their names.
Still, this is a good debut novel. The characters are appealing; there's a lot of action, and it also provides an interesting commentary on the nature of the conflict between Britain and the IRA and the tremendous toll that the struggle has taken.
Danny is now assigned the task of going to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, to kill a man named Finn O'Hanlon who's been identified as the Thevshi and who has escaped to America. Danny is also supposed to deliver some cash to an arms dealer who is going to provide weapons to the IRA. One inept team of assassins has already tried and failed to kill O'Hanlon, so now the IRA is sending in a pro to do the job.
But then, just before he leaves Ireland, Danny gets a message from O'Hanlon through an intermediary. O'Hanlon claims to know who killed Danny's brother, Sean. This means that Danny will have to find O'Hanlon and have a conversation before dispatching him, something that's not in the manual.
The story that unfolds involves any number of interesting characters, most notably Danny and O'Hanlon. It's a fun ride, but for my money it requires a suspension of disbelief at several points that was a bit too much of a stretch for me. My principal concern about the book, though, is that as Danny embarks on his assignment and as O'Hanlon escapes the first attempt to kill him, each of them falls hard for a woman. That in itself is not a problem. The problem is that, as a practical matter, they are virtually the same woman. Each is incredibly beautiful; each is whip-smart, and each is a wicked wise-ass. It's virtually impossible to tell the two women apart, save for their names.
Still, this is a good debut novel. The characters are appealing; there's a lot of action, and it also provides an interesting commentary on the nature of the conflict between Britain and the IRA and the tremendous toll that the struggle has taken.
June 30, 2012
This is the first in a two book deal secured by actor John Gordon Sinclair and sure to gain his membership of the Tartan Noir pack. With a title taken from a Bible quote in which St Peter says there is no limit to the forgiveness you can have for someone and that it could be seventy times seven, Sinclair has crafted a fast moving and page-turning thriller highly reminiscent of the brilliant ‘Michael Forsythe’ series by Irish crime writer Adrian McKinty. Sinclair has cleverly adopted the writing style of the creme de la creme of the Irish thriller writing scene, Bruen, Neville et al and melded it with the sure-footed, fast-talking and terse prose prevalent in American crime fiction. Although originally conceived as a potential film script, there is more than enough meat on its bones to make this a highly readable and competent thriller that would indeed translate very well to film if the situation arose. With it’s Atlantic hopping setting from Limavady, Northern Ireland to the one horse town of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, there are thrills and spills galore with enough violent shoot-outs and well-drawn central protagonists to keep you hooked; the characters both sides of the Atlantic being convincingly brought to life and driving the central plot along well. The assured characterisation is indeed probably the strongest aspect of the book with some protagonists being very, very, bad indeed (which I particularly liked) and others with blurred boundaries of good and evil in their search for retribution. Nice to see a couple of sassy female characters, although this was clouded somewhat by the inevitable love interests that arise- this always tends to spoil some of the best action movies as well but such is the nature of the genre and only a minor quibble on my part.
Sinclair has recently said in an interview that he would aspire to be as good as someone like Ian Rankin and says in a wonderful self-deprecating way: “It is quite exciting. I am a fan of Ian Rankin. Like the care in the community guys that go on X Factor believing they can sing, I always had this notion that I should have been Rebus. But it is one of those misplaced things where you see it on the telly and think, ‘What was I thinking?’ Well, no John, this is only your first book but I think we can say that you’re definitely on the right track! A good read and one I can thoroughly recommend…
'Seventy Times Seven' published 6th September (Faber & Faber)
Sinclair has recently said in an interview that he would aspire to be as good as someone like Ian Rankin and says in a wonderful self-deprecating way: “It is quite exciting. I am a fan of Ian Rankin. Like the care in the community guys that go on X Factor believing they can sing, I always had this notion that I should have been Rebus. But it is one of those misplaced things where you see it on the telly and think, ‘What was I thinking?’ Well, no John, this is only your first book but I think we can say that you’re definitely on the right track! A good read and one I can thoroughly recommend…
'Seventy Times Seven' published 6th September (Faber & Faber)
April 25, 2020
Good engaging covid escapism. I'm finding that I'm reading a lot of Scottish authors just now. I think there's a familiarity in the language and the humour that's giving me comfort in the weirdness of lockdown: even when the story is set in Ireland / America and revels in the exploits of paid assassins! Fast paced, engaging writing, shot through with humour and wit.
August 22, 2020
I just finished reading this while listening to a Tim Weaver audiobook. The contrast was palpable! I’m starting to shout at the Tim Weaver narrator, there’s nothing wrong with the plots they’re just so badly written! This book, on the other hand, was believable and enjoyable! Shame you’re not more prolific John! Looking forward to the second offering that I have just ordered from the library...not sure I can take anymore of Tim!
February 19, 2023
Picked up this (someone else’s) book and couldn’t put it down. Wasn’t expecting such an easy to read engaging adventure rooted in a history I am familiar with via the news from the 80’s /90’s. I feel the critics I’ve read on here have made some worthy points about what was ‘wrong’ with the book — but I feel that there was so much right with it, that the balance tipped in its favour for me. Good fun.
August 8, 2017
I thought it would be fun to read a book by John Gordon Sinclair. I thought it was going to be a detective novel. I was immediately hooked when I started reading - I wasn't expecting that storyline. I found it very difficult to put it down. There were some gritty and blood thirsty bits. But I thought it was well written and very engaging. I have immediately downloaded his next book!
January 25, 2018
Not Gregory - this is a new Gordon John Sinclair - one with a knowledge of The Troubles - it’s a sad tale; and it doesn’t have an uplifting conclusion.
Whilst I enjoyed reading it - I didn’t close the book with a sense of completion or joy
Whilst I enjoyed reading it - I didn’t close the book with a sense of completion or joy
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 15, 2017
A great first book by John Gordon Sinclair, had me hooked all the way through, I've already started the second book
October 7, 2025
Thoroughly enjoyed this book.
September 5, 2012
Seventy Times Seven is billed on the cover as ‘one of the finest debuts of the decade’. To my mind, it really isn’t that. It might be better seen as the debut of a writer who shows a fair amount of potential within the thriller genre.
It tells the story Danny Maguire who has worked in parallel with the IRA in the nineties, but never been one of their ranks. He’s a killer and has been since the death of his brother Sean. Danny’s resolved to revenge his brother’s death and the opportunity arises when information emerges about the identity of the key players from the time. It’s a journey that will take him to America, where we’ve already witnessed a number of attempts on the life of Danny’s new target.
The idea of the story is a strong one and it’s easy to see why Sinclair was offered a publishing deal on its basis.
The main positive of the book for me is the skeleton of the story; as a storyboard or in synopsis, there’s a lot to like about the way Sinclair plays things out. The way it keeps switching location and characters to reveal aspects of the plot is pretty well handled. It has some of the energy and the drive that one would want from such a book and the core issues are left well-disguised right up until the points at which they are revealed.
The book also describes violence in a realistic way and avoids creating any romantic notions of pain and death.
It also has some pleasing humour running through it that provides a good deal of entertaining material.
I get the feeling that there’s also been a lot of research involved with this project and that creates a believable foundation to the piece, though at times the insertion of such information might be a little crude.
Where I think the work falls down a little and reveals the author’s lack of experience in novel writing is with the pacing, the dialogue and the way the key information is pointed out a little too boldly (at least for my taste).
Essentially the book could be shorter and, with a good edit, leaner and meaner (while still maintaining the warmer elements of the relationships and the very human perspective on ‘The Troubles).
Some of the description is heavy-handed. There are too many strings of adjectives which slow things down imperceptibly in a similar way that the friction caused by tiny air molecules will eventually bring a moving object to a halt.
Here’s a small illustration:
‘The bed looked deep and comfortable with large sky-blue satin pillows resting against its tall, pink-velvet button-fronted headrest.’
There’s nothing wrong in this, but the bed plays little or no part in the scene and it could be much plainer and slicker.
My thought on the dialogue is that the characters need to be more distinctive. Everyone has a very witty repartee that shows off that talent for humour and this might be worthy of attention. There’s also rather a lot
of exposition through the conversation and it’s a little clunky in that way:
‘God that seems like it was about two weeks ago,’ replied Marie. ‘It’s hard to believe that was only two days ago.’
With a little attention Sinclair’s dialogue could be a real strength – there’s a thin line here that shouldn’t take much to get across it.
Here’s another example of something that could be ironed out in an edit. It identifies a lot of things that are stated as obvious when they’re not – a little show-not-tell might not go amiss:
‘It was obvious from her expression that checking people in and out of the Lakeshore Hotel didn’t require too many qualifications.’
I wonder what the expression actually was – I’ve been practising in the mirror, but don’t think I’ve mastered it yet.
All-in-all, it’s a mixed bag. Lots to please a reader and enough room for improvement to suggest that Sinclair has what it takes to make it as a thriller writer if he’s prepared to work on a thing or two. I know that there’s a second novel on its way at some point and do feel that is likely to step up on this. Writing is a craft and those skills can only be learned through the doing and by being well-mentored and with these things in place I think that Sinclair can move on up the ladder at a fair rate.
It tells the story Danny Maguire who has worked in parallel with the IRA in the nineties, but never been one of their ranks. He’s a killer and has been since the death of his brother Sean. Danny’s resolved to revenge his brother’s death and the opportunity arises when information emerges about the identity of the key players from the time. It’s a journey that will take him to America, where we’ve already witnessed a number of attempts on the life of Danny’s new target.
The idea of the story is a strong one and it’s easy to see why Sinclair was offered a publishing deal on its basis.
The main positive of the book for me is the skeleton of the story; as a storyboard or in synopsis, there’s a lot to like about the way Sinclair plays things out. The way it keeps switching location and characters to reveal aspects of the plot is pretty well handled. It has some of the energy and the drive that one would want from such a book and the core issues are left well-disguised right up until the points at which they are revealed.
The book also describes violence in a realistic way and avoids creating any romantic notions of pain and death.
It also has some pleasing humour running through it that provides a good deal of entertaining material.
I get the feeling that there’s also been a lot of research involved with this project and that creates a believable foundation to the piece, though at times the insertion of such information might be a little crude.
Where I think the work falls down a little and reveals the author’s lack of experience in novel writing is with the pacing, the dialogue and the way the key information is pointed out a little too boldly (at least for my taste).
Essentially the book could be shorter and, with a good edit, leaner and meaner (while still maintaining the warmer elements of the relationships and the very human perspective on ‘The Troubles).
Some of the description is heavy-handed. There are too many strings of adjectives which slow things down imperceptibly in a similar way that the friction caused by tiny air molecules will eventually bring a moving object to a halt.
Here’s a small illustration:
‘The bed looked deep and comfortable with large sky-blue satin pillows resting against its tall, pink-velvet button-fronted headrest.’
There’s nothing wrong in this, but the bed plays little or no part in the scene and it could be much plainer and slicker.
My thought on the dialogue is that the characters need to be more distinctive. Everyone has a very witty repartee that shows off that talent for humour and this might be worthy of attention. There’s also rather a lot
of exposition through the conversation and it’s a little clunky in that way:
‘God that seems like it was about two weeks ago,’ replied Marie. ‘It’s hard to believe that was only two days ago.’
With a little attention Sinclair’s dialogue could be a real strength – there’s a thin line here that shouldn’t take much to get across it.
Here’s another example of something that could be ironed out in an edit. It identifies a lot of things that are stated as obvious when they’re not – a little show-not-tell might not go amiss:
‘It was obvious from her expression that checking people in and out of the Lakeshore Hotel didn’t require too many qualifications.’
I wonder what the expression actually was – I’ve been practising in the mirror, but don’t think I’ve mastered it yet.
All-in-all, it’s a mixed bag. Lots to please a reader and enough room for improvement to suggest that Sinclair has what it takes to make it as a thriller writer if he’s prepared to work on a thing or two. I know that there’s a second novel on its way at some point and do feel that is likely to step up on this. Writing is a craft and those skills can only be learned through the doing and by being well-mentored and with these things in place I think that Sinclair can move on up the ladder at a fair rate.
April 13, 2013
This is a cracking thriller with political intrigue between the British Government and IRA around informants and the hidden traitor in the very heart of the republican movement - "The Ghost". The events take place in 1992 from Northern Ireland to North American as the story develops into a search for justice and revenge.
A little confusing switching from one continent to another until the stories flesh out. However it is easy to read and the momentum is maintained from one mystery to another revelation. Many twists and turns along the way with action and killing where violence isn't glorified but is harsh and uncompromising.
At its heart it is the story of two brothers; the younger sibling bent on killing all who mess with his family and out to avenge his brothers death at the hands of the SAS.
It works for me but I found the story less realistic than say the excellent novels about the "Troubles" by Adrian McKinty. It is more a ripping good thriller than a more historical book set in these troubled times. For that reason it is good not to be modern day terrorism or old fashioned cold war spies. We have larger than life characters that dodge bullets, take risks facing down guns pointing out them to outlive all the bad guys.
The dialogue is crisp and most of the players seems to get good lines and spray wisecracks around as freely as some dish the lead. And this is perhaps where it all falls down as real fear isn't explored and everyone seems to face danger with an unrealistic abandonment that has people making decisions that an average person would avoid based on self preservation alone.
As a first novel it quickly establishes the author and it is good to see a follow up is due out. It is a book worth reading and a classic thriller with tension and twists that mark out this genre.
A little confusing switching from one continent to another until the stories flesh out. However it is easy to read and the momentum is maintained from one mystery to another revelation. Many twists and turns along the way with action and killing where violence isn't glorified but is harsh and uncompromising.
At its heart it is the story of two brothers; the younger sibling bent on killing all who mess with his family and out to avenge his brothers death at the hands of the SAS.
It works for me but I found the story less realistic than say the excellent novels about the "Troubles" by Adrian McKinty. It is more a ripping good thriller than a more historical book set in these troubled times. For that reason it is good not to be modern day terrorism or old fashioned cold war spies. We have larger than life characters that dodge bullets, take risks facing down guns pointing out them to outlive all the bad guys.
The dialogue is crisp and most of the players seems to get good lines and spray wisecracks around as freely as some dish the lead. And this is perhaps where it all falls down as real fear isn't explored and everyone seems to face danger with an unrealistic abandonment that has people making decisions that an average person would avoid based on self preservation alone.
As a first novel it quickly establishes the author and it is good to see a follow up is due out. It is a book worth reading and a classic thriller with tension and twists that mark out this genre.
June 23, 2012
This started off a little slow for me & because it was an arc I found that some sentences had no spaces so words just rolled into each other so that took some getting used to. Overall I enjoyed the book & it certainly picked up towards the end. I'd guess the big twist but I was little disappointed by the end but then I guess not all books can have everyone ending up with a fairytale ending.
I did like how Sinclair handled the writing of the Northern Irish accent & felt it coming through loud & clear in my reading.
I'll definitely read Sinclair's next book & would recommend this to those who like a good thriller but there are a couple of scenes that are not for the feint at heart.
I did like how Sinclair handled the writing of the Northern Irish accent & felt it coming through loud & clear in my reading.
I'll definitely read Sinclair's next book & would recommend this to those who like a good thriller but there are a couple of scenes that are not for the feint at heart.
January 3, 2016
I picked this to read because I was in need of something gritty, fast-paced and black-humoured. This fitted the bill, in spades, and although I'm not at all certain I picked up on all the nuances of the plot, the several characters were well-drawn, no necessary bloodshed or violence was avoided and the whole was a compelling and well-writ read.
Probably 3.5 rather than 4 stars but as a first novel it gets the benefit of the doubt.
Probably 3.5 rather than 4 stars but as a first novel it gets the benefit of the doubt.
January 3, 2015
Not a bad book, but very much over hyped. And yes, it is by former actor John Gordon Sinclair of Gregory's Girl fame.
The plot starts off nicely but the character development is very slow. Hints are given to various past events that never really get explained. And all the key characters are a little one dimensional: the men tough and moody, the women nothing more than worried family or love interest.
The plot starts off nicely but the character development is very slow. Hints are given to various past events that never really get explained. And all the key characters are a little one dimensional: the men tough and moody, the women nothing more than worried family or love interest.
July 20, 2015
Unlike those who struggled with the suspension of disbelief, I marched happily onwards, file of conspiracy theories near at hand. I am surprised by just how enjoyable this read is. It’s all here – good story, interesting characters and lots of tongue in cheek moments. Although my fears of having become inured to violence are now shown as groundless, as parts of the action sequences were very troubling.
June 11, 2013
A good book for a debut novel, obviously written with a tv/film production in mind. Unfortunately didn't like any of the characters enough as nothing particularly likeable about any of them and very cold personality wise so ultimately wasn't bothered what happened to them. Wasn't helped by a bit of a corny (almost) ending.
December 14, 2013
listened to the unabridged audio book. made my commute this week a little less onerous. I enjoyed the story and characters, even though you need to accept some of the plot developments as they are a little far fetched to say the least. The narration was very good, especially given he had to do Irish and South American accents.
February 18, 2014
The characters believable and the storyline cruises along nicely. I'd totally recommend this to people.
I can't wait for the sequel.
The author is Gregory from the movie 'Gregory's Girl' I was frustrated trying to remember where I knew his (JGS) name from.
I can't wait for the sequel.
The author is Gregory from the movie 'Gregory's Girl' I was frustrated trying to remember where I knew his (JGS) name from.
December 11, 2014
Thump; did you feel that. A pleasure to welcome John Gordon Sinclair into my "must buy his next novel" book shelf. The thump is my jaw dropping - how good this debut is. The second thump was the ending. Looking back there was no other fit ending. Highly recommended. It's all good .....
October 21, 2015
I really enjoyed about 3/4 of this book and then felt it really spun out towards the end. however I would still recommend it if only to read John Gordon Sinclairs second book - blood whispers as there is a connection which you wouldn't get the OMG factor on if you hadn't read Seventy Times Seven
January 29, 2016
To say that it was the finest debut of the decade is too much . It was okay , I guess . I don't know . The plot , kind of messed up sometimes but fortunately , I understand most of it . The ending was terrible though .
February 13, 2014
So-so, preferred the bits set in America to the ones set in Ireland. Loved the two drug dealers, they were my favourite characters by far. As for the ending? Meh!
April 9, 2014
A really impressive first novel. More blood & violence than I'd usually like but lots of twists.
March 2, 2016
Thriller set in Northern Ireland during the Troubles, where informers were dealt with harshly by the IRA.
January 10, 2015
Excellent! One that will live with me for a while.
November 25, 2015
Pacy debut novel with some interesting characters.
August 6, 2016
Loved this book and couldn't put it down. The language is first rate and you wont be disappointed with the twists
May 25, 2025
Genuinely never hated an ending more in my entire life.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews