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The Takeover
Ireland's underworld is run by the Doherty family. The head of the clan, Malcolm Doherty, has infiltrated all levels of public office and rules the city's criminal landscape without mercy or compassion. Gerald O'Brien is the incorruptible cop on the Dohertys' trail, obsessive and indefatigable, yet unable to bring them down. Nathan Corbally is a neglected child, cursed with a terrifying intelligence. Raised by a monstrous father, Nathan steals to survive. When he steals a piece of clothing belonging to the Dohertys, he sets off a chain of events that will pit him against the rulers of Ireland's underworld. Three lives, steeped in violence, are about to clash in a violent grab for absolute power.
310 pages, Paperback
First published September 16, 2014
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October 26, 2014
"The Takeover:" A Realistic, Brutal View of Dublin's Gang World
Though you may not have heard of Jonathan Dunne, after the launch of his most-recent crime noir novel “The Takeover,”you'll probably hear of him in the future. Dunne, a sports writer from Dublin, writes about what he knows and he knows about Dublin.
Dunne is a considerable talent. He knows how to create a taut, attention-getting scene that you want to follow into the novel. From the first paragraph to the last period, Dunne's “Takeover” goes from point-to-point as he carefully crafts the novel.
Like a master mason, he carefully builds the novel piece by piece, laying out a complicated plot that has more twists and turns within twists and turns than you have likely every seen before. Yet, for all its complexity, the novel is written in a readable, almost cinematic style. Dunne takes you where he wants you to go and you willingly go there. The style is clear and clean, something you would expect from a talented sports writer/columnist.
“The Takeover” could easily have turned into a mass of confusion if Dunne hadn't been so good at his craft. However, the novel did not. Instead the author breathed life into the characters so that, as hard as it may be to like or feel empathy for a criminal, you still feel for them.
Dunne is right in his zone for this work as you actually think the Nathan Corbolly, who appears as a withdrawn, very abused boy who attracts the attention of Malcolm Doherty, head of the largest and toughest crime syndicate in Dublin. The Doherty's own the city as they have leverage over just about the entire criminal justice system. Their power and influence also come from the many legitimate businesses they own.
Despite their power and the legions of foot-soldiers, on-the-take pols and crooked cops and officials and others in the justice establishment, the Doherty's are cruising for a fall. Taking them down will be no easy matter, however, the dogged Det. Inspector Gerald O'Brien is up to the task. His monomania when it comes to the Doherty's could be his downfall or the reason for his success. Which will it be? You'll have to read the novel to find out.
Suffice it say, though, that Dunne's plot development is spot on and straight-lined to the inevitable finish. The young boy spotted by Malcolm is abused not only by his father Peter, but also by Doherty brothers and kin. He is taken into his aunt's care and he grows the love her. She is taken from him by the very Doherty's who taunt him and beat his father. That death is horrible to bear and Nathan carefully charts his course for ultimate revenge. Even a stint in prison won't deter him. Indeed, it steels the already hardened youth into a smart and dangerous opponent.
And, so the novel takes you through the rough and tumble of the world Dunne has created step-by-step, always building until it blows up into a gang war. Dunne grabs you and keeps you within the pages of “The Takeover” so that you begin to feel it is real. It is also a book that keeps you reading, even after you know you should be in bed. “The Takeover” deserves to be in the library or stored on the eBook reader of any aficionado of cops-and-robbers writing.
It seems only a matter of time for Dunne's work ends up on the bestseller list.
Though you may not have heard of Jonathan Dunne, after the launch of his most-recent crime noir novel “The Takeover,”you'll probably hear of him in the future. Dunne, a sports writer from Dublin, writes about what he knows and he knows about Dublin.
Dunne is a considerable talent. He knows how to create a taut, attention-getting scene that you want to follow into the novel. From the first paragraph to the last period, Dunne's “Takeover” goes from point-to-point as he carefully crafts the novel.
Like a master mason, he carefully builds the novel piece by piece, laying out a complicated plot that has more twists and turns within twists and turns than you have likely every seen before. Yet, for all its complexity, the novel is written in a readable, almost cinematic style. Dunne takes you where he wants you to go and you willingly go there. The style is clear and clean, something you would expect from a talented sports writer/columnist.
“The Takeover” could easily have turned into a mass of confusion if Dunne hadn't been so good at his craft. However, the novel did not. Instead the author breathed life into the characters so that, as hard as it may be to like or feel empathy for a criminal, you still feel for them.
Dunne is right in his zone for this work as you actually think the Nathan Corbolly, who appears as a withdrawn, very abused boy who attracts the attention of Malcolm Doherty, head of the largest and toughest crime syndicate in Dublin. The Doherty's own the city as they have leverage over just about the entire criminal justice system. Their power and influence also come from the many legitimate businesses they own.
Despite their power and the legions of foot-soldiers, on-the-take pols and crooked cops and officials and others in the justice establishment, the Doherty's are cruising for a fall. Taking them down will be no easy matter, however, the dogged Det. Inspector Gerald O'Brien is up to the task. His monomania when it comes to the Doherty's could be his downfall or the reason for his success. Which will it be? You'll have to read the novel to find out.
Suffice it say, though, that Dunne's plot development is spot on and straight-lined to the inevitable finish. The young boy spotted by Malcolm is abused not only by his father Peter, but also by Doherty brothers and kin. He is taken into his aunt's care and he grows the love her. She is taken from him by the very Doherty's who taunt him and beat his father. That death is horrible to bear and Nathan carefully charts his course for ultimate revenge. Even a stint in prison won't deter him. Indeed, it steels the already hardened youth into a smart and dangerous opponent.
And, so the novel takes you through the rough and tumble of the world Dunne has created step-by-step, always building until it blows up into a gang war. Dunne grabs you and keeps you within the pages of “The Takeover” so that you begin to feel it is real. It is also a book that keeps you reading, even after you know you should be in bed. “The Takeover” deserves to be in the library or stored on the eBook reader of any aficionado of cops-and-robbers writing.
It seems only a matter of time for Dunne's work ends up on the bestseller list.
September 28, 2015
Wow! There is something rewarding in stumbling on to a real talent before he/she catapults. I’ll eat my hat if Dunne isn’t snapped up by one of the big publishing houses – and soon. I’ve been a discerning reader for 40 years and I’ve read everything I could lay my hands on. I’ve read good, bad and great novels. I recognise talent when I see it and I also recognise someone a little bit special.
How does a writer bounce from Dystopian Fantasy to Gangland crime? And do it with aplomb. Since this a review of The Takeover, let me say this; the skill required to stitch together this story is incredible for a new writer. Dunne dances through this tale with the knowledge of someone who knows his terrain and knows it very well. His main character, Nathan Corbally, is the most ruthless and cold-blooded predator I have experienced since Luca Brasi in the Godfather. The Doherty Mob are utterly convincing as the Godfather’s of Dublin’s Gangland and the O’Brien as the dogged detectives really has the narrative bursting from the pages.
Sometimes you pick up a book and you are hooked -The Takeover is one such book. The descriptive writing and the underlying terrain of Dublin’s rackets, including, drugs, Bank-robbery, prostitution and money-laundering is untangled with great dexterity by Dunne – it is so easy to grasp yet the story screams sophistication. Like Fia the Envoy – it is far from perfect – but I really don’t care…this is a first class, rollicking tale – wrote by a writer who is destined for dizzying heights. Dunne’s talent is raw, gritty and urban – this is not a middle-class author trying to sell their view of criminality – but a working-class juggernaut who literally barrels you off your feet…I’m a fan…roll on the next one!!!!
How does a writer bounce from Dystopian Fantasy to Gangland crime? And do it with aplomb. Since this a review of The Takeover, let me say this; the skill required to stitch together this story is incredible for a new writer. Dunne dances through this tale with the knowledge of someone who knows his terrain and knows it very well. His main character, Nathan Corbally, is the most ruthless and cold-blooded predator I have experienced since Luca Brasi in the Godfather. The Doherty Mob are utterly convincing as the Godfather’s of Dublin’s Gangland and the O’Brien as the dogged detectives really has the narrative bursting from the pages.
Sometimes you pick up a book and you are hooked -The Takeover is one such book. The descriptive writing and the underlying terrain of Dublin’s rackets, including, drugs, Bank-robbery, prostitution and money-laundering is untangled with great dexterity by Dunne – it is so easy to grasp yet the story screams sophistication. Like Fia the Envoy – it is far from perfect – but I really don’t care…this is a first class, rollicking tale – wrote by a writer who is destined for dizzying heights. Dunne’s talent is raw, gritty and urban – this is not a middle-class author trying to sell their view of criminality – but a working-class juggernaut who literally barrels you off your feet…I’m a fan…roll on the next one!!!!
April 28, 2015
Large crime family, with a few saintly mothers, a determined detective, and a sympathetic sociopath/protector--and it all takes place in Ireland. What's not to like? The Takeover is definitely a good read.
May 25, 2015
The Takeover takes place in Dublin, Ireland and is an awesome crime novel that surely has put author Jonathan Dunne on the map! Delving into the violent depths of Dublin's gangs and all that comes with them. This is an awesome, page turner that you won't want to put down!
April 10, 2015
Great read and I really enjoyed the story,very impressive writing and a page turner from start to finish.
November 21, 2018
Fast paced action packed Irish mob thriller
The takeover is a very well written story about a big crime family that runs illegal activities in every level of the Irish land. The Doherty crime family is lead by Malcolm, who is considered to be a ruthless man with zero compassion or feeling for his fellow man. When Gerald Obrein jumps on the trail of this crime figure, the story really gets rolling. As Gerald tried to find a way to bring him down, o young kid steals something that belongs to Malcolm and now the clock is racing. Will Gerald be able to bring down the crime boss before he gets to the street kid and exact revenge? The characters are developed and relatable and the story keeps you turning the pages to find out what happens next. I recommend this one to all the action adventure fans. I found this to be a great story and enjoyed reading it.
The takeover is a very well written story about a big crime family that runs illegal activities in every level of the Irish land. The Doherty crime family is lead by Malcolm, who is considered to be a ruthless man with zero compassion or feeling for his fellow man. When Gerald Obrein jumps on the trail of this crime figure, the story really gets rolling. As Gerald tried to find a way to bring him down, o young kid steals something that belongs to Malcolm and now the clock is racing. Will Gerald be able to bring down the crime boss before he gets to the street kid and exact revenge? The characters are developed and relatable and the story keeps you turning the pages to find out what happens next. I recommend this one to all the action adventure fans. I found this to be a great story and enjoyed reading it.
February 23, 2019
Gerthereader
I really enjoyed this book. As I am originally from Dublin most places were familiar to me. The plot was good, and also believable. The characters became people I felt I knew and I could not stop reading until I found out how things would end. Highly recommended. Although lost one star because of editing.
I really enjoyed this book. As I am originally from Dublin most places were familiar to me. The plot was good, and also believable. The characters became people I felt I knew and I could not stop reading until I found out how things would end. Highly recommended. Although lost one star because of editing.
April 3, 2023
The Takeover
A wild epic dramatic and violent deep ride into the Ireland underground (crime families) it is intriguing, as a hidden psychological termination of a family is killed to shock, to scare and to win a battle with a surprise you don't expect. I loved it!!!!!!!! Although there are some scenarios in this tale that are more than brutal is worth a read.
A wild epic dramatic and violent deep ride into the Ireland underground (crime families) it is intriguing, as a hidden psychological termination of a family is killed to shock, to scare and to win a battle with a surprise you don't expect. I loved it!!!!!!!! Although there are some scenarios in this tale that are more than brutal is worth a read.
May 19, 2021
An unexpected gem
I am so glad I took a chance on this book. I couldn't put it down! Gritty, raw and sometimes truly horrific. Definitely not for the faint of heart, but a great read nonetheless! Don't miss this book!
I am so glad I took a chance on this book. I couldn't put it down! Gritty, raw and sometimes truly horrific. Definitely not for the faint of heart, but a great read nonetheless! Don't miss this book!
June 1, 2021
Life is what you make it
Amazing story! Tale of refusing to accept what seems to be your lot in life and making it what you want.
Amazing story! Tale of refusing to accept what seems to be your lot in life and making it what you want.
November 17, 2018
''The test of the morality of a society is what it does for its children.'' Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Irish author Jonathan Dunne, only 42 years of age, spent his teenage years working manual labor jobs before returning to school and college, earning his degree form the Dublin Institute of Technology. He is now a sports journalist with an Irish television network. He is also a columnist with several sports magazines and co-editor of the Irish Grappler Magazine. He is a self made man, capable in every avenue he approaches including being a 1st Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo and is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu student. He lives in Dublin, Ireland with his wife and children. Jonathan is a strong advocate of lifelong learning and education. His books include FIA THE ENVOY of The Blind World Series, SCHOOL WARS of The Creeping Evil Series, THE BLACK HAND, and now THE TAKEOVER.
Jonathan’s penchant for horror and fantasy serve his mysteries well. The incisive flavor of his writing is present from the opening paragraphs: ‘Nathan cleaned the wound thoroughly. The narrow cut just above his jaw-line ran about three inches in length. The lid of the can had been jagged, but it had left a fairly straight line. There would be a scar, but that didn’t bother him. He’d applied the gauze tightly in order to stop the blood flow. It was working a treat, so far. He slowly made his way towards the front room. His father lay on the couch, completely inebriated. Nathan gently removed the bottle of whisky from the old man’s loose grip. Holding the bottle to his jaw he tilted his head letting the alcohol soak the gauze. The pain was terrible, but he made sure every millimetre of the wound was sterilized. He replaced the lid and gently placed the bottle back into his father’s hand. Stepping over another drunkard sprawled across the floor, he quietly made his way to the bedroom. On a clean space on his bed the suture was ready as he steadied his grip and threaded the atraumatic needle. He tried to relax as he removed the gauze and slowly he began to sew the flesh. Nathan needed to do a good job. This would be a visible scar; a botched attempt would ruin his ten year old face. The pain was barely tolerable as tears blurred his vision. He stopped in order to choke down a sob. The stitches were going to attract attention. He would need to cover them while in school. But tonight was Friday and school was a long way off. For now, he would leave the dressing loosely on his face with enough room to air the wound. Nathan hoped his patch-work would hold steady over the weekend. After creeping to the bathroom and cleaning his needle, Nathan placed it back in his medical box and hid it under the floorboard. As he replaced the floorboard he heard movement. Nathan sat with his stitching hidden as his father entered. ‘Have you stopped the bleeding?’ ‘Yes.’ ‘The next time don’t answer back,’ his father scolded. ‘My friends see you being a smart-arse and they’ll think I’m a fool. Can’t have that, now can we, Nathan?’
The story is complex – rightly so – and the synopsis serves it well – ‘Ireland's underworld is run by the Doherty family. The head of the clan, Malcolm Doherty, has infiltrated all levels of public office and rules the city's criminal landscape without mercy or compassion. Gerald O'Brien is the incorruptible cop on the Dohertys' trail, obsessive and indefatigable, yet unable to bring them down. Nathan Corbally is a neglected child, cursed with a terrifying intelligence. Raised by a monstrous father, Nathan steals to survive. When he steals a piece of clothing belonging to the Dohertys, he sets of a chain of events that will pit him against the rulers of Ireland's underworld. Three lives, steeped in violence, are about to clash in a violent grab for absolute power.’
Jonathan Dunne has successfully created a niche - a blend of crime, horror, violence, all told with that special sense of Irish grace that keeps the reader closely aligned with the characters. He continues to build a strong literary stance.
Irish author Jonathan Dunne, only 42 years of age, spent his teenage years working manual labor jobs before returning to school and college, earning his degree form the Dublin Institute of Technology. He is now a sports journalist with an Irish television network. He is also a columnist with several sports magazines and co-editor of the Irish Grappler Magazine. He is a self made man, capable in every avenue he approaches including being a 1st Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo and is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu student. He lives in Dublin, Ireland with his wife and children. Jonathan is a strong advocate of lifelong learning and education. His books include FIA THE ENVOY of The Blind World Series, SCHOOL WARS of The Creeping Evil Series, THE BLACK HAND, and now THE TAKEOVER.
Jonathan’s penchant for horror and fantasy serve his mysteries well. The incisive flavor of his writing is present from the opening paragraphs: ‘Nathan cleaned the wound thoroughly. The narrow cut just above his jaw-line ran about three inches in length. The lid of the can had been jagged, but it had left a fairly straight line. There would be a scar, but that didn’t bother him. He’d applied the gauze tightly in order to stop the blood flow. It was working a treat, so far. He slowly made his way towards the front room. His father lay on the couch, completely inebriated. Nathan gently removed the bottle of whisky from the old man’s loose grip. Holding the bottle to his jaw he tilted his head letting the alcohol soak the gauze. The pain was terrible, but he made sure every millimetre of the wound was sterilized. He replaced the lid and gently placed the bottle back into his father’s hand. Stepping over another drunkard sprawled across the floor, he quietly made his way to the bedroom. On a clean space on his bed the suture was ready as he steadied his grip and threaded the atraumatic needle. He tried to relax as he removed the gauze and slowly he began to sew the flesh. Nathan needed to do a good job. This would be a visible scar; a botched attempt would ruin his ten year old face. The pain was barely tolerable as tears blurred his vision. He stopped in order to choke down a sob. The stitches were going to attract attention. He would need to cover them while in school. But tonight was Friday and school was a long way off. For now, he would leave the dressing loosely on his face with enough room to air the wound. Nathan hoped his patch-work would hold steady over the weekend. After creeping to the bathroom and cleaning his needle, Nathan placed it back in his medical box and hid it under the floorboard. As he replaced the floorboard he heard movement. Nathan sat with his stitching hidden as his father entered. ‘Have you stopped the bleeding?’ ‘Yes.’ ‘The next time don’t answer back,’ his father scolded. ‘My friends see you being a smart-arse and they’ll think I’m a fool. Can’t have that, now can we, Nathan?’
The story is complex – rightly so – and the synopsis serves it well – ‘Ireland's underworld is run by the Doherty family. The head of the clan, Malcolm Doherty, has infiltrated all levels of public office and rules the city's criminal landscape without mercy or compassion. Gerald O'Brien is the incorruptible cop on the Dohertys' trail, obsessive and indefatigable, yet unable to bring them down. Nathan Corbally is a neglected child, cursed with a terrifying intelligence. Raised by a monstrous father, Nathan steals to survive. When he steals a piece of clothing belonging to the Dohertys, he sets of a chain of events that will pit him against the rulers of Ireland's underworld. Three lives, steeped in violence, are about to clash in a violent grab for absolute power.’
Jonathan Dunne has successfully created a niche - a blend of crime, horror, violence, all told with that special sense of Irish grace that keeps the reader closely aligned with the characters. He continues to build a strong literary stance.
November 20, 2018
The Takeover by Jonathan Dunne is gritty, violent, and oh so good. Taking place in Dublin, this novel exposes the seedy underside of criminality, grisly crimes, gangs, horrid living conditions and much more. The opening scene is so sad and completely represents the desperation of the inhabitants of much of the novel. A young boy, Nathan, is sewing up his own face with stitches, while his father Peter is drunk again and incoherent. Nathan steals food just to survive, but when he inadvertently, kind of on purpose steals a sweater from a top gangster's home, his life will irretrievably change. This is all juxtaposed against a cop by the name of Gerald, who is unwilling to give up. The writing is beautifully done, even when writing about such dire circumstances and horrible events. Dunne has captured the persona of the city, along with the sketchy and violent characters within. Highly recommend for an immersive read with fine style, a solid plot, and evocative descriptions.
February 13, 2021
Very much enjoyed this book!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews