Galway Confidential

Jack Taylor #17

by Ken Bruen

Jack Taylor wakes up from a coma to discover that much of the world has changed since he last walked the streets of Galway. The pandemic had hit while he was under, devastating the lives of many in his beloved city and beyond. Now, as Jack tries to recover from the attack that put him in the hospital and absorb the incredible changes in the world around him, a woman approaches him with a distressing two local nuns have been bludgeoned by a mysterious man wielding a hammer, and more are sure to follow. As the police fail to act while the violence against the Sisters escalates, Jack seems like their only hope.



Initially wary of becoming involved in the investigation, Jack finds he cannot stay away from the mystery surrounding these vicious attacks. He also cannot shake a feeling of darkness that has haunted him since he awoke from his coma—a darkness that is far too close for comfort. Luckily an old friend is there to help see him through and there is always Jack’s dark wit and a drink to help shore up his mood.

Genres: Mystery, Ireland, Crime, Fiction, Irish Literature, Audiobook

252 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 12, 2024

About the author

Ken Bruen was an Irish writer of hardboiled and noir crime fiction.

Reviews

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This review was first posted on Mystery & Suspense Magazine. Check it out for features, interviews, and reviews. https://www.mysteryandsuspense.com/ga...

3.5 stars

Jack Taylor was an officer in the Garda Síochána (Irish Police) until he was dismissed from the force. Jack is now a private detective in Galway, known for his addiction to Jameson Irish Whiskey and for his skills as a private investigator. Still, when a client approaches Jack he always insists, "Cases got solved around me, very rarely did I actually find the solution."



As the story opens Jack is awakening from an 18-month-long coma, the result of being knifed on a bridge during his last case. When Jack opens his eyes, a stranger named Raftery is there, and Raftery explains that he witnessed the attack on Jack, threw the perpetrator off the bridge, and saved Jack's life.



Raftery, who hosts a crime podcast called 'Galway Confidential,' seems to believe that old saying about how if you save someone's life, you're responsible for them, and he becomes a fixture in Jack's life.

In between bouts of physical therapy and counseling, Jack studies the Internet, to learn what's happened over the last couple of years. In addition to reading about sports, politics, people, and television, Jack learns there's an ongoing Covid pandemic, which is a shock.



After Jack is released from the hospital he's approached by a former nun named Sheila Winston. Sheila explains that someone is attacking local nuns with a hammer, the Garda isn't making progress with the case, and she wants Jack to investigate. Jack is skeptical about his chances, but he pursues the culprit with Raftery's help.



Meanwhile, two sadistic juvenile delinquents called Scott and Tony are setting fire to homeless drunks.



A derelict boozer named Geary asks Jack to help the vagrant community.....



.....and Jack, who can't go five minutes without a shot of Jameson, goes undercover as an alkie to catch the hooligans. This ends up causing all kinds of trouble.



As Jack works his two cases he tries to help a priest get sober; consults with an Irish Guard called Owen Daglish; and is persuaded to adopt an orphaned Shih Tzu pup called Trip.



Author Ken Bruen sprinkles recent cultural references through the story, such as Serbian tennis ace Novak Djokovic not being allowed to play in the 2022 Australian Tennis Open because he wasn't vaccinated;



the guilty verdict on sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell;



Russia's invasion of Ukraine;



the attack on novelist Salman Rushdie;



people selling T-shirts that say: Guns don't kill people; Alec Baldwin does; and more.



Also included are fun aphorisms about confidentiality like: the Irish feel that confidentiality is really little more than a notion not to share; and keeping something confidential in Galway means you only tell two people instead of three.

It's good to see Jack Taylor going strong and interesting to get a peek at the ambiance of Galway, with it's Roman Catholicism; Irish slang; bars and pubs; and street justice.


Galway

Thanks to Netgalley, Ken Bruen, and Mysterious Press for a copy of the book.

You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot.com

[eyes.2c · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jack Taylor returns!

Ok, I never tire of Jack Taylor. Hard bitten, alcoholic ex Guardia turned detective, who lives around the edges, alternating between kindness, generosity, driven intent, all whilst shrugging his shoulders at the world that passes him by. He’s totally outrageous. A mostly cynical, Jameson drinking, hard living, all softened by his easily accepting Irish charm.
Jack’s been in a coma for the last eighteen months. The world has passed him by. He’s essentially missed Covid, the English Parliament destroying itself, Liz Truss and her shortest reign as Prime Minister in history, the craziness of Brexit, the war in Ukraine—all whilst he was non compus mentis.
Now he’s being asked to find out who’s killing nuns.
Oh, and who’s setting homeless people alight?
Welcome back, Jack! The world has been a poorer place with you out of action.
Bruen’s conversation style, hard hitting language, softened by the occasional poetic voice is a treat.
So love Jack Taylor novels!
Oh, and my reading images always default to actor Iain Glen. He’s seared into my mind as Jack.

A W.W. Norton ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

[Still · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pure escapist fare involving a serial murderer killing nuns and a pair of naughty, wealthy teenagers setting street people on fire for kicks.
Jack Taylor’s here to put an end to such nonsense.

If you’ve followed the Jack Taylor series since the first entry you’re all but duty bound to read this latest. It’s gotta be a rule of some kind.

Less a mystery, not what you’d call hardboiled- more a nice visit with an old friend.
Let me tell you… this was a balm to my seared soul after this past November election that will go down in infamy. Bigly.

I truly appreciate author Ken Bruen for helping me escape -briefly- the brutal realities of a suddenly unrecognizable universe.

[Dennis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 17th novel in the Jack Taylor series, and I've read them all over the years. It's been a few years since the last book, and it's great to have Jack back.

To me, the individual plots of these books matter less than the general tone, so here's what you usually get--violence and death, alcoholism, religion, mention of authors and musicians, Ireland's economy, and current events. Yes, they're dark, but with a lot of dark humor. Speak with an Irish accent, and carry a big hurley.

I love them. Unfortunately for me, they're very quick reads, mostly driven by dialogue, and I'm always left wanting more. Characters and plots sometimes carry over between books (except when the characters are getting killed off), so you may not always get as much resolution of events in each individual book as you might like. Just more reason to read the next.

Big thanks to Mysterious Press and NetGalley for the chance to read this one early.

[Lou Jacobs · Rating 5 out of 5]

GALWAY CONFIDENTIAL by Ken Bruen
Published: 3/5/2024 by Mysterious Press
Page Count: 264

And yet again … another riveting Bruen gem featuring ex Gard officer and present day private eye, Jack Taylor. This is the seventeenth glorious installment in this amazing and enduring series. Although this can be enjoyed as a stand alone … readers will want to explore the entire Jack Taylor series. I was late to the party in discovering the enjoyable pathos of Jack Taylor. I not only went back to read the previous tales but also binge watched the Netflix television series. No on can read these stories without visualizing the amazing Scottish actor, Iain Glen as Jack Taylor ( this was before his stint as Sir Jorah Mormant on the Game of Thrones.)
Jack awakens from an prolonged coma to be engulfed in the raging COVID pandemic. He scours the internet in an attempt to catch-up with life. He is visited daily by “Rafferty”. … the pod-caster of “Galway Confidential” , who probably saved his life, the day he was knifed on the bridge. Soon after released from the hospital he is approached by a former nun, Sheila Winston. She pleads for his involvement. Two nuns have been viciously bludgeoned by a mysterious man wielding a hammer. The Garda investigation has gone nowhere. Meanwhile sadistic juvenile delinquents are setting fire to homeless drunks. Jack is beseeched to investigate for the benefit of the homeless community. To investigate both cases, Jack is forced to go undercover as an alky …. not too difficult, already being addicted to Jamieson Irish Whiskey. Jack is an extremely flawed protagonist … a violent lush, who cannot control his sarcastic ballsy behavior. One of Jack’s many mottos: the law was for courts, justice was in the alley.
Ken Bruen with his magical skill as a storyteller unleashes a complex and twisted narrative that escalates into an unexpected and explosive denouement as he weaves the two cases together. Along the way he astounds with his gritty dark Irish humor and almost poetic prose. Violence abounds but is not gratuitous … and sets the stage for what is imminent.
Thanks for NetGalley and Mysterious Press for providing an Uncorrected Proof in exchange for an honest review. Hopefully the saga of Jack Taylor will continue.

[Liz D'Amore · Rating 5 out of 5]

The newest in the Jack Taylor series, poor Jack, recovering from a long time coma, struggling with his addictions and once again dealing with nuns, priests and murderers. I love Jack, I find him a sympathetic character, must be the Irish in me, and love his deadpan humor and bleak outlook. The literary and pop culture tidbits sprinkled throughout the book are fun. A quick read with snappy dialogue. Pour yourself a Jameson and enjoy the read.

[Gary Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This guy is simply a great Irish author. He's written other things, but I'm a fan of his Jack Taylor series. I've read them all. They are all great. I'm half Irish, and his writing deeply appeals to me. I would read him anyway. If I have complaints, they are that his books are too short and he does not write fast enough. I tore right through this one, it was wonderful.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Goodreads record indicates I have only read 10 of these Jack Taylor books but doesn't mention how much I enjoyed watching the shows based on the books. This latest book is my favorite because it is perfectly trimmed to illustrate the main challenge Jack faces in winning over evil and/or evil intent. It is quite a challenge (or challenges) he faces, but his musings over current events are beautifully woven into the story told. From opening as he regains consciousness in hospital to the conclusion and solutions to several problems it is a finely crafted progression of events. I call this one a masterpiece.

Library Loan

[Rich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Mysterious Press and NetGalley for the ARC.

Ken Bruen has been one of my favorite authors since I was introduced to Jack Taylor years ago with the Killing of the Tinkers. Since then, I've anxiously awaited each new release and was grateful to be given an ARC for the latest, Galway Confidential.

Bruen is a master of noir, keeping his characters involved in plots just dark enough to remind you of that but still keep the reader engaged and wanting to read through quickly to see where things will go next. These are always quick reads for me and Galway Confidential is one that reminded me of earlier works of Bruen. 5 stars

[Anna Quilter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jack Taylor wakes up from a coma.

The world has changed.....it's in the peak of Covid ..Russia is about to invade Ukraine and his brother sits at his bedside at vigil.

But Jack hasn't got a brother.

This one really goes out there..nothing is at seems...high body count...and even though Galway looks/sounds wonderful..I would be looking over my shoulder if I ever went there.

[Denise Westlake · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not really my thing, but a quick current events lesson. Many innocents die. And such is life in these complicated times.
I will read more Jack Taylor Mysteries.

[Ray Palen · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are few writers that can lay claim to truly having their ear to the streets of modern Ireland in the same way that Ken Bruen has. His complex, partially broken protagonist Jack Taylor is the ideal tour guide to take you through the criminal dark side of Galway and this is fully on display in Bruen’s latest novel, GALWAY CONFIDENTIAL.

Someone is brutally attacking nuns in the Galway area and the police do not have the first clue. The one person who might have been able to make a difference is just waking up from an 18-month-long coma that he was in due to suffering his own brutal beating, Jack Taylor is the person in question and he has missed much during his year-and-a-half sleep from the world. The COVID-19 Pandemic and all the shut downs and mask wearing tactics that came in its’ wake, for one thing. He attempts to get himself back up to speed with the person who was at his bedside when he awoke --- the man named Raftery, who got in to visit Taylor by claiming to be his brother.

In truth, Taylor does not remember even knowing Raftery and takes his word for it when he tells him he was the one that saved him after he was attacked and stabbed on a bridge. Raftery claims he beat up the assailant and then dumped over the side into the water before the Guards claimed him. Taylor, who works as sort of a private investigator these days, gets his first job when a former nun named Shiela hires him to look into the recent attacks. She can only think that it must have something to do with the long past controversy about nuns from the Magdalene Sisters era with hundreds of orphans being mistreated and worse under their watchful care.

Taylor teams up with his new pal, Raftery, who claims to be Irish-American and a former Marine who nowadays hosts a popular true crime podcast named Galway Confidential. Raftery is quite interested in assisting with the case involving the nun attacks. He also tells Taylor that he is using his podcast to broadcast about the case in an attempt to flush out the attacker.

Meanwhile, Taylor --- who is a man of the people on the streets --- gets called into a private hunt for a duo of sadistic teens that have been setting homeless people on fire. Two have died to date, including man named Geary who Taylor knew well and was fond of. Taylor sets up a tent on the street and poses as a homeless person in an attempt to lure the perpetrators to him. His plan works, and as the two youths approach him with a bottle of petrol he takes one of their legs out with a club. The parents of the teen whose knee is bashed in threatens legal action and a pro bono attorney contacts Taylor to represent him in this case. He gets Taylor off, once evidence of what the youths were doing comes to light, but lets Taylor know he now owes him a favor.

Shortly after, Taylor wakes up yet again in the same hospital and is told he had a relapse due to a lesion on his brain and this time lost two months due to a coma. During that time, he missed out on continued major world events like Russia invading Ukraine and the Brexit affair in Europe. Raftery is once again there at his bedside waiting for him to awaken.

A third nun is attacked and no one is any closer to finding the culprit. Taylor is contacted by the attorney who helped him out with the homeless burning case and calls in his favor --- he wants Taylor to forcefully speak with a young woman who is threatening a fellow married attorney she had recently had an affair with. It just so happens that the woman is the ex-nun Shiela, who does not take the news from Taylor well. Regrettably, he won’t have to worry about hurt feelings for long as Shiela becomes the fourth victim in the nun attacks. The only difference is that she is actually murdered, strangled with her own set of rosary beads.

Taylor promises Mother Superiour at the Galway convent that he is intent on finding justice for Shiela and the other injured nuns. As he starts to take the case up a notch he is given information from a local bartender that rocks his world. There is no such podcast called Galway Confidential and his mate Raftery is not who he thinks he is. Why did he lie to Taylor and what was his end game?

Ken Bruen writes in such an easy fashion that anyone will find themselves swept up with his storytelling. GALWAY CONFIDENTIAL is one of the very best in the Jack Taylor series and has so much real-world credibility by playing everything against a backdrop of modern day Galway and a few years of the most startling news events to shock humanity.

Reviewed by Ray Palen for Book Reporter

[Francis Lucey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Based on the book cover, I normally would not pick up a book like this, since part of the plot involves someone attacking nuns and I have been looking for lighter reads. However, considering the book captivated my attention and I read it in a weekend, I am grading it five stars. Jack Taylor is a sarcastic, hard drinking detective in Galway, Ireland. He is hired by an order of nuns to track down the individual that has been attacking them. The book weaves current events into the plot which I liked. Despite the serious topic, the thoughts that run through Taylor's mind and the interactions with fellow Galway citizens, I found laugh out loud funny. I will be reading more Ken Bruen books in the future.

[Kieran McAndrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jack Taylor awakens from a coma to find the world has changed. Ireland is fully in the throes of COVID-19 and danger stalks the streets of Galway.

A former nun asks him to investigate the savage murders of former sisters and someone is setting homeless people alight.

And Father Pat has fallen off the wagon.

Bruen's usual mixture of brutality, realism and a dark sense of humour colours this intriguing mystery, which builds to an incredibly downbeat climax, hinting at a sequel which promises a return of the indefatigable alcoholic.

[Hpnyknits · Rating 3 out of 5]

I guess I expected more from this book.
Jack is a great character and there are some laugh out loud moments in this story, but the unnecessary attempts at current affairs is cringe inducing!
I don’t see Jack giving a flying f@ck about the fate of Ghislaine Maxwell, do you???
I get that the author wanted to bring Jack to the present, but for this talented author- this was super clumsy.
A two years coma??????? Seriously???
On a bigger scale, I’m noticing a number of authors struggling, often unsuccessfully, to deal with the pandemic, and current affairs, in their books.

[Brad Wyman · Rating 5 out of 5]

master of the craft

I love reading Bruen. Jack Taylor never disappoints. I am laughing and horrified at the same time , always. Two thumbs up

[Philip Girvan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first Jack Taylor book I’ve come across and I’ll look for others in the series.

[Bookreporter.com Mystery & Thriller · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are few writers who can lay claim to truly having their ear to the streets of modern Ireland in the same way that Ken Bruen has. His complex, partially broken protagonist, Jack Taylor, is the ideal tour guide to take you through the dark side of Galway, and this is fully on display in GALWAY CONFIDENTIAL.

Someone is attacking nuns in the Galway area, and the police do not have the first clue. Taylor is the one person who might have been able to make a difference, but he is just waking up from an 18-month-long coma after suffering his own brutal beating. He has missed much during his year-and-a-half away from the world, including the COVID-19 pandemic and all the shutdowns that came in its wake. He attempts to get himself back up to speed with a man named Raftery, who is at his bedside when he emerges from his long slumber.

Unfortunately, Taylor does not remember even knowing Raftery but takes his word for it when he is told that Raftery was the one who saved him after being attacked and stabbed on a bridge. Raftery says he beat up the assailant and dumped him over the side into the water before the guards claimed him.

Taylor, who these days works as a sort of private investigator, gets his first job when Sheila Winston, a former nun, hires him to look into the recent attacks. She can only think that it must have something to do with the long-past controversy about nuns from the Magdalene Sisters era when hundreds of orphans were being mistreated --- and worse --- under their watchful care.

Taylor teams up with his new pal, Raftery, who supposedly is Irish-American and a former Marine who now hosts a popular true-crime podcast called “Galway Confidential.” Raftery is quite interested in assisting with the investigation into the nun attacks. He also tells Taylor that he is using his podcast to broadcast about the case as a way of flushing out the assailant.

Meanwhile, Taylor --- a man of the people on the streets --- gets called into a private hunt for two sadistic teens who have been setting homeless people on fire. Two have died so far, including a man who Taylor knew well and was quite fond of. He sets up a tent and poses as a homeless person in an attempt to lure the perpetrators to him. His plan works, and as the two individuals approach him with a bottle of petrol, he takes one of their legs out with a club. The parents of the teen whose knee is bashed in threatens legal action, and a pro bono attorney contacts Taylor to represent him. The attorney gets Taylor off once evidence of what the youths were doing comes to light, but lets Taylor know that he now owes him a favor.

Shortly thereafter, Taylor wakes up yet again in the same hospital and is told that he had a relapse due to a lesion on his brain. This time he lost two months in a coma, missing out on major world events like Russia invading Ukraine and the Brexit affair. Raftery is once again there at his bedside waiting for him to wake up.

A third nun is attacked, and no one is any closer to finding the culprit. That’s when Taylor’s former attorney calls in his favor. He wants Taylor to forcefully speak with a young lady who is threatening a fellow married attorney with whom she recently had an affair. It just so happens that the woman is Sheila, who does not take the news from Taylor well. Regrettably, he won’t have to worry about hurt feelings for long as Sheila becomes the fourth victim. The only difference is that she loses her life, having been strangled with her own set of rosary beads.

Taylor promises Mother Superior at the Galway convent that he is intent on finding justice for Sheila and the other injured nuns. As he starts to take the case up a notch, he is given information from a local bartender that rocks his world.

Ken Bruen writes in such an easy fashion that anyone will find themselves swept up in his storytelling. GALWAY CONFIDENTIAL is one of the best installments of this series and has so much real-world credibility by playing everything against a backdrop of modern-day Galway and a few years of the most startling news events to shock humanity.

Reviewed by Ray Palen

[Jax · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading Ken Bruen is an experience in culture and the human condition packaged as a noir mystery, and a good one at that. I read that Bruen is an acquired taste, but I don’t see that. True, it took a chapter or two to acclimate to his rhythm and style, but I think my reading preferences came into play, as I approach books ready to explore character and theme.

On the surface, Bruen’s work is light and skippy, but it is actually thematic with well developed characters. Protagonist Jack Taylor is a representative of society’s ills and the heart that beats within its many traps. The grip of alcohol addiction has damaged Taylor’s health and career, but he is reconciled to its never loosening, especially given the role that drinking plays in his culture. That doesn’t mean he has no hope for others, and his generosity in reaching out adds depth to his character. A theme that drives the plot in this novel is disenchantment with the Catholic Church, and Bruen balances this with Taylor’s nostalgia for the past when the Church served as community glue.

The author weaves quotes and current events into the narrative that lends immediacy to it, and he plays with the title by providing definitions of the word confidential to explain Irish thinking. He also employs internal dialogue to record Taylor’s reactions, which is far more impactful and humorous than describing them. The plot is less focused on pacing and tension than it is on theme, and the ending is either a resolution or cliffhanger, however you wish to view it.

As late as I might be to the party, I’m glad I found this author.

Many thanks to Penzler Publishers, Mysterious Press and NetGalley for providing this eARC.

[Jiří Pavlovský · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jack Taylor byl na konci minulého dílu pobodaný, ale teď se probouzí z kómatu. Vedle postele mu sedí neznámý chlápek, který mu prý zachránil život a teď se hodlá s Taylorem kámošit. Což, jak zkušení čtenáři vědí, může mít dva výsledky. Buď se z toho člověka vyklube psychopat, nebo ho nějaký psychopat zabije.

Do toho ještě někdo mlátí a zabijí jeptišky, někdo jiný zase upaluje bezdomovce a Taylora ještě prudí kněz, který je střídavě fanatický abstinent a ještě fanatičtější alkáč. A samozřejmě, mutuje Covid a začíná válka na Ukrajině.

Je to poetický, úderný a vzteklý příběh ze světa, kde všichni lidi připomínají špatně jištěné elektrické přístroje. Stačí na ně sáhnout a praští vás. Ale přiznám se, že tady už jsem si hlavně užíval komentování dění ve světě a blízkém okolí, než samotný příběh. Ten tu je opravdu jen opakováním už napsaného, kdy se obvykle podezřelí Taylorovi sami přiznají (jak bývá zvykem) zabijí mu nějakého známého… a pak Taylor za někým zajde, řekne, aby se o toho mizeru postaral a pak už je jen zmínka o nalezené mrtvole. Plus se už začíná zajídat ten mustr, kdy někdo přijde za Taylorem, aby ho požádal o vyšetřování, Taylor na nic nepřijde a zadavatel ho začne nenávidět. Proč to ti lidi vůbec ještě dělají? Copak Taylor někdy něco vyšetřil?

Ono se mi zdá že tahle kniha je spíš jen taková rozcvička před dalším dílem, protože se tady objevuje mocná organizace, které Taylor dluží laskavost… a navíc hrdina vyfasoval psa, takže bude v další knize co zabíjet.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first audio book. Not sold. The reading was passable, considering Keating is English and Jack Taylor is Irish, but it's not because of the accent that I'm not sold on audio books. It's because this measured, evenly paced reading was missing the necessary "snappiness" of the Jack Taylor novels.
If you're familiar with the series, you'll know that calling Jack's first person narration "terse" is an understatement. The usual references to Jack holding his tongue around here, as per usual:

"I wanted to say " (insert something sarcastic)."
Said, "Thanks."

That sort of snappy dialogue requires a quicker pace than what we have here. And to think that I found a previously attempted audio book too quick. I also felt there was some inconsistency with the way he read Jack's voice.

As for the novel itself, you'll find that Jack is still Jack. Hates people, but trusts someone he barely knows if they call themself "friend", no eedjit but can't see the answer when it's in front of his nose, irascible. At least he's catching on to the "people who are friends of Jack wind up dead", and taking the necessary precautions. Heck, Jack's been through almost every single friend and resource, and we're starting to fear for the random acquaintance or next door neighbour who says hello to him in the mornings (or afternoons).
The ending promises a follow-up. Jack, like Harry Hole, just won't quit.

[Reeca Elliott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jack has just awakened from a coma to discover the world he once knew is gone. Now, as Jack tries to recover from the attack that put him in the hospital and absorb the incredible changes in the world around him, a woman approaches him with a distressing case: two local nuns have been bludgeoned by a mysterious man wielding a hammer, and more are sure to follow. As the police fail to act while the violence against the Sisters escalates, Jack seems like their only hope.

Jack is a unique character that you can’t help but fall for. He is matter of fact, no nonsense and a bit on the rude side. And I loved that for him. He does not take any prisoners, but don’t worry….the nuns take him to school.

This story had me laughing out loud in places due to snarky comments. It also had me gasping for breath because Jack had to catch this killer!!

This is part of a series and I have not read a single one. This is my first. I did not feel lost…well except for the coma part! I need to go back and read that book 😂. So, it is not necessary that you read these in order.

Need a mystery that makes you think of Alfred Hitchcock…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

[Bertha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jack Taylor is awake and has more than one mystery to unravel. Who would kill nuns and why? Or kill a priest? Or claim to be a brother he is not? Or burn the homeless on the streets? Bruen provides plots which hold the reader’s attention, as does his unique style of presentation (which adds significantly to the story). The violence, the darkness, the potential for ravages of alcohol, the ups and downs of the Catholic religion, questions about the Guards - all play roles here as in previous books. The recaps of history as covid falls and rises, as Russia invades Ukraine and refugees flock to Ireland and elsewhere, as the rule changes in Britain, as tragedy strikes in Ireland, and as shootings continue to haunt the States brings memory after memory to the fore. Another engaging and outstanding entry in this excellent series. The spare writing makes these quick reads. They are also well worth rereading.

[William Hogan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bruen is the epitome of an Irish storyteller. But he can say more in 5 words, than most Irish storytellers (me dear departed Mother included) could say in a half-hour tale.

I love how I just HAVE to plow through his works in one all-nighter--sure I'm tired for a couple of days, but I don't read the same detail over and over again either, as I sometimes do in other author's 400 page tomes.

Now, I love Irish cozies as well. They make me want to visit Galway. This is NOT an Irish cozy. Bruen's books make me feel I just might be safer here in Chicago. Ken is definitely never going to be used by the Galway Chamber of Commerce. However, I still want to visit Galway, especially Charlie Byrne's Bookshop.

He clearly was born to do this. If you're looking for a hard-boiled series, you could read all 17 books in this series in 17 all-nighters.

There should be a 6th Star available for Ken Bruen's works.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Number 17 in the series and Jack is back
Ex Guardia off and on again alcoholic, reluctant solver of crimes
When last we saw Jack He was left for dead but saved by a mysterious stranger and was 18 months in a coma when he woke up, it was the middle of the pandemic in Ireland and it was taking a toll on the island. Someone is killing nuns and Jack has been asked by mother superior to help , he just wants to live a quiet life with his drink and books, but that is never going to happen not with his reputation
The mysterious stranger who saved him and then posed as his brother to get into the hospital to visit him, befriends him, but of course he is not what he seems.will Jack solve the crime before he is put in another coma. You’ll have to read it to find out.
It’s not necessary to read them in order, but I would suggest it
once you start the series you will have a hard time putting it down until you have finished
all 17

[Betty Pickard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn’t interested for the first several pages. It was like I came into the middle of a chapter. Then I discovered this is book #17 in a long line of Jack Taylor mystery stories. This book was book of the month chosen for the January Mystery Book Club, so I read on. I’m a slow reader, but finished this one in 4 days. I’m hooked on author, Ken Bruen, now.
Jack wakes up after almost a 2 year coma. Sitting beside his bed is a man claiming to be Jack’s brother. Okay, maybe Jack has a little amnesia after the long sleep, I wonder.
What’s been going on in Galway, in Ireland, in Britain, in the world while Jack has been out of commission? Well, nuns are being murdered. Homeless people are being burned alive! Yikes! And that’s just in Galway. The world is in chaos. Jack gets involved in the only crimes he can do anything about & that is the crimes involving his town & friends.
Dark humor at its best. Now I’m looking for a copy of novel #18.

[Diane S ☔ · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I reckon if I could have lived in a bookstore, my life would have been a dream. But the devil had other plans."

Jack Taylor ,the ex-garda Irishman, has a guardian angel hovering over him at all times. He should have died many , many times. He drinks to excess. smokes constantly, puts himself in danger more times than not and yet he is still standing. Though his last scapade put him in a coma for two years, surprise, he's back.. The people close to him don't have the same !uck. It is dangerous being Jacks friend. He is one of the most unique characters n fiction, a very conflicted and contrary character.

I love these books. They are easy to read, staccato like sentences but also breaks in the action to relate other things happening the world. His love for books, is an added bonus.

ARC from Edelweiss.

[Geenance · Rating 3 out of 5]

An okay read that was a nice change from other books. This was my first "Jack Taylor" book and perhaps I would have enjoyed it more if I understood his background more. The story starts rather abruptly as Jack wakes up from a 2-year coma. I didn't understand why people came to him for help and I didn't understand why Jack wouldn't go to the Garda once he knew who was committing some of the crimes. I also found him a fairly unpleasant character and there weren't many other characters you could hang your hat on.

What I liked about the book was the underlying mystery, although that was solved quickly enough. I also enjoyed reading a story based in Ireland, and Galway in particular.
Others who are familiar with Jack's character are likely to enjoy the story more than I did.

All in it was an easy and quick read so I was glad I read it.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have a love/hate relationship with these Jack Taylor books. I think there are WAY too many current events just thrown in there to show the passage of time. But I love how random other things are, including Bruen's writing style. He's a man of few words (like Jack), and it works. I haven't read these in any type of order, but it's hard to believe that Jack has been in a coma for 18 months and is back to his old self in just a few months. There's always a complicated relationship with nuns and priests and alcohol and police (it is Ireland). Not sure how many in this series I will keep reading?

Quote - "New measures had the pubs closing at eight. Totally useless as that was the time people headed to the pubs." (This is what I thought when I was in Donegal in 2021.

[Dan Downing · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mr. Bruen continues to write in an apparently inimitable way. He does seem to have expanded to dropping the names of movies as well as books. In addition, we are given the news of the world every few pages. Jack may inhabit Galway but he keeps an eye on the world. Of course, the barbarian invasion launched by Russia, or maybe one should say Putin, is affecting Jack's life as Ireland shelters large numbers of refugees. The worst of Covid occurred while Jack was in a coma. Nice trick.
This outing Jack has gotten involved with a nun killer. Oh, and a couple of spoiled psychopathic teens. A normal day in West Ireland. Breun keeps things moving, a wee shot of Jameson nuzzling a pint never far off.
Recommended