What do you think?
Rate this book
Detective Ian Wilson #1
Nothing but Memories
People are getting killed in Belfast and it looks like the work of a professional assassin. Detective Chief Inspector Ian Wilson is tasked with the unenviable job of finding the killer with tensions running high throughout the city.
In the powder keg that is the Northern Irish political scene, Wilson needs to discover the reason behind the seemingly random killings, and quick, in order to prevent the troubles from breaking out on the streets of Belfast again.
A powerful, and exciting, thriller Nothing but Memories is a tour-de-force by Derek Fee, author of Cartel.
In the powder keg that is the Northern Irish political scene, Wilson needs to discover the reason behind the seemingly random killings, and quick, in order to prevent the troubles from breaking out on the streets of Belfast again.
A powerful, and exciting, thriller Nothing but Memories is a tour-de-force by Derek Fee, author of Cartel.
- GenresProcedural
420 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 8, 2013
238 people are currently reading
154 people want to read
About the author
Derek Fee
48 books43 followersI was born in Ireland and after graduating in engineering and business I decided that I wanted to see the world. With Shell International Petroeum and the National Iranian Oil Company I worked in England, Holland and Iran. As an international diplomat I lived in Belgium, Malta, Kenya and Zambia. I had the great good fortune to have a career which fulfilled all my travel desires. Since retiring in 2011, I have been living on the West Coast of Ireland and I've been writing full time. I love reading and concentrate on thrillers and history.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
December 30, 2014
I came across this book while looking for something else and bought it on a whim and I am so glad that I did! It's a fantastic novel. A detective novel set during Belfast during the early days of peace in Northern Ireland could have been really awful. The politics and atmosphere etc. alone could difficult to portray, never mind adding a whole set of fictional murders into the mix. Derek, however, manages it brilliantly. The story is engaging and the characters believable. Case is one of the most horrible characters I have ever come across. He genuinely creeped me out. I read quite a bit on Northern Ireland, both fact and fiction, but this book really got me thinking in a way that a lot of the others didn't. The only negative thing I have to say is that I was slightly disappointed by the ending - but I can see that to end it any other way would have been unrealistic and as it is it leaves us feeling the frustration that regularly comes with life and politics in Northern Ireland. I can't wait to read the next book.
August 28, 2023
Aside from the serious need of a good editor ( typos,repetitions,grammar issues), the characters are over the top stereotypes - perfect rebel cop,awful boss,token female,grumpy sidekick-the plot is thin,unoriginal,and the attempt at merging crime and politics falls flat.
January 21, 2018
I couldn't actually finish. In fact, I'd barely started. The format of the book is double-spaced and cannot be set to single-space which I found really annoying.
This book needs an editor so badly! After several major errors, this was the one that caused me to stop: "His blue plastic suit was XXL and was still bursting at the seems." Gah.
This book needs an editor so badly! After several major errors, this was the one that caused me to stop: "His blue plastic suit was XXL and was still bursting at the seems." Gah.
July 8, 2016
Found this author after a mention on goodreads, and on a plus it's on kindle unlimited!
The book is well written and flows really well. Main character in this series Detective Ian Wilson, set in Belfast and the first story I've read that based here, although not complete educated in the depth of the troubles, think it's good that the history of the region is bought into the book, I did find the reference to this good.
All that aside it I enjoyed the twist and turn in the story as detective try to get to the bottom of these murders in the area and why they were happening, really enjoyed finding how evidence was trawled through to get to the root of what was happening. Did sometimes find the referencing to the troubles difficult to get my head round, but still enjoyed the outcome. I'm going to move on to more in the series hoping to enjoy the mystery with a bit of history.
Don't know if Amazon acknowledge that I am verified reader as I use kindle unlimited....but yup I'm real and I enjoyed it!
The book is well written and flows really well. Main character in this series Detective Ian Wilson, set in Belfast and the first story I've read that based here, although not complete educated in the depth of the troubles, think it's good that the history of the region is bought into the book, I did find the reference to this good.
All that aside it I enjoyed the twist and turn in the story as detective try to get to the bottom of these murders in the area and why they were happening, really enjoyed finding how evidence was trawled through to get to the root of what was happening. Did sometimes find the referencing to the troubles difficult to get my head round, but still enjoyed the outcome. I'm going to move on to more in the series hoping to enjoy the mystery with a bit of history.
Don't know if Amazon acknowledge that I am verified reader as I use kindle unlimited....but yup I'm real and I enjoyed it!
October 6, 2016
3.5 stars. A reasonably good book. However, it tends toward the melodramatic in spots and the author is overly fond of cliches. There is also a reference to the Los Angeles Rams locker room. Since the Rams left LA for good at the end of the 1994 season and this book was published in 2013 that doesn't work (OK, they moved back in 2016 but still...).
December 14, 2019
I couldn’t get through chapter 1. How many times did we need to be reminded of what pub they were in on the first couple of pages.
October 3, 2018
‘Wilson and his team in the Belfast Murder Squad were under constant pressure to solve murders’
Irish author Derek Fee is a former oil company executive and European Union Ambassador, having lived in Holland, Iran Belgium, Malta, Kenya, Zambia and now living and writing in Connemara on Ireland’s West Coast. His published works include books on technology political thrillers and his vey popular as well as his popular Moira McElvaney mysteries and Detective Wilson series of which NOTHING BUT MEMORIES is Book 1
The Ian Wilson series introduces DCI Ian Wilson of the Belfast Murder Squad. As Derek defines this first book in his synopsis, ‘They can’t forget and that’s why they have to die. Hard-boiled and compelling Ian Wilson and the Belfast murder squad are in a bind. A professional assassin is killing young Protestant men in Belfast. With sectarian tensions mounting in the city, DCI Wilson needs to delve into the murky past of the Troubles to uncover the real motive for the killings. Sex, politics and murder collide as Wilson's investigation brings him closer to catching the killer, it also threatens to expose the dark underbelly of Belfast society. Wilson investigates murder in the boilerhouse that is modern day Belfast, a city still emerging from a violent past. In a situation where crime and politics are often intertwined, Wilson and his team must have their finger on the pulse of the city and tread a careful investigative path. Nothing but memories sets the bar for Northern Irish noir.’
Derek Fee has obviously created an enduring force in his name character – an unforgettably tough detective whose presence signals why this series has grown so popular. But in addition to Derek’s magical sculpting of credible character, he also is able to conjure the atmosphere of Ireland as is evident in the first page of the book – ‘Jim Patterson looked around the bar of `The Auld Sash' on the Woodvale Road and let his glance fall across the faces of the regular after-work drinking crowd. 'The Auld Sash' was a typical West Belfast working class pub with the regulation dark brown tobacco stained ceiling and dirt ingrained linoleum floor added to a selection of faces, which would not have been out of place in the saloon scene of 'A Fistful of Dollars'. Every time Patterson entered this dingy hole, he pulled himself up to his full height with pride at his position of a 'regular'. It was only within the confines of the 'Auld Sash' that he felt truly at home. Here, he could sit over a pint of Guinness and listen to the other patrons as they sounded off on the latest happening in sport, their conquests with the members of the opposite sex or their opinions on the politics of Northern Ireland. Although peace had been declared, the denizens of the 'Auld Sash' longed for the days when they could dish out various types of murder and mayhem on the Catholic residents of the province. The regulars of the ‘Auld Sash’ had status in Protestant West Belfast principally because the tavern had been home to one of the most ruthless gangs of Loyalist paramilitaries. There, amid their cronies they could boast of their crimes in the certain knowledge that not a single word would be passed to the Security Forces. No regular of the ‘Auld Sash’ ever was known to grass on a comrade. No matter how obscene or heinous the crime, ‘mum’ was the word.’
A decidedly involving mystery thriller that reveals a polished author in top form. The immediate move after finishing this book is to look for the rest of the series!
Irish author Derek Fee is a former oil company executive and European Union Ambassador, having lived in Holland, Iran Belgium, Malta, Kenya, Zambia and now living and writing in Connemara on Ireland’s West Coast. His published works include books on technology political thrillers and his vey popular as well as his popular Moira McElvaney mysteries and Detective Wilson series of which NOTHING BUT MEMORIES is Book 1
The Ian Wilson series introduces DCI Ian Wilson of the Belfast Murder Squad. As Derek defines this first book in his synopsis, ‘They can’t forget and that’s why they have to die. Hard-boiled and compelling Ian Wilson and the Belfast murder squad are in a bind. A professional assassin is killing young Protestant men in Belfast. With sectarian tensions mounting in the city, DCI Wilson needs to delve into the murky past of the Troubles to uncover the real motive for the killings. Sex, politics and murder collide as Wilson's investigation brings him closer to catching the killer, it also threatens to expose the dark underbelly of Belfast society. Wilson investigates murder in the boilerhouse that is modern day Belfast, a city still emerging from a violent past. In a situation where crime and politics are often intertwined, Wilson and his team must have their finger on the pulse of the city and tread a careful investigative path. Nothing but memories sets the bar for Northern Irish noir.’
Derek Fee has obviously created an enduring force in his name character – an unforgettably tough detective whose presence signals why this series has grown so popular. But in addition to Derek’s magical sculpting of credible character, he also is able to conjure the atmosphere of Ireland as is evident in the first page of the book – ‘Jim Patterson looked around the bar of `The Auld Sash' on the Woodvale Road and let his glance fall across the faces of the regular after-work drinking crowd. 'The Auld Sash' was a typical West Belfast working class pub with the regulation dark brown tobacco stained ceiling and dirt ingrained linoleum floor added to a selection of faces, which would not have been out of place in the saloon scene of 'A Fistful of Dollars'. Every time Patterson entered this dingy hole, he pulled himself up to his full height with pride at his position of a 'regular'. It was only within the confines of the 'Auld Sash' that he felt truly at home. Here, he could sit over a pint of Guinness and listen to the other patrons as they sounded off on the latest happening in sport, their conquests with the members of the opposite sex or their opinions on the politics of Northern Ireland. Although peace had been declared, the denizens of the 'Auld Sash' longed for the days when they could dish out various types of murder and mayhem on the Catholic residents of the province. The regulars of the ‘Auld Sash’ had status in Protestant West Belfast principally because the tavern had been home to one of the most ruthless gangs of Loyalist paramilitaries. There, amid their cronies they could boast of their crimes in the certain knowledge that not a single word would be passed to the Security Forces. No regular of the ‘Auld Sash’ ever was known to grass on a comrade. No matter how obscene or heinous the crime, ‘mum’ was the word.’
A decidedly involving mystery thriller that reveals a polished author in top form. The immediate move after finishing this book is to look for the rest of the series!
December 29, 2025
Nothing but Memories is book one in the Detective Ian Wilson series by Derek Fee. Detective Chief Inspector Ian Wilson had the task of finding an assassin who was killing people across Belfast. Due to the political scene in Belfast, Detective Chief Inspector Ian Wilson and his team must find the killer quickly. Readers of Nothing but Memories will continue to follow Detective Ian Wilson and his team to discover what happens.
Wow, Nothing but Memories is the first book in a series and the first book I have read by Derek Fee. This is a very enjoyable book, and I look forward to reading more in this series. I engaged with the plot and the characters from the first page and continued to the end. Reading this book, I learnt about Belfast and how law enforcement officers work in Northern Ireland.
I enjoy the way Derek Fee portrays his characters and their interactions throughout this book. Nothing but Memories is well written and researched by Derek Fee. I like Derek Fee's descriptions of the settings in Nothing but Memories, which let me imagine being part of the book's plot.
I recommend this book.
Wow, Nothing but Memories is the first book in a series and the first book I have read by Derek Fee. This is a very enjoyable book, and I look forward to reading more in this series. I engaged with the plot and the characters from the first page and continued to the end. Reading this book, I learnt about Belfast and how law enforcement officers work in Northern Ireland.
I enjoy the way Derek Fee portrays his characters and their interactions throughout this book. Nothing but Memories is well written and researched by Derek Fee. I like Derek Fee's descriptions of the settings in Nothing but Memories, which let me imagine being part of the book's plot.
I recommend this book.
October 1, 2018
Nothing but Memories (Detective Ian Wilson, #1) by Derek Fee is a gritty and unrelenting first book in what appears to be a promising series. Taking place in Belfast, a city still in recovery from a horrific past, Wilson is on the case of a gritty murder just outside the Auld Sash, a pub of the most rundown and expected type. With a serial killer now on the loose, Wilson must determine the motivation behind the crime, and to what degree these crimes relate to the history of religious strife in the area. This is a well written, well put together novel, a classic police procedural of the highest order. If you are into a bit of history, there is that as well, as you will certainly learn something about the conflict between Catholics and Protestants. Overall, a substantial read, an appealing main character in Wilson, and plenty of fodder for more in this series. Highly recommend.
January 17, 2020
I received this book to read through an author promotion and I was really quite impressed. It is a classic "whodunnit" set in the richly beautiful country of Ireland. The main character is a gritty cop with lots of baggage which adds dimensions to the character and brings him to life. It involves a lot of the history about the time of the "Troubles" when the word Ireland was synonymous with car bombs and horrific violence. There are a lot of characters and, at times, it got a bit hard to remember who was who but that would be my only problem with this book. I now have the second book in this series in my stack of "to reads" and I look forward to seeing what happens next with Mr. Fee's characters that he has so creatively brought to life.
January 8, 2019
Gripping, edge of your seat rollercoaster ride!!
As the daughter of an Irish Catholic father and a divorced Protestant mother, I was immediately interested in reading this book. I was not disappointed!
Derek covers all the topics: The Troubles, the taboo of the orphanages, gangs, coverups, a serial killer and so much more. All while we're trying to figure out why a very skilled assassin is bumping off seemingly insignificant nobodies...
This is on my favorites list!!
I received a free copy of the book from the author.
As the daughter of an Irish Catholic father and a divorced Protestant mother, I was immediately interested in reading this book. I was not disappointed!
Derek covers all the topics: The Troubles, the taboo of the orphanages, gangs, coverups, a serial killer and so much more. All while we're trying to figure out why a very skilled assassin is bumping off seemingly insignificant nobodies...
This is on my favorites list!!
I received a free copy of the book from the author.
August 22, 2017
A pretty well written book, if a bit long. The main character, Wilson, comes across as a decent guy with a slew of failings, but likeable. Which is odd, but true. While the story is one of violence, old and told, or new and brewing, it doesn't seem quite real, which I thought a point in its favor. I've avoided this series set in Belfast where the Troubles are neither gone nor forgotten, but now will give #2 a try.
March 15, 2019
West Belfast a working class pub, sat Joe Case, observing Mr Patterson a man of habit. Three more than he could leave the city. DC Wilson has a serial killer case to figure out now, what is motivating this much hate to the victims. Is it religious, after the strife that had been in the city, the hate between Catholics and Protestants. The plot has good depth of what and why these were happening, good series.
September 27, 2018
This was the one of the best British police stories I have read. Aging DCI tries to solve some unexplainable murders in Northern Ireland. Great cast of characters, lots of action and intrigue as well as a great story line makes this one hard to put down. If you enjoy this type of fiction you will certainly enjoy this book.
July 15, 2017
Nicely paced
Nice read good combo of procedural in an exotic locale and intrigue. Decently edited, no misspellings just the normal "bear" instead of "bare" type homonym lapses. One last pass by a human would probably get those.
Will def read the next. Recommended.
Nice read good combo of procedural in an exotic locale and intrigue. Decently edited, no misspellings just the normal "bear" instead of "bare" type homonym lapses. One last pass by a human would probably get those.
Will def read the next. Recommended.
August 24, 2018
Excellent Read
I particularly liked this book. It kept me reading from the beginning. I found the setting intriguing and I was routing for Ian Wilson all the way. What a great good guy against so many bad guys thriller.
I particularly liked this book. It kept me reading from the beginning. I found the setting intriguing and I was routing for Ian Wilson all the way. What a great good guy against so many bad guys thriller.
November 1, 2018
Must say I enjoyed this book. Have been to Belfast and a bit familiar with some of the areas and the troubles. Characters were realistic, although Case was pure evil . Ian Wilson was a solid character who just wanted justice and Belfast to become a city where everyone can live in peace together.
November 24, 2018
This is my second book to read by Derek Fee and he just doesn't fail to entertain the reader. I was glued to the pages eager for more. Loved DCI Wilson, learning about his life, failings and all about his wife's cancer struggle as well as going through the motions of solving crime. Great book :)
October 25, 2020
A riveting read and set in my native Northern Ireland where I have lived all my life. The author has a very good grasp of the complexities of the post ceasefire era and the underlying issues that often rise to the surface.
May 31, 2021
A very good read . It took me to a part of the world I know little about.
I liked the flawed characters and the shifting points of view..a good reintroduction to police proceedurals. It was a little hard to keep all the characters and plots straight.
I liked the flawed characters and the shifting points of view..a good reintroduction to police proceedurals. It was a little hard to keep all the characters and plots straight.
July 18, 2021
OK
Bored me to tears in the beginning with too much details and initials of various groups.But then got in the swing of it and Wilson became a very believable character.Nearly gave up on it but it pulled together the story eventually.
Bored me to tears in the beginning with too much details and initials of various groups.But then got in the swing of it and Wilson became a very believable character.Nearly gave up on it but it pulled together the story eventually.
February 6, 2022
Everything you would want to get the adrenalin moving.
The book kept your attention with each turn of the page.
The characters were interesting and well developed.
I can't wait to read the next one.
The book kept your attention with each turn of the page.
The characters were interesting and well developed.
I can't wait to read the next one.
October 3, 2022
DCC Wilson is my new hero
An imperfect but determined policeman against a political and sectarian system pursues a psychopathic hired killer, catches him, only to be told to stand down.
An imperfect but determined policeman against a political and sectarian system pursues a psychopathic hired killer, catches him, only to be told to stand down.
January 15, 2017
Good read
Slow at times but overall decent book for the price. I had to flip through some paragraphs. Hope you like it.
Slow at times but overall decent book for the price. I had to flip through some paragraphs. Hope you like it.
June 27, 2017
New author for me and fully enjoyed, have already got the next in the series. Portrayal of Ireland may be a bit harsh for present times but it adds atmosphere.
July 8, 2017
Great read
Brought "The Troubles" and their aftermath to life. Lot's of villains on both sides. No sugar coating. Looking forward to his next work.
Brought "The Troubles" and their aftermath to life. Lot's of villains on both sides. No sugar coating. Looking forward to his next work.
July 15, 2017
an author that I enjoyed. Excellent book and I shall continue with the series.
August 27, 2017
I really enjoyed this read. Good pace and well written. I'll look out for the other books in this series
April 20, 2018
A good read
Nothing but Memories has well developed characters and a gripping plot. I look forward to the next Ian Wilson book.
Nothing but Memories has well developed characters and a gripping plot. I look forward to the next Ian Wilson book.
June 6, 2018
One more detective book built around the Troubles in Ireland and their long lasting effects. Pretty good plotting. I'll probably read more of the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews