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Exceptional Merit
Lieutenant James Keegan is a highly decorated police officer assigned to the N.Y.P.D.’s Joint Terrorist Task Force. Keegan has solved many high profile cases during his eighteen years with the N.Y.P.D., including an imminent terrorist attack which earned him a personal thank you from the President of the United States. All is not what it appears, however, with Lieutenant Keegan. James Keegan has a double life in which he has been involved with the Irish Republican Army for almost as long as he has the N.Y.P.D.
Set in 1995, Exceptional Merit will take you from the quiet back streets of Northern Ireland to the gritty streets of New York City, from an I.R.A. training camp, to the most inner workings of the N.Y.P.D. Keegan’s two lives come crashing together on New York’s largest stage, in front of a live televised audience, where Keegan must decide where his loyalty lies; to a job that he loves and the people of the city of New York he has taken an oath to serve and protect or to the cause of freedom for Northern Ireland which he has believed in his entire life. All of the while, Keegan is unaware his every move is being watched from within his own department.
Set in 1995, Exceptional Merit will take you from the quiet back streets of Northern Ireland to the gritty streets of New York City, from an I.R.A. training camp, to the most inner workings of the N.Y.P.D. Keegan’s two lives come crashing together on New York’s largest stage, in front of a live televised audience, where Keegan must decide where his loyalty lies; to a job that he loves and the people of the city of New York he has taken an oath to serve and protect or to the cause of freedom for Northern Ireland which he has believed in his entire life. All of the while, Keegan is unaware his every move is being watched from within his own department.
299 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 18, 2013
59 people are currently reading
110 people want to read
About the author
George P. Norris
7 books21 followersGeorge Norris is the Amazon Best Selling author of NYPD True and The Devil's Trident. In 2008, after over twenty years of service, George retired from the New York City Police Department. George was promoted to Sergeant in 1995 after working nearly two years in a precinct detective squad. In 2001, he was again promoted, this time to Sergeant Special Assignment. During his career Sgt. Norris amassed 248 medals for his actions as a police officer making him one of the most decorated officers in the history of the NYPD.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
August 2, 2015
Exceptional by title and an exceptional read! Great thriller with excellent characters and fast action packed plot. I had read the book which follows on twenty years later from this story and so enjoyed it I wanted to read this book. Although it meant I knew some of the key plot elements I was still captivated from the first few pages and surprised by how the storyline developed.
Having served in the NYPD this author brings great authenticity to his crime stories. Strongly recommended!
Having served in the NYPD this author brings great authenticity to his crime stories. Strongly recommended!
August 1, 2013
To steal part of the title: this book was "exceptional"! George Norris poured his life into this book and it shows.
His description and story telling of a police detective and police department is so authentic because he lived it, and it comes through wonderfully. A very good read that I would not hesitate to recommend to anyone.
His description and story telling of a police detective and police department is so authentic because he lived it, and it comes through wonderfully. A very good read that I would not hesitate to recommend to anyone.
December 4, 2013
The author's top-notch experience as a police officer has caused this book to be written with the detail it has. No one else, except one who has earned his street smarts and acumen like this author did, could have written this book.
The characters are very likeable and fascinating. There are two that come to mind. James Keegan of course is untouchable as the valiant cop who nonetheless has a sinister, life-long secret that could threaten his reputation, his family, and his soul-consuming career. The other one is Louis Castillo, who is the forthright, noble cop who could have walked away from the devastating vendetta the police department dealt against him, but chose instead to take the high road, and weed out corruption.
These two, James and Louis, play a game of cat-and-mouse and their internal struggles are what make this book tick. Many times, we see them waver in their conviction as to their goals at hand, as both admire and despise the other, for vastly different reasons. I could easily see them share a brew together in the pub, talking like old friends, since they have much to confess to each other. This dalliance is fascinating and reminds me of the complex relationship - I know this is totally out of the blue but can't help throw this in - that Professor Snape had with Harry Potter in J.K. Rowling's series.
The book is not perfect, but what book is? The use of tense was sometimes puzzling but did not detract from the book too much. Also the book tended to be overwritten at times, and sometimes has a painstaking, pedantic style. But we do get a lot of good, useful information, like the dynamics of the Keegan family relationship, and the intricate (and revealing to others who do not work for the police) details of how paperwork is done in a cop's office.
I would have given it 4.5 stars for this reason. Now, a 4 or 5? But I say, damn it, this definitely deserves five stars.
Well done!
The characters are very likeable and fascinating. There are two that come to mind. James Keegan of course is untouchable as the valiant cop who nonetheless has a sinister, life-long secret that could threaten his reputation, his family, and his soul-consuming career. The other one is Louis Castillo, who is the forthright, noble cop who could have walked away from the devastating vendetta the police department dealt against him, but chose instead to take the high road, and weed out corruption.
These two, James and Louis, play a game of cat-and-mouse and their internal struggles are what make this book tick. Many times, we see them waver in their conviction as to their goals at hand, as both admire and despise the other, for vastly different reasons. I could easily see them share a brew together in the pub, talking like old friends, since they have much to confess to each other. This dalliance is fascinating and reminds me of the complex relationship - I know this is totally out of the blue but can't help throw this in - that Professor Snape had with Harry Potter in J.K. Rowling's series.
The book is not perfect, but what book is? The use of tense was sometimes puzzling but did not detract from the book too much. Also the book tended to be overwritten at times, and sometimes has a painstaking, pedantic style. But we do get a lot of good, useful information, like the dynamics of the Keegan family relationship, and the intricate (and revealing to others who do not work for the police) details of how paperwork is done in a cop's office.
I would have given it 4.5 stars for this reason. Now, a 4 or 5? But I say, damn it, this definitely deserves five stars.
Well done!
Read
December 29, 2013Anything I ever knew, or thought I knew, about the inner workings of the New York City Police Department pales to insignificance before I read this novel. Norris is the real deal, and he takes you on a journey that combines his professional knowledge with a terrific storytelling ability - of Lieutenant James Keegan, the Department's rising star, and his involvement with the IRA. He delves into the mind of the fanatic and cold-blooded murderer, and deals with the conundrum of being caught between two loyalties, and ultimately, the question of which has the higher calling: the love of family, or duty and honour. Norris didn't flinch from any of these compelling questions.
Last but by no means least, this book is a salute to the brave men and women of the police department, who put their lives on the line, day in and day out, to make the streets of New York safe for her citizens, and, I daresay, other police departments in other cities all over the world.
Bravo, Mr. Norris, you've done them proud!
Last but by no means least, this book is a salute to the brave men and women of the police department, who put their lives on the line, day in and day out, to make the streets of New York safe for her citizens, and, I daresay, other police departments in other cities all over the world.
Bravo, Mr. Norris, you've done them proud!
September 23, 2013
Spent the weekend totally engaged with "Exceptional Merit"!
Exceptional Merit is engaging, well-written and filled with suspense and twists and turns to keep you turning the page. This would make a great movie!
A highly-decorated police officer of the NYPD Terrorist Task Force is Lieutenant James Keegan. He's had many high profile cases. He's the best. But Jimmy is also involved with the Irish Replublican Army. When his separate lives meet...he has to decide who he is loyal to...
This author is as well - a highly-decorated officer for his years at NYPD. Who better to write a truly-exceptional read like this?
I enjoyed immensely! Definite "Merit" given...highly recommend this read.
Exceptional Merit is engaging, well-written and filled with suspense and twists and turns to keep you turning the page. This would make a great movie!
A highly-decorated police officer of the NYPD Terrorist Task Force is Lieutenant James Keegan. He's had many high profile cases. He's the best. But Jimmy is also involved with the Irish Replublican Army. When his separate lives meet...he has to decide who he is loyal to...
This author is as well - a highly-decorated officer for his years at NYPD. Who better to write a truly-exceptional read like this?
I enjoyed immensely! Definite "Merit" given...highly recommend this read.
October 9, 2013
‘Exceptional Merit’ is a gripping, well-written story about intrigue in the New York City police department. The characters are real and believable, and the circumstances both entertaining and disturbing.
James Keegan is the hero policeman, nationally known and recognized, but he has a secret that another police officer only suspects. Multiple worlds collide for an exciting conclusion that sets the stage for additional intrigue.
I highly recommend ‘Exceptional Merit’. Read it when you have the time; you won’t be able to put it down.
James Keegan is the hero policeman, nationally known and recognized, but he has a secret that another police officer only suspects. Multiple worlds collide for an exciting conclusion that sets the stage for additional intrigue.
I highly recommend ‘Exceptional Merit’. Read it when you have the time; you won’t be able to put it down.
March 27, 2021
Very interesting story but needs help
This is a very interesting story and should have a higher rating. However, it needs a lot of editing. It is replete with mistakes like to instead of too, spelling errors, missing words in sentences, fragments that are not a sentence, an abundance of telling instead of showing, and is loaded with material detail that should be removed. With significant editing, which a copy editor could help with, this novel could be greatly improved and could make a great movie.
This is a very interesting story and should have a higher rating. However, it needs a lot of editing. It is replete with mistakes like to instead of too, spelling errors, missing words in sentences, fragments that are not a sentence, an abundance of telling instead of showing, and is loaded with material detail that should be removed. With significant editing, which a copy editor could help with, this novel could be greatly improved and could make a great movie.
November 18, 2013
This is a dramatic story of a cop leading a double life as an IRA gunrunner. Exceptional Merit is a stunning debut novel that is detailed and well researched. Of course, the author, George Norris, was a long time, highly decorated officer with NYPD and he uses that experience well in this novel. He also knows how to build the tension and layer the story with twists and turns that the reader never sees coming.
July 16, 2022
Well written,no nonsense , exceptional plot, historicaly correct
However the policeman without a doubt did sully the shield and betrayed his fellow officers,
You cannot betray your oath and still be good,no matter what you end up doing,
You cannot steal, put guns on the street and still be a hero
I lived and worked in NYC for sixty years, I also knew many NY P D Officers thru the years that were hard working men and women who would never condoned what that officer did,no matter the reason.
Well done
However the policeman without a doubt did sully the shield and betrayed his fellow officers,
You cannot betray your oath and still be good,no matter what you end up doing,
You cannot steal, put guns on the street and still be a hero
I lived and worked in NYC for sixty years, I also knew many NY P D Officers thru the years that were hard working men and women who would never condoned what that officer did,no matter the reason.
Well done
November 17, 2021
Another Great Read
Mister Norris has spun a captivating tale of intrigue and suspense with this first of the "Keegan" books. I had read the other two before getting my hands on this one. All three were so good I read each in one sitting. The characters, dialogue and action was captivating.
Mister Norris has spun a captivating tale of intrigue and suspense with this first of the "Keegan" books. I had read the other two before getting my hands on this one. All three were so good I read each in one sitting. The characters, dialogue and action was captivating.
January 19, 2023
Enjoyed the storyline and cast of characters. Proofreader needed as there are too many spelling and grammatical errors which are distracting. I believe that the reference is "Forty shades of green" not fifty.
February 12, 2023
An extremely well told story regarding the New York city police and some special crimes.
The story was well told,brought him lots of characters and took us on an interesting trip between the police and criminals.
The story was well told,brought him lots of characters and took us on an interesting trip between the police and criminals.
Read
April 29, 2021Recommended!
The story starts off slowly but builds up throughout the book. The last third is a page turner. I did not expect the ending. Look forward to start the next book.
The story starts off slowly but builds up throughout the book. The last third is a page turner. I did not expect the ending. Look forward to start the next book.
August 28, 2022
KINDLE #1
September 8, 2014
Exceptional Merit by author George Norris is a thrilling crime drama with many unexpected twists and turns. The tale follows Lieutenant James Keegan - an officer assigned to the NYPD's Joint Terrorist Task Force, while also secretly devoted to the Irish Republican Army. Keegan's loyalties are challenged in dramatic fashion and this both complex and sometimes tormented individual becomes stuck between these two worlds and responsibilities.
I was immediately drawn into this book through the strength of the lead character. He was very believable and multi-dimensional. Author George Norris is a retired officer from the NYPD. There is an authenticity found in this book, which separates it from lesser crime thrillers. There is a great attention to detail both in the plot elements, settings, and also in how Lt. Keegan is fleshed out as he navigates the political inner workings of law enforcement.
This novel was a brisk and captivating read. There were many times where I found myself at the edge of my seat (or in this case Kindle) as the story unfolded and the stakes were raised. I enjoyed how this story wrestled with moral dilemmas. The issue of terrorism wasn't painted in just black and white, but rather with grit and finesse. This heightened the suspense and tension for me. I could literally feel Keegan's angst progress. Which side will he choose? Does he even have a choice?
You'll have to read the book yourself to find out.
I would highly recommend Exceptional Merit for anyone looking for a thrilling read full of intrigue and heart. I was engrossed from start to finish, and I'm sure you'll be too.
I was immediately drawn into this book through the strength of the lead character. He was very believable and multi-dimensional. Author George Norris is a retired officer from the NYPD. There is an authenticity found in this book, which separates it from lesser crime thrillers. There is a great attention to detail both in the plot elements, settings, and also in how Lt. Keegan is fleshed out as he navigates the political inner workings of law enforcement.
This novel was a brisk and captivating read. There were many times where I found myself at the edge of my seat (or in this case Kindle) as the story unfolded and the stakes were raised. I enjoyed how this story wrestled with moral dilemmas. The issue of terrorism wasn't painted in just black and white, but rather with grit and finesse. This heightened the suspense and tension for me. I could literally feel Keegan's angst progress. Which side will he choose? Does he even have a choice?
You'll have to read the book yourself to find out.
I would highly recommend Exceptional Merit for anyone looking for a thrilling read full of intrigue and heart. I was engrossed from start to finish, and I'm sure you'll be too.
September 18, 2014
This was a high quality novel that was well worth the read. The author makes the story and characters seem realistic by giving the readers a variety of details to fuel the imagination. You feel like you really get to know the main characters, who are each fascinating and well worth getting to know. The story-line is also fascinating, and the suspense picks up early and never lets go through the very last pages of the novel. I am always a sucker for stories involving Ireland, which this story does partially because of the protagonist's Irish ancestry and partly for reasons I won't get into for risk of spoiling. The writing style is good, and the author is able to pull off shifting from the point of view of one character to that of several others throughout the course of the story. This adds the quality of being able to look at the story through a variety of eyes, which is good, because it is rare that any of the characters know all of the facts at any given time in the novel.
My only criticism, and the reason why I probably would have given the novel a 4.5 if this was an option, was the fact that the book was lacking in fine-tuned editing. There were a fair number of small typos and comma issues, which although they did not take away from the story, are the only thing which separated this novel from a NYT best-selling novel.
My only criticism, and the reason why I probably would have given the novel a 4.5 if this was an option, was the fact that the book was lacking in fine-tuned editing. There were a fair number of small typos and comma issues, which although they did not take away from the story, are the only thing which separated this novel from a NYT best-selling novel.
May 28, 2015
First of all, I was very impressed that the author, George P. Norris, is a (retired) highly decorated NYPD police officer. (Kudos to you Sir.) The author tried traditional publishing but had no success and threw his manuscript in the closet but finally self-published twenty years later. Exceptional Merit is a book filled with colorful characters and action-packed suspense. I especially loved how the author brought all the characters to life. Keegan, the cop who tried to balance love for his family, responsibility for his job and his secret life; Flynn, the cruel and calculated hit-man who had only one focus-to further the cause of his country; Castillo, the detective who only wanted to make things right with the world; O’Brien, loyal to his cause to a fault. Finally, we read about Kate, Keegan’s wife who showed strength, patience, understanding, loneliness and love of a cop’s wife. All of the characters come together in an explosive conclusion to a thrilling read. We are all lucky the author dug out his dusty manuscript when he did.
February 26, 2015
Two virtual thumbs up !
Detective James Keegan, a highly decorated police officer, anti-terrorism task force leader, and all around hero, finds himself in a deadly situation when his past teaming up with IRA agents catches up with him. Wanting to extradite himself from this association to protect the family he loves proves most difficult. An internal investigation detective knows Keegan's on the take but can't quite nail him with solid proof of criminal activity.
This novel by George Norris , a retired NYPD cop, is an excellent fast paced story of two police officers and their attempts to redeem their careers from choices made as younger police officers; in Keegan's case a huge mistake to become a gun runner for the IRA.
The only stumble in the book is nothing a strong copyeditor could not correct, but the storytelling more than makes up for any minor cosmetic type defects. Two virtual thumbs up!
February 7, 2014
George brings an insight to his fiction which borders on the recounting of real events. There is a real 'flesh and bones' feel to his characters and I loved the way George works us into their heads so we see through their eyes. George clearly knows his subject inside out, this is no brief glance on Google for the small details and this is obvious with every turn of the page. This story would have stood with just the plot of James Keegan and his association with the IRA, weaving Castillo into the plot was shear genius! Criticism? Sometimes George goes into the details too deeply, he's an Indie writer, self funding and can be forgiven for this, but I feel that Exceptional merit is only a copy edit away from the bestsellers list, if I were George, I would reach into my pocket and get it done!
July 28, 2015
Love the story; concept, twist and true capture of the mix-up life of our every day police trying to combat crime, criminality, terrorism, temptations and at the end giving their lives to save. Lt. James Keegan of N.Y.P.D indeed deserves the excellent medal Merit for his moral, honour and duty sense and bravery - risking his Job, being found to be a gun runner for the Irish terrorist, Flynn and group and his life for betraying the group. It is tragic how he was sent to his grave via O'Brien, his friend 's planted bomb.
It is a good read and indeed worth reading by lovers of crime free society. It gives insight into the life ,danger and selflesh services of the heroes[men and women in blues ] in the N.Y.P.D.
{Thanks to ebooks age that finally brought this to kindles since the writting started in 1994.}
It is a good read and indeed worth reading by lovers of crime free society. It gives insight into the life ,danger and selflesh services of the heroes[men and women in blues ] in the N.Y.P.D.
{Thanks to ebooks age that finally brought this to kindles since the writting started in 1994.}
November 6, 2014
After reading and enjoying The Blue Executions, I decided to pick this one up and give it a go.
Much like that book, this one drew me in from the first chapter. Norris, as I've said in a previous review, has a unique ability to create layer after layer of tension by focusing his narrative attention on small details and subtle gestures. At the same time, the scope of his novels always appear grand, the characters are heroic, the villains are evil.
I can't help but reiterate a point that several other reviewers have made: Norris knows a lot about being a cop. And it shows in his writing which adds a level of realism uncommon to the genre.
Great book. Highly Recommended
Much like that book, this one drew me in from the first chapter. Norris, as I've said in a previous review, has a unique ability to create layer after layer of tension by focusing his narrative attention on small details and subtle gestures. At the same time, the scope of his novels always appear grand, the characters are heroic, the villains are evil.
I can't help but reiterate a point that several other reviewers have made: Norris knows a lot about being a cop. And it shows in his writing which adds a level of realism uncommon to the genre.
Great book. Highly Recommended
September 21, 2014
Another A++++ Mystery Thriller! Superb!
If you liked The Blue Executions then you will love Exceptional Merit, a story about a hero cop with a dark secret. James Keegan has to face many enemies determined to destroy him all while fighting his own demons. This book has it all - action, suspense, gritty realism and unforgettable characters. Put this one on your "must read" list! And if you haven't read The Blue Executions, make sure you do. The author, a retired and decorated New York police officer himself, is a master storyteller.
If you liked The Blue Executions then you will love Exceptional Merit, a story about a hero cop with a dark secret. James Keegan has to face many enemies determined to destroy him all while fighting his own demons. This book has it all - action, suspense, gritty realism and unforgettable characters. Put this one on your "must read" list! And if you haven't read The Blue Executions, make sure you do. The author, a retired and decorated New York police officer himself, is a master storyteller.
August 10, 2015
The author's knowledge of the subject really helped with his portrayal of events and his writing prowess help to paint realistic scenes and well developed characters. I felt like a by stander, living in the scenes of this story.
This story is suspenseful and gripping. I haven't had much time to read, but when I'd steal a few minutes to flip some pages, this damn book would hook me for hours. Suffice it to say that I sawed through this book quickly once I picked it up.
So if you're looking for an exciting book to take you on a ride, this is the one.
This story is suspenseful and gripping. I haven't had much time to read, but when I'd steal a few minutes to flip some pages, this damn book would hook me for hours. Suffice it to say that I sawed through this book quickly once I picked it up.
So if you're looking for an exciting book to take you on a ride, this is the one.
April 22, 2017
The author's knowledge of the subject really helped with his portrayal of events and his writing prowess help to paint realistic scenes and well developed characters. I felt like a by stander, living in the scenes of this story.
This story is suspenseful and gripping. I haven't had much time to read, but when I'd steal a few minutes to flip some pages, this damn book would hook me for hours. Suffice it to say that I sawed through this book quickly once I picked it up.
So if you're looking for an exciting book to take you on a ride, this is the one.
This story is suspenseful and gripping. I haven't had much time to read, but when I'd steal a few minutes to flip some pages, this damn book would hook me for hours. Suffice it to say that I sawed through this book quickly once I picked it up.
So if you're looking for an exciting book to take you on a ride, this is the one.
July 31, 2014
In spite of the fact that this is a story written by an armature writer, it is such an interesting and exciting read, I am enjoying it tremendously. The author has a lot of story-telling talent, as well as a thorough knowledge of the subject,"
There is a lot of conflicting emotions and loyalties making an intense drama - This is a compelling read. It is full of surprises and suspense - angst galore.
There is a lot of conflicting emotions and loyalties making an intense drama - This is a compelling read. It is full of surprises and suspense - angst galore.
February 1, 2015
Exceptional Merit is a superb thriller. The deepest knowledge of the police procedurals and the NYPD made the story even more credible and gave me the illusion of being there for real.
You know, when you fear for a fictional character's life and cannot put the book down it means the author truly did an excellent job.
That's what happened to me while reading this story: I ended up at two in the morning trying to switch off my Kindle.
Addicted!
You know, when you fear for a fictional character's life and cannot put the book down it means the author truly did an excellent job.
That's what happened to me while reading this story: I ended up at two in the morning trying to switch off my Kindle.
Addicted!
October 22, 2013
Excellent novel full of details that can only come from a seasoned veteran of the NYPD. The plot kept me on the edge of my seat right up to the very end. Highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews