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Above the Ground: A True Story of the Troubles in Northern Ireland
Convicted for a murder that he did not commit, ABOVE THE GROUND, A True Story of the Troubles in Northern Ireland by Dan Lawton takes readers through the chronicle of one of the darkest periods in Northern Ireland's history, highlighting themes of injustice, perseverance, and hope through Kevin's escape and struggle.
In this deep and exposing novel, readers are shown for the first time, the true story of the murder of British prison official Albert Miles by Irish Republican Army assassins and the best efforts of former IRA men and the British government to keep hidden the secrets of their dirty war during the Troubles in Northern Ireland. No matter where you stand regarding the bloody conflict in Northern Ireland, known as The Troubles, from 1978, ABOVE THE GROUND will have you turning the pages to keep revealing the truth. Filled with courtroom drama and true crime, you are not want to put this new release down!
In this deep and exposing novel, readers are shown for the first time, the true story of the murder of British prison official Albert Miles by Irish Republican Army assassins and the best efforts of former IRA men and the British government to keep hidden the secrets of their dirty war during the Troubles in Northern Ireland. No matter where you stand regarding the bloody conflict in Northern Ireland, known as The Troubles, from 1978, ABOVE THE GROUND will have you turning the pages to keep revealing the truth. Filled with courtroom drama and true crime, you are not want to put this new release down!
466 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 18, 2024
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1427 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
February 12, 2024
During the decades of the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s—while the “the Troubles” in Northern Ireland were happening—I was either an ignorant teenager or a young breadwinner with my nose to the grindstone trying to support my family. As a result, I never learned much about the conflict going on across the Atlantic except what I occasionally learned in bits and pieces through the American media. This left me with a grossly incomplete understanding of what was really happening in Northern Ireland.
Dan Lawton’s book, Above the Ground, published in 2023, is a terrific book that educated me about this important chapter in modern world history. The book is gripping, well researched, authentic, and powerful. By telling the fascinating story of Kevin Barry Artt, whose life was upended by being dragged unfairly into “the Troubles,” the book teaches a great deal. The author provides a useful glossary of terms and does an excellent job of explaining background history and context briefly, without getting bogged down in details, including vignettes of interesting facts and characters involved in the long struggle of many—but not all—to remove British control over the six counties of Northern Ireland and to make them part of the independent country of Ireland (the other twenty-six counties to the south).
In my view, Above the Ground is worth reading on many different levels.
First, it is a well-written book that tells a compelling, true story. I finished Above the Ground over the course of a few days. It is captivating and hard to put down. In places it is violent and raw—not in a sensational way but rather to document what really happened. I would love to see it as a movie someday (although I’m usually disappointed by movies based on great books I have previously read—Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand quickly comes to mind).
Second, it helps one gain an understanding of “the Troubles” and particularly what can happen to innocent lives when the police and military go overboard in trying to squash terrorism (in this case, IRA rebels), while turning a blind eye and sometimes even supporting contra, pro-government terrorist groups—all within the interesting workings of a legal system from which the American legal system has its roots. On this level, the book heightens my appreciation for due process and other Constitutional protections that are built into the United States’ justice system.
Third, it documents the ugliness of bigotry against a religious minority in a region. Although Catholicism is not a minority religion worldwide, the book explains that it was a minority religion in Northern Ireland. It was sad and shocking to learn that the Troubles were not just based on a struggle for freedom from British rule in Northern Ireland; the conflict was also overlain by the unsettling conflict between poverty-stricken Catholics and more affluent protestants. This aspect of the book was especially moving to me, as my second great grandfather, Edmund Durfee—a convert of a different religious minority—was shot and killed by a mob of men near Nauvoo, Illinois who despised him solely based on their disdain for his religion.
Fourth, the book is worth reading because of what one can learn from the life of Kevin Barry Artt. Although not a perfect human being (who is?), his courage, patience, fortitude, and relentless hope in the face of extreme adversity and injustice over a period of decades is something worth reading about.
Fifth, I was inspired by the caring, service, and generosity of various American and Irish lawyers—including James Brosnahan and the author—on a quest, against steep odds, to help an innocent man regain his freedom and to clear his name after being either imprisoned or going underground for so long.
I love reading books that I realize, upon reading them, were a labor of love by a skilled author whose motive was something more than making money (not that it’s bad to make money): to devote a portion of their life to create something of lasting value to share with their fellow passengers in life. Above the Ground falls into that category of book. Kudos to its author, Dan Lawton. Very well done, Mr. Lawton.
--Mark Hansen
Dan Lawton’s book, Above the Ground, published in 2023, is a terrific book that educated me about this important chapter in modern world history. The book is gripping, well researched, authentic, and powerful. By telling the fascinating story of Kevin Barry Artt, whose life was upended by being dragged unfairly into “the Troubles,” the book teaches a great deal. The author provides a useful glossary of terms and does an excellent job of explaining background history and context briefly, without getting bogged down in details, including vignettes of interesting facts and characters involved in the long struggle of many—but not all—to remove British control over the six counties of Northern Ireland and to make them part of the independent country of Ireland (the other twenty-six counties to the south).
In my view, Above the Ground is worth reading on many different levels.
First, it is a well-written book that tells a compelling, true story. I finished Above the Ground over the course of a few days. It is captivating and hard to put down. In places it is violent and raw—not in a sensational way but rather to document what really happened. I would love to see it as a movie someday (although I’m usually disappointed by movies based on great books I have previously read—Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand quickly comes to mind).
Second, it helps one gain an understanding of “the Troubles” and particularly what can happen to innocent lives when the police and military go overboard in trying to squash terrorism (in this case, IRA rebels), while turning a blind eye and sometimes even supporting contra, pro-government terrorist groups—all within the interesting workings of a legal system from which the American legal system has its roots. On this level, the book heightens my appreciation for due process and other Constitutional protections that are built into the United States’ justice system.
Third, it documents the ugliness of bigotry against a religious minority in a region. Although Catholicism is not a minority religion worldwide, the book explains that it was a minority religion in Northern Ireland. It was sad and shocking to learn that the Troubles were not just based on a struggle for freedom from British rule in Northern Ireland; the conflict was also overlain by the unsettling conflict between poverty-stricken Catholics and more affluent protestants. This aspect of the book was especially moving to me, as my second great grandfather, Edmund Durfee—a convert of a different religious minority—was shot and killed by a mob of men near Nauvoo, Illinois who despised him solely based on their disdain for his religion.
Fourth, the book is worth reading because of what one can learn from the life of Kevin Barry Artt. Although not a perfect human being (who is?), his courage, patience, fortitude, and relentless hope in the face of extreme adversity and injustice over a period of decades is something worth reading about.
Fifth, I was inspired by the caring, service, and generosity of various American and Irish lawyers—including James Brosnahan and the author—on a quest, against steep odds, to help an innocent man regain his freedom and to clear his name after being either imprisoned or going underground for so long.
I love reading books that I realize, upon reading them, were a labor of love by a skilled author whose motive was something more than making money (not that it’s bad to make money): to devote a portion of their life to create something of lasting value to share with their fellow passengers in life. Above the Ground falls into that category of book. Kudos to its author, Dan Lawton. Very well done, Mr. Lawton.
--Mark Hansen
August 27, 2023
Above The Ground is A True Story of The Troubles in Northern Ireland in one of the darkest periods in Northern Ireland’s history. I still remember this time well and seeing the escape on the news here in New Zealand.
On Sunday, November 26, 1978, two IRA shooters kicked the front door in at 8 Evelyn Gardens in Belfast. The home was house of Maze prison official Albert Miles. The two men executed Miles in front of his wife and son and then sped away in a car and vanished into the night.
This is the story of an innocent man who at age 19 was wrongly accused of murdering Albert Miles and had his life turned upside down. Kevin Barry Artt was interrogated by the RUC to the point he falsely confessed after several days and nights of interrogation and hardly any sleep. Kevin was told by the police that he would be given a shorter sentence and be out in seven years if he confessed to his crime of murdering Albert Miles but if he did not confess, they would make sure he would spend at least 30 years to life in prison.
The court found Kevin guilty in a shocking trial of corrupt police reports of tampering with evidence and false witness testimony which resulted in Kevin being sentenced to a life term in Britain’s notorious Maze prison. Seven weeks later, after overpowering the guard's and taking over the Maze prison a group of IRA prisoners including Kevin escape.
The Artt family suffered terribly because of the suffering inflicted on Kevin and Overnight Kevin becomes Britain’s most wanted fugitive in the world as he goes on the run and moves through Ireland staying in safe houses and then eventually Kevin makes it to America where he lives quietly.
Despite the best efforts of the police and paramilitaries to try and ruin Kevins life Kevin somehow does not seem to be embittered. This book highlighting the injustice, perseverance, and hope through Kevin’s escape and struggles to prove his innocents. Dan Lawson has written an explosive and powerful book about the Troubles in Northern Ireland and the injustice oppression and the fight for freedom for Kevin Barry Artt. I highly recommend this book and it is a must read for those interested in reading about the British rule in Ireland and the Irish "Troubles.” Thanks to WildBlue Press I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
On Sunday, November 26, 1978, two IRA shooters kicked the front door in at 8 Evelyn Gardens in Belfast. The home was house of Maze prison official Albert Miles. The two men executed Miles in front of his wife and son and then sped away in a car and vanished into the night.
This is the story of an innocent man who at age 19 was wrongly accused of murdering Albert Miles and had his life turned upside down. Kevin Barry Artt was interrogated by the RUC to the point he falsely confessed after several days and nights of interrogation and hardly any sleep. Kevin was told by the police that he would be given a shorter sentence and be out in seven years if he confessed to his crime of murdering Albert Miles but if he did not confess, they would make sure he would spend at least 30 years to life in prison.
The court found Kevin guilty in a shocking trial of corrupt police reports of tampering with evidence and false witness testimony which resulted in Kevin being sentenced to a life term in Britain’s notorious Maze prison. Seven weeks later, after overpowering the guard's and taking over the Maze prison a group of IRA prisoners including Kevin escape.
The Artt family suffered terribly because of the suffering inflicted on Kevin and Overnight Kevin becomes Britain’s most wanted fugitive in the world as he goes on the run and moves through Ireland staying in safe houses and then eventually Kevin makes it to America where he lives quietly.
Despite the best efforts of the police and paramilitaries to try and ruin Kevins life Kevin somehow does not seem to be embittered. This book highlighting the injustice, perseverance, and hope through Kevin’s escape and struggles to prove his innocents. Dan Lawson has written an explosive and powerful book about the Troubles in Northern Ireland and the injustice oppression and the fight for freedom for Kevin Barry Artt. I highly recommend this book and it is a must read for those interested in reading about the British rule in Ireland and the Irish "Troubles.” Thanks to WildBlue Press I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 13, 2024
"Above the Ground" by Dan Lawton is a gripping and deeply revealing exploration of true crime, uncovering the harsh realities of a corrupt justice system and the far-reaching consequences of wrongful conviction. The narrative centres on Kevin Barry Artt, falsely accused of murdering a senior prison official on behalf of the IRA in 1978, leading to a sentence of life imprisonment. The story serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities of British rule in Ireland during the Troubles.
What distinguishes this book is its authenticity—it’s not just a story but a detailed account of a real case. Dan meticulously recounts the infamous murder trial, navigating the labyrinthine investigation and its profound impacts on all involved. His examination of the evidence, the legal processes, and the broader social implications forms a compelling argument for Kevin's innocence. The prose is clear and accessible, simplifying the complexities of legal procedures and the often-disturbing tactics employed by law enforcement.
Dan shines a light on systemic issues, from entrenched bias and coercion to the relentless pursuit of convictions at the expense of justice. He raises critical questions about the reliability of eyewitness accounts, the shortcomings of forensic methods, and the systemic flaws in Northern Ireland’s justice system during this turbulent era.
With compassion and empathy, Dan's writing brings Kevin’s story to life, allowing readers to connect with him on a profoundly human level. The book masterfully builds tension, immersing readers in the chaos and emotional turmoil of the events, culminating in a powerful and moving resolution.
Beyond its focus on crime and injustice, the book also weaves themes of love, resilience, and redemption into its narrative, making it as evocative as it is enlightening.
"Above the Ground" is an essential read for those interested in true crime, legal reform, or social justice. This is a book that will linger with you long after the final page.
What distinguishes this book is its authenticity—it’s not just a story but a detailed account of a real case. Dan meticulously recounts the infamous murder trial, navigating the labyrinthine investigation and its profound impacts on all involved. His examination of the evidence, the legal processes, and the broader social implications forms a compelling argument for Kevin's innocence. The prose is clear and accessible, simplifying the complexities of legal procedures and the often-disturbing tactics employed by law enforcement.
Dan shines a light on systemic issues, from entrenched bias and coercion to the relentless pursuit of convictions at the expense of justice. He raises critical questions about the reliability of eyewitness accounts, the shortcomings of forensic methods, and the systemic flaws in Northern Ireland’s justice system during this turbulent era.
With compassion and empathy, Dan's writing brings Kevin’s story to life, allowing readers to connect with him on a profoundly human level. The book masterfully builds tension, immersing readers in the chaos and emotional turmoil of the events, culminating in a powerful and moving resolution.
Beyond its focus on crime and injustice, the book also weaves themes of love, resilience, and redemption into its narrative, making it as evocative as it is enlightening.
"Above the Ground" is an essential read for those interested in true crime, legal reform, or social justice. This is a book that will linger with you long after the final page.
June 11, 2024
Dan Lawton writes an amazing and disturbing true story about Irish conflict
Dan Lawton writes about the bloody conflict in Northern Ireland. In 1978 the Irish Republican Army was determined to rid the British out of their territory. Between guns, bombs and other explosives, many of the army were arrested an imprisoned in The Maze, a British prison. This book, ABOVE THE GROUND the reader learns about the past history of Ireland's conflict, and there is still conflict, and it's not just war, it's revenge and vengeance. I am a fan of true crime stories. This is the Dan Lawton book written by this author that I've read. The story of the continuing of The Troubles in Ireland, is terrifying because it was real. Real life is worse than anything that fiction can bring, and it is more emotional and horrifying of something that keeps going on, in some cases, just in the minds of the IRA. In 1983, there was a trial, and a man named Kevin Barry Artt was tried and sentenced because he was the prime suspect in the murder of Albert Miles, who was an official at the Maze. He was executed in front of his family. This book was written very well. It was detailed and terrifying, especially because of how people deal with conflict and assume the worst in people, and many times that detail is truth, and other times what is thought as fact is rumor. ABOVE THE GROUND is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book to give my unbiased and honest review. I look forward to reading many more titles by this author. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews recommends that anyone who reads this book to also write a review.
Dan Lawton writes about the bloody conflict in Northern Ireland. In 1978 the Irish Republican Army was determined to rid the British out of their territory. Between guns, bombs and other explosives, many of the army were arrested an imprisoned in The Maze, a British prison. This book, ABOVE THE GROUND the reader learns about the past history of Ireland's conflict, and there is still conflict, and it's not just war, it's revenge and vengeance. I am a fan of true crime stories. This is the Dan Lawton book written by this author that I've read. The story of the continuing of The Troubles in Ireland, is terrifying because it was real. Real life is worse than anything that fiction can bring, and it is more emotional and horrifying of something that keeps going on, in some cases, just in the minds of the IRA. In 1983, there was a trial, and a man named Kevin Barry Artt was tried and sentenced because he was the prime suspect in the murder of Albert Miles, who was an official at the Maze. He was executed in front of his family. This book was written very well. It was detailed and terrifying, especially because of how people deal with conflict and assume the worst in people, and many times that detail is truth, and other times what is thought as fact is rumor. ABOVE THE GROUND is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book to give my unbiased and honest review. I look forward to reading many more titles by this author. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews recommends that anyone who reads this book to also write a review.
June 6, 2025
At a very concise level, Kevin Barry Artt was wrongfully convicted of murder at the age of 24 in 1983. He was imprisoned in the Maze. Several weeks later he was included in a dramatic prison break. He remained undetected eventually escaping to California where he lived undercover until the FBI detained him in 1992. It followed that the British (Margaret Thatcher) tried to extradite him but the US courts ruled against extradition. Kevin's conviction for murder was eventually overturned - a justice long overdue.
Being an American with Irish Citizenship through my grandparents from Donegal, I've read many books about Ireland and "The Troubles". None touched on the everyday experiences of a Catholic young man being subjected to unwarranted harassment by the RUC as described in this book.
While the Troubles in Northern Ireland can be described as "tensions between the Catholic "nationalist" community and the Protestant "loyalist" community", that description under rates and omits the major role the RUC (Royal Ulster Constabulary) played in provoking and harassing Catholics while aiding militant Protestants.
Being an American with Irish Citizenship through my grandparents from Donegal, I've read many books about Ireland and "The Troubles". None touched on the everyday experiences of a Catholic young man being subjected to unwarranted harassment by the RUC as described in this book.
While the Troubles in Northern Ireland can be described as "tensions between the Catholic "nationalist" community and the Protestant "loyalist" community", that description under rates and omits the major role the RUC (Royal Ulster Constabulary) played in provoking and harassing Catholics while aiding militant Protestants.
January 4, 2024
This work is one of the most comprehensively researched report I have ever read. I have always been interested in The Troubles because it seemed to never end and became more violent daily. This book reports what happened to a young, innocent Irishman falsely accused of murder by the RUC, named Kevin Barry Artt. He is ultimately convicted and jailed. Several prisoners hatched a plan to escape from The Maze, which had never happened before. Some were successful including Kevin Barry Artt. The effort to clear his name took 30 years. You won’t be disappointed in this book. The injustice and cruelty Artt suffered is difficult to comprehend.
July 6, 2025
"It's easy for a person to join and organization and be convinced to commit murder."
I would encourage anyone feeling alone in their processing of the tumultuous relationship between those in power and those seeking peace to read this book. While I can't suggest that Lawton's powerful command of the language surrounding the culture and disenfranchisement of the Irish people will make the reader feel comfortable or appeased, I expect that it will give the reader a firmer understanding of similar issues both domestic and abroad, in the past and ongoing.
I would encourage anyone feeling alone in their processing of the tumultuous relationship between those in power and those seeking peace to read this book. While I can't suggest that Lawton's powerful command of the language surrounding the culture and disenfranchisement of the Irish people will make the reader feel comfortable or appeased, I expect that it will give the reader a firmer understanding of similar issues both domestic and abroad, in the past and ongoing.
October 18, 2025
just. . .jesus christ. like? i wasn't expecting this to be as biographical as it was, but the larger cultural part that i was looking for was so well shown through Artt's story that there didnt need to be a sociological exploration of the issues with British police in Ireland during the troubles. I'll continue on my journey to find a good history of the Irish fight for liberation, and keep this awful story in my heart as a reminder of the damage done in the middle of struggles
April 7, 2024
A hard to put down, fascinating, deep dive into one man’s struggle to survive The Troubles, the British Justice system, the IRA, and the American Justice System. Written with honesty, accuracy, and a clear respect for one man’s journey, this is a hard to put down tale- and one that will resonate long after the last page is finished.
October 14, 2023
Excellent first book for Dan Lawton. Riveting and well researched book about the troubles in Northern Island, a true story as told through Kevin Barry Artt’s confession, escape and struggles. Well worth reading!!
October 30, 2024
As a retired FBI Agent, now private investigator working mainly Federal criminal defense cases, it's this type of story that gives me chills. The techniques and lies the Crown used here are despicable. This is an eye opening book for anyone interested in learning about The Troubles.
February 14, 2025
Can feel the influence of Say Nothing in this one, wasn’t quite on the same level BUT was still exceptional in its writing and storytelling.
Also I honestly never stop being amazed at how profoundly evil the English are!
Also I honestly never stop being amazed at how profoundly evil the English are!
June 9, 2025
bumpy ride
It was enthralling for sure and a maze escape story I had never heard before nor had I heard of Albert Miles and his murder either. It held me captive I finished it in two days time. Definitely a page turner and I highly recommend it if the troubles interests you
It was enthralling for sure and a maze escape story I had never heard before nor had I heard of Albert Miles and his murder either. It held me captive I finished it in two days time. Definitely a page turner and I highly recommend it if the troubles interests you
October 14, 2025
Have a strong dislike of the British Government? Want to increase that dislike? This is the book for you! Basil Kelly alone sets up “a Catch 22 to rival Joseph Heller”. Wonderful read from start to finish.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 19, 2024
Fascinating look at The Troubles in Northern Ireland and one man’s journey from convict to innocent man. If you liked Say Nothing, you will love this book.
Pete D
Pete D
January 20, 2024
Great read! Enjoyed every single word.
February 26, 2024
great story of living under protestant rule in northern ireland. how a corrupt system bread the hate it felt. and how the IRA fumbled its chance to be the people’s salvation
March 30, 2024
Every single word of this book touched my soul and I will always be grateful to the author for writing it. I understand so much now.
October 22, 2024
This would awesome. Absolute page turner.
July 9, 2025
Astounding and thorough account of Kevin Barry Artt's conviction, escape, capture, and trial.
September 3, 2025
crazy story
September 28, 2025
Really great story but kinda felt like it took forever to read
November 18, 2025
I really enjoyed this, especially when Dan Lawton himself enters the story. It’s long, but worth it for anyone interested in the topic.
December 7, 2025
3.75 stars. As someone who reads way too many books in this pocket, you’ll get new information from this one but there are many I’d put before it.
September 13, 2023
Through his stellar narration, Mr.Lawton brings you into the life of Kevin Barry Artt. He weaves a tale of Irish history, courtroom drama, a thrilling prison escape, and the struggle to expose truth. I could not put this book down, it is a must read.
October 19, 2024
2.75 stars. Almost makes the grade. Appreciated learning about aspects of The Troubles hitherto unknown. Too many unconnected elements.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews