God's Away on Business: Sean Duffy Year 1

Detective Sean Duffy #.5

by Adrian McKinty, Gerard Doyle (Narrator)

1 hour, 39 minutes

From the New York Times bestselling and Edgar Award-winning author Adrian McKinty comes the origin story of his most famous creation, Detective Sean Duffy.

Belfast, 1980, is the apocalypse. Bombings, riots, army on the streets, low flying helicopters, and ever-present rain. The grinding Northern Irish civil war between Protestants and Catholics has been going for a decade now. Hated by both sides are the police.

Sean Duffy Year 1takes us into that world. Newly promoted Detective Sergeant Sean Duffy is given his first command at Carrickfergus CID.

In this prequel novella, McKinty takes listeners through Duffy’s first two weeks on the job. A case to solve and a chance to impress his bosses, if, of course, he can get out of it alive.

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

1 pages, Audio CD

Published February 4, 2025

About the author

Adrian McKinty is an Irish novelist. He was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and grew up in Victoria Council Estate, Carrickfergus, County Antrim. He read law at the University of Warwick and politics and philosophy at the University of Oxford. He moved to the United States in the early 1990s, living first in Harlem, New York and from 2001 on, in Denver, Colorado, where he taught high school English and began writing fiction. He lives in Melbourne, Australia with his wife and two children.

Reviews

[Kaceey · Rating 4 out of 5]

With all the buzz around this series, I knew I needed to get on board. I’ve read a few of this author’s standalone books, but for some reason always side-stepped his series. Really strange, since I consider myself a devoted series gal.💁🏻‍♀️

Well, then I saw this prelude to the series in audio, I thought here is my chance! I immediately jumped! And Yes! I loved it and am officially all in!

I do believe the leading character, Sean Duffy, is going to be amazing! With equal amounts of Ireland in the 80’s combined with the author’s humor, this has the potential to be a favorite series! Can’t wait to get started on the full length book one of the series, The Cold, Cold Ground.

🎧 Gerard Doyle, with his Irish brogue accent was positively top-notch, adding so much flavor to the narration!

One more thing before I wrap up….
Sean Duffy’s acid trip is hilarious!😂🙌🏼

Thank you to libro.fm 🎧

[Jonetta · Rating 4 out of 5]

the setup…
It’s 1980 Northern Ireland with all the turmoil and conflict experienced during The Troubles era. Detective Sergeant Sean Duffy, freshly promoted, heads from Belfast to his new command in Carrickfergus CID RUC (Royal Ulster Constabulary). He’s a Catholic detective in a primarily Protestant force and town, a man who automatically has a target on his back.

the heart of the story…
I’ve wanted to start this series for some time now and was thrilled to see the release of this prequel. Sean Duffy is a bit unusual as he’s well educated, intelligent and quick witted with a wicked sense of humor. In this short story, I feel I not only “got” the character but the strong sense of the setting, including the politics of the town, country and police bureaucracy.

the narration…
Gerard Doyle adeptly captured the essence of Duffy as well as the secondary characters and townsfolk. I’m looking forward to his storytelling in future books.

the bottom line…
My instincts were right to grab this gem. Sean Duffy is enough of a draw on his own but this period in history is one I’ve wanted to learn more about, from the inside. McKinty proves here that it’s a topic he’s well versed in from every angle. I couldn’t be more excited about what’s ahead.

(Thanks to Libro.fm and Blackstone Publishing for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)

[Tania · Rating 4 out of 5]

The only reason this audible novella (just over an hour and a half) does not get 5 stars, is because I wanted more! I adore this series - Sean Duffy, is a detective catholic sergeant in 1980s Northern Ireland. He is one of the most interesting, funniest characters I've ever "read". I highly recommend that you listen to the audio versions read by Gerard Doyle as his narration is perfection.

This is one of my best-loved series and I'm so happy that the next on the series is releasing 4 March, I can't wait!

[Sonja Arlow · Rating 4 out of 5]

The golden nuggets of this novella will only be picked up by those that have read the series already.

We see Sean Duffy at the start of his career as a Catholic policeman living in the heart of Protestant Belfast during the Troubles.

This has by far been the most humorous in the series, in particular during bonfire night when Duffy just happened to have dropped some acid before he was called to help out.

If you want to try a darkly funny, noire Irish tale of an unconventional police officer, I highly recommend the audio version

[Annery · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re already a fan of Duffy this little amuse-bouche will tickle you pink. Where it all began. Sort of.

If you haven’t been listening to this series you’re losing out but maybe this little nugget will change that.

Gerard Doyleis absolute perfection delivering Adrian McKinty goodness.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good introduction to the Sean Duffy series of novels. McKinty has covered portions of Sean’s past in other books but this was a brief glimpse into his first week on the job in Carrick Fergus. I enjoyed his first interactions with his neighbors and, especially, his first days of partnering with Crabby. Quick, funny, as read by Gerard Doyle on Audible, who reads all the Sean Duffy novels incredibly well.

[Tess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent as usual, but too short.

[Jibraun · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an audiobook-only novella (read: short story) in the Sean Duffy series, serving as a prequel during Sean Duffy's first few weeks in the Carrickfergus RUC. I enjoyed this far more than the last installment in the series (The Detective Up Late) as it was a return to young, single Duffy operating in the center of the Troubles -- instead of middle-aged, settled down with a child part-time Duffy when the Troubles are winding down (far more boring). This story more than other Duffy novels is a laugh riot, which can be best described as "The One where Duffy drops acid and tries to stop a riot." I was cracking up for a good 30 minutes of this 90 minute audiobook. It is book-ended (pun intended) with a good look at the dark underbelly of the UK government during the Troubles, which reminds the listener of the dark gritty noir origins of this fantastic detective series. I think McKinty shined here in this short story format -- and perhaps a short story set of Duffy's investigations during The Troubles are in order as it gives the author more to play with instead of the traditional novel format. 5 stars.

[Jiayuan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adrian McKinty blessing us with two Sean Duffy stories within a month - this audio-only prequel tale, and then Book 8 finally out in English next month (March 2025)!

"God's Away on Business" takes us through Duffy's first weeks on the Carrickfergus job. We get to see how he first settles up in town, and meet long time partner Crabbie.

It's a short one at under 2 hours listening time, and it's currently an audiobook-only release, but I find I don't mind much when I get to spend time again with Duffy, brought to life by the always brilliant Gerard Doyle. It still delivers on what makes this a series I keep coming back to - the witty prose and puns, the humour, Duffy's clever internal dialogue, pepper in his literary knowledge and excellent music taste and you've got a winner. There's an entire sequence in chapter 9 that had me grinning ear to ear!

Here's to hoping we get a print release of this!

[langana · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short story starting the series perfectly read by Gerard Doyle. I was laughing loudly when Sean got his promotion from a commander who never left "the crapper": "pour yourself some whiskey and pat yourself on the back" 😅

[Carol Ritchie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want more!

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Fun read. I read the rest of the Duffy series quite a while ago but it was nice to say hi to this fabulous character. Love the music references!

[John M. Boatman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really good Duffy novella. I’ll read anything Adrian McKinty writes. Always delivers.

[Jo Surbrugg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although this is McKinty’s most recently published book, it’s a prequel to the Sean Duffy series. It describes Duffy’s first weeks at his new job at Carrickfergus CID when he meets his new colleagues, including partner John McCrabben. This novella doesn’t cover a serious case, so it’s not as thrilling as the others in the series. But any book with Sean Duffy deserves 5 stars.

[Koeeoaddi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun little teaser, but too short. I awarded an extra star for Sean Duffy's, um, ...trip.

[Lou Jacobs · Rating 5 out of 5]

GOD’S AWAY ON BUSINESS: SEAN DUFFY 0.5 by Adrian McKINTY
DETECTIVE SEAN DUFFY # 0.5
Published: February 2025 by BLACKSTONE AUDIO
Narrated: Gerald Doyle
Running Time: 1 hour 39 minutes

Page Count: 313



Multiple Award Winning Belfast born writer, Adrian McKinty returns with a prequel novella in the popular Detective Sean Duffy series, set in the turbulent times of the “Troubles” of the 1990’s in Ireland, No better way to jump on the Sean Duffy train than immerse yourself in the audio version narrated by the magnificent Gerald Doyle. His ability to supply various Scottish and Irish accents and nuances for the multiple characters bring this historical noir to a gritty and dark life in the theatre of your mind. Even if you’ve missed the previous installments in this highly acclaimed series, you will be immediately transported and enamored with the unique grumpy, sarcastic and highly principled Detective Sean Duffy, He loves music, poetry, jazz , and drinking in the pub. The tale will be enjoyed as a standalone, but leaving the reader and listener thirsting for more. Sean is no Sherlock Holmes, but is persistent in an OCD fashion…. like the dog with the proverbial bone. Sean is the ultimate outsider, being a Catholic cop, surrounded by the mostly Protestant members of the Carrick Fergus RUC (Royal Ulster Constabulary) and its constituents, He has survived the 80’s with it turmoil of riots, bombings and assassination attempts led by either the IRA or its brethren paramilitary groups.
In this prequel novella tale the reader is introduced to the incomparable and unforgettable Detective Sea n Duffy. Sean has just received his first promotion and leaving Belfast to assume his new command at Carrickfergus RUL. He is immediately thrust into a murder investigation that will require all of his cunning and skills to solve, and impress his new bosses. We are treated to enjoy his interactions with his new neighbors, who are extremely suspicious to have “the law” living amongst them. It also is a joy to see the developing dynamics of Sean with his “new” partner, “Crabby;”
McKinty is a marvelous storyteller as he weaves together a complex narrative with multiple unexpected twists and turns and escalating suspense. He effortlessly injects heavy doses of dark humor, filled with pitch perfect sarcasm. I’m sure McKinty has garnered an even larger fan base for his Sean Duffy series. I look for further installments in this marvelous series.

[Big Jack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh McKinty, you’ve done it again. I’ve been craving a new Duffy book for a year. Heard rumblings one was coming but I was skeptical due to the success of Hidden River and The Chain (both fantastic in their own right). But I saw this “God’s Away….” and actually used a Credit to preorder it, something I swore I’d never do. Well holy shit. It was well worth the credit and the wait. This very short story is a kick right in the nuts for any Sean Duffy/Adrian McKinty fan. Amazing, fantastic, outstanding. I had spent more time than I’d like to admit imagining Duffy’s younger years, his academy training in Templemore, the origins of the strained relationship with his parents and his casual use of recreational drugs. He is one of the most dynamic characters in crime fiction/police procedural that’s ever been created and I’m here for it. Gods Away… left me literally thirsty. I needed to hydrate and I needed to know ASAP when ‘Hang On Saint Christopher’ was being put out on audiobook (unfortunately for me, it’s the only way a voracious reader who once devoured books yet can no longer read can get his fix). I couldn’t find anything on audible, audiobooks, Libby, Overdrive, Everand/Scribd nothing. Then an email at three in the morning from Audible made my day. It was coming out March 4th and was available for preorder. I couldn’t hit the damn button fast enough. If you’re a McKinty or Duffy fan you NEED to read ‘Gods Away on Business’ because it’s a fabulous primer for what I expect to be genuine, old school, smash in the face McKinty in ‘Hang on Saint Christopher’. Highly Recommend this book, this author, absolutely this Narrator (Gerard is the best in the business) , this series and any other books this author has written. Bravo Adrian. Freakin B R A V O!

[Sharon Honeycutt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so excited about getting to read/listen to this short little snippet of Duffy's life. (I was honestly a little appalled that it was only 1.5 hours long and Audible wanted $8+ for it--or a whole credit--but I bought it anyway.) I'm not sorry that I listened to this, but I'm not really happy that I did either.

Mostly, it was Duffy being Duffy, which is fine. I like Duffy. That's why I've listened to the whole series at least three or four times now. (I listened to the whole thing again before listening to the brand-new novel, Hang on St. Christopher this week.)

There was just something about this little story that bothered me. It kind of felt like McKinty wrote it for the money and not to really explore anything new with our favorite RUC DI. Like I said, it was Duffy being Duffy. I laughed a few times. I enjoyed seeing him move into 113 Coronation Road. But it wasn't new.

I also seem to be the outlier on this, but there's a part where Duffy takes some acid (Duffy likes his alcohol and his recreational drugs, so again, nothing new) and he talks to a dog. And then a tree. On the socials, I saw that a lot of people seemed to really enjoy that. I thought it was ridiculous and was a little peeved that so much of the 1.5 hours of the story was this scene. (However long it lasted, it was too long for me.)

Oh, well. Art is what it is. Subjective.

Gerard Doyle was aces, as usual.

[Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to this short story. As a fan of the Sean Duffy series, this prequel is just the ticket. It chronicles the first few days of Sean's posting to Carrickfergus during the turbulent 1980's in Northern Ireland. Sean has been promoted to Detective Sergeant and is sent north of Belfast for his first posting as the senior detective in the small Protestant town. Sean is Catholic and a hated policeman, so he has to win over his neighbors and his colleagues. He meets Detective Constable McCrabbin, who will become his friend and ally. Sean takes on an abusive husband on his street while off duty. He takes on a serial robber and wins the respect of his neighbors. Only 2 hours of listening, it is a fine diversion and just a little more insight into Sean Duffy.

[Honza Prchal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gerard Doyle is an excellent reader, really first rate. Here, he's blessed with first rate material.
Even though the prequel is rather short, I am hooked.
Think The Dresden Files, Bobby Dollar, or Sandman Slim with a mere mortal, one calssically educated to a nicety, especially in music (and with the music nerd opinions and other bad habitsof the assistants in High Fidelity when they're being generous) in the lead role in a world without magic, though gods and goddesses are mentioned aplenty, as befits an Irish nationalist with an attitude problem who was force fed Vergil and Ovid in the original before second grade and who can play piano like Condeleeza Rice, if not Billy Joel and Shakira.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't aware of this short prequel when I read #1 in the Detective Sean Duffy series a few months ago. It was nice to see Duffy prepare to start his new job in Carrickfergus by buying the house on Coronation Road, meeting his partner Crabbie for the first time, and getting a feel for his tastes in music and booze. Nice, but not essential, as most of that is covered in The Cold Cold Ground anyway. At just over 1.5 hours, this is still well worth the read if you can track it down.

[Avram · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you enjoy crime fiction but you have not checked out the Sean Duffy novels, you have some spectacular reading (or listening) waiting for you. If you're already a fan, God's Away on Business contains some of McKinty's most mind-blowing writing yet. It has the riveting action, the life-like characters, the wit, and the poetic flare that are McKinty's trademarks. The prequel novella novella format is a lot of fun for the initiated reader, and it feels like McKinty had a lot of fun writing it. Beautifully narrated by Gerard Doyle, it's a must read.

[Kathleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

McKinty’s sharp-witted novella introduces Detective Sergeant Sean Duffy, freshly promoted to his new command in Carrickfergus in 1980 Northern Ireland. He is a Catholic detective in a primarily Protestant force and town. McKinty’s engaging character is well educated, intelligent, maybe a bit too quick-witted, and has a wicked sense of humor. The reader gets an introduction to Duffy’s character—how he operates in the field—and will likely charm the reader into reading the rest of the series. [Oh and FYI—those unusual titles come from Tom Waits songs!]

[Steve In Ludlow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short story prequel to the series, filling in Duffy's transfer to Carrick as a young rising star in the RUC.
Maybe his masters' faith in him was a little misjudged as he attempts to disperse a loyalist crowd whilst tripping on a tab of acid. Conversing with sheepdogs and contemplating the infinite nearly scupper his efforts....
Very funny and enjoyable retrospective introduction to Duffy et al. Makes me think a book of Duffy short stories would work well in view of some of the full length novels collapsing a little plot wise.

[Laura Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great prequel to the Sean Duffy series. Joining Sean as he transfers to Carrickfergus from Belfast for his first week and a bit there.
A few crimes to solve whilst settling in and meeting his new neighbours.
The setting and characters unique to "Troubles" Northern Ireland were well portrayed by the narrator Gerard Doyle.
This was a great appetite wetter ahead of the new Sean Duffy book next month.

[Bayneeta · Rating 4 out of 5]

McKinty and Doyle--perfect pairing of author and audio narrator. Sean arrives in Carrickfergus for his first day of work as a detective. A prequel to The Cold, Cold Ground, first book in the Sean Duffy series,. Short, short, short. Even short for a novella I think. But lovely to have while I wait impatiently for book 8: Hang on St. Christopher; due out in 11 days!

[Bookworm Mamatime · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adore Duffy and Crabbie and this insight to the start of their friendship. With situations only Sean can get himself into it’s a quick little listen on Audiable for any fans of the catholic peeler in the RUC

[Meg Cronin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read the Sean Duffy books for Duffy and his allusions: literary, philosophical, musical, mythical. I don't like vodka gimlets myself, but I can respect them. In this prequel, he meets Crabby for the first time. 'Nuff said.

[Aileen Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series. This is just a short prequel about how the DI Sean Duffy first started working in Carrickfergus. I’m hoping that there are more that follow because I’ve read all the other later books. Great narration, definitely recommend audiobooks…so well done.

[Nicole Diamond · Rating 3 out of 5]

If it has one star I liked it a lot
If it has two stars I liked it a lot and would recommend it
If it has three stars I really really liked it a lot
If it has four stars I insist you read it
If it has five stars it was life changing