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Born of Bombs and Bullets: An Aaron Thornton Thriller
* Kindle Book Awards Readers’ Favorite (2025)
* International Impact Book Award for Mystery/Thriller (2025)
* International Firebird Book Award Grand Prize for Fiction (2025)
* Literary Titan Gold Book Award (2025)
* London Book Festival Runner-Up for Thrillers (2025)
* Storytrade Book Awards Finalist for Suspense/Thriller (2025)
In a city scarred by conflict, secrets can kill and trust is a dangerous gamble.
Psychologist Aaron Thornton is riddled with self-doubt after failing to stop a tragic incident at the American prison where he works. So when his wife, Claire, receives a job offer in her native Belfast, Northern Ireland, he sees a chance to start over by treating hardened criminals in Northern Ireland’s judicial system.
But Thornton’s work soon entangles him in the aftermath of ‘The Troubles,’ a brutal conflict that rocked Belfast for over thirty years. Charged with overseeing the release of the Irish Republican Army’s deadliest bomb maker, Thornton reignites smoldering feuds that threaten to consume him and his family in the flames of political violence.
Alongside a broad cast of characters who reflect the many facets and shifting allegiances of The Troubles, Thornton fights to heal long-standing hatred and prevent another tragedy. But can he save himself?
In the spirit of John le Carré and Graham Greene, writer David A. Dummer has created an everyman hero for our time, and with Born of Bombs and Bullets, a political thriller for the ages.
* International Impact Book Award for Mystery/Thriller (2025)
* International Firebird Book Award Grand Prize for Fiction (2025)
* Literary Titan Gold Book Award (2025)
* London Book Festival Runner-Up for Thrillers (2025)
* Storytrade Book Awards Finalist for Suspense/Thriller (2025)
In a city scarred by conflict, secrets can kill and trust is a dangerous gamble.
Psychologist Aaron Thornton is riddled with self-doubt after failing to stop a tragic incident at the American prison where he works. So when his wife, Claire, receives a job offer in her native Belfast, Northern Ireland, he sees a chance to start over by treating hardened criminals in Northern Ireland’s judicial system.
But Thornton’s work soon entangles him in the aftermath of ‘The Troubles,’ a brutal conflict that rocked Belfast for over thirty years. Charged with overseeing the release of the Irish Republican Army’s deadliest bomb maker, Thornton reignites smoldering feuds that threaten to consume him and his family in the flames of political violence.
Alongside a broad cast of characters who reflect the many facets and shifting allegiances of The Troubles, Thornton fights to heal long-standing hatred and prevent another tragedy. But can he save himself?
In the spirit of John le Carré and Graham Greene, writer David A. Dummer has created an everyman hero for our time, and with Born of Bombs and Bullets, a political thriller for the ages.
- GenresThriller
458 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 24, 2025
31 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
About the author
David A. Dummer
1 book5 followersDavid A. Dummer is a traveler, writer, Emmy-nominated producer, and author of the award-winning novel, ‘Born of Bombs and Bullets.’ With a professional background as both a crime investigator and clinical therapist, he brings a unique blend of psychological insight and investigative realism to his thrillers.
Dummer has explored 46 countries across five continents, drawing inspiration from the people, conflicts, and hidden stories he encounters. His adventures fuel the narratives of his fiction and are shared with readers through his travel blog at www.trexpose.com.
He holds degrees in International Affairs from Georgetown University and Clinical Counseling from Johns Hopkins University. When he’s not writing or traveling, he resides on the East Coast of the United States—though he’s always ready for the next adventure. Discover more about his upcoming projects at www.daviddummer.com.
Dummer has explored 46 countries across five continents, drawing inspiration from the people, conflicts, and hidden stories he encounters. His adventures fuel the narratives of his fiction and are shared with readers through his travel blog at www.trexpose.com.
He holds degrees in International Affairs from Georgetown University and Clinical Counseling from Johns Hopkins University. When he’s not writing or traveling, he resides on the East Coast of the United States—though he’s always ready for the next adventure. Discover more about his upcoming projects at www.daviddummer.com.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
March 22, 2025
David Dummer has penned a very impressive first novel against the backdrop of the period of time in Ireland known as the Troubles. The story escorts the reader through the conflict between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland and the bloody conflict pitting the Irish Republican Army against British loyalists and government. This modern day tale masterfully leverages the turbulent and violent times in Ireland from the 1960s into the late 1990s through the lives of the main characters, an American couple that relocates to Ireland for career enhancing opportunities, former leaders of the IRA behind the wanton bombings and barbaric killings that marked that period, and innocent victims loyal to the British government who just happened to be “in the wrong place at the wrong time.”
Dummer is masterful in developing the various characters, especially American psychologist Aaron Thornton and his career in the US, to his evolution as a therapist working within the Irish criminal justice system. His lawyer spouse, Claire Davis, received an invitation to become a visiting professor at a university in Belfast and later takes on a prominent role within the Irish criminal justice apparatus. The story traces many intersections – between Thornton and Davis and former IRA leaders, those whose lives were irreparably damaged by IRA violence and members of the British intelligence services. I found the actors in this saga to be richly and believably developed, portrayed as real human beings tagged with all the foibles and flaws that lead all of us astray at times. I especially enjoyed Dummer’s ability to connect childhood trauma and adult behavior, no matter how vile or despicable. Deftly avoiding the cliche of assigning people with only positive or negative character traits, Dummer’s actors are adorned with a diverse tapestry of characteristics. This left me sympathizing at times and understanding the motives of IRA leaders who plant bombs knowing they will kill innocents. And there are those with altruistic goals who are also influenced by the past, their demons and emotions, leading to decisions destructive to themselves and others. I found myself at times caring for the “bad guys” while rooting against the “good guys”. This complexity of the human psyche and how it dictates decisions I found to be fascinating and rewarding.
All of these characters and their individual stories are stitched brilliantly together to create a thrilling and unpredictable drama that twists and turns while dipping back into the history that informed such events. Dummer’s work as a clinical psychologist and criminal investigator lends credibility and plausibility to many of the situations developing. He gives the reader credit for wanting to know the high-tech, investigative capabilities of both the IRA and British intelligence services that kept this reader on the edge of his seat hoping a bad actor would be caught or wishing for a good guy to get away. The various story lines, plot twists and the action-infused ending were successfully built on a solid foundation of research and the writer’s background in the highlighted disciplines.
I highly recommend Born of Bombs and Bullets as a worthy read that dramatically blends history, drama, storytelling and colorful and real characters into a classic story.
Dummer is masterful in developing the various characters, especially American psychologist Aaron Thornton and his career in the US, to his evolution as a therapist working within the Irish criminal justice system. His lawyer spouse, Claire Davis, received an invitation to become a visiting professor at a university in Belfast and later takes on a prominent role within the Irish criminal justice apparatus. The story traces many intersections – between Thornton and Davis and former IRA leaders, those whose lives were irreparably damaged by IRA violence and members of the British intelligence services. I found the actors in this saga to be richly and believably developed, portrayed as real human beings tagged with all the foibles and flaws that lead all of us astray at times. I especially enjoyed Dummer’s ability to connect childhood trauma and adult behavior, no matter how vile or despicable. Deftly avoiding the cliche of assigning people with only positive or negative character traits, Dummer’s actors are adorned with a diverse tapestry of characteristics. This left me sympathizing at times and understanding the motives of IRA leaders who plant bombs knowing they will kill innocents. And there are those with altruistic goals who are also influenced by the past, their demons and emotions, leading to decisions destructive to themselves and others. I found myself at times caring for the “bad guys” while rooting against the “good guys”. This complexity of the human psyche and how it dictates decisions I found to be fascinating and rewarding.
All of these characters and their individual stories are stitched brilliantly together to create a thrilling and unpredictable drama that twists and turns while dipping back into the history that informed such events. Dummer’s work as a clinical psychologist and criminal investigator lends credibility and plausibility to many of the situations developing. He gives the reader credit for wanting to know the high-tech, investigative capabilities of both the IRA and British intelligence services that kept this reader on the edge of his seat hoping a bad actor would be caught or wishing for a good guy to get away. The various story lines, plot twists and the action-infused ending were successfully built on a solid foundation of research and the writer’s background in the highlighted disciplines.
I highly recommend Born of Bombs and Bullets as a worthy read that dramatically blends history, drama, storytelling and colorful and real characters into a classic story.
March 29, 2025
David A. Dummer’s Born of Bombs and Bullets is a sharply written, emotionally charged political thriller that pulls no punches. It follows Dr. Aaron Thornton, a prison psychologist whose life is upended after a brutal murder at the penitentiary where he works. Seeking a reset, he relocates with his wife Claire to Belfast—only to be thrust into a volatile world of old grudges, hidden identities, and a brewing storm of violence tied to the legacy of the IRA. Through layered narratives, the book digs into the personal and political costs of trauma, loyalty, and vengeance, all against the backdrop of Northern Ireland’s troubled history.
What grabbed me first was the way Dummer weaves high-stakes action with genuinely human moments. The opening scene inside USP Hazelton is pure tension. One second, you’re in a therapy session; the next, you’re watching the chaos unfold, ending in a devastating double murder. I felt the chill in the room, the tension in Thornton’s indecision, the horrifying weight of inaction. That moment—when Thornton can’t bring himself to strike with the baton—lingers through the rest of the book. It’s a quiet, haunting flaw that makes him real. Dummer doesn’t just serve up trauma; he lets it stew, then uses it to shape the characters.
The Belfast chapters dig deeper into identity and trauma, especially through Liam O’Malley and Tommy Magee. Liam’s backstory—particularly the vivid, heart-shattering scene where his sister Deidre is killed by a British armored vehicle—is one of the most powerful in the book. It felt cinematic and visceral. That single event justifies Liam’s rage and radicalization. At the same time, Dummer avoids painting him as a monster. Liam’s weariness, his doubts about renewed violence, his reflections on a life lived in shadows—they’re painfully honest.
On the flip side, we’ve got Tommy. He’s the emotional powder keg—an orphan, a trauma case, caught in a cycle of poverty and rage. His journey from suicidal despair on Ballycastle Beach to reluctant accomplice in a murder is wild. His flashbacks, especially the aftermath of the Sheehan’s furniture store bombing, are raw and haunting. What impressed me was how Dummer shows Tommy slipping into violence. He’s not evil. He’s broken. And in that brokenness, he becomes someone else’s weapon.
The pacing is tight, the writing is sharp, and the dialogue has just the right edge of grit and realism. It does get pretty heavy, especially with all the political history and acronyms. But Dummer does a solid job of keeping it digestible. He throws you into a world of factions and vendettas, sure—but never without anchoring it in people who bleed, mourn, and remember. The balance between plot and pathos is what makes this more than just a thriller. It’s a character study in the ruins of ideology.
I really liked this book. It's not a breezy read—it’s emotionally heavy, politically messy, and morally gray. But it’s also compelling as hell. If you’re into thrillers with a conscience, stories that tackle trauma, redemption, and the gritty realism of sectarian violence, you’ll want to check this out. Fans of The Troubles-era fiction, political thrillers like The Ghost or The Constant Gardener will find plenty to chew on here.
What grabbed me first was the way Dummer weaves high-stakes action with genuinely human moments. The opening scene inside USP Hazelton is pure tension. One second, you’re in a therapy session; the next, you’re watching the chaos unfold, ending in a devastating double murder. I felt the chill in the room, the tension in Thornton’s indecision, the horrifying weight of inaction. That moment—when Thornton can’t bring himself to strike with the baton—lingers through the rest of the book. It’s a quiet, haunting flaw that makes him real. Dummer doesn’t just serve up trauma; he lets it stew, then uses it to shape the characters.
The Belfast chapters dig deeper into identity and trauma, especially through Liam O’Malley and Tommy Magee. Liam’s backstory—particularly the vivid, heart-shattering scene where his sister Deidre is killed by a British armored vehicle—is one of the most powerful in the book. It felt cinematic and visceral. That single event justifies Liam’s rage and radicalization. At the same time, Dummer avoids painting him as a monster. Liam’s weariness, his doubts about renewed violence, his reflections on a life lived in shadows—they’re painfully honest.
On the flip side, we’ve got Tommy. He’s the emotional powder keg—an orphan, a trauma case, caught in a cycle of poverty and rage. His journey from suicidal despair on Ballycastle Beach to reluctant accomplice in a murder is wild. His flashbacks, especially the aftermath of the Sheehan’s furniture store bombing, are raw and haunting. What impressed me was how Dummer shows Tommy slipping into violence. He’s not evil. He’s broken. And in that brokenness, he becomes someone else’s weapon.
The pacing is tight, the writing is sharp, and the dialogue has just the right edge of grit and realism. It does get pretty heavy, especially with all the political history and acronyms. But Dummer does a solid job of keeping it digestible. He throws you into a world of factions and vendettas, sure—but never without anchoring it in people who bleed, mourn, and remember. The balance between plot and pathos is what makes this more than just a thriller. It’s a character study in the ruins of ideology.
I really liked this book. It's not a breezy read—it’s emotionally heavy, politically messy, and morally gray. But it’s also compelling as hell. If you’re into thrillers with a conscience, stories that tackle trauma, redemption, and the gritty realism of sectarian violence, you’ll want to check this out. Fans of The Troubles-era fiction, political thrillers like The Ghost or The Constant Gardener will find plenty to chew on here.
March 24, 2025
A welcome respite from monotonous historical thrillers, Born of Bombs and Bullets delivers a fresh, hard-hitting take on Northern Ireland’s Troubles as seen through the eyes of a vulnerable American.
After failing to stop a preventable murder in the American prison where he worked, psychologist Aaron Thornton moves to his wife’s native city of Belfast, Northern Ireland, for a fresh start. Thornton specializes in psychological trauma, including vicarious trauma and transgenerational trauma, which is the psychological impact of trauma experienced by previous generations on their descendants.
His specialty is particularly relevant in the context of Northern Ireland’s violent 20th century history, known as The Troubles, which has led to significant psychological issues in the population. Charged with overseeing the release of the Irish Republican Army’s deadliest bomb maker, Thornton, who is quite vulnerable and insecure himself, seems on the verge of doing the exact opposite of what he intends.
Author David A. Dummer has structured Born of Bombs and Bullets in an unconventional style that, while risky, works well. While the story belongs to Aaron Thornton, it’s as much about The Troubles as it is about our hero’s plight. Accordingly, Dummer doesn’t simply stick with a linear narrative featuring Thornton as the nucleus among a core group of characters. Instead, Dummer tells the story, in part, through a series of vignettes featuring a large cast of characters that, taken together, form a powerful lens through which to see the world.
The chapter titled “1972” focuses on an 18th birthday celebration for Liam O’Malley, only to end in violence as his sister – who organized the festivities – watches as her brother hurls a petrol bomb at British soldiers. Elsewhere, the chapter “Matthew 7:15” – a reference to the bible verse warning of false prophets – documents the murder of a priest who dared to dream of reconciliation. Meanwhile, “Undercover” tells the story of MI5 agent James Dwyer, who, while imprisoned, makes a deal to work for the UK government. He seduces rising IRA star Brianna Donovan and, through both cunning and luck, manages to infiltrate the organization as its technology guru.
At times, the weight of Dummer’s unusual structure seems on the verge of collapse. Miraculously, Dummer stitches it all together quite well. Much like the structure of a Miles Davis-style jazz composition, the sections featuring Aaron Thornton feel like home base, while vignettes with surrounding characters feel like risky, yet wholly satisfying, solos. The effect is one readers won’t soon forget.
After failing to stop a preventable murder in the American prison where he worked, psychologist Aaron Thornton moves to his wife’s native city of Belfast, Northern Ireland, for a fresh start. Thornton specializes in psychological trauma, including vicarious trauma and transgenerational trauma, which is the psychological impact of trauma experienced by previous generations on their descendants.
His specialty is particularly relevant in the context of Northern Ireland’s violent 20th century history, known as The Troubles, which has led to significant psychological issues in the population. Charged with overseeing the release of the Irish Republican Army’s deadliest bomb maker, Thornton, who is quite vulnerable and insecure himself, seems on the verge of doing the exact opposite of what he intends.
Author David A. Dummer has structured Born of Bombs and Bullets in an unconventional style that, while risky, works well. While the story belongs to Aaron Thornton, it’s as much about The Troubles as it is about our hero’s plight. Accordingly, Dummer doesn’t simply stick with a linear narrative featuring Thornton as the nucleus among a core group of characters. Instead, Dummer tells the story, in part, through a series of vignettes featuring a large cast of characters that, taken together, form a powerful lens through which to see the world.
The chapter titled “1972” focuses on an 18th birthday celebration for Liam O’Malley, only to end in violence as his sister – who organized the festivities – watches as her brother hurls a petrol bomb at British soldiers. Elsewhere, the chapter “Matthew 7:15” – a reference to the bible verse warning of false prophets – documents the murder of a priest who dared to dream of reconciliation. Meanwhile, “Undercover” tells the story of MI5 agent James Dwyer, who, while imprisoned, makes a deal to work for the UK government. He seduces rising IRA star Brianna Donovan and, through both cunning and luck, manages to infiltrate the organization as its technology guru.
At times, the weight of Dummer’s unusual structure seems on the verge of collapse. Miraculously, Dummer stitches it all together quite well. Much like the structure of a Miles Davis-style jazz composition, the sections featuring Aaron Thornton feel like home base, while vignettes with surrounding characters feel like risky, yet wholly satisfying, solos. The effect is one readers won’t soon forget.
May 28, 2025
This emerges as a compelling debut novel, skillfully merging Dummer's expertise in crime investigation and clinical therapy with deeply human narratives set against the backdrop of Northern Ireland's tumultuous history. Dummer's background enriches the story, allowing for a nuanced portrayal of complex characters and pulse-pounding plots influenced by his extensive travels across 46 countries and his academic grounding in International Affairs and Clinical Counseling.
The novel opens with a well-crafted author's note that sets the tone for the exploration of themes such as loss, reconciliation, and the repercussions of political strife. The narrative captivates readers with its blend of suspense and profound emotional depth, particularly as it delves into the character of Claire, whose tumultuous relationship with her mother intertwines with her professional struggles.
Dummer does not shy away from depicting the gritty and often brutal realities of life in a post-Troubles Northern Ireland. The references to the Loyalists, Republicans, and the various paramilitary groups provide a contextual richness that enhances the understanding of the characters' dilemmas.For example, through the character of Tommy, the narrative poignantly illustrates the psychological scars left by violence and the quest for redemption amid a legacy of trauma.
Dummer also portrays the essence of community and belonging through Thornton's interactions with individuals like O'Malley, showcasing how personal and professional lives intersect within a fractured society. Moreover, the pacing of the story keeps readers on edge, particularly during pivotal moments of tension where alarm bells signal danger within the prison setting, underscoring the constant threat faced by characters.
Ultimately, this book is not just a thrilling ride through a landscape riddled with conflict but also a reflective piece that prompts readers to consider their place in a world marked by division and the possibility of healing. Dummer effectively combines personal narratives with broader social issues, making this novel both a gripping thriller and a thoughtful commentary on the human condition.
The novel opens with a well-crafted author's note that sets the tone for the exploration of themes such as loss, reconciliation, and the repercussions of political strife. The narrative captivates readers with its blend of suspense and profound emotional depth, particularly as it delves into the character of Claire, whose tumultuous relationship with her mother intertwines with her professional struggles.
Dummer does not shy away from depicting the gritty and often brutal realities of life in a post-Troubles Northern Ireland. The references to the Loyalists, Republicans, and the various paramilitary groups provide a contextual richness that enhances the understanding of the characters' dilemmas.For example, through the character of Tommy, the narrative poignantly illustrates the psychological scars left by violence and the quest for redemption amid a legacy of trauma.
Dummer also portrays the essence of community and belonging through Thornton's interactions with individuals like O'Malley, showcasing how personal and professional lives intersect within a fractured society. Moreover, the pacing of the story keeps readers on edge, particularly during pivotal moments of tension where alarm bells signal danger within the prison setting, underscoring the constant threat faced by characters.
Ultimately, this book is not just a thrilling ride through a landscape riddled with conflict but also a reflective piece that prompts readers to consider their place in a world marked by division and the possibility of healing. Dummer effectively combines personal narratives with broader social issues, making this novel both a gripping thriller and a thoughtful commentary on the human condition.
January 13, 2026
I found this to be a brilliant debut novel from author David A. Dummer and feel that it nicely sets up the foundations for the Aaron Thornton series going forward. Well… at least I hope there are future books and that this is indeed a series.
Dr. Aaron Thornton is a psychologist in the US Prison system that works with inmates while they are incarcerated. But after a tragic incident at work, he finds himself on administrative leave. While on leave, his wife Claire—a lawyer—receives a surprise invitation to become a visiting professor at Queen’s University in Belfast, Northern Ireland—where she was born and raised. After careful consideration, Aaron and Claire decide maybe it is nice to move across the pond for a fresh start.
Now settled in Belfast, Thornton—thanks to the assistance of his father-in-law’s many contacts—he is able to quickly get himself established as a psychologist working with individuals that have been recently released from prison. His objective is to help them readjust to the outside world, and to hopefully not re-offend and end up back in the system.
Little does Thornton know, but his entire life is about to be thrown into chaos when he is assigned to oversee the release of one of Belfast’s most infamous sons, Liam O’Malley, the dangerous and highly skilled bomb maker for the IRA (Irish Republican Army). Session discussions stir up bad memories for O’Malley from his past during ‘The Troubles’ and that never leads to anything good.
A well thought out book in my opinion, with a multitude of characters and many twists and turns. Very short chapters tell the story from different sides, different people, and different angles. I would very much like to see more in this series.
Dr. Aaron Thornton is a psychologist in the US Prison system that works with inmates while they are incarcerated. But after a tragic incident at work, he finds himself on administrative leave. While on leave, his wife Claire—a lawyer—receives a surprise invitation to become a visiting professor at Queen’s University in Belfast, Northern Ireland—where she was born and raised. After careful consideration, Aaron and Claire decide maybe it is nice to move across the pond for a fresh start.
Now settled in Belfast, Thornton—thanks to the assistance of his father-in-law’s many contacts—he is able to quickly get himself established as a psychologist working with individuals that have been recently released from prison. His objective is to help them readjust to the outside world, and to hopefully not re-offend and end up back in the system.
Little does Thornton know, but his entire life is about to be thrown into chaos when he is assigned to oversee the release of one of Belfast’s most infamous sons, Liam O’Malley, the dangerous and highly skilled bomb maker for the IRA (Irish Republican Army). Session discussions stir up bad memories for O’Malley from his past during ‘The Troubles’ and that never leads to anything good.
A well thought out book in my opinion, with a multitude of characters and many twists and turns. Very short chapters tell the story from different sides, different people, and different angles. I would very much like to see more in this series.
March 24, 2025
David Dummer had me on the edge of my seat multiple times while reading this novel. I read a lot and many books I often think I know what is going to happen, and I am often correct. In this book a new fact or situation would arise and I would be scared for the characters because I could not figure out how this was going to end up for each of them. A few times i had to put it down because I was so worried what was going to happen next and needed a quick break. I would read a section about something that happened that the main character wasn't aware of and wanted to reach into the book to let him know.
David did a good job of showing the good and bad in the characters on both sides of the conflict. It was nice to get a suspenseful read, but also learn a bit more about History. "The Troubles" were complicated years in Ireland and I definitely learned more about the topic. My family emigrated long before the era depicted, but I have cousins living there who did live there then and I look forward to talking to them about their memories of that time. I am hoping that the subtitle "An Aaron Thornton Thriller" means we will see more of this character. I would love more information about a few things and I need to know what happens next.
David did a good job of showing the good and bad in the characters on both sides of the conflict. It was nice to get a suspenseful read, but also learn a bit more about History. "The Troubles" were complicated years in Ireland and I definitely learned more about the topic. My family emigrated long before the era depicted, but I have cousins living there who did live there then and I look forward to talking to them about their memories of that time. I am hoping that the subtitle "An Aaron Thornton Thriller" means we will see more of this character. I would love more information about a few things and I need to know what happens next.
May 20, 2025
Welcome to Belfast—where grudges age like fine whiskey and everyone’s hiding a skeleton (or five). This book drops you into a city still smoldering from its past, and trust me, the tension isn’t just in the streets—it’s in every page.
Meet Aaron Thornton, a psychologist with more baggage than an airport carousel. After a tragedy at his old job, he moves to Belfast thinking it's a fresh start. Instead, he ends up supervising the release of an IRA bomb maker. Yep, cue the chaos.
The vibes? Dark. Gritty. Sharp. Dummer doesn’t sugarcoat a thing. The setting is practically a character itself—moody, scarred, and ready to explode. And the characters? Complicated, shady, and oh-so-human. Nobody’s wearing a hero cape here.
What I loved most? Thornton is no action hero. He’s a regular guy caught in a web of politics, trauma, and “what the hell did I just sign up for?” moments. It’s like therapy, but make it dangerous and deeply personal.
Meet Aaron Thornton, a psychologist with more baggage than an airport carousel. After a tragedy at his old job, he moves to Belfast thinking it's a fresh start. Instead, he ends up supervising the release of an IRA bomb maker. Yep, cue the chaos.
The vibes? Dark. Gritty. Sharp. Dummer doesn’t sugarcoat a thing. The setting is practically a character itself—moody, scarred, and ready to explode. And the characters? Complicated, shady, and oh-so-human. Nobody’s wearing a hero cape here.
What I loved most? Thornton is no action hero. He’s a regular guy caught in a web of politics, trauma, and “what the hell did I just sign up for?” moments. It’s like therapy, but make it dangerous and deeply personal.
April 19, 2025
This book doesn’t pull punches—it throws haymakers. Born of Bombs and Bullets reads like a fistfight in a thunderstorm, and Aaron Thornton is the kind of protagonist who chews glass for breakfast and asks for seconds. From page one, it's all adrenaline, no fluff. The pace? Relentless. The stakes? Sky high.
Thornton’s world is one of smoke, steel, and blood-soaked morality. You don’t read this book—you survive it. Explosions, betrayals, a trail of bodies thicker than a Marine's neck—it’s everything a hard-nosed thriller junkie could want.
The writing is sharp, punchy, and soaked in testosterone. Perfect for fans of Lee Child, Vince Flynn, or anyone who thinks a good day ends with a scar and a shot of whiskey.
Final verdict: If you like your thrillers rough, rugged, and real, Born of Bombs and Bullets hits like a steel-toed boot to the chest. Lock and load.
Thornton’s world is one of smoke, steel, and blood-soaked morality. You don’t read this book—you survive it. Explosions, betrayals, a trail of bodies thicker than a Marine's neck—it’s everything a hard-nosed thriller junkie could want.
The writing is sharp, punchy, and soaked in testosterone. Perfect for fans of Lee Child, Vince Flynn, or anyone who thinks a good day ends with a scar and a shot of whiskey.
Final verdict: If you like your thrillers rough, rugged, and real, Born of Bombs and Bullets hits like a steel-toed boot to the chest. Lock and load.
March 26, 2025
From its first page, Born of Bombs and Bullets expertly weaves the reader through the sights and sounds and heartaches of Northern Ireland today. Full of suspense and twisting plot developments, this story is contemporary, while classic. Starting a new practice far from home, American psychologist Aaron Thornton brings today's psychology to the black-white-shades-of-gray that is the modern complexities of decades-old conflicts. Author David Dummer offers a bold, full circle perspective of characters who cannot escape their history. Totally entertaining and thought-provoking. I'm ready for the next one!
May 8, 2025
Born of Bombs and Bullets was a fantastic read! It was a great compilation of interwoven story lines with excitement, intrigue, mystery, and an unexpected murder around every other corner. It was a truly captivating story that kept me on the edge of my seat! David Dummer’s extensive experience in psychology and criminal investigations is apparent in the book and provides such insight to these fields. I had little knowledge of The Troubles, so the provided history in the book was interesting and informative, but didn’t take over the plot line. Aaron Thornton was truly a fascinating main character and I can’t wait to see what he gets into in the next book!
September 6, 2025
An incredible debut novel.
Set against the turbulent backdrop of Ireland both during and since the Troubles, this thriller delivers both suspense and the emotional weight of a tragedy. Dummer captures the political unrest with unflinching honesty, weaving together a slew of complex characters who unwittingly share a common history.
The characters are layered and flawed, shaped by history, loyalty, and the impossible choices forced upon them.
Beautifully written, both lyrical and razor-sharp, this is more than just a thriller. It is a haunting exploration of a country divided, and of people who must navigate the thin line between loyalty and survival.
This story will stick with you.
Set against the turbulent backdrop of Ireland both during and since the Troubles, this thriller delivers both suspense and the emotional weight of a tragedy. Dummer captures the political unrest with unflinching honesty, weaving together a slew of complex characters who unwittingly share a common history.
The characters are layered and flawed, shaped by history, loyalty, and the impossible choices forced upon them.
Beautifully written, both lyrical and razor-sharp, this is more than just a thriller. It is a haunting exploration of a country divided, and of people who must navigate the thin line between loyalty and survival.
This story will stick with you.
March 24, 2025
This book is exciting from the first page.
The author cleverly weaves a thrilling tale through a complex web of characters giving heart and soul to each one as their past lives gradually reveal themselves and entangle them.
This is a compelling read dealing with imaginary events inspired by the reality of The Troubles in Northern Ireland.
It explores that dark time from all angles and leaves the reader with no doubt as to the complexities and pain on both sides.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a fast paced, thriller with a heart.
Great read !
The author cleverly weaves a thrilling tale through a complex web of characters giving heart and soul to each one as their past lives gradually reveal themselves and entangle them.
This is a compelling read dealing with imaginary events inspired by the reality of The Troubles in Northern Ireland.
It explores that dark time from all angles and leaves the reader with no doubt as to the complexities and pain on both sides.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a fast paced, thriller with a heart.
Great read !
June 8, 2025
A Tom Clancyesque read about The Troubles
I now have a deeper understanding of the conflict in Northern Ireland. The author does an excellent job providing historical context of "The Troubles" to a present day storyline. I look forward to reading more Aaron Thornton adventures!
I now have a deeper understanding of the conflict in Northern Ireland. The author does an excellent job providing historical context of "The Troubles" to a present day storyline. I look forward to reading more Aaron Thornton adventures!
April 23, 2025
Very well written and a very good read.
First book that I have read that talks about the troubles. Really good
First book that I have read that talks about the troubles. Really good
May 22, 2025
A wonderful suspenseful novel with many twists and turns set in Northern Ireland. Waiting for the next Aaron Thornton thriller.
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