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Dead On
‘Fast and pacy … a very funny book’ – Caro Ramsay
Belfast 1990.
The Troubles.
Murder, identity and … biscuits.
Everyone knows who they are and what side they are on.
Or do they?
Harry Burnard and The Squad are back looking for new criminal cases to work. They are not allowed to work terrorist cases, only crime. But there is no crime. Only terrorism.
Carlo Fontaine leads the IRA’s ‘Nutting Squad’, tasked with finding and killing informants. But he is also the biggest informant the British Security Service has.
Fergie Devine can pass himself off to all sides and is happy to help anyone, just as long as murder is involved.
And Harry still has to work out who he is.
Things can get very complicated when no one is quite who they seem.
Will there be trouble ahead?
Dead On!
Dead On is the second in this black comedy crime series featuring Harry and The Squad.
Belfast 1990.
The Troubles.
Murder, identity and … biscuits.
Everyone knows who they are and what side they are on.
Or do they?
Harry Burnard and The Squad are back looking for new criminal cases to work. They are not allowed to work terrorist cases, only crime. But there is no crime. Only terrorism.
Carlo Fontaine leads the IRA’s ‘Nutting Squad’, tasked with finding and killing informants. But he is also the biggest informant the British Security Service has.
Fergie Devine can pass himself off to all sides and is happy to help anyone, just as long as murder is involved.
And Harry still has to work out who he is.
Things can get very complicated when no one is quite who they seem.
Will there be trouble ahead?
Dead On!
Dead On is the second in this black comedy crime series featuring Harry and The Squad.
302 pages, Paperback
Published October 14, 2025
7 people are currently reading
5 people want to read
About the author
Bryan J. Mason
3 books12 followersBryan J Mason wrote his first novel, Shaking Hands with the Devil, in the late 1980s, but put it away, concluding he was a failed author after failing to get it published. He finally redrafted it and was delighted to find success over thirty years since the first draft.
He has worked as a financial investigator, a mediator and made sound effects for BBC Radio. He is now a full-time crime writer. As well as crime writing he writes regular theatre reviews and co-writes and directs an annual community pantomime.
An Old Tin Can was the first in a new black comedy crime series set in Northern Ireland during the Troubles, followed by Dead On published on 5 November 2025. The trilogy will conclude with the ominously titled ‘There Are No Happy Endings‘.
He describes his genre as ‘black comedy crime’ and enjoys writing in a historical context, which possibly owes something to being a history graduate, but could just be an aversion to writing about modern scientific forensics and CCTV. He is planning a new series set in a Victorian undertakers.
A member of the Crime Writers Association, Society of Authors and Historical Writers Association, he lives in Bristol with his wife and has two children in their twenties. He enjoys swimming, eating out and the theatre, but is never happier than when hanging around in graveyards, which he thinks might come in handy one day.
He has worked as a financial investigator, a mediator and made sound effects for BBC Radio. He is now a full-time crime writer. As well as crime writing he writes regular theatre reviews and co-writes and directs an annual community pantomime.
An Old Tin Can was the first in a new black comedy crime series set in Northern Ireland during the Troubles, followed by Dead On published on 5 November 2025. The trilogy will conclude with the ominously titled ‘There Are No Happy Endings‘.
He describes his genre as ‘black comedy crime’ and enjoys writing in a historical context, which possibly owes something to being a history graduate, but could just be an aversion to writing about modern scientific forensics and CCTV. He is planning a new series set in a Victorian undertakers.
A member of the Crime Writers Association, Society of Authors and Historical Writers Association, he lives in Bristol with his wife and has two children in their twenties. He enjoys swimming, eating out and the theatre, but is never happier than when hanging around in graveyards, which he thinks might come in handy one day.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
November 26, 2025
O.K. , there may be a few historical innacuracies, but what the heck! This is a great read, and sits well within the comic noir tradition so successfully explored in crime fiction from Northern Ireland. If you like Colin Bateman and Garbhan Downey, this is for you. I've read and enjoyed both books in the series and look forward to reading the third.
December 14, 2025
Well, it's been a little while since I read the first book in this series - An Old Tin Can - back in July 24 - but I remember loving the writing style and black humour and once again, just look at this front cover image!
We're back with Harry and The Squad who are still stuck on the crime cases - but with us being in the middle The Troubles of Ireland, there's not too much crime that isn't terrorist based.
When a couple of deaths crop up, the team get their teeth into the new cases to see if they can find any links and make a good impression on the new super at the same time.
I found it really easy to get sucked back into this series and become immersed in this storyline.
Being set back in the 90's I was instantly transported back to my youth again where it seemed that every time we turned on the TV, there was something else being reported about the IRA and the troubles.
What I love about the writing style is that although we are running with a backdrop of violence and political unrest, there's also a great balance with the characters and the humour injected into the storyline.
This was another well planned mystery which had me hooked and the pacing kept me turning those pages.
Knowing that there's another part to this trilogy yet to come, has me excited to see how things will progress from here.
We're back with Harry and The Squad who are still stuck on the crime cases - but with us being in the middle The Troubles of Ireland, there's not too much crime that isn't terrorist based.
When a couple of deaths crop up, the team get their teeth into the new cases to see if they can find any links and make a good impression on the new super at the same time.
I found it really easy to get sucked back into this series and become immersed in this storyline.
Being set back in the 90's I was instantly transported back to my youth again where it seemed that every time we turned on the TV, there was something else being reported about the IRA and the troubles.
What I love about the writing style is that although we are running with a backdrop of violence and political unrest, there's also a great balance with the characters and the humour injected into the storyline.
This was another well planned mystery which had me hooked and the pacing kept me turning those pages.
Knowing that there's another part to this trilogy yet to come, has me excited to see how things will progress from here.
October 26, 2025
Here we are again in West Belfast with Harry Burnard & The Squad. I love this series; yes, it is crime fiction with a realistic historical backdrop, but it also has huge dollops of black humour & pathos.
The Squad, particularly Harry, are bridling at the fact that their high profile serial killer, literally, disappeared after being arrested. They are once again twiddling their thumbs as all crimes appear to be terrorist related, & they are not allowed to investigate them. Then, a couple of weird execution style killings happen, swiftly followed by two seemingly random stranglings. Are they connected? And, what has the new feisty Superintendent & her ‘well-being’ underling got to do with it - if anything?
This author’s style of writing fits this genre perfectly - the characters are great & the description of the political landscape at the time is dead on! (Sorry, not sorry). The Squad are definitely settling in to their more exposed role & Harry also finds some answers in his personal life too. Which leads me on to book 3….an intriguing title Mr Mason. Can’t wait.
The Squad, particularly Harry, are bridling at the fact that their high profile serial killer, literally, disappeared after being arrested. They are once again twiddling their thumbs as all crimes appear to be terrorist related, & they are not allowed to investigate them. Then, a couple of weird execution style killings happen, swiftly followed by two seemingly random stranglings. Are they connected? And, what has the new feisty Superintendent & her ‘well-being’ underling got to do with it - if anything?
This author’s style of writing fits this genre perfectly - the characters are great & the description of the political landscape at the time is dead on! (Sorry, not sorry). The Squad are definitely settling in to their more exposed role & Harry also finds some answers in his personal life too. Which leads me on to book 3….an intriguing title Mr Mason. Can’t wait.
December 5, 2025
After loving book 1 in this series, I was eagerly anticipating this and I was not disappointed.
Despite being set in Ireland, during whats known as 'The Troubles' and not shying away from the violence, this somehow still manages to be laugh out loud funny too.
We are back with the Squad, and Harry is trying to find out about his birth family.
Something that I love apart from the story which is brilliant and gripping, and funny, is how clever it is. It feels like a lot of thought and effort has been put in to names of people and locations to add to the humour.
Last but not least how can I not mention the slight obsession with biscuits, although I think Pink Wafers are rather nice...
Despite being set in Ireland, during whats known as 'The Troubles' and not shying away from the violence, this somehow still manages to be laugh out loud funny too.
We are back with the Squad, and Harry is trying to find out about his birth family.
Something that I love apart from the story which is brilliant and gripping, and funny, is how clever it is. It feels like a lot of thought and effort has been put in to names of people and locations to add to the humour.
Last but not least how can I not mention the slight obsession with biscuits, although I think Pink Wafers are rather nice...
December 15, 2025
I flew through this one. Sharp, darkly funny, and deceptively smart, it captures the chaos of Belfast during the Troubles while constantly flipping identities and loyalties. The humor lands, the tension never lets up, and nothing is as simple as it looks. A fast, clever read that knows exactly what it’s doing.
November 6, 2025
My Wife, three Daughters and I visited Northern Ireland for a two week holiday in August 2024 and I took them on a tour around Belfast while there. I showed them the peace wall, many of the murals and memorial gardens. I showed them the Falls road and the Shankhill road, and Bombay street, so this read appealed to me sinstantly, and certainly lived up to my expectations.
Part two in the series and set in 1990's Belfast, right in the middle of The Troubles, we follow characters from both sides of the Law. Harry and The Squad are back again, looking for criminal cases to investigate. On the other side is Carlos Fontaine of the I.R.A ( who's also an informant for the British ), and then there's Fergie Devine, who doesn't care who'd side he's on. All combined make for a as brilliant read in this intriguing crime novel with some great dark humour, set against an historical background at a time of great unrest.
Be sure to pick your copy up.
4 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's from me.
Part two in the series and set in 1990's Belfast, right in the middle of The Troubles, we follow characters from both sides of the Law. Harry and The Squad are back again, looking for criminal cases to investigate. On the other side is Carlos Fontaine of the I.R.A ( who's also an informant for the British ), and then there's Fergie Devine, who doesn't care who'd side he's on. All combined make for a as brilliant read in this intriguing crime novel with some great dark humour, set against an historical background at a time of great unrest.
Be sure to pick your copy up.
4 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's from me.
November 11, 2025
This is the second book featuring Harry and his team and it's another funny riveting read. There's so many double-crossing here across both sides of the divide, not to mention the duplicitous nature of the authorities. Meanwhile Harry is trying to track down his birth mother.
Fergie Devine is a great character, brutal and uncompromising and his fascination with glasses had me in fits of laughter. You wouldn't think such a story would be so funny but it is, and it really works.
Fergie Devine is a great character, brutal and uncompromising and his fascination with glasses had me in fits of laughter. You wouldn't think such a story would be so funny but it is, and it really works.
December 27, 2025
Excellent story
An excellent story line. Loved the reference to Strabane. This was well worth the read. I would recommend this book.
An excellent story line. Loved the reference to Strabane. This was well worth the read. I would recommend this book.
December 7, 2025
This is book 2 in the series.
This novel is set in Ireland during the troubles times.
You'll read violent scenes, which this author doesn't shy away from. It mentions the I.R.A in this novel also.
You follow the squad dealing with no terrorist related crimes.
This book is definitely one for the dark sense of humour readers.
This is the first novel of this authors I have read and I can say it will not be the last.
This isn't normally a book I would pick up to read as it isn't one of my go to genres, but I am glad I picked this up and read it!
This novel is set in Ireland during the troubles times.
You'll read violent scenes, which this author doesn't shy away from. It mentions the I.R.A in this novel also.
You follow the squad dealing with no terrorist related crimes.
This book is definitely one for the dark sense of humour readers.
This is the first novel of this authors I have read and I can say it will not be the last.
This isn't normally a book I would pick up to read as it isn't one of my go to genres, but I am glad I picked this up and read it!
December 8, 2025
My goodness I had fun reading this book!
I love a dark humour book and this was really good, I hadn’t read the first book but have since read it, I suggest reading them both as they are really good.
A crime fiction series set in a troubled background, even though it’s set at a dark time in British history the humour really works, in fact I’ve bought both books as a christmas gift.
Complete genius writing - loved it.
Book 3, bring it on! 👌
I love a dark humour book and this was really good, I hadn’t read the first book but have since read it, I suggest reading them both as they are really good.
A crime fiction series set in a troubled background, even though it’s set at a dark time in British history the humour really works, in fact I’ve bought both books as a christmas gift.
Complete genius writing - loved it.
Book 3, bring it on! 👌
December 22, 2025
I am reviewing this book on behalf on my husband. This book was slightly different to my usual type of thriller, crime novel but it really appealed to my dark sense of humour and I found myself really laughing at chunks of this book. I found it a fast paced crime story that didn't lose momentum and I thoroughly enjoyed the banter between the squad. Harry being an outsider and the way that is portrayed felt very real and im excited to read more, all of the books are on kindle unlimited so I know what I will be reading over christmas
November 28, 2025
Book 2 in the Crime Trilogy featuring Di Harry Bernard and The Squad. It is set in the early 1990’s based in Belfast in the midst of the period known as The Troubles which was a euphemism for the deadly war involving the IRA, UVF and the RUC/ British Army. The Squad are only allowed deal with non terrorist related crime which meant they were kept idle most of the time. You have a joint review here as both my partner and I read this on our recent holiday and I asked for his comments.
Briefly, Harry is just returning to work having been injured during the capture of the serial killer Fred James, when their car was attacked and James was taken away by parties unknown. As The Squad start to realise there is real criminal activity taking places there are two events occurring. Firstly, Harry starts looking into his own adoption and secondly, an insider in the Squad is forced to find out if Harry is still looking for Fred James. Then there is Fergie Divine who has turned up and is working for both parties whilst, unbeknownst to either, he is simply a blood thirsty killer with unique ways of killing!
This book features the activity of touts (informers) and how the services used members of both sides and how they were treated. We have the hilarious efforts of both sides to discover the touts in their teams whilst hiding their own dealings. This is called a dark comedy crime series with very good reason as there are scenes which might upset some readers. However do stick with it as it’s laugh out loud at times if my partner is anything to go by. Looking forward to reading book 3
Briefly, Harry is just returning to work having been injured during the capture of the serial killer Fred James, when their car was attacked and James was taken away by parties unknown. As The Squad start to realise there is real criminal activity taking places there are two events occurring. Firstly, Harry starts looking into his own adoption and secondly, an insider in the Squad is forced to find out if Harry is still looking for Fred James. Then there is Fergie Divine who has turned up and is working for both parties whilst, unbeknownst to either, he is simply a blood thirsty killer with unique ways of killing!
This book features the activity of touts (informers) and how the services used members of both sides and how they were treated. We have the hilarious efforts of both sides to discover the touts in their teams whilst hiding their own dealings. This is called a dark comedy crime series with very good reason as there are scenes which might upset some readers. However do stick with it as it’s laugh out loud at times if my partner is anything to go by. Looking forward to reading book 3
January 10, 2026
Dead On is a sharp, darkly comic crime novel that skilfully blends satire with the grim realities of Belfast during the Troubles. Bryan J. Mason delivers a fast paced and intelligent sequel that deepens both character and theme, while never losing its bite or humour.
Set in 1990, the novel thrives on moral ambiguity. Harry Burnard and his misfit Squad are officially tasked with investigating crime, yet in a city consumed by terrorism, crime barely exists in isolation. This tension drives the narrative and highlights the absurdity of rigid systems operating in chaotic times. Mason’s characters are richly drawn, particularly Carlo Fontaine, whose dual role as IRA executioner and British informant perfectly encapsulates the novel’s central question of identity and loyalty.
The writing is tight and confident, balancing violence and wit with impressive control. Mason’s humour is dry, often understated, and serves to sharpen rather than soften the brutality of the world he depicts. The dialogue is especially strong, giving each character a distinct voice and rhythm.
Dead On succeeds both as a crime novel and as a commentary on identity, power, and hypocrisy. It’s an engaging, thoughtful, and very funny read that rewards both fans of the series and newcomers alike.
Set in 1990, the novel thrives on moral ambiguity. Harry Burnard and his misfit Squad are officially tasked with investigating crime, yet in a city consumed by terrorism, crime barely exists in isolation. This tension drives the narrative and highlights the absurdity of rigid systems operating in chaotic times. Mason’s characters are richly drawn, particularly Carlo Fontaine, whose dual role as IRA executioner and British informant perfectly encapsulates the novel’s central question of identity and loyalty.
The writing is tight and confident, balancing violence and wit with impressive control. Mason’s humour is dry, often understated, and serves to sharpen rather than soften the brutality of the world he depicts. The dialogue is especially strong, giving each character a distinct voice and rhythm.
Dead On succeeds both as a crime novel and as a commentary on identity, power, and hypocrisy. It’s an engaging, thoughtful, and very funny read that rewards both fans of the series and newcomers alike.
January 8, 2026
📆 single timeline.
👀 3rd person
🐢 -🐇 medium-paced
Dead On was a fun read from start to finish. In true me style, I haven't read the previous book in the series, but don't feel that I lost anything as a result. Despite having read a few books set in Ireland during 'The Troubles' I'm ashamed to admit that I don't really understand them. However, I also feel that this didn't affect my enjoyment of the book.
I have a secret love of books that have occasional grisly scenes of torture or murder (but to make it clear I'm totally against this in real life) so this book did not disappoint in that respect. The mix of these and the humour throughout the book was perfect. I loved all the mentions of biscuits too, even if they did make me a little peckish!
The plot was engaging and well paced with genuine characters. I did lose track slightly of who was who at times though.
If you like your humour dark, with a side of murder, then you should give this series a try.
👀 3rd person
🐢 -🐇 medium-paced
Dead On was a fun read from start to finish. In true me style, I haven't read the previous book in the series, but don't feel that I lost anything as a result. Despite having read a few books set in Ireland during 'The Troubles' I'm ashamed to admit that I don't really understand them. However, I also feel that this didn't affect my enjoyment of the book.
I have a secret love of books that have occasional grisly scenes of torture or murder (but to make it clear I'm totally against this in real life) so this book did not disappoint in that respect. The mix of these and the humour throughout the book was perfect. I loved all the mentions of biscuits too, even if they did make me a little peckish!
The plot was engaging and well paced with genuine characters. I did lose track slightly of who was who at times though.
If you like your humour dark, with a side of murder, then you should give this series a try.
December 11, 2025
Just what I needed at this time of year, when I sluggishly tired and things are getting a bit tough. Perfect for time for me to have a wee chance to laugh and also solve crimes, what more could you want?
I really liked the main crew of this book. Their characters were fun, quirky, full of great banter and laugh, but also still clever and paid attention to detail. They got the job done, in the end, and all the in between can be serious or just go with it.
I liked the fast paced feel to it. It kept it energetic and intense, but also lighter because of the comedic angle to it. I felt it created a really brilliant, edgy balance and that made it very fun indeed.
Fergie and Carlo created and worked with absolute madness and possessed a bonkers feel that you could not help but to just roll with and enjoy the journey. Honestly a good laugh and great read
I really liked the main crew of this book. Their characters were fun, quirky, full of great banter and laugh, but also still clever and paid attention to detail. They got the job done, in the end, and all the in between can be serious or just go with it.
I liked the fast paced feel to it. It kept it energetic and intense, but also lighter because of the comedic angle to it. I felt it created a really brilliant, edgy balance and that made it very fun indeed.
Fergie and Carlo created and worked with absolute madness and possessed a bonkers feel that you could not help but to just roll with and enjoy the journey. Honestly a good laugh and great read
December 10, 2025
Dark, Clever, and Impossible to Predict
This book had me guessing all the way through. I really enjoyed how the author balanced dark humor with real tension. Harry’s personal struggle to figure out who he is makes him an even stronger character this time around. The plot around terrorism, informants, and hidden motives is done in a smart, layered way, and I never felt lost. Every character has secrets, and watching them collide kept me turning pages late into the night. A fantastic sequel.
This book had me guessing all the way through. I really enjoyed how the author balanced dark humor with real tension. Harry’s personal struggle to figure out who he is makes him an even stronger character this time around. The plot around terrorism, informants, and hidden motives is done in a smart, layered way, and I never felt lost. Every character has secrets, and watching them collide kept me turning pages late into the night. A fantastic sequel.
November 16, 2025
Another wonderful addition to this series. I always enjoy this author's writing, and this one is no exception.
A vivid and powerful historical back drop with some brilliant characters to complement it.
The dark humour is as sharp as ever, and personal journeys make for an interesting read too.
Roll on Book 3!
A vivid and powerful historical back drop with some brilliant characters to complement it.
The dark humour is as sharp as ever, and personal journeys make for an interesting read too.
Roll on Book 3!
December 7, 2025
This is Bryan Mason's second novel in the Harry Burnard series, taking place in the late 80s and early 90s in Belfast -- focusing on the efforts of Harry Burnard and his criminal investigation unit dubbed the squad. The first novel in the series is fantastic. I enjoyed this one as well, but not quite as much for two reasons. First, this may have been a case of playing the hits too much (read: derivative). The killer had similar motivations to the killer in the first novel. And the two sides of the same coin look at the Troubles was repeated, albeit worthwhile. Second, the pacing was not great. The novel had a decent pace, but then seemingly resolved out of nowhere in the last 30 pages without warning. Mason would've been better served using 10,000 more words to work out a better paced and plotted ending.
So, why do I still give it 4.5 stars? Well, the satirical prose remains and remains at a high level. The novel is just as funny as the first one. The plot also kept me entertained. And while the "reveal" about the source was obvious from the beginning, I still enjoyed how the characterization of each member of the Squad was improved upon.
Here's to hoping the third book wraps up the series well.
So, why do I still give it 4.5 stars? Well, the satirical prose remains and remains at a high level. The novel is just as funny as the first one. The plot also kept me entertained. And while the "reveal" about the source was obvious from the beginning, I still enjoyed how the characterization of each member of the Squad was improved upon.
Here's to hoping the third book wraps up the series well.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews