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Dancing With Mortality
After two murders and 20 years of silence, a chance to make it right.
This pacy revenge thriller tells the story of Harry Ellis, who arrives in 1980’s Dublin as a language student and is unwittingly drawn into the fight against republicanism, with tragic results. After two violent unsolved deaths and a twenty year interval, Harry receives an unexpected invitation to bring the man responsible to justice. Now leading a new life in London, he must embark on a hunt across Europe, to find a truth that not only rewrites the story of the last twenty years, but also lights the path towards his final objective. With his own survival compromised and time running out, will Harry have time to exact vengeance?
(This is an alternate cover addition of the book, original ISBN 9781310457074)
This pacy revenge thriller tells the story of Harry Ellis, who arrives in 1980’s Dublin as a language student and is unwittingly drawn into the fight against republicanism, with tragic results. After two violent unsolved deaths and a twenty year interval, Harry receives an unexpected invitation to bring the man responsible to justice. Now leading a new life in London, he must embark on a hunt across Europe, to find a truth that not only rewrites the story of the last twenty years, but also lights the path towards his final objective. With his own survival compromised and time running out, will Harry have time to exact vengeance?
(This is an alternate cover addition of the book, original ISBN 9781310457074)
- GenresThriller
292 pages, Paperback
First published May 3, 2014
6 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
About the author
Mark McKay
14 books19 followersMark McKay did a number of things before becoming a novelist – van driver, wine salesman, psychiatric orderly, Santa Claus at a major department store… He also spent many years working in the IT industry. After studying creative writing with the University of East Anglia in the UK, he wrote his first novel. Once bitten by the writing bug (for which there’s no cure), more novels followed.
When he isn’t writing, Mark is either reading, struggling to master the guitar, learning aikido (useful research), trying to find time to get out more, and looking for new and unusual experiences that might one day find their way into a book. His goal as a writer is to produce another 50 novels by the age of 100. His goal as a guitar player is to get beyond three chords. He’s pretty sure he can do it (the guitar bit, at least).
When he isn’t writing, Mark is either reading, struggling to master the guitar, learning aikido (useful research), trying to find time to get out more, and looking for new and unusual experiences that might one day find their way into a book. His goal as a writer is to produce another 50 novels by the age of 100. His goal as a guitar player is to get beyond three chords. He’s pretty sure he can do it (the guitar bit, at least).
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
December 9, 2015
Dancing with Mortality is the story of Harry and Michael. When we first meet Harry, he is a grad student in Dublin, a linguist with a specialty in the Irish language. He is a part-time translator for the British intelligence service (SIS). On the opposing side there is Michael, an IRA man and the only survivor of a special ops raid during a gunrunning mission. Harry and Michael meet twice, both times fleetingly, during the first half of Dancing with Mortality. Once is simply two ships passing in the night; the second time, Harry is gunning for Michael. During the second half, their relationship is quite different.
I liked Dancing with Mortality. The pace is slow but steady and we get to see into Harry's life in England as well as Dublin. The only problem I had with the book is that the actual action (gunfights, murders) takes place offstage and we only hear about it. This is a relatively minor complaint. The prose is eminently readable, no-nonsense and to-the-point. The characters are well drawn, even relatively minor ones. The settings and descriptions are good, some are even great, such as the descriptions of winter above the arctic circle. All in all, a good read.
I liked Dancing with Mortality. The pace is slow but steady and we get to see into Harry's life in England as well as Dublin. The only problem I had with the book is that the actual action (gunfights, murders) takes place offstage and we only hear about it. This is a relatively minor complaint. The prose is eminently readable, no-nonsense and to-the-point. The characters are well drawn, even relatively minor ones. The settings and descriptions are good, some are even great, such as the descriptions of winter above the arctic circle. All in all, a good read.
September 25, 2015
This is the kind of spy novel my father would like. The spy work is all directly tied in to an ongoing war, putting the characters in situation where expediency replaces morality; and where this state of affairs seems to be a demand of the “times”, i.e. seeming to stem more from the setting than from any single person or organization. The characters deal in secret violence, where everyone is both terribly dangerous and terribly vulnerable.
The story is broken into two acts, which take place twenty years apart.
Michael and Harry are set against each other, not by some sort of mutual choice, but by destiny. They truly dance with mortality, playing risk against risk in a game that they can’t stop playing; and that, inevitably, must claim the lives of innocents. Both men survive the first act, but both pay an unexpectedly dear price for their involvement in the game.
In the second act, the two men’s lives intersect again as the time comes for the settling of old scores. Both men are now dancing not only with the mortality that violence brings, but also that which comes with the passage of time. More sacrifices have to be made.
As the story wound down, I was of course curious about whether one (or both) men would die (as one might expect in a book like this). However, I was also drawn in by the question of whether either man could ever leave this life behind and settle into some sort of happiness.
The book is edited very well. For most of the book, the story moves at a very regular pace (even when bullets are flying). In many stories, this would be a weakness; but here, it seemed more like a strength. The pace’s sameness was a constant reminder that, no matter how calm any moment might be, death and disaster could be nigh. And that the only useful strategy for avoiding such death and disaster was to embrace, embody, and love the very expediency that gave rise to this “dance with mortality” in the first place.
In short, I found the book to be clean, crisp, and unsettling.
The story is broken into two acts, which take place twenty years apart.
Michael and Harry are set against each other, not by some sort of mutual choice, but by destiny. They truly dance with mortality, playing risk against risk in a game that they can’t stop playing; and that, inevitably, must claim the lives of innocents. Both men survive the first act, but both pay an unexpectedly dear price for their involvement in the game.
In the second act, the two men’s lives intersect again as the time comes for the settling of old scores. Both men are now dancing not only with the mortality that violence brings, but also that which comes with the passage of time. More sacrifices have to be made.
As the story wound down, I was of course curious about whether one (or both) men would die (as one might expect in a book like this). However, I was also drawn in by the question of whether either man could ever leave this life behind and settle into some sort of happiness.
The book is edited very well. For most of the book, the story moves at a very regular pace (even when bullets are flying). In many stories, this would be a weakness; but here, it seemed more like a strength. The pace’s sameness was a constant reminder that, no matter how calm any moment might be, death and disaster could be nigh. And that the only useful strategy for avoiding such death and disaster was to embrace, embody, and love the very expediency that gave rise to this “dance with mortality” in the first place.
In short, I found the book to be clean, crisp, and unsettling.
June 28, 2015
McKay can write a scene well. Where many might have difficulty avoiding superfluousness, McKay fills his scenes with details that sharpen the setting without being grossly overwrought. The language is likewise economical and well chosen, moving the story forward without drawing attention to itself.
Where I found the story difficult (not to be confused with “bad”) was the sense of a very slow burn as we worked ourselves into a scene. Identifying a location often took precedence over what we were doing in that location. There’s nothing wrong with this approach, and I’m sure I’m being borderline over critical, but many times I found myself skipping ahead through internal dialogue to determine the location and the stakes.
Interestingly, the main plot follows a path similar to this slow-burn setup. The first few chapters are themselves a setup for the main plot. Rather than beginning with the Revenge in action, with the purpose interspersed as flashbacks or explained outright, we get the whole thing, chronologically. There is nothing fundamentally wrong with this approach, though it is an atypical style these days because it puts the brakes on the action.
Still, I found the book oddly compelling. Not enthralling, but it was a pretty easy read for me. Interestingly enough when I looked back at the book after reading I found myself strangely satisfied, not unlike eating a meal and feeling neither gorged nor hungry, but sated. I liked this story. I suspect others will, too.
Where I found the story difficult (not to be confused with “bad”) was the sense of a very slow burn as we worked ourselves into a scene. Identifying a location often took precedence over what we were doing in that location. There’s nothing wrong with this approach, and I’m sure I’m being borderline over critical, but many times I found myself skipping ahead through internal dialogue to determine the location and the stakes.
Interestingly, the main plot follows a path similar to this slow-burn setup. The first few chapters are themselves a setup for the main plot. Rather than beginning with the Revenge in action, with the purpose interspersed as flashbacks or explained outright, we get the whole thing, chronologically. There is nothing fundamentally wrong with this approach, though it is an atypical style these days because it puts the brakes on the action.
Still, I found the book oddly compelling. Not enthralling, but it was a pretty easy read for me. Interestingly enough when I looked back at the book after reading I found myself strangely satisfied, not unlike eating a meal and feeling neither gorged nor hungry, but sated. I liked this story. I suspect others will, too.
June 28, 2015
I liked this simply constructed and entertaining story. The plot is not complicated and the characters relatively straightforward. There were no blunders or writing problems. Nor were there instances of brilliance in writing or construction. There is tragedy, connected with the "troubles" in Ireland, and there is betrayal as well as affection. It was all steadily paced. This is a pleasant read, like music that is easy on the ears.
Its flaw, not fatal, is the fact that all actions seems so friction-less or "zip-less" as another author once described her preferred kind of "hooking up." Even the resolution of a serious infection--the medical regimen, the after-effects, the life-style restrictions--strike me as too easy to be authentic.
Its flaw, not fatal, is the fact that all actions seems so friction-less or "zip-less" as another author once described her preferred kind of "hooking up." Even the resolution of a serious infection--the medical regimen, the after-effects, the life-style restrictions--strike me as too easy to be authentic.
November 23, 2018
I really liked this book. I read it in one sitting. I loved the determination of the main characters and the cause they were working for. There was a lot of backstabbing and emotional pain involved too. I am going to look into more books from this author. It was a great book to read!
May 5, 2015
The book is slow to start. The initial violence is obscured by darkness and mystery and is only understood quite a way into the book. However the story does indeed pick up speed nicely. This spy versus spy tale takes place against the background of the Troubles in the north of Ireland when a kiwi student innocently picks up translation work with Brit security agents working against the Catholics of the north and only latterly finds he's made his bed with spooks. And that his employers are lacking in morals, manners and decency.
The author writes in a steady, clear and smooth prose throughout. The characterizations are sometimes buried in extraneous detail that left me wondering 'Have I gone down an empty lane?'
This genre does demand suspense, of course, and the plotting is somewhat plodding until the final 20% of the novel or so. Until then the days, events and places unfold rather prosaically. The climax however is a race horse that spy lovers will find quite delicious.
There's a travelog here: a journey that goes from Eire to Germany to Denmark and Sweden. This is well observed but in the Spy Thriller genre the "and then, and then!" suspense is sacrificed to an informative sojourn that could have been mentioned in passing without all the detail.
The work is quite promising for what I believe is a first novel.
The author writes in a steady, clear and smooth prose throughout. The characterizations are sometimes buried in extraneous detail that left me wondering 'Have I gone down an empty lane?'
This genre does demand suspense, of course, and the plotting is somewhat plodding until the final 20% of the novel or so. Until then the days, events and places unfold rather prosaically. The climax however is a race horse that spy lovers will find quite delicious.
There's a travelog here: a journey that goes from Eire to Germany to Denmark and Sweden. This is well observed but in the Spy Thriller genre the "and then, and then!" suspense is sacrificed to an informative sojourn that could have been mentioned in passing without all the detail.
The work is quite promising for what I believe is a first novel.
April 30, 2015
Dancing with Mortality follows Harry, a linguist from New Zealand, who finds himself sucked (or suckered) into working for British Intelligence during the Troubles in 1980s Ireland. He's supposed to translate Irish documents, but he soon finds himself involved in an operation that goes horribly wrong. Fast forward twenty years, and we see Harry in his new life as a banker with his new wife. His past has continued to taint his life, but he has a chance to lay the dead to rest.
I like historical mysteries and thought the author handled the details of the time well. The characters were well drawn and engaging. While the ending has a few surprises, the plot is moderately predictable and could use an additional small twist or two earlier. The book suffers from too much exposition that holds back the pace of an otherwise solid story. If you enjoy British mysteries, give this a try.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I like historical mysteries and thought the author handled the details of the time well. The characters were well drawn and engaging. While the ending has a few surprises, the plot is moderately predictable and could use an additional small twist or two earlier. The book suffers from too much exposition that holds back the pace of an otherwise solid story. If you enjoy British mysteries, give this a try.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 1, 2015
Mystery, intrigue, and betrayal are deftly woven into a first-class story.
In 1981, the Irish Republican Army and British Government were locked in a struggle that trampled innocents on both sides.
Harry Ellis is an any-man studying at university and looking forward to what life has to offer. Then a British Intelligence officer offers him a part-time position as an Irish translator. Harry’s decision to accept the offer shatters his life.
Twenty years later, still struggling to pick up the pieces, Harry is given a chance for vengeance. He must lie and manipulate to attain his goal. In doing so, he turns his life upside down and inside out all over again. Along the way, he discovers the truth about the past and himself.
This is a well-written story with a plausible main plot. The author provides plenty of tension and conflict for a small cast of characters, which drives the story. Something is happening on every page, even during the “dull” moments.
In 1981, the Irish Republican Army and British Government were locked in a struggle that trampled innocents on both sides.
Harry Ellis is an any-man studying at university and looking forward to what life has to offer. Then a British Intelligence officer offers him a part-time position as an Irish translator. Harry’s decision to accept the offer shatters his life.
Twenty years later, still struggling to pick up the pieces, Harry is given a chance for vengeance. He must lie and manipulate to attain his goal. In doing so, he turns his life upside down and inside out all over again. Along the way, he discovers the truth about the past and himself.
This is a well-written story with a plausible main plot. The author provides plenty of tension and conflict for a small cast of characters, which drives the story. Something is happening on every page, even during the “dull” moments.
June 16, 2023
It's been a long time since I read a solid mystery novel, and Mark McKay's Dancing with Mortality did not disappoint. Over the course of twenty years, the protagonist, Harry, searches desperately for the man who murdered his wife. What he doesn't know is that some of the assumptions he's made are wrong, and that his life is about to get a little more complicated. The multiple location setting of the book made it leap off the pages, as did the large cast of characters that made you wonder who was bad and who was good. Harry proves to be a very likable and understandable hero, although there were times I admittedly felt a little disconnected from him, but that was more than made up for in the emotion-packed scenes. The irony was not lost on the title as I kept reading, either. Overall, I thought this was a very solid mystery read, and I think McKay likely has more solid thrillers to come.
June 14, 2015
This book was slow to start and a bit confusing at first. However, it did hold my attention after delving in. The main characters are Harry and Michael. They are on opposing sides of the conflict in Ireland in the 80's. Harry is a translator, brought into the fray by British intelligence. Michael is a freedom fighter, trying to battle the oppressive invasion of the British. Halfway through it skips ahead 20 years, which was a bit of a jolt. I felt the angst of both Harry and Michael, throughout the story. There were only whispers of suspense. Even when the characters were in dire circumstances I didn't feel that, "Wow. What are they going to do?" sensation that I would have liked. There were no 'nail biting' moments for me. The author has a good voice and the story has a very good plot. I received a copy of this book for an honest review.
July 3, 2015
Mark McKay's DANCING WITH MORTALITY is a well written political suspense set in Ireland. It pits the British Secret Service against the Irish Republican Army from a very personal perspective. Main character, New Zealander Harry Ellis, is caught up in a back-stabbing intrigue that results in numerous tragic deaths.
the book is written in third person perspective with various points-of-view but primarily Harry's. The writing is crisp with a storyline that keeps you turning the pages. Subplots are well and believably developed and help build the character arch nicely.
This is an enjoyable read, highly recommended to all. I will definitely be ready for more Mark McKay novels. As way of disclosure I read and reviewed this book as a member of a Goodreads.com author review group.
the book is written in third person perspective with various points-of-view but primarily Harry's. The writing is crisp with a storyline that keeps you turning the pages. Subplots are well and believably developed and help build the character arch nicely.
This is an enjoyable read, highly recommended to all. I will definitely be ready for more Mark McKay novels. As way of disclosure I read and reviewed this book as a member of a Goodreads.com author review group.
June 21, 2015
"Dancing With Mortality" (2014), a novel by Mark McKay, provoked my interest in the plight of Harry Ellis, a young graduate student sucked into the feud between Catholics and Protestants in 1980s Northern Ireland, with tragic results. Twenty years later he finds himself dragged back into the conflict. I was absorbed by the story but found myself rereading sentences often in order to follow it. (Three important female characters whose names all started with the letter S didn’t help.) Also, I didn’t understand the abrupt shift in the novel’s perspective from two main characters to only one. Nevertheless, recommended.
September 1, 2015
"A stylish thriller"
This book had an 'old school' feel about it that I liked. There was an easy pace to it, which retained my interest throughout. If you like page after page of high-speed action, with graphic violence and sex, then you'll be disappointed, but this story goes far deeper than any superficial 'fast-food' example of the genre. This is a steady, methodical account of an 'innocent' abroad, caught up in the maelstrom that was Ireland in the latter half of the last century. The events he witnessed as a young man shape the man he becomes over time and revenge is a dish best served cold.
This book had an 'old school' feel about it that I liked. There was an easy pace to it, which retained my interest throughout. If you like page after page of high-speed action, with graphic violence and sex, then you'll be disappointed, but this story goes far deeper than any superficial 'fast-food' example of the genre. This is a steady, methodical account of an 'innocent' abroad, caught up in the maelstrom that was Ireland in the latter half of the last century. The events he witnessed as a young man shape the man he becomes over time and revenge is a dish best served cold.
January 1, 2016
I got the kindle version of this book free from Amazon.
I usually don't like stories about the IRA, terrorism, etc. This book has that subject only as something that happened 20 years ago and affects the main characters in the present time.
As I read the book, I wasn't sure I wanted to finish it. I just wasn't getting into the story. BUT, I'm very glad I DID finish the book. The story picks up as it progresses and, for me, it became a page turner. It's not a very long book, but the author developes the characters and the plot very well.
I think you will enjoy this book very much.
I usually don't like stories about the IRA, terrorism, etc. This book has that subject only as something that happened 20 years ago and affects the main characters in the present time.
As I read the book, I wasn't sure I wanted to finish it. I just wasn't getting into the story. BUT, I'm very glad I DID finish the book. The story picks up as it progresses and, for me, it became a page turner. It's not a very long book, but the author developes the characters and the plot very well.
I think you will enjoy this book very much.
June 11, 2023
Action and political thriller centered around Ireland's Troubles and the treachery by members of both the SIS and IRA. This is what can become of life that is overtaken completely by vengeance.
A decent bit of writing, and exciting, though not as compelling as some of the author's other works. Kept getting sidetracked in the reading of it because I couldn't figure out how to transfer the ebook download to my primary reading device, and had to read the whole thing on my phone!
A decent bit of writing, and exciting, though not as compelling as some of the author's other works. Kept getting sidetracked in the reading of it because I couldn't figure out how to transfer the ebook download to my primary reading device, and had to read the whole thing on my phone!
May 5, 2015
The plot of this novel was explained well by a previous reviewer so I will not repeat the obvious. This was a great read. Out of the normal Genre for me but it held my attention throughout. The characters were well developed, and the pace of the book just right. I enjoyed this book immensely and encourage you to give it a read even if it is out of your normal scope.
September 4, 2015
Intriguing
This book kept my interest, and the ending leaves you hanging but you figure out what will mostly happen. I enjoyed reading this book.
This book kept my interest, and the ending leaves you hanging but you figure out what will mostly happen. I enjoyed reading this book.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews