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Drug Gang #2
Drug Gang: Deadline
48 HOURS LEFT…
How far would you go to end it?
Belfast. 1999.
The hunt is closing in.
The net is tightening.
Forty-eight hours to end it.
Derek Dillon is still alive.
But not for long.
The bounty on his head has turned Belfast into a city on edge. Paramilitaries, gangs, and opportunistic crews are closing ranks—while the Dublin cartel moves to erase the problem before it reaches the courtroom.
The police are running out of time.
Every move is watched.
Every escape route is closing.
Every mistake is fatal.
And John Kennedy is still in the middle of it.
Pulled deeper into a world that's becoming impossible to escape.
Forced to make choices he can't take back.
Because the longer the hunt goes on…
the more dangerous it becomes.
Loyalties fracture.
Violence escalates.
And the line between hunter and hunted disappears.
In Belfast, there are no safe sides.
No clean endings.
No second chances.
Drug Gang: Deadline is a raw, relentless thriller — the second and final part of the 60-hour manhunt that began in Drug Gang: The Hunt.
BOOK TWO IN THE DRUG GANG SERIES (CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER)
The hunt reaches its final stage.
THIS IS WHERE THE HUNT ENDS.
How far would you go to end it?
Belfast. 1999.
The hunt is closing in.
The net is tightening.
Forty-eight hours to end it.
Derek Dillon is still alive.
But not for long.
The bounty on his head has turned Belfast into a city on edge. Paramilitaries, gangs, and opportunistic crews are closing ranks—while the Dublin cartel moves to erase the problem before it reaches the courtroom.
The police are running out of time.
Every move is watched.
Every escape route is closing.
Every mistake is fatal.
And John Kennedy is still in the middle of it.
Pulled deeper into a world that's becoming impossible to escape.
Forced to make choices he can't take back.
Because the longer the hunt goes on…
the more dangerous it becomes.
Loyalties fracture.
Violence escalates.
And the line between hunter and hunted disappears.
In Belfast, there are no safe sides.
No clean endings.
No second chances.
Drug Gang: Deadline is a raw, relentless thriller — the second and final part of the 60-hour manhunt that began in Drug Gang: The Hunt.
BOOK TWO IN THE DRUG GANG SERIES (CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER)
The hunt reaches its final stage.
THIS IS WHERE THE HUNT ENDS.
265 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 22, 2026
About the author
Neil Walker
5 books223 followersNeil Walker is the bestselling author of the Drug Gang series, fast-paced crime thrillers set in the criminal underworlds of Belfast, Manchester, and beyond.
His books have sold tens of thousands of copies worldwide. The series has been a consistent Amazon chart performer, with the debut reaching #1 and later titles also reaching the Amazon top three. Every title has continued to chart long after release, attracting a loyal and steadily growing readership.
Walker's work has attracted film and television interest, resulting in a shopping agreement with Hollywood producer John Hilary Shepherd (1917, Hacksaw Ridge).
He writes hard-edged, character-driven crime fiction rooted in organised crime, loyalty, and survival—stories where every decision has consequences.
He lives in Belfast.
Follow Neil on social media.
His books have sold tens of thousands of copies worldwide. The series has been a consistent Amazon chart performer, with the debut reaching #1 and later titles also reaching the Amazon top three. Every title has continued to chart long after release, attracting a loyal and steadily growing readership.
Walker's work has attracted film and television interest, resulting in a shopping agreement with Hollywood producer John Hilary Shepherd (1917, Hacksaw Ridge).
He writes hard-edged, character-driven crime fiction rooted in organised crime, loyalty, and survival—stories where every decision has consequences.
He lives in Belfast.
Follow Neil on social media.
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
October 21, 2026
Countdown to Carnage: A gripping crime thriller that never lets up
The conclusion of this duo offers no chance to catch your breath, plunging into the weekend’s final hours as a creeping sense of dread shadows every close shave and near miss. The world becomes increasingly vivid and visceral, while the characters’ drug-fuelled hedonism takes on a darker edge—a desperate attempt to escape a reality that is steadily closing in.
The protagonist grows increasingly desperate as rival factions converge, each intent on forcing an ending of their own with danger lurking at every turn. When reality finally catches up, the mounting dread erupts into a crescendo of blood and violence, leaving few untouched and many irreparably changed. It is a savage conclusion to a story threaded with darkness and populated by characters who make no apologies for who they are—instead, they revel in their differences.
At the heart of both books lies the group’s unbreakable friendship, their deep affection shining brightest when life threatens to pull them apart. Their bond is a powerful reminder that, in our darkest moments, it is the people who stand beside us—and the love we return—that carry us through.
I loved how this story created a world that felt both vivid and unforgiving, where flashes of humanity endure beneath the darkness. It captures an unsettling truth about life: the choices we make can draw us down paths we never intended to follow, and some consequences leave no way back.
Give these books a read—they are fast-paced, richly plotted and offer a darkly compelling exploration of good and evil, revealing how easily the line between them can blur when life closes in.
The conclusion of this duo offers no chance to catch your breath, plunging into the weekend’s final hours as a creeping sense of dread shadows every close shave and near miss. The world becomes increasingly vivid and visceral, while the characters’ drug-fuelled hedonism takes on a darker edge—a desperate attempt to escape a reality that is steadily closing in.
The protagonist grows increasingly desperate as rival factions converge, each intent on forcing an ending of their own with danger lurking at every turn. When reality finally catches up, the mounting dread erupts into a crescendo of blood and violence, leaving few untouched and many irreparably changed. It is a savage conclusion to a story threaded with darkness and populated by characters who make no apologies for who they are—instead, they revel in their differences.
At the heart of both books lies the group’s unbreakable friendship, their deep affection shining brightest when life threatens to pull them apart. Their bond is a powerful reminder that, in our darkest moments, it is the people who stand beside us—and the love we return—that carry us through.
I loved how this story created a world that felt both vivid and unforgiving, where flashes of humanity endure beneath the darkness. It captures an unsettling truth about life: the choices we make can draw us down paths we never intended to follow, and some consequences leave no way back.
Give these books a read—they are fast-paced, richly plotted and offer a darkly compelling exploration of good and evil, revealing how easily the line between them can blur when life closes in.
October 22, 2026
I went straight from The Hunt into Deadline, and it’s the rare sequel that holds its own against the first book. The countdown is still ticking, the stakes are higher, and Neil Walker has clearly been planning where he wanted to leave everyone!!
The first book was all about the chase. This one does something I enjoyed even more, because the net tightens and every side starts getting desperate. The paramilitaries, the police and the bounty hunters are all closing in, and a few of them are doing things (you really don’t want to see done in an interrogation room!). The tension builds right up to a stretch near the end. I won’t say more than that, but I did not see a couple of the turns coming!!
What surprised me is how much heart there is in the quieter scenes. Derek and Mark get some proper downtime this time, and the late-night conversations between them were my favourite parts of the book. They’re funny one minute and surprisingly raw the next, and they made me care about two guys who are, frankly, a disaster. Mixed in with that, there’s a house party that has to be read to be believed, with a seagull feud, a dining table that has been turned into something else entirely, and some of the best throwaway lines. The black humour is still sharp, and Gibbons and Freeman remain a joy every time they’re stuck in that car together.
The 90s detail is brilliant again. The film references, the music (and the ridiculous rituals of the scene) are so specific that they can only come from someone who knows the world well.
The ending is a proper payoff, with a final scene that made me grin and then want to know what happens next. I’m glad the series carries on.
The first book was all about the chase. This one does something I enjoyed even more, because the net tightens and every side starts getting desperate. The paramilitaries, the police and the bounty hunters are all closing in, and a few of them are doing things (you really don’t want to see done in an interrogation room!). The tension builds right up to a stretch near the end. I won’t say more than that, but I did not see a couple of the turns coming!!
What surprised me is how much heart there is in the quieter scenes. Derek and Mark get some proper downtime this time, and the late-night conversations between them were my favourite parts of the book. They’re funny one minute and surprisingly raw the next, and they made me care about two guys who are, frankly, a disaster. Mixed in with that, there’s a house party that has to be read to be believed, with a seagull feud, a dining table that has been turned into something else entirely, and some of the best throwaway lines. The black humour is still sharp, and Gibbons and Freeman remain a joy every time they’re stuck in that car together.
The 90s detail is brilliant again. The film references, the music (and the ridiculous rituals of the scene) are so specific that they can only come from someone who knows the world well.
The ending is a proper payoff, with a final scene that made me grin and then want to know what happens next. I’m glad the series carries on.
October 22, 2026
An explosive, action-packed conclusion – even better than the first!
I thoroughly enjoyed this fantastic conclusion to the story! If anything, this second book is even more intense than the first, with relentless action, heightened suspense and tension that keeps you hooked throughout.
One of the real strengths of this series is the writing. The dialogue feels incredibly natural, the characters' interactions are memorable, and the humour is often laugh-out-loud funny, even in the middle of some seriously dramatic situations.
The descriptive writing is equally impressive, bringing the settings and atmosphere vividly to life. Even the smallest details help paint a wonderfully clear picture in the reader's mind:
“Sunlight cut narrow bars across the paperwork and coffee cups scattered between them.”
What really sets this book apart is how effortlessly it balances dark humour with gritty drama, explosive action and edge-of-your-seat suspense. It's a combination that gives the story a distinctive personality and makes the entire series stand out from the crowd.
If you enjoyed the first book, this is an absolute must-read. And if you're new to the Drug Gang series, I'd highly recommend starting at the beginning. You're in for one hell of a ride!
A gripping, hugely entertaining crime thriller and a brilliant conclusion to an unforgettable story. Highly recommended!
I thoroughly enjoyed this fantastic conclusion to the story! If anything, this second book is even more intense than the first, with relentless action, heightened suspense and tension that keeps you hooked throughout.
One of the real strengths of this series is the writing. The dialogue feels incredibly natural, the characters' interactions are memorable, and the humour is often laugh-out-loud funny, even in the middle of some seriously dramatic situations.
The descriptive writing is equally impressive, bringing the settings and atmosphere vividly to life. Even the smallest details help paint a wonderfully clear picture in the reader's mind:
“Sunlight cut narrow bars across the paperwork and coffee cups scattered between them.”
What really sets this book apart is how effortlessly it balances dark humour with gritty drama, explosive action and edge-of-your-seat suspense. It's a combination that gives the story a distinctive personality and makes the entire series stand out from the crowd.
If you enjoyed the first book, this is an absolute must-read. And if you're new to the Drug Gang series, I'd highly recommend starting at the beginning. You're in for one hell of a ride!
A gripping, hugely entertaining crime thriller and a brilliant conclusion to an unforgettable story. Highly recommended!
October 29, 2026
Wow what a 60 hours!!!!from chapter 1 of book 1 I was well and truly hooked. Belfast being my native city I felt I knew some of the characters and the places!!!
Congratulations to the author on a gripping masterpiece that has left me wondering what to do with myself now that I’ve finished reading these books-couldn’t wait to see what the next chapters held- but find myself still thinking about the characters and plots!!!A sign of a great read for me!!!
I have no doubt there will be more and I personally can’t wait for the next adventures!!!!!
Congratulations to the author on a gripping masterpiece that has left me wondering what to do with myself now that I’ve finished reading these books-couldn’t wait to see what the next chapters held- but find myself still thinking about the characters and plots!!!A sign of a great read for me!!!
I have no doubt there will be more and I personally can’t wait for the next adventures!!!!!
October 22, 2026
The second instalment in this gripping crime duo delivers everything you hope for from a sequel and more. Picking up the threads from The Hunt, the story wastes no time plunging readers back into a world of deception, danger, and 90's tunes. A thrilling and highly enjoyable read, this second book is a strong finish to an engaging crime series and a must-read for anyone who enjoyed the opening instalment.
October 23, 2026
I was very eager to read the conclusion of this story and it didn’t disappoint. I honestly had no idea how it was going to go and I was totally engrossed in the whole story. Although violent and bloody at times, there was friendship at the heart of it (even rogues can show love and loyalty to their friends). Once again, Belfast had a starring role and the soundtrack played in my head long after I’d finished the book. Another fantastic read from Neil Walker, one I would highly recommend.
October 22, 2026
I was really looking forward to this book release and it absolutely didn’t disappoint! A thrilling, exciting read from start to finish, packed with the same gripping intensity that made the previous book so addictive. Once again, Neil Walker has delivered a story that keeps you hooked and wanting more. An absolute page-turner and a must-read for fans of the series!
October 22, 2026
I was really excited to read this after finishing part 1 and it did not disappoint. The suspense and anxiety ratcheted up from start to end. Amongst the violence it was hard not to be moved by the bonds of the friendships between characters, even if I did want to reach and shake them. This two parter was my introduction to the drug gang series and I’m looking forward to checking out the rest.
October 22, 2026
There's no let up in the tension or in the violence in Drug Gang: Deadline, and they're not just aiming at the knees now. Not for the squeamish, but there's actually more exploration of the characters in this one too. Drugs, clubs, parties, fights, guns, car chases..I could see this on Netflix
October 22, 2026
Neil Walker paints a vivid, gritty picture of 90s Belfast that I was too busy watching teletubbies at the time to see. Well humoured, easy to read and hard to put down, recommend to crime fans! Tinky Winky could never!
October 22, 2026
Dark, gritty and utterly gripping. The Belfast setting feels incredibly authentic, the characters are brilliantly written and the tension never lets up. A cracking conclusion to the manhunt!
Make sure to check this one out - you will not be disappointed! 👏
Make sure to check this one out - you will not be disappointed! 👏
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews