The Rising

Inspector Devlin #4

by Brian McGilloway

From the New York Times bestselling author of Little Girl Lost comes a compelling new series …

Inspector Devlin is called to investigate a case of arson: a burning barn and, inside, the charred remains of a local drug dealer.

Suspicions quickly fall on a local vigilante group that calls itself "the Rising."

But Devlin stumbles onto a more pressing case when his old partner's teenage son goes missing. With quiet determination, he attempts to make sense of the boy's disappearance …

That is, until another drug dealer is killed and Devlin realizes that the case goes far deeper and darker than he ever imagined.

Gripping, heartbreaking, and always surprising, The Rising is a tour de force from one of Ireland's greatest crime writers.

Genres: Mystery, Ireland, Crime, Fiction, Irish Literature, Procedural, Suspense

320 pages, Paperback

First published April 2, 2010

About the author

Brian McGilloway is an author hailing from Derry, Northern Ireland. He studied English at Queens University Belfast, where he was very active in student theatre, winning a prestigious national Irish Student Drama Association award for theatrical lighting design in 1996. He is currently Head of English at St. Columb's College, Derry. McGilloway's debut novel was a crime thriller called Borderlands. Borderlands was shortlisted for a Crime Writers' Association Dagger award for a debut novel.

Reviews

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set on the border of Ireland and Northern Ireland, this is an excellent series in my opinion. The main character (Catholic, Garda detective, and family man) has to make compromises in every book. It seems very realistic and I like this flawed and evolving cop.

[Clare O'Beara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a dark and gritty look at policing in the shadow of the border. Modern Ireland sees co-operations between forces on both sides, but drug dealers try to oust rivals a few miles away whichever side of the border they happen to live in and the roads are less checked than in previous times. The Garda inspector who narrates is based in Lifford and calls in to Letterkenny, with the Atlantic on one side and the lights of Derry on the other.

A first person narrative for a police procedural is unusual and produces only that person's viewpoint of the case and suspects. However we do get Devlin's experience of running into a burning barn to search for people told with strong and simple realism. Devlin also seems to take what he sees at face value, not wonder why a kid is camping in February or why a daughter aged eleven is interested in boys (I wasn't at that age). Speculation is left to the reader while Devlin just knows what procedure requires, like dental records and notifying family of a presumed fire victim. The work of the Drugs Squad necessarily involves junkies, squats and squalor. There's also storms and flooding in the countryside we explore. Expect strong language. Devlin's relationship with his wife Penny is strongly tested and we remain in suspense until the last.

The name The Rising refers to a rising up against drug dealers by an infuriated populace. We do have to think that the title was chosen with the centenary of the Easter Rising in mind. Few words are wasted in this crime tale. If you have been following the series to date, or particularly enjoy terse, gritty procedurals, you may give it a better rating.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Benedict Devlin is battling drug dealers, and looking for the murderer of two dealers. At the same time, a group called The Rising made up mainly of Protestant ex-paramilitaries is waging a campaign against drugs and dealers. Devlin is overworked because many of the Garda stations near the border of Donegal and Derry are woefully understaffed. This leads to him neglecting his family while giving much of his time to helping his former partner and old romantic interest. The story is fast moving, full of twists and turns and surprises up to the end. McGilloway has a good way of summing up events throughout the novel which is a great device when things get complex. I'll be reading more soon!

[Raven · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ostensibly the plot revolves around a community action group `The Rising' who are seeking to eradicate the stranglehold on their neighbourhood of local drug dealers. However, this group is led by a small band of men who have less than savoury pasts and who are actually seeking to strengthen the grip of one major drug dealer, the outwardly respectable businessman Vincent Morrison, by disposing of the competition. Morrison is a nemesis to our moral yet maverick detective Devlin, who soon gets to the root of this conspiracy but also finds himself embroiled on a personal level with Morrison due to the growing relationship between Morrison's son John and Devlin's daughter Penny. Penny is approaching the devilish teenage years apace and all the seeds of rebellion are wonderfully sown as Devlin comes into conflict with his daughter over this youthful dalliance ultimately leading to a gripping emotional drama at the conclusion of the book putting Devlin's familial relationships at the very heart of this novel.

This book also sees the reappearance of Devlin's former colleague Caroline Williams who has always had a special place in Devlin's heart in the previous will they, won't they plot lines. There is heartbreak for Caroline with the senseless death of her teenage son Peter and through the actions of Caroline's ex-husband we see her pushed to her emotional limits and Devlin has no other option but to become more involved. This story line is particularly well realised and really tugs on the reader's heartstrings as Caroline is such an empathetic character and depicts the loyalty that Devlin has to those closest to him outside of his police role.

Brian McGilloway's books are always a wonderful combination of fictional drama blended with an adherence to factual history but I felt this book in particular marked a slight departure in style from the author. Indeed, what struck me most about the book was how emotionally fraught it was in comparison to the rest of the series and how, through the interlinking plot lines, the theme of family was so prevalent, amongst the `good' and the `bad' characters which made this book resonate with the reader on a much deeper level. A great read.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*

I have never read this author before so I was excited, albeit nervous, to read this story. I love a good suspense/mystery/crime thriller. What constitutes a good one for me are the following: I didn't guess who the bad guy was; there was a ton of action; not too heavy on romance; the characters are likable; and the story is somewhat plausible. I got pretty much all of these things in this book.

Inspector Devlin is a seemingly complicated man. He wants to work and do his job, but he also wants to be at home with his kids. He's having issues with his family because they don't understand him and his need to do his job. He is also struggling with the fact that he tends to like to be at work more than he likes to be at home with his wife. So, he's dealing with all of that and the fact that his boss is a giant jerkwad. Plus, let's throw in several murders and a missing teenager as well.

The story takes place in Ireland, a land that I would love to visit someday, and it was hard to read the dialogue (in my head) without an Irish accent. :) I enjoyed the story and thought that there was quite a bit of action and I definitely did not see the ending coming. The outcome of the case is truly believable as I'm sure it happens every day here in this country as well as others that have drug & gang problems. I will most likely read more of Brian McGilloway's books and look forward to reading more of Inspector Devlin's adventures in Ireland. The only thing that I didn't care for was the relationship that Inspector Devlin had with is former partner. I don't think that every detective/mystery/police/suspense book has to have two partners of the opposite sex who "get close" to each other during their time working together. I'm sure it happens in real life sometimes, but I think this story could have done without that part. I give this 4.5 books.

[Bruce Hatton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brian McGilloway certainly puts his central character in this series, Benedict Devlin, through the emotional wringer. In this novel the poor guy has problems coming at him from all angles. The central crime consists of the murder of two drug dealers – possibly by a vigilante group of former IRA paramilitaries called “The Rising”. On top of this he has to deal with the death of the teenage son of a former colleague, said colleague’s abusive husband, the frequent intransigence and hostility of his immediate boss, Harry Patterson and, finally, threats to his own family.
Another totally absorbing and frequently heart-wrenching narrative; all the better for being told in the first person, as this gives us an excellent insight into a decent but flawed man tasked with a seemingly impossible job.

[Bill Cokas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my fourth Devlin, and it rivals the first. I love foreign-locale fiction, and he's picked a great area full of conflict: the "borderlands" between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. I'd recommend starting at the beginning of the series, so you get to know Devlin and his family/colleagues. He's definitely not perfect, but he's a strong, brooding, conflicted character. They're all in first person, and the economy of language is nothing short of brilliant--not a wasted or misplaced word to be found, as befitting a laconic detective. His main plots and subplots intertwine flawlessly and you get the idea that while he loves where he lives, it's not perfect either. This is Ireland warts-and-all, narrated by a character who fits the same description.

[Madi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahh, this one is probably one of my favorite's out of this mini-series. Man, the plot twist on this one really caught me off guard, but of god, it was good.

[Stuart Haining · Rating 3 out of 5]

6/10 6%. Second of my mini box set, better this time, easy to read, decent enough plot. Not overly compelling though - ok as a holiday read.

[Wendy Greenberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am now romping through this series and think full immersion is what is needed, having had reservations about this detective.

Brain is required to piece together the layers of goings-on in the borderland drug world. The connections coalesce, fracture and re-emerge as the players Devlin is pursuing impinge on his personal life. Murders, "bad" drugs, power and violence do not sit well with family life and friendships.

[Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This man can write a police procedural like nobody’s business. Another excellent mystery, which was simultaneously informative about Irish relations across the North/Republic border. Truly well done, and I love this series. *And* this series is horribly violent; I am not sure why every single story in the series has to be like this. This one has TWELVE violent/dramatic events: 7 killings; 1 shooting; 1 motorcycle injury during the commission of a crime; 1 assault; 1 suicide attempt; and 1 accident-leading-to-coma. That is a crazy amount of violence and drama in 350 pages. I don’t understand why McGilloway always has to kill off 2/3 of the characters in every one of his books. Asides from that, his books are excellent.

[Kaye Dennan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fast moving book with many twists and turns. Inspector Devlin wins again but is his marriage in trouble? All about figuring out who is trying to control the drugs in the area and who is killing off some of the dealers. Full of intrigue.

[Trena · Rating 4 out of 5]

A friend put me on to Inspector Devlin just a great find. Set in the Irish border lands. The characters are strong and flawed. The stories have you up all night to find out what happens , as nothing is what it seems.

[Camilla · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not terrible, but could have been better.

[Jessica Jones-coggins · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good 4th book in the series beginning with Borderlands which was really good.

[Janice Staines · Rating 4 out of 5]

Drug wars in the borderlands

It’s always reassuring to read a book by an author you know and trust will deliver a good story, full of twists and surprises. That’s how I felt about The Rising.

Full of familiar characters and some new villains - this time, involved with drug dealing across the borderlands.

Ben Devlin’s ex-police partner, Caroline, gets entangled in their activities when her teenage son goes missing from a camping trip and she turns to Ben for help and support.

Elsewhere, known drug dealers from the area begin turning up dead in strange and mysterious circumstances. Ben and his small team of officers have to try and unscramble clues along the way to find out who is behind this killing spree.

This is a fast-paced drama, full of interlinked threads, believable characters and realistic dialogue. Some of the interactions along the way are unpalatable and some interventions, heaven-sent.

All in all, an enjoyable read - although, in my opinion, not all the outcomes offered fair justice.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second police procedural, by an Irish writer, that I read this month, not realizing I'd read it before. The bad guys are drug dealers. Ben Devlin works on the Donegal side of the border with Northern Ireland. There's a local group protesting the lack of police action against drug dealers, but Devlin comes to suspect are a front for other drug dealers hoping to take over the business of locals. Devlin doesn't drink, but he is neglectful of his family. The son of a former colleague disappears, a woman he still has feelings for.
3.5 stars.

[Carolien · Rating 3 out of 5]

A complex plot involving the drug trade on the border between the Republic and Northern Ireland where a group of paramilitaries start to take the law into their own hands, ostensibly to clean up the area from the scrounge of drug dealers. The body of a near neighbour of Inspector Devlin found in a burning barn is just the first of a series of murders. The death of the teenage son of a former colleague complicates matters and the Inspector discovers that his own daughter is growing up. I thoroughly enjoy each instalment in this series.

[Vera · Rating 4 out of 5]

On the edition: MacMillan decided to stretch the story out to 356 pages by using a wide line spacing, making the book appear to be more than it is - most likely for marketing and pricing reasons. That does not recommend the publisher to me.
This was my first McGilloway, and I probably won't read another one. I found the story quite entertaining but a little shallow in language and character exploration.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

My second Inspector Devlin and I'm still not sure if I need to read this in order or not. The personal parts lead me to believe that yes, I do, but the murder parts don't really require it. Any thoughts?

I did like the twist on whodunnit, and without giving any spoilers, there's a thought-provoking take on groups that claim to be working on one thing but are secretly promoting another agenda.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great Devlin story. Took a little longer to get into this one but eventually found the case rolling along to a very satisfying, if slightly predictable conclusion.

Again Devlin’s struggle with his work/family life balance is a huge part of the appeal and McGilloway’s gentle prose make this a cracking series

[Terry Slaven · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book takes its title from the name of a vigilante group devoted to (selectively) ridding County Donegal of drug dealers. Are its motives altruistic? Wouldn’t be much of a story if they were. Inspector Devlin takes on challenges, personal and professional, and as always the case in Ireland, there are deaths, tragedies, and calamities in abundance.

[Helen Pakpahan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Starts well and the sub-plots of Inspector Devlin's family (and daughters friendship with criminal's son) are solid - although the latter would have worked better if character was 13 or 14.
However, the main plot was weak - Devlin basically guessed everything - there were too many characters who were all undeveloped - with lots if people all being conveniently shot.

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

4th in the very enjoyable DI Devlin series finds Garda officer investigating the deaths of drug dealers as some dodgy characters from the North appear to be advocating pushing drugs from communities. As his marriage comes under strain the pressure on Devlin mounts. A really well plotted series that highlights the pressures of policing the borders so well.

[Glyn Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

Back on track its a very good read for the fourth in the series, and devlin is in the thick of it again. It deal with mainly the drugs problem of the south/north border and is thoroughly entertaining, so just go out BUY this book.

[Damien · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like the Devlin series and the way the character has developed. I somehow missed this, and the next in the series when they came out, now playing catch-up so I can read the latest book.
Highly recommended if you like a police procedural.

[Lauri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Garda Inspector Benedict Devlin works near the border between Ireland and Northern Ireland. He is a good man, and a well-developed, relatable character in this book series. This one is about drug dealers and murder. I always enjoy these books.

[Jordan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m unimpressed with the main detective’s detecting (and a good portion of his actions besides), and I don’t really care for any of the other characters either. The plot could still be riveting or something without that, but it was kinda ho-hum as well, so just generally a bit disappointing.

[Minna · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was all over the place... 2.5*

[Shauna Doherty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspector devlin had the impossible job of trying to investiagte the impossible drugs problem on the border and trying to deal with bent coopers and cover ups grilling from the first page loved it