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Paula Maguire #0.5
Controlled Explosions
Paula Maguire, forensic psychologist on the Irish border, returns as a teenager in this exclusive digital short story from Claire McGowan. If you love the Paula Maguire series, or are yet to meet the infamous psychologist, you'll be gripped...1998 and future forensic psychologist Paula Maguire is still in school, being taunted by bullies. In particular one girl, whose family has paramilitary links, is calling her a rat. Even though Paula might not know why her mother went missing five years before, she's sure she's no traitor's daughter.But words are nothing compared to what her policeman father, PJ, is dealing with. The hot summer is simmering with violence and the entire force is focused on finding a bomber leaving devices on the routes of Orange parades.When PJ is injured at the scene of a crime, Paula is shocked to find herself next in the perpetrator's crosshairs. The threats at school don't feel so empty now, but what connection could there be? As the possibility of first love appears, will Paula be able to find out in time to save herself and follow her heart?What readers are saying about Controlled 'A beautifully rendered novella set way before the series began. I was completely hooked' 'Fast-paced and exciting''A great peek into the history of Paula - our favourite psychologist! All very fascinating - I just love the setting'
74 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2015
114 people are currently reading
615 people want to read
About the author
Claire McGowan
39 books2,070 followersClaire McGowan grew up in a small village in Northern Ireland. After a degree in English and French from Oxford University she moved to London and worked in the charity sector. THE FALL is her first novel, which is followed by a series starring forensic psychologist Paula Maguire. She also writes as Eva Woods.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
January 25, 2023
Paula Maguire is in school and she’s being bullied. Because everyone thinks her mom is a traitor. Paula refuses to believe it. But the constant bullying is definitely getting to her.
Paula’s dad has bigger fish to fry. He’s a police officer and he’s looking for someone who’s leaving bombs on the routes of the Orange marches.
This is a prequel to a series. And what I very much appreciate about this prequel is that it can be a part of the series, but it can also stand on its own. The reading experience will probably be elevated if you’ve already read the series, but it’s not a requirement. Which is what a good prequel should always aim for.
The characters are quite strong. Even if you haven’t read the series yet, you know exactly who the two main characters are. And it’s clear this story heavily impacts the life of the protagonist and shapes her into who she will become. The plot starts a bit slow and is rather straight forward. But halfway through the story, things escalate quickly. And it ends with quite a gripping finale.
The heart of this story is the setting. Northern Ireland in 1998 makes for a very rough neighborhood to live in, to say the least. But it’s also very fascinating. The story focuses on one small aspect of the historic conflict between the Protestants and the Catholics. A peace agreement has just been signed after years of violence. But some people don’t want peace. The bomber in this story targets the Orange marches. The Orange marches are basically Protestant parades with marching bands, to celebrate historical victories over the Catholics. An explosion there could add fuel to the fire on both sides. Things could escalate very quickly. And it could mean the end of the peace agreement altogether.
A decent but rather straight forward plot, pretty strong characters and a fascinating historical setting that demands your attention. Overall, a really solid short read.
Paula’s dad has bigger fish to fry. He’s a police officer and he’s looking for someone who’s leaving bombs on the routes of the Orange marches.
This is a prequel to a series. And what I very much appreciate about this prequel is that it can be a part of the series, but it can also stand on its own. The reading experience will probably be elevated if you’ve already read the series, but it’s not a requirement. Which is what a good prequel should always aim for.
The characters are quite strong. Even if you haven’t read the series yet, you know exactly who the two main characters are. And it’s clear this story heavily impacts the life of the protagonist and shapes her into who she will become. The plot starts a bit slow and is rather straight forward. But halfway through the story, things escalate quickly. And it ends with quite a gripping finale.
The heart of this story is the setting. Northern Ireland in 1998 makes for a very rough neighborhood to live in, to say the least. But it’s also very fascinating. The story focuses on one small aspect of the historic conflict between the Protestants and the Catholics. A peace agreement has just been signed after years of violence. But some people don’t want peace. The bomber in this story targets the Orange marches. The Orange marches are basically Protestant parades with marching bands, to celebrate historical victories over the Catholics. An explosion there could add fuel to the fire on both sides. Things could escalate very quickly. And it could mean the end of the peace agreement altogether.
A decent but rather straight forward plot, pretty strong characters and a fascinating historical setting that demands your attention. Overall, a really solid short read.
September 13, 2016
This is a prequel to the author's Dr. Paula Maguire series that flashes back to when she was 17. You'd think she'd be preoccupied with typical teenage issues.
But this is Ireland in the 1980's. Her father is a catholic cop with the RUC & her mother disappeared 5 years ago amidst whispers she was informing on the IRA. So things like acne & boys aren't really high on her list of priorities.
It's only about 60 pages so I won't go into the plot but it's a remarkably complete & well told story. You can feel the hatred that existed just prior to the signing of the peace accord & how it affects every day life for the characters. And it does exactly what it should. After grabbing this off Amazon for a princely $0.00, I'm hooked & look forward to reading book #1 in the series. Smart author.
But this is Ireland in the 1980's. Her father is a catholic cop with the RUC & her mother disappeared 5 years ago amidst whispers she was informing on the IRA. So things like acne & boys aren't really high on her list of priorities.
It's only about 60 pages so I won't go into the plot but it's a remarkably complete & well told story. You can feel the hatred that existed just prior to the signing of the peace accord & how it affects every day life for the characters. And it does exactly what it should. After grabbing this off Amazon for a princely $0.00, I'm hooked & look forward to reading book #1 in the series. Smart author.
July 24, 2017
I read this a few months ago and forgot to add it. It's a short story/novella. If you like this series, it's worth reading.
March 6, 2016
A short story prequel to the Paula Macguire series, when we meet Paula as a teenager. It's a great introduction to her character and also that of her friends Saoirse and Aidan. Having read and enjoyed the first two full length books in the series, this was a really good insight into the Irish conflict and the dangers everyone faced. Definitely recommended as an introduction to the series for new readers as well as to existing Paula Maguire fans.
July 17, 2017
I was lucky enough to buy this when it was on offer as a freebie.
Controlled Explosion is a novella published between the releases of The Dead Ground and The Silent Dead. Although I think this book can be read first as a taster to Paula's background.
The book is set in 1998 and Paula is still at school studying for her A levels. Her dad PJ is in the RUC and is investigating a series of bombs that have been made by the notorious Red Hugh. Meanwhile Paula is being bullied by Catriona because her mum disappeared.
In Controlled Explosion we meet all the characters in the main series. Best friend Soircha, Aidan and a young D.C. Helen Corry.
This was a nice little book which filled in some gaps for me.
Controlled Explosion is a novella published between the releases of The Dead Ground and The Silent Dead. Although I think this book can be read first as a taster to Paula's background.
The book is set in 1998 and Paula is still at school studying for her A levels. Her dad PJ is in the RUC and is investigating a series of bombs that have been made by the notorious Red Hugh. Meanwhile Paula is being bullied by Catriona because her mum disappeared.
In Controlled Explosion we meet all the characters in the main series. Best friend Soircha, Aidan and a young D.C. Helen Corry.
This was a nice little book which filled in some gaps for me.
March 4, 2018
An intriguing prequel to McGowan's acclaimed Paula Maguire series packs in great texture about the tail end of 'the Troubles' in Northern Ireland as well as insights into Paula's teen world before she contemplated forensic psychology.
Some writers just have 'it'. Call it 'the X factor', perhaps, (if you can do that without picturing Simon Cowell) - it's that intangible glue that brings together plot, character, setting, and theme in ways that even if they're familiar tropes or character types, feels a little fresh. Not being so 'out there crazy' that you can tell the writer is straining to be unique in a 'look at this, it's unlike anything that's ever been before' way, but more - and I think this may be tougher - delivering something both familiar and fresh.
In short, Claire McGowan has 'it'.
CONTROLLED EXPLOSIONS is a beautifully rendered novella that falls in between Paula Maguire novels, in terms of publication, but is set well before the series began. Not that there isn't a link to McGowan's acclaimed full-length tales about the modern-day forensic psychologist. For the events, and the people involved, in CONTROLLED EXPLOSIONS, have a large impact on who Maguire is as a person, and many links to her contemporary life. So it's both a lovely prequel for regular series readers, providing extra depth and insight into Paula's character, and a very good introduction to new readers, who can get a taste of McGowan's talents in shorter form. You'll want more, believe me.
The story opens in 1998 on the eve of the historic Orange March in Northern Ireland. For centuries Protestants have proudly celebrated their history in this way - a history that is of course well-entwined with violent conflict with Catholics. It's a nationalistic and religious powder keg.
A Peace Accord has been signed, and changes loom to the political and policing structure of Northern Ireland. But rather than relief at long-awaited progress, coppers like Bob Hamilton and PJ Maguire, Paula's father, are on edge. Not everyone wants the Peace Accord to hold, and the marches are a likely target for violence from those on all sides of a debate that's more akin to a blood feud.
Meanwhile, Paula is being bullied at school, taunted about her mother who disappeared five years ago. "Tout. Your ma was a tout." It's a worse insult than your mother being called a whore, in a land where touts (traitors) are akin to paedophiles. Paula is seventeen years old, preparing for mock exams, but the bullying gets to her, especially as it escalates. Why did her mother disappear, and never return? And what's going to happen when a group of girls wait for her after school?
I was completely hooked by CONTROLLED EXPLOSIONS. It's the kind of story that made me want to immediately hop online and order McGowan's entire series. A beautifully crafted shorter tale which still delivers layers. McGowan captures the voice and perspectives of a range of people, from teenage girls to hard-bitten coppers staring into an unknown abyss after years of looking over their shoulders and checking under their cars.
I thought McGowan did a great job giving readers a taste of 'the Troubles', and some of the complexities involved in a land where countrymen felt passionately divided on political and religious lines, violence could erupt at any moment, but most were just trying to get on and live their lives.
Whether you're a fan of McGowan and Maguire, or have yet to experience them, I'd highly recommend jumping online and grabbing yourself a copy of this very fine tale.
Craig Sisterson is a features writer from New Zealand who writes for magazines and newspapers in several countries. He has interviewed more than 140 crime writers, discussed crime fiction at literary festivals and on national radio, and is the Judging Convenor of the Ngaio Marsh Award for Best Crime Novel. Follow him on Twitter: @craigsisterson
Some writers just have 'it'. Call it 'the X factor', perhaps, (if you can do that without picturing Simon Cowell) - it's that intangible glue that brings together plot, character, setting, and theme in ways that even if they're familiar tropes or character types, feels a little fresh. Not being so 'out there crazy' that you can tell the writer is straining to be unique in a 'look at this, it's unlike anything that's ever been before' way, but more - and I think this may be tougher - delivering something both familiar and fresh.
In short, Claire McGowan has 'it'.
CONTROLLED EXPLOSIONS is a beautifully rendered novella that falls in between Paula Maguire novels, in terms of publication, but is set well before the series began. Not that there isn't a link to McGowan's acclaimed full-length tales about the modern-day forensic psychologist. For the events, and the people involved, in CONTROLLED EXPLOSIONS, have a large impact on who Maguire is as a person, and many links to her contemporary life. So it's both a lovely prequel for regular series readers, providing extra depth and insight into Paula's character, and a very good introduction to new readers, who can get a taste of McGowan's talents in shorter form. You'll want more, believe me.
The story opens in 1998 on the eve of the historic Orange March in Northern Ireland. For centuries Protestants have proudly celebrated their history in this way - a history that is of course well-entwined with violent conflict with Catholics. It's a nationalistic and religious powder keg.
A Peace Accord has been signed, and changes loom to the political and policing structure of Northern Ireland. But rather than relief at long-awaited progress, coppers like Bob Hamilton and PJ Maguire, Paula's father, are on edge. Not everyone wants the Peace Accord to hold, and the marches are a likely target for violence from those on all sides of a debate that's more akin to a blood feud.
Meanwhile, Paula is being bullied at school, taunted about her mother who disappeared five years ago. "Tout. Your ma was a tout." It's a worse insult than your mother being called a whore, in a land where touts (traitors) are akin to paedophiles. Paula is seventeen years old, preparing for mock exams, but the bullying gets to her, especially as it escalates. Why did her mother disappear, and never return? And what's going to happen when a group of girls wait for her after school?
I was completely hooked by CONTROLLED EXPLOSIONS. It's the kind of story that made me want to immediately hop online and order McGowan's entire series. A beautifully crafted shorter tale which still delivers layers. McGowan captures the voice and perspectives of a range of people, from teenage girls to hard-bitten coppers staring into an unknown abyss after years of looking over their shoulders and checking under their cars.
I thought McGowan did a great job giving readers a taste of 'the Troubles', and some of the complexities involved in a land where countrymen felt passionately divided on political and religious lines, violence could erupt at any moment, but most were just trying to get on and live their lives.
Whether you're a fan of McGowan and Maguire, or have yet to experience them, I'd highly recommend jumping online and grabbing yourself a copy of this very fine tale.
Craig Sisterson is a features writer from New Zealand who writes for magazines and newspapers in several countries. He has interviewed more than 140 crime writers, discussed crime fiction at literary festivals and on national radio, and is the Judging Convenor of the Ngaio Marsh Award for Best Crime Novel. Follow him on Twitter: @craigsisterson
November 12, 2020
A prequel novella, "Controlled explosions" introduces readers to Claire McGowan's Paula Maguire series. When I read that Ken Bruen proclaimed her to be ‘Ireland’s answer to Ruth Rendell, I knew I had to check this series out.
Paula Maguire, the series protagonist is a forensic psychologist who was born in a border town in Northern Ireland. She is the daughter of a Catholic policeman in the Royal Ulster Constabulary, and a mother who was suspected to have been 'taken' by the IRA.
In "Controlled explosions" we visit Paula when she is in her last year of school. Five years ago, her mother disappeared when Paula was just thirteen. She was rumoured to be a 'tout' (a word used to describe informers in Northern Ireland). Her father, busy with his high stress job, is of little aid to her when she is relentlessly bullied at school. She feels so alone - somehow apart from the other teenagers with their teenage pursuits. We learn of her first crush, and her aspirations for her future. She wants to attend university and get as far away as she can, thus escaping her little Irish border town.
Set in 1998, the novella gives readers a glimpse of Paula's family life at the same time providing a snapshot of the senseless 'troubles' and how the Irish people were impacted by the years of strife. The "Good Friday Agreement" was just signed, and the Irish were wary of how this will further impact their country and their lives...
I enjoyed the writing and plan to pursue the series. I must ascertain if Ken Bruen's comparison to Ruth Rendell stands true after all. I imagine that folks who have already read the series would like to go back and read of Paula Maguire as a teenage girl. If, like me, you haven't yet read the series, you will also enjoy this early glimpse into the life of the series' protagonist.
I purchased this novella in Kindle format because I was curious about the Paula Maguire series - and because I wanted it to be one of my "Reading Ireland Month" entries.
Paula Maguire, the series protagonist is a forensic psychologist who was born in a border town in Northern Ireland. She is the daughter of a Catholic policeman in the Royal Ulster Constabulary, and a mother who was suspected to have been 'taken' by the IRA.
In "Controlled explosions" we visit Paula when she is in her last year of school. Five years ago, her mother disappeared when Paula was just thirteen. She was rumoured to be a 'tout' (a word used to describe informers in Northern Ireland). Her father, busy with his high stress job, is of little aid to her when she is relentlessly bullied at school. She feels so alone - somehow apart from the other teenagers with their teenage pursuits. We learn of her first crush, and her aspirations for her future. She wants to attend university and get as far away as she can, thus escaping her little Irish border town.
Set in 1998, the novella gives readers a glimpse of Paula's family life at the same time providing a snapshot of the senseless 'troubles' and how the Irish people were impacted by the years of strife. The "Good Friday Agreement" was just signed, and the Irish were wary of how this will further impact their country and their lives...
I enjoyed the writing and plan to pursue the series. I must ascertain if Ken Bruen's comparison to Ruth Rendell stands true after all. I imagine that folks who have already read the series would like to go back and read of Paula Maguire as a teenage girl. If, like me, you haven't yet read the series, you will also enjoy this early glimpse into the life of the series' protagonist.
I purchased this novella in Kindle format because I was curious about the Paula Maguire series - and because I wanted it to be one of my "Reading Ireland Month" entries.
June 24, 2016
I have a growing respect for Claire McGowan's skills as an author. This is a solid bridge novella between book #2 of the series and what I assume will be the continued investigation into the events of the main character's past and future in book #3.
The only issue here for me was the physical structure of the Kindle format: the novella is told from three different character's alternating viewpoints. There was really no physical division in some places, so on one page you'd be reading the thoughts of one character, turn the page and suddenly delve into the experiences and thought processes of another. Since the characters are an older middle-aged man, a 17-year-old girl and the father of the girl, it can be kind of jarring. Some kind of symbols separating the segments would have been great, but that's the only real complaint.
Some companion novellas or shorts involving characters from ongoing series can fall a little flat. Not so this one.
The only issue here for me was the physical structure of the Kindle format: the novella is told from three different character's alternating viewpoints. There was really no physical division in some places, so on one page you'd be reading the thoughts of one character, turn the page and suddenly delve into the experiences and thought processes of another. Since the characters are an older middle-aged man, a 17-year-old girl and the father of the girl, it can be kind of jarring. Some kind of symbols separating the segments would have been great, but that's the only real complaint.
Some companion novellas or shorts involving characters from ongoing series can fall a little flat. Not so this one.
December 16, 2015
This is the kind of ebook that enhance a series for me and enables an author to refresh their characters and promote a new book.
Here Claire McGowan has used a short story to take her protagonist, Paula McGuire, a forensic psychologist in her books back to her teenage years.
The period is interesting in that we have had the Good Friday agreement and the role of the RUC is going to change and police force will be renamed and reconstituted.
However, people on both sides still want to undo the peace process and the McGuire family get caught up in the middle of it.
Paula's dad is a Catholic serving police officer, her Mum has been missing for some 5 years and Paula herself is doing her mock exams, worrying about boys and facing bullying and threats at school.
My first exposure to this author and based on this novella I shall enjoy this series. The writing is bright and engaging. The characters strong and believable. The story well thought through and convincing, set in Northern Ireland at an interesting time.
There is tension and a sense of threat but above all their is an author who you trust and allow yourself to be enthralled by a writing style that entertains and challenges from the first page.
Here Claire McGowan has used a short story to take her protagonist, Paula McGuire, a forensic psychologist in her books back to her teenage years.
The period is interesting in that we have had the Good Friday agreement and the role of the RUC is going to change and police force will be renamed and reconstituted.
However, people on both sides still want to undo the peace process and the McGuire family get caught up in the middle of it.
Paula's dad is a Catholic serving police officer, her Mum has been missing for some 5 years and Paula herself is doing her mock exams, worrying about boys and facing bullying and threats at school.
My first exposure to this author and based on this novella I shall enjoy this series. The writing is bright and engaging. The characters strong and believable. The story well thought through and convincing, set in Northern Ireland at an interesting time.
There is tension and a sense of threat but above all their is an author who you trust and allow yourself to be enthralled by a writing style that entertains and challenges from the first page.
September 21, 2020
This is good but very short, of course. I wouldn't have minded a bit if it was longer.
March 16, 2017
What a neat, action packed little story and great introduction to an author's work!
December 31, 2017
Thrilling short prequel to the Paula Maguire series, filling in the background from Paula’s teen years while telling a taut, suspenseful tale of the RUC and the IRA at the time of the Good Friday accords.
I like the relationship between Paula’s father, PJ, and his sergeant and former partner, Bob, and this fleshes that story out quite a bit and gives it more depth and dimension. There is a lot of guilt and unspoken feeling on both sides, but much respect and concern as well. The author does a good job of describing the complicated intricacies of policing on the border, and she also inserts so much great cultural detail that sets the story firmly in the late 1990s. This is fast becoming one of my favorite series.
I like the relationship between Paula’s father, PJ, and his sergeant and former partner, Bob, and this fleshes that story out quite a bit and gives it more depth and dimension. There is a lot of guilt and unspoken feeling on both sides, but much respect and concern as well. The author does a good job of describing the complicated intricacies of policing on the border, and she also inserts so much great cultural detail that sets the story firmly in the late 1990s. This is fast becoming one of my favorite series.
September 12, 2020
This book was the first real thriller and crime book I have read. Despite the rating I do see myself reading more crime books like this. Now the reason why I only rated this book as a three star was because of the layout. It was a bit of a mess to read and switched between characters POVs with no notice and the relations between characters was complicated. It did allow me to suspect different people throughout the course of the book though. A downside tot his book was the names were difficult to pronounce and therefore it took longer to read as I would stumble on a name. I understand that the book was set in rural Scotland for the benefit of the landscape but of all the Irish names I only knew how to pronounce one.
May 22, 2019
Een kort verhaal dat chronologisch voor het eerste deel komt, Paula Maguire is nog maar zeventien, haar moeder is al enkele jaren verdwenen.
Het is 1998 en de parades zijn bezig met veel bommeldingen en bommen die effectief af gaan, en dit terwijl men op het punt staat een akkoord te tekenen. Maar niet iedereen wil een akkoord want amnestie geven aan de terroristen wil men niet. Tussen dit geweld groeit Paula op in de overtuiging dat zodra ze achttien is, ze naar een universiteit gaat en hoe verder weg hoe liever.
Leuk kort verhaaltje waarin je Paula, maar ook Aidan leert kennen als jongeren.
Het is 1998 en de parades zijn bezig met veel bommeldingen en bommen die effectief af gaan, en dit terwijl men op het punt staat een akkoord te tekenen. Maar niet iedereen wil een akkoord want amnestie geven aan de terroristen wil men niet. Tussen dit geweld groeit Paula op in de overtuiging dat zodra ze achttien is, ze naar een universiteit gaat en hoe verder weg hoe liever.
Leuk kort verhaaltje waarin je Paula, maar ook Aidan leert kennen als jongeren.
July 16, 2019
"The quality shines through"
I've never stumbled across this writer before, so I don't have the benefit of the popular series for which this is a brief prequel. The writing is excellent. The subject matter is familiar. Ireland has always suffered troubled times with religion at the heart. The characters in this novella all carry the burden of history. It was refreshing to meet one of the policewomen from the series who appears to be an agent for change. Whether I'll take up the challenge and read the books that follow this prequel to gauge her progress remains to be seen. I'll be keeping an eye out for other books by Claire MacGowan though; that's for sure.
I've never stumbled across this writer before, so I don't have the benefit of the popular series for which this is a brief prequel. The writing is excellent. The subject matter is familiar. Ireland has always suffered troubled times with religion at the heart. The characters in this novella all carry the burden of history. It was refreshing to meet one of the policewomen from the series who appears to be an agent for change. Whether I'll take up the challenge and read the books that follow this prequel to gauge her progress remains to be seen. I'll be keeping an eye out for other books by Claire MacGowan though; that's for sure.
September 25, 2021
A prequel to the Paula Maguire series.The story takes place in Paula’s home town of Ballyterrin and Paula is 17 years old, and her mother has been missing for 5 years. It is the time of year for the Orangemen parades and a bomber is leaving bomb ps along the route of the parade and the police have linked them back to a jailed bomber, Red Hugh. When they raid his property, PJ, Paula’s father is shot in the leg and dismissed from the police force shortly after. A quick,easy read that gives some context into Paula’s teenage years.
November 25, 2021
Short but Powerful Story
I tried the short story first. It was a fully fleshed out story, very profound and realistic. Ensures we'll forever remember the Troubles and how it will forever affect the lives of innumerable Northern Irish! Brilliant! Can't wait to carry on reading the rest. Contains an excerpt of the next in series . . .
I tried the short story first. It was a fully fleshed out story, very profound and realistic. Ensures we'll forever remember the Troubles and how it will forever affect the lives of innumerable Northern Irish! Brilliant! Can't wait to carry on reading the rest. Contains an excerpt of the next in series . . .
May 26, 2020
Short but sweet. I read this after reading the whole series and it helps you to fully understand the relationships into the main book and helps to understand what started all the different storylines! Very well written! I LOVED the whole Paula Maguire series!
February 19, 2021
A very good introduction to the Paula Maguire series by Claire McGowan. You get to know her as a young woman. The story deals with her upbringing, her parents and the political climate that surrounds her in Ireland. The story is raw and real.
July 9, 2019
Boring
Unless the longer books have more meat at to them, I couldn't wait to finish this, I almost have up on this. It's not bad, just boring.
Unless the longer books have more meat at to them, I couldn't wait to finish this, I almost have up on this. It's not bad, just boring.
February 14, 2021
Great insight into pj Maguires past!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 2, 2023
So good! I loved the background this provided o the Paula McGuire series. Young Paula and Aiden… loved it! And Bob! I see even more now that connects all the pieces. Great quick “prequel”.
May 9, 2025
Good short story
June 22, 2025
Loved this one . A nice little short story.
July 5, 2025
Short story set in Northern Ireland in July 1998. Features the daughter of a Catholic police officer in the soon to be reorganised RUC.
August 14, 2016
I enjoyed reading this. Nice background to the stunningly good series, this looking back to 17 year old Paula in 1998. Probably wouldn't have so much meaning if you haven't read at least one of the series books first.
I see quite a few authors do novellas as sidebars to their series. I'm not entirely sure why, but I'm not complaining.
This will artificially boost my Goodreads Reading challenge Score but my opinion is that 1 book for a target of 100 is not significant by size.
I see quite a few authors do novellas as sidebars to their series. I'm not entirely sure why, but I'm not complaining.
This will artificially boost my Goodreads Reading challenge Score but my opinion is that 1 book for a target of 100 is not significant by size.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews