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The Dolocher
Victorian London had Jack the Ripper. Georgian Dublin had the Dolocher...
The Dolocher is stalking the alleyways of Dublin. Half man, half pig, this terrifying creature has unleashed panic on the streets. Can it really be the evil spirit of a murderer who has cheated the hangman's noose by taking his own life in his prison cell, depriving the mob of their rightful revenge? Or is there some other strange supernatural explanation?
This terror has come at the perfect time for down-at-heel writer Solomon Fish. With his new broadsheet reporting ever more gruesome stories of the mysterious Dolocher, sales are growing daily and fuelling the city's fear. But when the Dolocher starts killing and Solomon himself is set upon, he realises that there's more to the story than he could ever have imagined.
With the help of his fearless landlady, ship's surgeon-turned-apothecary Merriment O'Grady, Solomon goes after the Dolocher. Torn between reason and superstition, they must hold their nerve as everyone around them loses theirs. But are they hunting the Dolocher or is the Dolocher hunting them?
The Dolocher is stalking the alleyways of Dublin. Half man, half pig, this terrifying creature has unleashed panic on the streets. Can it really be the evil spirit of a murderer who has cheated the hangman's noose by taking his own life in his prison cell, depriving the mob of their rightful revenge? Or is there some other strange supernatural explanation?
This terror has come at the perfect time for down-at-heel writer Solomon Fish. With his new broadsheet reporting ever more gruesome stories of the mysterious Dolocher, sales are growing daily and fuelling the city's fear. But when the Dolocher starts killing and Solomon himself is set upon, he realises that there's more to the story than he could ever have imagined.
With the help of his fearless landlady, ship's surgeon-turned-apothecary Merriment O'Grady, Solomon goes after the Dolocher. Torn between reason and superstition, they must hold their nerve as everyone around them loses theirs. But are they hunting the Dolocher or is the Dolocher hunting them?
500 pages, Paperback
Published March 17, 2016
9 people are currently reading
140 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
April 8, 2018
The Dolocher is set in the mid-1700s Dublin and people are being murdered by what many believe is a demon spirit from a man who killed himself while awaiting execution. Merriment O’Grady becomes caught up in the investigation into the murderers when a lodger moves into her building - journalist Solomon Fish.
This book as absolutely brilliant. It was written in a way that was very accessible, historical, set the scenes really, really well and just read so easily. I thought the build-up of the characters and their personalities and connections was done really well from the lovely mother/daughter relationship that occurs between Merriment and Janey Mack, and then the chemistry-laden relationship between Merriment and Solomon that just sizzled really well.
Janey Mack was hands down my favourite character. From her very first scene she was absolutely brilliant and I feel she stole every scene that she was in for the entirety of the novel. She was a child but she never had the annoying feeling that children can sometimes tend to be in books - she talked more or less like an adult which considering the time era and where she had come from was really realistic.
Merriment was the feminist heroine of Georgian Dublin I didn’t know I needed. She was an ex ship-surgeon, wore men’s breeches, carried a gun and ran her own business. She was a total boss, and was not afraid to take charge and tell people where to shove it when needed.
Solomon was probably the weakest character for me - maybe because he had some weak traits like drinking, gambling and whoring that made me roll my eyes when he slipped up really badly. But eventually he had a great redemption arc.
The mystery in this book was brilliantly told - there was the air of what the hell was going on, but there was a great mixture of horror and gore in it as well (there are some graphic descriptions in this book for those adverse to it). I thought the very end was slightly anti-climatic maybe a little bit, it felt like it was going really well, and then it just tailed off slightly.
This book as absolutely brilliant. It was written in a way that was very accessible, historical, set the scenes really, really well and just read so easily. I thought the build-up of the characters and their personalities and connections was done really well from the lovely mother/daughter relationship that occurs between Merriment and Janey Mack, and then the chemistry-laden relationship between Merriment and Solomon that just sizzled really well.
Janey Mack was hands down my favourite character. From her very first scene she was absolutely brilliant and I feel she stole every scene that she was in for the entirety of the novel. She was a child but she never had the annoying feeling that children can sometimes tend to be in books - she talked more or less like an adult which considering the time era and where she had come from was really realistic.
Merriment was the feminist heroine of Georgian Dublin I didn’t know I needed. She was an ex ship-surgeon, wore men’s breeches, carried a gun and ran her own business. She was a total boss, and was not afraid to take charge and tell people where to shove it when needed.
Solomon was probably the weakest character for me - maybe because he had some weak traits like drinking, gambling and whoring that made me roll my eyes when he slipped up really badly. But eventually he had a great redemption arc.
The mystery in this book was brilliantly told - there was the air of what the hell was going on, but there was a great mixture of horror and gore in it as well (there are some graphic descriptions in this book for those adverse to it). I thought the very end was slightly anti-climatic maybe a little bit, it felt like it was going really well, and then it just tailed off slightly.
March 21, 2016
Odious wretches and nefarious activities ignite a contagious fear that just keeps on burning in this ingeniously layered, gothic door-stop-of-a-tale. It’s the epitome of scene setting and characterisation capturing the abysmal essence of the period, from the decay in the streets to the wastrels walking them. The corruption, the malicious intent, even the chinks of witticism shining through the whole damned grimness are outstanding, leaving The Dolocher stalking the trophy for one of my favourite reads of the year.
Black Dog Prison in 1756 is an unsavoury place at the best of times. While its most infamous prisoner to date is enveloped by the dark of his cell, unrepentant of his predatory crimes against women, no one could have predicted that he would be able to wreak havoc on Dublin’s streets from beyond the grave.
Rather than face his fate at the end of a noose, Olocher took matters into his own hands and ended his own life on the eve of his execution. When his signature crimes are being committed all over again, it could only mean his malicious spirit has returned to the cobbles to plague the city once more. While some take advantage of the situation, others grow more afraid of the porcine-faced demon that has been unleashed – The Dolocher is born.
Thank goodness for the grounded Merriment O’Grady and her new Apothecary Shop on Fishamble Street. The unusual sea-faring Miss O’Grady wears her breeches with pride, as she prescribes cures to the young and old who dare to walk the macabrely dreary streets of Hell, for that is the name of the district they reside in – quite apt under the circumstances. At almost forty years old this ship’s surgeon is getting used to being back on land. She just hopes she can find contentment among the festering surroundings – if only she knew what the future holds…
Cue a chance meeting with barefoot Janey Mack, the wisest eight year old you ever did see, who was salvaging the rubbish behind the shop. Prone to candid outbursts of her own unique brand of philosophical wisdom and bounding opportunism, the little girl is described unfavourably by Hoppy John, a vile bloke who’d given Fagin a run for his money! Merri negotiates Janey’s employment with him after she sets her mind about taking the girl in as her own apprentice. Be warned, Janey’s forthright manner and streetwise charm are pure gold!
Janey Mack is utterly convinced her new employer is a murderess, as Merriment was slighted by her lover and allegedly killed him at sea, or so the song about her many transgressions goes. This trouser-clad lady carrying a pistol called ‘The Answerer’ adds fuel to Janey Mack’s already overactive imagination. Protection could come in handy with a demonic entity causing quite a stir in the O’Grady household. But Merriment places faith in science rather than the existence of devils, and draws on her experience to educate the headstrong girl. Although events will have cause to make her question her logic, her faith, and her heart. Particularly when a young writer arrives to buy ink from her shop and ends up being hustled by little Janey Mack…
Solomon Fish, armed only with his charm, a jacket that’s seen better days, and rumbling hunger for a story, is trying to side-step a past that stalks him like a rabid dog. Solomon arrives in Hell to capture the demonic sensation of the century in his broadsheets and make a killing (excuse the pun). He had no idea just how successful milking people’s morbid curiosity would be. Solomon works his magic to whisk the readers into a frenzy by employing a talented wise-cracking artist, called Corker. This fourteen year old, with a brood of sisters to take care of, breathes life into the bloody scenes of crime for the masses to revel in, while Solomon is powerless to resist his old vices.
The Dolocher spreads fear, and fear escalates into panic, and panic breeds a lynch mob mentality – bring on the hysteria and a cart load of questionable behaviour. Despite a curfew, the streets of Hell won’t be safe until someone can outsmart the devil himself. Acting on their instincts, Solomon, Merri, and company follow its phantasmic trail to the depths of depravity, unaware that this may drag them into oblivion.
It’s perfectly suspenseful, grisly in all the right places, and has characters with personalities that leap from the page. It’s a seriously epic read, in every magnificent sense.
(I received a paperback copy of this book from the publishers for review on the recent blog tour. It was so good, I've since purchased a copy of the Kindle version too!)
Black Dog Prison in 1756 is an unsavoury place at the best of times. While its most infamous prisoner to date is enveloped by the dark of his cell, unrepentant of his predatory crimes against women, no one could have predicted that he would be able to wreak havoc on Dublin’s streets from beyond the grave.
Rather than face his fate at the end of a noose, Olocher took matters into his own hands and ended his own life on the eve of his execution. When his signature crimes are being committed all over again, it could only mean his malicious spirit has returned to the cobbles to plague the city once more. While some take advantage of the situation, others grow more afraid of the porcine-faced demon that has been unleashed – The Dolocher is born.
Thank goodness for the grounded Merriment O’Grady and her new Apothecary Shop on Fishamble Street. The unusual sea-faring Miss O’Grady wears her breeches with pride, as she prescribes cures to the young and old who dare to walk the macabrely dreary streets of Hell, for that is the name of the district they reside in – quite apt under the circumstances. At almost forty years old this ship’s surgeon is getting used to being back on land. She just hopes she can find contentment among the festering surroundings – if only she knew what the future holds…
Cue a chance meeting with barefoot Janey Mack, the wisest eight year old you ever did see, who was salvaging the rubbish behind the shop. Prone to candid outbursts of her own unique brand of philosophical wisdom and bounding opportunism, the little girl is described unfavourably by Hoppy John, a vile bloke who’d given Fagin a run for his money! Merri negotiates Janey’s employment with him after she sets her mind about taking the girl in as her own apprentice. Be warned, Janey’s forthright manner and streetwise charm are pure gold!
Janey Mack is utterly convinced her new employer is a murderess, as Merriment was slighted by her lover and allegedly killed him at sea, or so the song about her many transgressions goes. This trouser-clad lady carrying a pistol called ‘The Answerer’ adds fuel to Janey Mack’s already overactive imagination. Protection could come in handy with a demonic entity causing quite a stir in the O’Grady household. But Merriment places faith in science rather than the existence of devils, and draws on her experience to educate the headstrong girl. Although events will have cause to make her question her logic, her faith, and her heart. Particularly when a young writer arrives to buy ink from her shop and ends up being hustled by little Janey Mack…
Solomon Fish, armed only with his charm, a jacket that’s seen better days, and rumbling hunger for a story, is trying to side-step a past that stalks him like a rabid dog. Solomon arrives in Hell to capture the demonic sensation of the century in his broadsheets and make a killing (excuse the pun). He had no idea just how successful milking people’s morbid curiosity would be. Solomon works his magic to whisk the readers into a frenzy by employing a talented wise-cracking artist, called Corker. This fourteen year old, with a brood of sisters to take care of, breathes life into the bloody scenes of crime for the masses to revel in, while Solomon is powerless to resist his old vices.
The Dolocher spreads fear, and fear escalates into panic, and panic breeds a lynch mob mentality – bring on the hysteria and a cart load of questionable behaviour. Despite a curfew, the streets of Hell won’t be safe until someone can outsmart the devil himself. Acting on their instincts, Solomon, Merri, and company follow its phantasmic trail to the depths of depravity, unaware that this may drag them into oblivion.
It’s perfectly suspenseful, grisly in all the right places, and has characters with personalities that leap from the page. It’s a seriously epic read, in every magnificent sense.
(I received a paperback copy of this book from the publishers for review on the recent blog tour. It was so good, I've since purchased a copy of the Kindle version too!)
January 3, 2018
Better board up the windows and doors... Or the Dolocher might catch you
Merriment is an unconventional woman. Not only did she live at sea for years, she has taken to wearing trousers and makes herself useful as apothecary now she has relocated to Dublin. Her new boarder, Solomon, writes broadsheets for a living and has plenty of secrets. They live in a time of tumult - a terrifying demon stalks the streets of Dublin, and its inhabitants are turning against each other. Is the Dolocher truly supernatural, as Solomon intuits, or is there a rational explanation, which Merriment reasons there has to be?
There is plenty of good in The Dolocher. This rather meaty book is exceptionally researched, on two counts. Not only is the amount of detail impressive, Ms Barry also captures the historical mindset very well. On one hand the Dolocher gives rise to terror and fear, while on the other it sparks pranks and humour. These two emotions go hand in hand, and this duality underpins the novel.
The choice of main characters is interesting, and I enjoyed Janey, a street-wise orphan girl that is far from shy. She was lovely, and her development alongside Merriment and Solomon is heart-warming. As is to be expected there is a romantic sub-plot between our adult main characters. The tension between them peters out over repetitive problems and the resolution felt like a non-event. I do like the unconventional pairing, but their overcoming of their problems wasn't as satisfying as I would have hoped.
The Dolocher is a very long book - my edition just about touches 500 pages in smallish print. The novel is incredibly detailed, and that turned out to be its downfall. Where the descriptiveness adds to the atmosphere in the first half, the repetitiveness bogs down the later section. We know how Dublin looks at this point, we know the smells and the bustling and the unkemptness of its inhabitants. It does not need to be told anew because if an image is well-presented, it will stick inside the reader's mind. A minor recall would have sufficed. The plot too could have used some culling - often the characters are merely walking around and talking to people. There is a whole slew of colourful minor characters that I did enjoy, however, and the dialogues were well done.
Although it starts off strong, The Dolocher loses steam half-way because of over-descriptiveness and an occasionally meandering plot. It is however, also well-researched and thoughtful. It displays the kindness of people, and is more about its characters and the city in the eighteenth century than it is about the killings and violence.
--
Trigger warnings:
Merriment is an unconventional woman. Not only did she live at sea for years, she has taken to wearing trousers and makes herself useful as apothecary now she has relocated to Dublin. Her new boarder, Solomon, writes broadsheets for a living and has plenty of secrets. They live in a time of tumult - a terrifying demon stalks the streets of Dublin, and its inhabitants are turning against each other. Is the Dolocher truly supernatural, as Solomon intuits, or is there a rational explanation, which Merriment reasons there has to be?
There is plenty of good in The Dolocher. This rather meaty book is exceptionally researched, on two counts. Not only is the amount of detail impressive, Ms Barry also captures the historical mindset very well. On one hand the Dolocher gives rise to terror and fear, while on the other it sparks pranks and humour. These two emotions go hand in hand, and this duality underpins the novel.
The choice of main characters is interesting, and I enjoyed Janey, a street-wise orphan girl that is far from shy. She was lovely, and her development alongside Merriment and Solomon is heart-warming. As is to be expected there is a romantic sub-plot between our adult main characters. The tension between them peters out over repetitive problems and the resolution felt like a non-event. I do like the unconventional pairing, but their overcoming of their problems wasn't as satisfying as I would have hoped.
The Dolocher is a very long book - my edition just about touches 500 pages in smallish print. The novel is incredibly detailed, and that turned out to be its downfall. Where the descriptiveness adds to the atmosphere in the first half, the repetitiveness bogs down the later section. We know how Dublin looks at this point, we know the smells and the bustling and the unkemptness of its inhabitants. It does not need to be told anew because if an image is well-presented, it will stick inside the reader's mind. A minor recall would have sufficed. The plot too could have used some culling - often the characters are merely walking around and talking to people. There is a whole slew of colourful minor characters that I did enjoy, however, and the dialogues were well done.
Although it starts off strong, The Dolocher loses steam half-way because of over-descriptiveness and an occasionally meandering plot. It is however, also well-researched and thoughtful. It displays the kindness of people, and is more about its characters and the city in the eighteenth century than it is about the killings and violence.
--
Trigger warnings:
March 19, 2018
Captivating!
Guaranteed binge reading! The Dolocher is a book where Dublin "town" of the 18th Century been described in the slightest little detail. Including serial killer!!!
Guaranteed binge reading! The Dolocher is a book where Dublin "town" of the 18th Century been described in the slightest little detail. Including serial killer!!!
March 19, 2016
WOW! This book puts you - BANG! - right into the heart of Georgian Dublin, where a demon called The Dolocher - named after a murderer - tries to defile murder people about after dark. He's half-black pig, half-man. Citizens are terrified, which is perfect for newly-returned and, chastised somewhat, a Mr Solomon Fish, who is a hack and sets shop up writing and selling penny sheets, which are written, printed and sold in record time, and were great fun. Sol finds a good illustrator in a young 14 year old, Corker, who, until then was a bit of poor craitur.
Not far away, about the same time, is the eccentric Merriment O'Grady, who ran away to sea to follow a lad and came back with a liking for wearing breeches and carrying a revolver called "The Answerer". Having become a ship's surgeon, at her old sea Captain's urging, she opens an apothecary shop, not far from the area of Hell. One morning she finds a little girl, about eight, but thin and pale, poking around for scrap. She brings her in, cleans her up, and - completely unlike herself, goes down to find Hoppy John, and offer to take - Janey Mack she's called - off his hands for a sum which both are happy with....
These are our main characters. Find out what brings about the appearance of The Dolocher in my next instalment. Because as so much of this book is based around free sheets, in homage to them I'll be adding more to my review on https://crimeworm.wordpress.com/, and on here. It's a great book - absolutely wonderful. And this is from someone who usually needs my crime fiction prised from me - not that there isn't plenty of crime to come in The Dolocher...COMING SOON!
Not far away, about the same time, is the eccentric Merriment O'Grady, who ran away to sea to follow a lad and came back with a liking for wearing breeches and carrying a revolver called "The Answerer". Having become a ship's surgeon, at her old sea Captain's urging, she opens an apothecary shop, not far from the area of Hell. One morning she finds a little girl, about eight, but thin and pale, poking around for scrap. She brings her in, cleans her up, and - completely unlike herself, goes down to find Hoppy John, and offer to take - Janey Mack she's called - off his hands for a sum which both are happy with....
These are our main characters. Find out what brings about the appearance of The Dolocher in my next instalment. Because as so much of this book is based around free sheets, in homage to them I'll be adding more to my review on https://crimeworm.wordpress.com/, and on here. It's a great book - absolutely wonderful. And this is from someone who usually needs my crime fiction prised from me - not that there isn't plenty of crime to come in The Dolocher...COMING SOON!
March 23, 2016
Visit the locations in the book: Dolocher Booktrail
This must be one of the dirtiest books in terms of setting I’ve read in a long while. I even sniffed the book after reading to see if the pages were imbued with some sort of potion from Merriment’s shop to make it even more authentic than it was.
The Dolocher was half man and half beast and I found this really disturbing. I mean what was going on? A few early moments really gave me the creeps as this started to delve into the supernatural. Thank goodness for Janey Mack therefore – a quirky girl who Merriment takes under her wing and starts to work for her. She really brightened things up for me – chatty, quirky and a fun character. How she stayed so bright amongst the dirt and grime I’ll never know.
There were a few stories here with Merriment’s hope being at the heart of the search. When Solomon goes out into the market and inns of the city searching for this Dolocher, the Dolocher stench hangs over every scene – and from that very first scene in the jail, I could sense the dripping water, the grime, the poverty and had to check my face after finishing as I was convinced I’d have dirt smeared across it.
I was intrigued to find out who or what the Dolocher was and it was a smart reveal. With the supernatural element this felt very creepy and gruesome in parts. Jack The Ripper is one thing but this is quite something else.
This must be one of the dirtiest books in terms of setting I’ve read in a long while. I even sniffed the book after reading to see if the pages were imbued with some sort of potion from Merriment’s shop to make it even more authentic than it was.
The Dolocher was half man and half beast and I found this really disturbing. I mean what was going on? A few early moments really gave me the creeps as this started to delve into the supernatural. Thank goodness for Janey Mack therefore – a quirky girl who Merriment takes under her wing and starts to work for her. She really brightened things up for me – chatty, quirky and a fun character. How she stayed so bright amongst the dirt and grime I’ll never know.
There were a few stories here with Merriment’s hope being at the heart of the search. When Solomon goes out into the market and inns of the city searching for this Dolocher, the Dolocher stench hangs over every scene – and from that very first scene in the jail, I could sense the dripping water, the grime, the poverty and had to check my face after finishing as I was convinced I’d have dirt smeared across it.
I was intrigued to find out who or what the Dolocher was and it was a smart reveal. With the supernatural element this felt very creepy and gruesome in parts. Jack The Ripper is one thing but this is quite something else.
March 18, 2016
When I saw the cover for this book I knew I just had to read it. The cover is so beautiful and instantly grabs your attention. This is the first adult book by Caroline Barry as she usually writes YA books. I don’t think this is going to be her last………..
The book is set on the streets of Victorian Dublin when a vile, evil, prisoner escapes the hangman’s noose by killing himself and all hell breaks looks in the city.
Merriment O’Grady (what a fabulous name!), is the local apothecary and decides to take on an apprentice, a local ragamuffin child who goes by the name of Janey Mack. She is a sweet child, who cannot believe her luck at being “bought” from a local villain who treated her badly and given a new life and the chance to learn a trade.
Merriment has a room for rent and along comes Solomon Fish, a journalist who is fascinated by the escaped prisoner as witnesses claimed to have seen a half man, half pig creature running about the city causing all sorts of panic.
Local people are terrified that the beast is The Dolocher and has come back to haunt the city and take revenge on his jailers.
This is a fabulous historical tale of crime along with fantasy and I loved it! If you want to know whether the beast is real or not, you will just have to read it!
The book is set on the streets of Victorian Dublin when a vile, evil, prisoner escapes the hangman’s noose by killing himself and all hell breaks looks in the city.
Merriment O’Grady (what a fabulous name!), is the local apothecary and decides to take on an apprentice, a local ragamuffin child who goes by the name of Janey Mack. She is a sweet child, who cannot believe her luck at being “bought” from a local villain who treated her badly and given a new life and the chance to learn a trade.
Merriment has a room for rent and along comes Solomon Fish, a journalist who is fascinated by the escaped prisoner as witnesses claimed to have seen a half man, half pig creature running about the city causing all sorts of panic.
Local people are terrified that the beast is The Dolocher and has come back to haunt the city and take revenge on his jailers.
This is a fabulous historical tale of crime along with fantasy and I loved it! If you want to know whether the beast is real or not, you will just have to read it!
March 22, 2016
Review is on my website
http://bookmoodreviews.com/2016/03/re...
http://bookmoodreviews.com/2016/03/re...
July 11, 2025
In this book, we return to Victorian Dublin, where a half-man, half-swine creature terrorises the suburbs in search of revenge. This creature will be the subject of articles by Solomon Fish, a down-on-his-luck writer who is eager to publish. With the help of Merriment O'Grady, a former surgeon turned apothecary who assists impoverished women, he investigates the mystery surrounding the so-called murderer after his death.
One of the book's notable strengths lies in its genre diversification, encompassing historical fiction, philosophical discourse and crime fiction (with perhaps a hint of horror), all set within Victorian Gothic settings inspired by Irish folklore.
Notably, the narrative is set in the 18th century, yet the primary female character is portrayed as bold and intrepid, which is a stark contrast to the often-depicted innocent and naïve female characters commonly found in literature of this era. This depiction aligns with contemporary feminist ideals, highlighting a departure from traditional feminine archetypes.
Solomon's decision to write what is now commonly referred to as 'true crime' fiction reflects the growing popularity of the genre. The appeal of mystery, blood and murder is evident in Caroline Barry's work, which demonstrates a keen understanding of contemporary reading preferences.
Finally, Pyrrho of Elis's scepticism is evident throughout the book. The narrative is structured around two opposing viewpoints held by the characters. On the one hand, there is belief in superstition and the conviction that Dolocher is an evil entity and that the impending apocalypse will take place in Dublin. In contrast, there is the option to doubt and employ rational thinking. This scepticism is pivotal in unravelling the enigma and raising profound questions about the very essence of humanity. How does one define a murderer? Does evil exist? What makes us human — and thus flawed?
This book is a wonder to read and study, and I chose it as the object of an essay (20 pages long) for English Civilisation, focusing on Irish culture and crime fiction, during the first year of my MA. While my analysis of the book may have been influenced by this context, such a profound narrative cannot be overlooked.
One of the book's notable strengths lies in its genre diversification, encompassing historical fiction, philosophical discourse and crime fiction (with perhaps a hint of horror), all set within Victorian Gothic settings inspired by Irish folklore.
Notably, the narrative is set in the 18th century, yet the primary female character is portrayed as bold and intrepid, which is a stark contrast to the often-depicted innocent and naïve female characters commonly found in literature of this era. This depiction aligns with contemporary feminist ideals, highlighting a departure from traditional feminine archetypes.
Solomon's decision to write what is now commonly referred to as 'true crime' fiction reflects the growing popularity of the genre. The appeal of mystery, blood and murder is evident in Caroline Barry's work, which demonstrates a keen understanding of contemporary reading preferences.
Finally, Pyrrho of Elis's scepticism is evident throughout the book. The narrative is structured around two opposing viewpoints held by the characters. On the one hand, there is belief in superstition and the conviction that Dolocher is an evil entity and that the impending apocalypse will take place in Dublin. In contrast, there is the option to doubt and employ rational thinking. This scepticism is pivotal in unravelling the enigma and raising profound questions about the very essence of humanity. How does one define a murderer? Does evil exist? What makes us human — and thus flawed?
This book is a wonder to read and study, and I chose it as the object of an essay (20 pages long) for English Civilisation, focusing on Irish culture and crime fiction, during the first year of my MA. While my analysis of the book may have been influenced by this context, such a profound narrative cannot be overlooked.
October 16, 2017
Atmospheric with plenty of twists, charming characters and jumps to keep you entertained.
The Dolocher plays on ideas of the degenerate and the desperate recognizable from 18th and 19th century British literature. You'd be forgiven for thinking this is also set in foggy London as there is little reference to it's Irish background (perhaps if you know Dublin more you'd pick out more?). Never the less Caroline Barry creates an intriguing and warm world with Marri as well as the dark and dangerous world that Soloman Fish inhabits. The book keeps you hooked by dropping hints and red herrings along the way until the big reveal. Well worth a read especially as the nights draw in.
A fab fireside read.
The Dolocher plays on ideas of the degenerate and the desperate recognizable from 18th and 19th century British literature. You'd be forgiven for thinking this is also set in foggy London as there is little reference to it's Irish background (perhaps if you know Dublin more you'd pick out more?). Never the less Caroline Barry creates an intriguing and warm world with Marri as well as the dark and dangerous world that Soloman Fish inhabits. The book keeps you hooked by dropping hints and red herrings along the way until the big reveal. Well worth a read especially as the nights draw in.
A fab fireside read.
February 7, 2020
Barry writes very well. She seems to have a good grasp on history. You can get involved in her characters. She sets scenes well, and she has caring people which I really like in a book. This is a very dark book which normally I am not into. Noir is not what I look for, but she had a good mystery going and set her scenes well. I would nit pick on just one thing. Merriment always had food: milk, bread, cheese, butter, various other drinks and food, but I never once saw her buy anything. Never saw a merchant come around to sell things. Never saw Merriment go to the market. I always pay attention to little details. They make history come alive. For those who like a noir mystery, this one is good.
February 7, 2021
For me it was overlong. There's so much procrastinating from the 2 main characters it's enough to drive a person crazy. I skim read the last 50 pages because of it. Sol's ongoing self pity mixed with a half hearted desire to change coupled with Merri's irritating endless denials of letting herself be happy just went on and on.
The other really annoying person is the character of Janey Mack who spends 70% of the book in hysterics. She might be a child but I'd have given her a sobering slap all the same.
The other really annoying person is the character of Janey Mack who spends 70% of the book in hysterics. She might be a child but I'd have given her a sobering slap all the same.
December 19, 2019
Cracking yarn! Lots of action, some spooky stuff, grisly murders!
January 30, 2023
Four stars, maybe four and a half. Not sure why I can’t give it five. Something is wrong. Janey Mack…
February 28, 2024
I really loved the writing style and story of this one but I did feel that it was waaaaay longer than it needed to be!
October 13, 2016
Dublin in the 18th century conjured up in a very atmospheric way. The characters of merriment and Sol were well rounded and their attempts to solve the mystery of the dolocher had me racing through the pages.
Creepy and intriguing, at times rather gruesome, the plot raced along.
The only thing I didn't like was the character of Janey mack - far too precocious for an 8 year old and she came across as a means to develop the plot rather than as a real character.
I'm looking forward to see what the author writes about next.
Creepy and intriguing, at times rather gruesome, the plot raced along.
The only thing I didn't like was the character of Janey mack - far too precocious for an 8 year old and she came across as a means to develop the plot rather than as a real character.
I'm looking forward to see what the author writes about next.
May 16, 2016
This book was really engaging. The author is very talented and able paint a picture and evoke emotions. The plot was well planned although I was left with a couple of questions unanswered. I would recommend this book for sure. It is 500 pages of turmoil and I enjoyed the hell out of it!
March 14, 2016
Review to follow
May 13, 2016
Great fun and not too spooky. I enjoyed it.
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