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Jack Taylor #7
Sanctuary
When a letter containing a list of victims arrives in the post, P.I. Jack Taylor tells himself that it’s got nothing to do with him. He has enough to do just staying sane. His close friend Ridge is recovering from surgery, and alcohol’s siren song is calling to him ever more insistently.
A guard and then a judge die in mysterious circumstances. But it is not until a child is added to the list that Taylor determines to find the identity of the killer, and stop them at any cost. What he doesn’t know is that his relationship with the killer is far closer than he thinks. And it’s about to become deeply personal.
Spiked with dark humor, and fueled with rage at man’s inhumanity to man, this is crime writing at its darkest and most original.
A guard and then a judge die in mysterious circumstances. But it is not until a child is added to the list that Taylor determines to find the identity of the killer, and stop them at any cost. What he doesn’t know is that his relationship with the killer is far closer than he thinks. And it’s about to become deeply personal.
Spiked with dark humor, and fueled with rage at man’s inhumanity to man, this is crime writing at its darkest and most original.
288 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
16 people are currently reading
728 people want to read
About the author
Ken Bruen
132 books851 followersKen Bruen was an Irish writer of hardboiled and noir crime fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
February 21, 2014
Bit of an odd duck this book. In a lot of ways, it’s a flop that can be read in one sitting—while Bruen has always liked to get cute with sparse, page-chomping prose stylistics, this time around it feels more like a matter of tired form over function that makes all 208 pages of this book a reading experience of about two hours. Also, one of the biggest traumas in a long list of traumas experienced by Jack Taylor, the hero (for lack of a better word—oh wait, here’s one: loser) of this series, is made null and void in an oddly rushed, throw-away fashion. In fact, several revelations are fired about this book like shirts from a shirt gun, with little to no impact beyond the initial whoop and holler.
So what saved this book from getting helicoptered across the room and out the window and down two flights and into the street where an oncoming steamroller makes a pancake of this hot Irish mess? A killer nun, for one. And the neat bit with the seven daggers of life and death. And for the twenty day bender (yes, Jack finally falls off the wagon, again) followed by the twelve day recovery hangover full of demons and bodily-failure. The mystery of this book is more the lack thereof, and all the footwork is done by Jack’s friends while he feels sorry for himself. Clearly, Bruen is going for postmodern gusto, but his writing doesn’t carry the weight or craftsmanship needed to really pull off any of his attempts at pyrotechnics. But what do I know, there’s plenty of 4 and 5 star reviews on this book’s page that say this one’s the bestest. Maybe I need to be Irish and not a poor boy from Alabama to experience the full resonation affect.
So what saved this book from getting helicoptered across the room and out the window and down two flights and into the street where an oncoming steamroller makes a pancake of this hot Irish mess? A killer nun, for one. And the neat bit with the seven daggers of life and death. And for the twenty day bender (yes, Jack finally falls off the wagon, again) followed by the twelve day recovery hangover full of demons and bodily-failure. The mystery of this book is more the lack thereof, and all the footwork is done by Jack’s friends while he feels sorry for himself. Clearly, Bruen is going for postmodern gusto, but his writing doesn’t carry the weight or craftsmanship needed to really pull off any of his attempts at pyrotechnics. But what do I know, there’s plenty of 4 and 5 star reviews on this book’s page that say this one’s the bestest. Maybe I need to be Irish and not a poor boy from Alabama to experience the full resonation affect.
September 19, 2015
Dear Mr. Taylor,
Please forgive the formality. We'll progress to a
more informal tone. Here is my shopping list-I
know you like lists:
Two Guards
One nun
One judge
And, alas, one child.
The latter is tragic but inevitable and certainly
not negotiable.
But this you already know - the death of a
child, I mean.
The list has already begun: see Garda Flynn,
deceased two days ago.
Only you will truly comprehend my mission.
You are to be my witness.
I remain, in benediction,
Benedictus
And so begins the seventh book in the Jack Taylor series. This book is short, 200 pages or so and I read it in one day(probably just a few hours of actual reading time). And while the opening note to Taylor provides a glimpse of a twisted adversary, the book is still really about Taylor, his history, his interactions with the people around him and his on again off again struggle with alcohol and drugs. Bruen continues to crush his character with a stunning revelation concerning a situation from a previous entry in the series. This is one series where I highly recommend that you read it in sequence, so much personal baggage is added from one book to the next.
While not quite as strong as some of the previous books, this continues to be one of my favorite ongoing series.
8/10
Please forgive the formality. We'll progress to a
more informal tone. Here is my shopping list-I
know you like lists:
Two Guards
One nun
One judge
And, alas, one child.
The latter is tragic but inevitable and certainly
not negotiable.
But this you already know - the death of a
child, I mean.
The list has already begun: see Garda Flynn,
deceased two days ago.
Only you will truly comprehend my mission.
You are to be my witness.
I remain, in benediction,
Benedictus
And so begins the seventh book in the Jack Taylor series. This book is short, 200 pages or so and I read it in one day(probably just a few hours of actual reading time). And while the opening note to Taylor provides a glimpse of a twisted adversary, the book is still really about Taylor, his history, his interactions with the people around him and his on again off again struggle with alcohol and drugs. Bruen continues to crush his character with a stunning revelation concerning a situation from a previous entry in the series. This is one series where I highly recommend that you read it in sequence, so much personal baggage is added from one book to the next.
While not quite as strong as some of the previous books, this continues to be one of my favorite ongoing series.
8/10
May 8, 2020
This felt a little formulaic. It was too short. Had little depth. Was almost flippant. I liked it, but it wasn’t up to par with previous books. I’ve already started the next book in the series, and the tone is very different, more serious.
April 3, 2019
Just finished reading “Sanctuary”, the 7th book in the Ken Bruin “Jack Taylor” series
This Jack Taylor book is a short read with just over 200 pages, you could actually with enough time put aside read it in one sitting
Jack finds out about who is actually responsible for the death of the little girl with downs syndrome, as he was feeling the full guilt for, and is causing him a great deal of pain. All in all it sets him off into to an angered rage of drink, after a long time of absence.
This again is a good read, and to those whom have read any of the series will enjoy
This Jack Taylor book is a short read with just over 200 pages, you could actually with enough time put aside read it in one sitting
Jack finds out about who is actually responsible for the death of the little girl with downs syndrome, as he was feeling the full guilt for, and is causing him a great deal of pain. All in all it sets him off into to an angered rage of drink, after a long time of absence.
This again is a good read, and to those whom have read any of the series will enjoy
May 7, 2011
This series is consistenly so great that its silly really. I try to find faults in every story just give more critical rating,review but its not easy. Ken Bruen is just too talented in the way he uses some real important issues you dont find in crime novels often.
This book is the best along with The Gaurds,The Dramatist.
This book is the best along with The Gaurds,The Dramatist.
September 26, 2021
Another book of the series done
Review to come
Review to come
May 5, 2017
Darker than Irish stout. Another cracker from Ken Bruen. Jack, who has sold up in Galway and preparing to travel to America.... doesn't. He stays put to offer support to his Garda friend (if 'friend' is the right word) who has received the devastating news that she has breast cancer. Meanwhile, Jack receives a letter containing a list of victims: two Guards, a judge, a nun and, alas, a child. The letter is signed 'Benedictus'.... And the list has already begun. Garda Flynn, deceased two days ago. Taylor determines to find the identity of the killer and stop him or her at any cost.
Jack has carried the burden of the death of a child - a young girl with Downs Syndrome, the daughter of his friends Jeff and Cathy - Jack was made to believe he was responsible. When he finds out the truth of what occurred his rage ends up in a bottle of Jameson, pints of the dark stuff and a hangover that almost pushes him over the edge. Is Jack suicidal? So much self pity. Come on Jack Taylor. If you can survive another beating at the hands of Superintendent Clancy and his thugs you can and will find a way through your despair. Get back on track.
Typical Bruen - the dialogue is harsh and authentic, the plot is compelling and I know that I am seriously addicted to this Jack Taylor series, particularly when I find myself buying CDs that happen to be Jack's favourites! Try Billy Joe Shaver. Never heard of him? Neither had I - this truly gifted alt.Country & Western singer/songwriter. Thanks Jack....
Jack has carried the burden of the death of a child - a young girl with Downs Syndrome, the daughter of his friends Jeff and Cathy - Jack was made to believe he was responsible. When he finds out the truth of what occurred his rage ends up in a bottle of Jameson, pints of the dark stuff and a hangover that almost pushes him over the edge. Is Jack suicidal? So much self pity. Come on Jack Taylor. If you can survive another beating at the hands of Superintendent Clancy and his thugs you can and will find a way through your despair. Get back on track.
Typical Bruen - the dialogue is harsh and authentic, the plot is compelling and I know that I am seriously addicted to this Jack Taylor series, particularly when I find myself buying CDs that happen to be Jack's favourites! Try Billy Joe Shaver. Never heard of him? Neither had I - this truly gifted alt.Country & Western singer/songwriter. Thanks Jack....
September 13, 2016
Targeted by a serial killer, Jack is the center piece of a murder puzzle which hits too close to home and provides the reader with a mere glimpse into an earlier Jack Taylor. With The Guards still want nothing to do with him, he leans on his dwindling circle acquaintances in Stewart (former drug dealer and now master of zen) and Ridge (close friend and equal parts enemy) to catch a killer before more innocent lives are lost - notably that of a child's.
As usual the dialogue is superb - full of black humor laced with balls to the wall adrenaline. However, the defining moment came in the form of a startling revelation that's sure to have a ripple effect on future Jack Taylor outings - this revelation still held weight the second time reading and I highly recommend returning to THE DRAMATIST for sheer impact value.
SANCTUARY is a book that is simply not to be missed or glossed over. Perhaps the most important Jack Taylor since THE DRAMATIST.
As usual the dialogue is superb - full of black humor laced with balls to the wall adrenaline. However, the defining moment came in the form of a startling revelation that's sure to have a ripple effect on future Jack Taylor outings - this revelation still held weight the second time reading and I highly recommend returning to THE DRAMATIST for sheer impact value.
SANCTUARY is a book that is simply not to be missed or glossed over. Perhaps the most important Jack Taylor since THE DRAMATIST.
August 8, 2009
I don't think there is anyone who writes dialogue better than Ken Bruen. His character, Jack Taylor, is flawed but Bruen makes him so endearing you can't wait to see what comes out of his mouth, or his thoughts, next. Jack receives a letter in the mail listing the people that will be murdered. He dismisses it as a crank letter but then the people start dying. In the previous book Jack was headed to America, but a friend was diagnosed with breast cancer so he stuck around for support. With the Jack Taylor series, the author focuses more on Jack's life in Galway, Ireland, writing it like a diary, with whatever case Jack is working on set in the background like an afterthought. This may aggravate some people but when it's a character driven series such as this and a writer like Bruen, I can forgive him anything.
July 12, 2010
KB has a spare and poetic sytle of writing. His themes always provoke thoughtfulness. One of my top ten favorite authors in UK genre writing dealing with one character whose life is reprised in subsequent novels. No huge laughs, but wise observations on la condition humaine. Steps outside most of our lives. Isn't this why we read "difficult" authors and their themes because we have created boundaries for our actions?
August 31, 2010
Oh, Mr Bruen. Tis been too long.
I'm a big fan of the Jack Taylor novels. It's been a while since I've read one. I'd forgotten how a Bruen novel differs from others. They are simple, sophisticated, intriguing, quick, cutting, certain, and downright readable in every way. Add a character like Jack that is at once lovable, enigmatic, insightful, and a train wreck, and you've got a book that you can't put down. Nor should you.
Like the other Taylor novels I've read, Jack gets himself into a sticky situation or two. And he logically works the angles to get himself and others unstuck, by the end. Triumph doesn't come without a price, however. It never does, in Jack's world.
As with the others, if you've picked up one of the Taylor books and liked it, then you've simply got to snag this one and give it a go. I'd be surprised if you were disappointed.
I'm a big fan of the Jack Taylor novels. It's been a while since I've read one. I'd forgotten how a Bruen novel differs from others. They are simple, sophisticated, intriguing, quick, cutting, certain, and downright readable in every way. Add a character like Jack that is at once lovable, enigmatic, insightful, and a train wreck, and you've got a book that you can't put down. Nor should you.
Like the other Taylor novels I've read, Jack gets himself into a sticky situation or two. And he logically works the angles to get himself and others unstuck, by the end. Triumph doesn't come without a price, however. It never does, in Jack's world.
As with the others, if you've picked up one of the Taylor books and liked it, then you've simply got to snag this one and give it a go. I'd be surprised if you were disappointed.
June 30, 2009
another short fun glimpse into the world of Jack Taylor/Ken Bruen (surely they are one in the same person?). I always close the pages feeling like i'v traveled to Galway...which is nice. on the downside, bruen seems to have lost his drive to live up to the earlier brilliance of The Magdalena Murders or Killing of the Tinkers. he doesn't have to...because most of us are along for the ride no matter what. however: Ken, if you are out there...you owe us another good one.
June 21, 2011
We're given another fascinating glimpse into the dour Jack Taylor's tortured life. By now he wears a hearing aid and walks with a limp. He's discovered a new substitute for the booze: Xanax. He's going after a deranged nun who has kidnapped a child. I liked the song references like the Kris Kristofferson's "Sunday Morning Coming Down," one of my favorites. Spurts of mordant wit, poetic turns of phrase, and the rich Irish atmosphere make this fast read also a rewarding one.
September 5, 2009
Bruen's latest installment in the Jack Taylor series is the best yet. He combines the taughtness of Thomas Harris with the hardboiled world weariness of Raymond Chandler, with Galway standing in for Los Angeles.
August 11, 2010
A great book by the Irish master of noir. For my Associated Press review, click on this link:
http://www.nctimes.com/entertainment/...
http://www.nctimes.com/entertainment/...
August 7, 2019
Another great Jack Taylor tale!
August 5, 2024
Difficult to review this series. Sanctuary is book 7 of 17. Unique characters and story line. Was recommended and I’m thoroughly enjoying the Jack Taylor world. Give it a try!
October 31, 2017
Sanctuary, for such a mighty short novel, is mighty enjoyable. Admittedly, I haven't read much in the way of mystery and crime novels, but hot damn, I might just have to read more.
It took a bit to adjust to Bruen's writing style; it's incredibly blunt, with no added frills, but with all the world's dry humour. And though it did take a bit to adjust to, I loved it. And given the first person perspective, loving the writing style goes hand in hand with loving Jack Taylor. Though I haven't read the first six Jack Taylor novels, which I'm sure would give a lot of context to his current physical and emotional state, I found him incredibly interesting and a very enjoyable character to follow.
I was also completely surprised by the plot and how the events of the story occurred. Though readers are immediately introduced to Benedictus and their agenda, the first half of the book, maybe even more, concerns itself very little with Benedictus. Rather it follows Jack Taylor through various other parts of his life, and yet, it's still interesting. The climax, too, was very interesting, mostly in the way that it was over just after it began — sometimes a change of pace is nice.
The one thing I don't think was executed quite as well in the novel was the more emotional scenes. Bruen is fantastic at writing angry, mad, and indignant, but isn't as strong in more personally emotional scenes, "sad scenes". The two that come to mind: discovering the truth about Serena May, and Benedict's farewell. I just felt nothing in those scenes; the writing did not capture the emotions of the scenes, which just made for a strange reading experience.
Ultimately, I enjoyed Sanctuary. It's quick, it's interesting, it's entertaining.
It took a bit to adjust to Bruen's writing style; it's incredibly blunt, with no added frills, but with all the world's dry humour. And though it did take a bit to adjust to, I loved it. And given the first person perspective, loving the writing style goes hand in hand with loving Jack Taylor. Though I haven't read the first six Jack Taylor novels, which I'm sure would give a lot of context to his current physical and emotional state, I found him incredibly interesting and a very enjoyable character to follow.
I was also completely surprised by the plot and how the events of the story occurred. Though readers are immediately introduced to Benedictus and their agenda, the first half of the book, maybe even more, concerns itself very little with Benedictus. Rather it follows Jack Taylor through various other parts of his life, and yet, it's still interesting. The climax, too, was very interesting, mostly in the way that it was over just after it began — sometimes a change of pace is nice.
The one thing I don't think was executed quite as well in the novel was the more emotional scenes. Bruen is fantastic at writing angry, mad, and indignant, but isn't as strong in more personally emotional scenes, "sad scenes". The two that come to mind: discovering the truth about Serena May, and Benedict's farewell. I just felt nothing in those scenes; the writing did not capture the emotions of the scenes, which just made for a strange reading experience.
Ultimately, I enjoyed Sanctuary. It's quick, it's interesting, it's entertaining.
January 15, 2021
What a book. Written in 2009. No one captures the Irish and their gift for melancholy, since Yeats like Bruen does. Quoting Yeats: "Being Irish, he had an abiding sense of tragedy, which sustained him through temporary periods of joy." This is perfect description of the main character Jack Taylor and his life. Never was a character more abused mentally or physically than P.I. Jack Taylor. His abuse, self abuse and abusing of others is repeated again in this mystery. It was great and I look forward to the next.
October 6, 2010
First Sentence: Dear Mr. Taylor, Please forgive the formality.
Jack Taylor has sold his apartment and is ready to head to the US when his friend, Ridge, announces she has malignant breast cancer, so he stays to help her. He then receives the letter stating two guards, one nun, one judge and a child will die and he is to be witness. His once friend, now enemy, Guarda Superintendent Clancy, doesn’t give it any credence, but Jack does follows up, with the help of now-recovered Ridge and other friends.
I begin each new Bruen book afraid the quality won’t be has high as the last. I had nothing to fear. Bruen is not for everyone: Jack is a character you don’t necessarily like, but about whom you do care. The story is hard-edged, violent and emotional. The alternating voices of conversational first person and chilling third person is extremely effective.
Bruen’s descriptions of the city, observations on the changes prosperity have wrought on Galway, as well as dark humor and sensitivity make him a remarkable writer.
The story and writing are spare, brutal, physically and emotionally harsh, tragic and brilliant.
SANCTUARY (Unl. Invest-Jack Taylor-Ireland-Cont) – Ex
Bruen, Ken – 7th in series
Transworld Ireland, 2008, UK Hardcopy – ISBN: 9781848270275
Jack Taylor has sold his apartment and is ready to head to the US when his friend, Ridge, announces she has malignant breast cancer, so he stays to help her. He then receives the letter stating two guards, one nun, one judge and a child will die and he is to be witness. His once friend, now enemy, Guarda Superintendent Clancy, doesn’t give it any credence, but Jack does follows up, with the help of now-recovered Ridge and other friends.
I begin each new Bruen book afraid the quality won’t be has high as the last. I had nothing to fear. Bruen is not for everyone: Jack is a character you don’t necessarily like, but about whom you do care. The story is hard-edged, violent and emotional. The alternating voices of conversational first person and chilling third person is extremely effective.
Bruen’s descriptions of the city, observations on the changes prosperity have wrought on Galway, as well as dark humor and sensitivity make him a remarkable writer.
The story and writing are spare, brutal, physically and emotionally harsh, tragic and brilliant.
SANCTUARY (Unl. Invest-Jack Taylor-Ireland-Cont) – Ex
Bruen, Ken – 7th in series
Transworld Ireland, 2008, UK Hardcopy – ISBN: 9781848270275
January 15, 2019
I'm becoming a big fan of Bruen's narrative style. I love Jack Taylor's surly thought process. Since Jack's broken body can't land any blows, his wit will have to draw the blood out. And it usually does, though half the time nobody knows it but him. Jack is the most brilliantly flawed character I've ever read. He struggles against his demons, but then he also calls them to his side when everything just becomes too much. Both bastard and balm, how he comes through the trials he suffers for himself is what drags the story down to dark humor. He does manage to overcome himself for a time, but it's only a matter of time before he hates himself for it. I intend to track down the other Taylor books I haven't read yet.
August 6, 2019
Sanctuary is book 7 in the Jack Taylor series. Jack is suffering greatly from all his excesses, from currently falling off the wagon, and the beatings he has taken over the years. On top of this he starts receiving mail from a killer, communicating with him about the victims. Jack fueled by rage induced by the memories of Serena’s Death tracks the killer down to deliver his form of justice and save another child’s life.
This book connects very strongly to the events at the end of Book 4 and continuing forward. I think it would be difficult to appreciate Jack’s mind set and his relationships without having read them. I enjoyed this more for the ongoing story line of Serena than for the mystery in this particular installment, although that was good as well.
This book connects very strongly to the events at the end of Book 4 and continuing forward. I think it would be difficult to appreciate Jack’s mind set and his relationships without having read them. I enjoyed this more for the ongoing story line of Serena than for the mystery in this particular installment, although that was good as well.
December 28, 2024
I tried to convince myself that I loved this book. At the begging I loved Jack Taylor’s humor and attitude. I was loving all the details and background on him and was anxious to know how the story was going to go.The truth is that the story was too centralized on him, there wasn’t much action involving the actual conflict of the book. I wanted to give this book 5 stars, then after reading about 50% of the book, I lost all hope on it getting interesting and thought that it was going to end in it being 4 stars. The ending was very anticlimactic and disappointing, so my last rating on the book is 3 stars.
November 24, 2017
In this book, the seventh in the Jack Taylor series, Jack receives a list of future victims, including an unnamed child, sent by the killer. Bruen's writing is tight and the story moves swiftly towards it's conclusion. Jack is severely flawed but strength in reserve and is willing to fight if the cause is just. His friends Ridge and Stewart figure strongly in the plot and Jack's life which is a plus. Overall it is Jack Taylor's rage and guilt which is his main motivation and at the heart of all the books.
April 6, 2020
More of a short story than a novel. Don’t think I’ll read anymore of this series. If this is they way life is in Ireland, no wonder they have such a high suicide rate. Lead character is a pretty awful detective if you ask me, but maybe he’s better in the other books. Nobody ever asks follow up questions! Weeks go by and are passed over in half a sentence. Not my cuppa tea, I guess. However, the author is a genius at telling a lot of story with very few words. Refreshing in today’s literary world.
June 10, 2011
I am wearying of the Jack Taylor schtick, and this book made me more, not less weary. Taylor lurches through battles with his various demons while trying to solve a mystery . . . yet again! Yawn! Bruen did back flips to connect this particular mystery to Taylor's personal life, making up a couple of whoppers so big they made me put the book down in dismay at the sheer nerve of it. This is turning into a bankrupt franchise, and it is awful to watch.
January 19, 2019
Okay, 3.5 stars for this Jack Taylor episode. An enjoyable book, but lacking the depth and story line of some others in the series. If you want to get into Irish noir, start with The Guards, or The Priest or better yet, try Adrian Mckinty's Sean Duffy series. I hear the sirens in the street and Gun street girl are at the top of the heap of Irish noir, but none of the Sean Duffy series will fail to impress you!
March 3, 2012
I thought this was a terrible book. I almost felt like I was reading the Cliff Notes of some actual novel. The book felt like it had been written over a weekend. Little character development, no mystery, and a ridiculous and unbelievable ending made this painful to finish.
March 27, 2018
This was a nice quick read. I appreciated that I wasn't getting annoyed by the re-hashing and incessant context setting for characters and places. I've read each book thus far, I know all about Father Malachy. This book was short and sweet and gave a taste of all the things I like about Bruen.
December 27, 2017
A very fast read, and some previous territory gets covered here. The writing is sharp, and the dark humour of the previous books is prevalent throughout.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews