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Death Rains Down
Detective Ray Logue is a maverick.
He is stationed in Superintendent Jim Mulcahy’s police department, having never quite got over the death of his wife 8 years earlier.
Logue is now a hard-drinking and damaged cop, a loose cannon, a thorn in Mulcahy’s side, apt to take the law into his own hands – but he always gets results.
So when faced with the murder of an attractive Polish girl in Port Ard, Co Mayo during the week before Halloween and the subsequent chain of killings that follow, Logue stubbornly refuses to let go even when his Super takes him off the case.
Why on earth, Logue asks himself at the outset, would anyone want to kill Anna Pawalowski, a beautiful estate agent while she was out on a viewing?
And why did the mutilated body of her Polish boyfriend then end up being washed up on the shore?
Was she cheating on him? Did his love rival take revenge? Or are there much darker forces at play?
But as the body count begins to rise, Logue slowly senses he has stumbled into a sticky web of lies, cover-ups and deceit stretching from his own department all the way to the top level of political power.
From the law-enforcers to the law-makers, from respectable businessmen to Russian mobsters – a sinister hand is exercising an iron grip across the whole social order and woe betide any who dare to try to weaken it in any way.
In a world of corruption and double talk the only person Logue can trust is his sidekick, Detective Jack McGarry who pulls him back on track to bring whoever is responsible for the carnage to justice one way or another.
Logue, though, feels he has nothing more to lose and is hell bent on pursuing a malevolent force to the bitter end.
After a tumultuous showdown he believes he has been successful.
Set in Ireland at the peak of the Celtic Tiger era, Death Rains Down is a dark story of murder, organised crime and political corruption.
'An intense thriller' - Thomas Waugh
Kevin McManus lives in County Leitrim in Western Ireland. He graduated from University in 1998 with a Master’s degree in History and a Higher Diploma in Education. Since then he has worked as a secondary school teacher. Kevin has also played in many bands over the years and still retains a great love for music. He is also a keen supporter of Aston Villa Football Club.
He is stationed in Superintendent Jim Mulcahy’s police department, having never quite got over the death of his wife 8 years earlier.
Logue is now a hard-drinking and damaged cop, a loose cannon, a thorn in Mulcahy’s side, apt to take the law into his own hands – but he always gets results.
So when faced with the murder of an attractive Polish girl in Port Ard, Co Mayo during the week before Halloween and the subsequent chain of killings that follow, Logue stubbornly refuses to let go even when his Super takes him off the case.
Why on earth, Logue asks himself at the outset, would anyone want to kill Anna Pawalowski, a beautiful estate agent while she was out on a viewing?
And why did the mutilated body of her Polish boyfriend then end up being washed up on the shore?
Was she cheating on him? Did his love rival take revenge? Or are there much darker forces at play?
But as the body count begins to rise, Logue slowly senses he has stumbled into a sticky web of lies, cover-ups and deceit stretching from his own department all the way to the top level of political power.
From the law-enforcers to the law-makers, from respectable businessmen to Russian mobsters – a sinister hand is exercising an iron grip across the whole social order and woe betide any who dare to try to weaken it in any way.
In a world of corruption and double talk the only person Logue can trust is his sidekick, Detective Jack McGarry who pulls him back on track to bring whoever is responsible for the carnage to justice one way or another.
Logue, though, feels he has nothing more to lose and is hell bent on pursuing a malevolent force to the bitter end.
After a tumultuous showdown he believes he has been successful.
Set in Ireland at the peak of the Celtic Tiger era, Death Rains Down is a dark story of murder, organised crime and political corruption.
'An intense thriller' - Thomas Waugh
Kevin McManus lives in County Leitrim in Western Ireland. He graduated from University in 1998 with a Master’s degree in History and a Higher Diploma in Education. Since then he has worked as a secondary school teacher. Kevin has also played in many bands over the years and still retains a great love for music. He is also a keen supporter of Aston Villa Football Club.
- GenresFiction
138 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 7, 2017
18 people are currently reading
84 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
February 16, 2017
I would like to thank Netgalley and Endeavour Press for a review copy of Death Rains Down, a fairly short tale of murder and drug running on the West Coast of Ireland.
Detectives Logue and McGarry are called in when the body of estate agent Anna Pawalowski is found murdered in an empty house. Initially the dynamic duo have nothing to go on but gradually they uncover bits of information which lead them to a much bigger picture.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. The slow uncovering of facts held me gripped as I tried to work out what was coming next and the ending was a big surprise. It is, however, the relationship between Logue and McGarry that makes the novel. McGarry is the straightman to Logue's walking disaster. Logue drinks too much, cares too much about the job and is constantly on the carpet in Superintendent Mulcahy's office but he's smart and often has the right idea if not the proof. Their banter is funny, everyday and realistic - I particularly liked the fish fingers joke but you'll have to read the novel to find out.
Death Rains Down is not an overly complicated novel but it held my attention so I have no hesitation in recommending it as a good read.
Detectives Logue and McGarry are called in when the body of estate agent Anna Pawalowski is found murdered in an empty house. Initially the dynamic duo have nothing to go on but gradually they uncover bits of information which lead them to a much bigger picture.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. The slow uncovering of facts held me gripped as I tried to work out what was coming next and the ending was a big surprise. It is, however, the relationship between Logue and McGarry that makes the novel. McGarry is the straightman to Logue's walking disaster. Logue drinks too much, cares too much about the job and is constantly on the carpet in Superintendent Mulcahy's office but he's smart and often has the right idea if not the proof. Their banter is funny, everyday and realistic - I particularly liked the fish fingers joke but you'll have to read the novel to find out.
Death Rains Down is not an overly complicated novel but it held my attention so I have no hesitation in recommending it as a good read.
June 30, 2021
I’d like to thank Zoe from Zooloo’s Book Tours for arranging this tour and including me in it. Mystery & thriller reads are some of my favourites and with this book only being 165 pages I was very interested to see what it was all about.
Kevin McManus doesn’t mess around and we are soon thrown straight into the first murder of the book. From there the investigation gathers a lot of momentum and maintains it’s pace right until the very end. I was constantly questioning why these murders were happening, how they were linked but more importantly how were they going to catch the culprit.
Ray Logue was definitely not afraid of danger, in fact he often threw himself at the danger to catch the criminals. I loved how imperfect he was and the fact that he wasn’t afraid to speak his mind, even if it landed him in hot water. For me the stand out of this book was the partnership between Logue and McGarry, These two were like chalk and cheese but the banter and the laughs they had brought a light hearted feel to the story. They complimented each other nicely and clearly had each others back’s during the investigation.
The whole plot, characters and final revelations were well thought out and this story certainly had ‘Line of Duty’ vibes. This could easily be read in one sitting and I’m intrigued to see what happens in the next instalment.
Kevin McManus doesn’t mess around and we are soon thrown straight into the first murder of the book. From there the investigation gathers a lot of momentum and maintains it’s pace right until the very end. I was constantly questioning why these murders were happening, how they were linked but more importantly how were they going to catch the culprit.
Ray Logue was definitely not afraid of danger, in fact he often threw himself at the danger to catch the criminals. I loved how imperfect he was and the fact that he wasn’t afraid to speak his mind, even if it landed him in hot water. For me the stand out of this book was the partnership between Logue and McGarry, These two were like chalk and cheese but the banter and the laughs they had brought a light hearted feel to the story. They complimented each other nicely and clearly had each others back’s during the investigation.
The whole plot, characters and final revelations were well thought out and this story certainly had ‘Line of Duty’ vibes. This could easily be read in one sitting and I’m intrigued to see what happens in the next instalment.
February 15, 2017
An excellent Irish crime novel which is hopefully the start of a new series. The story is as twisting and compelling as you could hope for, and in Logue and his partner McGarry we have an iconic pair in the making. Nasty villains, plot twists and big surprises abound. Thoroughly recommended.
July 12, 2021
This is a short but perfectly formed crime novel. This story is well written and thought out with a good well paced storyline that gathers momentum as it goes along. Despite being a relatively short story it still manages to pack a punch with drugs, murder, and police chases. The two lead detectives add a perfect element of humour to an otherwise dark crime filled story. This is a good opening novel for a series and I look forward to reading further instalments.
June 2, 2017
Death Rains Down is only a short book of one hundred and sixty five pages, put it really packs a punch in those pages. I don't normally read books under three hundred pages but I have to say that I really enjoyed being able to read the whole book in one sitting, not something I get to do very often with my spondylosis. I thought the plot was well thought out and fast paced to keep your attention. Kevin McManus' descriptive prose brings the beauty of County Mayo and the characters to life.
I really enjoyed Logue as a character, the archetypal damaged, maverick cop - every good crime drama needs one. He is balanced out by his partner Mulcahy who is Logue's opposite; married with children and not one to break the rules. What I loves was the way Logue wanted to protect Mulcahy from any dangerous situations; It was Logue in the firing line physically and metaphorically.
Death Rains Down is an accomplished first novel, full of Irish charm, lots of craic but best of all an exciting, thrill packed plot; like me you will want to read this in one setting. I am looking forward to reading the next instalment in the Detective Ray Logue series.
I really enjoyed Logue as a character, the archetypal damaged, maverick cop - every good crime drama needs one. He is balanced out by his partner Mulcahy who is Logue's opposite; married with children and not one to break the rules. What I loves was the way Logue wanted to protect Mulcahy from any dangerous situations; It was Logue in the firing line physically and metaphorically.
Death Rains Down is an accomplished first novel, full of Irish charm, lots of craic but best of all an exciting, thrill packed plot; like me you will want to read this in one setting. I am looking forward to reading the next instalment in the Detective Ray Logue series.
July 8, 2021
Estate agent Anna, originally from Poland, takes call from a Mr Greene to view an empty property, and this is the last she is seen alive by her colleagues. Her body is discovered two days later, strangled with rope. Detectives Raymond Logue and Jack McGarry from Port Ard Garda station are assigned to the case. Her plasterer boyfriend disappeared around the same time and they fear he has killed her and gone back to Poland. The discovery that he might have been involved in another line of work leads them to a shady and very dangerous Russian. When another body is found linked to the first one, the detective duo are warned off getting to close to another much larger investigation. So how will they find Anna's killer without getting into hot water, especially as it becomes clear there are some very influential people seemingly up to no good?
A slow and steady start to the story really picks up the pace towards the end, culminating in a cracking final chapter! I liked the banter between the two detectives and gradually got to know them as the story proceeded. Logue, or Logi Bear as he is nicknamed, doesn’t come across as bad as the renegade maverick that he is painted as, more a very likeable and slightly blurred line kind of guy at times and clearly good at his job. He has thrown himself into his work and his drinking with equal gusto since his wife died 8 years ago. McGarry on the other hand is married with a son and counterbalances Logue very well as the voice of reason. This is a great start to the series and I am looking forward to reviewing book two, Nine Lives, very soon. 4*
A slow and steady start to the story really picks up the pace towards the end, culminating in a cracking final chapter! I liked the banter between the two detectives and gradually got to know them as the story proceeded. Logue, or Logi Bear as he is nicknamed, doesn’t come across as bad as the renegade maverick that he is painted as, more a very likeable and slightly blurred line kind of guy at times and clearly good at his job. He has thrown himself into his work and his drinking with equal gusto since his wife died 8 years ago. McGarry on the other hand is married with a son and counterbalances Logue very well as the voice of reason. This is a great start to the series and I am looking forward to reviewing book two, Nine Lives, very soon. 4*
July 7, 2021
The first book in the Detective Ray Logue Series and this is a short book, not much more than a novella, but full of action and fast paced. Well written with a few ‘Irishisms’ that I had to refer to my Irish partner. Despite the nature of the book a good, quick and easy read.
Briefly, after the death of his wife, eight years earlier, Logue has become a heavy drinker, although still one of the best detectives in Port Ard. When an estate agent, Anna, is found murdered in a new build property, Logue and his partner Jack McGarry are on the case. Then a body washes up on a beach. It turns out to be her boyfriend and their previous suspect in her murder. What were they both involved in? Who wanted them dead? The trail leads to prominent business men, politicians and Russian mobsters. This is obviously much more sinister than they originally thought. Where will their enquiries lead?
I like my books a bit longer but you certainly couldn’t say this was lacking in action. I particularly liked the relationship between Logue and McGarry, this made the book for me, perfect foils for one another. I though Logue’s Iove interest was a bit pushy, has she not heard ‘ treat them mean, keep them keen,’ we will see how that pans out. All in all a good start to the series. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Briefly, after the death of his wife, eight years earlier, Logue has become a heavy drinker, although still one of the best detectives in Port Ard. When an estate agent, Anna, is found murdered in a new build property, Logue and his partner Jack McGarry are on the case. Then a body washes up on a beach. It turns out to be her boyfriend and their previous suspect in her murder. What were they both involved in? Who wanted them dead? The trail leads to prominent business men, politicians and Russian mobsters. This is obviously much more sinister than they originally thought. Where will their enquiries lead?
I like my books a bit longer but you certainly couldn’t say this was lacking in action. I particularly liked the relationship between Logue and McGarry, this made the book for me, perfect foils for one another. I though Logue’s Iove interest was a bit pushy, has she not heard ‘ treat them mean, keep them keen,’ we will see how that pans out. All in all a good start to the series. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
July 10, 2021
I can’t help but get excited when I read the first book in a detective/crime series and I love it. Death Rains Down is a brilliant start to a new series with a fascinating protagonist and a murder that hooked me in from the opening chapter and I cannot wait to read more, and I am excited to see where future novels go.
Don’t be fooled by the fact that this is a 165 page novel because in that short time it doesn’t half pack a punch. The opening chapter had me screaming at Anna to stay away as something was off from the start. What unfolds is an investigation that leads down a path further than anyone could imagine. The action begins from the very start and doesn’t stop until the explosive end. It really is a one sitting read.
Despite the short length, the main protagonist, Detective Ray Logue is well developed, and we get a good sense of where is is in his life and why. The back story adds a third dimension to his character, making him human rather than just a detective. His partner McGarry is a great partner and balances out the character of Logue well. Together they make a cracking team.
This is a fast-paced crime novel with plenty of surprises and it sets the scene well for book 2. Highly recommended.
Don’t be fooled by the fact that this is a 165 page novel because in that short time it doesn’t half pack a punch. The opening chapter had me screaming at Anna to stay away as something was off from the start. What unfolds is an investigation that leads down a path further than anyone could imagine. The action begins from the very start and doesn’t stop until the explosive end. It really is a one sitting read.
Despite the short length, the main protagonist, Detective Ray Logue is well developed, and we get a good sense of where is is in his life and why. The back story adds a third dimension to his character, making him human rather than just a detective. His partner McGarry is a great partner and balances out the character of Logue well. Together they make a cracking team.
This is a fast-paced crime novel with plenty of surprises and it sets the scene well for book 2. Highly recommended.
July 24, 2021
Death Rains Down takes readers on a thrilling adventure ride. Kevin McManus puts his all into Detective Ray Logue. I thoroughly enjoyed the journey Kevin took me on, and there is a whole lot of action in a short time. This novel is a perfect burst of adrenaline on a rainy afternoon.
Ray is the kind of character that I don’t want to like but always do. He is a hard boozing jerk that seems to look only after number one. However, under all that swagger and drunkenness, Ray has a tender heart that beats only for his dead wife.
I am happy to award Death Rains Down 4 out of 5 stars. I wish the story had more background information about Ray. But, this lack gives me something to look forward to in the next novel. I recommend this book to those of you who like their police procedurals with a bit of gusto. The exhilaration from all the action leaves you breathless.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book with a request for an honest review.
Ray is the kind of character that I don’t want to like but always do. He is a hard boozing jerk that seems to look only after number one. However, under all that swagger and drunkenness, Ray has a tender heart that beats only for his dead wife.
I am happy to award Death Rains Down 4 out of 5 stars. I wish the story had more background information about Ray. But, this lack gives me something to look forward to in the next novel. I recommend this book to those of you who like their police procedurals with a bit of gusto. The exhilaration from all the action leaves you breathless.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book with a request for an honest review.
July 5, 2021
Death Rains Down
Set in Ireland, in the wet months of autumn and winter, it follows the story of Anna, a young Polish woman working at an estate agents, who is brutally murdered in a house she is requested to view.
When Logue and Mcullen start to investigate it opens up into something much deeper.
I don't know why, but this was a really easy read. It takes nothing away from the quality or the pace of the book which were consistent throughout. There is lots of action as expected between fighting gangsters. The banter between the team was great and the Irish humour shined through.
The ending was left open for a sequel and I will look forward to reading it if that's the case.
I really enjoyed it.
Set in Ireland, in the wet months of autumn and winter, it follows the story of Anna, a young Polish woman working at an estate agents, who is brutally murdered in a house she is requested to view.
When Logue and Mcullen start to investigate it opens up into something much deeper.
I don't know why, but this was a really easy read. It takes nothing away from the quality or the pace of the book which were consistent throughout. There is lots of action as expected between fighting gangsters. The banter between the team was great and the Irish humour shined through.
The ending was left open for a sequel and I will look forward to reading it if that's the case.
I really enjoyed it.
July 18, 2021
Death Rains Down by Kevin McManus is a mystery/thriller that really packed a punch in its short amount of pages. The reader is thrown tight in from page one, and I love the pacing. The twists were excellent and I was taken by surprise, quite a few times.
I like Ray Logue. He’s fearless and throws himself into the danger. I enjoyed his ability to speak his mind as well.
The plot is excellent. I was invested and captivated throughout. This is a new-to-me author that I will be keeping an eye out for. Check this out.
Thank you to Zooloo’s Book Tours for the review copy and opportunity to honestly review on the blog tour. All opinions are my own and unbiased.
I like Ray Logue. He’s fearless and throws himself into the danger. I enjoyed his ability to speak his mind as well.
The plot is excellent. I was invested and captivated throughout. This is a new-to-me author that I will be keeping an eye out for. Check this out.
Thank you to Zooloo’s Book Tours for the review copy and opportunity to honestly review on the blog tour. All opinions are my own and unbiased.
March 6, 2017
This was a fairly quick read, set in the West coast of Ireland. Murder and drug smuggling and a generous dollop of humour made this a good start to a new series. I have one complaint...it was just too short! I liked the character of Logue and the relationship with his partner, McGarry. It was well written and I loved the humour between the detectives, especially the fish fingers! Overall, a good read which kept me interested until the end, and that ending..I look forward to the next one in the series.Thank you to the author for my copy. It is very much appreciated.
October 15, 2025
Some Parts were interesting, laughable, and very enjoyable to read.
However, the 195 large print pages were read and forgotten just like that.
Language was atrocious, even though the Irish use a lot, any reason to include so much?
Police are drunk, driving over the limit, and suffering from hangovers.
It's ok, come in and work whenever you want! The police department is run without authority and control, which actually undermines them totally.
Disappointing really, it could have been a great book as the storyline had potential.
However, the 195 large print pages were read and forgotten just like that.
Language was atrocious, even though the Irish use a lot, any reason to include so much?
Police are drunk, driving over the limit, and suffering from hangovers.
It's ok, come in and work whenever you want! The police department is run without authority and control, which actually undermines them totally.
Disappointing really, it could have been a great book as the storyline had potential.
February 9, 2018
This was a quick read in a good way! I enjoyed the flawed character of Logue. He was gruff but he was still fighting the good fight, and I admired him for that. he put his own life in danger to protect others - the very essence of being a cop. He reminded me of a bulldog, pulling something apart despite orders not to. The story was well crafted and the details came out in a logical manner, without too many or too few breadcrumbs, in my opinion. I look forward to more.
April 17, 2021
When estate agent, Anna Pawalowski is found murdered in a house she was supposed to be showing to a client, Detectives Logue and McGarry are brought in to solve the case.
Logue is a heavy drinker but still manages to do his job and well - most of the time!
This is an enjoyable read that kept me hooked. I loved the banter between Logue and McGarry. A good storyline and packed full of action. I look forward to reading more in this series.
Logue is a heavy drinker but still manages to do his job and well - most of the time!
This is an enjoyable read that kept me hooked. I loved the banter between Logue and McGarry. A good storyline and packed full of action. I look forward to reading more in this series.
June 23, 2018
Great
This was a gripping gritty story which raised a few questions and kept you reading. I was desperate to know what was going to happen and if the bad guy was going to get caught. It shows great promise of being a fantastic series and the banter between Ray and McGarry was fab. Looking forward to reading book 2 now.
This was a gripping gritty story which raised a few questions and kept you reading. I was desperate to know what was going to happen and if the bad guy was going to get caught. It shows great promise of being a fantastic series and the banter between Ray and McGarry was fab. Looking forward to reading book 2 now.
January 23, 2020
What a read . I loved this book , Real page turner, I was hooked from the first page, never a dull moment , can’t wait for next novel .
January 13, 2023
Great book!
Looking forward to another in this series.
Looking forward to another in this series.
March 25, 2017
Death Rains Down is a well paced read. Detective Ray Logue is a likeable character placed in a well written story. The adventure in the Irish country side refreshing and informative. Good job Kevin. Enjoyed the book immensely.
February 17, 2017
3 and 1 / 2 stars
Our story starts with Ray Logue and his partner, Jack McGarry, reporting to the scene of a strangulation murder of a woman. She was an estate agent who was showing a home to a prospective buyer when she was killed – or so she thought.
When another body is found, the tension mounts. Ray and Jack are interviewing witness and people who knew the victims, but seem to making little progress. The Customs and Drugs squads get involved as the case progresses.
A third body is found…suicide? Murder?
The murderer is the expected one, so it comes as no surprise.
The writing in this book I would grade as “good.” The plot is pretty predictable, but I liked the interplay between Ray and Jack.
I want to thank Netgalley and Endeavour Press for forwarding to me a copy of this book to read.
Our story starts with Ray Logue and his partner, Jack McGarry, reporting to the scene of a strangulation murder of a woman. She was an estate agent who was showing a home to a prospective buyer when she was killed – or so she thought.
When another body is found, the tension mounts. Ray and Jack are interviewing witness and people who knew the victims, but seem to making little progress. The Customs and Drugs squads get involved as the case progresses.
A third body is found…suicide? Murder?
The murderer is the expected one, so it comes as no surprise.
The writing in this book I would grade as “good.” The plot is pretty predictable, but I liked the interplay between Ray and Jack.
I want to thank Netgalley and Endeavour Press for forwarding to me a copy of this book to read.
June 1, 2017
Death Rains Down
By Kevin McManus
A murdered estate agent sets the scene for a great storyline, the story features Ray Logue as the maverick cop. The story twists and turns in an amazing way and leads the reader down the path of Russian drug dealers, crooked politicians and law makers become the law breakers.
It’s very cleverly written and Kevin McManus has a unique gift in descriptive and dialogue writing. I particularly enjoyed the witty banter between Logue and his sidekick Jack McGarry.
It was a satisfying story with a beginning, middle and an end leaving the reader wanting more, I hope it’s not too long before we see another Ray Logue story. Highly recommended.
By Kevin McManus
A murdered estate agent sets the scene for a great storyline, the story features Ray Logue as the maverick cop. The story twists and turns in an amazing way and leads the reader down the path of Russian drug dealers, crooked politicians and law makers become the law breakers.
It’s very cleverly written and Kevin McManus has a unique gift in descriptive and dialogue writing. I particularly enjoyed the witty banter between Logue and his sidekick Jack McGarry.
It was a satisfying story with a beginning, middle and an end leaving the reader wanting more, I hope it’s not too long before we see another Ray Logue story. Highly recommended.
April 7, 2017
This was a quick murder mystery read. A realtor is strangled when she arrives for an appointment to show a house. Her boyfriend is missing. Finding out why Anna is murdered is a hold out until the end as Logue attempts to solve the homicide and find the missing boyfriend between his bouts of drink and hangovers. And then the bodies start to pile up. Interesting mystery. Warning- potty mouth cops.
April 17, 2017
Enjoyable read
Great read wasn't quite the ending I imagined so another book on the way. This was a free Download so there are new author's out there waiting to be discovered, try one and very often the first book is free.
Great read wasn't quite the ending I imagined so another book on the way. This was a free Download so there are new author's out there waiting to be discovered, try one and very often the first book is free.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews