Betrayal

by Stewart Binns

'Brilliant. An explosive thriller with true authenticity' Tom Marcus, bestselling author of Soldier Spy----------------- January, 1981. They're undercover in Belfast.Determined to put an end to a war.But in doing so, who will they betray? Jim Dowd and Maureen O'Brien, special forces soldiers, enter a bitterly divided Belfast with a to go undercover, infiltrate one of the city's most dangerous Catholic neighbourhoods, and help change the course of a war that nobody is winning. The Ardoyne is a perilous world, where even a hint of their true identities will prove fatal. But it is also full of courage and loyalty, and Jim realises he admires this community - and his guilt at their deception grows ever stronger. When they receive shocking orders, Maureen knows they must act swiftly and ruthlessly, but can she rely on Jim? And if they rebel, are they betraying their country; or are they being betrayed? 'Stunningly realistic . . . A must-read for anyone who cares about the history of our islands' Nick Hewer

Genres: Historical Fiction

418 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 8, 2018

About the author

Stewart Binns began his professional life as an academic. He then pursued several adventures, including a stint at the BBC, before settling into a career as a schoolteacher, specializing in history. Later in life, a lucky break took him back to the BBC, which was the beginning of a successful career in television. He has won a BAFTA, a Grierson, an RTS and a Peabody for his documentaries. Stewart's passion is English history, especially its origins and folklore. Conquest is his first novel.

Reviews

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

January 1981, and the troubles in Northern Ireland are experiencing a second wave of hunger strikes in the Maze prison near Belfast, and together with the bombings, shootings and riots, it only heightens the tension already felt.

It's during this time that Jim Dowd ( British Special Forces soldier ) and Maureen O'Brien ( army intelligence officer ) are sent to a divided Belfast on an undercover mission to infiltrate the republican area of Ardoyne. This is a lawless place run by extremely dangerous individuals, and it's imperative that their true identities are not discovered, as traitors are dealt with in a particularly brutal manner.

Jim and Maureen are employed as teachers, and slowly they integrate into the community, becoming friends with some prominent but dangerous members of the IRA. Though it appears to be a lawless community, it's also a proud and courageous one, loyal to a man, and Jim begins to see things from their point of view, but orders are on their way from HQ in London that will test his loyalties to the limit, and will also place himself and Maureen in an even more dangerous position than they are already in!

Let me just say that Stewart Binns has written a belter of a story - he clearly has great knowledge of this time and place in history, or has at least done extensive research. The narrative crackles with fear and tension much of the way through, the plot itself was utterly gripping, and I became so invested in the characters that I was holding my breath in abject terror at times!

DON'T MISS THIS ONE!!

* My thanks to Netgalley and Penguin UK - Michael Joseph for my ARC in exchange for an honest review*

[Paromjit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stewart Binns is an extraordinary storyteller in this piece of historical fiction set in 1981 during the incendiary atmosphere of The Troubles in Belfast, Northern Ireland. He brings alive the turbulent period with all its menace and brutality in a city that resembles a war zone with its dangerous men, constant bombing and where death is everywhere. Belfast is bitterly divided in the sectarian civil war, with no end in sight, occupied by the British Army, at a time of the hunger strikes fuelling the sky high tensions between the Protestants and the Catholics. Many different groups are at play, operating with their own kill lists, and the multiple intelligence agencies are not above killing themselves with highly political and secretive agendas. Leaks between them are common, as indeed are rogue operators.

Into this unsettling and disturbing milieu, Jim Dowd, a special forces soldier and Maureen O'Brien, an army analyst, are given the mission of infiltrating the most dangerous and troublesome Catholic neighbourhood, The Ardoyne. They cannot afford to have their identities revealed as brutal repercussions are swift and deadly. They settle into the area as teachers, slowly making connections and friends. It does not take long for Jim to see the human and courageous side of the people as he begins to empathise with them. He is also drawn to Kathleen McKee, the daughter of a IRA man. Orders to assassinate a local figure place Jim in a quandry, will he and Maureen survive the dark and murky scenario they have been propelled into?

Binns blends a mixture of fact and fiction in this compelling and authentic portrayal of Belfast in the 1980s. His research is impressive as he takes us back into to a desperately turbulent time period with its never ending loss of life and political shenanigans. It can only makes us feel grateful that whilst there are still problems today, that nevertheless so much has changed for the better in Belfast and Northern Ireland. The story is complex, nail biting in its tensions and suspense, and utterly gripping. Just fantastic and highly recommended! Many thanks to Penguin Michael Joseph for an ARC.

[Pauline · Rating 3 out of 5]

Betrayal by Stewart Binns A thriller about the troubles in Ireland in the 1980's.
Jim Dowd and Maureen O'Brien are sent to Belfast as undercover agents to infiltrate and spy on the population. This is a story about suspicion, fear, violence and desperate times.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Penguin UK -Michael Joseph for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Louise Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in January, 1981, they are undercover in Belfast. Determined to put an end to the war, but in doing so, who will they betray?

Jim dowd and Maureen O'Brien are special forces soldiers. Their mission is to go undercover and infiltrate one of the city's most dangerous Catholic neighbourhoods, and help change the course of a war that no one is winning. This is a well written, true to the era this book was written about. He builds a fantastic picture of the every day occurances of living in a nervous and uneasy environment. There is some graphic descriptions of blood and gore that might put some readers off this book. This is not usually my choice of book but I'm so glad I've read it.

I would like to thank NetGalley, Penguin UK - Michael Joseph and the author Stewart Binns for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Ingrid · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Two special forces agents go undercover in The Ardoyne, Belfast. While they execute an order things go pear shaped and they have to flee the country. It's the beginning of a cat and mouse game and they have no idea who can be trusted.

[Stephen · Rating 3 out of 5]

dark thriller based in 1981 Belfast with undercover british agents where an op goes wrong and the aftermath. very gritty and fast paced read

[Rob Twinem · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jim Dowd and Maureen O'Brien are sent to the notorious location of the Ardoyne a republican enclave in a divided and secular Belfast of the 1980's...."Several streets have disappeared altogether leaving large tracts of waste ground covered in the rubble of demolition. The scene resembles the shattered landscapes of Britain's cities in the aftermath of German bombing during the Second World War."... Their mission is to settle, infiltrate and befriend a deeply suspicious mainly Catholic population. Their occupation is that of school teachers, cast adrift in a world full of dangerous men, and they must use all their training and skill to avoid being outed as infiltrators and spies. Once accepted in the community they patiently await further instructions from their handlers in London. As time passes Jim becomes attracted to Kathleen McKee the daughter of Jimmy McKee, quartermaster of the Ardoyne branch of the IRA. This is a dangerous situation made even worse when orders are received to assassinate Sean Murphy the Ardoyne OC (Officer Commanding) Has Jim become too involved and understanding of the plight of the catholic population to carry out his orders? Can Maureen convince him how perilous their situation is fast becoming imploring him to do as ordered?

I have to confess that I have a keen knowledge of the politics of Northern Ireland at the time. I lived in Belfast during this period and knew firsthand what it felt like living in a country close to the brink of civil war. The constant bombings and tensions between a proud and stubborn people were a day to day occurrence creating a very nervous and uneasy environment in which to live. Stewart Binns has written a wonderful book that oozes fear and suspicion from the very first chapter creating a tour de force that is impossible to put down. His use of dialogue to build a picture of a society in meltdown creates some of the most memorable prose I have read this year....."We must have victory, victory at all costs, however long the road may be; for without victory, there is no survival."........."On the other hand, the opposite side of his head explodes. Blood and brain matter are sprayed everywhere making a shocking splash as they cascade across the inside of the windscreen. His short life is over in an instant."....."We're like so many others- civilians and military, guilty and innocent. We're all pawns in a game. So many have died; there's been so much pain, so much hurt."..........

You, dear reader, will have to read this book for yourself to discover if Jim and Maureen can escape before their true identity becomes know to the local IRA.As always in politics life is complicated and every organization be it MI5, MI6, Special Branch etc have hidden agendas and are equally as ruthless in their ability to carry out killings..."There's a rogue unit at large; right wing, disaffected. They're on our tails and feeding intel back to the RUC which, in turn, may be leaking it to the IRA and its ASU in England."... Over the years I have read a number of books concerning "The Troubles" and Betrayal by Stewart Binns is undoubtedly one of the best. Many thanks to the good people at netgalley and Penguin UK-Michael Joseph for a gratis copy in exchange for an honest review and that is what I have written. Highly Recommended.

[Rob Twinem · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jim Dowd and Maureen O'Brien are sent to the notorious location of the Ardoyne a republican enclave in a divided and secular Belfast of the 1980's...."Several streets have disappeared altogether leaving large tracts of waste ground covered in the rubble of demolition. The scene resembles the shattered landscapes of Britain's cities in the aftermath of German bombing during the Second World War."... Their mission is to settle, infiltrate and befriend a deeply suspicious mainly Catholic population. Their occupation is that of school teachers, cast adrift in a world full of dangerous men, and they must use all their training and skill to avoid being outed as infiltrators and spies. Once accepted in the community they patiently await further instructions from their handlers in London. As time passes Jim becomes attracted to Kathleen McKee the daughter of Jimmy McKee, quartermaster of the Ardoyne branch of the IRA. This is a dangerous situation made even worse when orders are received to assassinate Sean Murphy the Ardoyne OC (Officer Commanding) Has Jim become too involved and understanding of the plight of the catholic population to carry out his orders? Can Maureen convince him how perilous their situation is fast becoming imploring him to do as ordered?

I have to confess that I have a keen knowledge of the politics of Northern Ireland at the time. I lived in Belfast during this period and knew firsthand what it felt like living in a country close to the brink of civil war. The constant bombings and tensions between a proud and stubborn people were a day to day occurrence creating a very nervous and uneasy environment in which to live. Stewart Binns has written a wonderful book that oozes fear and suspicion from the very first chapter creating a tour de force that is impossible to put down. His use of dialogue to build a picture of a society in meltdown creates some of the most memorable prose I have read this year....."We must have victory, victory at all costs, however long the road may be; for without victory, there is no survival."........."On the other hand, the opposite side of his head explodes. Blood and brain matter are sprayed everywhere making a shocking splash as they cascade across the inside of the windscreen. His short life is over in an instant."....."We're like so many others- civilians and military, guilty and innocent. We're all pawns in a game. So many have died; there's been so much pain, so much hurt."..........

You, dear reader, will have to read this book for yourself to discover if Jim and Maureen can escape before their true identity becomes know to the local IRA.As always in politics life is complicated and every organization be it MI5, MI6, Special Branch etc have hidden agendas and are equally as ruthless in their ability to carry out killings..."There's a rogue unit at large; right wing, disaffected. They're on our tails and feeding intel back to the RUC which, in turn, may be leaking it to the IRA and its ASU in England."... Over the years I have read a number of books concerning "The Troubles" and Betrayal by Stewart Binns is undoubtedly one of the best. Many thanks to the good people at netgalley and Penguin UK-Michael Joseph for a gratis copy in exchange for an honest review and that is what I have written. Highly Recommended.

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Betrayal is a novel set in 1980’s Belfast and our protagonists are undercover agents racing against time before the IRA discovers who they really are.

The book is incredibly well researched but I found the dialogue to be a little difficult to follow. Entire conversations were made up of extremely short sentences that just leave you a bit confused. This wasn’t helped with the constant switching of perspective and narrator.

[John Lane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent with a lot of twists and turns

[Greville Waterman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Any thriller about the troubles in Ireland will be compared to the all-time classic of the genre - "Harry's Game" by Gerald Seymour but Betrayal is an exceptional book. It is well written, has believed;e and credible characters and plot and the author has deep in-depth knowledge of Belfast and the political situation of the time.

An excellent read and highly recommended.

[Joy Freemantle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pelican PageTurners Review
The CV of this novelist is impressive. His work in TV and film demonstrates his interest in history, in particular war. Notable and significant in this novel is his great interest in football both personal and professional, which in broadcasting terms he extended to athletics (Olympic Games) Golf and Tennis.
As a novelist Binns wrote a series of historicals beginning with the Norman Conquest and continuing until the reigns of Stephen and Matilda, then Richard the Lionheart and the third Crusade. Two novels covered the Great War.
His great interest in British history led him to this novel set in Belfast in the eighties during the Troubles. It is so obviously written by someone who knows not only about football but also weapons and warfare. The writer certainly used his immediate knowledge in the text which added to its authenticity.
After a reluctant start, because stories about war and soldiers are not my thing, I discovered this to be very compelling. The writing style reminded me of James Paterson with its rapid-fire sentences, short, punchy paragraphs and very brief chapters - making for speedy reading. The writing style matched the tension in the story, creating an edgy and frightening atmosphere. I was always expecting Maureen and Jim to come unstuck in the most appalling way, but they lasted well. You found yourself understanding the emotional conflict they suffered, which sadly rang so true. I distinctly remember the nightly news in the 70’s and 80’s, the hunger strikes, the kids hurling missiles in the streets, the horrible cruelty of both sides in that troubled period. I thought Binns had you right there experiencing it again. The mix of real people with his fictional characters was very effective in making the story ring true.

[Melanie Hollin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author obviously really knows his stuff and if he doesn't his research was immense.
An interesting foray into a world that I just about remember (Though obviously not in any detail) yet one that still manages to be a real eye opener.
I love short, punchy sentences but I can understand why some reviewers found it difficult to get into. That said, it's well worth getting to grips with the first couple of chapters.
Many thanks.

[Gearoid O · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having grown up in Ireland during the “Troubles “, Betrayal rings true for me as a brilliantly crafted philosophical portrayal of the historical rectangle that was Northern Ireland during the 20th century. It is a masterpiece.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

My review will be added soon.

[Anne Fox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cracking story, great blend of fact and fiction.

[Teresa Bolster]

Fiction concerning recent history. Belfast, 1982. Two English soldiers go undercover in N.I. Strong sense of place, people and polical doctrine.

[Sarita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Insight to the Irish "troubles" from a character driven narrative. Fast moving and informative.