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Layla's Song
Michael’s worst fears are realised when his criminal past catches up to him. His daughter is kidnapped by his old gang, who are intent on getting back what Michael owes to them.
With the help of his estranged brother, Carl. They must find a way of coming up with the ransom within five days.
Michael’s journey will take him the whole way from Belfast to Dublin.
With the help of his estranged brother, Carl. They must find a way of coming up with the ransom within five days.
Michael’s journey will take him the whole way from Belfast to Dublin.
198 pages, ebook
Published March 16, 2018
6 people are currently reading
17 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
April 6, 2025
Layla's Song doesn't mess about. Like the main protagonist Michael, once it sets off on a course of action it goes for it head first and without delay. Hardly have we met Michael and his wife and daughter than his life falls apart as his criminal past catches up with him. The plot is straightforward and direct - get his daughter back at all and any cost.
Author Paul McCracken tells us he started writing film screenplays before turning to novels, and that influence is apparent in the sparse dialogue and description as we are swept along on the action-packed journey. The terse and muscular prose style suits the story well as the action heats up - through the streets of Dublin and Belfast we are propelled via car chases, drug deals, shoot outs and fist fights. The tension builds as the stakes get higher and the body count mounts up. There's hardly time to draw breath, let alone worry about breaking laws or estranged family relations or crumbling marriages.
It's an highly enjoyable ride, the literary equivalent of a gritty crime action film that will have fans of the genre enthusiastically onboard. Much like a 2-hour film, I read it in one sitting and was totally engrossed in the story.
Like an everyday Irish Jack Reacher, Michael, helped by his brother Carl, leaves the bad guys in his wake, determined to battle until the bitter end, and it's a helluva journey that he takes us on. By the end your grateful for the chance to lie down and have a well earned rest.
A terse, action-packed thriller that grips from the start and doesn't let go.
Author Paul McCracken tells us he started writing film screenplays before turning to novels, and that influence is apparent in the sparse dialogue and description as we are swept along on the action-packed journey. The terse and muscular prose style suits the story well as the action heats up - through the streets of Dublin and Belfast we are propelled via car chases, drug deals, shoot outs and fist fights. The tension builds as the stakes get higher and the body count mounts up. There's hardly time to draw breath, let alone worry about breaking laws or estranged family relations or crumbling marriages.
It's an highly enjoyable ride, the literary equivalent of a gritty crime action film that will have fans of the genre enthusiastically onboard. Much like a 2-hour film, I read it in one sitting and was totally engrossed in the story.
Like an everyday Irish Jack Reacher, Michael, helped by his brother Carl, leaves the bad guys in his wake, determined to battle until the bitter end, and it's a helluva journey that he takes us on. By the end your grateful for the chance to lie down and have a well earned rest.
A terse, action-packed thriller that grips from the start and doesn't let go.
October 16, 2020
Book Reviewed on www.whisperingstories.com
‘Layla’s Song’ is a contemporary thriller by Irish author, Paul McCracken, written in the first person and the present tense. We meet the main protagonist, Michael O’Connell, who has been living under the pseudonym, David Isaac. He lives just outside Belfast in Northern Ireland and works as a factory scheduler. He seemingly leads an inconspicuous life with his wife, Lisa, and daughter, Layla. However, we soon realise all is not what it seems. Michael was given a new name after being involved with a ruthless criminal gang, many of whom he gave up to the police. They now want revenge and will stop at nothing to punish him for betraying them.
Within the first twenty pages, Michael’s real identity is revealed, his daughter has been kidnapped and his wife has left him. Desperate to find Layla, Michael turns to his estranged brother, Carl, for help and so the scene is set for an action-packed race against time to raise the ransom money needed to secure Layla’s release. We then accompany Michael for the following eight days, pursued by both the police and a variety of villains, in his attempt to find his much loved daughter.
The pace is brisk and even, the plot is straightforward with some vivid descriptive passages. I also appreciated the injection of a bit of black humour and irony into the story, to counterbalance the violence.
Conversely, there are a lot of characters and I found them all a bit flat. I would have cared a lot more about Michael if there had been a gradual build up to the kidnapping. I would have liked some suspense achieved through psychological scene-setting. There was an ideal opportunity to add some foreshadowing when Michael started receiving threatening phone calls. If Lisa had hung around for a few more pages, we could have seen the couple’s torment as they agonised together over their daughter’s fate. Frustratingly, walking out on Michael seemed to be Lisa’s first reaction instead of her final act of despair.
This novel will appeal to fans of fast action no-nonsense plots with a simple structure. The author has shown skill in ratcheting up of tension as the book nears its climax. However, an overreliance on physical confrontation risks the reader becoming desensitised and the story becoming two dimensional. Adding visceral layers would have given the characters the depth they lacked.
This is a very competitive genre and to stand out, a novel has to offer something innovative and I’m not sure this story really fulfils that criteria. Nonetheless, this author shows promise and I award a very respectable three-and-a-half stars.
‘Layla’s Song’ is a contemporary thriller by Irish author, Paul McCracken, written in the first person and the present tense. We meet the main protagonist, Michael O’Connell, who has been living under the pseudonym, David Isaac. He lives just outside Belfast in Northern Ireland and works as a factory scheduler. He seemingly leads an inconspicuous life with his wife, Lisa, and daughter, Layla. However, we soon realise all is not what it seems. Michael was given a new name after being involved with a ruthless criminal gang, many of whom he gave up to the police. They now want revenge and will stop at nothing to punish him for betraying them.
Within the first twenty pages, Michael’s real identity is revealed, his daughter has been kidnapped and his wife has left him. Desperate to find Layla, Michael turns to his estranged brother, Carl, for help and so the scene is set for an action-packed race against time to raise the ransom money needed to secure Layla’s release. We then accompany Michael for the following eight days, pursued by both the police and a variety of villains, in his attempt to find his much loved daughter.
The pace is brisk and even, the plot is straightforward with some vivid descriptive passages. I also appreciated the injection of a bit of black humour and irony into the story, to counterbalance the violence.
Conversely, there are a lot of characters and I found them all a bit flat. I would have cared a lot more about Michael if there had been a gradual build up to the kidnapping. I would have liked some suspense achieved through psychological scene-setting. There was an ideal opportunity to add some foreshadowing when Michael started receiving threatening phone calls. If Lisa had hung around for a few more pages, we could have seen the couple’s torment as they agonised together over their daughter’s fate. Frustratingly, walking out on Michael seemed to be Lisa’s first reaction instead of her final act of despair.
This novel will appeal to fans of fast action no-nonsense plots with a simple structure. The author has shown skill in ratcheting up of tension as the book nears its climax. However, an overreliance on physical confrontation risks the reader becoming desensitised and the story becoming two dimensional. Adding visceral layers would have given the characters the depth they lacked.
This is a very competitive genre and to stand out, a novel has to offer something innovative and I’m not sure this story really fulfils that criteria. Nonetheless, this author shows promise and I award a very respectable three-and-a-half stars.
July 19, 2020
This book was a great read. I truly believe more people should read this book. Every page had a surprise, and I couldn't wait to continue reading. The surprise hidden identities of some of the characters made the book even more captivating and kept you completely engaged. The book alternates between fast and slow pacing, changing at just the right times to make you want to read more. The writing style was very unique, unlike any other author I have read before. The scenes chosen for this book also gave a deeper insight on other parts of the story. The characters were well thought out, and you could see the clear purpose of what drove them, making them relatable, and helping to establish a closer connection with the characters. The plotline was on point, with no extra information thrown in, making the book easier to follow.
I look forward to reading more from this amazing author, and his unique writing style.
I look forward to reading more from this amazing author, and his unique writing style.
August 28, 2020
This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Layla's Song
Thank you to Paul McCracken for giving me a copy of Layla's Song in exchange for an honest review.
Michael left his criminal past behind him and started an honest life. But the one act he did to free himself, will put his family in danger. His daughter is kidnapped by his old gang, and they refuse to return her unless he pays a ransom. Michael has five days to come up with the money. His wife has left him and the only help he can find is his estranged brother. But will five days be enough time for the two of them to save Layla?
Paul McCracken chose the perfect structure for his story. Each chapter was another day Layla was missing and one step closer to her fate. Michael’s actions became increasingly more risky and desperate as the days wore on, and it helped ramp up the tension the reader felt as the book raced to its conclusion. However, even though there was plenty of action and the allure of a dark past for the main character, there needed to be more development around the secondary characters.
Michael’s wife is more of a stand in than an actual character. While the story doesn’t revolve around their relationship, I would have liked to see more of her in the beginning. And more of a struggle with them trying to deal with Layla’s kidnapping together. There was plenty of room for conflict between the two of them, but she left abruptly in anger. And Carl, Michael’s estranged brother, is another character the reader doesn’t know much about. Despite him being beside Michael for most of the story, the reader doesn’t see below the surface of his character. I also found quite a few grammatical errors while reading. Unfortunately, when I encounter these, they do pull me out of the narrative.
Despite its downfalls, Layla’s Song is a plot-driven story filled with gun battles and daring escapes. Michael isn’t afraid to dive back into his past, and do whatever he has to save his daughter. And expect to be thrown some twists and turns as Michael tries to navigate the shifty waters of the criminal world. This is one book that will keep you on your toes.
Thank you to Paul McCracken for giving me a copy of Layla's Song in exchange for an honest review.
Michael left his criminal past behind him and started an honest life. But the one act he did to free himself, will put his family in danger. His daughter is kidnapped by his old gang, and they refuse to return her unless he pays a ransom. Michael has five days to come up with the money. His wife has left him and the only help he can find is his estranged brother. But will five days be enough time for the two of them to save Layla?
Paul McCracken chose the perfect structure for his story. Each chapter was another day Layla was missing and one step closer to her fate. Michael’s actions became increasingly more risky and desperate as the days wore on, and it helped ramp up the tension the reader felt as the book raced to its conclusion. However, even though there was plenty of action and the allure of a dark past for the main character, there needed to be more development around the secondary characters.
Michael’s wife is more of a stand in than an actual character. While the story doesn’t revolve around their relationship, I would have liked to see more of her in the beginning. And more of a struggle with them trying to deal with Layla’s kidnapping together. There was plenty of room for conflict between the two of them, but she left abruptly in anger. And Carl, Michael’s estranged brother, is another character the reader doesn’t know much about. Despite him being beside Michael for most of the story, the reader doesn’t see below the surface of his character. I also found quite a few grammatical errors while reading. Unfortunately, when I encounter these, they do pull me out of the narrative.
Despite its downfalls, Layla’s Song is a plot-driven story filled with gun battles and daring escapes. Michael isn’t afraid to dive back into his past, and do whatever he has to save his daughter. And expect to be thrown some twists and turns as Michael tries to navigate the shifty waters of the criminal world. This is one book that will keep you on your toes.
August 24, 2020
I actually gave this book 3.5 stars but for some reason goodreads isn’t a fan of giving half stars!
Michael is married with a stable job and daughter, things seem to be going well. The last thing on his mind is his violent drug-running past. But when he receives a phone call from his old boss, things take a sinister turn. When his daughter Layla is kidnapped, Michael is given an ultimatum, deliver the money he owes or never see his daughter again. With only seven days to deliver one-hundred-thousand-pounds to Tommy his old boss, the stakes are high.
Well this defiantly gave me Taken vibes, albeit this book is a little grittier. Whilst initially being overwhelmed by the fast pace of the novel, the inciting incident happening almost immediately, I soon found myself swept up in the story. There were plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader engaged, one of which nearly gave me a heart attack. The book gives a great deal of insight into the seedy underbelly of Belfast and Dublin, with the characters becoming involved in abduction, drug running, fist fights, and murder. This being observed, the narrative is as much about familial ties as it is about the world of crime. Michael, who is driven by the love of his daughter to become involved in a world he would rather leave behind, enlists the help of his brother Carl. The brothers had some heart-warming moments which helps give the reader a rest from the action pact plot of the book.
This being said, I would have liked more character development as I didn’t quite feel connected to the characters. I felt like, other than David’s past association with the gangs of Dublin, I didn’t know much about him. This made it difficult for me root for his character.
In summary, I enjoyed this novel as it was different from what I would usually read! If you're a fan of David Baldacci and Lee Child this novel is for you, but I also think this would be a great introduction to the world of action-thrillers for anybody who is looking to dip their toe in the water but doesn't know where to start!
Michael is married with a stable job and daughter, things seem to be going well. The last thing on his mind is his violent drug-running past. But when he receives a phone call from his old boss, things take a sinister turn. When his daughter Layla is kidnapped, Michael is given an ultimatum, deliver the money he owes or never see his daughter again. With only seven days to deliver one-hundred-thousand-pounds to Tommy his old boss, the stakes are high.
Well this defiantly gave me Taken vibes, albeit this book is a little grittier. Whilst initially being overwhelmed by the fast pace of the novel, the inciting incident happening almost immediately, I soon found myself swept up in the story. There were plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader engaged, one of which nearly gave me a heart attack. The book gives a great deal of insight into the seedy underbelly of Belfast and Dublin, with the characters becoming involved in abduction, drug running, fist fights, and murder. This being observed, the narrative is as much about familial ties as it is about the world of crime. Michael, who is driven by the love of his daughter to become involved in a world he would rather leave behind, enlists the help of his brother Carl. The brothers had some heart-warming moments which helps give the reader a rest from the action pact plot of the book.
This being said, I would have liked more character development as I didn’t quite feel connected to the characters. I felt like, other than David’s past association with the gangs of Dublin, I didn’t know much about him. This made it difficult for me root for his character.
In summary, I enjoyed this novel as it was different from what I would usually read! If you're a fan of David Baldacci and Lee Child this novel is for you, but I also think this would be a great introduction to the world of action-thrillers for anybody who is looking to dip their toe in the water but doesn't know where to start!
August 28, 2020
If you want a book that's just complete thrills and amazing action. Then Layla's Song is perfect for you. I read this in one sitting, at 327 pages and full of tense thrills it was a breeze to whizz through.
Michael in the first couple of pages seems to be your average run of the mill bloke. Goes to work, has a wife and five year old daughter at home. Nothing too exciting to read about here you may think. That's until one phonecall unleashes hell on him. And, his dark past that he has kept hidden comes back to ruin everything that he has built up.
For a debut novel this is on the mark for a fast paced thriller. You really want to race through those pages to see what happens next to Michael. It definitely has vibes of Taken and 24 where at every turn there is a new obstacle for Michael to contend with.
Because Layla's Song is so fast paced and focused on the tension, there is no time to go in-depth with character development. But, I don't think this is a negative at all. We know enough about Michael and those close to him, we know he will do anything to save his family. But, how far will Michael go to save Layla?
Thank you so much to Paul for my gifted digital copy.
Michael in the first couple of pages seems to be your average run of the mill bloke. Goes to work, has a wife and five year old daughter at home. Nothing too exciting to read about here you may think. That's until one phonecall unleashes hell on him. And, his dark past that he has kept hidden comes back to ruin everything that he has built up.
For a debut novel this is on the mark for a fast paced thriller. You really want to race through those pages to see what happens next to Michael. It definitely has vibes of Taken and 24 where at every turn there is a new obstacle for Michael to contend with.
Because Layla's Song is so fast paced and focused on the tension, there is no time to go in-depth with character development. But, I don't think this is a negative at all. We know enough about Michael and those close to him, we know he will do anything to save his family. But, how far will Michael go to save Layla?
Thank you so much to Paul for my gifted digital copy.
March 23, 2021
Brilliant storyteller
Brilliant well written thrilling. I would like to read more from the author. Love the northern Ireland links. Great story
Brilliant well written thrilling. I would like to read more from the author. Love the northern Ireland links. Great story
August 1, 2020
This is a fast paced thriller with no let up in the events of the story. Michael must come up with a way to rescue his daughter which leads him through one turbulent event after another with his brother. I enjoyed the simple, straightforward writing of this book. By keeping it simple Paul has managed to keep focus on the action from the start to the ending of the story.
If I could award half stars I would make this a 3.5 rating as I feel it’s more than a 3 but not quite a 4 for me. I felt that at times the writing was jumpy and did seem to skip events or have them slightly out of order. This did cause a bit of confusion.
I would recommend this to anyone who likes fast paced action with a main character who shows he will do anything to protect his family.
If I could award half stars I would make this a 3.5 rating as I feel it’s more than a 3 but not quite a 4 for me. I felt that at times the writing was jumpy and did seem to skip events or have them slightly out of order. This did cause a bit of confusion.
I would recommend this to anyone who likes fast paced action with a main character who shows he will do anything to protect his family.
March 25, 2020
Thanks to Paul McCracken for the interest on the site and review request and copy of his thriller ‘Layla’s Song’.
A gangland story set in Northern Ireland about a father and ex gangster, Out of the the game and making a new life for himself and his young family.
His world is ripped apart when an old gang boss discovers his whereabouts and kidnaps his daughter. In return he wants 100k in 5 days, recovering what Micheal cost him years ago.
Forced to return to his past, Micheal goes all out to ensure the safe return of his daughter..
A rip roaring action filled gangster led tale ensues, at times this is break-neck stuff, it whistles along as Micheal hunts down his prey with ferocity,
It’s a cracking story, not overly long in length but big in story, as Paul McCracken writes his story with verve and tenacity.
I hope to read more from this promising author in future.
4🔥🔥🔥🔥
A gangland story set in Northern Ireland about a father and ex gangster, Out of the the game and making a new life for himself and his young family.
His world is ripped apart when an old gang boss discovers his whereabouts and kidnaps his daughter. In return he wants 100k in 5 days, recovering what Micheal cost him years ago.
Forced to return to his past, Micheal goes all out to ensure the safe return of his daughter..
A rip roaring action filled gangster led tale ensues, at times this is break-neck stuff, it whistles along as Micheal hunts down his prey with ferocity,
It’s a cracking story, not overly long in length but big in story, as Paul McCracken writes his story with verve and tenacity.
I hope to read more from this promising author in future.
4🔥🔥🔥🔥
June 25, 2020
David is the father to 5-year old Layla. After a mysterious phone call, some men break into his house and kidnap his daughter. That’s when his past catches up with him. They can’t call the cops or they will never get Layla back. But David vows to her back, no matter what.
At first, this story was fairly easy to get into with its simplistic writing style, but then it gets dragging down by such a lagging pace, which doesn’t make it that exciting.
It had a good start and I liked the premise, but, overall, the read wasn’t as good as I expected it to be. It was just okay.
At first, this story was fairly easy to get into with its simplistic writing style, but then it gets dragging down by such a lagging pace, which doesn’t make it that exciting.
It had a good start and I liked the premise, but, overall, the read wasn’t as good as I expected it to be. It was just okay.
May 20, 2018
A great and fast-paced story that kept me hooked.
Interesting plots and subplots that made me think how it might end.
All-in-all, a good book that I just happened to have stumbled upon and glad I did.
Interesting plots and subplots that made me think how it might end.
All-in-all, a good book that I just happened to have stumbled upon and glad I did.
September 7, 2020
A slick, pacy adrenaline fuelled thriller
Paul McCracken makes an excellent debut in this breathless crime novel. Writing with style and confidence he delivers a sparkling read which has enough action and emotion to keep the most demanding crime fan happy. A superb book.
Paul McCracken makes an excellent debut in this breathless crime novel. Writing with style and confidence he delivers a sparkling read which has enough action and emotion to keep the most demanding crime fan happy. A superb book.
May 20, 2018
Great read. Couldn't put it down. Glad I happened to have stumbled upon this title.
May 20, 2018
Brilliant story with an excellent writing style which is both easy to read and stylistic.
May 20, 2018
An author to watch.
Superb storytelling.
Superb storytelling.
July 27, 2020
Gritty, violent journey through then Belfast underworld. A father has to return to his criminal roots after his daughter is kidnapped. McCracken is an author to watch.
October 23, 2020
I recently reviewed this book as part of team at https://whisperingstories.com/ and awarded 3.5 stars.
August 2, 2020
This was an okay book but I just didn't link in with the characters and found the story just didn't jive with me. It was well written though
September 11, 2020
3/5 Stars! Full review is on my blog: Layla's Song Review
I received a copy of this book to review, and I enjoyed the plot a lot. There are some great plot twists and foreshadowing of those twists. I also enjoyed the dialogue and thought McCracken did a good job of managing/explaining the movements of characters in action scenes.
My biggest issue is that I wanted more from the secondary characters. I couldn't understand their motivations and thought they lacked agency within the story. Although, I did enjoy the main character and was able to empathize with him despite having very little in common with him.
Overall, this a great action-packed book, but I prefer character driven stories, and I thought the characters were lacking.
If you want to read more of my thoughts, a full review is on my blog.
I received a copy of this book to review, and I enjoyed the plot a lot. There are some great plot twists and foreshadowing of those twists. I also enjoyed the dialogue and thought McCracken did a good job of managing/explaining the movements of characters in action scenes.
My biggest issue is that I wanted more from the secondary characters. I couldn't understand their motivations and thought they lacked agency within the story. Although, I did enjoy the main character and was able to empathize with him despite having very little in common with him.
Overall, this a great action-packed book, but I prefer character driven stories, and I thought the characters were lacking.
If you want to read more of my thoughts, a full review is on my blog.
August 30, 2020
My thoughts about this brilliantly written, gripping, fast tensed, gangster action packed thriller, was just fantastic, with amazing characters. A powerful story about a father, who would do anything to save his daughter,from the gangsters, who have kidnapped Michael's daughter and asking for a ransom, which is linked to Michaels dangerous past. He has to return to the criminal underworld, with the help of his brother Carl, if he has to save his daughter from the criminal dangerous kidnappers,this leads him to the streets of Belfast and Dublin, a brilliant fast tensed story, that kept me on the edge of my seat. Debut Author Paul McCracken's writing style, is just incredible, loved how he's written a fast tensed thriller, that truly deserves appreciation, a nail biting ending, to find out who the villain's were was just fantastic, Paul McCracken's Layla's Song has some heart touching moments between Father And Daughter, which really touched my heart, as I'm also a father of a daughter. A brilliantly well written action thriller, that will truly will blow you away. Highly recommended. I Would like to say thank you to author Paul McCracken, for giving me a chance to read and review, this outstanding gripping action thriller, that also has brilliant action sequences. Can not wait what Paul writes next. 💥💥💥💥💥⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews