Dark September

by Brendan Gerad O'Brien

An alternate history thriller1940. Germany invade Britain. Storm-troopers swarm ashore along the South Wales coast to capture the steelworks and coal mines.Newport is blitzed. Danny O’Shea’s wife is killed. His young son has learning difficulties. Terrified of what the Nazis will do to him, O’Shea heads to neutral Ireland. But they witness Welsh Nationalists ambushing a German convoy carrying a mysterious cargo. Then the Nationalists fall out and the cargo disappears. Then O'Shea goes to the aid of a dying woman - and both the Germans and the Nationalists believe she told him where it’s hidden. Suddenly O'Shea is separated from his son and catapulted into a world of betrayal and brutal double-cross. Pursued by both the Germans and the insurgents, his only concern is to find his son and get him to safety.

330 pages, ebook

Published February 2, 2019

About the author

Originally from Tralee, on the west coast of Ireland, I now live in Newport, South Wales with my wife Jennifer and daughters Shelly and Sarah.
When I won my first writing competition I was so excited I ran all the way home. I was about eight years old. The Fun Fair was coming to town and our English teacher asked us to write an essay about it. I won the only prize - a book of ten tickets for the fair.
My uncle Moss Scanlon had a Harnessmaker’s shop in Listowel, and I spent some wonderful holidays there. The shop was a magnet for all sorts of colourful characters who’d wander in for a chat and a bit of jovial banter. One famous storyteller who often popped in was John B Keane, and I was there when John B’s first story was read out on Radio Eireann. I can still remember the buzz of excitement. And I dreamt of being a writer too.
But it was only when I got married and the children came along that I made any serious attempt to write a book.
The result was Dark September, an alternative history thriller set in Newport during WW2. Germany invade Britain. Stormtroopers attack the South Wales coast to capture the coal mines. Newport is blitzed. Irishman Danny O’Shea’s wife is killed. O’Shea heads for neutral Ireland with his son …
I find writing very therapeutic. I get a great buzz from taking an idea and developing it, often watching it evolve into something completely different from how it started out. Great ideas are all around us. Little gems are waiting to be harvested everywhere. I find myself listening to what people are saying, and the way they say it.
For instance, the Irish are famous for their colourful and exaggerated language, always using a dozen words when one would do. So I set all my stories in Ireland. The names are changed, of course, because I don’t earn enough to survive a lawsuit.
The title of my collection of short stories, Dreamin’ Dreams, comes from something my father said years ago when I got poor grades at school. ‘What do you expect?’ he told my mother. ‘He never does any studying. He just sits there, dreamin’ dreams.’
The characters are all based on real people who passed through my life at some time or other, or events that actually happened to me. Enhanced, of course, and sometimes exaggerated out of all proportion.
My second novel, Gallows Field, introduces Eamon Foley, a Local Security volunteer. Set in Tralee in 1941, Foley is in a crowded pub when his brother-in-law Joe McCarthy is shot dead. And no one sees a thing.
In A Pale Moon Was Rising, Eamon Foley is now a guard. A young man’s body is pulled from the River Lee. He’s wearing a distinctive silver ring that belonged to Paudy Daly, the eldest son of the notorious Mixer Daly.
A Crack in the Ice is the third in the series of murder mysteries featuring Guard Eamon Foley.
A Murder in a Different Light is the fourth Guard Eamon Foley thriller. Ireland 1947. Seven weeks of relentless snow. Guard Eamon Foley is searching for a missing child.
At Toby Appleyard’s farm, he discovers the kitchen littered with dead cats. And the skeletal remains of a woman. Upstairs, Toby is dead in his bed.
Footsteps is a stand-alone thriller set in 1967, the summer of love. Dakota Lacey, a young American backpacker, arrives in a beautiful Irish seaside town on a glorious holiday weekend.
There are a load of interesting ideas fermenting in my mind right now, but the hard part is trying to isolate the good ones and mould them into some sort of story that will make sense. Wish me luck, and thank you for taking the time to read my ramblings. Have a good day.

Reviews

[Keith · Rating 5 out of 5]

In an alternative history where German invades Britain, Dark September by author Brendan Gerad O'Brien, tells the tale of a father as he tries to protect his son during world war two. Brendan's début novel reveals him to be fully conversant with all aspects of war as its the authentic tone that had me hooked. A highly entertaining read, full of tension and well drawn characters, as the reader will experience what the characters feel through their love, their loss and their fear. One final note - its very violent in parts, but I suppose that's war!

[Texas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Footsteps - This is my first book by this author and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Well written and intriguing, the storylines meshed well and were interesting throughout the pages. There's plenty of suspense and while there's violence, it is not graphic. Also there's no vulgar language, just storytelling at its best. There are a variety of characters, foreign and Irish, all developed enough to play their parts. There's good dialog, thinking patterns and a touch of Irish magic at the end. Nope, no leprechauns in this story. Mr. O'Brien does a wonderful job of describing the beauty of Ireland, the charm of her people, as well as the actions, thoughts and events that make this an interesting read. If you like Baldacci or Follette, you'll enjoy this author's work as well. I was lucky enough to read this story in paperback; what a pleasure. The pages were thick enough where you didn't see the print on the other side; the book is a comfortable size for holding; and the serif font was large enough for most people. There were only four errors, which makes this one of the best edited books I've come across in the last two years. I contacted the author to review his book. 5*

Gallows Field #1 - Mr. O'Brien is a wonderful storyteller/writer/author/pick your label. This book is full of storylines that twist and turn, tell about Irish life during WWII, and keep the reader immersed until the last page. I read the books out of order (no harm done), yet I could not put either book down until I finished them and I missed a night's sleep chain reading. The talents of this author is evident with his writing style, his vivid, clear descriptions and his human characters. Their dialog is realistic and they suffer all the emotions and the problems being a person. The Guard is the main character in this story and his journey through the pages is mesmerizing. There is a lot of sorrow but at the same token, there is love, determination and everything in balance. I felt for all the characters, whether good or bad events, since Mr. O'Brien has an easy to read, in depth writing style, which is similar to sitting on the front porch with a cold drink while chatting with old friends. His words and imagination draw the reader deep into the pages and too soon the story ends. I purchased the Kindle edition over a year ago but could not find it in my library now. I was lucky enough to read this story in paperback; what a pleasure. The pages were thick enough where you didn't see the print on the other side; the book is a comfortable size for holding; and the serif font was large enough for most people - the only way to read a good book in my opinion. I contacted the author to review his books and I am so fortunate to have such a good writer in my top five favorite authors. If you like Ludlum and that company, you will enjoy the books of Mr. O'Brien. 5*

A Pale Moon Was Rising #2 - Mr. O'Brien has yet to disappoint me and he has become one of my favorite authors. The evolving storylines, set during the end of WWII, in Ireland, tell an interesting tale of murder, mystery, heartbreak and horror. I liked many of the characters, but the my favorite is the Guard; he takes his job further than required and uncovers secrets and horrors that weave the fabric of this story. There is also much good and gives a balanced picture of what life was like in that era. I was so involved with this story, I did not pay attention to the time and finished it at 0400 hours. Not many Indie books keep me awake nowadays - some even put me to sleep in the middle of the day. I was lucky enough to read this story in paperback; what a pleasure. The pages were thick enough where you didn't see the print on the other side; the book is a comfortable size for holding; and the serif font was large enough for most people. I contacted Mr. O'Brien to review his books and he shared this fine example of his wonderful talent of storytelling and vivid imagination and descriptions. 5*

Dark September – I loved this well written story but could not stomach the main character. Such a whiner, he expected everyone to help him but he did not lift a finger to help another, including children. Not a smart man but a loving father and husband who had abandoned his mother and sisters after he promised to support them. Anyway, the storylines are interesting, so much that although I disliked Danny more and more as the pages flew by, I could not put the well edited book down. The characters run the gamut from OK to not very nice to wacky. Yep, quite a few were certainly sideswiped by a mule if not kicked straight on. The pace is continuous, and although not real history but an alternative twist, I found it intriguing and filled with drama and suspense, along with plenty of figuring on my part of what would happen next. Besides wanting to cuff Danny continuously, his mistakes and lack of grey matter created a hard to put down read. I was lucky enough to read this story in paperback; what a pleasure. The pages were thick enough where you didn't see the print on the other side; the book is a comfortable size for holding; and the serif font was large enough for most people. I contacted the author to review his work. 5*

Dreamin' Dreams - Mr. O'Brien is a gifted storyteller, or is this just an Irish trait passed down the generations. His stories ranged the gamut of emotions and genre. He does equally well whether it's everyday life or humor or despair or a touch of magic. I came across a couple of his short stories almost a year ago, which while I remembered them I had forgotten Mr. O'Brien's name, and recently Footsteps, a delightful read full of life and a touch of magic. Part of Footsteps is included in this book. I'd read Footsteps first, since there's a lot more to the story. Along with Footsteps, this book keeps the author in my memory as someone I will always want to read again. A variety of shorts told in the Irish conversational style complete with Irish English and the intrigue and suspense that keeps the reader immersed in these glimpses of another world. It is pleasant to read books that tell a clean story and well edited. They're perfect for coffee breaks or a few minutes relaxation. I read the paperback, which I found a comfortable size to hold and the font was easy to read along with plenty of whitespace. No fumes either. 5 stars. I Dreamed another Dream - Intriguing. Reincarnation, you say? A Very Peculiar Christmas Holiday - A lucky chance or not? Bunny Dundee - From donkeys to dancing. Dapper Danny's Amazing Welsh Cousin - Wants to be remembered in life and death. Eavesdropping - Surprised. Discovered. The Last Confession of Father Stone - He's still tending his flock. Can't Take You Home Again, Kathleen - My favorite of the shorts. The ravages of war and age on love. Last Train to Cork City - There's consequences to everything. The Ghost of the Silver Screen - Peaking into the past has the past in the present. My Brother's Half-Crown - Misfortune gives opportunity. Spider's Web - Can't be too secretive. The Big White Coffin - The imaginations of seven-year-olds. The First Cut - How funny! Maeve Ryan's Wicked Secret - Oh dear, assumptions without proof. Exorcizing Uncle Peter - Rather intriguing, opens the imagination to run wild. Who's that in the Attic? - Poor Grandfather. Dressmaker - Pretentiousness from herself. Remember Me? - Very intriguing. Footsteps - Read the complete novel, if possible. Leg O'Lamb: Village Butcher - Don't mess with a man's food. Dreamin' Dreams end. 5*

[Texas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark September – I loved this well written story but could not stomach the main character. Such a whiner, he expected everyone to help him but he did not lift a finger to help another, including children. Not a smart man but a loving father and husband who had abandoned his mother and sisters after he promised to support them.

Anyway, the storylines are interesting, so much that although I disliked Danny more and more as the pages flew by, I could not put the well edited book down. The characters run the gamut from OK to not very nice to wacky. Yep, quite a few were certainly sideswiped by a mule if not kicked straight on. The pace is continuous, and although not real history but an alternative twist, I found it intriguing and filled with drama and suspense, along with plenty of figuring on my part of what would happen next. Besides wanting to cuff Danny continuously, his mistakes and lack of grey matter created a hard to put down read.

I was lucky enough to read this story in paperback; what a pleasure. The pages were thick enough where you didn't see the print on the other side; the book is a comfortable size for holding; and the serif font was large enough for most people. I contacted the author to review his work. 5*

Footsteps - This is my first book by this author and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Well written and intriguing, the storylines meshed well and were interesting throughout the pages. There's plenty of suspense and while there's violence, it is not graphic. Also there's no vulgar language, just storytelling at its best. There are a variety of characters, foreign and Irish, all developed enough to play their parts.

There's good dialog, thinking patterns and a touch of Irish magic at the end. Nope, no leprechauns in this story. Mr. O'Brien does a wonderful job of describing the beauty of Ireland, the charm of her people, as well as the actions, thoughts and events that make this an interesting read. If you like Baldacci or Follette, you'll enjoy this author's work as well.

I was lucky enough to read this story in paperback; what a pleasure. The pages were thick enough where you didn't see the print on the other side; the book is a comfortable size for holding; and the serif font was large enough for most people. There were only four errors, which makes this one of the best edited books I've come across in the last two years. I contacted the author to review his book. 5*

Gallows Field #1 - Mr. O'Brien is a wonderful storyteller/writer/author/pick your label. This book is full of storylines that twist and turn, tell about Irish life during WWII, and keep the reader immersed until the last page. I read the books out of order (no harm done), yet I could not put either book down until I finished them and I missed a night's sleep chain reading. The talents of this author is evident with his writing style, his vivid, clear descriptions and his human characters. Their dialog is realistic and they suffer all the emotions and the problems being a person. The Guard is the main character in this story and his journey through the pages is mesmerizing. There is a lot of sorrow but at the same token, there is love, determination and everything in balance.

I felt for all the characters, whether good or bad events, since Mr. O'Brien has an easy to read, in depth writing style, which is similar to sitting on the front porch with a cold drink while chatting with old friends. His words and imagination draw the reader deep into the pages and too soon the story ends. I purchased the Kindle edition over a year ago but could not find it in my library now.

I was lucky enough to read this story in paperback; what a pleasure. The pages were thick enough where you didn't see the print on the other side; the book is a comfortable size for holding; and the serif font was large enough for most people - the only way to read a good book in my opinion. I contacted the author to review his books and I am so fortunate to have such a good writer in my top five favorite authors. If you like Ludlum and that company, you will enjoy the books of Mr. O'Brien. 5*

A Pale Moon Was Rising #2 - Mr. O'Brien has yet to disappoint me and he has become one of my favorite authors. The evolving storylines, set during the end of WWII, in Ireland, tell an interesting tale of murder, mystery, heartbreak and horror. I liked many of the characters, but the my favorite is the Guard; he takes his job further than required and uncovers secrets and horrors that weave the fabric of this story.

There is also much good and gives a balanced picture of what life was like in that era. I was so involved with this story, I did not pay attention to the time and finished it at 0400 hours. Not many Indie books keep me awake nowadays - some even put me to sleep in the middle of the day. I was lucky enough to read this story in paperback; what a pleasure. The pages were thick enough where you didn't see the print on the other side; the book is a comfortable size for holding; and the serif font was large enough for most people. I contacted Mr. O'Brien to review his books and he shared this fine example of his wonderful talent of storytelling and vivid imagination and descriptions. 5*

[Texas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark September – I loved this well written story but could not stomach the main character. Such a whiner, he expected everyone to help him but he did not lift a finger to help another, including children. Not a smart man but a loving father and husband who had abandoned his mother and sisters after he promised to support them.

Anyway, the storylines are interesting, so much that although I disliked Danny more and more as the pages flew by, I could not put the well edited book down. The characters run the gamut from OK to not very nice to wacky. Yep, quite a few were certainly sideswiped by a mule if not kicked straight on. The pace is continuous, and although not real history but an alternative twist, I found it intriguing and filled with drama and suspense, along with plenty of figuring on my part of what would happen next. Besides wanting to cuff Danny continuously, his mistakes and lack of grey matter created a hard to put down read.

I was lucky enough to read this story in paperback; what a pleasure. The pages were thick enough where you didn't see the print on the other side; the book is a comfortable size for holding; and the serif font was large enough for most people. I contacted the author to review his work. 5*

Footsteps - This is my first book by this author and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Well written and intriguing, the storylines meshed well and were interesting throughout the pages. There's plenty of suspense and while there's violence, it is not graphic. Also there's no vulgar language, just storytelling at its best. There are a variety of characters, foreign and Irish, all developed enough to play their parts.

There's good dialog, thinking patterns and a touch of Irish magic at the end. Nope, no leprechauns in this story. Mr. O'Brien does a wonderful job of describing the beauty of Ireland, the charm of her people, as well as the actions, thoughts and events that make this an interesting read. If you like Baldacci or Follette, you'll enjoy this author's work as well.

I was lucky enough to read this story in paperback; what a pleasure. The pages were thick enough where you didn't see the print on the other side; the book is a comfortable size for holding; and the serif font was large enough for most people. There were only four errors, which makes this one of the best edited books I've come across in the last two years. I contacted the author to review his book. 5*

Gallows Field #1 - Mr. O'Brien is a wonderful storyteller/writer/author/pick your label. This book is full of storylines that twist and turn, tell about Irish life during WWII, and keep the reader immersed until the last page. I read the books out of order (no harm done), yet I could not put either book down until I finished them and I missed a night's sleep chain reading. The talents of this author is evident with his writing style, his vivid, clear descriptions and his human characters. Their dialog is realistic and they suffer all the emotions and the problems being a person. The Guard is the main character in this story and his journey through the pages is mesmerizing. There is a lot of sorrow but at the same token, there is love, determination and everything in balance.

I felt for all the characters, whether good or bad events, since Mr. O'Brien has an easy to read, in depth writing style, which is similar to sitting on the front porch with a cold drink while chatting with old friends. His words and imagination draw the reader deep into the pages and too soon the story ends. I purchased the Kindle edition over a year ago but could not find it in my library now.

I was lucky enough to read this story in paperback; what a pleasure. The pages were thick enough where you didn't see the print on the other side; the book is a comfortable size for holding; and the serif font was large enough for most people - the only way to read a good book in my opinion. I contacted the author to review his books and I am so fortunate to have such a good writer in my top five favorite authors. If you like Ludlum and that company, you will enjoy the books of Mr. O'Brien. 5*

A Pale Moon Was Rising #2 - Mr. O'Brien has yet to disappoint me and he has become one of my favorite authors. The evolving storylines, set during the end of WWII, in Ireland, tell an interesting tale of murder, mystery, heartbreak and horror. I liked many of the characters, but the my favorite is the Guard; he takes his job further than required and uncovers secrets and horrors that weave the fabric of this story.

There is also much good and gives a balanced picture of what life was like in that era. I was so involved with this story, I did not pay attention to the time and finished it at 0400 hours. Not many Indie books keep me awake nowadays - some even put me to sleep in the middle of the day. I was lucky enough to read this story in paperback; what a pleasure. The pages were thick enough where you didn't see the print on the other side; the book is a comfortable size for holding; and the serif font was large enough for most people. I contacted Mr. O'Brien to review his books and he shared this fine example of his wonderful talent of storytelling and vivid imagination and descriptions. 5*

[Christoph Fischer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hesitated to read this book because it is about the bleak scenario of a 'what if' Hitler had won the war.
Here, the Uk and Wales in particular are invaded by the Nazis.
The idea is not new, admittedly. Many an alternate history book have tried to imagine the harsh reality of such a scenario.
O'Brien's novel stands out because of his understated approach. Instead of going over the top and creating a futuristic fantasy, he paints in more realistic tones and stays within the more serious parameters of actual historical fiction. This makes the book all the more effective and dark.
The pace is perfect, too. I will remember this for times to come.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not a big fan of alternate history, I picked this book up because of its location in Wales. It depicts a Britain after a successful invasion by the Nazis. I was instantly impressed though with the realistic way all of this was handled. Instead of over-the-top fantasies and far-fetched ideas about life under the Nazis, this reads like serious and well researched historical fiction. Plausible and also gripping with just the right dose of suspense, this is rather good.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fictional book about a father and son. It is a story about the trials one father has to protect his son from the Natzis. You will become engrossed in the twists and turns. None can predict what will be next for this father and son. It is a story that grabs you from the very start. It is a book I highly recommend.

[Olaitan Adenike]

This is a fantastic book! I can boldly recommend it to everyone.