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The Dublin Homicides #2
A Fatal Liaison
Two dead bodies in the Dublin mountains. What’s the connection between them?
A man is found in his car, having met a painful death. Another man is found in the woods, clearly murdered.
DI Aidan Burke seeks to establish the connection between these deaths. The first man is a wealthy property developer. Little is known about the second victim.
Burke’s sergeant, DS Fiona Moore, sets to work gathering evidence. But the investigation turns up some unusual findings that point to serious organised criminal activity.
Soon the race is on to collar suspects who are escaping to mainland Europe and out of their reach.
Will the mix of DI Burke’s unconventional methods and DS Moore’s steady police work catch the culprits?
A man is found in his car, having met a painful death. Another man is found in the woods, clearly murdered.
DI Aidan Burke seeks to establish the connection between these deaths. The first man is a wealthy property developer. Little is known about the second victim.
Burke’s sergeant, DS Fiona Moore, sets to work gathering evidence. But the investigation turns up some unusual findings that point to serious organised criminal activity.
Soon the race is on to collar suspects who are escaping to mainland Europe and out of their reach.
Will the mix of DI Burke’s unconventional methods and DS Moore’s steady police work catch the culprits?
211 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 10, 2020
About the author
David Pearson
35 books122 followersOne of Ireland's most prolific crime writers, David has a total of 25 books published to date across four separate series.
The Galway Homicides - set in and around Clifden on the Wild Atlantic Way
The Dublin Homicides - a grittier set of 6 stories set in the capital of Ireland
The Wexford Homicides - introducing DI Vikki Kirkby
The Mayo Murders - a new series set in and around Westport in County Mayo featuring DI Martin O'Shea and DS Deirdre Maguire.
The Galway Homicides - set in and around Clifden on the Wild Atlantic Way
The Dublin Homicides - a grittier set of 6 stories set in the capital of Ireland
The Wexford Homicides - introducing DI Vikki Kirkby
The Mayo Murders - a new series set in and around Westport in County Mayo featuring DI Martin O'Shea and DS Deirdre Maguire.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
November 27, 2023
Now I have given this series a fair chance I shall drop out. Two books is enough for me. The main figure is egotistical, mechanical and unappealing. The young woman working under him should be credited for doing the "real" work of a detective but she is not. The writing is cumbersome and mechanical. I'm out.
I was drawn to it because I like Dublin and Trinity College, but even they are not presented favorably.
Kindle Unlimited
I was drawn to it because I like Dublin and Trinity College, but even they are not presented favorably.
Kindle Unlimited
April 19, 2025
Two lifeless bodies are found in the Dublin mountains, shrouded in mystery. The grim discovery begins with a man found slumped in his car, the evidence showing a slow, agonizing death. Meanwhile, deep within the underbrush, another man is discovered, his body brutally murdered.
Detective Inspector Aidan Burke is tasked with unraveling the connection between these two tragic fates. The first victim, a wealthy property developer, lived a life of privilege, yet little is known of the second, whose identity remains unknown.
Burke’s resourceful sergeant, DS Fiona Moore, gathers the evidence, revealing a series of bizarre and unexpected findings that hint at a dark underbelly of organized criminal activity.
If you enjoy British procedural crime novels, this book is an excellent choice, particularly if you're seeking a compelling, easy read that will keep you guessing. With its plot twists and well-drawn characters amid a well-depicted setting. The writing style is engaging and straightforward, making it perfect for both fans of the genre and newcomers.
Detective Inspector Aidan Burke is tasked with unraveling the connection between these two tragic fates. The first victim, a wealthy property developer, lived a life of privilege, yet little is known of the second, whose identity remains unknown.
Burke’s resourceful sergeant, DS Fiona Moore, gathers the evidence, revealing a series of bizarre and unexpected findings that hint at a dark underbelly of organized criminal activity.
If you enjoy British procedural crime novels, this book is an excellent choice, particularly if you're seeking a compelling, easy read that will keep you guessing. With its plot twists and well-drawn characters amid a well-depicted setting. The writing style is engaging and straightforward, making it perfect for both fans of the genre and newcomers.
February 22, 2020
A Fatal Liaison is a winning second instalment in David Pearson’s new crime series. This story opens with two dead bodies (always a good start in a crime novel), but what connects the two dead men? So many questions, so many twists.
As Burke and Moore delve into the crimes, the plot thickens and there are links to organised crime. This time, Burke and Moore are dealing with agencies in Europe and beyond which is an entertaining turn of events. As in the first book in this series, Deadly Dividend, the relationship between Aidan and Fiona is fascinating. I particularly enjoyed the mix of their varying approaches to police work.
With plenty of leads and twists, as well as a thoroughly entertaining plot, this fascinating police procedural is a must read. If you’re looking for a new series and enjoy mysteries, you won’t be disappointed!
As Burke and Moore delve into the crimes, the plot thickens and there are links to organised crime. This time, Burke and Moore are dealing with agencies in Europe and beyond which is an entertaining turn of events. As in the first book in this series, Deadly Dividend, the relationship between Aidan and Fiona is fascinating. I particularly enjoyed the mix of their varying approaches to police work.
With plenty of leads and twists, as well as a thoroughly entertaining plot, this fascinating police procedural is a must read. If you’re looking for a new series and enjoy mysteries, you won’t be disappointed!
March 12, 2023
Another solid police procedural set in Dublin! The relationships between characters is beginning to evolve and the crime in Ireland's biggest city is on the run. This time besides a double murder, there is human trafficing and embezzlement in the mix. Our team is on the job and everything gets sorted!
July 25, 2021
Liked the first one better. Kept getting distracted with this one.
October 4, 2023
I quite enjoyed the first book, and I would likely enjoy others, but this one was all around disappointing. The small thing, the partner relationship between the main two characters had started to evolve in the first book, and I was curious how that would develop, but they seemed like barely acquaintances in this one, without any explanation. It made his character, especially, feel one dimensional, and their strained relationship was no fun at all.
But more disappointing, the mystery was very flat and felt like it consisted of 'Who *doesn't* want to kill gay people amIright?!?'... This book was only published in 2020! Wth? I could absolutely buy a couple villains thinking that way, but sheesh, even the main male character, a law enforcer, was basically 'I can't condone it, but I do sympathize' in his own mind. ?? And the main character *sympathizes* with this %$er just because he's 'from a different time'?? The majority of Irish voters passed marriage equality five years before this. But even way before that it wasn't just legal to murder people because you disapproved of them! major spoilers -> Ffs. It was a very strange and disturbing stance to take.
On top of that, I'm not sure the mystery entirely held water. major spoiler ->
It was all around pretty terrible.
But more disappointing, the mystery was very flat and felt like it consisted of 'Who *doesn't* want to kill gay people amIright?!?'... This book was only published in 2020! Wth? I could absolutely buy a couple villains thinking that way, but sheesh, even the main male character, a law enforcer, was basically 'I can't condone it, but I do sympathize' in his own mind. ?? And the main character *sympathizes* with this %$er just because he's 'from a different time'?? The majority of Irish voters passed marriage equality five years before this. But even way before that it wasn't just legal to murder people because you disapproved of them! major spoilers -> Ffs. It was a very strange and disturbing stance to take.
On top of that, I'm not sure the mystery entirely held water. major spoiler ->
It was all around pretty terrible.
May 19, 2026
I have struggled through over 20 books by this author. As Kathy says in here review the writing is mechanical and Cumbersome.
Aidan Burke, the lead detective in this series has a number of ethical flaws that are not adequately addresssed, or even treated as virtuous, by the author.
1) He is a misogynist. (See review by Kathy.) Hopefully he overcomes this flaw in a later book in the series.
2) He abuses suspects, on the basis that he gets results. I todays world of increased authoritarianism and ICE abuse and murder of immigrants and citizens in the USA, even literature that fails to encourage fair treatment by authorities needs to becalled out as unacceptable. This is atheme that runs through Person's books. After 20 books, I have notseen any change on this by the author.
3) The two murders in this book are justified and minimized by what is essentially the "gay panic" defense. In this decade ofthe2020s, there is no excuse for using that defense, It is very similar to the white fragility (or muslim revenge) that is driving extreme movements in our world today.
This is not a book with an interesting or healthy message.
The only redeeming qualities are the clear (but implicit) recognition that the subordinate female officer is actually doing the most to solve cases and the special treatment given to a smuggled immigrant (and his family) as payback for helping the police. (Those earned the two stars.)
Aidan Burke, the lead detective in this series has a number of ethical flaws that are not adequately addresssed, or even treated as virtuous, by the author.
1) He is a misogynist. (See review by Kathy.) Hopefully he overcomes this flaw in a later book in the series.
2) He abuses suspects, on the basis that he gets results. I todays world of increased authoritarianism and ICE abuse and murder of immigrants and citizens in the USA, even literature that fails to encourage fair treatment by authorities needs to becalled out as unacceptable. This is atheme that runs through Person's books. After 20 books, I have notseen any change on this by the author.
3) The two murders in this book are justified and minimized by what is essentially the "gay panic" defense. In this decade ofthe2020s, there is no excuse for using that defense, It is very similar to the white fragility (or muslim revenge) that is driving extreme movements in our world today.
This is not a book with an interesting or healthy message.
The only redeeming qualities are the clear (but implicit) recognition that the subordinate female officer is actually doing the most to solve cases and the special treatment given to a smuggled immigrant (and his family) as payback for helping the police. (Those earned the two stars.)
February 10, 2020
Probably more a 3.5 rating. A very good book that deals with real and unpleasant issues. A bit predictable at times; I guessed the principal plot issues and the people responsible.
Characters that appeared to be working well together in the previous book now seem more prickly.
Burke and Moore, in this book, have dealings with law enforcement agencies in Northern Ireland, the UK, France and a non EU nation. It's quite interesting to see the workings but how true who can say?
Is there one issue connecting the death of a businessman with other shenanigans or is it much more complicated? Two connected deaths- one or two murderers? And what is the story behind the dead man's property companies?
Elements of a morality tale.
The epilogue jumps into the future to tie up some threads. Good in some ways but perhaps not artistically good for the novel.
Characters that appeared to be working well together in the previous book now seem more prickly.
Burke and Moore, in this book, have dealings with law enforcement agencies in Northern Ireland, the UK, France and a non EU nation. It's quite interesting to see the workings but how true who can say?
Is there one issue connecting the death of a businessman with other shenanigans or is it much more complicated? Two connected deaths- one or two murderers? And what is the story behind the dead man's property companies?
Elements of a morality tale.
The epilogue jumps into the future to tie up some threads. Good in some ways but perhaps not artistically good for the novel.
December 21, 2021
I waivered between 3 and 4 stars, and wanted to give it 3-1/2 stars, mainly because the writing is a bit unpolished. when I first started reading the book, I felt like I was reading something written by a novice writer. It just had that feel to it. Everything seemed to be described in too much detail - as if the author had just taken a writing class and been told to be specific with details. But, after awhile, I either got used to it or the author started writing a bit better. At any rate, the fact that it was in Ireland kept me reading and it was a decent plot. It's just the style of writing needed a good edit to make it better.
June 20, 2020
Murder
Murder again , this one a successful business man found in a car crash. Only he was killed by arsenic . Who and why to be determined . Detective Fiona Moore digs into data quite deeply . DI Burke doesn't quite follow her line of thinking , however finds a people trafficking case at the same time . Fiona follows her instincts there too.
One typo . Easy reading story .
Murder again , this one a successful business man found in a car crash. Only he was killed by arsenic . Who and why to be determined . Detective Fiona Moore digs into data quite deeply . DI Burke doesn't quite follow her line of thinking , however finds a people trafficking case at the same time . Fiona follows her instincts there too.
One typo . Easy reading story .
February 18, 2020
Good mystery!
I really enjoyed reading this police procedural. It was set in Ireland and involved the murder of a successful businessman and also the murder of a young man who was romantically involved with said businessman. This book was enthralling and contained many twists and turns. I highly recommend this book to other mystery readers.
I really enjoyed reading this police procedural. It was set in Ireland and involved the murder of a successful businessman and also the murder of a young man who was romantically involved with said businessman. This book was enthralling and contained many twists and turns. I highly recommend this book to other mystery readers.
March 2, 2020
Another great story
Another great story by David Pearson.I have read all the books in the Inspector Lyons series and this is just as good of not better. The style of writing means the story just flows along and you cannot put it down. Read the book in one session and I will be reading the next. It is just a pity that I can't give it more than the five stars it deserves.
Another great story by David Pearson.I have read all the books in the Inspector Lyons series and this is just as good of not better. The style of writing means the story just flows along and you cannot put it down. Read the book in one session and I will be reading the next. It is just a pity that I can't give it more than the five stars it deserves.
June 22, 2020
David Pearson has left Galway to enter the darker and more rugged world of Dublin. A couple of nasty murders and some despicable lowlifes have his tough new duo involved in the world of international banking. There's more to the end than just the issue of the crime which leaves a tantalising glimpse of things to come. Maybe :-)
April 26, 2023
I like this story. It is what we see in the world today. Young people get caught up in a different life style. Some parents think only of themself, selfish not caring how this will affect the family. I like how detective sergeant Moore was thinking out the box and was able to solve the crime. All in all an excellent story. Good writing. Good reading
February 9, 2026
This book was somewhat of a disappointment. Burke was suddenly different character from the last book. His “fun” qualities were not evident and he mistreated Fiona Moore. Also, I find the books end suddenly and the epilogues seem contrived. Hoping the next installment returns to what made me keep reading.
February 23, 2020
Another good read.😎
This series has been excellent ,the storyline in this one flowed at a nice pace and interesting characters on all sides.This series is not complex reading,the author has used Ireland as a great base for his books.☺
This series has been excellent ,the storyline in this one flowed at a nice pace and interesting characters on all sides.This series is not complex reading,the author has used Ireland as a great base for his books.☺
March 19, 2020
Fair
It's okay if you have nothing else in the pipeline. It's not surprising or terribly exciting.
I find it hard to believe that police officers go out by themselves and don't tell anyone where they're going! That's just plain stupid.
It's okay if you have nothing else in the pipeline. It's not surprising or terribly exciting.
I find it hard to believe that police officers go out by themselves and don't tell anyone where they're going! That's just plain stupid.
March 20, 2020
Excellent!
Irish police procedural that involves multiple suspects with a variety of motivations. This investigation sprouts many branches, which eventually converge to solve the murder. This intricate plot is very ingenious and clever! Good mystery!
Irish police procedural that involves multiple suspects with a variety of motivations. This investigation sprouts many branches, which eventually converge to solve the murder. This intricate plot is very ingenious and clever! Good mystery!
February 14, 2020
Another terrific book in the Aidan Burke series!
February 17, 2020
Another Winner
The author has a knack for creating dynamic relationships between his lead detectives. Great read.
The author has a knack for creating dynamic relationships between his lead detectives. Great read.
February 22, 2020
David Pearson is an a writer that I always enjoy. the books are good reads because there is enough detail but not so much that you get lost in it. Like the characters. Like the suspense.
February 26, 2020
From Turkey to Ireland and to France and back
Likeable characters and interesting plot. Based out of Dublin the detectives investigate 2 murders by more than 2 suspects! Exciting!
Likeable characters and interesting plot. Based out of Dublin the detectives investigate 2 murders by more than 2 suspects! Exciting!
February 28, 2020
Wonderful
A cracking good read,the characters are really well written and enjoyable to read I would recommend this author to anyone who enjoys crime books.
A cracking good read,the characters are really well written and enjoyable to read I would recommend this author to anyone who enjoys crime books.
March 21, 2020
3.5 stars.
July 2, 2020
Another good read. Enjoyed this
July 2, 2020
I really loved the story. The story of people trafficking and the murders were both intriguing. I was surprised at who did it.
July 17, 2020
Clear precise straightforward story line. Author has the knack And if course the character Burke is loveable despite his “ Grumpiness “
August 24, 2022
3.5 stars
An enjoyable police procedural. Light but entertaining.
An enjoyable police procedural. Light but entertaining.
December 31, 2022
Good
It was a good story, but at times it dragged a bit. The main character was not a likeable character, but perhaps the author meant him to be unlikable.
It was a good story, but at times it dragged a bit. The main character was not a likeable character, but perhaps the author meant him to be unlikable.
August 27, 2023
Quite a twisted tale!! Didn't know for sure until almost the end. Very well written storyline!! I enjoy these books so much!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews