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Inspector Tom Reynolds #2
Beneath the Surface
The top 10 best seller.
Shortlisted for the Richard and Judy search for a best seller competition.
Did I know it would come to this? There is no shot at redemption. I am going to die. The gun is in my eye-line as the second bullet is fired. That's the one that kills me.
Late at night, two powerful men meet in a secret location to discuss a long nurtured plan about to come to fruition. One is desperate to know there is nothing standing in their way - the other assures him everything is taken care of. Hours later, a high-ranking government official called Ryan Finnegan is brutally slain in the most secure building in Ireland - Leinster House, the seat of parliament. Inspector Tom Reynolds and his team are called in to uncover the truth behind the murder.
At first, all the evidence hints at a politically motivated crime, until a surprise discovery takes the investigation in a dramatically different direction. Suddenly the motive for murder has got a lot more personal...but who benefits the most from Ryan's death?
Shortlisted for the Richard and Judy search for a best seller competition.
Did I know it would come to this? There is no shot at redemption. I am going to die. The gun is in my eye-line as the second bullet is fired. That's the one that kills me.
Late at night, two powerful men meet in a secret location to discuss a long nurtured plan about to come to fruition. One is desperate to know there is nothing standing in their way - the other assures him everything is taken care of. Hours later, a high-ranking government official called Ryan Finnegan is brutally slain in the most secure building in Ireland - Leinster House, the seat of parliament. Inspector Tom Reynolds and his team are called in to uncover the truth behind the murder.
At first, all the evidence hints at a politically motivated crime, until a surprise discovery takes the investigation in a dramatically different direction. Suddenly the motive for murder has got a lot more personal...but who benefits the most from Ryan's death?
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First published September 8, 2016
274 people are currently reading
1085 people want to read
About the author
Jo Spain
24 books1,186 followersJo Spain is the author of the bestselling Inspector Tom Reynolds series and several international No. 1 bestselling standalone novels. Her first book, With Our Blessing, was a finalist in the 2015 Richard and Judy Search for a Bestseller.
Jo, a graduate of Trinity College Dublin, writes TV screenplays full-time. Her first crime series was broadcast on RTE in 2018 and she's currently involved in a number of TV developments including adaptations of her own novels. In 2021, she co-wrote Harry Wild, starring Jane Seymour, with the Emmy award-winning David Logan (airing 2022).
Jo lives in Dublin with her husband and four young children. In her spare time (she has four children, there is no spare time really) she likes to read. Her favourite authors include Pierre Lemaitre, Jo Nesbo, Liane Moriarty, Fred Vargas and Jodi Picoult. She also watches TV obsessively.
Jo thinks up her plots on long runs in the woods. Her husband sleeps with one eye open.
Jo, a graduate of Trinity College Dublin, writes TV screenplays full-time. Her first crime series was broadcast on RTE in 2018 and she's currently involved in a number of TV developments including adaptations of her own novels. In 2021, she co-wrote Harry Wild, starring Jane Seymour, with the Emmy award-winning David Logan (airing 2022).
Jo lives in Dublin with her husband and four young children. In her spare time (she has four children, there is no spare time really) she likes to read. Her favourite authors include Pierre Lemaitre, Jo Nesbo, Liane Moriarty, Fred Vargas and Jodi Picoult. She also watches TV obsessively.
Jo thinks up her plots on long runs in the woods. Her husband sleeps with one eye open.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 209 reviews
April 27, 2022
Es tut mir richtig leid, aber diesem Buch kann ich nur zwei Sterne geben. Dabei ist die Geschichte nicht schlecht, aber das Thema ist einfach nicht meins. Ich hatte es schon vorher befürchtet, aber da der erste Band mich voll überzeugen konnte und fünf Sterne von mir bekommen hat, wollte ich dem zweiten Band trotzdem eine Chance geben.
Den Anfang des Buches und das Ende fand ich richtig gut und spannend, aber dazwischen hatte es zu viele Längen für mich... Da konnte mich die Geschichte leider einfach nicht fesseln.
Den Anfang des Buches und das Ende fand ich richtig gut und spannend, aber dazwischen hatte es zu viele Längen für mich... Da konnte mich die Geschichte leider einfach nicht fesseln.
September 8, 2016
This is the second of DI Tom Reynolds police procedurals set in Dublin and it works well as a standalone. Ryan Finnegan, a political adviser for the Minister, has been ruthlessly hunted down and murdered at Leinster House, the Irish seat of Parliament. So begins the high profile and politically sensitive case, with all the headaches that go with this, for Tom and his police team. The holders of the highest political offices are all suspects and interviewed. Jo Spain does a spectacular job in capturing the sleaze, corruption, skulduggery, Machiavellian machinations, corporate connections, malfeasance, and the little value of election promises that have characterised Irish politics in recent times in reality.
A compromising set of photographs that the victim had suggests that there is a political motivation behind the murder. Legislation has been drawn up which breaks election promises to fairly tax gas and oil companies, it appears that Ryan could not stomach this and was blackmailing his Minister to respect the will of the people. This suggests particular suspects from party chairman and fixer, a CEO, government minister to others. Sleaze raises its head with the existence of The Club which is a secretive high class brothel with prominent political members. It seems no-one in the political circles is willing to tell the truth but secrets begin to tumble out. A powerful CEO is attempting a cover up. An apparent suicide raises suspicions and a web of intrigue emerges. Then it transpires that there just might be a strong personal motive for the murder. Danger lurks as Tom and his team get closer to the killer.
The author excels in depicting the nature of politics and political parties in Ireland. She is impressive in the range of characters, from the psychological profiler, Linda, Emmet in forensics, Laura, Ray, Darragh, etc., which she creates. Jo Spain has real insights on the nature of human relationships, be it those that take centre stage at Tom's surprise birthday party, police team relationships or political relationships and others. The plotlines hold the attention and build suspense. An excellent book which I highly recommend. Thanks to Quercus for an ARC.
A compromising set of photographs that the victim had suggests that there is a political motivation behind the murder. Legislation has been drawn up which breaks election promises to fairly tax gas and oil companies, it appears that Ryan could not stomach this and was blackmailing his Minister to respect the will of the people. This suggests particular suspects from party chairman and fixer, a CEO, government minister to others. Sleaze raises its head with the existence of The Club which is a secretive high class brothel with prominent political members. It seems no-one in the political circles is willing to tell the truth but secrets begin to tumble out. A powerful CEO is attempting a cover up. An apparent suicide raises suspicions and a web of intrigue emerges. Then it transpires that there just might be a strong personal motive for the murder. Danger lurks as Tom and his team get closer to the killer.
The author excels in depicting the nature of politics and political parties in Ireland. She is impressive in the range of characters, from the psychological profiler, Linda, Emmet in forensics, Laura, Ray, Darragh, etc., which she creates. Jo Spain has real insights on the nature of human relationships, be it those that take centre stage at Tom's surprise birthday party, police team relationships or political relationships and others. The plotlines hold the attention and build suspense. An excellent book which I highly recommend. Thanks to Quercus for an ARC.
August 9, 2018
Inspector Tom Reynolds #2
Late at night, two powerful men meet in a secret location to discuss a long nurtured plan to come to fruition. One is desperate to know there is nothing standing in their was - the other assures him everything is taken care of. Hours later, a high-ranking government official called Ryan Finnegan is brutally slain in the most secure building in Ireland - Leinster House, the seat of parliament.
I have been to Ireland and seen Leinster House. It's a beautiful building full of history and an amazing setting for such a brutal murder. DI Tom Reynolds is away for the weekend with his wife when he gets the call summoning him back to work to help try and solve this crime. The body had been found in the tunnels underneath the building. Tom, along with his partner, Ray, try to solve the mysterious death of Ryan Finnegan. But the case is bigger than they both expected. A great read and a great series from the fantastic author who knows the right amount of suspense, surprises and twists to keep you turning the pages.
Late at night, two powerful men meet in a secret location to discuss a long nurtured plan to come to fruition. One is desperate to know there is nothing standing in their was - the other assures him everything is taken care of. Hours later, a high-ranking government official called Ryan Finnegan is brutally slain in the most secure building in Ireland - Leinster House, the seat of parliament.
I have been to Ireland and seen Leinster House. It's a beautiful building full of history and an amazing setting for such a brutal murder. DI Tom Reynolds is away for the weekend with his wife when he gets the call summoning him back to work to help try and solve this crime. The body had been found in the tunnels underneath the building. Tom, along with his partner, Ray, try to solve the mysterious death of Ryan Finnegan. But the case is bigger than they both expected. A great read and a great series from the fantastic author who knows the right amount of suspense, surprises and twists to keep you turning the pages.
July 17, 2023
3.5 rounded up
Inspector Tom Reynolds #2
DS Ray Lennon and Tom are summoned by Detective Chief Superintendent Sean McGuiness of the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation to Leinster House, home of Irelands Dáil Éireann - the Parliament. Since Tom is on a well deserved short break in Wicklow his wife Louise isn’t best pleased. Ryan Finnegan, political adviser to one of the most senior government officials has been murdered.
I find this harder to get into than book one, it’s a bit laborious in places. Once it gets going it’s a good mystery with multiple layers, the pace quickens and there are plenty of twists and turns with suspenseful moments.
There are a lot characters to get your head around and the more political slant of the book is not as gripping as the theme of book one. It is still a good read though and worthy of four stars.
Inspector Tom Reynolds #2
DS Ray Lennon and Tom are summoned by Detective Chief Superintendent Sean McGuiness of the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation to Leinster House, home of Irelands Dáil Éireann - the Parliament. Since Tom is on a well deserved short break in Wicklow his wife Louise isn’t best pleased. Ryan Finnegan, political adviser to one of the most senior government officials has been murdered.
I find this harder to get into than book one, it’s a bit laborious in places. Once it gets going it’s a good mystery with multiple layers, the pace quickens and there are plenty of twists and turns with suspenseful moments.
There are a lot characters to get your head around and the more political slant of the book is not as gripping as the theme of book one. It is still a good read though and worthy of four stars.
July 18, 2022
Political intrigues, murder, scandals, secrets and the very sympathetic Tom Reynolds and his team investigating and trying to untangle this complex case! I really enjoyed reading it!
I felt so very bad for the victim and his family!
I pitied also a character that put his weight in the wrong cause which cost him in the end his mental well-being and ultimately his life!
There where characters I would like to encounter in future installments like Jarlath and Kathryn the victim's widow!
I felt very sorry for the chief superintendent and his wife June! It's devastating to have your partner lose all those characteristics that made him the person he is and also losing the memories you both created through your common life together!
Ray and Laura seem to have a bad timing to form a relationship and I hope it'll end in the third book since I honestly like them together!
I like the fact that Tom Reynolds has everyday kind of problems and is one more fictional detective that proves that it's not necessary to be superman or have an addiction to intrigue the reader!
I felt so very bad for the victim and his family!
I pitied also a character that put his weight in the wrong cause which cost him in the end his mental well-being and ultimately his life!
There where characters I would like to encounter in future installments like Jarlath and Kathryn the victim's widow!
I felt very sorry for the chief superintendent and his wife June! It's devastating to have your partner lose all those characteristics that made him the person he is and also losing the memories you both created through your common life together!
Ray and Laura seem to have a bad timing to form a relationship and I hope it'll end in the third book since I honestly like them together!
I like the fact that Tom Reynolds has everyday kind of problems and is one more fictional detective that proves that it's not necessary to be superman or have an addiction to intrigue the reader!
January 9, 2022
This is the second book in the Detective Inspector Tom Reynolds series by author Jo Spain. Another solid addition to this series, good characters and well written. This is a good police procedural series.
Once again DI Tom Reynolds, the head of the Dublin Garda’s murder squad is in the thick of the action. This time he receives an urgent call to attend Leinster House, seat of the Irish parliament. His well earned vacation will have to be put on hold. On his arrival at Leinster House he discovers that Ryan Finnegan, the political adviser to Aidan Blake, Minister for State Resources and Energy Efficiency has been murdered. This is obviously a very serious crime but more alarming due to it taking place in such a prominent place were security is normally so good. A disturbing photo is found under the dead body that is likely to cause further disruption.
Inspector Tom Reynolds and his team need to uncover the truth behind the murder. Is it a political crime or is it something unrelated and more personal.
This is another enjoyable read, well written and excellently paced plot.
Once again DI Tom Reynolds, the head of the Dublin Garda’s murder squad is in the thick of the action. This time he receives an urgent call to attend Leinster House, seat of the Irish parliament. His well earned vacation will have to be put on hold. On his arrival at Leinster House he discovers that Ryan Finnegan, the political adviser to Aidan Blake, Minister for State Resources and Energy Efficiency has been murdered. This is obviously a very serious crime but more alarming due to it taking place in such a prominent place were security is normally so good. A disturbing photo is found under the dead body that is likely to cause further disruption.
Inspector Tom Reynolds and his team need to uncover the truth behind the murder. Is it a political crime or is it something unrelated and more personal.
This is another enjoyable read, well written and excellently paced plot.
February 20, 2020
Second in the series and as good as the first, this has already become a favourite series.
Detective/mystery fiction at it's best!
I really love this author and I also love books set in Ireland so basically this book is a winner on all fronts! More please :)
Detective/mystery fiction at it's best!
I really love this author and I also love books set in Ireland so basically this book is a winner on all fronts! More please :)
April 25, 2022
Solidan politički triler koji čak i ne gnjavi toliko politikom.
Poznata su nam lica inspektora i suradnika iz prijašnjeg romana, a svi su redom simpatični, sa osobnim pričama.
Ubojstvo u parlamentu je okosnica romana i doista nije teško dokučiti prljave igre u političkoj hijerarhiji jer je to, valjda, svugdje slično.🙄
Jo Spain će uvijek imati mjesto u mojoj knjižnici.
Poznata su nam lica inspektora i suradnika iz prijašnjeg romana, a svi su redom simpatični, sa osobnim pričama.
Ubojstvo u parlamentu je okosnica romana i doista nije teško dokučiti prljave igre u političkoj hijerarhiji jer je to, valjda, svugdje slično.🙄
Jo Spain će uvijek imati mjesto u mojoj knjižnici.
August 17, 2016
Really well written book but too political for me. Love the characters though. Looking forward to next book,hopefully no politics involved
June 20, 2019
Beneath The Surface is the second instalment in the DI Tom Reynolds series and if I wasn’t a fan of Jo Spain before this one, I sure would be now.
Ryan Finnegan, a high-ranking government official, is found shot to death in Ireland’s most secure building – the seat of Parliament, Leinster House. DI Tom Reynolds and his team are called in to solve Finnegan’s murder but that won’t be easy. With a charity ball across the road and lots of people milling around, the list of potential suspects could quite quickly run into the hundreds. Most of those are involved in politics, obviously, and we all know few of them can be trusted to speak the truth.
Politics, blackmail, backstabbing, lies and deceit. Sounds like an episode of House of Cards. There are a multitude of questions that need answers before DI Reynolds can even begin to make sense of it all. Why was Finnegan in that part of the building? What is the significance of the picture that was found underneath his body? Does his murder have anything to do with a Bill that Parliament needs to vote on soon?
I love the balance Jo Spain achieves in combining the team’s job with their private lives and even manages to throw in some chuckle-worthy moments, often courtesy of Ray. Tom is adjusting to new circumstances at home and the arrival of his grandchild, which causes quite a few problems between his wife and his daughter. Meanwhile, Ray realises he may just see Laura as more than just a colleague. But she has a boyfriend now. Timing is everything.
These personal events allow you to get the characters so much better, while also sometimes bringing some much needed relief from the murder investigation. I couldn’t at all figure out what had happened to Ryan Finnegan and this incredibly clever plot kept me guessing until the end. I must admit some of the political shenanigans confused me somewhat from time to time but that didn’t ruin my reading experience at all. And let’s face it, who isn’t confused by politics these days. I’m thoroughly enjoying this series! So much so, that I have now picked up book 3. I can’t wait to see what DI Reynolds and his team will be investigating next.
Ryan Finnegan, a high-ranking government official, is found shot to death in Ireland’s most secure building – the seat of Parliament, Leinster House. DI Tom Reynolds and his team are called in to solve Finnegan’s murder but that won’t be easy. With a charity ball across the road and lots of people milling around, the list of potential suspects could quite quickly run into the hundreds. Most of those are involved in politics, obviously, and we all know few of them can be trusted to speak the truth.
Politics, blackmail, backstabbing, lies and deceit. Sounds like an episode of House of Cards. There are a multitude of questions that need answers before DI Reynolds can even begin to make sense of it all. Why was Finnegan in that part of the building? What is the significance of the picture that was found underneath his body? Does his murder have anything to do with a Bill that Parliament needs to vote on soon?
I love the balance Jo Spain achieves in combining the team’s job with their private lives and even manages to throw in some chuckle-worthy moments, often courtesy of Ray. Tom is adjusting to new circumstances at home and the arrival of his grandchild, which causes quite a few problems between his wife and his daughter. Meanwhile, Ray realises he may just see Laura as more than just a colleague. But she has a boyfriend now. Timing is everything.
These personal events allow you to get the characters so much better, while also sometimes bringing some much needed relief from the murder investigation. I couldn’t at all figure out what had happened to Ryan Finnegan and this incredibly clever plot kept me guessing until the end. I must admit some of the political shenanigans confused me somewhat from time to time but that didn’t ruin my reading experience at all. And let’s face it, who isn’t confused by politics these days. I’m thoroughly enjoying this series! So much so, that I have now picked up book 3. I can’t wait to see what DI Reynolds and his team will be investigating next.
November 16, 2024
جلد دوم کارآگاه رینولدز
جلد اول، با دعای خیرمان، رو خیلی دوست داشتم و ابن مجموعه جزو معدود مجموعههای کارآگاهیه که دوست دارم چون در بین کتابهای جنایی، کارآگاهیها یکم طولانی و خستهکننده هستن اما این مجموعه سرنخهای خوبی میده و در عین طولانی بودن حجم هر جلد، کشش خوبی تا پایان داره.
این جلد درباره قتلیه که در ساختمان مجلس شوراب ایرلند رخ داده و باعث درگیر شدن عده زیادی از افراد مهم سیاسی میشه که نسبت به مردم عادی شرایط متفاوتی دارن. قدرت، ثروت، قانون و اتفاقاتی که در این قشر رخ میده، باعث جذابیت موضوع شده.
همچنین ساختمان پیچیده و عظیم شورای شهر که راههای گریر و تونلهای عجیبی داره و بررسی امکان قتل از بین هزاران بازدیدکننده سیاسی و غیرسیاسی از پیچیدگیهای داستان بود.
یه تم عشقی ریز هم توی کتاب داره که خیلی قشنگ داره پیش میره و همین که از جلد اول شروع شده به نظر میاد در جلدهای بعدی ادامهدار میشه و فارغ از موضوع جلدهای بعدی، همین زندگی شخصی و روابط شخصیتها باعث میشه بخوایم این مجموعه رو ادامه بدیم.
بااینکه جلد اول رو بیشتر دوست داشتم اما این جلد هم بهم ثابت کرد که مجموعه قشنگیه که بقیهش رو هم بخونم.
گویا جلدهای بعدی امتیاز بالاتری هم دارن که وسوسهکنندهست که با تام رینولدز همراه شیم و ببنیم چه جنایت عجیبی در دل اروپا رخ میدن.
جلد اول، با دعای خیرمان، رو خیلی دوست داشتم و ابن مجموعه جزو معدود مجموعههای کارآگاهیه که دوست دارم چون در بین کتابهای جنایی، کارآگاهیها یکم طولانی و خستهکننده هستن اما این مجموعه سرنخهای خوبی میده و در عین طولانی بودن حجم هر جلد، کشش خوبی تا پایان داره.
این جلد درباره قتلیه که در ساختمان مجلس شوراب ایرلند رخ داده و باعث درگیر شدن عده زیادی از افراد مهم سیاسی میشه که نسبت به مردم عادی شرایط متفاوتی دارن. قدرت، ثروت، قانون و اتفاقاتی که در این قشر رخ میده، باعث جذابیت موضوع شده.
همچنین ساختمان پیچیده و عظیم شورای شهر که راههای گریر و تونلهای عجیبی داره و بررسی امکان قتل از بین هزاران بازدیدکننده سیاسی و غیرسیاسی از پیچیدگیهای داستان بود.
یه تم عشقی ریز هم توی کتاب داره که خیلی قشنگ داره پیش میره و همین که از جلد اول شروع شده به نظر میاد در جلدهای بعدی ادامهدار میشه و فارغ از موضوع جلدهای بعدی، همین زندگی شخصی و روابط شخصیتها باعث میشه بخوایم این مجموعه رو ادامه بدیم.
بااینکه جلد اول رو بیشتر دوست داشتم اما این جلد هم بهم ثابت کرد که مجموعه قشنگیه که بقیهش رو هم بخونم.
گویا جلدهای بعدی امتیاز بالاتری هم دارن که وسوسهکنندهست که با تام رینولدز همراه شیم و ببنیم چه جنایت عجیبی در دل اروپا رخ میدن.
December 22, 2016
I picked this up due to the location of the main crime scene (the government buildings in Ireland), and because I heard good reviews. It never really gripped me, and I didn't particularly care about any of the characters. I usually fly through crime books and I found this one slow going as a result. I was really irritated by the ending (not so much who the culprit was but their motivation for the crime). Not really a fan
August 13, 2021
Didn't really feel anything for the book, wasn't thrilling or exciting but wasn't a terrible book. Just didn't work for me
September 15, 2016
‘I am going to die.
I know this as surely as I know I don’t want to’
Beneath The Surface is the second in the Inspector Tom Reynolds Mystery series written by Irish author Jo Spain.
I have to admit to not having read With Our Blessing (Book 1) so I was concerned I would be lost within the plot-line as some of the characters would have been introduced previously. All was not lost!!
I received my copy of Beneath The Surface from NetGalley and the publishers Quercus in return for my as ever truthful and honest review.
Beneath The Surface is a novel that I would advise dedicating proper reading time to. Jo Spain introduces us to quite a number of characters. We get their personal stories and their work situation and these get referred back to on numerous occasions, so have your wits about you!
Leinster House is a marvelous setting for this novel. Built in the mid-eighteenth century, it became the home of the Irish Parliament after the War of Independence. A building full of history, but also a building where one can hide ones secrets in the many nooks & crannies that exist.
Detective Inspector Reynolds is summoned from a special weekend he is spending with his wife to attend the scene of a crime at Leinster House. Driving through the streets of Dublin in the early hours, they arrive at Leinster House and are led down into a tunnel. There they are met with the body of Ryan Finnegan, horrifically murdered, lying in the arms of a ‘greenish-hued' angel type sculpture.
‘Finnegan’s one remaining eye was wide open, it’s glassy surface caught in a petrified moment. Where his other eye should have been was a bloody cavity. His mouth was contorted in agony’
And so begins a very complex tale of political lies and deceit.
Jo Spain has experience working as a parliamentary assistant in Leinster House and her knowledge shines through from the beginning. The backstabbing, the pay-offs, the intrigue, the suspense….all here!
Reynolds and his sidekick Ray try to unravel the mystery of Ryan Finnegan’s death. They find themselves caught up in something bigger and soon realise that there is a lot at stake for a lot of people.
Many of the individuals in the story consider the ‘rewards of success’ the ultimate achievement, not caring who or what falls to the wayside along the way. These are powerful people with the financial and other means to cover their tracks.
Why was Ryan Finnegan murdered so callously?
What secret was he hiding?
As the reasons for Ryan’s death unravel, the reader is taken down a very surprising path. I was completely NOT expecting it!!
Don’t worry no spoilers from me!!!
You will just have to pick up a copy to find out yourself.
Jo Spain has written a great novel with all the characteristics you would expect from a crime novel worth reading. You get a great murder story, but you are also introduced to the inner workings of the body politic of a small but rather complex nation…Ireland.
I would like to thank Quercus, Jo Spain and NetGalley for my ARC of Beneath The Surface.
Please let me know if you pick up a copy. I would love to hear your thoughts.
I know this as surely as I know I don’t want to’
Beneath The Surface is the second in the Inspector Tom Reynolds Mystery series written by Irish author Jo Spain.
I have to admit to not having read With Our Blessing (Book 1) so I was concerned I would be lost within the plot-line as some of the characters would have been introduced previously. All was not lost!!
I received my copy of Beneath The Surface from NetGalley and the publishers Quercus in return for my as ever truthful and honest review.
Beneath The Surface is a novel that I would advise dedicating proper reading time to. Jo Spain introduces us to quite a number of characters. We get their personal stories and their work situation and these get referred back to on numerous occasions, so have your wits about you!
Leinster House is a marvelous setting for this novel. Built in the mid-eighteenth century, it became the home of the Irish Parliament after the War of Independence. A building full of history, but also a building where one can hide ones secrets in the many nooks & crannies that exist.
Detective Inspector Reynolds is summoned from a special weekend he is spending with his wife to attend the scene of a crime at Leinster House. Driving through the streets of Dublin in the early hours, they arrive at Leinster House and are led down into a tunnel. There they are met with the body of Ryan Finnegan, horrifically murdered, lying in the arms of a ‘greenish-hued' angel type sculpture.
‘Finnegan’s one remaining eye was wide open, it’s glassy surface caught in a petrified moment. Where his other eye should have been was a bloody cavity. His mouth was contorted in agony’
And so begins a very complex tale of political lies and deceit.
Jo Spain has experience working as a parliamentary assistant in Leinster House and her knowledge shines through from the beginning. The backstabbing, the pay-offs, the intrigue, the suspense….all here!
Reynolds and his sidekick Ray try to unravel the mystery of Ryan Finnegan’s death. They find themselves caught up in something bigger and soon realise that there is a lot at stake for a lot of people.
Many of the individuals in the story consider the ‘rewards of success’ the ultimate achievement, not caring who or what falls to the wayside along the way. These are powerful people with the financial and other means to cover their tracks.
Why was Ryan Finnegan murdered so callously?
What secret was he hiding?
As the reasons for Ryan’s death unravel, the reader is taken down a very surprising path. I was completely NOT expecting it!!
Don’t worry no spoilers from me!!!
You will just have to pick up a copy to find out yourself.
Jo Spain has written a great novel with all the characteristics you would expect from a crime novel worth reading. You get a great murder story, but you are also introduced to the inner workings of the body politic of a small but rather complex nation…Ireland.
I would like to thank Quercus, Jo Spain and NetGalley for my ARC of Beneath The Surface.
Please let me know if you pick up a copy. I would love to hear your thoughts.
April 16, 2021
Political Thriller! Riveting!
Jo Spain writes compelling detective crime dramas. I couldn’t figure the murderer prior to the reveal. I enjoyed the exposure to Irish Politics.
Jo Spain writes compelling detective crime dramas. I couldn’t figure the murderer prior to the reveal. I enjoyed the exposure to Irish Politics.
February 9, 2022
Es war sehr gut geschrieben und auch die Charaktere finde ich immer noch so sympathisch wie im ersten Band, nur leider bin ich absolut kein Fan von irgendwelchen Mord/Politikintrigen etc..
Ich lese lieber über nen guten alten Serienmörder!
Ich lese lieber über nen guten alten Serienmörder!
September 12, 2016
Beneath the Surface is the second book to feature Inspector Tom Reynolds and his team and this time we find him investigating a shocking murder at the Leinster House, seat of the Irish Parliament. The victim, Ryan Finnegan, leaves behind a baby daughter and a grieving widow who can't understand why anyone would want to hurt her husband, who had only just returned to work following a serious car crash. Ryan also leaves a trail of clues gradually uncovered by Tom and his team and leading them to discover corruption and scandal in very high places.
This was another gripping read from Jo Spain. Tom is central again of course but I felt I got to know his team a lot better throughout the course of the book, especially Ray and Laura. It will be interesting to see how the dynamics between the team develop in future books. (There will be more books won't there Jo?) Tensions between Tom and his wife Louise and daughter Maria came to the fore in this book. It makes such a refreshing change to have a police story where the lead character has a relatively normal home-life. I could completely understand Louise's frustration at so often taking second place to her husband's job and was glad she seemed to have made him understand this. I am slightly concerned though that Tom's response was to talk about retirement. Not yet please Tom, I'm just getting to know you! It also seemed natural that Louise's frustrations spilled out into her trying to control Maria's routine with baby Cait. I think anyone who has had a baby will recognise that feeling when well-meaning relatives offer 'advice'!
Turning to the crime element of this book, there was so much going on just beneath the surface for the characters both politically and personally. It was a enthralling read as the team worked together to try to discover who the murderer was but also discovered so much more as potential motives were revealed. Jo Spain cleverly led my thoughts to from one suspect to another throughout the book. I partly guessed who was responsible for once (usually I haven't a clue) though did not fully guess the reasons why. But as Reynolds found, the clues were there in what the characters were saying, and not saying, all along.
The book ends with a very intriguing epilogue featuring one of the politicians who appeared in the book. He had seemed to be squeaky clean but this epilogue showed him to appear rather more devious and certainly with his own agenda. Perhaps this is setting up nicely for the next Inspector Reynolds book? I do hope so!
My thanks to the author and her publishers for giving me a copy of this book to review.
This was another gripping read from Jo Spain. Tom is central again of course but I felt I got to know his team a lot better throughout the course of the book, especially Ray and Laura. It will be interesting to see how the dynamics between the team develop in future books. (There will be more books won't there Jo?) Tensions between Tom and his wife Louise and daughter Maria came to the fore in this book. It makes such a refreshing change to have a police story where the lead character has a relatively normal home-life. I could completely understand Louise's frustration at so often taking second place to her husband's job and was glad she seemed to have made him understand this. I am slightly concerned though that Tom's response was to talk about retirement. Not yet please Tom, I'm just getting to know you! It also seemed natural that Louise's frustrations spilled out into her trying to control Maria's routine with baby Cait. I think anyone who has had a baby will recognise that feeling when well-meaning relatives offer 'advice'!
Turning to the crime element of this book, there was so much going on just beneath the surface for the characters both politically and personally. It was a enthralling read as the team worked together to try to discover who the murderer was but also discovered so much more as potential motives were revealed. Jo Spain cleverly led my thoughts to from one suspect to another throughout the book. I partly guessed who was responsible for once (usually I haven't a clue) though did not fully guess the reasons why. But as Reynolds found, the clues were there in what the characters were saying, and not saying, all along.
The book ends with a very intriguing epilogue featuring one of the politicians who appeared in the book. He had seemed to be squeaky clean but this epilogue showed him to appear rather more devious and certainly with his own agenda. Perhaps this is setting up nicely for the next Inspector Reynolds book? I do hope so!
My thanks to the author and her publishers for giving me a copy of this book to review.
January 2, 2023
This book was so disappointing for me! I bought this as it was the second in the Tom Reynolds series and I started immediately upon finishing book 1, which was outstanding.
This book was just a drag, a political thriller... I guess... not really thrilling at all, and definitely not for me. It may have been my own fault for not reading the synopsis though. The v long chapters did not help either.
I honestly would have DNF'd but I didn't want to start 2023 that way and I also intend to read book 3 as I like the characters, Jo Spain's writing, and it seems it'll be a crime thriller in the style of book 1 again🤞
This book was just a drag, a political thriller... I guess... not really thrilling at all, and definitely not for me. It may have been my own fault for not reading the synopsis though. The v long chapters did not help either.
I honestly would have DNF'd but I didn't want to start 2023 that way and I also intend to read book 3 as I like the characters, Jo Spain's writing, and it seems it'll be a crime thriller in the style of book 1 again🤞
November 11, 2016
I would like to thank NetGalley and Quercus Books for giving me the opportunity to read this which I voluntarily reviewed.
This is the second in Ms Spain's DI Tom Reynolds series, although I had no problem reading this as a stand-alone book.
It is a police-procedural novel. It is set in Dublin and gives a good insight into Irish politics, which I knew nothing about.
It sets off at a cracking pace, building the tension up.
I thoroughly enjoyed this and will certainly be reading more of this series.
September 13, 2016
4.5 stars. Review to follow.
December 10, 2018
I loved the first book in this series but for some unknown reason I just couldn't get into this one. Maybe I'll try it again in the new year.
September 26, 2021
Knjiga je za ljubitelje političkih intriga.Meni je bilo naporno, razvučeno, bez napetosti...jedva sam izgurala do kraja.
June 26, 2019
Detective Inspector Tom Reynolds and his wife were enjoying a rare long weekend away. As much as Tom loved his granddaughter it would be a blessing to get good nights uninterrupted sleep. Alas, it wasn’t to be. Despite stating he didn’t want to be disturbed while he was away Tom is summoned back to work. The body of Ryan Finnegan, a high ranking government official, is found in the tunnels beneath Leinster House, the seat of Parliament, even though it’s the most secure building in Ireland. And when Tom discovers what was found beneath Ryan Finnegan’s body he knows this is going to be a very politically sensitive investigation.
Given the circumstances and the people involved this was destined to be a very high profile case. No matter who held what political office, everyone in the building was a suspect and therefore had to be interviewed, and any alibis verified. The story involves quite a large cast of characters, all with relevant back stories which are revealed as the investigation progresses. Tom and his team are hampered by the scheming, lies and deceit they meet while trying to unravel what is turning out to be a very complex and baffling case.
Jo Spain has devised a very believable and fascinating scenario and the title is very apt as there is a lot boiling beneath the surface. The political landscape is portrayed exceptionally well and the characters are crafted superbly. Even with no knowledge of Irish politics, although I’m guessing it’s much the same everywhere, the plot held my attention and the suspense built as it becomes clear the major players are in it for their own gain.
A fair number of potential suspects, each with motive, are thrown into the mix and the team come under mounting pressure to make an arrest in what is first assumed a politically motivated crime. But things are never what they seem and I wasn’t expecting the turn in the very skilfully executed, well written and credible storyline.
There’s more insight into, and development of, the main characters, particularly Tom Reynolds, with the dynamics of personal lives. I enjoy this aspect, it makes them more relatable and interesting and it didn’t affect the pace of the story, rather added some lighter moments to offset the gravity of the investigation. Great stuff! Looking forward to the next one.
Given the circumstances and the people involved this was destined to be a very high profile case. No matter who held what political office, everyone in the building was a suspect and therefore had to be interviewed, and any alibis verified. The story involves quite a large cast of characters, all with relevant back stories which are revealed as the investigation progresses. Tom and his team are hampered by the scheming, lies and deceit they meet while trying to unravel what is turning out to be a very complex and baffling case.
Jo Spain has devised a very believable and fascinating scenario and the title is very apt as there is a lot boiling beneath the surface. The political landscape is portrayed exceptionally well and the characters are crafted superbly. Even with no knowledge of Irish politics, although I’m guessing it’s much the same everywhere, the plot held my attention and the suspense built as it becomes clear the major players are in it for their own gain.
A fair number of potential suspects, each with motive, are thrown into the mix and the team come under mounting pressure to make an arrest in what is first assumed a politically motivated crime. But things are never what they seem and I wasn’t expecting the turn in the very skilfully executed, well written and credible storyline.
There’s more insight into, and development of, the main characters, particularly Tom Reynolds, with the dynamics of personal lives. I enjoy this aspect, it makes them more relatable and interesting and it didn’t affect the pace of the story, rather added some lighter moments to offset the gravity of the investigation. Great stuff! Looking forward to the next one.
July 22, 2025
Why are the obligatory political plotlines in crime series so boring?
Honestly, the only good thing about this was the love triangle between Laura, Ray and Eion. Woohoo, police romance!
I nearly DNF. It was a struggle to get through. I just didn't care.
Hopefully Book 3 will be better.
2.5 🌟
Honestly, the only good thing about this was the love triangle between Laura, Ray and Eion. Woohoo, police romance!
I nearly DNF. It was a struggle to get through. I just didn't care.
Hopefully Book 3 will be better.
2.5 🌟
August 28, 2016
I would like to thank Netgalley and Quercus Books for an advance copy of Beneath The Surface, a police procedural set in Dublin and the second in Ms Spain's DI Tom Reynolds series.
The novel opens with the first person narrative of a man about to die then segues straight into a deal between an unnamed businessman and an unnamed politician. Once this rather unnecessary scene setting is over the novel gets going with the death of Ryan Finnegan, hunted down and shot in Leinster House, the seat of government in Dublin. As Ryan is the political adviser to Aidan Blake, the Minister for State Resources and Energy Efficiency, the political pressure to solve the case is enormous. The team uncover endless dirty secrets on their way to a solution.
The plot centres on a compromising picture, found under Ryan's body, which leads the team to find more featuring Aidan Blake on Ryan's computer and a draft bill regulating oil and gas drilling which seems seems to deny the election promises made by the ruling party and offends Ryan's sense of decency.
Beneath The Surface is a good read. Ms Spain writes well with an engaging style and her characterisation of the team members and their families is realistic. There is a good mix between home and work life which seems natural - most people do not leave home at home when they have a problem to mull over.
The plot, however, is a bit fantastical and the politicians, to a man, extremely unlikeable. There just seems so much plotting going on, all of them have ambition and secrets to keep and no qualms whatsoever about lying to the police. I assume that a fair amount of this is true as Ms Spain once worked there but, surely, there are some honest politicians out there or am I being naïve? I hope not.
I can't say l wholeheartedly warmed to Beneath The Surface as political scheming is not my bag but it is well written and I would be interested to read more about DI Tom Reynolds and his team in a different setting. I think 3.5* is an appropriate rating.
The novel opens with the first person narrative of a man about to die then segues straight into a deal between an unnamed businessman and an unnamed politician. Once this rather unnecessary scene setting is over the novel gets going with the death of Ryan Finnegan, hunted down and shot in Leinster House, the seat of government in Dublin. As Ryan is the political adviser to Aidan Blake, the Minister for State Resources and Energy Efficiency, the political pressure to solve the case is enormous. The team uncover endless dirty secrets on their way to a solution.
The plot centres on a compromising picture, found under Ryan's body, which leads the team to find more featuring Aidan Blake on Ryan's computer and a draft bill regulating oil and gas drilling which seems seems to deny the election promises made by the ruling party and offends Ryan's sense of decency.
Beneath The Surface is a good read. Ms Spain writes well with an engaging style and her characterisation of the team members and their families is realistic. There is a good mix between home and work life which seems natural - most people do not leave home at home when they have a problem to mull over.
The plot, however, is a bit fantastical and the politicians, to a man, extremely unlikeable. There just seems so much plotting going on, all of them have ambition and secrets to keep and no qualms whatsoever about lying to the police. I assume that a fair amount of this is true as Ms Spain once worked there but, surely, there are some honest politicians out there or am I being naïve? I hope not.
I can't say l wholeheartedly warmed to Beneath The Surface as political scheming is not my bag but it is well written and I would be interested to read more about DI Tom Reynolds and his team in a different setting. I think 3.5* is an appropriate rating.
August 8, 2022
Jo Spain's first novel in the series,
With Our Blessing
really made an impression on me. It's so well executed for a novel that's supposed to set up new characters in a detective series. The plot had tangents with historical events and it was deliciously full of twists and turns.
It didn't take me long to pick up the second installment featuring Tom Reynolds, Beneath the Surface. This is a solid entry in the series with a distinct political overtone. I like Spain's decision to set the scene of the crime and a good part of the novel in the Parliament in Dublin. The story kept me engaged, even though .
Despite all those good things, I felt that Beneath the Surface lacked the intricacy and vividness of the first tome. With Our Blessing had beautiful descriptions of the countryside and a well-fleshed out gallery of side characters and suspects. For the most part, I didn't feel that in this novel (though I have to say, the part Spain excelled at were the scenes in the village near Donegal). Nevertheless, I'm continuing with the series and picking up novel #3.
It didn't take me long to pick up the second installment featuring Tom Reynolds, Beneath the Surface. This is a solid entry in the series with a distinct political overtone. I like Spain's decision to set the scene of the crime and a good part of the novel in the Parliament in Dublin. The story kept me engaged, even though .
Despite all those good things, I felt that Beneath the Surface lacked the intricacy and vividness of the first tome. With Our Blessing had beautiful descriptions of the countryside and a well-fleshed out gallery of side characters and suspects. For the most part, I didn't feel that in this novel (though I have to say, the part Spain excelled at were the scenes in the village near Donegal). Nevertheless, I'm continuing with the series and picking up novel #3.
July 22, 2020
this was my second book I read in the Inspector Tom Reynolds series by Jo Spain. This one was, however, disappointing. It involves the murder of the PA of a top and ambitious Irish politician. The murder occurs in a secure government building which lends to the intrigue. There are possible deals brewing with a large multinational dealing with offshore natural resources.
Political intrigue and murder can be a great combination. However in this novel, the plot development dragged. There were sub-plots that could have added depth, but they were not sufficiently developed. The first in the series I read was # 4, which I liked much more than this one. I will read #1 and #3 as I believe that Jo Spain deserves her popularity.
Political intrigue and murder can be a great combination. However in this novel, the plot development dragged. There were sub-plots that could have added depth, but they were not sufficiently developed. The first in the series I read was # 4, which I liked much more than this one. I will read #1 and #3 as I believe that Jo Spain deserves her popularity.
March 10, 2018
While I loved the depictions of Ireland and learned a bit about police procedures and hierarchy in government unfortunately this book just didn't hold my interest. I put it down several times, which is unusual for me unless I just am not enjoying a novel and finally in desperation read two other books as a bit of a palate cleanser before finally coming back to this one. It's the stubborn part of me that prefers to leave no book unfinished, but I doubt that many readers feeling the way I did would have given a second chance.
It's a shame because there are some good passages, I just wasn't intrigued by the characters or the story at all.
It's a shame because there are some good passages, I just wasn't intrigued by the characters or the story at all.
September 24, 2016
Smooth writing and an interesting storyline make this an absorbing read, though the police characters have more than a touch of cliché about them: the avuncular chief, the will-they-won't-they colleagues, the insertion of humanising domestic details such as Alzheimer's.
The politics are more to my taste, exploring the relationships between big business and political power in Dublin. This is a safe book which doesn't break the commercial crime mould in any way but as long as you don't expect it to then this is a satisfying tale - and would make a perfect BBC Sunday night series.
The politics are more to my taste, exploring the relationships between big business and political power in Dublin. This is a safe book which doesn't break the commercial crime mould in any way but as long as you don't expect it to then this is a satisfying tale - and would make a perfect BBC Sunday night series.
August 25, 2017
Another great book by Jo Spain. I love Tom Reynolds and his crew. The books are not available here in Canada yet so I bought the ebook and I am so glad I did.
I loved With Our Blessing, Tom Reynolds first appearance. This can be read as a stand alone but seeing Tom develop is worth reading the first book
Beneath The Surface, has twists and turns, insight into politics and an ending you wont predict.
Enjoy this great read !
I loved With Our Blessing, Tom Reynolds first appearance. This can be read as a stand alone but seeing Tom develop is worth reading the first book
Beneath The Surface, has twists and turns, insight into politics and an ending you wont predict.
Enjoy this great read !
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