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Katie Maguire #9
Píseň mrtvých
Devátý díl série s komisařkou Katie Maguirovou
Seržant irské Gardy, který měl svědčit ve velkém procesu vyšetřujícím korupci v policejním sboru, je nalezen mrtvý, bez hlavy a s irskou flétnou zaraženou do krku. Tato vražda posílá všem potenciálním whistleblowerům jasný vzkaz — když nebudete mlčet, skončíte stejně.
Kromě vyšetřování tohoto děsivého zločinu se komisařka Katie Maguirová snaží dopadnout stále mocnější drogový gang, který vede jeden z nejnebezpečnějších dealerů v Corku. Po počátečních úspěších se však případ zkomplikoval a Katie se ocitá pod ještě větším tlakem.
Když se navíc najde bezhlavé tělo dalšího policisty, začne být jasné, že ochránit ohrožené whistleblowery nebude vůbec jednoduché.
Seržant irské Gardy, který měl svědčit ve velkém procesu vyšetřujícím korupci v policejním sboru, je nalezen mrtvý, bez hlavy a s irskou flétnou zaraženou do krku. Tato vražda posílá všem potenciálním whistleblowerům jasný vzkaz — když nebudete mlčet, skončíte stejně.
Kromě vyšetřování tohoto děsivého zločinu se komisařka Katie Maguirová snaží dopadnout stále mocnější drogový gang, který vede jeden z nejnebezpečnějších dealerů v Corku. Po počátečních úspěších se však případ zkomplikoval a Katie se ocitá pod ještě větším tlakem.
Když se navíc najde bezhlavé tělo dalšího policisty, začne být jasné, že ochránit ohrožené whistleblowery nebude vůbec jednoduché.
447 pages, Hardcover
First published February 22, 2018
327 people are currently reading
602 people want to read
About the author
Graham Masterton
422 books1,967 followersGraham Masterton was born in Edinburgh in 1946. His grandfather was Thomas Thorne Baker, the eminent scientist who invented DayGlo and was the first man to transmit news photographs by wireless. After training as a newspaper reporter, Graham went on to edit the new British men's magazine Mayfair, where he encouraged William Burroughs to develop a series of scientific and philosophical articles which eventually became Burroughs' novel The Wild Boys.
At the age of 24, Graham was appointed executive editor of both Penthouse and Penthouse Forum magazines. At this time he started to write a bestselling series of sex 'how-to' books including How To Drive Your Man Wild In Bed which has sold over 3 million copies worldwide. His latest, Wild Sex For New Lovers is published by Penguin Putnam in January, 2001. He is a regular contributor to Cosmopolitan, Men's Health, Woman, Woman's Own and other mass-market self-improvement magazines.
Graham Masterton's debut as a horror author began with The Manitou in 1976, a chilling tale of a Native American medicine man reborn in the present day to exact his revenge on the white man. It became an instant bestseller and was filmed with Tony Curtis, Susan Strasberg, Burgess Meredith, Michael Ansara, Stella Stevens and Ann Sothern.
Altogether Graham has written more than a hundred novels ranging from thrillers (The Sweetman Curve, Ikon) to disaster novels (Plague, Famine) to historical sagas (Rich and Maiden Voyage - both appeared in the New York Times bestseller list). He has published four collections of short stories, Fortnight of Fear, Flights of Fear, Faces of Fear and Feelings of Fear.
He has also written horror novels for children (House of Bones, Hair-Raiser) and has just finished the fifth volume in a very popular series for young adults, Rook, based on the adventures of an idiosyncratic remedial English teacher in a Los Angeles community college who has the facility to see ghosts.
Since then Graham has published more than 35 horror novels, including Charnel House, which was awarded a Special Edgar by Mystery Writers of America; Mirror, which was awarded a Silver Medal by West Coast Review of Books; and Family Portrait, an update of Oscar Wilde's tale, The Picture of Dorian Gray, which was the only non-French winner of the prestigious Prix Julia Verlanger in France.
He and his wife Wiescka live in a Gothic Victorian mansion high above the River Lee in Cork, Ireland.
At the age of 24, Graham was appointed executive editor of both Penthouse and Penthouse Forum magazines. At this time he started to write a bestselling series of sex 'how-to' books including How To Drive Your Man Wild In Bed which has sold over 3 million copies worldwide. His latest, Wild Sex For New Lovers is published by Penguin Putnam in January, 2001. He is a regular contributor to Cosmopolitan, Men's Health, Woman, Woman's Own and other mass-market self-improvement magazines.
Graham Masterton's debut as a horror author began with The Manitou in 1976, a chilling tale of a Native American medicine man reborn in the present day to exact his revenge on the white man. It became an instant bestseller and was filmed with Tony Curtis, Susan Strasberg, Burgess Meredith, Michael Ansara, Stella Stevens and Ann Sothern.
Altogether Graham has written more than a hundred novels ranging from thrillers (The Sweetman Curve, Ikon) to disaster novels (Plague, Famine) to historical sagas (Rich and Maiden Voyage - both appeared in the New York Times bestseller list). He has published four collections of short stories, Fortnight of Fear, Flights of Fear, Faces of Fear and Feelings of Fear.
He has also written horror novels for children (House of Bones, Hair-Raiser) and has just finished the fifth volume in a very popular series for young adults, Rook, based on the adventures of an idiosyncratic remedial English teacher in a Los Angeles community college who has the facility to see ghosts.
Since then Graham has published more than 35 horror novels, including Charnel House, which was awarded a Special Edgar by Mystery Writers of America; Mirror, which was awarded a Silver Medal by West Coast Review of Books; and Family Portrait, an update of Oscar Wilde's tale, The Picture of Dorian Gray, which was the only non-French winner of the prestigious Prix Julia Verlanger in France.
He and his wife Wiescka live in a Gothic Victorian mansion high above the River Lee in Cork, Ireland.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
June 6, 2020
Two things I discovered things whilst reading this:
1, I need to read more Graham Masterton.
2, I need to read crime series in order.
Firstly the only Masterton book that I'd previously read was a teen Point Horror, so hadn't previously appreciated his writing.
Secondly I'm always impulsively buying books without checking if they're part of a long running series, this being the ninth Katie Maguire novel.
One thing I appreciated from the authors horror background was the grisly depiction of the murders in this novel, as a group of policemen who were prepared to give evidence in a corruption are found decapitated with a silver whistle lodged down their throats.
That's certainly some message to give these 'whistleblowers'!
I hope I've not spoiled the earlier stories as these deaths might have proved more shocking if I'd knew the characters from previous books?
The novel also includes various other side plots and again I was slightly hindered and confused by them, but it seems that Matherson has crafted a depth to this series.
I wished I'd held off and brought the first one instead.
1, I need to read more Graham Masterton.
2, I need to read crime series in order.
Firstly the only Masterton book that I'd previously read was a teen Point Horror, so hadn't previously appreciated his writing.
Secondly I'm always impulsively buying books without checking if they're part of a long running series, this being the ninth Katie Maguire novel.
One thing I appreciated from the authors horror background was the grisly depiction of the murders in this novel, as a group of policemen who were prepared to give evidence in a corruption are found decapitated with a silver whistle lodged down their throats.
That's certainly some message to give these 'whistleblowers'!
I hope I've not spoiled the earlier stories as these deaths might have proved more shocking if I'd knew the characters from previous books?
The novel also includes various other side plots and again I was slightly hindered and confused by them, but it seems that Matherson has crafted a depth to this series.
I wished I'd held off and brought the first one instead.
August 23, 2022
My binge of Irish police procedurals continues with more novels by Graham Masterton. He continues to impresses with stories full of action, criminal goings-on, and strong detective work. There is a great flow to the writing that appears only to get better as Masterton weaves Irish-themed ideas to add an even more flavourful story for those who have followed from the beginning of this collection.
When the body of a Garda officer is found beheaded, many within the Cork police community wonder if it could be terrorism. However, the odd insertion of a tin whistle into the neck stump adds a curious angle to the investigation. Detective Superintendent Katie Macguire wants to get to the bottom of it, especially if someone is targeting her colleagues.
After another Garda is found murdered, with the same whistle placement, DS Macguire is sure this is a pattern. While she would love to deal solely with this, she has some personal matters that require her attention, namely her new lover. While he is a detective working on some dog fighting cases, he appears to have taken matters into his own hands after burning down the home of a known criminal.
When the two victims of the Garda attacks are confirmed as whistleblowers against their colleagues, things fall into perspective and DS Macguire is keen to see who might be targeting those who want to ensure everyone follows the rules. Three other whistleblowers are identified and placed into protective custody, but they are not entirely safe from whoever is targeting these Garda.
Juggling everything tossed at her, DS Macguire makes the best of it while trying to stay one step ahead of the hungry media folk who surround her at every turn. She is also receiving a great deal of pressure from her superiors, some of whom have voiced a concern at letting a woman climb the ranks of the Garda. A murderer (or group) is out there and DS Macguire will have to stop them, as she is about to ‘blow the whistle’ herself on some happenings that come to her attention. Masterton is brilliant once again and keeps the reader on their toes throughout this stellar piece of writing.
Graham Masterton weaves more Irish police procedurals in this intense series that uses graphic and sometimes gruesome murder as a means of catching the reader’s attention. Strong themes, set in the heart of Ireland, provide this series with a flavouring to which I am not accustomed, but thoroughly enjoy. The author is able to build on character development with ease and finds new ways to add depth to storylines that cross from one novel to the next.
Masterton blends his love of horror writing with a strong sense of mystery and police investigation. The strong narrative development is apparent throughout, as this book is only the latest in a collection of strong pieces. Personal and professional growth is apparent amongst many of the characters, especially DS Katie Macguire, who has had a number of hurdles in her way that require some attention. This is as it should be with a strong protagonist in a longer series, allowing the reader to build stronger ties as they read more. Masterton offers plot twists and cliffhangers to keep the series evolving, which has left me scrambling to get hold of the next book as soon as I can post a review. While there are only a few books left in the series, I am ready to tackle those that remain and see just how intense things get for DS Macguire and those around her.
Kudos, Mr. Masterton, for another great read.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
When the body of a Garda officer is found beheaded, many within the Cork police community wonder if it could be terrorism. However, the odd insertion of a tin whistle into the neck stump adds a curious angle to the investigation. Detective Superintendent Katie Macguire wants to get to the bottom of it, especially if someone is targeting her colleagues.
After another Garda is found murdered, with the same whistle placement, DS Macguire is sure this is a pattern. While she would love to deal solely with this, she has some personal matters that require her attention, namely her new lover. While he is a detective working on some dog fighting cases, he appears to have taken matters into his own hands after burning down the home of a known criminal.
When the two victims of the Garda attacks are confirmed as whistleblowers against their colleagues, things fall into perspective and DS Macguire is keen to see who might be targeting those who want to ensure everyone follows the rules. Three other whistleblowers are identified and placed into protective custody, but they are not entirely safe from whoever is targeting these Garda.
Juggling everything tossed at her, DS Macguire makes the best of it while trying to stay one step ahead of the hungry media folk who surround her at every turn. She is also receiving a great deal of pressure from her superiors, some of whom have voiced a concern at letting a woman climb the ranks of the Garda. A murderer (or group) is out there and DS Macguire will have to stop them, as she is about to ‘blow the whistle’ herself on some happenings that come to her attention. Masterton is brilliant once again and keeps the reader on their toes throughout this stellar piece of writing.
Graham Masterton weaves more Irish police procedurals in this intense series that uses graphic and sometimes gruesome murder as a means of catching the reader’s attention. Strong themes, set in the heart of Ireland, provide this series with a flavouring to which I am not accustomed, but thoroughly enjoy. The author is able to build on character development with ease and finds new ways to add depth to storylines that cross from one novel to the next.
Masterton blends his love of horror writing with a strong sense of mystery and police investigation. The strong narrative development is apparent throughout, as this book is only the latest in a collection of strong pieces. Personal and professional growth is apparent amongst many of the characters, especially DS Katie Macguire, who has had a number of hurdles in her way that require some attention. This is as it should be with a strong protagonist in a longer series, allowing the reader to build stronger ties as they read more. Masterton offers plot twists and cliffhangers to keep the series evolving, which has left me scrambling to get hold of the next book as soon as I can post a review. While there are only a few books left in the series, I am ready to tackle those that remain and see just how intense things get for DS Macguire and those around her.
Kudos, Mr. Masterton, for another great read.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
August 7, 2018
Hard, gritty story about betrayal and those who suffer when reporting wrong-doings in the ranks. Again the murders are gruesome, but the story is so well done IMO. One thing...I would NEVER be part of Katie's police team, be it uniform or plain clothes! You're bound to die hideously at some point!
August 3, 2018
4 stars
**For the faint of heart: This story has some graphic violence.
Detective Superintendent Katie Maguire responds to a call of a body at a mansion. It is Jimmy O’Faolain owner of the mansion. The investigation just gets underway, when a report of a headless man comes in. He was found in a cemetery.
The body in the cemetery is identified as DS Kieran O’Regan. He was set to give testimony is a court case soon. A whistle was stuffed down his neck, for he had been decapitated. There was no sign of his head where the body was found.
DS John Lacey is murdered in the same manner as O’Regan. Lacey’s son, Aidan was also kidnapped at the same time. The kidnappers mutilated him, but he is still alive when a couple of football players find them.
Then, very quickly, the remaining three “whistleblowers” are murdered in the same manner as the first two. This happened while they were under the protection of a very efficient private security firm hired by Katie to protect the witnesses. The only person she told of the arrangement was her direct supervisor Denis MacCostagain.
Undercover detective Michael gets in very deep trouble. First he is kidnapped and held so that Katie won’t bring any more drugs searches or arrests against a certain bad guy. His release was won at the price of the deaths of two detectives. When he goes to confront the bad guy and his gang, he is given an ultimatum.
Katie gets an idea of how to draw the murderers into the open, but it is very dangerous. She also finds a clue as to who murdered Jimmy O’Faolain. It is not a welcome one. Her boyfriend Conor gets himself into a sticky problem.
All these issues come to a head in a fast-paced and nail-biting conclusion to our story.
This book, I don’t know if Mr. Masterton has lost his love for his character Katie or what. He gets her into almost impossible situations, one after another. Are the criminals really that bad in Cork? I think if I lived there, I’d almost be insulted at the sheer level of violence and uncaring about other human lives. Her life is in great danger in this book. /shrug
I’m still going to read the next in the series because I’m well and truly hooked.
**For the faint of heart: This story has some graphic violence.
Detective Superintendent Katie Maguire responds to a call of a body at a mansion. It is Jimmy O’Faolain owner of the mansion. The investigation just gets underway, when a report of a headless man comes in. He was found in a cemetery.
The body in the cemetery is identified as DS Kieran O’Regan. He was set to give testimony is a court case soon. A whistle was stuffed down his neck, for he had been decapitated. There was no sign of his head where the body was found.
DS John Lacey is murdered in the same manner as O’Regan. Lacey’s son, Aidan was also kidnapped at the same time. The kidnappers mutilated him, but he is still alive when a couple of football players find them.
Then, very quickly, the remaining three “whistleblowers” are murdered in the same manner as the first two. This happened while they were under the protection of a very efficient private security firm hired by Katie to protect the witnesses. The only person she told of the arrangement was her direct supervisor Denis MacCostagain.
Undercover detective Michael gets in very deep trouble. First he is kidnapped and held so that Katie won’t bring any more drugs searches or arrests against a certain bad guy. His release was won at the price of the deaths of two detectives. When he goes to confront the bad guy and his gang, he is given an ultimatum.
Katie gets an idea of how to draw the murderers into the open, but it is very dangerous. She also finds a clue as to who murdered Jimmy O’Faolain. It is not a welcome one. Her boyfriend Conor gets himself into a sticky problem.
All these issues come to a head in a fast-paced and nail-biting conclusion to our story.
This book, I don’t know if Mr. Masterton has lost his love for his character Katie or what. He gets her into almost impossible situations, one after another. Are the criminals really that bad in Cork? I think if I lived there, I’d almost be insulted at the sheer level of violence and uncaring about other human lives. Her life is in great danger in this book. /shrug
I’m still going to read the next in the series because I’m well and truly hooked.
April 9, 2018
Such a great read would highly recommend reading in order. Katie is a bit more controlled sexually in this one which is a bonus
November 12, 2023
I think Graham Masterton and Katarzyna Bonda would find an understanding in the way of writing. Why the obscene sex scenes? I really don't find them necessary in a crime story. Fortunately, there weren't too many of them and they were absolutely redundant for the action so if you want to omit them, don't hesitate. The crime story itself was quite good, maybe a bit weird but I've never been to Cork so I don't know this place. There were a lot of bodies and we could suspect who was involved. That is not easy to detect though in reality so I can imagine this is how police work sometimes.
July 1, 2024
I've always said that I'd love a story in which the IA cops are the good guys. This one gets kinda close to that, even though there isn't much presence of IA here. This books was a surprisingly good and gripping read - surprisingly because of how utterly and hilariously incompetent the good guys were. Also, the lead character had so much personal drama piled up on her that, even though I understand that this is common in this genre, it actually broke my suspension of disbelief. Still, I did enjoy the book and I think I'll read more on audiobooks.
March 6, 2018
A good read
Another enjoyable encounter with Katie Maguire, a good read. I've enjoyed following this Irish detective having.g read all the books in the series.
Another enjoyable encounter with Katie Maguire, a good read. I've enjoyed following this Irish detective having.g read all the books in the series.
December 30, 2018
Those that have read my reviews will know that I LOVE Graham Masterton & this, as usual, is a rather gruesome tale - just how I like 'em! - & while I enjoyed it well enough, my first thought on closing the book was "Well that was less than convincing".
I've said for a few books now that I don't like the persona of Katie Maguire & this instalment does little to establish her as a credible character to me. I just find it hard to believe in some...probably most...of her actions. I'm getting weary of her relationship crises, & the formulaic feel to the books...& she plain irritates me! Will I read anymore? Of course I will, go figure..........
3.5 stars from me must be a record low for this author.
I've said for a few books now that I don't like the persona of Katie Maguire & this instalment does little to establish her as a credible character to me. I just find it hard to believe in some...probably most...of her actions. I'm getting weary of her relationship crises, & the formulaic feel to the books...& she plain irritates me! Will I read anymore? Of course I will, go figure..........
3.5 stars from me must be a record low for this author.
January 12, 2025
Extreme violence purely for shock value. I hoped the book would be more clever to justify it.
May 16, 2018
Compellingly Gruesome!
Another 'ripping' yarn from GM. Always an edge of unbelievable horror in his tales. A strong 'uurrgghhh' sensation accompanies his openings and, however grisly the detail and overview, you're compelled to continue and see DS Maguire nail the culprits. This time she is well and truly taken to the limits and manages to come back with a lot of help from her colleagues. How she gets out of bed in the morning to keep doing it is anyone's guess!
Another 'ripping' yarn from GM. Always an edge of unbelievable horror in his tales. A strong 'uurrgghhh' sensation accompanies his openings and, however grisly the detail and overview, you're compelled to continue and see DS Maguire nail the culprits. This time she is well and truly taken to the limits and manages to come back with a lot of help from her colleagues. How she gets out of bed in the morning to keep doing it is anyone's guess!
November 8, 2018
Dark and beguiling!
You know what to expect from a Katie Maguire story and this one topped the lot. How unfortunate can you be when your lover, father and boss are all implicated in murder? This, rip roaring, story rattled along at such a break neck speed I was in danger of losing touch with the body count, not to mention who was on the take and who wasn't. The sub plots in the story are all interconnected and I would like to say that everything worked out in the end but, unfortunately, it didn't. That's what makes Graham Masterton's books such a joy to read. Highly recommended.
You know what to expect from a Katie Maguire story and this one topped the lot. How unfortunate can you be when your lover, father and boss are all implicated in murder? This, rip roaring, story rattled along at such a break neck speed I was in danger of losing touch with the body count, not to mention who was on the take and who wasn't. The sub plots in the story are all interconnected and I would like to say that everything worked out in the end but, unfortunately, it didn't. That's what makes Graham Masterton's books such a joy to read. Highly recommended.
February 3, 2019
Graham Masterton sure does know how to do grisly disturbing and blood thirsty scenes and this book has no shortage. Certainly not a read for the feint hearted. Despite the horrific scenes of murder, however, there is still the comic element shining through and at times I laughed out loud. Continuing Katie’s fight for justice against,yet again, a corrupt police force in Cork and sexist superior officers, this book tackles insider back handers and whistle blowers being killed to silence their claims. Roll on the next instalment.
February 14, 2019
This book is brilliant but not for the fainthearted. I've read most of the Katie McGuire series of books by Graham Masterton and they are fantastically brutal stories revolving around a female Inspector in the Garda in Cork which also tells us of her troublesome homelife. I highly recommend them but if you are of a nervous disposition look away now.
August 19, 2018
Well another great Kaite Maguire story from Graham Masterton, love this series but this was abit grisly in places. I don't know how Katie deals with the awful situations she is put through in these books.
Would highly recommend this book and this whole series.
Would highly recommend this book and this whole series.
December 22, 2018
Bloody, horrible
The story was quite horrid at times and the brutality was bloody, horrible and inconceivable.
...but it was a good tale with lots to like and lots to look forward to in the upcoming stories.
The story was quite horrid at times and the brutality was bloody, horrible and inconceivable.
...but it was a good tale with lots to like and lots to look forward to in the upcoming stories.
March 5, 2024
Ghost story
If you like the supernatural this is a twist on everything. At first it takes a little to get how the stories for together but then the book takes off
If you like the supernatural this is a twist on everything. At first it takes a little to get how the stories for together but then the book takes off
November 4, 2018
Dead Men Whistling is book #9 in the Katie Maguire series by Graham Masterton. This series is perhaps one of the most gritty and violent series of crime novels I have ever come across and this may be the first book in this series that doesn't feature an act of violent rape of a woman. Instead they are simply beheading and cutting off body parts a la Scarface fashion.
A sergeant in the Garda is found dead, sitting on a bench in a cemetery, an Irish tin whistle jammed into the stump of his neck. As air leaves the dead body the whistle plays. The sergeants head is missing. He was schedule to testify later in the week against corruption in the Police department. The message sent is very clear, the whistleblowers will be dealt with with vicious violence. The shredded remains of the throat makes it clear that a chainsaw is being used.
DCI Maguire knows that the corruption inquiry will lead to the arrest of one of the most dangerous drug dealers in Cork. But to do this she needs to keep the other officers who are to give testimony safe. But what she also knows is that there is someone in the department who is giving away the locations of the remaining officers and now they face the fate of the first whistleblower.
Tensions mount and so do the bodies, headless with tin whistles singing.
The Katie Maguire series is gritty and bloody and some of the best crime drama I have read. It is also, by far, the most graphically violent crime drama I have read. To give the reader an idea there is rape, gang rape, beheadings, children whose legs are cut off, feet that are drilled through and then fastened to the floor, dogs killed and on and on. If you are the least bit adverse to reading such acts know full well, that Masterton pulls no punches.
Katie Maguire herself is a very interesting character that seems built for the emotional and physical abuse that is rained down on her. We have seen her lovers raped, tortured and left for dead. Her family dies with the guilt carried on her shoulders and not even her dog is spared violence.
In Dead Men Whistling Maguire is not only battling the most dangerous drug dealer she is yet to face but her own department whose sentiments are not with those who would testify against other policemen.
But it is Maguire that drives this novel and the entire series, she is as close to giving up in this novel than she has ever been. The cost of doing the right thing in a corrupt and unforgiving world is costing her too much. In the earlier novels, Maguire's uncompromising nature strengthened her resolve as she battle the bloody and cruel streets of Ireland. But here, in Dead Men Whistling, we may be seeing the first cracks in the armor.
Another good read in this series. Intense and atmospheric.
A sergeant in the Garda is found dead, sitting on a bench in a cemetery, an Irish tin whistle jammed into the stump of his neck. As air leaves the dead body the whistle plays. The sergeants head is missing. He was schedule to testify later in the week against corruption in the Police department. The message sent is very clear, the whistleblowers will be dealt with with vicious violence. The shredded remains of the throat makes it clear that a chainsaw is being used.
DCI Maguire knows that the corruption inquiry will lead to the arrest of one of the most dangerous drug dealers in Cork. But to do this she needs to keep the other officers who are to give testimony safe. But what she also knows is that there is someone in the department who is giving away the locations of the remaining officers and now they face the fate of the first whistleblower.
Tensions mount and so do the bodies, headless with tin whistles singing.
The Katie Maguire series is gritty and bloody and some of the best crime drama I have read. It is also, by far, the most graphically violent crime drama I have read. To give the reader an idea there is rape, gang rape, beheadings, children whose legs are cut off, feet that are drilled through and then fastened to the floor, dogs killed and on and on. If you are the least bit adverse to reading such acts know full well, that Masterton pulls no punches.
Katie Maguire herself is a very interesting character that seems built for the emotional and physical abuse that is rained down on her. We have seen her lovers raped, tortured and left for dead. Her family dies with the guilt carried on her shoulders and not even her dog is spared violence.
In Dead Men Whistling Maguire is not only battling the most dangerous drug dealer she is yet to face but her own department whose sentiments are not with those who would testify against other policemen.
But it is Maguire that drives this novel and the entire series, she is as close to giving up in this novel than she has ever been. The cost of doing the right thing in a corrupt and unforgiving world is costing her too much. In the earlier novels, Maguire's uncompromising nature strengthened her resolve as she battle the bloody and cruel streets of Ireland. But here, in Dead Men Whistling, we may be seeing the first cracks in the armor.
Another good read in this series. Intense and atmospheric.
April 9, 2020
While this was a very good book with a very interesting story line that captured my attention from the outset. I can't say the same for the dialog. Well actually I can but not in a good way!
The story and characters are based in Cork city Ireland. However as soon as I started reading it I got confused given the various accents and dialects of some of the characters. I thought it was based else where such as Derry, Belfast or Dublin and when the young boy used the word "shall", I began to wonder if the author hadn't done his homework properly. No one in Cork use the word "shall" unless they lived in England or their parents came from England. Which was not the case here.
As the story went on I came to the conclusion that the author had picked up a copy of the 'Cork Book of Slang' and inserted words just for the sake of affect thinking they would reflect how Cork people speak. Imagine my surprise when I discovered that he had lived in Cork for five years! All I can say is he must never have sat in a local pub, got on the local bus or travelled between the Northside and Southside to listen to people's conversations to actual pick up the every day speak of Corkonians. Not to mention the lack of wit that Irish people are world renowned for especially Cork wit. This was very much lacking in the book.
And his fascination (not a spoiler) with Katie's thong which he references more than once really had me baffled. Have you ever read a book where the main character has to use the bathroom and the act of her pulling down her jeans and then her thong is actually described in detail. Well if you like that level of minute detail, you're in for a treat.
You might have guessed by now that I'm a Corkonian and this is why I was so frustrated with the Cork slang/ language been totally misplaced.
Perhaps others who have read this book and not familiar with how Irish people speak would have even noticed that this was a bit more like the old Hollywood films and not a story line of Ireland in modern times.
I will try and read another one of DS Katie Maguire series just to see if there's been an improvement, however there's no guarantee I'll finish it.
The story and characters are based in Cork city Ireland. However as soon as I started reading it I got confused given the various accents and dialects of some of the characters. I thought it was based else where such as Derry, Belfast or Dublin and when the young boy used the word "shall", I began to wonder if the author hadn't done his homework properly. No one in Cork use the word "shall" unless they lived in England or their parents came from England. Which was not the case here.
As the story went on I came to the conclusion that the author had picked up a copy of the 'Cork Book of Slang' and inserted words just for the sake of affect thinking they would reflect how Cork people speak. Imagine my surprise when I discovered that he had lived in Cork for five years! All I can say is he must never have sat in a local pub, got on the local bus or travelled between the Northside and Southside to listen to people's conversations to actual pick up the every day speak of Corkonians. Not to mention the lack of wit that Irish people are world renowned for especially Cork wit. This was very much lacking in the book.
And his fascination (not a spoiler) with Katie's thong which he references more than once really had me baffled. Have you ever read a book where the main character has to use the bathroom and the act of her pulling down her jeans and then her thong is actually described in detail. Well if you like that level of minute detail, you're in for a treat.
You might have guessed by now that I'm a Corkonian and this is why I was so frustrated with the Cork slang/ language been totally misplaced.
Perhaps others who have read this book and not familiar with how Irish people speak would have even noticed that this was a bit more like the old Hollywood films and not a story line of Ireland in modern times.
I will try and read another one of DS Katie Maguire series just to see if there's been an improvement, however there's no guarantee I'll finish it.
January 4, 2022
Page turning, stomach churning detective thriller.
An enquiry into allegations made by serving Garda officers against other officers is about to open. The allegations are wide ranging, including bribe taking, removing evidence, altering records and racism. With days to go, one of the whistle blowers is abducted from his home by three men in front of his family and taken to a cemetery. In a secluded spot, he is beheaded using a chainsaw. A tin whistle is inserted into his neck, marking him as a whistleblower just in case anyone was in any doubt. He is the first but far from the last to suffer this fate. As DS Katie Maguire strives to find the men responsible and protect the remaining whistleblowers, she is convinced that the perpetrators are being given information by officers from her station. She has long suspected that the station had leaks but this is on a totally different level. To try to flush the killers out, Katie does something very dangerous. Has time run about for Katie Macguire?
If that wasn’t enough, Katie’s personal life is in turmoil. Her partner, Connor, the pet detective, canno accept that the senior police officers have decided not to proscecute Guss MacManus, the notorious dog fight organiser, despite the personal danger he exposed himself too in order to gather the evidence. This leads him to a rash decision that results in terrible consequences. And then there’s Katie’s beloved Dad. He’s announced he’s having to sell the family home to cover debts caused by a bad investment. When a well liked financial guru is shot sitting on the toilet in his luxury home, no one connects the dots…. at first.
Just how much punishment can one woman take? Will we find the answer to that question in Dead Men Whistling?
An enquiry into allegations made by serving Garda officers against other officers is about to open. The allegations are wide ranging, including bribe taking, removing evidence, altering records and racism. With days to go, one of the whistle blowers is abducted from his home by three men in front of his family and taken to a cemetery. In a secluded spot, he is beheaded using a chainsaw. A tin whistle is inserted into his neck, marking him as a whistleblower just in case anyone was in any doubt. He is the first but far from the last to suffer this fate. As DS Katie Maguire strives to find the men responsible and protect the remaining whistleblowers, she is convinced that the perpetrators are being given information by officers from her station. She has long suspected that the station had leaks but this is on a totally different level. To try to flush the killers out, Katie does something very dangerous. Has time run about for Katie Macguire?
If that wasn’t enough, Katie’s personal life is in turmoil. Her partner, Connor, the pet detective, canno accept that the senior police officers have decided not to proscecute Guss MacManus, the notorious dog fight organiser, despite the personal danger he exposed himself too in order to gather the evidence. This leads him to a rash decision that results in terrible consequences. And then there’s Katie’s beloved Dad. He’s announced he’s having to sell the family home to cover debts caused by a bad investment. When a well liked financial guru is shot sitting on the toilet in his luxury home, no one connects the dots…. at first.
Just how much punishment can one woman take? Will we find the answer to that question in Dead Men Whistling?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 13, 2023
I accidentally read book 10 out of order. It hasn't made too much difference to the series. I am very much looking forward to book 11 - the last book, to see how this excellent series ends.
No one ever accused Masterton of subtlety or a plausible plot but dont let this stop the mayhem and enjoyment. Its the prose, the Irish dialect and the characters that make up for it.
As good as off the shelf police procedurals get.
The plot - for what it is worth - is three handed.
A dodgy financial expert is found murdered.
Katie's boyfriend continues his crusade with the militant branch of the Royal Society of Prevention of Cruelty to dogs by declaring war on the gypsy dog fighters.
The main story - policemen (very much in the plural) are being beheaded with a chainsaw, the heads stolen and a (very expensive) tin whistle put in the neck. They are whistle blowers, dobbing in their fellow policemen. I told you he didnt do subtle.
How the main investigation is not tied up before it gets out of hand, I'll never know but of course, its down to Katie to single handidly route out the crims from within.
Everything - the violence, the (in this book slightly tamed down) sex - has us reaching for our pearl necklaces. And we love it and come back for more.
Cannot wait to see how the series ends..... surely with a bang. Pun intended.
No one ever accused Masterton of subtlety or a plausible plot but dont let this stop the mayhem and enjoyment. Its the prose, the Irish dialect and the characters that make up for it.
As good as off the shelf police procedurals get.
The plot - for what it is worth - is three handed.
A dodgy financial expert is found murdered.
Katie's boyfriend continues his crusade with the militant branch of the Royal Society of Prevention of Cruelty to dogs by declaring war on the gypsy dog fighters.
The main story - policemen (very much in the plural) are being beheaded with a chainsaw, the heads stolen and a (very expensive) tin whistle put in the neck. They are whistle blowers, dobbing in their fellow policemen. I told you he didnt do subtle.
How the main investigation is not tied up before it gets out of hand, I'll never know but of course, its down to Katie to single handidly route out the crims from within.
Everything - the violence, the (in this book slightly tamed down) sex - has us reaching for our pearl necklaces. And we love it and come back for more.
Cannot wait to see how the series ends..... surely with a bang. Pun intended.
June 11, 2024
Nie byłbym sobą, gdybym nie zaczął serii sensacyjno-kryminalnej od .... 9 tomu ;( Nasza bohaterka dochrapała się już stanowiska komisarza w Policji Irlandii. Wychodzi na to, że było jej trudno bo walczyła z systemem, który nie chce kobiet w policji. Walczyła z bandytami, bo poznajemy jej ciężką przeszłość po ... zmaltretowanym psie. Teraz walczy z walącym się życiem (ponownie) gdzie w kłopoty wpędza ją chłopak oraz ... a tego Wam nie powiem, bo to byłby już mega spojler. Sama ksiązka jest niestety słaba. Nie ma tajemnic, zwrotów akcji, które by mnie zaskoczyły - obydwa niestety odgadłem hektary stronic zanim do nich dotarłem. Policja w książce jest przedstawiona najpierw jako mega nieudolna, skorumpowana, ginąca na ulicach jak muchy i to było przegięcie w jedną stronę. A potem odkrętka następuje w drugą, gdzie zebranie tabunu szturmowców zajmuje 5 minut. Kompletnie tego nie kupuję i nie wciągnęło mnie. W mojej głowie Masterton po wsze czasy zostanie od pisania horrorów jak Manitou, a nie od pisania kolejnych Jacków Reacherów. Do przeczytania w tydzień (bo niestety nie wciąga tak mocno, aby trzeba ją było brać w każdej chwili) i zapomnienia. Środek serii nie wciągnął abym sięgał po inne tomy. Może kiedyś przy okazji coś jeszcze wpadnie w ręce to przeczytam, ale szukać na siłę kontaktu nie będę.
November 27, 2018
As normal this book is set in Cork in the Irish republic and follows the cases dealt with by DCI Katie Maguire and her colleagues. I have read a number of books in this series but for anyone who picks up one for the first time, the author uses a lot of Irish slang and Irish slang that is particular to Cork. Don't be put off by this, there are many places just a click away on the net that will help you find there true meaning and enhance your enjoyment of the story. This book is about a policeman a member of the Garda found dead by being decapitated and a tin whistle being stuck down what is left of his throat, his head is missing. This Garda was due to give evidence at a police corruption trial. More headless policemen turn up and DCI Katie Maguire has to find the men behind these killings. As usual Katie's private life is far from ordinary and we learn a bit more about her and her red setter dog. This is a good read and a great addition to the series.
August 12, 2019
As usual, Katie Maguire has more things on the go then one would seem capable of handling. She has dead and missing policemen, a dead financier, dead criminals and a growing mistrust among the officers at Anglesea Road Station to deal with. It's all go go go.
Katie in her determined and unwavering manner must overcome all the obstacles that are placed her way to get to the truth and at the same uphold the oath she swore when she joined the police. An oath that is being challenged more often. Her strength of character is what gets her through and her true friends.
Her personal life is not easy either and it also challenges her to uphold the oath.
All this makes for an enjoyable read, even though it is rather gruesome in the normal Graham Masterton manner. There is a grittiness to these novels and is way I enjoy them so much.
Katie in her determined and unwavering manner must overcome all the obstacles that are placed her way to get to the truth and at the same uphold the oath she swore when she joined the police. An oath that is being challenged more often. Her strength of character is what gets her through and her true friends.
Her personal life is not easy either and it also challenges her to uphold the oath.
All this makes for an enjoyable read, even though it is rather gruesome in the normal Graham Masterton manner. There is a grittiness to these novels and is way I enjoy them so much.
May 22, 2018
This book caught me off guard. Masteton was a favorite author of mine when i was in my teens. The Manitou was one of the scariest books I ever read. Now he's writing this crime fiction series, based in Cork. (Note: Never visit Cork, at least Masterton's Cork -- lots of death!)
This was a full story with many plots, characters and depth. Some of the throw-away lines are not needed; that's the only reason this lost a star -- too many quips.
But Katie is a strong character, lots of sadness in her life but hope too. It's a great, and grisly, crime story. I'll read more about DS Maguire.
Caution: This is written with heavy Irish slang and colloquialisms. After finishing this book, I need a scoop.
This was a full story with many plots, characters and depth. Some of the throw-away lines are not needed; that's the only reason this lost a star -- too many quips.
But Katie is a strong character, lots of sadness in her life but hope too. It's a great, and grisly, crime story. I'll read more about DS Maguire.
Caution: This is written with heavy Irish slang and colloquialisms. After finishing this book, I need a scoop.
March 30, 2019
ANother excellent Katie Maguire book, and I def preferred this to the last one.
Since about book 2, there's been a constant back story of police corruption, and here it comes to a head, central to the plot. Katie comes close, but it is all (seemingly) dealt with, although no doubt will run over into the next one.
The unnecessary intricacies of Katie's sex life are reigned back, thankfully. There's personal tragedy to deal with here, and the Police bodycount is still way out of hand. Just as one has to wonder how there's anyone still alive in Midsomer, the same could apply to the Cork Garda.
Well written, good story, although the ending a little OTT, but there's more than enough there to want to read the next one.
Since about book 2, there's been a constant back story of police corruption, and here it comes to a head, central to the plot. Katie comes close, but it is all (seemingly) dealt with, although no doubt will run over into the next one.
The unnecessary intricacies of Katie's sex life are reigned back, thankfully. There's personal tragedy to deal with here, and the Police bodycount is still way out of hand. Just as one has to wonder how there's anyone still alive in Midsomer, the same could apply to the Cork Garda.
Well written, good story, although the ending a little OTT, but there's more than enough there to want to read the next one.
October 30, 2019
Another entertaining entry in the Katie Maguire series that Graham Masterton seems to be pumping out at will. This is another fairly gruesome novel that betrays the author's history of horror novels. Cosy mystery it is not. Anyone paying attention will roll their eyes on a few occasions, either because of the dumbness of some of the Garda or the some of the daft plot points. I nearly knocked the rating down to 3 stars on that basis, but I read fiction to be entertained and Masterton comes up with the goods. If you like your crime to be gritty and don't mind a few stretches in credulity, you won't go far wrong with Katie Maguire.
December 12, 2025
This one was very difficult to finish. All of the characters seemed to have the exact same personalities and mannerisms, ways of speaking, exact slang. The main character was extremely unlikable and made no sense. Constantly betraying and hurting her supposed loves ones for trying to make the world a better place, always wearing a thong on duty as a police officer... Every other scene seems to be about her dogs running around. Of course, they had to throw in a lot of strange sex scenes that were repulsive and added nothing to the storyline. It left nothing to think about it, no mystery, no curiosity. I was so happy when it was finally over and, now I know better than to ever pick up another "Katie Maguire, detective" book.
October 30, 2018
Whew. This one was difficult for me. If you do not know Irish slang/culture this one will be difficult to get through.
I was a little shocked by the body count in this one. Whew, it seems like Cork is uber violent and just full of dead bodies.
******SPOILER*****
I was kind of shocked of the "big killer." It was basically spelled out for the reader and I saw it coming a mile away. I didn't want it to be him because it was so obvious.
I also feel bad for Katie. It seems like anyone she cares about dies...so I certainly wouldn't want to be friends with her....
I was a little shocked by the body count in this one. Whew, it seems like Cork is uber violent and just full of dead bodies.
******SPOILER*****
I was kind of shocked of the "big killer." It was basically spelled out for the reader and I saw it coming a mile away. I didn't want it to be him because it was so obvious.
I also feel bad for Katie. It seems like anyone she cares about dies...so I certainly wouldn't want to be friends with her....
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 31, 2021
I note that it wasn't just me who was tired of gratuitous sex scenes. This time we exchanged gratuitous sex scenes for gratuitous violence. Masterton paints a grim picture of the Irish to the point where none of them seem trustworthy. I found the constant use of Irish slang tedious because it interferes with the dialogue something fierce and I'd recommend that Masterton dials back the language somewhat. I admire his work ethic though. Maybe he tried to put too much into this story. The death of Maguire Senior seemed a little, once again, gratuitous.
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