Cracking the Case: Inside the mind of a top garda

by Christy Mangan

The No. 1 bestselling story of one of Ireland's top homicide investigators

'Thrilling and insightful' Ray D'Arcy, RTÉ

'Intriguing . . . a great read . . . it's the story of Ireland in a way' Nicola Tallant

'Important and compassionate' Irish Times

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'A fascinating, deeply personal journey inside of some of the most high-profile and grotesque crimes of the past four decades . . . a rare insight into the darkest recess of human nature' Paul Williams, Irish Independent

After a forty-year career in the gardaí Christy Mangan knows how hard it is to solve a murder. Now, in Cracking the Case, he takes a deep dive into how investigations are run.

The book includes infamous and iconic cases such as that of Fr Niall Molloy whose violent death after a high society wedding became a source of feverish conspiracy theories; the notorious 'Scissor Sisters' case in which two sisters killed and dismembered their mother's abusive lover; and the tragic murder of teenager, Keane Mulready-Woods, as part of a gangland turf war in Drogheda.

In these and other fascinating stories, Mangan details the care investigators take in trying to give victims' families answers and to see justice done. He also shows a deep understanding of the complex reasons people are drawn into crime or commit unthinkable acts.

Cracking the Case is a remarkable insight into the mind of a gifted garda working at the highest level.

Christy Mangan retired at the rank of chief superintendent in 2022.

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'The people who most ought to read it are the country's lawmakers and the top rank of An Garda Síochána' Irish Times

'Lots of fascinating stories' Matt Cooper, Today FM

'Compelling' RTÉ Guide

Genres: True Crime

265 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 27, 2023

Reviews

[Ma Sanches · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice stories about Garda and famous crime cases in Ireland from a former superintendent. Nice point of view about treating people with respect and dignity, even if it is just their memory...

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really interesting.
5 stars for what it is.
4 stars as not the best book I’ve read.

[Shane Colton · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first 60 or 70 pgs are a struggle but the book does get progressively better. The sisters and Drogheda fued chapters are very good. I did however prefee Pat Marrys making of a detective book, it was more succinct and flowed better. Still if your into Irish crime, this is a must.

[Kelli Barczynski · Rating 5 out of 5]

You can tell that chief Superintendent Mangan loved his job throughout but more importantly was empathetic to people regardless of how they met. Some big cases discussed in the book firsthand with such care, empathy and dignity for the victims. He was an exceptional member of An Garda Siochana and an equally exceptional man. Highly recommend.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really interesting read. Christy Mangan seems like a very fair and reasonable and kind man and one you would be lucky to have on the worst day of your life. Really fascinating look inside some of Ireland's most notorious cases. I particularly found the chapter about the Scissor Sisters interesting.

[Shaun Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forty years of service

An interesting account if forty years of service in the Garda and some cases that have gained international interest. Well worth a read

[Paul Carey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good read. More documentary than story but I enjoyed it all.

[Mark Saunders · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

[Chelsey Pryce · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting insight into the world of An Garda Síochána. Detailing some horrifying cases of Murder, intimidation and drug crime, how the cases were solved, and the outcome of sentencing.

[Oonagh Considine · Rating 3 out of 5]

He done a great job protecting Drogheda. A great inside in what happened in Drogheda .