Belfast Confidential

Dan Starkey #7

by Colin Bateman

Book by Colin Bateman

Genres: Fiction, Mystery, Irish Literature, Audiobook, Humor, Crime

410 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

Colin Bateman was a journalist in Northern Ireland before becoming a full-time writer. His first novel, Divorcing Jack, won the Betty Trask Prize, and all his novels have been critically acclaimed. He wrote the screenplays for the feature films of Divorcing Jack, Crossmaheart and Wild About Harry. He lives in Northern Ireland with his family.

Reviews

[Incandragon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a pleasant murder mystery, and I was surprised to find that it was the seventh and latest in a series of seven Dan Starkey novels. It had humor and nice pacing, good characters and interesting twists. More than twice I thought I knew where it was going, and then it didn't go there -- so, kudos. "Well intentioned but inclined to stupidity" is how the protagonist is described, and that's got Starkey pegged. As interesting as the plot, though, was seeing the portrayal of a community and culture trying to reclaim itself from a recent history of violence and terrorism.

There is, be warned, cat death.

Extra points for the audiobook experience, because it's narrated with an Irish brogue, and that's nothing but lovely.

I feel I must add that after the recent debacle with Grimes's "Belle Ruin," I was pleased to see that Bateman wrote a book where someone who isn't up to speed on the history of the series isn't left in crippling ignorance. Still bitter 'bout that.

[Scotchneat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely enjoyed this one. This time, Patricia and Dan have moved house, and if that doesn't drive him to drink, then the death of his good friend Mouse will.

But first he's got to take over Mouse's leading gossip/trendsetter mag "Belfast Confidential", and maybe figure out what happened along the way.

Needless to say, drinks will be drunk, mayhem will ensue, and Patricia will be pissed.

[Richard Morrow · Rating 4 out of 5]

A tabloid magazine started in post Good Friday Agreement Belfast is the centre of this plot but it’s great to see the protagonists interacting in places that are so familiar around Belfast. Two friends who have gone through a lot together don’t realise what is just around the corner.
It’s only when I was over a quarter of the way through did I realise it was 6th in a series but it’s accessible enough that not having read the previous novels doesn’t take away from one’s enjoyment. Tense and dramatic at one moment quickly dissolves to laugh out loud and farcical the next. Bateman’s crude descriptions make his characters seem simultaneously real to life and like caricatures. Completely irreverent, sad but filled with heart. In many ways this is a “Troubles” novel but more importantly it’s a novel about people and the lengths they will go to to get their revenge.

[Alex Breck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely LOVED this book, from start to finish. Literally had me laughing out loud. His dark sense of humour is often just a couple of feet past the line of decency but you just know that Bateman has his tongue firmly in his cheek. He is very funny but also has a razor-sharp insight into 'post-Troubles' Ulster and if you're tired of mundane fiction, give Bateman a try. Can't believe they still drink 'Harp' over there...!

[John Newall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love coming back to Dan Starkey, and this was as excellent a read as his previous outings. He even had a small flashback to Divorcing Jack right in the middle of a fever dream. That was a pleasant surprise 23 years later. Great storyline and out chugged along at a nice pace, with plenty of dark humour spread throughout. The final mystery was satisfying. Great read.

[Daniel Henshaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. A classic whodunnit.

[Gary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent as always from Mr Bateman.

[Helen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dark comedy who dun what in belfast

[Lacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was filled with intrigue and good character development. Quite laddish in the way it was written with many slangs thrown in. Such plot twist. Enjoyed the story in general.

[Charlie Butler · Rating 4 out of 5]

easy read and actually very funny.

[Claire Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book! It was funny, exciting, and I like how it ended! I didn't really like Dan as a character, but that didn't hinder my enjoyment for the novel.
MORE THOUGHTS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AusTN...

[Amy the book-bat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this audiobook up at the library, from the free table. This was my first audiobook. I enjoyed it quite a bit. The story was interesting, with lots of twists, but I did figure out "whodunit" by the mid-point of the story. I liked the narrator quite a bit, even though there were a few moments when his accent made it a bit difficult to understand all of the words. There was a fair amount of humor and I found myself laughing out loud several times. I did think that the profanity was a little heavy-handed, so if it offends you, you might not want to listen to this one.

[Deanna · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not really sure why this book missed the mark with me. Gave it 3 stars because it made me laugh at times. Other times the "hero" Dan just irritated me and so did his wife. There was no character in this book that I liked. There was no suspense as to who done it only why. Okay story. Not interested in reading more about Dan as I just did not like him. I usually like British and Irish humor, just felt empty after finishing this book.

[Fiona Groves · Rating 4 out of 5]

My husband suggested I read this book. Initially I wasn't sure if I was going to enjoy it. The main character, Dan Starkey, is a journalist, a shambles, pretty irritating and he thinks he's funny. However, I quickly got into the story and became almost fond of him towards the end. It's a clever story with a high body count and many laugh out loud moments. I'll definitely read more about Dan Starkey.

[David Campton · Rating 2 out of 5]

Bateman's publishing company has pretentiously dropped his uncool name "Colin" yet the recipe remains the same. A repackaging of stories from Northern Ireland's painful past in a mad-cap comedy thriller, with a clever title culled from something more famous. That's the theory... but the franchise is just a little bit stale. Don't spend your book-token's on it.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fun read. A few times I laughed out loud. The characters were good - a nice mix of quirky and normal. The setting, Belfast in northern Ireland, was interesting and well done. And the murder mystery plot unfolded nicely. Clues led the reader to think one way, then another. The book passed the do-I- want-another test.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another Crime/Comedy - I'm sure I've read other books of his before.
Although they are some quite serious crimes, and the protagonist Dan is dealing with other 'heavy' issues the book is v. funny and quite entralling. Some laugh out loud moments, and certainly not a cheesy example of the genre...

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

I stuck with this despite being turned off by the salty language very early on and often. The story twists and is complicated. Overall an OK read, but didn't compare with my favorite detective series by Ian Rankin.

[Vanessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy that the city of Belfast is an important character in its own rights in Bateman's books.

[Mike Worth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have read most of his books and can't remember all exactly - just that I have never been let down and have enjoyed Mr Bateman's writing immensely

[Glenys Parslow · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fast-paced, witty and full of colourful characters. I bought it for the cover and because I enjoyed the movie, "Divorcing Jack."

[K J Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second funniest of the Dan Starkey novels. Beaten only by Driving Big Davie

[Steve · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love the British-style humor (Northern Irish actually).
But the book would have been ever better if edited down to about half the length.

[Eli · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the combo of humor & crime. Dan is a wanker, but unapologetically so, and is tolerable despite the ill-timed & un-PC jokes.

[Glenys Parslow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very funny and entertaining.

[Terry Foster · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marketed as an Ulster Carl Hiaasen, not sure I'd agree but still a light, fun read

[Shirley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thriller with a difference. A very good deck chair read and one I enjoyed.

[Henry Sheppard · Rating 4 out of 5]

This a Dan Starkey mystery. A good read. His wife dumps him, as usual, then takes him back, as usual. Lots of people die violent deaths. Not his best, but pretty good anyway.

[Rkb 2015 · Rating 4 out of 5]

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Martin Willoughby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very funny, but not for those easily offended by swear words.