The Ghosts of Galway

Starred review from September 11, 2017
Jack Taylor, Bruen’s perennially tortured protagonist, suffers new levels of angst in his 13th noir outing (after 2016’s The Emerald Lie). Recovering from a failed suicide attempt after a mistaken diagnosis of terminal cancer, Taylor is trying to live the quiet life in Galway, working as a security guard and looking after his dog, Storm. Trouble, however, has a way of finding him. When his boss offers him a job searching for The Red Book, a lost heretical text apparently in the possession of an ex-priest hiding in Ireland, Taylor initially scoffs at the “Dan Brown lite” scheme, but he needs the money and ultimately accepts. Meanwhile, a series of slain animals are found in Galway’s Eyre Square accompanied by cryptic notes left by an ultra–right-wing group that aims to return to an earlier era of conservative religion. When Emily, the chameleonlike sociopath who’s flitted in and out of Jack’s life, turns out to be mixed up in the plot, things get really nasty. Bruen is in top form, and, although everything Taylor touches seems to turn to ash, he embodies such humanity that readers will be unable to resist rooting for him. Agent: Lukas Ortiz, Philip G. Spitzer Literary Agency.

Those who enjoy the lilt of an Irish accent and contemporary Irish prose will enjoy this audiobook. Narrator Gerry O'Brien takes listeners on a wild ride that includes a terrific blend of pop culture, politics, and the search for a mysterious book. After experiencing some issues with a mistaken medical diagnosis, Jack Taylor finds a boring job as a night security guard in Galway. Then he's offered money to find "the book." O'Brien finds a comfortable, gravelly voice for Jack--and for the author's literary and musical recommendations--and delivers unique tones for a sociopath, crooked cops, and various priests. Fast-paced action, cynical commentary on life, dry humor, and O'Brien's skillful narration add up to a terrific listen. S.C.A. � AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine