Cold Cold Ground
Overview: Northern Ireland, spring 1981. Hunger strikes, riots, power cuts, a homophobic serial killer with a penchant for opera, and a young woman’s suicide that may yet turn out to be murder: on the surface, the events are unconnected, but then things – and people – aren’t always what they seem. Detective Sergeant Duffy is the man tasked with trying to get to the bottom of it all. It’s no easy job – especially when it turns out that one of the victims was involved in the IRA but was last seen discussing business with a loyalist. Add to this fact that, as a Catholic policeman, it doesn’t matter which side he’s on because nobody trust him, and Sergeant Duffy really is in a no-win situation.
Pages: 320 Pages
Writer: Adrian McKinty
Recommendations:
Review By: Jason Schulte
Rating: 
I was drawn to this book because I love a good story that intertwines real-life events with fiction. The fact that it was set in the early 1980s in Ireland, a time period I know little about, made it even more intriguing. A murder mystery mixed with historical events? Count me in!
The story follows Detective Duffy, who faces numerous challenges in his life. Not only is he a Catholic in a predominantly Protestant area, but he also has to solve a murder case that just doesn’t add up. As Duffy delves deeper into the investigation, he finds himself treading on dangerous ground, risking his safety by stepping on the toes of some powerful enemies – the IRA, special branch, the military, and even his own boss. Talk about a risky business!
Despite some moments where Duffy’s decisions made me want to facepalm, the story was engaging and kept me hooked. The highs and lows in the plot created a rollercoaster of emotions, making me root for Duffy to come out on top. It was so good that I can’t wait to dive into the next book in the series – a decision I’ll be making very soon.
In conclusion, this book was a thrilling ride that kept me on the edge of my seat. Duffy’s character may have had his flaws, but his determination to solve the mystery was admirable. I highly recommend giving this book a read if you’re looking for a mix of suspense, history, and a dash of chaos. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed!