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Product Description
Review
`McKinty is a streetwise, energetic gunslinger of a writer. The pace is always full throttle forwards' --Irish Times
'Ireland's more accessible answer to James Ellroy' --Laura Wilson, Guardian
'Ireland's more accessible answer to James Ellroy' --Laura Wilson, Guardian
Review
"'Another winner, with pathos, insight, sardonic humour and lyrical descriptions that counterpoint the red-hot sequences to superb effect' (Guardian) 'McKinty is a streetwise, energetic gunslinger of a writer, firing off volleys of sassy dialogue and explosive action that always delivers what it promises... Skilfully constructed and full throttle forwards' (Irish Times)"
--This text refers to an alternate
Paperback
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
13 of 13 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Like all good "noir" fiction, McKinty provides us with a charismatic central character - here in the form of Killian. Of Pavee traveller, Irish stock (otherwise known as `tinkers') he has made his name as an enforcer of other people's laws, collecting debts and finding missing people. He's tough and capable of violence, but generally gets his man by avoiding force where possible. A sort of hit man with a conscience. However, when the book kicks off he has semi-retired, but his decision to invest his ill gotten gains in property has fallen foul of the property crash, so when a job comes up offering a cool half million for simply finding the ex-wife and daughters of budget airline magnate Richard Coulter, it's not one he can easily turn down. Killian knows this sounds too good to be that simple. And, of course, he's right.
Fans of McKinty's previous books may recognise the source of the lead for this work, a certain Michael Forsythe, star of McKinty's "Dead" trilogy. But this is Killian's book and his sometime mentor Forsythe merely lurks in the background of the story. If you haven't encountered his former adventures, you won't be disadvantaged in the least.
We get a fair amount of initial jet setting. We first meet Killian in the USA on St Patrick's day musing on the "Oirish" interpretations of his native land, but when the call comes from the budget airline CEO, Killian jets off to Macau to pick up the job. We also get a brief, and violent, trip to Mexico as another character is introduced but to reveal more about that would be to spoil the plot development. But mostly, the book is set in present day Northern Ireland.
For this genre of fiction to work best, it needs a strong dose of humour and McKinty positively excels in this regard, particularly early on. The whole Irishman in New York rant at the beginning is amusing and his description of Boston's Logan airport as "looking like an airport failing an audition for the part of Airport" is characteristic of the ability of McKinty to use humour with the efficiency that a surgeon uses a scalpel, to not only get a laugh but to encapsulate an image in a few words.
McKinty's writing style is full of pathos. Lots of short sentences and dialogue help to speed through the plot and create a sense of urgency. One unfortunate side effect of this is that it does rather highlight a number of editorial slips and typos, which is a shame.
There's more than just a pacy plot here though. McKinty offers some pretty scathing views on the recent history of the Northern Irish economy and a more positive insight into "The Life" of the travellers than is normally found.
Perhaps towards the end one or two people give up rather too much information to Killian rather too easily, and at times McKinty seems to get trapped into an obsession with certain words, notably `halyards' or the noise they make which seem to irritate Killian at a number of random locations. He's also somewhat obsessed at telling us you can see Scotland from the Northern Irish coast (though whenever I've tried, all I saw was rain!). However, all is forgiven in the terrific cliff-hanging epilogue where Michael Forsythe finally makes an appearance.
It's a very enjoyable read and one that will doubtless have you seeking out more of this author's work. You won't be disappointed.
Fans of McKinty's previous books may recognise the source of the lead for this work, a certain Michael Forsythe, star of McKinty's "Dead" trilogy. But this is Killian's book and his sometime mentor Forsythe merely lurks in the background of the story. If you haven't encountered his former adventures, you won't be disadvantaged in the least.
We get a fair amount of initial jet setting. We first meet Killian in the USA on St Patrick's day musing on the "Oirish" interpretations of his native land, but when the call comes from the budget airline CEO, Killian jets off to Macau to pick up the job. We also get a brief, and violent, trip to Mexico as another character is introduced but to reveal more about that would be to spoil the plot development. But mostly, the book is set in present day Northern Ireland.
For this genre of fiction to work best, it needs a strong dose of humour and McKinty positively excels in this regard, particularly early on. The whole Irishman in New York rant at the beginning is amusing and his description of Boston's Logan airport as "looking like an airport failing an audition for the part of Airport" is characteristic of the ability of McKinty to use humour with the efficiency that a surgeon uses a scalpel, to not only get a laugh but to encapsulate an image in a few words.
McKinty's writing style is full of pathos. Lots of short sentences and dialogue help to speed through the plot and create a sense of urgency. One unfortunate side effect of this is that it does rather highlight a number of editorial slips and typos, which is a shame.
There's more than just a pacy plot here though. McKinty offers some pretty scathing views on the recent history of the Northern Irish economy and a more positive insight into "The Life" of the travellers than is normally found.
Perhaps towards the end one or two people give up rather too much information to Killian rather too easily, and at times McKinty seems to get trapped into an obsession with certain words, notably `halyards' or the noise they make which seem to irritate Killian at a number of random locations. He's also somewhat obsessed at telling us you can see Scotland from the Northern Irish coast (though whenever I've tried, all I saw was rain!). However, all is forgiven in the terrific cliff-hanging epilogue where Michael Forsythe finally makes an appearance.
It's a very enjoyable read and one that will doubtless have you seeking out more of this author's work. You won't be disappointed.
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
It's rare that I take the time to write a review anymore. This one was so good that I had no choice.
You can get the story from the blurb, so I won't bore you with too much repetitive detail. In sum, the book follows Killian as he is dispatched on a job to find a mother and her two daughters. He take the job and, of course, mayhem ensues.
This book has everything I look for in a novel. The pace is quick. There's lots of action, some real violence, and some cliffhanger tension. The characters are beautifully drawn. What really sets this book apart -- and miles above the typical thriller -- is the writing. McKinty writes so well, even lyrically at times, that it's incredibly easy to lose yourself in his work.
If you liked any of McKinty's previous work -- Fifty Grand, the Michael Forsythe trilogy, etc., you will absolutely love this novel. Absolutely top notch.
You can get the story from the blurb, so I won't bore you with too much repetitive detail. In sum, the book follows Killian as he is dispatched on a job to find a mother and her two daughters. He take the job and, of course, mayhem ensues.
This book has everything I look for in a novel. The pace is quick. There's lots of action, some real violence, and some cliffhanger tension. The characters are beautifully drawn. What really sets this book apart -- and miles above the typical thriller -- is the writing. McKinty writes so well, even lyrically at times, that it's incredibly easy to lose yourself in his work.
If you liked any of McKinty's previous work -- Fifty Grand, the Michael Forsythe trilogy, etc., you will absolutely love this novel. Absolutely top notch.
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This is my first read of a mckinty novel and I'm now off to read everything I can get my hands on from this fantastic writer.
Loved it, loved it, loved it.
Is that strong enough for you?
Falling Glass has everything the reader of the modern noir novel could ask for: fascinating characters, quality prose, social commentary and a plot that keeps you guessing.
'Nuff said.
Loved it, loved it, loved it.
Is that strong enough for you?
Falling Glass has everything the reader of the modern noir novel could ask for: fascinating characters, quality prose, social commentary and a plot that keeps you guessing.
'Nuff said.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
straight up and down thriller
The real strength of an Adrian McKinty book is the quality of the writing. His prose and dialogue are excellent and the stories are well told. Read more
Published 16 days ago by Rob Kitchin
Not for me
I bought this book my first McKinty book on the back of the super reviews and sadly almost hated the prose from the first page. Read more
Published 10 months ago by Mark Connelly
The Story of a Charming Killer
and for that reason the book was good, but not brilliant.
Jumping into something half way through doesn't feel right and is a little disconcerting, especially when... Read more
Jumping into something half way through doesn't feel right and is a little disconcerting, especially when... Read more
Published 11 months ago by Sam
ex pats unite
never tire of his writing as he always weaves the myth and reality of the country into his narrative.
Real page turner
Real page turner
Published 12 months ago by Murph
Brilliant!
This was my first McKinty book and I am so glad and thankful for one of the reviewers who mentioned this writer amongst all my other favourite writers i. Read more
Published 12 months ago by Diana A-N
Your next favourite crime writer
There is a fine crop of Irish Crime Writers at work these days - John Connolly, Ken Bruen, (Colin) Bateman (with or without his first name) to name just three - but at the top of... Read more
Published 13 months ago by Domino
Excellent read
My favorite Irish crime writer, Sam Millar, speaking on BBC radio called this book "The best Irish noir thriller of 2011." He wasn't kidding. Read more
Published 14 months ago by Crime Lover
Killian's Way
It's funny that the Good Reads summary of the book starts with Richard Coulter as a main figure, as there are several other characters much more central to the plot. Read more
Published 14 months ago by Seana Graham
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