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Murphy's Law (Paperback)

by Colin Bateman (Author)
5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)

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Product details

  • Paperback: 352 pages
  • Publisher: Headline (4 Nov 2002)
  • Language English
  • ISBN-10: 0755302435
  • ISBN-13: 978-0755302437
  • Product Dimensions: 17.6 x 10.6 x 2.4 cm
  • Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
  • Amazon.co.uk Sales Rank: 70,627 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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    #4 in  Books > Fiction > Authors, A-Z > B > Bateman, Colin

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Product Description

Product Description

Detective Martin Murphy has been given one last chance. After a terrible experience working undercover in Northern Ireland, he’s in London, and about to fail another psychological assessment. While his life spirals out of control, his boss sends him back undercover to expose a gang of diamond thieves who have just burnt a security guard alive. As he gets closer to the gang’s leader, Murphy realises their plans are more ambitious – and more deadly – than anyone expected...


About the Author

Colin Bateman was born in Northern Ireland in 1962. For many years he was the deputy editor of the County Down Spectator. He received a Northern Ireland Press Award for his weekly satirical column, and a Journalist's Fellowship to Oxford University. His first novel, DIVORCING JACK, won the Betty Trask Prize.

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Customer Reviews

3 Reviews
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Average Customer Review
5.0 out of 5 stars (3 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars New location, new character... same quality story., 19 Feb 2004
By A Customer
Whilst this is not Bateman's first book based outside Northern Ireland, it is certainly his best book set "abroad". Here, this only means London, but it does mean a (welcome) break from a storyline threaded with secterian violence.

This is not to say that the violence is not there - there are plenty of fights, broken bones, burials and gun battles; but this is a tale of good old fashioned good vs. evil, in which religion plays no part.

The main character (Murphy) is an undercover policeman, working to bring down a gang of diamond thieves. He shares many similarities with Bateman's regular character, Dan Starkey; both are daring in their jobs (they never seem fazed when facing seemingly inevitable death), both have problematic home lives, and both ooze wit and charm. Fortunately for us, this means some fantastic one-liners, and characters who are instantly likeable whilst not being classic heroes. As can be exepected in a Bateman novel, things happen quickly. The story progresses at a rapid rate, and there are a few great big twists along the way, each changing the entire nature of the plot. Throw in some great dialogue, especially between Murphy and some of the slower gang members, and you are left with an entirely compelling book.

I would urge Mr Bateman to use Murphy (and possibly his assistant) in future books; I'm missing them already. And I would urge anybody reading this to get a copy- its great fun.

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5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent - why have I not picked up any Bateman earlier?, 25 Aug 2009
This was my first Colin Bateman book (why, did I not realise the quality before?)
Although the author was asked to write the books (there is a sequel) with a TV series in mind starring James Nesbitt, they stand well if you have never heard of either.

I didn't see the TV series and pleased that I didn't. The character of Martin Murphy would have suited Nesbitt perfectly, I've no doubt but the voice of Bateman would have been lost as the TV series was written by different people!

Back to the book. The pace never lets up or gets boring and there are quite a few laughs along with wit and clever plotting. There are questions un-resolved and a sharp eye can see a sequel coming a mile off! He could have expanded 'Murphy' books a whole lot more and maybe one day (after he has stopped smarting over the TV makeover of Murphy) he may well do so. I will be in line for copies of the books if he decides to pen them. A very good tale told with great flair and style.
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5.0 out of 5 stars Like a great gangster film..., 9 April 2009
By Barmee (Notts, UK) - See all my reviews
I'd read several of Colin Bateman's earlier books and then moved on to other things and forgotten just what a great writer he can be. I 'rediscovered' him with this book - and what a discovery. I really enjoyed this tale from start to finish. If you have read Bateman's book 'Divorcing Jack' and enjoed it then you will enjoy this book too (although it stars a different character). The tale is a very engaging mix of thriller and humour (and music). You engage with the main character, Murphy, from the start and find yourself on the edge of your seat as the book progresses. There are a couple of excellent twists in the tale and a very satisfying end too.

Buy this book and be entertained and thrilled.

N.B. The follow up (Murphy's Revenge) was not quite up to the standard of this book but does nicely tie up a couple of threads not fully resolved in the first book.
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