Dark Times in the City

Dark Times in the City is the first novel from Gene Kerrigan, and I re-read it last night after deciding that I was too snoozy to play with fire.

Dark Times requires a bit of attention - I wouldn't try to read it in a busy room! The time line is scrambled, so we join the action in the middle, with Danny Callaghan trying to keep a low profile in a down-at-heel local pub before being dragged, against his will, into the glare of criminal gang attention. I found the use of Callaghan as protagonist interesting; he is rather a bland character, constantly trying to wiggle out of trouble but not really making a true effort to do so. His relationship with his ex-wife and best friend/employer are the key to understanding Callaghan: he keeps them both at a distance, maintaining only superficial contact, possibly in an attempt to protect himself from the full impact of his time in prison. On the other hand Callaghan's opposite number, Mackendrick, was wonderful, jumping off the page. The references to Mackendrick's more violent deeds are oblique, but keep the reader aware that this is not a man to cross, and I would have loved more about his past. Throughout the book Mackendrick drives the action, from the initial confrontation in the pub through to the explosive denouement. Dark Times is of course populated by a raft of minor characters in addition to Callaghan and Mackendrick, and these are generally well-drawn. Prowse in particular is definitely worth keeping an eye on!

If you enjoy Ian Rankin or Stuart Neville, you'll enjoy Gene Kerrigan.

Dark Times is on Amazon - of course - but if you're interested I'm sure you can find it at your library.