Police at the Station and They Don’t Look Friendly: A Detective Sean Duffy Novel

Set in 1988 in Carrickfergus, Northern Ireland, Edgar-finalist McKinty’s riveting sixth Sean Duffy novel (after 2016’s Rain Dogs) pits the detective inspector against some of his toughest foes yet. Francis Deauville, a known heroin dealer, is found shot to death by a crossbow in front of his home, his wife sobbing over his corpse. Duffy and his faithful right-hand man, Det. Sgt. John “Crabbie” McCrabban, wonder whether the murder is tied to a local IRA splinter group known as Direct Action Against Drug Dealers, but no one is claiming responsibility for either Deauville’s murder or a separate crossbow attack on another drug dealer. Back at the station, Duffy also juggles office politics, as it appears the least qualified among the coppers is rising in the ranks, while Duffy remains behind. The IRA, a constant presence in the series, looms large and ugly, notably in a brutal blitz attack, which will leave even seasoned readers shaking. Whether Duffy will live to see another installment remains uncertain to the end. Agent: Bob Mecoy, Creative Book Services. (Mar.)