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On a cold December morning, a small boy is enticed away from his mother and his throat savagely cut. This could be just one more small, sad death in a city riven by poverty, inequality and political unrest, but this killing causes a public outcry. For it appears the culprit – a feckless student named John Delahunt – is also an informant and in the pay of the authorities at Dublin Castle. And strangely, this young man seems neither to regret what he did nor fear his punishment. Indeed, as he awaits the hangman in his cell in Kilmainham Gaol, John Delahunt decides to tell his story in this, his final, deeply unsettling statement . . .

This is a terrific tale based on a true story and a real page turner of the highest order. I was immediately captivated by the ambience of the setting and the truly strange and wonderful character of John Delahunt.

There are two excellent things in this novel – firstly the main protagonist – not a nice man, no not at all. Needy and selfish, with a hard edge, it is unsurprising that he ends up where he does and yet – he is probably not the most nefarious character here. Malleable and dangerous he is manipulated by dangerous men…

Then you have an absolutely authentic setting, chilling in its intensity, a snapshot of a different time – you will be transported there entirely, following Mr Delahunts life as it unfolds and leads to tragedy and murder..

Utterly compelling, completely fascinating and ultimately a sad and intense tale of violence and greed. Hard to put down and even harder to put away from your mind once done, this is a hugely impressive debut. Highly Recommended.

Happy Reading Folks!

**Thank you to the publisher for the review copy via Netgalley**