Review by LinaJan -- The Dark Web Murders by Brian O'Hare
Posted: 20 Jun 2020, 13:36
[Following is a volunteer review of "The Dark Web Murders" by Brian O'Hare.]
The Dark Web Murders by Brian O'Hare is – without a doubt – one of the top adrenaline-inducing novels I have ever read. It follows a team of detectives investigating a gruesome murder of a judge. And a teacher. To be followed by a barrister. And then some more. The very distinctive modus operandi leaves no doubts that they were all killed by the same person, but the detectives are at a complete loss for they are unable to find any connection linking the victims. Even when they come across the murderer's blogs describing each murder in extreme detail on what is known as the 'Dark Web', they are still none the wiser. In the meantime, during the first half of the novel, the killer enjoys complete anonymity provided by the Dark Web and operates like a silent puppet-master. The plot unravels over the course of twelve days, along with one day some six years previously. And those twelve days could not be more intense!
The author, in response to the requests of reviewers of his previous books, starts with two lists. The first list sets out the names and the brief descriptions of significant characters; the second is a list of acronyms that are used in Northern Ireland’s police jargon. To me, this served not only as a piece of helpful information to keep track of what is what, but also had my pulse increase in anticipation for what I was in for before the story even started. I wish to salute the author for this.
I also wish to praise the author for staying true to his 'Britishness' as I do not know any other English-speaking nation – no offence to anyone – that would be so apt at banter and personal insults. There weren't too much of it nor were it too little, it was perfectly blended into the plot. One of my favourite picks was, I quote: ‘trumped-up little pipsqueak.’ What a gem! O'Hare can also hardly be matched in his descriptive abilities:
‘The barrister was a squat, ungainly figure whose unprepossessing face was characterised by a bulbous, veined nose that hinted at an excessive acquaintance with the finer pleasures of life.’
This book certainly appealed to both the ‘detective’ in me as well as the actual student of psychology. Nemein’s – the ‘bad’ guy’s – educated and eloquent reasoning for his stomach-turning actions was nothing short of remarkable and, effectively, very convincing. I was fascinated by his multi-layered philosophical rationale, supported by weighing up varying definitions of concepts like vengeance, retribution, justice, etc. Until these nicely dressed-up arguments started to circumvent with his own logic. That was when I caught a glimpse of a shortfall of his self-assured superior self-image. That was a moment of relief for me for I was starting to worry when I could not refute his arguments, meaning I could not disagree with him.
The Dark Web Murders seems to be professionally edited and proofread; I only came across a couple of instances where full stops were missing. Based on all of the above, Brian O'Hare has undeniably mastered his craft and deserves the award of the entire 4 out of 4 stars.
There are very few profanities in this book. There are also a couple of references to the biblical scriptures, but these are used to either ‘support’ or ‘dispute’ a particular argument. I wish to say that this is unlikely to be perceived as offensive by the devoted believers, but I cannot be sure, so I would advise a little caution. It did not contain any erotic scenes as such; however, considering the deprived nature of the ‘Enlightened Club’, there are vast references to what had happened, what could have happened, and what was happening. So, whilst I did not encounter any direct scenes of sexual nature, the allusions to some very unconventional – and highly distasteful – inclinations can cause considerable distress to some readers. In addition, there are quite a few grisly scenes of non-sexual nature. Therefore, I advise caution. But for those of you who enjoy suspense, psychological profiling, crime scene investigation, and tension is vast amounts – pick it up. You will not regret it. It is one of the best out there.
******
The Dark Web Murders
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
The Dark Web Murders by Brian O'Hare is – without a doubt – one of the top adrenaline-inducing novels I have ever read. It follows a team of detectives investigating a gruesome murder of a judge. And a teacher. To be followed by a barrister. And then some more. The very distinctive modus operandi leaves no doubts that they were all killed by the same person, but the detectives are at a complete loss for they are unable to find any connection linking the victims. Even when they come across the murderer's blogs describing each murder in extreme detail on what is known as the 'Dark Web', they are still none the wiser. In the meantime, during the first half of the novel, the killer enjoys complete anonymity provided by the Dark Web and operates like a silent puppet-master. The plot unravels over the course of twelve days, along with one day some six years previously. And those twelve days could not be more intense!
The author, in response to the requests of reviewers of his previous books, starts with two lists. The first list sets out the names and the brief descriptions of significant characters; the second is a list of acronyms that are used in Northern Ireland’s police jargon. To me, this served not only as a piece of helpful information to keep track of what is what, but also had my pulse increase in anticipation for what I was in for before the story even started. I wish to salute the author for this.
I also wish to praise the author for staying true to his 'Britishness' as I do not know any other English-speaking nation – no offence to anyone – that would be so apt at banter and personal insults. There weren't too much of it nor were it too little, it was perfectly blended into the plot. One of my favourite picks was, I quote: ‘trumped-up little pipsqueak.’ What a gem! O'Hare can also hardly be matched in his descriptive abilities:
‘The barrister was a squat, ungainly figure whose unprepossessing face was characterised by a bulbous, veined nose that hinted at an excessive acquaintance with the finer pleasures of life.’
This book certainly appealed to both the ‘detective’ in me as well as the actual student of psychology. Nemein’s – the ‘bad’ guy’s – educated and eloquent reasoning for his stomach-turning actions was nothing short of remarkable and, effectively, very convincing. I was fascinated by his multi-layered philosophical rationale, supported by weighing up varying definitions of concepts like vengeance, retribution, justice, etc. Until these nicely dressed-up arguments started to circumvent with his own logic. That was when I caught a glimpse of a shortfall of his self-assured superior self-image. That was a moment of relief for me for I was starting to worry when I could not refute his arguments, meaning I could not disagree with him.
The Dark Web Murders seems to be professionally edited and proofread; I only came across a couple of instances where full stops were missing. Based on all of the above, Brian O'Hare has undeniably mastered his craft and deserves the award of the entire 4 out of 4 stars.
There are very few profanities in this book. There are also a couple of references to the biblical scriptures, but these are used to either ‘support’ or ‘dispute’ a particular argument. I wish to say that this is unlikely to be perceived as offensive by the devoted believers, but I cannot be sure, so I would advise a little caution. It did not contain any erotic scenes as such; however, considering the deprived nature of the ‘Enlightened Club’, there are vast references to what had happened, what could have happened, and what was happening. So, whilst I did not encounter any direct scenes of sexual nature, the allusions to some very unconventional – and highly distasteful – inclinations can cause considerable distress to some readers. In addition, there are quite a few grisly scenes of non-sexual nature. Therefore, I advise caution. But for those of you who enjoy suspense, psychological profiling, crime scene investigation, and tension is vast amounts – pick it up. You will not regret it. It is one of the best out there.
******
The Dark Web Murders
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
And yes, this book had definitely kept me up all night! Both the story and the author's writing ability are commendable! 