Review by Eve Davidson -- The 11.05 Murders by Brian O'Hare

[Eve Davidson]

[Following is a volunteer review of "The 11.05 Murders" by Brian O'Hare.]

---

4 out of 4 stars

---

Share This Review

---

Review by Eve Davidson

The 11.05 Murders by Brian O’Hare - Fiction
The second novel in the Inspector Sheenan Series.

Late one night Inspector Sheenan and his latest young recruit, WDS Denise Stewart are called to the scene of a bizarre murder in a quiet upmarket suburb. One week later, a second identical killing takes place. Denise comes across details of a savage incident twelve years earlier, which are somehow vaguely connected to the current deaths. As the case starts to unravel the investigation team scrabbles frantically to prevent a third and imminent murder.

After previously suffering prolonged abuse from male chauvinistic co-workers at another station in Belfast, the lovely Denise is determined to do her best. As the only woman on the team, she slowly warms towards her new colleagues and is impressed by their support. Sheenan soon notices she’s an astute free thinker and shrewdly encourages her fresh ideas. Meanwhile, a cautious romantic interest blossoms between her and her team colleague Allen, as they both bear emotional scars from previous relationships.

As the plot kinks and twists the team stumbles into maze of false clues, dead ends and persons of interest tainted by corruption, and they are further distracted by a mysterious violent stalker. To
add to the confusion Denise is contacted by an anonymous caller who reveals tantalizing details which strangely, assist the investigation. The camaraderie and humour of the committed characters under immense pressure is superbly crafted, each with their own particular quirks and methods.

A chance remark sparks Sheenan’s exceptional intuition and leads him into the core of the mystery
and he realises the glaring truth – the murderer is hiding in plain sight. The case breaks wide open;
the riveting climax is so powerful and beautifully written that it pulls the reader into the heart of the action. The final love scene between Allen and Denise is charming and playful, and in spite of the horror and misery of the final outcome - love conquers all.

The 11.05 Murders definitely deserves 4 out of 4 stars. From master story-teller Brian O’Hare this excellent thriller cleverly brushes the tip of the iceberg, then slowly digs deeper into the dark recesses of the human heart. It has all the hallmarks of an authentic murder mystery and will keep the reader entertained to the end. The narrative gives an interesting view of modern-day Belfast; the pace is steady and compelling and littered with false leads and dirty secrets. However, it’s not for the fainthearted – it’s grisly and graphic and only for those who enjoy the feel of a knife
at the throat.
______________________________

For the Editors – if applicable:

Grammar and Text Errors
Page 6 – The term quarterback in rugby is incorrect – should be scrumhalf.
Page 12 – Incorrect Police Rank CDI for Sheenan – should be DCI as on
Page 11.
Page 35 – Fitzpatrick’s heavy platinum watch, then on Page 49 it’s a gold Rolex?
Page 143 – Second paragraph. . . this influx has – should be had (past tense).
Page 165 – Near the bottom of the page. . . have been all over the shop –
should be shops (plural).
Page 311 – Near the bottom of the page . . . surely this should be Stewart not
Sheenan who experienced a frisson of dread at Sheenan’s
comment?
Page 329 - Half-way down the first paragraph. . . should read He had left her
to go home after that . . .
______________________________________________________________

******
The 11.05 Murders
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on Smashwords

Like Eve Davidson's review? Post a comment saying so!

[Izesicle]

I like that you enumerated the grammar and text errors in the book. I rated the novel two out of four stars.