4 out of 4 stars
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A young woman whose future was ruined. A callous banker getting rich off ruined businessmen. Arrogant as he is, is he wise to have an affair with someone else’s wife? His mistress’ husband is a former loyalist paramilitary who has supposedly gone straight. Has he really left the past behind?
These are just some of the individuals Detective Chief Inspector Jim Sheehan has to consider in solving the case of the 11.05 murders in this detective novel by Brian O’Hare. Sheehan’s latest recruit, Detective Sergeant Denise Stewart, has been promoted after exposing her supervisor’s corruption. At the start of the book, she has to testify at his trial. She finds her new Belfast colleagues more congenial than those in Lisburn, but will her past continue to haunt her? Why does she feel as if she’s being followed?
When the first serious crime Denise encounters is a grisly murder, she and the rest of the team under Sheehan try to discover who has a motive. They also have work out why the corpse was mutilated and why the watch was stopped at 11.05 p.m. Trails lead in different directions, including into the past. As the investigation becomes a race against time, will the team put the pieces together before the killer strikes again?
With regard to what I liked best, the characters in this book were engaging and believable. Denise was a strong female character with admirable technology skills. The Northern Irish setting was evocatively described and the book seemed thoroughly researched. The story was carefully crafted and structured, and became increasingly compelling as the plot took some sharp twists.
It was satisfying that some corrupt and cowardly characters were brought to justice, and I appreciated the condemnation of sexism and violence against women. Some subtle stereotyping crept in, such as a reference to a “lady doctor.” Another consideration is that not long before he solves the case, Sheehan receives key information from a certain character. This is such a sudden game-changer that the character feels like a deus ex machina. A more gradual introduction of this person and his perspective would have felt more balanced.
The quality of the editing was outstanding. I’m impressed that I did not find a single error. Abbreviations were used frequently but a glossary was included. On the basis of its many strengths, this book thoroughly deserves 4 out of 4 stars.
I would recommend this book to all lovers of murder mysteries. In the best traditions of Conan Doyle, Christie or Rendell, clues and red herrings are sprinkled throughout the narrative. This would appeal to readers who like to ponder the significance of clues and try to solve the mystery along with the detective. The book would not appeal to those who do not like the crime genre, and it does contain some violent scenes with gory details, including sexual violence. Sensitive readers should exercise caution.
Jim Sheehan should be proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with Holmes, Poirot, Marple, and Wexford. I look forward to reading more by this author.
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The 11.05 Murders
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when I get a little money I buy books; and if I have any left l buy food and clothes
