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The Erin O'Reilly Mysteries #2
Irish Car Bomb
If it weren't for the Irish, New York wouldn't have a police force. On the other hand, it might not need one.
Starting a new job is always stressful, even when bombs aren't involved. NYPD Officer Erin O'Reilly always wanted to be a detective. But on her first day wearing a gold shield, she finds herself investigating the explosive death of a small-time crook. She and her K-9 partner Rolf, together with her new squad of detectives, plunge into a world of gamblers, mobsters, and retired Irish Republican Army soldiers.
It's an Irish cop against the Irish Mob in an intoxicating cocktail of murder, explosives, and betrayal. Can Erin and Rolf solve the killing before the bomber strikes again?
Starting a new job is always stressful, even when bombs aren't involved. NYPD Officer Erin O'Reilly always wanted to be a detective. But on her first day wearing a gold shield, she finds herself investigating the explosive death of a small-time crook. She and her K-9 partner Rolf, together with her new squad of detectives, plunge into a world of gamblers, mobsters, and retired Irish Republican Army soldiers.
It's an Irish cop against the Irish Mob in an intoxicating cocktail of murder, explosives, and betrayal. Can Erin and Rolf solve the killing before the bomber strikes again?
164 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 22, 2018
802 people are currently reading
129 people want to read
About the author
Steven Henry
35 books79 followersSteven Henry is the USA Today bestselling author of the Erin O’Reilly mysteries and the Clarion Chronicles.
Steven learned how to read almost before he learned how to walk. Ever since he began reading stories, he wanted to put his own on the page. He lives a very quiet and ordinary life in Minnesota with his wife and dog.
Steven learned how to read almost before he learned how to walk. Ever since he began reading stories, he wanted to put his own on the page. He lives a very quiet and ordinary life in Minnesota with his wife and dog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
November 4, 2018
The second book in terms series finds Erin O'Reilly has been promoted to a detective. Rolf and she have been assigned to a new unit it forming to handle major crimes. It has personnel from various police sectors. On her first day, the unit has been called to a scene of a car bomb. Before Erin and Rolf find the answer she learned about the IRA, making bombs and more information about her father's activities. Rolf gets plenty of actions in this fast moving book. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK AND SERIES.
August 30, 2018
In Black Velvet, the first book in the series, Erin was driven to find justice and closure despite the fact that it might jeopardize her career. In Irish Car Bomb, it's nice to see a young, female professional be accepted, and perhaps respected, by her new NYPD co-workers. It's refreshing that author Steven Henry didn't focus on the fact that being young, smart and female has been a red cape in the eyes of some of the less-enlightened NYPD detectives Erin has encountered on the job. Instead, we get to follow Erin in a logical, instinct-driven crriminal investigation. I enjoyed the banter and the small insights into the character and background of Erin's new NYPD teammates. Those interactions made me eager to get to know all of them a bit better in future books. The criminal investigation, and the true motivation, of the non-NYPD characters, unfolded with no surprises, but that predictably didn't detract from my enjoyment of this fast-paced quick read. I'm eager to read more about Erin, Rolf and their NYPD team.
November 15, 2019
Clever writing!
Another winner! Loved the characters and the story was so good! A lot of action and plots galore that keep you hooked!
Another winner! Loved the characters and the story was so good! A lot of action and plots galore that keep you hooked!
November 7, 2018
A really fun read, I enjoyed the first book in the series, but I thought this was even better.
I worried a little when they miss-read the car bombing, as I thought what actually happened was so obvious. However, they eventually got back on track and there was a nice twist in the end.
If possible I would I have given 4.5 stars.
I worried a little when they miss-read the car bombing, as I thought what actually happened was so obvious. However, they eventually got back on track and there was a nice twist in the end.
If possible I would I have given 4.5 stars.
August 26, 2019
Great easy read with a cool twist. I enjoy this series a lot. I love Rolf!
June 21, 2022
In the City That Never Sleeps there are millions of stories to be told and compelling mysteries to be solved. Yet, there is a dark underbelly that harbors a sinister criminal element that must be stopped at all costs. That’s the premise behind Steven Henry’s “Irish Car Bomb,” Book 2 of The Erin O’Reilly Mysteries series. Enter the realm of the NYPD’s Detective Bureau, an elite fraternity of New York’s Finest tasked with handling the toughest cases on the beat. This is the world that veteran K-9 Officer Erin O’Reilly and her stalwart police canine Rolf are about to enter as rookie detectives. However, fate has a nasty surprise on their first day as an explosive case falls into Detective O’Reilly’s lap when a car bomb claims the life of a petty criminal with strange ties to the Irish Mob. The dynamic duo of Erin and Rolf take the lead; Rolf, an experienced patrol and explosive detection dog is quick to sniff out foul play on-scene as O’Reilly and her small squad of veteran detectives search for clues. The bomb squad clears the way, digging deeper into a nefarious web of danger and intrigue. The investigation gets hotter as more alarming evidence points to not only the Irish Mob but former members of the Provisional IRA who have a volatile axe to grind with some Irish bar patrons ordering more than just the controversial cocktail.
Author Steven Henry does a great job creating a cast of realistic and at times humorous characters that you could only find in New York City. After listening to this book on Audible, “Irish Car Bomb” plays out like an episode of “NYPD BLUE” and the short-lived police procedural “Blind Justice.” Although not quite as suspenseful or engaging as Robert Crais’ police dog drama “Suspect,” it’s still worth a look. The novel would benefit from more render safe scenes, particularly bomb tech Skip Taylor and how he approaches his work in the field. Thankfully, “Irish Car Bomb” is a well-researched work of fiction. A decent detective novel to read or listen.
Author Steven Henry does a great job creating a cast of realistic and at times humorous characters that you could only find in New York City. After listening to this book on Audible, “Irish Car Bomb” plays out like an episode of “NYPD BLUE” and the short-lived police procedural “Blind Justice.” Although not quite as suspenseful or engaging as Robert Crais’ police dog drama “Suspect,” it’s still worth a look. The novel would benefit from more render safe scenes, particularly bomb tech Skip Taylor and how he approaches his work in the field. Thankfully, “Irish Car Bomb” is a well-researched work of fiction. A decent detective novel to read or listen.
March 10, 2020
The female character, one of New York's finest, newly installed detective, is not a damaged protagonist. Erin O'Reilly brings valuable instincts to the job, a logical wit and wisdom inherited by her now retired Irish NY cop dad. This cast of characters immediately immerses you in her new precinct, co-workers gathered from other areas specifically to work Major Crimes, each with their own specialties. And they are good. The banter is lively as they get the feeling for each other and their new team member, Erin. She comes with a 90 lb. GSD specially trained German language K-9--a pussycat or predator and he can go from mild to wild quickly. It doesn't take long before Erin earns the respect of Lieutenant Webb and her team members and has installed herself as a person who has your back, confronts and subdues effectively.
In this installment, a car bomb has detonated and the team called out. It escalates rather quickly, introducing Erin to the local Irish mob and the pub hangout, the Barley Corner, where she made some major contacts. It is there she is introduced to the "Irish Car Bomb," a drink that begins with Guinness, of course. Dialogue hints at the Irish sense of humor as well as the fire.
"Nothing in his life so became him as his taking leave of it."
A fast-paced, well-plotted mystery with well-developed characters and there is a pulse-pounding climax in a satisfying conclusion. Oh wait! Did I have any quibbles? Yes! It's too short! I'm looking forward to delving deeper into these characters, charismatic, caustic when needed, or just because. Erin is high energy and runs on endorphins. This one will ramp up yours as well.
I bought this one, sold on the cover and blurb, and it did not disappoint. Fast and fun read--totally recommended! Now, I just need the next one.
See my full review at https://rosepointpublishing.com/2020/...
In this installment, a car bomb has detonated and the team called out. It escalates rather quickly, introducing Erin to the local Irish mob and the pub hangout, the Barley Corner, where she made some major contacts. It is there she is introduced to the "Irish Car Bomb," a drink that begins with Guinness, of course. Dialogue hints at the Irish sense of humor as well as the fire.
"Nothing in his life so became him as his taking leave of it."
A fast-paced, well-plotted mystery with well-developed characters and there is a pulse-pounding climax in a satisfying conclusion. Oh wait! Did I have any quibbles? Yes! It's too short! I'm looking forward to delving deeper into these characters, charismatic, caustic when needed, or just because. Erin is high energy and runs on endorphins. This one will ramp up yours as well.
I bought this one, sold on the cover and blurb, and it did not disappoint. Fast and fun read--totally recommended! Now, I just need the next one.
See my full review at https://rosepointpublishing.com/2020/...
August 3, 2018
Kudos to Steven Henry
I have read 2 of the Erin O'Reilly Mysteries, Black Velvet and Irish Car Bomb. The characters are amazing, and I loved the relationship between Patrol/Detective a d Police Dog - K9 unit. The stories were fast paced and very enjoyable. I look forward to the next installment.
I have read 2 of the Erin O'Reilly Mysteries, Black Velvet and Irish Car Bomb. The characters are amazing, and I loved the relationship between Patrol/Detective a d Police Dog - K9 unit. The stories were fast paced and very enjoyable. I look forward to the next installment.
August 17, 2018
Good
Surprisingly funny in spots good story. I did get the story that was coming so not totally a surprise. Still it is good
Surprisingly funny in spots good story. I did get the story that was coming so not totally a surprise. Still it is good
August 8, 2020
Great plot
This book keeps you interested throughout. The characters are very realistic and even relatable. Truly an enjoyable series to read
This book keeps you interested throughout. The characters are very realistic and even relatable. Truly an enjoyable series to read
August 16, 2025
The second book in the series also is a winner. I didn’t find the story as compelling as that of the first book, but it held my interest throughout . I also appreciated that we saw some more of the family dynamics in both Erin’s actual family and her work-place “family.” Great mind candy and enjoyable enough that I will pick up the next one.
January 28, 2020
Really love this book, Erin and Rolf and Vic and Cars.....Steven Henry is a discovery for me!
November 28, 2025
I enjoyed this book very much and thought it was a good continuation of the first. The new team members that are introduced in this book are really fun characters. Vic is easily the funniest of the team even though he isn't exactly the most tactful. Poor Erin went through the ringer in this book as did Rolf. I was too much engrossed in the new team relationships, and Cars' relationship with Erin's dad to pay too much attention to the bombing. There were two suspects right from the start and Cars' relationship with Erin's father did not do him any favors. I kind of suspected him for most of the book just because that seemed the direction the book was going. If not, then something else sketchy was happening. Whether he is truly a good guy or not remains to be seen but he was innocent in this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 29, 2020
A good story with a couple of great twists! I enjoyed the story, but again, my only real complaint is that it is so short - more a novella length story, not a full length novel. The only reason it took me so long to read, was because I got sick and spent a couple of days sleeping a lot.
I enjoyed the new characters - Detective O'Reilly's new Major Crimes team mates - Lt. Webb her new CO, and Vic and Kira the other two detectives she will now be working with. And I also liked some of the Irish mob members that she met. I can't say too much about that without spoiling the story. And of course Rolf, her K-9 partner - who got to see some action in this case involving bombs and chasing perps, etc.
So I guess I'll be moving on to book 3 to see what happens next 😎
I enjoyed the new characters - Detective O'Reilly's new Major Crimes team mates - Lt. Webb her new CO, and Vic and Kira the other two detectives she will now be working with. And I also liked some of the Irish mob members that she met. I can't say too much about that without spoiling the story. And of course Rolf, her K-9 partner - who got to see some action in this case involving bombs and chasing perps, etc.
So I guess I'll be moving on to book 3 to see what happens next 😎
October 24, 2022
Humor Paved the Way
One of the best things I enjoyed most about Irish Car Bomb is the humor in the book. Almost every situation had a humorous thread which ran throughout the book. Unfortunately, I could not give the Irish Car Bomb 5 stars because of grammatical errors when showing possessive property of proper nouns ending in an 'S' such as Jones. To show possession, the apostrophe should come after the 's' in Jones (i.e. Jones' car) and a second 's' should not be written (i.e. Jones's car).
However, I will recommend this book to my book club.
One of the best things I enjoyed most about Irish Car Bomb is the humor in the book. Almost every situation had a humorous thread which ran throughout the book. Unfortunately, I could not give the Irish Car Bomb 5 stars because of grammatical errors when showing possessive property of proper nouns ending in an 'S' such as Jones. To show possession, the apostrophe should come after the 's' in Jones (i.e. Jones' car) and a second 's' should not be written (i.e. Jones's car).
However, I will recommend this book to my book club.
May 30, 2024
Erin and Rolf Go To Major Crimes!
Awesome, fun-to-read crime novel starring the newest major crimes detective, Erin O'Reilly (of Irish heritage), and her K-9 partner, Rolf (of German heritage). In this novel, Erin and Rolf "settle in" (wink) to their new positions on the Major Crimes squad with a blast. They also get to know members of the Irish mob in NYC. I can hardly wait to read the next in series!
Awesome, fun-to-read crime novel starring the newest major crimes detective, Erin O'Reilly (of Irish heritage), and her K-9 partner, Rolf (of German heritage). In this novel, Erin and Rolf "settle in" (wink) to their new positions on the Major Crimes squad with a blast. They also get to know members of the Irish mob in NYC. I can hardly wait to read the next in series!
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February 14, 2021If only my dog listened like that
Erin and Rolf are at it again. Things don't add up regarding the car bomb leaving one dead. Where did Dorky come from? Does he have an ulterior motive? With Vic staying up all night digging into the Irish Mob people and their connections are starting to point things in a different directions. Great job. Thank you.
Erin and Rolf are at it again. Things don't add up regarding the car bomb leaving one dead. Where did Dorky come from? Does he have an ulterior motive? With Vic staying up all night digging into the Irish Mob people and their connections are starting to point things in a different directions. Great job. Thank you.
April 13, 2024
Great book
This book was fast paced, full of ironic humour, action, intrigue and suspense. I’m really enjoying all these new characters in this mysterious series. I can’t wait to read the next book next. I’ll definitely recommend them to my book friends that’s for sure. The narration is excellent too
This book was fast paced, full of ironic humour, action, intrigue and suspense. I’m really enjoying all these new characters in this mysterious series. I can’t wait to read the next book next. I’ll definitely recommend them to my book friends that’s for sure. The narration is excellent too
August 26, 2024
Putting the piece together
Erin O'Reilly is an Irish copper to the bone. She takes after her father who is retired from the police force. She' has a k9 partner. Her mind can lead her to figure out police cases, it leads her to stepping on toes and making enemies. This book is a winner. A must read.
Erin O'Reilly is an Irish copper to the bone. She takes after her father who is retired from the police force. She' has a k9 partner. Her mind can lead her to figure out police cases, it leads her to stepping on toes and making enemies. This book is a winner. A must read.
October 16, 2020
This was surprisingly good...Erin o Reilly was a competent cop, no patronizing her in her position, and Rolf her K-9 partner was portrayed as very competent, but has a fun streak with Erin....just a well written book...
October 25, 2020
Fast Paced Book
I love this series. Great characters and storyline that keeps you interested and wanting more. Erin is a great cop and with an ideal K-9 partner. Rolf makes me smile whenever he is talked about in the books. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series!!
I love this series. Great characters and storyline that keeps you interested and wanting more. Erin is a great cop and with an ideal K-9 partner. Rolf makes me smile whenever he is talked about in the books. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series!!
June 15, 2021
Enjoyable read
Fast-paced- well-written. Also well-edited, a rare occurrence these days. Highly recommend Steven Henry's series,Erin's character continues to develop and deepen. Looking forward to the next book.
Fast-paced- well-written. Also well-edited, a rare occurrence these days. Highly recommend Steven Henry's series,Erin's character continues to develop and deepen. Looking forward to the next book.
November 2, 2023
I literally guessed what had actually transpired, but i love it anyways! Keeps you on your toes!
Edit- the author liked this review- i mean i didnt even properly explain how much i am loving this series 😭😭
Edit- the author liked this review- i mean i didnt even properly explain how much i am loving this series 😭😭
May 22, 2024
Review
I truly enjoyed every second of this book! It held my attention from the very first sentence to the last period! I honestly couldn't put my Kindle down once I had begin reading. Looking forward to ALL future books.
I truly enjoyed every second of this book! It held my attention from the very first sentence to the last period! I honestly couldn't put my Kindle down once I had begin reading. Looking forward to ALL future books.
January 27, 2021
Well written.....
A good read. As a retired LEO O found it a little far out _but quite entertaining O will move on to #3.
A good read. As a retired LEO O found it a little far out _but quite entertaining O will move on to #3.
July 18, 2023
Good police story
I like the people in the story, both good and bad. It's a fun read and holds your attention from start to finish.
I like the people in the story, both good and bad. It's a fun read and holds your attention from start to finish.
March 24, 2023
This is the second book in the series. I must admit I accidentally red two other book out of order as this author was suggested to me after a similar book I red. It was nice to get caught up on the backstory by started this series from the start. This author has made me loose a lot of sleep in a good way! These are very quick good reads. Once I start I don’t want to put them down. You can learn a bout a new drink at the start of each book too. Although I have had a many of Irish Car Bombs in my past. :) The author did a wonderful job of getting me hooked right away. For the most part it is a pretty realistic story….. as in it is not too far fetched. I personally don’t normally read fiction stories. Now this is one of my favorite realistic fiction series!
May 1, 2019
A good NYPD story
This book is a great glimpse into the workings of a major case unit in a police department. In his biography, the author’s is said to have read almost before he could walk. That beats me, reading at the age of three. You can read his passion for the printed word by how he writes. A very enjoyable, fast read with a solid cast of characters. I’m sure I will read more more of Mr. Henry’s work in the future, I hope you do too.
NickTheMoose
This book is a great glimpse into the workings of a major case unit in a police department. In his biography, the author’s is said to have read almost before he could walk. That beats me, reading at the age of three. You can read his passion for the printed word by how he writes. A very enjoyable, fast read with a solid cast of characters. I’m sure I will read more more of Mr. Henry’s work in the future, I hope you do too.
NickTheMoose
March 28, 2020
Delightful characters, quirky plot...
Glad I bought Book 2 in this series, because the writing is more fluid and the plot more taut here than they were in the first book. I quite like the Irish “flavor” of some of the dialogue, and I appreciate that Erin has some faults but seems to know what they are. And, Rolf’s bomb sniffing prowess proves what a perfect partner he is for Detective O’Reilly. On to Book 3!
Glad I bought Book 2 in this series, because the writing is more fluid and the plot more taut here than they were in the first book. I quite like the Irish “flavor” of some of the dialogue, and I appreciate that Erin has some faults but seems to know what they are. And, Rolf’s bomb sniffing prowess proves what a perfect partner he is for Detective O’Reilly. On to Book 3!
February 4, 2020
Bombs Away
This book is a grab you from the get go! Erin & Rolf are a great team! Erin lives up to her Irish heritage in her feisty ways. Vic is just cruising for fight, may not be Irish but ought to be! I'm enjoying getting to know this team, can't wait to read more on this series!
This book is a grab you from the get go! Erin & Rolf are a great team! Erin lives up to her Irish heritage in her feisty ways. Vic is just cruising for fight, may not be Irish but ought to be! I'm enjoying getting to know this team, can't wait to read more on this series!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews