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Sins of the Fathers
Belfast 1973
A team of undercover soldiers deploy on an operation into the heart of republican West Belfast unaware of the horrific catastrophe that awaits them.
Belfast 1995
The IRA struggles to convince their members to maintain the fragile ceasefire. When its London bombing cells are compromised and arrested, the leadership knows there can be only one reason for such a defeat; an informer in their midst. A Tout.
As the top echelons of the IRA hunt for the informer, the intelligence agencies continue with their covert operations against the terror group. For Marcus Vaughan, a new operator with the Special Intelligence Group, the dark world of the Dirty War is everything he trained for and more. Running agents and surveillance against IRA targets, Marcus embraces his new calling.
But when the legacy of a long-forgotten operation comes crashing into the present, the war suddenly becomes personal for Marcus. Very personal. And as he begins to uncover a web of treachery and deceit stretching back decades, Marcus soon realizes that the dark forces involved will stop at nothing to cover their tracks.
From black operations in the back streets of Belfast to the shadow world of spooks and spies, Sins of the Fathers takes the reader to the heart of the undercover war in Northern Ireland.
A team of undercover soldiers deploy on an operation into the heart of republican West Belfast unaware of the horrific catastrophe that awaits them.
Belfast 1995
The IRA struggles to convince their members to maintain the fragile ceasefire. When its London bombing cells are compromised and arrested, the leadership knows there can be only one reason for such a defeat; an informer in their midst. A Tout.
As the top echelons of the IRA hunt for the informer, the intelligence agencies continue with their covert operations against the terror group. For Marcus Vaughan, a new operator with the Special Intelligence Group, the dark world of the Dirty War is everything he trained for and more. Running agents and surveillance against IRA targets, Marcus embraces his new calling.
But when the legacy of a long-forgotten operation comes crashing into the present, the war suddenly becomes personal for Marcus. Very personal. And as he begins to uncover a web of treachery and deceit stretching back decades, Marcus soon realizes that the dark forces involved will stop at nothing to cover their tracks.
From black operations in the back streets of Belfast to the shadow world of spooks and spies, Sins of the Fathers takes the reader to the heart of the undercover war in Northern Ireland.
379 pages, Paperback
First published July 6, 2020
73 people are currently reading
41 people want to read
About the author
James E. Mack
7 books22 followersJames E Mack was a Commando in the late 1980’s before passing selection for a special operations unit. For the remainder of his military career, James operated against terrorist organisations around the globe, hunting down the masterminds and thwarting their attacks. Running agents, surveillance, and operating undercover, James was at the tactical forefront of the global war on terror at its peak. Having completed his full military service and survived shootings, bombings, double agents, and kidnap attempts, James was recruited in the private sector to continue providing his skills to UK and US international partners.
James specialised as a counter terrorism/counter insurgency advisor, assisting over 30 nations with their fight against violent extremist organisations. He also worked with conservation groups in West Africa, setting up counter wildlife poaching programs. In Mozambique, James played a key role in the emergency evacuation of thousands of oil and gas workers from a remote location that had come under terrorist attack. When Russia invaded Ukraine, he deployed to Ukraine and established a recovery and extraction operation for civilians fleeing the war.
James is the author of The Killing Agent and 6 other novels. His unique background and experiences bring a healthy dose of authenticity to his thrillers that his readers enjoy. The rights to his memoirs, ‘Hunter, Killer, Spy’ were bought by Pan Macmillan. The rights to James' future novels have been bought by Penguin Random House. James is represented by The Andrew Lownie Literary Agency in London.
James lives in Northern Scotland where he breaks out his Telemark skis when the white stuff falls or surfs the empty, cold waves of the North Sea.
James specialised as a counter terrorism/counter insurgency advisor, assisting over 30 nations with their fight against violent extremist organisations. He also worked with conservation groups in West Africa, setting up counter wildlife poaching programs. In Mozambique, James played a key role in the emergency evacuation of thousands of oil and gas workers from a remote location that had come under terrorist attack. When Russia invaded Ukraine, he deployed to Ukraine and established a recovery and extraction operation for civilians fleeing the war.
James is the author of The Killing Agent and 6 other novels. His unique background and experiences bring a healthy dose of authenticity to his thrillers that his readers enjoy. The rights to his memoirs, ‘Hunter, Killer, Spy’ were bought by Pan Macmillan. The rights to James' future novels have been bought by Penguin Random House. James is represented by The Andrew Lownie Literary Agency in London.
James lives in Northern Scotland where he breaks out his Telemark skis when the white stuff falls or surfs the empty, cold waves of the North Sea.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
August 18, 2020
Yet another absolutely enthralling and brilliant book from James E Mack. It was really well written with excellent research. The story built up throughout to an awesome crescendo at the end. I don’t think that anybody will ever know the full story of what happened over the years in Northern Ireland but reading this book certainly opened my eyes to some of terrible things that happened. Read it and you will not be disappointed.
November 1, 2022
Great writing ,fantastic read
Thoroughly good read . Well written , keeps you wanting to turn the page to learn more of the plots , the characters , the suspense the outcome . Great story telling ,brilliantly written . I would recommend this to anyone that likes a good plot and a bit of action .
Thoroughly good read . Well written , keeps you wanting to turn the page to learn more of the plots , the characters , the suspense the outcome . Great story telling ,brilliantly written . I would recommend this to anyone that likes a good plot and a bit of action .
October 9, 2022
This is my second James Mack novel and I found it very interesting. The storyline takes us back to the early 1970’s in Belfast during the fighting between the IRA and the British. During this timeframe, the British have taken up the IRA’s way of fighting this war. Now fast forward to mid 1990’s and the fight is still ongoing. Beneath the struggles, one can see that both sides are very dedicated to destroying each other. Overall, James Mack’s storyline is fictional, you can feel the tension and ingrown hate for each other. Based on the first two novels, I will read another James Mack novel.
February 8, 2021
A proper page turner.
Having worked and endured the years depicted in this tale I found memories, both pleasant and grim, sparked in the fine writing. A book based locally to this reader, of incidents that were common at the time, and an outcome that many will find a bit hard to believe, doesn’t distract from what this corner of the UK did actually endure. And worse, MUCH worse. To some this is a good novel, for others it’s like finding pages from someone’s diary, that you really regret reading.
Having worked and endured the years depicted in this tale I found memories, both pleasant and grim, sparked in the fine writing. A book based locally to this reader, of incidents that were common at the time, and an outcome that many will find a bit hard to believe, doesn’t distract from what this corner of the UK did actually endure. And worse, MUCH worse. To some this is a good novel, for others it’s like finding pages from someone’s diary, that you really regret reading.
March 16, 2021
Outstanding. Could not put this down.
I live in Northern Ireland, and usually avoid books based here like the plague. The author, however, knows of what he writes. He avoids the usual pitfalls of the subject matter and weaves an enthralling, fast paced story with obvious understanding of the time, the place and the people. All without ever painting either side as black or white. I will be buying the back catalogue and looking for more!
I live in Northern Ireland, and usually avoid books based here like the plague. The author, however, knows of what he writes. He avoids the usual pitfalls of the subject matter and weaves an enthralling, fast paced story with obvious understanding of the time, the place and the people. All without ever painting either side as black or white. I will be buying the back catalogue and looking for more!
April 17, 2021
A very good read, made more interesting by the book's background of the Northern Ireland 'Troubles'. The story and characters are well written and kept me intrigued, but the description of some of the street warfare employed by both sides lent a shocking air of reality to such a recent part of our history. As the petrol bombs and riots in a corner of this beautiful island start again, it's a grim reminder that we can't allow a return to conflict and death.
July 28, 2022
Like others who have previously reviewed this book I also have lived through these events in Northern Ireland. What made this book compelling is that even though it is a novel it is based on real events and scenarios that took place in our troubled past. It was such a page turner that I completed it in three days. It would have been less time if it hadn’t been for other tasks and responsibilities getting in the way. Highly recommended.
July 17, 2021
Unputdownable
Having lived through these times in Northern Ireland I found this book brought back many memories both good and bad and sad. We must try to ensure these times don't return. They are only hiding aground the corner must be remembered and have returned many times over the years.
Having lived through these times in Northern Ireland I found this book brought back many memories both good and bad and sad. We must try to ensure these times don't return. They are only hiding aground the corner must be remembered and have returned many times over the years.
February 20, 2022
Fiction Based Around Fact
I served a tour or three in Northern Ireland and am familiar with the locations and fact based incidents recounted in this story.
It is well written with fact interwoven with fiction and brings home that it really was; ‘The Dirty War’. It’s a good story, well written and is “hard to put down” I thoroughly recommend it.
I served a tour or three in Northern Ireland and am familiar with the locations and fact based incidents recounted in this story.
It is well written with fact interwoven with fiction and brings home that it really was; ‘The Dirty War’. It’s a good story, well written and is “hard to put down” I thoroughly recommend it.
August 15, 2020
Fantastic read
Gripping thriller. Ranks along side Chris Ryan, Stephen Leather and Andy Mcnab.
If you've never read any of James E Jack s books you are in for a treat. They are all excellent.
Gripping thriller. Ranks along side Chris Ryan, Stephen Leather and Andy Mcnab.
If you've never read any of James E Jack s books you are in for a treat. They are all excellent.
April 7, 2021
Good read
Enjoyed the read, fiction with threads of truth, give it a read it will entertain you until the very end.
Enjoyed the read, fiction with threads of truth, give it a read it will entertain you until the very end.
November 8, 2021
once you start this book you won’t want to put it down
I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more of his books I would put him up there with Andy Mc Nab.
I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more of his books I would put him up there with Andy Mc Nab.
December 23, 2021
Spellbound
A Great read! Got me hooked could not put down.Read books for pleasure but never feel qualified to leave a review .But for this book 5star's and thank you J E Mack.
A Great read! Got me hooked could not put down.Read books for pleasure but never feel qualified to leave a review .But for this book 5star's and thank you J E Mack.
January 30, 2022
Thrilling
Truly a captivating and realistic read. The tangled web of intrigue takes you on a journey through the horrors of NI during the troubles.
Great read.
Truly a captivating and realistic read. The tangled web of intrigue takes you on a journey through the horrors of NI during the troubles.
Great read.
October 1, 2022
Gripping tale
Read over a few days,,the twists and turns of the plot and insight into the troubles.well written in a style to keep you hooked..look forward to other books.
Read over a few days,,the twists and turns of the plot and insight into the troubles.well written in a style to keep you hooked..look forward to other books.
March 28, 2023
Peace in our time…
A very competently written tale treating all entities with enough gravitas to deliver a mature and proficient outcome. (To the overall story, not biased to any one particular entity involved)
Writing any book about this most awful period in history is going to be difficult. To give it balance, allow development of all characters, and sides in a sensitive way is a huge task - the author’s done bloody well!
The story is soundly researched, told at pace, you’ll literally find yourself tearing through the chapters wondering what’s happening next. There’re times where you’ll speed read to get to the climax of a particular scene.
Another good thing with the book; there’s no gratuitousness, yes, there’s violence, but only where necessary to support the story. Too many books these days have protagonists/antagonists who live in bloodbaths!
This is the first book I’ve read by the author and I shall take a look at the others.
A very competently written tale treating all entities with enough gravitas to deliver a mature and proficient outcome. (To the overall story, not biased to any one particular entity involved)
Writing any book about this most awful period in history is going to be difficult. To give it balance, allow development of all characters, and sides in a sensitive way is a huge task - the author’s done bloody well!
The story is soundly researched, told at pace, you’ll literally find yourself tearing through the chapters wondering what’s happening next. There’re times where you’ll speed read to get to the climax of a particular scene.
Another good thing with the book; there’s no gratuitousness, yes, there’s violence, but only where necessary to support the story. Too many books these days have protagonists/antagonists who live in bloodbaths!
This is the first book I’ve read by the author and I shall take a look at the others.
August 16, 2023
Excellent Read
Fantastically well written book about a subject that has so many tragic and inhumane stories that we can never know. They who are aware of exactly what happened on either or both sides of the conflicts in the past have either passed away or are now living the latter part of their lives in silence and can only pray that their maker is far less spiteful than they havre been. The writer shows some great knowledge of things that have been proven and a great imagination for the things known only by the few.
Fantastically well written book about a subject that has so many tragic and inhumane stories that we can never know. They who are aware of exactly what happened on either or both sides of the conflicts in the past have either passed away or are now living the latter part of their lives in silence and can only pray that their maker is far less spiteful than they havre been. The writer shows some great knowledge of things that have been proven and a great imagination for the things known only by the few.
May 3, 2024
Another fantastic read by James E. Mack. Sins of the Fathers explores the history of the troubles in Northern Ireland with an eye opening revelation on just how insane an employee from a 3 letter agency can take things. The good, the bad, and the ugly of some facts/fiction come out of the fight between the 2 sides and all of the people involved. An Amazing Read!!
I highly recommend this book and any book from James E. Mack.
I highly recommend this book and any book from James E. Mack.
December 17, 2022
Sins of the Fathers
Just finished reading this amazing book. It sparked memories of my tours in NI (green army) and brought to mind many conversations held in the quiet hours with members of the RUC/PSNI. A lot of confusion then now makes some sense of the goings on.
Great read, thank you James
Just finished reading this amazing book. It sparked memories of my tours in NI (green army) and brought to mind many conversations held in the quiet hours with members of the RUC/PSNI. A lot of confusion then now makes some sense of the goings on.
Great read, thank you James
September 28, 2020
Great page turning read
This is the third book I have read from Mack. All three completely different but all brilliant. This book Dell's and explores the secret policing of the troubles from the 70s onwards. I loved it
This is the third book I have read from Mack. All three completely different but all brilliant. This book Dell's and explores the secret policing of the troubles from the 70s onwards. I loved it
May 29, 2022
predictable but entertaining
As someone brought up in Belfast, the plot was a little formulaic. For those who weren’t, it is probably an insight into what what the dirty war was like
As someone brought up in Belfast, the plot was a little formulaic. For those who weren’t, it is probably an insight into what what the dirty war was like
August 11, 2020
A very good read ,great characters and topical plot,however street geography was way off if you know Belfast but did not spoil a good story.
January 10, 2021
Couldn't put it down..... Great read
February 16, 2021
Sins of the fathers
A brilliant book that keeps you on the edge of your seat all the way through would highly recommend it.
A brilliant book that keeps you on the edge of your seat all the way through would highly recommend it.
April 7, 2021
A cracking read
November 27, 2021
An excellent read
James E Back did his research for this book. My first tour was 1972. A lot of stuff in this book brought back memories of my time in 70s Northern Ireland
James E Back did his research for this book. My first tour was 1972. A lot of stuff in this book brought back memories of my time in 70s Northern Ireland
March 25, 2022
Covert ops in NI during the troubles well worth reading
December 12, 2022
Sins of the fathers
A great read brings back old memories .of time in N.Ireland . And written by a fellow Marine well done.
A great read brings back old memories .of time in N.Ireland . And written by a fellow Marine well done.
December 12, 2022
Awesome read
Absolute pleasure to read this book , a totally devastatingly horrific cruel and devious episode in the troubles of Northern Ireland history.
Absolute pleasure to read this book , a totally devastatingly horrific cruel and devious episode in the troubles of Northern Ireland history.
May 10, 2023
Excellent book. Very well written, brutal in some parts with an excellent twist. A lot going on but easy to follow. Definitely recommend.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews