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Fenian Street
Shay Rynne grew up in the Corporation Flats ― public housing ― in Fenian Street, Dublin. He has always toyed with the idea of joining the Garda Síochána, the Irish police. But in the early 1970s, young fellows from the tenements of Dublin have not been welcomed in the police force. When his friend Rosaleen is killed and the case goes unsolved, Shay decides to put on the uniform of a Dublin garda and sets out to find the killer.
The murder inquiry makes an enemy of the detective who failed in the first investigation. Shay knows Detective McCreevy is just waiting for the chance to get revenge. But the violent death of a prominent politician gives Shay the opportunity to prove himself, perhaps even be promoted. Shay works with the lead detective on the murder inquiry and his star is rising, until suspicion falls on a member of Shay’s own family. So Shay is off the case. Officially. Determined to clear his family name, his under-the-radar investigation takes him from an opulent mansion in Dublin to Hell’s Kitchen in New York. And his good friend Father Brennan Burke has some surprising contacts for Shay in the shadowy world of New York’s Irish mob.
The murder inquiry makes an enemy of the detective who failed in the first investigation. Shay knows Detective McCreevy is just waiting for the chance to get revenge. But the violent death of a prominent politician gives Shay the opportunity to prove himself, perhaps even be promoted. Shay works with the lead detective on the murder inquiry and his star is rising, until suspicion falls on a member of Shay’s own family. So Shay is off the case. Officially. Determined to clear his family name, his under-the-radar investigation takes him from an opulent mansion in Dublin to Hell’s Kitchen in New York. And his good friend Father Brennan Burke has some surprising contacts for Shay in the shadowy world of New York’s Irish mob.
440 pages, Paperback
First published September 13, 2022
6 people are currently reading
153 people want to read
About the author
Anne Emery
17 books79 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
Anne Emery is the author of SIGN OF THE CROSS (2006), OBIT (2007), BARRINGTON STREET BLUES (2008), CECILIAN VESPERS (2009) and CHILDREN IN THE MORNING (2010). Anne was born in Halifax and grew up in Moncton. She is a graduate of St. F.X. University and Dalhousie Law School. She has worked as a lawyer, legal affairs reporter and researcher. Apart from reading and writing, her interests include music, philosophy, architecture, travel and Irish history. Anne lives in Halifax with her husband and daughter.
Series:
* Monty Collins Mystery
Awards:
Arthur Ellis Award
◊ Best First Novel (2007): Sign of the Cross
Anne Emery is the author of SIGN OF THE CROSS (2006), OBIT (2007), BARRINGTON STREET BLUES (2008), CECILIAN VESPERS (2009) and CHILDREN IN THE MORNING (2010). Anne was born in Halifax and grew up in Moncton. She is a graduate of St. F.X. University and Dalhousie Law School. She has worked as a lawyer, legal affairs reporter and researcher. Apart from reading and writing, her interests include music, philosophy, architecture, travel and Irish history. Anne lives in Halifax with her husband and daughter.
Series:
* Monty Collins Mystery
Awards:
Arthur Ellis Award
◊ Best First Novel (2007): Sign of the Cross
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
October 23, 2022
I really enjoyed this audiobook, set during The Troubles and designed as a novel which is not fast-paced but focuses on social background, troubled history and character development. A young policeman decides to find out the truth behind allegedly a fatal accident and throughout his investigation makes some shocking discoveries.
Fenian Street is a perfect read/listen to those who want to learn more about the difficult times, not just find the culprit.
*Many thanks to Anne Emery, ECW Press Audio, and NetGalley for arc in exchange for my honest review.*
Fenian Street is a perfect read/listen to those who want to learn more about the difficult times, not just find the culprit.
*Many thanks to Anne Emery, ECW Press Audio, and NetGalley for arc in exchange for my honest review.*
November 12, 2022
Fenian Street is an historical fiction that takes us to Dublin, Ireland of the early 1970s. Shay Rynne is a young man who grew up in the city’s tenements, Corporation Flats, Corp Flats to locals, wants to join the police, the Garda Siochana. This is a difficult move for people with his background, but he is fueled by his wish to look into the unsolved death of a friend.
This novel follows the workings of the Garda, the inner politics of the station when new officers join up, family life, the famous pub life of Dublin, and, having a vague shadow over everything, the Troubles over the northern border. But these Troubles don’t remain over the border.
We see the events of these times largely through Shay’s eyes though occasionally we get the view through a friend such as Brennan, Father Burke, actually a priest in New York City, who has extended family in Dublin and visits regularly.
I found this to be an exciting story where I wondered about outcomes and occasionally questioned methods. I learned a lot about the Irish and the Mob in NYC, the ongoing and developing problems with the Provos of the North. It’s also a pleasure to watch as a character matures.
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review.
This novel follows the workings of the Garda, the inner politics of the station when new officers join up, family life, the famous pub life of Dublin, and, having a vague shadow over everything, the Troubles over the northern border. But these Troubles don’t remain over the border.
We see the events of these times largely through Shay’s eyes though occasionally we get the view through a friend such as Brennan, Father Burke, actually a priest in New York City, who has extended family in Dublin and visits regularly.
I found this to be an exciting story where I wondered about outcomes and occasionally questioned methods. I learned a lot about the Irish and the Mob in NYC, the ongoing and developing problems with the Provos of the North. It’s also a pleasure to watch as a character matures.
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review.
December 6, 2022
It’s 1970 in Dublin. After the young woman Shay has always been a little in love with dies suddenly, and whose death is ruled an accident by police, despite evidence to the contrary, he decides to join the Garda.
Shay digs into the happenings that night, and after finding answers, gets to work on bigger and more important cases. After a local politician is murdered and his dad is seemingly connected, Shay needs a solution, and possible answers take him to New York City and the intersection of Irish immigrants and crime.
This is my first book by Anne Emery, and I was impressed by the complexities and layers of beliefs and political and familial loyalties that intersect amongst the population during The Troubles. This is a story of bigotry, crime, but also of the tension of living in a place riven by many years of war and internal conflict.
Being both an officer of the law, and skirting the rules himself occasionally, Shay embodies the many different and sometimes opposing desires and views of most of the people in this book. Emery's "Fenian Street" is a wonderful portrait of several things: a character often at odds with his duty as a police officer and the expectations of his community, a city still recovering from a years past civil war, politics, and Dublin's complicated people in a densely written but engaging book.
Thank you to Netgalley and to ECW Press for this ARC in exchange for my review.
Shay digs into the happenings that night, and after finding answers, gets to work on bigger and more important cases. After a local politician is murdered and his dad is seemingly connected, Shay needs a solution, and possible answers take him to New York City and the intersection of Irish immigrants and crime.
This is my first book by Anne Emery, and I was impressed by the complexities and layers of beliefs and political and familial loyalties that intersect amongst the population during The Troubles. This is a story of bigotry, crime, but also of the tension of living in a place riven by many years of war and internal conflict.
Being both an officer of the law, and skirting the rules himself occasionally, Shay embodies the many different and sometimes opposing desires and views of most of the people in this book. Emery's "Fenian Street" is a wonderful portrait of several things: a character often at odds with his duty as a police officer and the expectations of his community, a city still recovering from a years past civil war, politics, and Dublin's complicated people in a densely written but engaging book.
Thank you to Netgalley and to ECW Press for this ARC in exchange for my review.
January 5, 2023
FENIAN STREET
This is a really terrific historical fiction set in Dublin Ireland in the early 1970s. It centers around Shay Ryanne, a young man from Fenian Street in Corporation Flats, who joins the police force - The Garda Síochána. Encouraged to enter law enforcement due to an unsatisfactorily resolved murder of a childhood friend, Ryanne works hard and smart to prove himself.
Through this case and others, one involving local political figures, Ryanne learns the ways of policing in a major Irish city. With the help of family friends Father Brennen Burke (of the Collins-Burke Mystery Series) and mentor Detective Sergeant Colm Griffiths, Ryanne matures into an upstanding and sensitive man. His close relationships with his family and love interest give insight into his developing character.
Although this is at heart a mystery and a police procedural, interwoven is much information on Irish history, English rule, the IRA, political prisoners and the conflicts within Northern Ireland in the 1970s. It is the time of the Monaghan and Dublin car bombings, and with intense love of his country, these events color many of Ryanne’s decisions and test his moral standards. There are many Guinness and whiskey filled discussions at local pubs, and the complexities of the crimes require a great deal of creative research and methods of policing. It is realistic, detailed, and intelligent.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Anne Emery, and ECW Press for the opportunity to read and review this book.
This is a really terrific historical fiction set in Dublin Ireland in the early 1970s. It centers around Shay Ryanne, a young man from Fenian Street in Corporation Flats, who joins the police force - The Garda Síochána. Encouraged to enter law enforcement due to an unsatisfactorily resolved murder of a childhood friend, Ryanne works hard and smart to prove himself.
Through this case and others, one involving local political figures, Ryanne learns the ways of policing in a major Irish city. With the help of family friends Father Brennen Burke (of the Collins-Burke Mystery Series) and mentor Detective Sergeant Colm Griffiths, Ryanne matures into an upstanding and sensitive man. His close relationships with his family and love interest give insight into his developing character.
Although this is at heart a mystery and a police procedural, interwoven is much information on Irish history, English rule, the IRA, political prisoners and the conflicts within Northern Ireland in the 1970s. It is the time of the Monaghan and Dublin car bombings, and with intense love of his country, these events color many of Ryanne’s decisions and test his moral standards. There are many Guinness and whiskey filled discussions at local pubs, and the complexities of the crimes require a great deal of creative research and methods of policing. It is realistic, detailed, and intelligent.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Anne Emery, and ECW Press for the opportunity to read and review this book.
September 6, 2022
Shay Rynne joins An Garda Síochána partly because he believes his friend Rosaleen’s death was a murder not an accident as the Garda had ruled. His other reason for joining is that, as a lad from the Corporation flats of Dublin, poor and with republican antecedents and sympathies, he is a rarity in the force, and determined to prove that he is as good as, if not better than, the usual class of recruit. In Dublin at that time, late 1960s and early 70s, there is significant prejudice against people of that background. Despite being looked down on by some of his fellow officers, he undertakes a private investigation of her death and proves his suspicions to be correct. This earns him praise and esteem from many but also an enemy in the shape of Sergeant McCleery who had botched the original investigation. He will prove a thorn in Shay’s side. Continuing to improve his reputation, Shay becomes involved in a much more complex murder investigation, with serious political overtones – but also with personal issues as his father is implicated. Part of this involves a visit, undercover, to New York, facilitated in part by Father Brennan Burke a friend who splits his time between, NY, Dublin and Rome and who has useful contacts. While this investigation proceeds slowly, over a couple of years, Shay continues with his normal police duties, much of which is influenced by the rising “Troubles” in Northern Ireland and their overspill into the UVF bombings in Dublin in the 70s. Will his persistence succeed in resolving this crime, removing any suspicion from his father, and possibly putting him in line for promotion?
This is the twelfth book in a series featuring Father Burke, but you wouldn’t know it from the story which is the perfectly set-up stand-alone tale of Shay and, by extension, life in the poorer parts of Dublin at the time and the political and social history of the Irish-British duality. The use of dialect and idiom is excellent (I can hear my Uncle Jim in every word of it) and is part of the enjoyment of the book. It is also, I think, the reason why there seems to be a lot of repetition and reiteration of the events – the characters are all loquacious (indeed Shay’s father’s nickname is ‘Talkie’). The actual mystery and the procedural elements are subservient to the wider ambience. I score this at 4.5 so 5 after rounding.
I would like to thank NetGalley, the publishers and the author for providing me with a draft proof copy for the purpose of this review.
This is the twelfth book in a series featuring Father Burke, but you wouldn’t know it from the story which is the perfectly set-up stand-alone tale of Shay and, by extension, life in the poorer parts of Dublin at the time and the political and social history of the Irish-British duality. The use of dialect and idiom is excellent (I can hear my Uncle Jim in every word of it) and is part of the enjoyment of the book. It is also, I think, the reason why there seems to be a lot of repetition and reiteration of the events – the characters are all loquacious (indeed Shay’s father’s nickname is ‘Talkie’). The actual mystery and the procedural elements are subservient to the wider ambience. I score this at 4.5 so 5 after rounding.
I would like to thank NetGalley, the publishers and the author for providing me with a draft proof copy for the purpose of this review.
October 4, 2024
This is the twelfth installment of the Collins Burke Mystery series, one in which Nova Scotia author Anne Emery introduces readers to Seamus Rynne, also known as “Shay”. She also moves her usual setting from the streets of Halifax to Dublin Ireland, a country her characters often visited. The story takes place during the time in Irish history known as The Troubles, when the Republicans in the mostly Catholic south, fought to overthrow the rule of their British masters, while the Loyalist in the North, mostly Protestant, remained loyal to Britain. It was a time of brutality and violence, when citizens of this fractured country fought one another, when homes were set on fire, car bombs went off and hundreds were killed, often women and children who were simply trying to lead their lives.
It provides a dramatic backdrop as readers meet Shay, the eldest of five children growing up in tenement housing in Dublin, who dreams of becoming a member of the An Siochana Garda, the national police force. Most members of the Garda were recruited from the rural areas. City boys like Shay were not welcome, considered “corner boys”, small time petty criminals and ruffians. Shay’s family were Republicans who secretly supported the IRA and included a number of small-town hoods, among them his father “Talkie” Rynne, who already had “form” for a number of petty crimes. When Shay joined the Force, his first days were not easy as many wondered if he was cut from the same cloth as his father and were just waiting for him to mess up. However, Shay’s godfather Colm Griffith, already a respected detective sergeant in the force, became Shay’s mentor and looked out for him.
Rosaleen McGinn was a little older than Shay, a childhood friend he had known most of his life. When she was found dead at the bottom of the back staircase of the hotel where she worked, Shay was devastated. She had been helping to serve drinks at a wild party where local politicians and their guests were enjoying themselves when her body was discovered. Shay was determined to find exactly what had happened to Rosie and when he joined the Garda, he looked into the case. Detective Sergeant Larracy McCreedy was in charge of the investigation and his report concluded that drugs or wine made Rosie lose her footing on the stairs and concluded her death was an unfortunate accident. Shay was unconvinced, visited the scene of the crime, carried out his own quiet investigation, and uncovered new evidence which led to a different conclusion. He received kudos for his work, however McCreedy was not happy he had been shown up by the new upstart and punished Shay, meting out his revenge by continually assigning him to investigate small insignificant crimes and minor infractions. Shay spent his days hunting down pickpockets and small-time offenders, knowing it was this proud man’s way of belittling him. He had embarrassed McCreedy, who would never let him forget it.
Shay continued his work and during one investigation, discovered guns he knew were headed for the Patriots and made a decision that would haunt him, one if known, would cost him his career.
When local politician Darragh McLogan is found dead in his back yard the morning after a party he hosted for the party faithful, Detective Colm Griffith is assigned to investigate. He asks Shay to work with him and Shay gathers evidence and theorizes about possible motives for the crime. However, when his father suddenly becomes a prime suspect, Shay is removed from the investigation. Anxious to prove his father’s innocence, he continues to work quietly on his own behind the scenes, traveling as far as New York City and Montreal to get the information he needs to solve the murder.
Several core characters from the series make an appearance, from Christy Burke and his two sons Finn and Declan, to Father Brennan Burke, Declan’s son. Finn’s pub in Dublin is a popular gathering place for the usual smoking, drinking and gabbing and these scenes are so well described, readers feel they are right there sharing a pint and a shot of Jamieson’s.
Emery has done extensive research to provide a realistic setting for her story. She uses many real-life characters, among them Jack Lynch, Ian Paisley, Mickey Spillane and Lucky Luciano; actual settings such as Hell’s Kitchen, Manhattan and Macy’s in New York City; Magnan’s Tavern in Point St. Charles in Montreal and events such as The Arms Crisis and The War of Independence, weaving them in and out of her fiction and lending the novel a realistic tone. In addition, Emery fills in much of the history and gives a cultural explanation of The Troubles, so those unfamiliar with that history have enough information to appreciate the story.
Much of the book is told in dialogue and Emery has taken pains to ensure it is realistic, filling it with slang Gaelic terms such as the “craic” (a good time); a “hooley” (a noisy party); a “peeler” (policeman) and “being on the batter” (on the drink), giving the characters’ speech its traditional cadence and rhythm.
This book has everything a reader could want from a crime story, from the colorful characters in the Irish and Italian mobs, to British spies in the Store Street Police Station, exploding bombs and fires in the Dublin streets and even a tender love story.
Although I urge readers to start at the beginning of the series, this is one of the books that can easily be read as a stand-alone, as its focus is on Shay, with the other regulars supporting his story.
It is a good addition to an already strong series and was long (over 400 pages). I believe a tighter edit could have avoided that problem without sacrificing any elements of the story.
It provides a dramatic backdrop as readers meet Shay, the eldest of five children growing up in tenement housing in Dublin, who dreams of becoming a member of the An Siochana Garda, the national police force. Most members of the Garda were recruited from the rural areas. City boys like Shay were not welcome, considered “corner boys”, small time petty criminals and ruffians. Shay’s family were Republicans who secretly supported the IRA and included a number of small-town hoods, among them his father “Talkie” Rynne, who already had “form” for a number of petty crimes. When Shay joined the Force, his first days were not easy as many wondered if he was cut from the same cloth as his father and were just waiting for him to mess up. However, Shay’s godfather Colm Griffith, already a respected detective sergeant in the force, became Shay’s mentor and looked out for him.
Rosaleen McGinn was a little older than Shay, a childhood friend he had known most of his life. When she was found dead at the bottom of the back staircase of the hotel where she worked, Shay was devastated. She had been helping to serve drinks at a wild party where local politicians and their guests were enjoying themselves when her body was discovered. Shay was determined to find exactly what had happened to Rosie and when he joined the Garda, he looked into the case. Detective Sergeant Larracy McCreedy was in charge of the investigation and his report concluded that drugs or wine made Rosie lose her footing on the stairs and concluded her death was an unfortunate accident. Shay was unconvinced, visited the scene of the crime, carried out his own quiet investigation, and uncovered new evidence which led to a different conclusion. He received kudos for his work, however McCreedy was not happy he had been shown up by the new upstart and punished Shay, meting out his revenge by continually assigning him to investigate small insignificant crimes and minor infractions. Shay spent his days hunting down pickpockets and small-time offenders, knowing it was this proud man’s way of belittling him. He had embarrassed McCreedy, who would never let him forget it.
Shay continued his work and during one investigation, discovered guns he knew were headed for the Patriots and made a decision that would haunt him, one if known, would cost him his career.
When local politician Darragh McLogan is found dead in his back yard the morning after a party he hosted for the party faithful, Detective Colm Griffith is assigned to investigate. He asks Shay to work with him and Shay gathers evidence and theorizes about possible motives for the crime. However, when his father suddenly becomes a prime suspect, Shay is removed from the investigation. Anxious to prove his father’s innocence, he continues to work quietly on his own behind the scenes, traveling as far as New York City and Montreal to get the information he needs to solve the murder.
Several core characters from the series make an appearance, from Christy Burke and his two sons Finn and Declan, to Father Brennan Burke, Declan’s son. Finn’s pub in Dublin is a popular gathering place for the usual smoking, drinking and gabbing and these scenes are so well described, readers feel they are right there sharing a pint and a shot of Jamieson’s.
Emery has done extensive research to provide a realistic setting for her story. She uses many real-life characters, among them Jack Lynch, Ian Paisley, Mickey Spillane and Lucky Luciano; actual settings such as Hell’s Kitchen, Manhattan and Macy’s in New York City; Magnan’s Tavern in Point St. Charles in Montreal and events such as The Arms Crisis and The War of Independence, weaving them in and out of her fiction and lending the novel a realistic tone. In addition, Emery fills in much of the history and gives a cultural explanation of The Troubles, so those unfamiliar with that history have enough information to appreciate the story.
Much of the book is told in dialogue and Emery has taken pains to ensure it is realistic, filling it with slang Gaelic terms such as the “craic” (a good time); a “hooley” (a noisy party); a “peeler” (policeman) and “being on the batter” (on the drink), giving the characters’ speech its traditional cadence and rhythm.
This book has everything a reader could want from a crime story, from the colorful characters in the Irish and Italian mobs, to British spies in the Store Street Police Station, exploding bombs and fires in the Dublin streets and even a tender love story.
Although I urge readers to start at the beginning of the series, this is one of the books that can easily be read as a stand-alone, as its focus is on Shay, with the other regulars supporting his story.
It is a good addition to an already strong series and was long (over 400 pages). I believe a tighter edit could have avoided that problem without sacrificing any elements of the story.
October 13, 2022
Shamus Rin grew up in the flats and one of the bright spots of him growing up there and they weren’t many was Rosie. She looked out for all the little guys giving every extra she had when she could. One night there was a concert at a local hotel and the next morning Shayfound out that there was a murder and it was Rosie. It wouldn’t be until a couple of years later that he would join the Gardi and with the help of his mentor and God father Colin Griffin set out to solve the murder. And although he would step on toes namely investigator Shaylynn McGreevey hey self important social climber who didn’t solve it to begin with so he could protect city politicians. Let me just say I would listen to Ashley O’Connell read ingredients to make paint he has the nicest voice I have ever heard on an audiobook I am truly going to look for other audiobooks narrated by him love his voice. As far as Fenian Street goes I loved the story I loved how he brought himself up despite his circumstances and how he carried himself with respectability I just loved Shay so much!
He was such a good guy not to mention the writing style of the author I love how even when he had to deal with seedy people he treated them the same as his coworkers and other people he respected if they deserved it I just love this book and the ending was one I didn’t expect this is a great old time feel mystery and I totally loved it. I received this book from NetGalley and the publisher but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
He was such a good guy not to mention the writing style of the author I love how even when he had to deal with seedy people he treated them the same as his coworkers and other people he respected if they deserved it I just love this book and the ending was one I didn’t expect this is a great old time feel mystery and I totally loved it. I received this book from NetGalley and the publisher but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
Want to read
August 7, 2023Fenian Street by Anne Emery takes us to Dublin street tenements where Shay Rynne grows up with a strong desire to become a police officer. He is driven by the loss of his friend who’s murder is unsolved.
This suspenseful novel takes us on a journey of Shay’s world where he faces harassment within his own police force, violence, the inner workings of Garda, and a connection to the Mob of NYC.
This book does not disappoint!
This suspenseful novel takes us on a journey of Shay’s world where he faces harassment within his own police force, violence, the inner workings of Garda, and a connection to the Mob of NYC.
This book does not disappoint!
September 14, 2022
I received an ARC of, Fenian Street, by Anne Emery. I really enjoyed this novel. Shay was a lovely character. The book was a bit dark at time, but it was pretty true to what happened at the time. I liked that the author used real characters interlaced with fictional characters.
November 28, 2022
really enjoyed this audiobook, a very engaging mystery with great characters and setting! read my review here: https://reytgoodbooks.wordpress.com/2...
June 13, 2022
Shay Rynne joins the Dublin police force in the early 70’s. Raised in a Corporation flat, he ran wild in his youth but dreamed of being a member of the Garda. His decision is met with mixed reaction: a family pride but also a suspicion among the neighbors. Being a local, he is looked down upon by his fellow officers. It is a time of violence in the North of Ireland that echoes through the counties of the South. Shay works hard to solve the death of a young woman from his neighborhood. He, in turn, investigates the death of a local politician. The two crimes are not related yet they are bound by his desire to help families find answers to their questions. Pursuing these answers leads him to work both Dublin and New York with the help of his friend, an Irish-born American priest. Anne Emery provides history for both cities along with many anecdotes and supporting characters. For this reader there are too many details and at times the plot takes detours that confuse and take away from the protagonist’s storyline.
December 13, 2022
Over the past two decades Canadian novelist Anne Emery has cemented her reputation as one of the strongest and most original crime writers at work today. Her Collins-Burke mystery series chronicles the exploits of lawyer Monty Collins and Father Brennan Burke as they set about solving crimes both in Canada and Ireland.
A lawyer herself, Emery’s research is impeccable, as is her ear for Irish dialogue, and the result is a series of novels that both captivate and inform her many readers on both sides of the water. In her most recent tale Emery introduces a new and engaging character to her readers, a young man with ambitions to make a career in the police force of the Republic of Ireland, the Garda Síochána, and who finds that in the tightly woven fabric of family and friends that defines Irish society, one’s personal and professional lives are not easily separated.
In Dublin during the turbulent years between 1969 and 1975, we meet Shay Rynne, the son of Thomas “Talkie” Rynne, a former IRA supporter who’d been interned during the Emergency, known elsewhere as the Second World War. His son Shay had been born shortly after the war, and now a young man, he has come under the wing of Colm Griffith, a DS in the Garda, and with his support Shay has joined the force.
Among Shay’s circle of friends to be a cop is seen as only one step above being an informer, and he works hard to earn their respect. So when Rosie McGinn, a young woman he knew from his school days, is found dead at the hotel where she worked, Shay resolves to bring her killer to justice, even though it means going up against some intimidating local figures.
On the strength of his success Shay is assigned to assist DS Griffith in tackling the case of a prominent local man who is found dead in his back yard following a house party there the night before. Shay’s investigation will plumb the depths of the local power structure, complicated not least by the fact that his own father emerges as a prime suspect in the man’s death.
Drawing on her many talents as a gifted storyteller, Anne Emery’s words leap off the page and draw the reader into life in Dublin, with engaging characters set against a troubled past. Fenian street is a fine addition to an already-strong series.
_________
Jim Napier is a professional reviewer with over six hundred reviews to his credit.
A lawyer herself, Emery’s research is impeccable, as is her ear for Irish dialogue, and the result is a series of novels that both captivate and inform her many readers on both sides of the water. In her most recent tale Emery introduces a new and engaging character to her readers, a young man with ambitions to make a career in the police force of the Republic of Ireland, the Garda Síochána, and who finds that in the tightly woven fabric of family and friends that defines Irish society, one’s personal and professional lives are not easily separated.
In Dublin during the turbulent years between 1969 and 1975, we meet Shay Rynne, the son of Thomas “Talkie” Rynne, a former IRA supporter who’d been interned during the Emergency, known elsewhere as the Second World War. His son Shay had been born shortly after the war, and now a young man, he has come under the wing of Colm Griffith, a DS in the Garda, and with his support Shay has joined the force.
Among Shay’s circle of friends to be a cop is seen as only one step above being an informer, and he works hard to earn their respect. So when Rosie McGinn, a young woman he knew from his school days, is found dead at the hotel where she worked, Shay resolves to bring her killer to justice, even though it means going up against some intimidating local figures.
On the strength of his success Shay is assigned to assist DS Griffith in tackling the case of a prominent local man who is found dead in his back yard following a house party there the night before. Shay’s investigation will plumb the depths of the local power structure, complicated not least by the fact that his own father emerges as a prime suspect in the man’s death.
Drawing on her many talents as a gifted storyteller, Anne Emery’s words leap off the page and draw the reader into life in Dublin, with engaging characters set against a troubled past. Fenian street is a fine addition to an already-strong series.
_________
Jim Napier is a professional reviewer with over six hundred reviews to his credit.
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April 12, 2023Anne Emery is no stranger to excellence in fiction. She is the recipient of many awards, and her writing style definitely make these awards most worthy. She has her own unique style, which in the hands of other authors would fall flat. Emery brings her books to a higher level of excellence.
In her latest, FENIAN STREET, she takes the classic premise of an unsolved murder, elevating it to a classic whodunit. It is historical fiction, in that the book takes places in the early part of the 1970’s. It is set in Dublin England. The book revolves around Shay Rynne. One of his best friends and the woman who had stolen his heart, Rosaleen McGinn, is found dead at the bottom of a flight of stairs. Police basically rule it as a death by accident, thinking she had fallen down the stairs and died. They technically close the case, but Shay is not willing to let it go. There were marks on her body that would not have come from simply falling down the stairs.
Shay decides to join the local police force the Garda Siochana, thinking it will give him a better chance of finding out precisely what happened to Rosaleen. With the help of a friend in the force Detective Sgt. Colm Griffith, the two start to reassess the death of the girl, knowing they won’t get a lot of help from the others in the force, who pretty well closed the case years earlier.
In the midst of this, there is the murder of a politician that draws us deeper into the case. We wonder if the death of the girl and the politician could somehow be connected. Soon one of the suspects in the case, turns out to be Shay’s own father, who was a noted supporter of the IRA. It even makes the reader wonder if it is guilt by association, and how does the father factor into the case?
Anne Emery takes a most fascinating tale, and spins quite the novel, almost 450 pages, but pages that ignite with her passionate storytelling. She truly brings the characters to life in ways many mystery authors never could, creating a book that keeps us intrigued until the final pages. Take a journey to FENIAN STREET. You will definitely not regret it.
In her latest, FENIAN STREET, she takes the classic premise of an unsolved murder, elevating it to a classic whodunit. It is historical fiction, in that the book takes places in the early part of the 1970’s. It is set in Dublin England. The book revolves around Shay Rynne. One of his best friends and the woman who had stolen his heart, Rosaleen McGinn, is found dead at the bottom of a flight of stairs. Police basically rule it as a death by accident, thinking she had fallen down the stairs and died. They technically close the case, but Shay is not willing to let it go. There were marks on her body that would not have come from simply falling down the stairs.
Shay decides to join the local police force the Garda Siochana, thinking it will give him a better chance of finding out precisely what happened to Rosaleen. With the help of a friend in the force Detective Sgt. Colm Griffith, the two start to reassess the death of the girl, knowing they won’t get a lot of help from the others in the force, who pretty well closed the case years earlier.
In the midst of this, there is the murder of a politician that draws us deeper into the case. We wonder if the death of the girl and the politician could somehow be connected. Soon one of the suspects in the case, turns out to be Shay’s own father, who was a noted supporter of the IRA. It even makes the reader wonder if it is guilt by association, and how does the father factor into the case?
Anne Emery takes a most fascinating tale, and spins quite the novel, almost 450 pages, but pages that ignite with her passionate storytelling. She truly brings the characters to life in ways many mystery authors never could, creating a book that keeps us intrigued until the final pages. Take a journey to FENIAN STREET. You will definitely not regret it.
September 12, 2022
Fenian Street by Anne Emery was an engaging story of the life of a boy from the Dublin slums who became a garda and proved himself worthy of the title. Seamus (Shay) Rynne lived in a tenement with his parents and his sister and her child. He was a typical little boy, swiping things and doing random acts of illegal mischief but he was lucky enough to have garnered the notice of a garda detective who kept him on the straight and narrow. It was not a popular occupation in his neighborhood, but his peers liked and respected him and so it worked out. He had a friend named Rosie McGinn who was several years older than he and his friends, but she was always nice to them, bringing them treats from the store she worked in and such. As she got older, she got a better job, as the front desk person at a hotel. It was while doing this job she met her accidental death. None of them believed it had been accidental but when Shay became a garda he worked hard to investigate what had happened. It took several years and some help from friends, but eventually he proved it was murder, and who had done it. It did not earn him points with the garda detective who had originally investigated.
Shay was a good guy. He managed to overcome his upbringing, which really had not been so bad. He da was a drunk, but he never hit the kids or his ma, unlike many on the streets. Shay did a good job, and did it with sense, going easy when it was called for and working hard to follow up on crime when necessary. It was a hard time, the early 70s when car bombs and other acts of violence were rampant on the streets of Dublin. The republicans and the government were at odds. It seemed to be a true depiction of those times for this one young man. It was more a slice of life than a plot with several smaller plots happening during the retelling. Emery did a wonderful job, bring this life to the people.
I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Fenian Street by ECW Press, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #ECWPress #AnneEmery #FenianStreet
Shay was a good guy. He managed to overcome his upbringing, which really had not been so bad. He da was a drunk, but he never hit the kids or his ma, unlike many on the streets. Shay did a good job, and did it with sense, going easy when it was called for and working hard to follow up on crime when necessary. It was a hard time, the early 70s when car bombs and other acts of violence were rampant on the streets of Dublin. The republicans and the government were at odds. It seemed to be a true depiction of those times for this one young man. It was more a slice of life than a plot with several smaller plots happening during the retelling. Emery did a wonderful job, bring this life to the people.
I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Fenian Street by ECW Press, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #ECWPress #AnneEmery #FenianStreet
November 15, 2022
I listened to Fenian Street by Anne Emery narrated by Ashley O’Connell and I was glad I chose the audio instead of reading the book because you get the feel so much more by hearing the brogue. The reading was perfectly done. Changing tone and even tempo with characters were done flawlessly. You could easily slip into the action and feelings of the characters and was read at a comfortable pace. Ashley made it easy to imagine what was happening by sounds and the right drama to the events and conversations.
The story takes place during a very tumultuous time in Ireland, the 70s. Shay Rynne was from Fenian Street - public housing. - in Dublin. A dream of Shays was to become a Garuda in the Irish police, and he does achieve that goal, mainly to find the killer of his good friend Rosaleen. Her death was, in Shay's opinion, not an accident. He must endure not only a prejudicial attitude, because of where he is from, but he also made an enemy of the original investigating detective, McCreevy, a man his superior, who would like nothing more than to ruin him.
Anne Emery tells of the discord of war between the Irish and Brits, that caused so much pain and death in the 70s.
The narrator does well reading it but the story did seem to go on and on. It is a long book, I did projects while listening and had to re-listen at times as my mind wandered during the story.
I recommend this book, in audio, to those who like history and relationships tied up in a story. There is language but with the brogue, it isn’t offensive and learned some fun words indigenous to that area. I can't say I would buy this for a friend as I wouldn't buy it for myself however, many readers would appreciate the story reflecting the difficult times they experienced. I prefer books with more drama and action.
Thank you NetGalley and Publishers ECW Press Audio for this audio presentation and for my honest review.
The story takes place during a very tumultuous time in Ireland, the 70s. Shay Rynne was from Fenian Street - public housing. - in Dublin. A dream of Shays was to become a Garuda in the Irish police, and he does achieve that goal, mainly to find the killer of his good friend Rosaleen. Her death was, in Shay's opinion, not an accident. He must endure not only a prejudicial attitude, because of where he is from, but he also made an enemy of the original investigating detective, McCreevy, a man his superior, who would like nothing more than to ruin him.
Anne Emery tells of the discord of war between the Irish and Brits, that caused so much pain and death in the 70s.
The narrator does well reading it but the story did seem to go on and on. It is a long book, I did projects while listening and had to re-listen at times as my mind wandered during the story.
I recommend this book, in audio, to those who like history and relationships tied up in a story. There is language but with the brogue, it isn’t offensive and learned some fun words indigenous to that area. I can't say I would buy this for a friend as I wouldn't buy it for myself however, many readers would appreciate the story reflecting the difficult times they experienced. I prefer books with more drama and action.
Thank you NetGalley and Publishers ECW Press Audio for this audio presentation and for my honest review.
February 25, 2024
I have never DNF'ed a mystery/crime story before, but I just can't. I figure I've got another 2 days of solid reading to finish this 400 page novel, and it's already been 3. I'm 200 pages in, and my brain is ready to move on.
My first reason for DNF'ing: the writing is dense. This was compared to Tana French. No. Tana French is wordy, yes, but her writing is beautiful, descriptive and takes you into the flow of the story.
This does not. Events happen, but I can't explain exactly what it is that doesn't sit right with me. There's not enough story/plot for the time I've spent reading this?
A word about my edition, because that might be part of it. I've never seen the standard edition, so I can't say. My copy is a special edition from Unplugged Book Box. It's a very nice copy. It's also extremely heavy for a 400-page book. It could literally be a weapon. Again, dense.
The formatting - the font is tiny. Combine that with long chapters and page after page of uninterrupted words, it's hard on my eyes.
Also, I don't understand why this was chosen for a book box. The author is apparently a highly respected crime writer based in Canada. Despite reading fairly prolifically in the genre, I've never come across her. Still. . .this is Book #13 in a series. The book box doesn't generally do mysteries, nor have they done previous novels by this author. Granted, this reads like a standalone - I think it's just one recurring character from the series that appears in this book. That also is jarring because he suddenly appears on page, says a few things and goes back to America.
The best word, other than dense, I can use for this novel is staid. I keep falling asleep. I'm sorry.
My first reason for DNF'ing: the writing is dense. This was compared to Tana French. No. Tana French is wordy, yes, but her writing is beautiful, descriptive and takes you into the flow of the story.
This does not. Events happen, but I can't explain exactly what it is that doesn't sit right with me. There's not enough story/plot for the time I've spent reading this?
A word about my edition, because that might be part of it. I've never seen the standard edition, so I can't say. My copy is a special edition from Unplugged Book Box. It's a very nice copy. It's also extremely heavy for a 400-page book. It could literally be a weapon. Again, dense.
The formatting - the font is tiny. Combine that with long chapters and page after page of uninterrupted words, it's hard on my eyes.
Also, I don't understand why this was chosen for a book box. The author is apparently a highly respected crime writer based in Canada. Despite reading fairly prolifically in the genre, I've never come across her. Still. . .this is Book #13 in a series. The book box doesn't generally do mysteries, nor have they done previous novels by this author. Granted, this reads like a standalone - I think it's just one recurring character from the series that appears in this book. That also is jarring because he suddenly appears on page, says a few things and goes back to America.
The best word, other than dense, I can use for this novel is staid. I keep falling asleep. I'm sorry.
September 2, 2022
I received an advance copy of this book, Thank You
This was a great book. Not only was the plot and storyline good, but you could tell there was a lot of research done about Ireland and the conflict that tore the country apart for so long. The book is over 400 pages long, and while it didn't drag, it felt at times that some of the story could have been eliminated with no detriment.
That said, I loved getting to know all of the characters. The story centers around Shay Rynne, who grew up in Dublin and wanted to join the Garda Siochana (the Irish Police). This wasn't common as most in Dublin thought the Garda weren't on their side. The final push that propelled him to join was the death of a friend. The case closed quickly, and in Shay's opinion, the wrong conclusion was drawn. He joins, and despite the less than welcome reception, he comes to excel and comes to be accepted. Other great characters in the book are Father Brennan Burke, a great friend of Shay's and someone with interesting and useful contacts. Other interesting characters are Finn, the owner of Christy's Pub and Father Burke's Uncle, and Talkie, Shay's father.
Good and interesting read.
This was a great book. Not only was the plot and storyline good, but you could tell there was a lot of research done about Ireland and the conflict that tore the country apart for so long. The book is over 400 pages long, and while it didn't drag, it felt at times that some of the story could have been eliminated with no detriment.
That said, I loved getting to know all of the characters. The story centers around Shay Rynne, who grew up in Dublin and wanted to join the Garda Siochana (the Irish Police). This wasn't common as most in Dublin thought the Garda weren't on their side. The final push that propelled him to join was the death of a friend. The case closed quickly, and in Shay's opinion, the wrong conclusion was drawn. He joins, and despite the less than welcome reception, he comes to excel and comes to be accepted. Other great characters in the book are Father Brennan Burke, a great friend of Shay's and someone with interesting and useful contacts. Other interesting characters are Finn, the owner of Christy's Pub and Father Burke's Uncle, and Talkie, Shay's father.
Good and interesting read.
April 2, 2024
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC. This review is for the book in audio format.
Anne Emery's Fenian Street isn't merely an audiobook; it's a haunting melody that reverberates through the dimly lit alleys of Dublin. Narrated by the talented Ashley O'Connell, this noir thriller grips your senses and refuses to let go.
In the heart of 1970s Dublin, where cobblestone streets echo with whispered confessions and secrets fester like old wounds, we meet Shay Rynne. Born in the shadow of the Corporation Flats on Fenian Street, Shay dreams of donning the uniform of the Garda Síochána—the Irish police. But justice in Dublin isn't a straightforward path; it's a labyrinth of allegiances, vendettas, and murky alliances.
When Rosaleen, Shay's childhood friend, is brutally murdered, he steps into the role of an unlikely avenger. His quest for truth leads him from the rain-soaked streets of Dublin to the smoky pubs where secrets are traded like contraband. Along the way, he encounters Detective McCreevy—a man with his own demons—and the enigmatic Nora, whose past intertwines with Shay's in unexpected ways.
Anne Emery's Fenian Street isn't merely an audiobook; it's a haunting melody that reverberates through the dimly lit alleys of Dublin. Narrated by the talented Ashley O'Connell, this noir thriller grips your senses and refuses to let go.
In the heart of 1970s Dublin, where cobblestone streets echo with whispered confessions and secrets fester like old wounds, we meet Shay Rynne. Born in the shadow of the Corporation Flats on Fenian Street, Shay dreams of donning the uniform of the Garda Síochána—the Irish police. But justice in Dublin isn't a straightforward path; it's a labyrinth of allegiances, vendettas, and murky alliances.
When Rosaleen, Shay's childhood friend, is brutally murdered, he steps into the role of an unlikely avenger. His quest for truth leads him from the rain-soaked streets of Dublin to the smoky pubs where secrets are traded like contraband. Along the way, he encounters Detective McCreevy—a man with his own demons—and the enigmatic Nora, whose past intertwines with Shay's in unexpected ways.
September 2, 2022
I have read and reviewed several of Anne Emery’s book on this blog. I have always found them enjoyable and interesting reads.
So I’ll start this review as I started the review of The Keening. “This book is both a good mystery novel and historical fiction.”
But this is very different, last time I meant 500 years ago as historic. This time historic is more like 50 years. And there is a mystery, well more than 1.
Much of the action takes place in 1970s Dublin. A young man from a poor family in public housing decides to become a policeman (Garda) to solve a mystery about the death of a childhood friend. And other mysteries come-up because of the job he took.
And there are also problems and conflicts on the job because of his background and Irish republican sympathies. A complicated and interesting story. I thank Netgalley for the chance to read Fenian Street by Anne Emery before publication.
The book is not out until Sept 13 but if you enjoy a good mystery, especially one set in Ireland, you might want to add this to your to-be-read list.
So I’ll start this review as I started the review of The Keening. “This book is both a good mystery novel and historical fiction.”
But this is very different, last time I meant 500 years ago as historic. This time historic is more like 50 years. And there is a mystery, well more than 1.
Much of the action takes place in 1970s Dublin. A young man from a poor family in public housing decides to become a policeman (Garda) to solve a mystery about the death of a childhood friend. And other mysteries come-up because of the job he took.
And there are also problems and conflicts on the job because of his background and Irish republican sympathies. A complicated and interesting story. I thank Netgalley for the chance to read Fenian Street by Anne Emery before publication.
The book is not out until Sept 13 but if you enjoy a good mystery, especially one set in Ireland, you might want to add this to your to-be-read list.
September 24, 2022
I think this is the third book I’ve read in recent weeks that’s set in the early 1970s. This one’s takes place in Ireland and the narrator for the audiobook has a beautiful and strong Irish accent. I had to reduce the rate I normally listen at in order to comprehend it but the accent really kept you in mind of the setting it was taking place in. FENIAN STREET by Anne Emery, and read by Ashley O’Connell.
Shay grew up in public housing and he was determined to move past prejudices and become a police garda. He immediately starts stepping on toes when he is determined to solve what happened to cause the death of a friend a few years before.
This book also involves true things that happened during this time period, such as the arms crisis, bombings, and the Irish mob. It was an interesting story and an intriguing way to discover some history I’d not heard of before. 4 stars! Thank you NetGalley and ECW Press Audio for the gift of this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
Shay grew up in public housing and he was determined to move past prejudices and become a police garda. He immediately starts stepping on toes when he is determined to solve what happened to cause the death of a friend a few years before.
This book also involves true things that happened during this time period, such as the arms crisis, bombings, and the Irish mob. It was an interesting story and an intriguing way to discover some history I’d not heard of before. 4 stars! Thank you NetGalley and ECW Press Audio for the gift of this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
September 30, 2022
ITS A TEN FROM ME! seriously though this meander through the history of Ireland is so well detailed and researched you’d feel you were immersed in it yourself. While it’s most definitely a thriller, it’s a thriller with heart. The journey through young Shay’s life from growing up in the poverty of the corpos right through to joining the garda, every tiny detail is perfect and it was a joy to watch the making of the man so to speak. Father Brennan is written so well, I’m sure I’ve confessed my sins to him at some point. The narration deserves huge applause as it was beautifully done. Again I can’t express how beautifully written and researched this is covering the troubles of the times with a real heart and firm question marks on the British involvement in Ireland and the north. I wonder was the author there?! #Jorecommends
I received an arc of this title via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
I received an arc of this title via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
October 10, 2022
2 1/2 stars
This novel was nicely written and pleasant to read, but contained far too many themes, rambling off in different directions, with too many anecdotal sketches and too much useless dialogue. So much so, that it caused me to wonder if the story was ever going to get back on track; It did, eventually. But still. That said, I acknowledge that there are some instances where rambling storytelling works. It did not work for me in this instance. I just wanted the author to get on with the story.
The characters, were nicely drawn, but I couldn’t shake a general impression that their behaviours, dialogue and circumstances didn’t always jibe very convincingly.
In summary, this book was okay. There were the promised twists and turns.... but the telling of the story got tiresome.... it went on way too long.
This is my honest and unbiased review of “Fenian Street” by Anne Emery in exchange for an uncorrected Advanced Reading Copy of this book provided by ECW Press.
This novel was nicely written and pleasant to read, but contained far too many themes, rambling off in different directions, with too many anecdotal sketches and too much useless dialogue. So much so, that it caused me to wonder if the story was ever going to get back on track; It did, eventually. But still. That said, I acknowledge that there are some instances where rambling storytelling works. It did not work for me in this instance. I just wanted the author to get on with the story.
The characters, were nicely drawn, but I couldn’t shake a general impression that their behaviours, dialogue and circumstances didn’t always jibe very convincingly.
In summary, this book was okay. There were the promised twists and turns.... but the telling of the story got tiresome.... it went on way too long.
This is my honest and unbiased review of “Fenian Street” by Anne Emery in exchange for an uncorrected Advanced Reading Copy of this book provided by ECW Press.
June 14, 2022
I really enjoyed this book and I thank Netgalley and the Publisher for allowing me to read this story. The author used both factual people and events, as well as fictional people and events to tell this tale. I liked some of these characters very much and it helped me get a take of what was going on between Ireland and Britian in these sometimes violent times. Anne Emery, let you get to know all the main characters and you grew to love and understand them. It's hard to imagine that this was going on in the 70's, which was only 52 years ago. We still have murders gangs, bombings, the mob, wars, prostitution etc. So while things are different as far as technology and science, what happened in Ireland in the 70's, at least you knew who your enemy was. Now a days, it could be anyone. I give this story a 4 out of 5. I also love that this is written by a Canadian author.
October 1, 2022
I think I had a hard time getting into this because it’s my first Irish historical fiction and I genuinely don’t know much about Irish history. There were some events that just left me confused and it took a bit to get the hang of the vernacular sometimes too.
I did like the plot and the characters though.
🌀Synopsis
Shay Rynne grew up poor but broke the cycle to become part of the Irish Police.
He decides he needs to solve a murder from his past, his friend Rosealeen. His work and inquires do him no favors on the force as he makes an enemy out of the detective who tried to solve it when it occurred.
When a politician is killed Shay gets another opportunity to prove his abilities but his father is a suspect she he gets removed from the case.
Shay is determined to clear his name and ultimately solves the murder case, proving a poor kid can make it in the force.
I did like the plot and the characters though.
🌀Synopsis
Shay Rynne grew up poor but broke the cycle to become part of the Irish Police.
He decides he needs to solve a murder from his past, his friend Rosealeen. His work and inquires do him no favors on the force as he makes an enemy out of the detective who tried to solve it when it occurred.
When a politician is killed Shay gets another opportunity to prove his abilities but his father is a suspect she he gets removed from the case.
Shay is determined to clear his name and ultimately solves the murder case, proving a poor kid can make it in the force.
October 12, 2022
4.5 rounded down.
I listened to the audio version of this novel and really enjoyed it.
While this is a mystery, the mystery itself seemed to be vehicle for writing about the Irish experience during this time period. I do not know much about this period of Irish history and found it fascinating. While the mystery was good, I found the characters and atmosphere the author so skillfully developed the stars of the book. Had the outcome of the mystery been a little more surprising, I would have given this book 5 stars.
In the audio format, I also really enjoyed the voice and accent of the narrator. I got lost in the story and could imagine every scene as though I were there. I would definitely read this author again.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I listened to the audio version of this novel and really enjoyed it.
While this is a mystery, the mystery itself seemed to be vehicle for writing about the Irish experience during this time period. I do not know much about this period of Irish history and found it fascinating. While the mystery was good, I found the characters and atmosphere the author so skillfully developed the stars of the book. Had the outcome of the mystery been a little more surprising, I would have given this book 5 stars.
In the audio format, I also really enjoyed the voice and accent of the narrator. I got lost in the story and could imagine every scene as though I were there. I would definitely read this author again.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 19, 2022
Seamus ‘Shay’ Rynne was born and brought up in Fenian Street, Dublin, the wrong side of the tracks for someone who wants to join the Garda Siochana. But when the death of a childhood friend is deemed to be accidental he knows he needs to get justice for her.
This is an interesting mix of Dublin in the ‘70s, how religion was tearing communities apart and how there are events that happen that do really change lives. At times this came over as a dark, almost depressing read, but it felt so authentic the author could have lived through it all. The sense of camaraderie between the main characters comes across very well and whatever side you come down on, it makes for a thought provoking read.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
This is an interesting mix of Dublin in the ‘70s, how religion was tearing communities apart and how there are events that happen that do really change lives. At times this came over as a dark, almost depressing read, but it felt so authentic the author could have lived through it all. The sense of camaraderie between the main characters comes across very well and whatever side you come down on, it makes for a thought provoking read.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
June 5, 2022
Anne Emery has brightened my appetite (which was wavering) for reading again with this book.
There is nothing that I disliked about Fenian Street it was a true to life storyline set in Dublin, linked to New York mobsters and also included some of the troubles in Ireland in the 1970s.
Shay Rynne is an officer in Dublins’ Garda but having been brought up in the tenements where life was hard. He learned,to secretly sympathise with the IRA - obviously not a trait shared by his fellow workers.
There are so many aspects of life at that time including murder, bombings, spies, suffering, threats, prostitution, political strife and loyalty.
I recommend you read this with an open mind and make of it as you will but I can assure you it is well worth your time.
There is nothing that I disliked about Fenian Street it was a true to life storyline set in Dublin, linked to New York mobsters and also included some of the troubles in Ireland in the 1970s.
Shay Rynne is an officer in Dublins’ Garda but having been brought up in the tenements where life was hard. He learned,to secretly sympathise with the IRA - obviously not a trait shared by his fellow workers.
There are so many aspects of life at that time including murder, bombings, spies, suffering, threats, prostitution, political strife and loyalty.
I recommend you read this with an open mind and make of it as you will but I can assure you it is well worth your time.
September 14, 2022
I am not Irish but I married into an Irish family with branches in the north and south of the beautiful, tragic island of Ireland and to this reader Fenian Street is told with a wholly authentic Irish voice. The characters, both real and imagined, are well described and easy to identify and empathise with or to rail against, depending on your perspective. The lead characters are wonderfully drawn with depth and detail. The various elements that make up the book - history, politics, murder, gangsterism and associated shenanigans - are superbly well mixed and well balanced to provide a very rewarding read. The murder mystery which provides the spine of this complex book turns into a real “who dunnit” and the denouement is both clever and credible. Highly recommended.
September 20, 2022
If you are expecting a fast-paced mystery, this book is not for you. The story is intensely complicated and drawn out, dark, and gritty. The pace is slow and meandering. However, the setting is what initially drew me to this book, and on that score I was not disappointed. Having just recently returned from a visit to Ireland, I was able to recognize the street names and references to areas in Dublin that were affected by the bombings in 1974., which added interest for me. The narrator of the audio version nailed the different dialects of the areas and listening to him made me feel like I was back in Ireland.
March 19, 2023
I actually listened to this on audio, and the reader's Irish lilt was so amazing - really helped put me squarely in the time and place of the story. Seamus Rynne grows, product of lower class Dublin, up to become a Dublin garda (police officer) amidst the Troubles, as it spills down into the Republic. He's tasked with solving the murder of an old childhood friend, and a mobster, all the while dealing with the usual police politics.
Irish Catholics will appreciate much of this story, which perhaps others might not. I loved the slang, and listening to narrator Ashley O'Connell's beautiful Irish brogue - made my day.
Irish Catholics will appreciate much of this story, which perhaps others might not. I loved the slang, and listening to narrator Ashley O'Connell's beautiful Irish brogue - made my day.
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