Little Criminals in Around the World in 80 Books

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Jan 01, 2019 Tony rated it it was amazing

Shelves: crime, novels, setting-ireland

Last year I picked up Kerrigan's "The Midnight Choir" and loved it -- so I was pleased to see his earlier crime novel finally become available here in the U.S. The Irish journalist's style is very reminiscent of Bill James' Harpur & Iles series -- straight police and thieves procedurals written to show both sides of a crime. The story here revolves around Frankie Crowe, a second-tier Dublin hoodlum with delusions of the big time. He's put a crew together to kidnap a wealthy banker and hold him f Last year I picked up Kerrigan's "The Midnight Choir" and loved it -- so I was pleased to see his earlier crime novel finally become available here in the U.S. The Irish journalist's style is very reminiscent of Bill James' Harpur & Iles series -- straight police and thieves procedurals written to show both sides of a crime. The story here revolves around Frankie Crowe, a second-tier Dublin hoodlum with delusions of the big time. He's put a crew together to kidnap a wealthy banker and hold him for the kind of ransom that will allow Frankie and his fellow "little criminals" to never have to pull another job again.

Like Bill James' "Take," the story delves deep into the details of how Frankie assembles his team, plans and executes the job, as well as the psychology of Frankie and his associates. It's this attention to motivation and background that gives the book real depth and substance. Alas, Frankie's careful planning proves to be somewhat fallible, as his target turns out to not quite who Frankie believes him to be, leading to a hasty change of plans. The police don't make their entrance until quite late in the story, after the kidnapping has occurred. DI Grace knows all the small-time faces, and is brought in to help the high profile task force that's been assembled to respond to the crime. The final portion of the book is immensely satisfying, as both sides of the law blunder their way to a final confrontation.

Like the best American crime writers (Elmore Leonard, George Pelecanos, etc.), Kerrigan's got the chops when it comes to realistic dialogue. And like many journalists who turn their hand to fiction, he's able to organically weave plenty of local color and detail into his story, bringing to the new Dublin to life. Beyond the satisfaction of a well-told crime story, the plot acts as a commentary on the impact of the booming Irish economy on expectations. Those of all backgrounds feel entitled to a slice of the megamoney being invested in Ireland -- whether by hook or by crook. This new worldview is further highlighted by a slightly awkward framing device which opens and closes the book. As the book opens we meet an elderly man (who represents old world honor) who is determined to rid the world of Frankie, and then at the end of the book we learn why. This book and "The Midnight Choir", mark Kerrigan as a writer whose books I will eagerly anticipate.
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Apr 16, 2008 Pam marked it as to-read · review of another edition

Shelves: ireland-mystery

purchased at MOTB 04/12/08

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Around the World in 80 Books