Ghosts of Belfast Page 0: Links and Notions

[Andrew, Wound Up]

Welcome to our first book discussion! This topic should have NO spoilers. Feel free to discuss your preconceptions/notions about the book here. Also, open discussion of:

* The cover
* Copyright page
* Dedication (For Ellen Emerald Neville)
* Epigraph ("The place that lacks its ghosts is a barren place." -John Hewitt)
* The word that appears before chapter 1 (TWELVE)

I'll be making categories for chapter sets soon. The official start date for reading is July 1, 2012.

Ghosts of Belfast e-book purchase links:

Kindle: amazon.com: ***NOTE*** Ghosts is on sale as a two book set for $9.99 along with another book starring the same detective (Collusion/Ghosts Of Belfast Bundle). Since that is currently the same price as the standalone book I'm including that link. Be sure to verify the price before purchasing!

Collusion/Ghosts of Belfast

Here is the standalone on Ghosts in case the other sale ends

Nook: barnesandnoble.com: ***NOTE*** Ghosts is on sale as a two book set for $11.37 along with another book starring the same detective (Collusion/Ghosts Of Belfast Bundle). The standalone is $9.99.

Collusion/Ghosts of Belfast Bundle

Ghosts of Belfast (currently $1.38 less)

Another note: I bought the bundle on Kindle and it's kind of a cheap mash up. There is no table of contents but there are chapter links at the beginning of each book. Still worth it in my opinion but you might get better readability on the standalone.

[Andrew, Wound Up]

Here are some of my thoughts:

Last gumshoe books I read:

*The City and the City was so good. Definitely not action oriented.
* The Rubber Band and a few other Rex Stout books last year. I always love Nero Wolfe, definitely my favorite pulp detective.

I haven't read much going into this novel (once I know I'm going to read a book I try to avoid ANY possible spoilers). Some notions:

* I go into reading any book set in modern Ireland thinking the plot is going to be motivated by the IRA. Is that just the reality of Ireland, is it a cliche in writing, or is that setting uniquely compelling to authors due to the innate tension? I'd like to be surprised by Ghosts, pushed away from this presumption.
* The blurbs I read make this sound fast and fun, like a Clancy book maybe? Not sure if this will be more action thriller or gumshoe. I can really get sucked into a fast paced book - I'm wondering how that will work with keeping up with posts here!
* I think all books should have epigraphs. I like this one by John Hewitt. I'll try to find some links to his poetry to share with the group (I haven't ever read any of his work).
* The "TWELVE" just before chapter 1 intrigues me!

Topic breakdown: I'm trying to decide how many sectioned topics we'll want. I don't want to scatter the group too much. If you have an idea or preference say it here. My current idea is:

* 6 topics of 10 chapters each, plus a final topic for the last chapter and overall thoughts. I want to have one (or sometimes two) focused discussion questions per topic, plus a few additional in the final one.

So... what is the last detective book YOU read? Any thoughts before we start on chapter 1?

[Craig]

I'm not really much for detective novels and never was real interested in the history of the IRA...which is what I surmise by the title will be the subject of this book. However I'm willing to dive in and see what it's all about. I'm hoping to be pleasantly surprised.
Can't comment on the cover since the bundled has no cover art.
I've never heard of or read anything by the author.
And "Twelve" does pique my curiosity but I noticed in reading a short bio of the author that the book was originally titled "The Twelve" and the title "Ghosts of Belfast" is the title of the American release.

[Andrew, Wound Up]

Craig wrote: "And "Twelve" does pique my curiosity but I noticed in reading a short bio of the author that the book was originally titled "The Twelve" and the title "Ghosts of Belfast" is the title of the American release."

No wonder you don't like detective novels - you ARE a dectective! The cover art isn't too exciting (on any of the editions) but confirms your thoughts on TWELVE:

[Michelle, Overrun By Pets]

This is my very first book club (I feel like such a newbie). I'm not sure what to expect, but I hope for fun, interesting literature conversation, and a new way to get to know friends/co-workers.

I would like to correct Andrew in his comment about The City and the City, it is ROCKSTAR, full of intense drama and also a great detective story. I am a fan of old school "whodunit" stories including Agatha Christie, and Rex Stout.

I feel neutral about the cover - it looks like nondescript "thugs on the docks". I really like the epigraph and hope the book is as promising.

I have not read much in advance about the author (who is new for me) or the book itself. My gut reaction to what this book contains: Irish people, drinking alcohol, bombs, death and apparently ghosts (probably along with some form of guilt about past deeds).

[Indrid]

In only reading the nutshell description of the book, I immediately expect it to be much in the line of the Charlie Parker series of books written by John Connolly (another Irish author).

For those who are unfamiliar, Charlie Parker is ex-NYPD and current private detective. His wife and child were slain by the infamous serial killer ("The Traveling Man," I think), and Charlie is able to see ghosts if I recall correctly. Charlie is aided by a gay couple who are pretty brutal enforcers and provide much entertainment in the juxtaposition between what may be normally considered the gay male stereotype and their existence as cold-blooded killers.

I think "Every Dead Thing" is the first novel in the series and I enjoyed it quite a bit. I believe there are at least four or five in the series now but I have only read through the second.

If "Ghosts" does indeed fit into this preconception I have, I will certainly not be disappointed. However, I have to admit to hoping for a unique look into the dark, paranormal-ish novel.

[Suzie]

"I am a fan of old school "whodunit" stories including Agatha Christie, and Rex Stout."

Michelle, I didn't know! I love old English mysteries; Agatha Christie and PD James are two of my favorites. I know there are many writers from the same genre that I haven't discovered yet, so if you have any suggestions, let me know!