Blood Ties

How can a dead woman avenge herself on her killer twelve years after her murder? This is the puzzle facing Ben Devlin in his latest case. He is called to the scene of a murder - a man has been stabbed to death in his rented room and when his identity is discovered Devlin feels a ghost walk over his grave as he knows the name Brooklyn Harris well. As a teenager, Harris beat his then-girlfriend Hannah Row to death, and then spent twelve years in prison for the murder. As Devlin investigates the dead man's movements since his release it becomes apparent Harris has been grooming teenage girls online and then arranging to meet them. But his activities have been discovered by others, notably a vigilante, who goes straight to the top of Devlin's list of suspects... until he uncovers that Harris was killed on the anniversary of Hannah's death - just too big a coincidence in Devlin's books. So Hannah's family join the ever-growing list of suspects being interviewed by his team. And then forensics contact Devlin with the astounding news that blood found on Harris's body is a perfect match to that of Hannah Row's. Yet how can this be; the girl was murdered many years ago - and Devlin doesn't believe in ghosts. Praise for Brian McGilloway 'This dazzling, labyrinthine debut impresses not only for the authentic depiction of a troubled community and the conflicts of a fallible detective, but also for the intense portrait of the borderlands themselves; as beautiful and terrible as the secrets they keep' Guardian 'McGilloway's Borderlands was one of last years most impressive debuts. Does Gallows Lane pass the feared second-novel test? Easily.' The Times 'McGilloway skilfully handles the tangled threads of a conspiracy surrounding an old crime, to make a satisfying mystery with an attractive central character.' Sunday Telegraph 'One of the most original voices in the notably expanding field of Irish crime fiction and this reviewer, for one, would like to read more of DS Lucy Black.' Irish Independent 'Gallows Lane shows just how mature the Irish crime thriller has become... A cracking thriller and an interesting social document... not just because of the twisting storyline, well drawn characters and fluid dialogue, but also because of the authenticity of the themes.' Sunday Business Post 'Sure to cement his position as one of the top crime writers around... McGilloway has been described as the new Ian Rankin and with very good reason.An accomplished dramatic, well-paced novel that will have you gripped from the very start.' Peterborough Evening Telegraph 'McGilloway manages to keep you interested and guessing until the very last page. What also sets this apart is the way he manages to instill even some of the most minor characters with a humanity and interest not always apparent in the crime thriller genre.' Newham Recorder 'Among the very accomplished group of new Irish crime writers, McGilloway ranks very high in his ability to evoke a particular milieu, to populate it with interesting and believable characters and to structure his stories around meaningful (if sometimes horrifying) metaphors.' International Noir Fiction 'A seductive, compelling combination: impeccable characterisation, beautiful writing and a first class narrative. Borderlands is a terrific book, Gallows Lane an even stronger sequel.' Material Witness 'Driven by real human motivations, doubts and desires, Gallows Lane is a very rewarding read.' The Irish Mail on Sunday 'McGilloway has followed up his acclaimed crime fiction debut with another masterly thriller.' Irish News 'A stunning second novel... taut and fast paced. McGilloway has written another compelling book here with no cliches or easy answers.' Verbal Magazine 'A ripping yarn that scorches its way through an early summer heatwave... McGilloway is carving out a thrilling crime fiction franchise... and this second offering does not disappoint.' Tyrone Herald 'McGilloway's second Devlin mystery gathers pace and tension.. as [Devlin] struggles to bring his flawed police work to a just conclusion.' Financial Times 'A wildly underrated author, his books are absolutely fantastic... [Preserve the Dead] is a brilliant exploration of modern Ireland.' RTE Radio1 'Preserve the Dead is storytelling of the highest order from one of Irish crime writing's most unassuming masters.' Irish Independent 'Like a snapshot of modern society... Engrossing.' Sunday Independent 'McGilloway's novels are enjoyable police procedurals, displaying his understanding of the evolving nature of criminal enterprises in a world of porous national boundaries.' Sunday Times 'Lucy Black. Oh, how I love you!...I absolutely adore this book series... The writing was excellent, the storyline was fast paced and exciting. The character development is exceptional.' Tales of a Book Addict 'Atmospheric, intriguing and sinister' Big Issue in the North.