Manchester, November 12, 1867. James O’Connor has been brought from Dublin to advise the local police on the Fenians. Some don’t trust him. Who is this Irishman, who has come to tell them how to do their jobs?
Three men are about to be hung. O’Connor warns his superiors that, although things will be quiet to start with, there will be more drawn to the cause as a result. The hung men will become martyrs. He explains that his countrymen are poorly educated and the Fenians take advantage of that.
One of O’Connor’s informants tells him after the hanging that a man is being sent over from America to wreak havoc.
Stephen Doyle, the man from America, arrives and learns that O’Connor is the Head Constable. Once he has identified him, Doyle begins to stalk him.
A few days later, another American shows up. It is Michael Sullivan; O’Connor’s nephew. He is penniless and calls on O’Connor to lend him a hand to get on his feet in England. Sullivan tells him about a man that he had met on the ship; a man who was obviously set on causing trouble. O’Connor is sure that he had seen that very man speaking to his informant.
A few days later O’Connor is mugged. A watch and some money is taken. It isn’t until later when his informant disappears that he discovers some pages in his notebook have been cut out. They contained the name of his informant plus two other names. They later turn up dead.
Sullivan then offers his services to the police. O’Connor is dead set against it. However, there’s not much that he can do about it. Sullivan discovers a plot that will use guns, but has no details about the plot.
The question is, what is the plot and can the police stop it? How many more will die as the Irish try to avenge the death of their compatriots?
Author Ian McGuire’s story is one of vengeance, murder and struggles with conscience. It has a surprising conclusion. A good page turner from the beginning.
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