Great story idea, but I struggled with a white trash redneck from Texas, not standing out in rural Ireland.
And the story of how Duke got to be the psychopath he became was almost a book in itself. ( )

Yes I really did read this in two evenings. The story was interesting and you always knew there was more to it than met the eye at that moment. I really liked it that the action moved so quickly, without really missing a beat and without going to fast. I think it was more realistic with regards to the son’s actions than the father’s. I think Joe was just a tad over the top. I also loved the ME’s reaction to the impromptu meeting—some authors would have either not put that in at all or would have taken it too far but Barclay tossed it in just right. ( )

A surprisingly violent first novel for a female author, set partly in Ireland and NYC/Texas, following parallel stories of two low-life Texas misfits and Joe Lucchesi, ex-NYC cop now living with his wife and daughter in Ireland and the way their lives intersect. Although I finished the book quite quickly over a Bank Holiday weekend, I didn't find the character of Joe especially sympathetic or even believable. One of the late revealed villains was telegraphed fairly early on, albeit not the exact nature, but you always felt he was involved somehow and puzzled why other characters didn't see it and check him out earlier! Overall a bit disappointing relative to the reviews. ( )

I wasn't sure, when I bought this, off a sale table at a book store, if Alex Barclay was a male or a female. Having read the book I had to look her up online to discover that she is indeed female. This was her first book, and I've already requested her next book at my local library.

This was excellent! I really enjoyed it, and now I can't wait for more of her writing.

Few more thrills would've made this a riveting tale. ( )