Adrian McKinty delivers another compelling installment in the Sean Duffy series with Hang On St. Christopher. Duffy's sharp wit and the gritty backdrop of 1990s Northern Ireland continue to captivate. The plot, which weaves together local crime with international intrigue, is well-paced and keeps you guessing. Gerard Doyle's narration perfectly embodies Duffy's character and the atmosphere of the time. While perhaps not as groundbreaking as some of the earlier books, this is still a solid and enjoyable read for fans of the series and crime fiction in general.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advance copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

Just when we thought Sean Duffy of the Belfast RUC had worked his last case and was slowly easing into semi-retirement, he’s back and embroiled in a case more dangerous than any he’s worked yet.

It’s July 1992 and the troubles in Northern Ireland are still unresolved. DI Sean Duffy might be expected to be leading a quiet life now that he is a semi-retired part time officer, working six days per month until he racks up enough time for a full pension. Living with his partner Beth and daughter Emma across the sea in Portpatrick, he commutes by ferry to to carry out routine policing and desk work in Carrickfergus along with his old mate DS John McCrabben (‘Crabbie’), also now a part timer while waiting to clock up enough time for his pension.

With Lawson, the new DI in charge, away on vacation in Tenerife, Duffy and Crabbie are called out to a murder where it appears the victim, a middle-aged artist, was the subject of a car-jacking gone wrong. However, Sean senses something is not right about the accident scene and eventually finds himself embroiled in investigating his most dangerous case yet.

Those who have followed this series know that Duffy is a bit of a renegade, a good cop with good instincts; he doesn’t always follow orders (or behave ethically), but will always do what is right for those he works with, but this case could end up being the death of him.

Terrific as always, this is Duffy at his best with the stoic Crabbie by his side, caught up in a complex political intrigue. The plot is fast paced with never a dull moment, dripping with dark humour and Sean’s trademark witty dialog and musings on music. I listened to the audiobook, which was excellently narrated by Gerald Doyle, who does a superb job in bringing Sean Duffy to life.

A solid police procedural. I didn't realize this was part of a series but it read fine as a stand alone. The main character Sean Duffy (detective) takes on a case set in 1992. It's suspenseful and atmospheric. I really enjoyed this author. The audio was smooth with great intonation from the narrator. I highly recommend the audio version of this story. I can't wait to go back and read more from this series.

Hang on St. Christopher - Adrian McKinty
Rating - DNF - 2/5
Pub Date - 3/4/25
Thoughts - Thank you Netgalley and Blackstone Audio for this gifted advanced reader audio in exchange for my honest review. Ugh, I'm so sad, but I couldn't get into this book. Not sure if it was the accent or just how slow the writing was, I got about halfway and decided to stop. The premise seemed really interesting, which is why I kept trying to give it a chance. I couldn't get into it and kept getting distracted while listening, so maybe this is just a me thing.

Thanks to NetGalley and Blackstone for the preview copy of this audiobook.

I'm a big fan of McKinty's Sean Duffy thrillers and this didn't disappoint...

Sean is getting a bit long in tooth but still has to deal with the murky world of crime in Northern Ireland..
I do enjoy the setting of the books and the protagonists world weary but slightly sarcastic take on the complications of trying to police Ulster with all the factions involved

Would recommend

3.75-Star ARC Review: Hang On St. Christopher by Adrian McKinty

Thank you to the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy of Hang On St. Christopher in exchange for my honest review.

This gritty, fast-paced noir is soaked in atmosphere and loaded with McKinty’s signature sharp prose. From the first page, the tone is edgy and dark, pulling readers into a world of danger, secrets, and morally gray characters. It reads like a back-alley ballad—moody, stylish, and relentless.

The pacing is tight, and the dialogue crackles with attitude. There’s a cinematic feel to the storytelling that keeps the action moving and the stakes high. McKinty knows how to craft tension, and he doesn’t hold back.

That said, while I was fully along for the ride, I didn’t find myself as emotionally invested as I have with some of McKinty’s other novels. A few plot turns stretched believability a bit, and some of the character development felt a touch thin. Still, this is a solid and entertaining thriller with a distinctive voice and plenty of grit. Fans of noir and crime fiction will find a lot to enjoy here.

Charming performance of the narration by Gerald Doyle.

Interesting murder mystery set in 1992. I was unaware that it was part of a series but it didn’t matter, the narrative filled in the blanks and didn’t leave the reader hanging.

Story was solid and ended in a satisfying manner.

Thank you NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook.


I MUST go back and start this series!!! I have read/listened to other Adrian McKinty books and loved them. This was my first Duffy.
I feel like I miss some nuisances not having read his series.

ONTO book 1

2.5 stars rounded down.

This started off okay for me, a procedural detective whodunnit case set in the 90s. I liked that the author mixes in comedic dialogues to give it a lighter feel. However, I couldn’t get invested in the mystery, especially towards the end when it should have been. Sean got too irritating for me in the middle. I don’t think the plot with his neighbor was necessary at all.

I would still read his other standalone books though. Thank you to Netgalley and Blackstone Publishing for the audiobook!

I will preface this by saying I have not read the previous books in this series, and it seems like I should have before reading this one. But even so, I enjoyed the story and characters. Gerald Doyle is a wonderful, engaging narrator.

This is book 8 in the Sean Duffy series. I have read a few, but not all, in the series. This may or may not have impacted my review, but I didn't feel like anything substantial was missing as I listened.

I enjoy the Sean Duffy series and the IRA era setting. I really enjoy McKinty's writing style and the author does a great job building suspense. While the pace could have been faster, overall I enjoyed this novel, and will continue to read Adrian McKinty!

📚 Hang On St. Christopher by Adrian McKinty 📚

Dark, gritty, and razor-sharp—McKinty delivers another crime thriller that pulls no punches. This police procedural is packed with fast pacing, smart dialogue, and some seriously addictive character banter.

I jumped into the series with this book, and while I’m sure I missed some context from earlier installments, I never felt lost. The story stands strong on its own, but now I definitely want to go back and read the others.

And the audiobook? 🔥 Gerald Doyle absolutely nails it, making the tension and atmosphere even more immersive. Four stars and a big thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing-Audiobooks for the chance to listen! 🎧🔎✨

The eighth Sean Duffy novel finds the sharp-witted detective working part-time to secure his pension—until a seemingly straightforward murder case lures him back into the thick of things. A man is found shot outside his caravan, his car missing. At first glance, it’s a botched carjacking, but seasoned readers know Duffy’s cases are never that simple. As he and longtime partner McCrabban dig deeper, they uncover a web of secrets that turns their “quick case” into a lethal puzzle.

McKinty once again delivers a taut, atmospheric police procedural that blends historical authenticity with razor-sharp plotting. Like Rankin’s Rebus or Nesbø’s Harry Hole, Duffy’s evolution feels natural, making each book richer than the last. Fans of intelligent crime fiction should dive in—just start from book one, because once you do, you won’t stop.

A must-read for lovers of dark, intricate mysteries. Bonus: a prequel exploring Duffy’s early years is on the way!

Thank you to Blackstone Publishing and Netgalley for this audio arc. This was a really good and suspenseful audio. I enjoyed the chain and the island by this author as well.

Adrian McKinty’s *Hang on St Christopher* is a masterclass in noir storytelling—gritty, intense, and utterly compelling. From the very first page, McKinty immerses the reader in a dark and dangerous world, filled with richly drawn characters, razor-sharp dialogue, and a relentless sense of tension that never lets up.

As always, McKinty’s writing is superb. His prose is lean and evocative, capturing both the brutal reality of his characters’ lives and the bleak beauty of their surroundings. The pacing is pitch-perfect, balancing action, suspense, and moments of dark humor that make the story all the more engaging.

The protagonist is a classic McKinty antihero—flawed, complex, and deeply human. His struggles, both external and internal, keep the reader invested, and his journey is as emotionally compelling as it is thrilling. The supporting cast is equally well-crafted, each character adding depth and intrigue to the story.

What sets *Hang on St Christopher* apart is its atmosphere. McKinty has a gift for transporting readers into the heart of his settings, making them feel as real and dangerous as the characters navigating them. Whether it’s a backroom deal gone wrong or a moment of quiet reflection before the next storm, every scene crackles with authenticity.

If you’re a fan of hard-hitting crime fiction with a literary edge, *Hang on St Christopher* is an absolute must-read. McKinty proves once again why he’s one of the best in the genre. ★★★★★

𝑯𝑨𝑵𝑮 𝑶𝑵 𝑺𝑻. 𝑪𝑯𝑹𝑰𝑺𝑻𝑶𝑷𝑯𝑬𝑹 𝒃𝒚 𝑨𝒅𝒓𝒊𝒂𝒏 𝑴𝒄𝑲𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒚 was another selection offered to me from @blackstonepublishing via @netgalley out March 4th.

My last @adrianmckintyauthor book was a fun popcorn thriller, THE ISLAND which was a lot of fun. I was expecting something similar and got a much deeper, grittier, noir thriller and I am not sad about it! Also it is a series that once again I have stumbled into, but it was easily read as a stand alone.

This is a story that has semi-retired, Northern Ireland detective Sean Duffy caught up in a case that stirs up deep, dark waters in the long standing "Troubles." I am old enough to vaguely remember bits of news, but this takes place in 1992 which feels like only a few years ago to me. I learned a bit more about it through this gruff detective. I also thoroughly enjoyed Duffy's humor that kept this story from becoming too heavy.

I am not a good series reader, but I will be happy to either keep up with this character or possibly even go back and catch up a bit.

The audio of this is a great way for me absorb this tale, as the accents are so much better than the ones in my head. Gerard Doyle narrates and does a superb job.

Audio book review: Oh my what a great tale of detective work going above and beyond. The lilting tones of Adrian McKinty just make this such an authentic story telling, with a south Irish accent that mesmerizes and enthralls throughout. The manner in which the narration rises and falls is soft and clever and therefore makes the story flow so effortlessly. The story itself is an interesting and captivating following the exploits of a detective Duffy who literally takes no prisoners. Sharp witted and droll the detective finds himself on a crash course with the IRA.

I have not read the previous books in this series, and while I think it works as a standalone book, it might have been more enjoyable if I knew and liked the MC character more. I enjoyed the fast pacing of The Island and this was much slower. I'm sure people who have read the previous books featuring Sean Duffy will enjoy this book, but it was not for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing - Audiobooks for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

HANG ON ST. CHRISTOPHER : SEAN DUFFY #8 by Adrian McKinley
Published: 3/4/2025 by Blackstone Publishing
Page Count: 306
Audio Version by Blackstone Publishing
Narrated by: Gerard Doyle
Unabridged running time: 10 hours


Multiple Award Winning Belfast born writer, Adrian McKinty returns with his eighth novel in the popular Detective Sean Duffy series, set in the turbulent times of the “Troubles” of the 1990s in Ireland. No better way to jump on the Sean Duffy train than immerse yourself in the audio version narrated by the magnificent Gerald Doyle. His ability to supply various Scottish and Irish accents and nuances for the multiple characters bring the historical noir to a gritty and dark life in the theatre of your mind. Even if you’ve missed the previous installments in this highly acclaimed series, you will be immediately transported and enamored with the unique grumpy, sarcastic, and highly principled Detective Sean Duffy. He loves music, poetry, and drinking in the pub. This tale will be enjoyed as a standalone, but leaving the reader with a thirst for the earlier novels. Sean is no Sherlock Holmes, but what he is … is persistent in an OCD fashion. Like the proverbial dog with a bone.
Sean is the ultimate outsider, being a Catholic cop, surrounded by the mostly Protestant members of the Carrickfergus RUC (Royal Ulster Constabulary ) and its constituents. He has survived the 80’s with its turmoil of riots, bombings and assassination attempts led by either the IRA or its brethren paramilitary groups. He can now qualify for his pension by working part time, returning to Belfast six days a month. He now lives in Scotland with his wife and daughter in a rather sedate fashion. However, still when on the job, he always looks under his car for the presence of a car bomb. His usual duties are mundane paperwork, however upon returning to work a new murder case falls into his lap. His successor is away on vacation in Spain. He is beseeched by his superiors to take over the case, and only agrees if he’s paid overtime and is aided by his previous partner, Sergeant Detective McCrabban. A middle aged artist has been brutally murdered and it’s initially believed to have been a random carjacking. Sean quickly surmises other possibilities. With his usual tenacity, he uncovers that the victim was actually an IRA assassin. Bringing up the glaring question …. Who would kill an assassin and why? The truth will involve the machinations of the CIA, MI5 and Special Branch force of the government. In his attempts to follow the assassin and bring him to justice, he will risk the lives of all he holds dear, as well as himself. The dog with the bone will be tenaciously on the trail as it courses over many continents.
McKinty is a marvelous storyteller as he weaves together a complex narrative with multiple unexpected twists and turns and escalating suspense. He effortlessly injects a heavy dose of dark humor, filled with wit and pitch perfect sarcasm, that envelops the incomparable and unforgettable Detective Inspector Sean Duffy.
Thanks to NetGalley, and Blackstone Publishing for providng an Uncorrected Proof and Advance Audio version of this tale in exchange for an honest review. Hopefully we will be rewarded soon with another glimpse into the life of Sean Duffy.

ABOUT 'HANG ON ST. CHRISTOPHER': Rain slicked streets, riots, murder, chaos. It’s July 1992 and the Troubles in Northern Ireland are still grinding on after twenty-five apocalyptic years. Detective Inspector Sean Duffy got his family safely over the water to Scotland, to “Shortbread Land.” Duffy’s a part-timer now, only returning to Belfast six days a month to get his pension. It’s an easy gig, if he can keep his head down.

But then a murder case falls into his lap while his protégé is on holiday in Spain. A carjacking gone wrong and the death of a solitary, middle-aged painter. But something’s not right, and as Duffy probes, he discovers the painter was an IRA assassin. So, the question becomes: Who hit the hit man and why?

This is Duffy’s most violent and dangerous case yet and the whole future of the burgeoning “peace process” may depend upon it. Based on true events, Duffy must unentangle parallel operations by the CIA, MI5, and Special Branch. Duffy attempts to bring a killer to justice while trying to keep himself and his team alive as everything unravels around them. They might not all make it out of this one.

MY THOUGHTS: It's no secret that I adore both Adrian McKinty's Sean Duffy series and Gerald Doyle's narration. I was in heaven with Hang on St. Christopher! There's been a bit of a wait for this book (#8), but it was worth it.

Sean Duffy is now a part-timer with the RUC, serving out his time until he can retire with a full pension. He has relocated his family to 'Shortbreadland' and only returns to Coronation Avenue for a short time each month to fulfill his RUC duties - all at a desk these days.

But as it turns out, Duffy's last case wasn't Duffy's last case at all. Which, although he puts up a token resistance, is probably a bit of a relief as Beth is making noises about him taking up playing golf, for God's sake . . . And after all, it'll only be a few days, just while they're waiting for Lawson, Duffy's protégé and replacement, to return from a holiday in Tenerife. Surely he and Crabbie can't get into too much strife in just a few days . . .

I love McKinty's writing style - it's relaxed and irreverent. I love the way he mixes Ireland's troubled history in with the narrative. It comes across as a natural addition to the plot, never as a history lesson, as does the almost casual violence that peppers the book.

Duffy as a character is superb. Days after finishing this, he is still in my head. If I had a BMW I would have to sell it, otherwise I would find myself checking underneath for a mercury tilt bomb every time before I got in. I love his twisted logic. He's not always a good man. He can be tempted, but he always keeps his word. He doesn't follow protocol unless it suits him; he follows his instincts and telling him not to do something is like waving a red flag at a bull. In spite of this, it's not unusual to hear me, as I am reading/listening, call out, 'For God's sake, Sean Duffy, don't do that, you eejit.' I did a lot of that, listening to Hang on St Christopher. He took no notice, as usual.

If you haven't yet read this series, you are missing out on what I seriously believe to be one of the top two thriller series that I have read. I could wax lyrical about both the series and this particular book for pages yet, but honestly? Stop reading my review and just read the books. What are you waiting for?

I'll be lighting a candle in the hope that we don't have to wait so long for #9.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

#HangonStChristopher #NetGalley #readingirelandmonth25 #beggorathon25

MEET THE AUTHOR: Adrian McKinty is an Irish novelist. He was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and grew up in Victoria Council Estate, Carrickfergus, County Antrim. He read law at the University of Warwick and politics and philosophy at the University of Oxford. He moved to the United States in the early 1990s, living first in Harlem, New York and from 2001 on, in Denver, Colorado, where he taught high school English and began writing fiction. He lives in Melbourne, Australia with his wife and two children.

DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Blackstone Publishing Audiobooks via NetGalley for providing an audio-ARC of Hang on St. Christopher written by Adrian McKinty and superbly narrated by Gerald Doyle for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.