Another great installment in the Sean Duffy Series!

This one finds him as an inspector/detective on a part-time basis in Belfast, Ireland. He only works 6 days per MONTH. and he’s looking forward to retirement in the near future. The year is 1992, and the wars are still raging!
He has moved his common-law wife and his baby to Scotland, to try to keep them a bit safer.
HIS job now is relatively safe… but just as he’s preparing to get on the ferry to Scotland to go home, he is asked to stay o for a bit. There’s been a murder… and the guy who usually is on duty is actually out of the country…on vacation.

He RELUCTANTLY agrees, but realizes pretty quickly that this is going to be a real s*it show!! Especially as he delves into the case and keeps coming out more and more perplexed!! 🤔

I’m going to 🛑🛑STOP right here, as to not give anything away!! 🛑🛑

If it sounds like something you’d like, please check it out now!! It was released last week, so look 👀 for it on shelves now!!

4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for me!!

#HangOnStChristopher by #AdrianMcKinty and narrated nicely by #GeraldDoyle.

Thanks so much to #NetGalley and #BlackstonePublishing for an ARC of the audiobook, in exchange for an honest review.

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Everything I know about the Troubles, I learned from Sean Duffy.

Detective Inspector Sean Duffy, Carrickfergus RUC, is over the whole thing. Now a part timer, he just needs to put in six days a month for a few years to get his pension. But when someone manages to get themselves killed while the only station detective is on vacation, Sean and Crabby are assigned the case over Sean's vehement protests.

But hey, at least they're getting time and a half. What could be easier than finding the killer from a carjacking gone wrong?

Of course, nothing is as it seems, especially not the victim. This being Sean Duffy, somehow he will be pulled into some important historical event. As always, the bromance between him and Crabby is great. There's even a bit of intense action, though for the most part it is a slow unraveling of the mystery type of plot.

The narrator Gerard Doyle is also fabulous. In fact, the reason I ever began listening to this series was because he narrated them.

This is book 8 in the series. While you don't need to have read the previous ones to follow, it will be much richer if you have. Also, I recommend checking out McKinty's Dead Trilogy, as a character from that makes a cameo here.

Thank you to NetGalley for the review copy.

I really enjoyed “The Chain” (it still haunts me), so I was excited to read another book by Adrian McKinty. I didn’t know he had a whole series with a detective! I didn’t jump in on a book late in the series, but I feel like I could get caught up. It was a typical tough guy detective book. Lots of action, violence, and sex. Not my favorite book, but I didn’t enjoy the mystery aspect of the book.

Adrian McKinty delivers another high-octane thriller with Hang on St. Christopher, featuring the sharp-witted and resilient Detective Inspector Sean Duffy. Packed with tension, intrigue, and McKinty’s signature dark humor, this novel plunges readers into a gripping investigation that quickly spirals beyond what Duffy initially expects.

The story kicks off with what seems like a straightforward murder case, but as Duffy digs deeper, he uncovers a far-reaching conspiracy that puts his own life in danger. McKinty expertly crafts a fast-paced narrative, keeping readers on edge as the stakes escalate with each revelation. The interplay between the investigation and Duffy’s personal struggles adds depth to his character, making him a detective readers can truly root for.

One of McKinty’s greatest strengths is his ability to immerse readers in the setting, capturing the political and social climate that adds another layer of danger to the case. The tension is palpable throughout, and the twists are expertly executed, ensuring the story never loses momentum.

Duffy is as compelling as ever—flawed, determined, and equipped with a razor-sharp wit that makes him one of the most engaging detectives in modern crime fiction. His relentless pursuit of justice, even at great personal risk, keeps readers fully invested from start to finish.

Overall, Hang on St. Christopher is an adrenaline-fueled read that delivers on both action and mystery. McKinty’s sharp writing, well-paced plot, and strong character work make this another standout in the Sean Duffy series. Fans of crime fiction won’t want to miss this one.

This is #8 in the Detective Sean Duffy series, but I didn't feel like I was missing anything by not reading the previous books first. With that said, Hang on St. Christopher has made me want to start the series from the beginning. I really enjoyed the Sean Duffy character. He was snarky and very relatable and only working six days a month sounds like he has a pretty good thing going on.

Detective Sean Duffy is only a part timer but when a murder case comes in before he can start back home to Scottland, he is thrown back into full time work. The murder victim ends up being an IRA assassin, so Duffy ends up getting involved in operations from the CIA, MI5 and Special Branch.

I haven't really read a lot of stories set in Ireland, so I thought that was definitely interesting. I learned a lot about the IRA and how different agencies work together or rather don't work together.

I listened to the audiobook and thought the narrator did a good job. At first it was a little hard to understand but once I was into the book a little more, I was able to follow.

Adrian McKinty's latest novel, Hang on St. Christopher is a gripping new addition to the Sean Duffy series.
Set in 1992, the story follows Detective Inspector Sean Duffy as he navigates the complexities of Northern Ireland during The Troubles. Duffy is a deeply flawed yet endearing character, who is on the brink of retirement but being pulled back into action when a seemingly random carjacking turns out to be much more sinister.
McKinty deftly weaves together elements of crime, politics, religion and history, creating a rich tapestry that immerses the reader in the gritty reality of Belfast. The novel's strength lies in its vivid descriptions and atmospheric setting, which transport the reader to a time and place fraught with tension and danger. For me, one of the standout aspects of Hang on St. Christopher is McKinty's ability to balance the personal and professional relationships of his characters. Duffy's struggles with his own demons, his family ties, and his dedication to solving the case make him a compelling protagonist.
While the plot may follow some familiar and outdated tropes, McKinty's sharp writing and keen eye for detail keep the story fresh and engaging. The novel is peppered with cultural references and dark humor, adding depth and authenticity to the narrative. Hang on St. Christopher is a must-read for fans of the Sean Duffy series and anyone who enjoys a well-crafted crime novel. McKinty delivers a thrilling, action packed story that will keep readers hooked from start to finish.

Thanks to Blackstone & NetGalley for providing an audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I read a couple Adrian McKinty books years ago, but not this series. I do not know all the backstory of Sean Duffy, but it didn't seem to impede the story. It seems like the folks who are reading this because they read The Chain are not going to be happy campers, lol.

Sean Duffy is a permanent part time cop in the RUC (I had no idea they let Catholics join), and works just 6 days a month, living with his girlfriend and daughter in Scotland the rest of the time. Sean maintains a house in Carrickfergus, where he keeps whiskey, a little food, and part of his extensive vinyl collection for when he's in town. In this book, he is unexpectedly called upon to lead a murder investigation after what looks like a carjacking gone awry turns out to be something a bit more professional.

This is a solid procedural, with good plotting, a slightly irascible and annoying MC, and just enough sardonic humor to keep it from being too heavy. I did get irritated with Duffy's obsession with his young, pretty neighbor (and was convinced she would turn out to be a honey pot, otherwise why waster the ink on a completely undeveloped character; surely there are other ways to put Duffy and McCrabban at loggerheads?), but aside from that it was enjoyable.

Gerald Doyle proves himself adept at a variety of UK accents, and I can almost forgive his sibilant S's.

3.5 stars rounded down

3.5 stars rounded up! ⭐️ This is a good addition to the Sean Duffy series, and I love the apocalyptic backstory and anything set during the IRA era is always intriguing for me. The author does a great job building suspense and I love the characterization in this novel. It was definitely a slow burn for me, and I would have liked a faster pace, but overall, it was a solid book!

Thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for the ARC.

I absolutely love Adrian McKintys writing style.
His characters and plots are well planned and executed.
I do wish I had checked that this was part of a series because I think I’ would have liked to read in order.
Really liked the backdrop of Ireland

I've gotta be honest, I requested this book on the wrong assumption that it would've been the latest from powerhouse thriller writer Adrian KcKinty. Imagine my surprise when I was granted access only to discover that not only was Thai not the latest offering from the much-lauded creator orlf The Chain and The Island, but that it was the second book in an older series.

I know: my bad, my bad... B having said all this, past the 30% mark and having over one my initial disappointment, the book is slowly picking up speed and dragging me in its mad dash across the border between England and Ireland. The voice of the narrator is doing a brilliant job of immersing me in the period and the local area.

Thank you Netgalley for this ALC.

Longtime reader and listener to the Sean Duffy series. So excited that even though Sean Duffy had allegedly worked his last case in The Detective Up Late, he has returned!

Love the narration by Gerald Doyle, who has narrated this series to date. Please never change this! To me, he is Sean Duffy, he’s the voice I hear in my head when I read the books!

Love the writing of Adrian McKinty. His writing sets the scene, it takes me to a time and place (1990’s Northern Ireland) that I only visit in these stories.

Hang On St Christopher (Sean Duffy series, book 8) has DI Sean Duffy returning for just one more case… It’s early 1990’s and he’s semi retired, now a part time reserve working 6 days month only for a short time to get a pension. On 6 days a month you can’t do case work with that schedule, you mostly do paperwork. However when there’s a murder and the head of Carrickfergus CID is on holidays, he suddenly finds himself heading up a murder case. A case that turns out to be the murder of an IRA hitman. It’s Duffy’s case, so he’ll get to the bottom of it with a combination of team work and going lone wolf, his impeccable instincts don’t let him down. It also draws him and his team into more danger as they get closer to the truth.

Hang on St. Christopher by Adrian McKinty follows Detective Inspector Sean Duffy, who has relocated to Scotland with his common law wife and young child. He now only works six days a month in Belfast, Duffy is getting to that age where he is too young to retire and too old to be a detective, but he misses it. During one of his brief stints back on duty, Duffy is assigned to investigate the murder of an artist in a carjacking gone wrong. His first challenge is to identify the victim, which he does through clues like a tailored suit and Picasso prints. As the investigation progresses, Duffy uncovers the shocking truth: the artist's death was deliberate. The key question becomes who killed this IRA assassin and why?

This is the eighth installment in the Sean Duffy series, and it stands out from its predecessors.I feel like every single installment of this series just gets better. The plot unfolds in unexpected ways, taking the reader across multiple countries, and the conclusion particularly impressed me. McKinty offers a detailed depiction of police work during The Troubles, including the complex dynamics between rival law enforcement agencies and the cross-border operations that were a part of the time. Duffy’s routine is also shaped by the constant threat of violence, as he checks under his car for bombs each time he gets in. The fast-paced narrative kept me hooked from start to finish.

I cant tell you the amount of times I stopped to laugh out loud and then pick right back up in the story. loved it!!

Hang On St Christopher by Adrian McKinty was my first book I’ve read in this series but I enjoyed it. It is a fast paced mystery and kept my attention the entire time. I enjoyed the main character’s wit and humor and the narrator did a great job as well. This book definitely makes me want to go back and read the previous books in this series that come before this one.

"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."

I've read the other Sean Duffy novels, and I always look forward to a new one. Hang on St. Christopher does not disappoint, as part timer Duffy and crew are thrust back into the still deadly Troubles in 1992. Duffy doesn't NEED to be involved in the cases, but like a dog with a bone, he just can't let go. This is an era of the Troubles I actually remember, as opposed to some of the earlier novels, so I found it particularly interesting. Duffy's still an arrogant ass, but he gets the job done, as always.

Gerard Doyle provides fantastic narration, again. Wouldn't want to listen to the audiobooks without him!

I received a free audiobook copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review.

I have previously read Adrian McKinty's "The Island" and "Belfast Noir" which Mckinty edited and was a contributor; however, I had not read any of his Sean Duffy series. There are several series where I have inadvertently jumped in the middle of (most notably Elizabeth George's Inspector Lynley series) where the story is so well drawn that you do not need to have read the prior books to enjoy the one your are in, but does entice you to go back and read the series from the beginning. "Hang on St. Christopher, is one of those book.

Set in the waning days of "The Troubles" in Norther Ireland, the semi-retired Duffy is drawn into a investigating a car-jacking that ended in murder. A mash-up of police-procedural and spy novel, provides a harrowing ride through Belfast and beyond, where being a police officer is no guarantee for safety, with Duffy constantly checking his car for "mercury-tilt-switch" bombs.

I definitely need to go back and start at the beginning with Sean Duffy!

4.5 stars.

I read a lot of books that make me stop and jot down some poignant thing the author wrote, but Sean Duffy is the only character I will stop, laugh, and write down his truly spectacular insults. The references to pop culture from my younger years is always fun., too. The fun of these books break up the serious cases and danger Duffy gets himself into, the trouble he causes and the badass ways he deals with bad guys. I really love this series!

I have to mention how great the narrator is, because he has brought Duffy to life for me over the years and I cannot imagine any other voice handling it so well. Superb job.

Thank you Netgalley and Blackstone publishing for this audiobook arc!! This was such a fast paced twisty thriller that kept me glued. I love audiobooks that engage the audience and this audio did that exactly. The accent and tone delivery for this book was an immense reading experience I enjoyed!

Detective Inspector Sean Duffy has moved to Scotland with his girlfriend and their young child. He now works in Belfast only 6 days a month, just so he can earn his pension. (It seems odd that such a work arrangement is permitted, for continuity reasons, but I’ll buy it for plot purposes.). During his most recent stint on duty, an artist is killed in a carjacking and Duffy is assigned to the case. The first challenge is identifying the victim. I enjoyed the way that the identity was traced through a bespoke suit and some Picasso prints. It turned out that the victim’s death was intentional. Duffy had to find out who had killed an IRA assassin, and why. But his 6 days had to keep getting extended.

This is the 8th book in the Duffy series. I read the first 2 books in the series and thought that they were just OK, but I liked this one much more. The plot took unexpected turns (through several countries) and I particularly liked how the book ended. The book gave details of police work during The Troubles, including competing law enforcement agencies and cross-border investigations. (Duffy had to check for a bomb under his car each time he entered it.) The book was fast paced and held my interest throughout. The narrator of the audiobook did a good job, although I occasionally struggled with his Irish accent.

I received a free copy of this audiobook from the publisher.

Loved this. Hang on St. Christopher
by Adrian McKinty was well written and entertaining. I thought it was cleverly narrated by Gerald Doyle, he brought a lot to the story and I highly recommend listening to this one. I loved Sean Duffy and his wit and sarcasm. The pace was perfect and I enjoyed everything about it. It had a good balance of mystery, humor and suspense.
Thanks Blackstone Publishing via NetGalley.