Police at the Station and They Don't Look Friendly

This is the first book that I have read from this series, and I have to place it on the list of series that are absolute must reads. This is outstanding historical crime fiction set during the troubles in Belfast in 1988 under Thatcher's Britain. There is much political chicanery in the RUC and security forces, and a religiously divided city where it does not take much for riots to spark off. The IRA and the Unionists are dangerous forces, and death is their prolific calling card. 38 year old Catholic Sean Duffy, is that rare beast, a member of the RUC, hated by both sides, routinely checking under his car for bombs. He has been promoted and demoted as he clings to his concepts of law and justice, rather than entertain political expediency or pressure, although he is rather weary after the pounding he has taken through the years. Something you can appreciate when you understand he is a copper in a police force with the highest mortality rate in the world and Belfast has the best trauma and gun shot surgeons, thanks to the never ending cycle of brutality and violence.

It begins with Sean being led to dig his own grave by an IRA hit squad, a taster of what comes later. It all connects with the crossbow killing of drug dealer, Francis Deauville, outside his home. The crime scene is farcical, being contaminated by local rubberneckers and a hungry goat. This echoes a previous incident with a similar MO. It is assumed this is the action of the paramilitaries, except none claim responsibility. None of it makes sense to Sean, and to make matters worse, the wife of the victim goes missing, assumed murdered. With pressure from all quarters to shut down the investigation, Sean finds himself being investigated by Internal Affairs and experiencing hair raising hits on his life, and his girlfriend, Beth and baby daughter, Emma. His trusty team of DS McCrabban and DC Lawson join him to continue digging covertly, despite the dangers it puts them under. With twist after twist, this is a case that takes in members of the reservist police looking to ensure that the past does not catch up with them and more.

Duffy looks for a more secure future with Beth and Emma as he looks to radically change his circumstances. He is a real one off as a character, full of wit, black humour, with spot on literary and musical references. It is a real pleasure to be in his company in a Belfast experiencing riots, the funerals of the three killed in Gibraltor by the SAS and Michael Stone's deadly actions at the funerals which people might remember. McKinty's writing brings back 1980s Belfast to life and makes us grateful that much has changed since then. A must read series. Thanks to Serpent's Tail for an ARC.

I have enjoyed every book in the Sean Duffy series; they have definitely got better as we have gone along and I think this is the best yet.

Here, Duffy is still a DI in Belfast in 1988. This time, the investigation of the murder of a drug dealer leads him into grave personal danger from powerful enemies in both the IRA and the RUC. The plot is intriguing and gripping with some very exciting passages, but as ever it is the setting and characters – not least Duffy himself – which make this special.

McKinty has really developed into a very fine writer; the prose is excellent and Duffy's narrative voice is completely convincing. The other characters are all very well painted and his portrayal of the mood, politics and complex loyalties of the times seems absolutely real to me. Duffy's developing personal life is also a major asset (which is by no means always the case in such series) and I found this a gripping, thrilling and very satisfying read.

I can warmly recommend Police At The Station. This is developing into one of the finest police series of our time, I think, and I'm already looking forward to the next instalment.

I am loving this series of books and this one was the best yet. Duffy is such a great character, with all his flaws and foibles. The dialogue is humorous at times, despite the dark subject of Ireland in the 80's. Another good plot from Adrian Mc Kinty. Thank you Net Galley for my copy. I have reviewed on Amazon and Goodreads.

First time I have read anything by Adrian McKinty. Set in the Troubles in Northern Ireland in the late 80's the plot and characters are top notch.

The main character Duffy is a Catholic detective working for the RUC. McKintygives you potted history of various real life events and history that happened during that time. The writing style with dark humour and fast paced plot reminded me of Colin Bateman and Stuart MacBride.

Highly recommended and deserves to be more well known.

Best thing about finishing this book is knowing that I have all the previous Duffy books to enjoy now.