THOSE DREADED BEADS

Dylan Swan's debut novel is a blend of psychological thriller romance and murder mystery told in a gentle and folksy way despite its dark subject matter. Several lives intertwine -- Michael O'Connor is on a quest to find a priest who abused him putting this before everything including his family. Declan Killey is a journalist writing inflammatory articles about paedophile priests into whose arms comes Michael's neglected wife Shona. Graham Flanagan is a laid back pot smoking detective who'd rather be chilling out on his houseboat than catching killers but he is nevertheless assigned to the case. This Dublin-set tale will keep you guessing and surprising you as it twists and turns towards its dramatic climax.