The Detective Up Late: The Sean Duffy Series, Book 7

I will admit without shame to being a huge Adrian McKinty fan. I’ve spent more than a few words on social media singing the praises of his works, and I think his command of language is far above most writers today (the opening 2 pages of “The Cold, Cold Ground” are possibly among the most captivating things I’ve ever read). Thus it was with no shortage of joy that I received the news that he would be writing more Sean Duffy novels. It’s been 6 years since the last one (and all he’s done in the time since is write a couple of NYT bestsellers), but this is without question a novel that fits perfectly into that series without missing a beat and McKinty has honed what was already a profound talent for suspense and intrigue into an even sharper’s edge.I had thought the ending of “Police at the Station…” was the perfect conclusion to Duffy’s journey and anything further would spoil it. I was glad to be wrong. Picking up shortly after the conclusion of that novel, “Detective” tells the story of Duffy closing the book on his time in the Carrick RUC and doggedly pursuing one last case to see justice done before he fades to his retirement (or so we think, even though we know there are still at least 2 more books to come in this series). The descriptions, dialogue, pacing, and characters all resonate perfectly with the previous Duffy novels, and McKinty seamlessly steps back into this world after a few years away. Fans of his work and the series will love this book for providing the chance to reconnect with characters they love, and fans of well-written and intelligent mysteries with a thick vein of dark humor and philosophical brooding should immediately dive into the first book and read them all. I envy them getting to experience it for the first time.

I have now completed all 7 (as of Feb 2024) Sean Duffy novels. I would not have completed the series if any one along the way had disappointed - but, dear reader, all books in the series are stellar. Character and plot development -I think it took maybe a quarter of the first book in the series to catch Adrian’s approach. And his turn of phrase is spot on.My brief recap - Sean Duffy, protagonist, in the Carrickfergus RUC during The Troubles in 1980s Belfast. A lot of nuance in that one sentence: age early 30s, Catholic and a cop in Protestant Belfast in the years spanning 1981-1990 in this series. A lot happens. They’re really good reads. I highly recommend.

Classic Adrian McKinty! Great storyline. The twist and turns in the last half of the book keep you turning the pages!

I'm huge Adrian McKinty fan, and his Sean Duffy series is one of the best out there and this latest does not disappoint in the least. The writing, dialogue, and characters are excellent, as is the portrayal of the location, Belfast, Northern Ireland during The Troubles, the beauty and hardness of the place, the people themselves. Life isn't simple and Sean knows and understands that. He sees his Belfast honestly and lovingly, even when it and its people are not pretty. While the series takes place during The Troubles, McKinty shows how The Troubles affected all of the community, Sean Duffy, that very rare Irish, Irish-speaking raised Catholic RUC detective, isn't fighting that war - he's fighting against crime in a sea of The Troubles, but he does at times have to maneuver through The Troubles to solve his crimes. Sean Duffy is a character you'd love to meet and know, as a man, a detective, a father, a son, a friend or colleague, you want him on your side, he will go to war for you - he is a leader, a very good one. He's the ultimate very intuitive, intelligent man with great people instincts who maneuvers through different communities and families based on need - sometimes with a sledgehammer, a little brutish as situation demands, sometimes with stillness born of compassion and understanding. He's one of the most trustworthy police colleagues you could partner with - he believes in the calling of the job, but not the rules. He's complex, a man who loves great music and eclectic taste in both music and art, a good Fry, great whiskey and pints, and a little bit of the illegal stuff to take the edge off. A man who finally found his The One and in their own way, has settled down to love and family. He feels old, but he's not - I think he's just little exhausted, it was a tough decade, so I am hoping beyond hope for a next stage career where Sean's abilities, instincts and calling for justice for the ordinary person revitalizes him, after short rest! It's been a real experience learning who Sean Duffy is and I loved every minute of it.

I’ve been a fan of Adrian McKinty for years. I’m particularly hooked on his Sean Duffy novels. They are set in Northern Ireland during the troubles— this latest one is set in January 1990. One of the things I appreciate most about Sean Duffy is the way he grows and changes realistically over the course of the novels.In The Detective Up Late Seán is getting ready to retire and move with his partner and daughter away from the troubles to Scotland. Of course there is one last missing person case— a 15 year old traveler girl has disappeared. Shouldn’t be a big deal, right?I genuinely love Adrian McKinty’s writing. The characters (especially Sean, but also Crabbie, Lawson, & Beth, and even minor characters like the lady next door and the lout across the street) are well developed and very believable. And the writing is crisp and snappy; what’s not to love?I hope Sean Duffy and his PTSD get bored with semi retirement and have a few more adventures!

DI Shaun Duffy is a bit, even a lot at times, crazy but a literate and musically astute policeman who intuitively charges around difficult cases while we hold our breath and cheer him on to the end. We hope to see him return from retirement again to jangle our nerves and get our blood racing. Write on McKinty.

This 7th instalment of the Sean Duffy series is yet another cracker - not sure why it’s only available as an import from the US. Every book in the series is phenomenal story telling around the challenges of policing in Belfast, not least when the protagonist is a catholic detective.

Una serie buenísima!

a good read....last of the series...perhaps??

Mr McKinty didn't loose it! Absolute pleasure to read about inspector Duffy again.