The Trouble with ‘The Troubles’ - 10 CRIME FICTION BOOKS TO READ FROM NORTHERN IRELAND

When I was writing my latest novel, Hunted, it was the first time I had really dealt with ‘The Troubles’ in one of my books. I had always avoided it as much as possible. Coming from here, there are many reasons why that is. But it's the elephant in the room.

I’m not a fan of books that are directly ‘Troubles Books’ and many are perhaps unkindly known as ‘Troubles Trash.’ I am a fan of books that reference it and offer a particular and specific perspective, and that is what I have tried to do with my new series too.

Here are 10 books that deal in some way with ‘The Troubles.’ There are many other great writers from this part of the world, but this list is specifically relating to the sectarian divide that has plagued Northern Ireland and my personal favourite novels relating to it. To name a few other brilliant writers from here that aren’t on this list would include Steve Cavanagh, Claire McGowan, James Murphy, Jan Carson, Paul Waters etc. etc. etc. There are so many great writers from NI. Too many to name here I’m afraid.

I used to run a walking tour called ‘Belfast Noir’ where I talked about many of these books. Since then I have taken part in literary events with a number of these writers and many of them I am fortunate to count as friends as well. This list is just a list of some of my favourites, there are many more gems out there. This selection offers a varied insight into what the people are really like here and what the divisions have done to our society.

If you are looking for a good introduction to crime writing in Northern Ireland in general- Belfast Noir is a short story collection that features many of the authors below. Also, Alternative Ulster Noir, which I edited, features several of these writers linking crime short stories with music from NI.

1. Silver’s City Maurice Leitch

My first introduction to NI crime fiction was when Maurice Leitch came to visit my 6th form class at school. It made a lasting impression on me. I got a copy of this book that day- it is an early classic of the genre. It is noirish and brooding and gives a glimpse into 1970’s Northern Ireland. Leitch's first novel came in 1965 and he was still writing up until his recent passing. He was awarded an MBE for services to literature.

Also check out Poor Lazarus.

2. Shooting Sean Colin Bateman

Colin Bateman broke the scene wide open in the nineties with a mix of local dark humour and suspenseful stories. This might be lesser known than Divorcing Jack, but also features Dan Starkey and is both hilarious and very pacy. Colin is our godfather of NI crime fiction!

Also check out the rest of the series featuring Dan Starkey and the Mystery Man series.

3. The Last Crossing Brian McGilloway

A New York Times bestseller, Brian McGilloway crafts realistic and thoughtful police procedurals. This book was something a little different. It is a stand alone story and my personal favourite of Brian’s books. There is no better book for having vivid characters reflecting on their part in ‘The Troubles.’ It was a big inspiration for me in developing the tone of Hunted.

Also check out Borderlands and Bad Blood.

4. Across the Barricades Joan Lingard

This is a YA novel that I read while at school and it has stayed with me. It’s very much a ‘Romeo and Juliet’ story in an NI setting. Two young lovers from either side of the peace walls struggle together on the dangerous streets of Belfast.

Also check out the rest of the ‘Kevin and Sadie’ series.

5. The Twelve Stuart Neville

Another New York Times bestseller with a range of excellent crime novels, also writing as Haylen Beck. This was Stuart’s first novel and is another top drawer example of how to reflect on ‘The Troubles’ in a thoughtful and yet very entertaining way. It’s up there with my favourites of his, though I do not think I have ever read a better thriller by anyone than the US set, Here and Gone.

Also check out Here and Gone and So Say The Fallen.

6. In the Morning I’ll be Gone Adrian McKinty

A multi award winner of the eighties set Sean Duffy series and various brilliant stand alones. This was the first one of the series that I read and I instantly regarded Duffy as one of the great crime protagonists. I can tire of police procedurals and this series is something completely different. A dope smoking, Tom Waits loving Catholic police officer in the 80’s where ‘The Troubles’ are only a backdrop.

Also check out Rain Dogs and The Cold Cold Ground.

7. Disorder Gerard Brennan

A writer of gritty and and engaging crime novels and novellas, and a Spinetingler award winner. I was a big fan of Gerard’s before he became a band buddy of mine. This may be his best book so far; pulpy, rich, dialogue driven, giving a noirish snapshot of modern Belfast. It was also the first book to be published by the infamous Belfast Book bookshop, No Alibis.

Also check out Shot and Undercover.

8. Who Took Eden Mulligan? Sharon Dempsey

A skilled writer of various styles and subjects. Now also a high quality crime fiction writer. Sharon jumped into the local crime scene with the excellent serial killer thriller, Little Bird. This book is the first in the Rose Lainey series and is another perfect example of how to reflect on the complexity of ‘The Troubles’ and its effects, from a modern view point.

Also check out Little Bird and the rest of the Rose Lainey series.

9. The White House Connection Jack Higgins

A bestselling author who was very much Lee Child before there was Lee Child. I have only recently got into his books and have been devouring them at pace- I’ve read around a dozen in recent months. I particularly enjoy these Sean Dillon books. There is plenty of it set in NI, with terrorists and various factions popping up. But there is a wide global scope in most of these books, often ripping along like Ian Fleming’s Bond. The charming amoral Dillon may end up working for the British, but before that he was an IRA enforcer and gun for hire.

Also check out The Eagle Has Landed and Drink with the Devil.

10. The Bones of It Kelly Creighton

An acclaimed writer of dark and sombre crime and also literary fiction. This book is a unique and insular meditation on growing up in ‘The Troubles’. The writing is superb and the main character is really compelling. The book takes you on an unsettling journey through the eyes of a very damaged character.

Also check out the DI Sloane series.

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Simon Maltman April 2024

Buy Hunted HERE