Where Bruen really scores is in his intimate explorations of Taylor's character, Galway City and of modern Ireland. Using language like a weapon, his humour stops the reader drowning in rain, Jameson's and self-pity. Less a whodunit that a what-to-do-about-it, this is a compelling portrait of a haunted man.

Bruen's writing is as bleak and spare as Taylor's take on modern Ireland, but you'll end up hooked on this series of home-grown, gritty crime stories as Jack Taylor is on Ireland.

I cannot recommend this series highly enough - if you like stark reality, if you can handle one man making his own decisions about his life ... then do yourself a favour and read Cross.

Vintage Ken Bruen. Clipped prose and mordant humour are coupled to a plot that's just about as violent as anything he has ever written. Bruen has the uncanny ability to describe the most touching of moments with heart-rending effectiveness and lyrical beauty.

Ken Bruen is one of Ireland's leading crime writers...this is snappy, knowing writing.

RULES OF DECEPTION is an ingenious thriller set credibly in the shadowy world of international espionage. This one has it all: well-drawn characters, wonderful writing, exotic settings, and a high-tech terrorist plot that will keep you breathlessly racing along right through its electrifying climax.

There's a reason why Christopher Reich is a superstar writer. You'll find it on page one of this book. And page two. And page three ... and all the way to the vivid end of this great new thriller.

RULES OF DECEPTION is an intense, impossible-to-put down spy novel-like Robert Ludlum at his very best.

He's the equal of such masters of suspense as Ken Follett and Frederick Forsyth. This first-class adrenaline fest will leave readers guessing until the last page.

A good old-fashioned thriller

Essentially a stunning exploration of the darkest parts of the human psyche, one which will haunt the reader

There is no doubt that Crime is a page-turner