Book picks similar to
Black Water by Cormac O'Keeffe


fiction
o
novel-set-in-the-gang-world
books-set-in-ireland

A Shetland Winter Mystery (The Shetland Sailing Mysteries Book 10)


Marsali Taylor - 2021
    

Eleven Lines to Somewhere


Alyson Rudd - 2020
    Sometimes we just take our own route to find it. When Ryan spots a young woman on the tube on his commute, he can’t take his eyes off her. Instantly attracted and intrigued, he’s keen to find out more about his mysterious fellow passenger.Sylvie spends all day travelling the underground, unable to leave for reasons unbeknownst to Ryan. But Ryan hasn’t dated for nearly ten years, when he was at university and the love of his life tragically died.For some inexplicable reason, he just can’t shake the feeling he wants to help Sylvie. In a world of missed opportunities and what-ifs, a connection has been made. This is a story of love and loss from the author of The First Time Lauren Pailing Died, perfect for fans of Anna Hope’s Expectation, David Nicholls’s Sweet Sorrow and Kate Atkinson’s Life After Life.

Gallagher’s Prize: An Historical Adventure Novel in the Age of Sail (Gallagher's Age of Sail Adventures Book 1)


Joseph O'Loughlin - 2015
     How did America prevail against such odds? With ships, guns and the fierce desire for freedom that lived in the hearts of American sailors. Many of these men were not even Americans yet. Some came from Ireland, including Jack Gallagher. “Gallagher's Prize” begins in southern Ireland when English law breaks up an Irish Catholic family's farmland and a young man longs for the sea. During his many adventures, Jack visits Portsmouth (England), Dublin, Tenerife, Recife, Boston and New Orleans. He learns about square sailing, naval gunnery and ship’s tactics, makes interesting new friends and acquaintances, repairs long-standing enmity with his brother, rescues his family from debt, defeats a powerful and dysfunctional adversary, and experiences sex and love.

Ann Devine, Ready for Her Close-Up


Colm O'Regan - 2019
    Now that her youngest has flown the nest, Ann finds herself at a loose end. Until, that is, she is put forward for the Kilsudgeon Tidy Towns Committee. Yet all is not neat and tidy in Kilsudgeon. There are strange sightings of people who aren't local driving 4x4s with a yellow reg, a man bun requesting kefir in the restaurant and a quad bike at a funeral.What does this have to do with rumours of a brand new television series to rival Game of Thrones? And what will it all mean for Kilsudgeon's newly proposed town park? A lot, as it happens.As the town begins to fill up with the film crew, extras and a Hollywood star who is fond of the drink, everyone welcomes the chance to make a few bob and to finally get enough broadband to send an attachment.Or nearly everyone. Harmony is threatened when the newcomers seem to be doing more damage than good and the last straw is when Ann’s pride and joy - a floral arrangement in a boat - is trashed. She’s about to discover what it means to go viral…'Warm-spirited, funny, dark when it needs to be, and – most importantly – underwritten by a scalpel-sharp ear for how Irish people really speak…O’Regan never gets it wrong' Sunday Business Post'Ann Devine brings a smile to the face of rural Ireland…O’Regan satirises small-town Ireland with both affection and deadpan wit' Sunday Times'This book captures something warm and wholesome … it feels indulgent and reminds the reader of home. Prepare to laugh and grimace at the antics of the Irish Mammy' Irish Times'Everybody knows an Ann Devine ... It's hard to write a book that's funny the whole way through, consistently funny with belly laughs ... but Colm has done that' Áine Toner, Ireland AM'Laugh-out-loud' Irish Daily Mail'O’Regan taps into the wild, weird and woolly' RTÉ Guide

Cold Hard Truth (Boston Crime Thriller Book 5)


Brian Christopher Shea - 2022
    

The Afghan


Andrew Turpin - 2019
    A knife-edge CIA operation that goes wrong. And a vengeful mujahideen tribesman, armed with Stinger missiles. When CIA officer Joe Johnson is handed the tough task by his boss of capturing a Soviet helicopter and forging better contacts among the mujahideen, he unknowingly finds himself up against a sinister KGB rival who wants him dead. But after coming under fire, Johnson comes to suspect that his difficulties stem not just from the Soviets—but from a traitor on his own side. To extricate himself from the web of deceit in which he finds himself, Johnson comes to rely on a female colleague from Britain’s MI6, Jayne Robinson, to whom he grows unexpectedly close. As pressure mounts on Johnson from CIA headquarters at Langley and politicians in Washington, DC, the story reaches a climax during a life-or-death shootout in Jalalabad. The Afghan , set in 1988, is a thriller that forms a compelling prequel to the Joe Johnson series as a whole. It also creates the backdrop for book four in the series, Stalin’s Final Sting , set in Afghanistan, New York City, and Moscow in the present day. Meet Joe Johnson today and read how he uncovers dark secrets.

Drivers


Peter Carroll - 2014
    Revenge, justice, loyalty, lies, love, anger and an identity crisis. Turns out, the new chauffeur is not her only driver...so buckle up and enjoy the ride.

Blood Red Winter: A Thriller


J. Conrad - 2017
    Believing his life could get no worse, Trent attempts to bury the inner demons of his past.But when he stumbles upon a terrifying crime scene, Trent's troubles are only just beginning. Discovering that one of the victims, an emaciated, blood-covered woman, is still alive, changes his life in ways he never thought possible.Saving the woman destroys all that he's ever known. Suddenly, as a witness, he's the killer's number one target. With the murderer on the loose, nobody is safe--especially Elizabeth, the only woman he's ever loved. Now, it's up to Trent to save his ex and reclaim his life. But will he discover a dangerous dark side of his own?

The Citizen (Storycuts)


Frederick Forsyth - 2000
    Meanwhile, Bill Butler is roused from his bed and, together with his Knock team, must try to outwit the devious smugglers. Part of the Storycuts series, this short story was previously published in the collection The Veteran.

The Room on the Second Floor


T.A. Williams - 2014
    So when he discovers an irresistibly devilish ancient royal decree he’s determined to put it to good use. After all, opening the country’s only legal brothel right under his best friend’s nose is just the latest in a list of tricks he’s pulled – and he always comes out on top!But the further Douglas gets into the oldest profession, the more he realises what a complicated game it is to play. And when an attempted murder wreaks havoc on Toplingham Manor, he wonders if he might just have made the biggest mistake of his life…

The Matchgirl: Will this factory girl have her happy ending?


Lynette Rees - 2018
    The girls get treated badly by the management and there is a severe risk to their health. But then a young journalist, Annie Besant, begins asking questions. Will Lottie and the other girls welcome her help, even when it could cost them their jobs - and their livelihoods...? Please note: this edition contains editorial revisions

The Queenmaker


Maureen Peters - 1975
    Her name is Bess Hardwick — and this is only the beginning of an astonishing foray into the glittering world of royalty and politics.Married young to her beloved, but sickly, Robert Barlow, Bess learns at the age of twelve what it is to be a widow and alone in the world.She would not take another husband for fourteen years — and he would not be her last.Enriched and advanced by her successive marriages, Bess finds herself increasingly part of exalted company.When she asks the disgraced Lady Elizabeth Tudor to act as godmother to her firstborn son, those around her question the wisdom of her decision. However, Bess knows that Elizabeth is bound for greatness and one day she will remember this act of kindness.As she moves from obscurity to fame and fortune, Bess counts the Queen of England and the Queen of Scots as her closest acquaintances.But having such powerful friends can be dangerous.Her actions are subject to intense scrutiny, and more than once innocent decisions lead to suspicions of treason and the ever looming threat of execution. In spite of this, Bess prevails time and time again, turning her hand and accumulating wealth to rebuilding estates across England.But with her granddaughter descended from royal blood on both sides, Bess’s ambitions have reached new heights and she seeks to have her officially named as the successor to Elizabeth I’s throne.In times to come, she dreams, they will call her the Queenmaker…Maureen Peters was born in Caernarvon, North Wales. She was educated at grammar school and attended the University College of North Wales, Bangor, where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree and a diploma of Education. She taught disabled children before taking up writing under her own name and many pseudonyms. Peters has produced many books and contributed short stories to many magazines and her writing normally focuses on royalty, the War of the Roses and the Tudor period. Apart from biographical fiction on royalty she also wrote Gothic romances, family sagas, Mills & Boon series titles and contemporary mysteries. Endeavour Press is the UK's leading independent digital publisher. For more information on our titles please sign up to our newsletter at www.endeavourpress.com. Each week you will receive updates on free and discounted ebooks. Follow us on Twitter: @EndeavourPress and on Facebook via http://on.fb.me/1HweQV7. We are always interested in hearing from our readers. Endeavour Press believes that the future is now.

Before I Found You


Daisy White - 2018
     A child found alone on the beach, shouting into the waves. A mother who served ten years for a crime she says she didn’t commit. Ruby Baker is back with another seaside mystery. When she and her friends rescue a child from the beach in a storm, police are baffled. Nobody has reported a child missing, and the girl seems so traumatised that she is unable to speak. In Johnny’s hairdressing salon, the notorious Beverly Collins makes an appointment with Ruby, but it soon becomes clear the woman wants more than a haircut. Beverly has just been released from Holloway Prison after serving ten years for child cruelty. The body of her missing daughter was never found, but Beverly insists she is innocent, and she wants Ruby Baker’s Investigation Bureau to prove it. This isn’t going to be an easy investigation. Opinion is divided on Beverly’s innocence. Reporters Kenny and James are keen to uncover a big story, while Ruby’s best friend, Mary, is distracted and struggling to deal with motherhood. As Ruby tries to unravel the past, she discovers that Beverly Collins’ release seems to have triggered a bizarre chain of events. Was she really framed, and if so, where is her daughter Ella now? And who is the mystery girl on the beach? What readers are saying about BEFORE I FOUND YOU “A cracking read.” Olga “A good mystery, set in Brighton, which will keep you guessing until the end.” Barbara “An entertaining and satisfying read which I recommend to others who enjoy crime fiction.” Paromjit Hayers “The story is so good I had a hard time putting the book down.” Hannelore Cheney “Great book. Brilliant storyline and excellent main characters.” Stephanie Collins Discover a gripping new mystery writer today. Great for fans of Agatha Christie or LJ Ross. This is the second book in a mystery series set in 1960s Brighton, a tumultuous time of change and opportunity. RUBY BAKER SERIES Book 1: BEFORE I LEFT Book 2: BEFORE I FOUND YOU

Brutal


Mandasue Heller - 2019
    And with a daughter emigrating to Australia and a son who has his own marital problems, Frank feels resigned to a life of loneliness. Then one night he finds a frightened young woman hiding at the back of his farmhouse. She explains that her name is Irena and was brought to this country by a man who promised her the world and then forced her into prostitution. Frank offers her a bed for the night but it’s the middle of winter, and when heavy snowfall prevents her from leaving the next day, he’s forced to extend the invitation. But the longer Irena stays, the easier it gets for the men she’s trying to escape from to find her.People-trafficking could just be the tip of the iceberg, and Frank has no idea what these people are really capable of.

Maeve Binchy: Three Great Novels (Scarlet Feather / Tara Road / Evening Class)


Maeve Binchy - 2002
    In Evening Class, she applies her signature warmth, wit and understanding to something new--a wickedly funny book for anyone who's checked into the hospital, headed for an operation or convalesced at home. Maeve Binchy can always be counted on to spin an involving tale about ordinary people that brings out the extraordinary in everyone. Here, she zooms in on the working-class of Dublin. Schoolteacher Aidan Dunne organises an evening class in Italian with the help of Nora O'Donoghue, an Irishwoman returning home after 26 years in Sicily. When the somewhat squashed-by-life denizens of the surrounding neighbourhood take the unexpected step of enrolling in the class, they find their lives transformed. Binchy tells her story from the viewpoints of eight different characters and rewards both them and her readers with happy endings after the requisite rocky road. Reading a novel by Maeve Binchy is like catching up with old friends--you know everything will turn out fine in the end, but you're still interested in how things get that way.