Customer Reviews

Islandbridge: A Matt Minogue Mystery

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This Minogue Mystery is different than the others, but still a compelling read. It's hurt by the inconclusive ending: something pretty bad happens but the reader is left unsure about just what it was. The story has a secret that is revealed about two-thirds of the way through, and once that secret is out, it is an exciting race to the (disappointingly vague) finish. There is more here about Ireland than about Minogue, but that business is still fascinating reading. There are no promises; but I feel another Minogue story is coming, and I look forward to it.

I'm a big fan of John Brady and Matt Minogue, but this is one disappointing read. I suspect the author has had enough of his sleuth. I'm only surprised that He didn't have the book end with Minogue going over the Rechenbach falls locked in the embrace of Professor Moriarty.

For most of the book, Minogue seems to have Alzheimers. It would be unfair to give away much of the plot, but, unless I'm misinterpreting the somewhat hurried and enigmatic ending, one of the stock characters (NOT Minogue,) comes to a bad end. I think perhaps Mr Brady was stuck for an ending, so tacked one on.

However, the prose style, and social commentary of Ireland in the 21st century, is very good as usual.

What a way to finish off a great detective! Better he were shot in the arcade. The old Matt would never allow himself to be set up for that ending. I've bought Poacher's Road, the new book by Brady, and I liked it. But if he's going to finish his hero off like he does Minogue, how about a warning so I would buy no more Brady.
Let Brady bring some grace to Minogue's downfall. What an inglorious end for a great series. Not even good noir. At least Bruen has some respect for his charcters. Jack O'Keefe