A brisk and entertaining crime novel that touches on events in Ireland surrounding and beyond the specific story.

Amidst the downturn in the Irish economy as a result of the collapse of the Celtic Tiger a well-planned robbery occurs, the investigation of which is complicated by machinations inside the Garda.

A tainted yet principled detective goes above and beyond to solve this and related crimes, helped partially by a nun who was involved in the church scandals. At times, it feels as if outside events are dragged into the story merely to acknowledge their existence, but the plot isn't dragged down too much by their presence. ( )

Really enjoyed the writing and the pacing and the storytelling. I had grown quite fond of the criminal and was rooting for him in an Ocean's 11 sort of way, so the dark turns made me sad. But the good detective sergeant's booty calls made me quite glad! ( )

http://www.bostonbibliophile.com/2013/03/review-rage-by-gene-kerrigan.html ( )

The Rage is a standalone novel by author Gene Kerrigan. Vincent Naylor has recently been released from prison but is almost immediately planning his next job- the one big score that means he can retire from a life of crime. Meanwhile Detective Bob Tidey is about to take the stand and commit perjury in order to support his embattled Garda colleagues. When a body is found and linked to a cold case Bob Tidey is assigned to the task force set up to investigate.

The book is set in Ireland against the backdrop of their economic crisis. This is reflected in a gritty hard realism that the author reflects well in his writing. Read the full review here ( )

An interesting story of inter-related characters that is enjoyable and at time hard to put down. Always a good sign for me when the author does enough to make me want the bad guy to win in the end. ( )