Review: The Magdalen Martyrs by Ken Bruen

TP, $15.50, 0312353510

Henrietta and I met Ken at Bouchercon in Chicago. He's an Irish rogue with a friendly smile and a kind heart, and writes like a poet on the dark side. This book will send shivers down the spine of anyone who has gone to a girl's boarding school run by nuns (myself included). The story begins with protagonist Jack Taylor having a debt called by a hood named Bill Cassell. Bill wants Jack to find an old lady who once worked at the Magdalen Laundry, which was run by nuns and women who supposedly helped unwed mothers and wayward girls. The story weaves a tale from the scenes of the laundry, Jack's personal battle with alcohol, drugs and the price that is paid for revenge. The characters in this story are dark, but the writing and flow of book keeps you reading until the end. Ken Bruen is a wonderful writer and I would recommend this book.