The Guards

Refreshing, incisive writing in a superb novel from an established author of crime fiction. Jack Taylor is a disgraced ex-cop in Galway. Mourning the death of his father, he is slowly drinking to oblivion. He has an ability to "find things" and is asked to investigate a teenage suicide. This leads him into a dangerous confrontation with a powerful businessman. A darker conspiracy slowly unfolds. Aided by a punk girl, he fumbles towards a lethal solution. The narrative is fueled by black humour, stark violence and moments of radiance.

The Guards remain as a chorus in the background, never altogether past, infringing on Jack Taylor at the least expected moment. The intimate, bustling city of Galway, crashing into prosperity, illuminates the story at every turn.


Genre: Mystery

"The Guards is an astounding novel, a poetic account of a desperation as deep as the North sea, retribution and resurrection. It's so good I can't think of it as a crime novel. Its a fine book with some crime." - James Crumley

"Why the hell haven't I heard of Ken Bruen before? He's a terrific writer and The Guards is one of the most mesmerizing works of crime fiction I've ever read... This guy is the real thing." - James W Hall

"The Guards is raw, hard, bitter and amazing. Its got that ancient feel to it, as of a primal story beign retold with fine, careless Irish swagger. Its as if Bruen made up his mind to tell us this story whether we wanted to hear it or not. Oh we do. for sure." - Jon A Jackson

"The Guards blew me away. It's dark, funny and moving - just for starters. With a sharp eye and a lyrical voice, Ken Bruen takes us on a powerful odyssey through the mean streets of Galway, straight into the Irish heart. Bruen's tale is a potent draft of desire and hopelessness, conviction and surrender, inadvertent heroism and unexpected grace. This is mystery writing f a high order." - T Jefferson Parker