Neville introduced Belfast cop DCI Serena Flanagan in his last novel THE FINAL SILENCE in which she appeared as a firm but empathetic antagonist to his previous lead character, troubled policeman Jack Lennon. Now back at work, folllwing cancer treatment, Serena returns to a case which takes her back in time to one of her first investigations as a Detective Sergeant when Ciaran, a 12-year old, had admitted to the murder of his foster father. He is now being released into society but his probation officer suspects not all is as clear as was initially assumed and brings her fears to Flanagan. Soon seven years of silence and secrets begin to unravel, and the bruised policewoman, compassionate and strong, must make sense of it all before further tragedies are set in motion. Flanagan looks as if she will be a precious addition to the cast of credible female cops. ~ Maxim Jakubowski
When 12 year old Ciaran Devine confessed to murdering his foster father it sent shock waves through the nation. DCI Serena Flanagan, then an ambitious Detective Sergeant, took Ciaran's confession after days spent earning his trust. He hasn't forgotten the kindness she showed him - in fact, she hasn't left his thoughts in the seven years he's been locked away. Probation officer Paula Cunningham, now tasked with helping Ciaran re-enter society, suspects there was more to this case than the police uncovered. Ciaran's confession saved his brother Thomas from a far lengthier sentence, and Cunningham can see the unnatural hold Thomas still has over his vulnerable younger brother. When she brings her fears to DCI Flanagan, the years of lies begin to unravel, setting a deadly chain of events in motion.
Stuart Neville’s first novel, The Twelve, was one of the most critically acclaimed crime debuts of recent years, winning the Los Angeles Times Book Prize for best thriller. Collusion, Stolen Souls, Ratlines (shortlisted for the CWA Ian Fleming Steel Dagger) and The Final Silence have garnered widespread praise, confirming his position as one of the most exciting crime authors writing today.
THE TWELVE, Neville’s first novel (titled THE GHOSTS OF BELFAST in the USA) is an outstanding debut about a haunted ex-IRA killer and British undercover agent striving to survive his guilt and a veritable posse of implacable enemies. Harrowing, realistic and full of compassion for the victims of crime and terrorism, this introduces a major new voice to crime writing. An outstanding achievement.
