LoveReading Says
Four Shots in the Night tells the story of the Northern Ireland Troubles as seen through the lens of one particular murder, that of an IRA informant, and how his role in the decades-long conflict defined him and defined the war. The questions this book tackles are even larger; how did the Troubles really come to an end? Was it a feat of diplomatic negotiation (as we've been told) or did spies play the decisive role? And how far can, or should, a spy go, for the good of his country?
When dawn broke on 26th May 1986 and the body of Frank Hegarty was discovered lying at the side of a road in Northern Ireland, it soon became apparent this was the work of the IRA ‘Nutting’ Squad, a group tasked with identifying, interrogating and, sometimes, executing spies within their organisation. Rumours soon began to surface that Hegarty was a spy working for the UK Security Services and, later, that he had been murdered by another spy to protect the latter’s identity.
The search for justice confirmed Hegarty’s status as an informant and led to protests, campaigns, far-reaching changes to British law, a historic ruling from a senior judicial body and a unique police investigation – Operation Kenova. Rumours also persisted that one of the country’s most senior politicians may have been personally involved in the murder.
Four Shots in the Night provides a useful and relevant synopsis to any reader not familiar with the history of The Troubles and then, for those in search of a true-crime investigative thriller, it pieces together eye-witness and other evidence that peels back the layers of an incredibly secretive world where betrayal and a violent death were a risk people were prepared to take to bring peace to Ireland.
Highly recommended.
Reviewed by Matt JohnsonMatt Johnson served as a soldier and Metropolitan Police officer for nearly twenty-five years from 1975 until 1999.
More reviews by Matt Johnson About Four Shots in the Night
HOW THE DEATH OF A SPY IN THE IRA LED TO THE BIGGEST MURDER INVESTIGATION IN BRITISH HISTORY.
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| Primary Genre |
History
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Four Shots in the Night Synopsis
HOW THE DEATH OF A SPY IN THE IRA LED TO THE BIGGEST MURDER INVESTIGATION IN BRITISH HISTORY.
On 26th May 1986, the body of an undercover British agent was found by the side of a muddy lane, with a rope
tied around its wrists and tape over each eye. Years later, it was reported that this murder might have been carried out by another undercover British agent, known as 'Stakeknife'. In 2016, a detective began to investigate this case, and would soon find himself running the largest murder investigation in British history.
In a compulsive blend of investigative journalism and true crime thriller, Henry Hemming exposes the parallel worlds of the IRA and British intelligence through the lives of those inextricably bound up in both. He reveals the bravery of those who were crucial in ending the Troubles in Northern Ireland, the bloodiest and longest-running conflict in recent British history, and the determination of one detective in his dogged search for justice and the truth.
About This Edition
| ISBN: |
9781529426779 |
| Publication date: |
27th March 2025 |
| Author: |
Henry Hemming |
| Publisher: |
Quercus an imprint of Quercus Publishing |
| Format: |
Paperback |
| Pagination: |
368 pages |
| Primary Genre |
History
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| Other Genres: |
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Henry Hemming Press Reviews
One of the most compelling books I've read in a very long time. An absolutely extraordinary tale of secret intelligence, infiltration and murder, FOUR SHOTS is a brilliantly pieced-together psychological drama that is all the more gripping - and unsettling - for being real rather than fiction. The story is expertly woven together, exploring the characters and motivations of the four main characters into a truly page-turning, compulsive and also profoundly moving narrative. Superb. - James Holland
Gripping, urgent, superbly reported and brilliantly written. Henry Hemming unfolds a true story of violence, politics and spycraft that sits right at the edge of journalism and history. - Dan Jones
Both a sinewy spy thriller and a wider history of the Troubles in Northern Ireland, Four Shots in the Night is edge-of-seat stuff: beautifully crafted, shrewdly observed, frighteningly immersive and utterly compelling - Jessie Childs
A masterly achievement and a riveting read - Peter Taylor, author of 'Operation Chiffon'
Meticulously researched and brought to life with the finesse of a first-class storyteller, Four Shots in the Night is an absolutely gripping tale of murder, The Troubles, and the good and bad that lurks inside us all. I was in its thrall from the first page to the last. - Charlotte Philby, author of 'A Double Life'
A superb portrait of the Troubles . . . Gripping and revelatory - Saul David
If another book has been written that has zoomed in so closely on the relationship between handler and agent, I have yet to find it. A not-so-chance meeting on an isolated Road to Perdition ends in ultimate destruction for one of the parties. What began in silence morphs into staccato, as Four Shots in the Night enter the brain of a once lonesome dog walker. Henry Hemming with sublime clarity peels away an opaque film allowing the reader to stare through a humane window into the horrendous world of espionage. - Anthony McIntyre, author of 'Good Friday'
If another book has been written that has zoomed in so closely on the relationship between handler and agent, I have yet to find it. A not-so-chance meeting on an isolated Road to Perdition ends in ultimate destruction for one of the parties. What began in silence morphs into staccato, as Four Shots in the Night enter the brain of a once lonesome dog walker. Henry Hemming with sublime clarity peels away an opaque film allowing the reader to stare through a humane window into the horrendous world of espionage. - Anthony McIntyre, author of 'Good Friday'
About Henry Hemming
Henry Hemming is the author of four previous books, including Misadventure in the Middle East which was shortlisted for the Dolman Travel Book Award. He has written for publications including The Times, Daily Telegraph, Daily Mail, Financial Times, Washington Post and The Economist. He lives in London with his wife and daughter.
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