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The Guards

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The Guards

By: Ken Bruen
Narrated by: Gerry O'Brien
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About this listen

 Still stinging from his unceremonious ouster from the Garda Siochana, and staring at the world through the smoky bottom of his beer mug, Jack Taylor is stuck in Galway with nothing to look forward to. He is teetering on the brink of his life's sharpest edges, his memories of the past cutting deep into his soul and his prospects for the future non-existent.

Until a dazzling woman walks into the bar with a strange request and a rumour about Jack's talent for finding things. Odds are he won't be able to climb off his barstool long enough to get involved, but when he surprises himself by getting hired, Jack has little idea of what he's getting into.

©2001 Ken Bruen (P)2009 Isis Publishing Ltd Crime Fiction Mystery Suspense Thriller & Suspense Fiction Crime

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I cannot understand why Ken Bruen does no get the recognition he deserves. If you like scandinavian crime novels with slightly dysfunctional protagonists who have an unhealthy relationship with booze, you will love Jack Taylor. However in contrary to his nordic counterparts he is not permanently close to depression but displays a very Irish cynicism. The crime itself plausibly developed.
Listening to Gerry O'Brien as a narrator is a pleasure (I hate it when Irish books are read by English narrators). If you are looking for an intelligent but witty crime novel, go for it!

Undervalued Gem!

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Saw the TV show so looked up the author - I’m hooked. The narrator is “mighty” and brings the voice of Jack Taylor to life in an amazing way. I am glad in a way I saw the TV show first as I loved it, but the books are so much better which means I enjoy them all the more - on to the second one now. Excellent story, brilliant narration - highly recommend.

Absolutely brilliant

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Too much about the life of an alcoholic and too little (almost nothing) about finding the criminal - unconvincing if you read it sober.

Too many hangovers

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After seeing the Jack Taylor shows I had hoped for more. The author is good but I'm not sure if he suits this story. The story itself is more about his struggle with alcohol than any actual crime or investigation. I can only hope this is a build up to more compelling stories. I'll give the next book a go and see.

I hoped for more

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Brilliant book from start to finish,the characters all seem real and the story was gripping.

Brilliant book

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Wonderful crime story based in Ireland. Really thought the author captured the main boozy character so so well. Narrator was excellent. Don’t do many reviews this is worth it.

Super central character evocative of Ireland

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I chose this book because i was looking for books narrated by Gerry O Brien. Enjoyable but forgettable. Not a patch on others he has narrated.

ok

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I stumbled across this. A rambling plot does not diminish an outstanding prose. Beautifully read. This could be a magnificent writer, I look forward to the next book.

Hidden gem

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Watched the TV show, So I had to get the book. I really enjoyed both but as you all know so much more detail in the book.

Watched the TV show.

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