(Published by Tivoli)
 |
It is interesting how the title of a book can be immediately off-putting and, unfortunately, this was one such situation. A Carol for the Dead languished unread on my shelf for quite some time, until I decided to stop being ridiculous and listen to that age-old adage of never judging a book by its cover or, in this case, its title.
Littered with dead bodies, young and old, this book is centred around Newgrange at the time of the winter solstice. Archaeologist Illaun Bowe has been called to the ancient County Meath site after the discovery of a number of bodies. The most bizarre thing about the bodies is the manner of death and a particularly graphic description of the mutilation is provided. However, we learn later that this is a pivotal part of the plot and, as a result, what at first seems like mere ghoulishness is accepted. Also tied up in this tale is a mysterious order of nuns who have been operating since the Middle Ages.
A Carol for the Dead has many twists and turns and Dunne has thrown in a number of red herrings so even the most prolific thriller reader will be confused. It is his third novel and something of a challenge, which makes for an enthralling read, irrespective of the title. 
Buy now: Special online price: 7.19
