The Irish Imbroglio is, as the title portends, a deliciously complicated mystery. There are multiple intertwined plots, nuanced characters and it is loaded with details (which I love). Interesting facts are seamlessly interwoven throughout the novel and cover different geographies, government policies, cyber security issues, and literature. It was a delightful read and a well written, fast-paced book. The author clearly knows the geographies first-hand which gives the book authenticity. The limericks are delightful!
Barry Fulton’s Thomas Sebastian Scott adventures get better with each novel. Scott and his friends are amusing, accomplished professionals. Plots with multiple threads, not too many, hold your attention. Fulton has a talent for making both conventional and cutting edge cybertechnology threats to nuclear power plants understandable and realistic. And his government career gives him an authentic appreciation of Washington’s power dynamics. Something he manages to pull off for Northern Ireland as well. Another good read.
Reading this well-constructed yarn was lots of fun. i was especially impressed by the various plots, sub-plots and occasional red herrings woven together in a believable skein of events, layered like a Smith Island cake. The rich personalities of the characters add a multi-dimensional expanse, especially those who inhabit the hills of Scott’s West Virginia retreat. The substantial research is impressive. Only occasionally did I strain a little to accept some of the connections. The corrupt genealogist and the relationship to Scott’s hanged ancestor was one, but it still contributed to my enjoyment of the book. I am in awe at Rachel’s ability to navigate the hearing world with such efficiency through lip-reading. I’m not quite certain how useful to the development of the story were Scott’s interactions with the FBI agents, although it certainly reflected his very human emotional state. But these are quibbles, and it’s pretty clear that Fulton’s talent and style have mastered the genre.
I have read all four of Barry Fulton’s novels. Each one has gotten better and this one had me not wanting to put it down, but my Shepherd’s sad eyes moved me to do so from time to time. The main characters are well developed and most interesting plots within plots, foreign intrigue, these novels have it all.
From the opening pages to the suspenseful conclusion , The Irish Imbroglio has your attention. You don’t want to stop until you turn the last page. Now I’m looking forward to Barry Fulton’s next book.
I am not generally a fiction reader but decided to give The Irish Imbroglio a try. Glad I did. Held my interest throughout, and has an ending with surprise value that does not disappoint.
Lord bless Thomas Sebastian Scott! Those of us deep into retirement can only envy this aging, dedicated civil servant and hero of four Barry Fulton novels. Again we get detailed views of exotic places that the author has surely visited, and again we get surprises in a story that follows its own logical path. A wonderful series.