Present danger by Stella Remington

"Present danger" by Stella Remington - Northern Ireland backdrop!

This book is published by Quercus in 2010 and has 336 pages. 

Liz Carlyle works for MI5 at Thames House. She and her boss love each other but have never acknowledged it to each other. When wife of boss dies, MI5 decides to transfer Liz to head counter terrorism desk in Northern Ireland. An Irish-American called Sheamus Piggot is running an organization that hasn't accepted peace accord in Northern Ireland. A French arms dealer is involved. MI5 collaborates with French intelligence. But everything goes haywire.

Will there be a threat to Northern Ireland peace process? What is Piggot's ultimate objective? What went wrong? Will Liz acknowledge love?

The concept of splinter IRA groups not agreeing to the peace process is not often used for fictions. It's an interesting angle. An action taken in the heat of the moment turns out to be a costly mistake. British and French intelligence collaborate. 

Liz is the central and only important character. She heads counter terrorism and is a confident woman. She loves her boss but has never confessed it. She cares for her friends and colleagues and doesn't mind putting her life in danger for them. However, in the matter of heart she acts on hearsay. This particular action goes against the grain of her character built by the author. This action also opens up possibilities that position the story for a sequel.

The graph of the novel, however, is not ascending. When the story moves out of Northern Ireland, it loses its USP and becomes like any other thriller. 

Why did I read this book? It was on hand. 

What I didn't like? Liz's acting on hearsay. 

What did I like? Northern Ireland backdrop.  

Not a must read.

The Marching season by Daniel Silva

"The Marching season" by Daniel Silva. This book is published by Signet in 2004 and has 512 pages. This is the second book of Michael Osborn series.

Catholics and Protestants are killing each other in Northern Ireland from 17th century. Three terrorist activities take place on the same day. A Sinn Féin leader is killed. Ireland library and London tube are bombed. A new organization has made its mark, one that does not like the ban on certain routes during marching season and opposes Good Friday agreement.

How does Michael Osborn come into picture? Who would be American ambassador to England? Why marching season? Is the old assassin back?

Narration is good. Story is decently places and takes place in USA, England and Northern Ireland. October, the assassin, makes a comeback and renews his old rivalry with Michael. Author shows logical tensions between Michael and his wife after the birth of their twins and when Michael does not really want to retire.

The reason why Tony Blair asks a career politician as ambassador to UK and why retired senator Douglas Canon, from opposition, is chosen by American president is not very clear. A secret society of powerful persons trying to control the world continues its activities and the assassin October reappears.

It's good to read a novel on Northern Ireland. It gives a different background for a change to the readers who have been reading thrillers on Middle East, Pakistan and China for too long.

It is ironic that America considers unrest in Northern Ireland to be more important and pressing than Middle East or Kashmir, despite substantially lower casualties and damages.

The title has reference to the Protestant march to celebrate victory over catholics, in short the tensions in Northern Ireland. But in reality it becomes the tale of Michael Osborn and October.

Though the novel is readable, it does not offer novelty. Change of heart and instantaneous friendship between sworn enemies is surprising. Is it possible in real life?

OK book. Read if you have time.