Dead I Well May Be

By: Adrian McKinty

Narrated by: Gerard Doyle

Length: 12 hrs and 25 mins

Publisher's summary

"I didn't want to go to America, I didn't want to work for Darkey White. I had my reasons. But I went."

So admits Michael Forsythe, an illegal immigrant escaping the troubles in Belfast, Northern Ireland. But young Michael is strong and fearless and clever, just the fellow to be tapped by Darkey, a crime boss, to join a gang of Irish thugs struggling against the rising Dominican powers in Harlem and the Bronx. The time is pre-Giuliani New York, when crack rules the city, squatters live furtively in ruined buildings, and hundreds are murdered each month. Michael and his lads tumble through the streets, shaking down victims, drinking hard, and fighting for turf, block by bloody block.

Dodgy and observant, not to mention handy with a pistol, Michael is soon anointed by Darkey as his rising star. Meanwhile Michael has very inadvisably seduced Darkey's girl, Bridget, saucy, fickle, and irresistible. Michael worries that he's being followed, that his affair with Bridget will be revealed. He's right to be anxious; when Darkey discovers the affair, he plans a very hard fall for young Michael, a gambit devilish in its guile, murderous in its intent.

But Darkey fails to account for Michael's toughness and ingenuity or the possibility that he might wreak terrible vengeance upon those who would betray him.

A natural storyteller with a gift for dialogue, McKinty introduces to readers a stunning new noir voice, dark and stylish, mythic and violent, complete with an Irish lilt.

Don't miss these other noir thrillers in the Michael Forsythe series: The Dead Yard (Unabridged) and The Bloomsday Dead (Unabridged).

©2003 Adrian McKinty (P)2004 Blackstone Audiobooks

Critic reviews

"A profoundly satisfying book from a major new talent, and one of the best crime fiction debuts of the year." (Booklist)

A Fun Story and wonderful narration.

I loved listening to Gerard Doyle in "The Falling Glass" so I had to try one more book by Andrian McKinty. It was really a great listen and the story was a bit slow at times but Gerard Doyle made up for any of the slow parts in this story. I loved the ending and can't wait to listen to this 2nd sequel in line. I loved to root for the bad guy, but he wasn't that bad and was really a tough character which I liked a lot.

A little too bloody, but well written.

Though I'm a McKinty fan, Michael's story is quite brutal. Gerard Doyle's narration is excellent!

Fantastic story read beautifully

This book by Adrian McKinty is completely engrossing. At times gritty and at other times, poetic. Michael Forsythe is a character that no matter how flawed, you can’t help but root for. McKinty is a master storyteller and Gerard Doyle‘s reading is perfection. He completely embodies the character and his voice is nothing short of euphonious.

the marriage of the reader to the main character

genuine writing about a group of people, well several groups, and the processes of survival

Brialliant

-Brilliant writer
-Enthralling story
-Evocative — I lived in NYC on 105th & A’dam in 1991-92 — just like the story
-Gerard Doyle is ideal narrator
-Already read twice
-Highly recommend whole Trilogy

Serial alert!

I am generally not a big fan of multiple part stories. But I am also a fan of Adrian McKintey and Gerald Doyle. Sufficiently self contained to be enjoyed on it own - and good enough to get me to add the next two in the series to my wish list

Really enjoyed this one

Read all of the Sean Duffy series, which were fantastic. Decided to give his one a go. Was not disappointed. A little slow to get started, but exceeded my expectations in the end. Fantastic narrator.

not up to his usual standards

Had to quit listening as the story was just irritating more than engaging. Maybe it would have improved but I’ll never know.

I loved this story!!

Well written, detailed, interesting and entertaining. So much packed into this story- I enjoyed anticipating and hearing the next calamity that our “hero?” encounters. Terrible luck and fabulous luck this guy has. Recommend for those looking for something unexpected and unique. Not a typical tale.

Great story

Different take on the genre; thoroughly enjoyable. I was slow to take to the narrator, but he won me over.