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)

fun story of Irish hero/mafia in NY

Just recently happened upon this author and have been enjoying his writing. I was in N Ireland in the 1980s so the dialog and lingo is a pleasure that takes me back.

amazing from beginning to end

original, intelligent, and perfectly written with great lyrical beauty. a great story, even greater writing.

Michael Forsythe is my favorite new anti-hero

If you could sum up Dead I Well May Be in three words, what would they be?

Damn good story!

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Yeah the plot was fantastic. I had no idea where this story was going. It was never boring due to the amazing narrative. I don't just mean the narrator, I mean the narrative of Michael himself. He weaved his story with philosophical meandering's, well-rounded characters, an extremely detailed history of his short life thus far, and lots of wonderful dry Irish humor.

Have you listened to any of Gerard Doyle’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have never listed to Doyle before but I thought he was wonderful. His narration captured the personality, look, and mannerism's of Michael's personality perfectly. Plus I loved his Irish lilt!

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

"Never put away your weapon until your absolutely sure."

Noir = Dark. Too dark for me to finish.

I only got through a couple of chapters of this. It wasn't bad, it's just not at all my cup of tea. Violence, nasty characters, stupid characters, somewhat monotonous narration... Blech. I tried it because of the Irish connection, but I'm more interested in the social and political intrigue than gangsters - my bad for reading too much into the description. If you like your noir full of violence, please enjoy, but if you don't I suggest avoiding this one.

Extremely entertaining

Mind bending, thought provoking, with my kind of humor. Well written and well read! superb

Fabulous read. Warning Bloody and bad language.

I should preface by saying I have never listened to an Adrian McKinty book I have not thought was fabulous. I guess that means if you have not enjoyed his previous work you should ignore this review because you and I clearly don't like the same things. Having said that I loved this series and could not put it down.

I stumbled across the Duffy series and loved the insights into Northern Ireland. This series shows s different world again. In an Irish gang in New York the main character is smart and hard. A character who is both likeable and sometimes a complete bastard. From the start he has his back to the wall and his mind on survival.

As he walks a tight rope of working for a psycho, with psychos while at the same time cheating on the bosses wife you know its all going to go wrong in a big way. Then tension is unbearable and the book twists and turns from one shock to the next. Bad language and violence abound.

Starting as a young man's descent into serious crime this ends as a glorious revenge piece. The first in a trilogy I wish I could read it for the first time again. If you like it gritty and shocking this is for you.

Very Engaging!

Would you consider the audio edition of Dead I Well May Be to be better than the print version?

I loved this book. The narration really made it come alive.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I really liked Michael Forsythe. His character was very relate-able. Here is a hardworking Irish immigrant that's just trying to make it. He tries to be legit, but gets sucked into the underworld....typical Murphy's law.

Have you listened to any of Gerard Doyle’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

This was my first Gerard Doyle performance. However, I just ordered the next book in the series because of his performance.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

It really was, but unfortunately, I couldn't due to the length. I started the book while on a road trip, but had to finish it during my morning commute. It really made driving a pleasure.

Any additional comments?

This is a great book if you enjoy a gritty Irish working class story. Adrian McKinty is a very visual writer, and combined with the narration by Gerard Doyle, you really feel like you're part of the story.

Excellent read!!!

This book is an excellent read. I really enjoyed it a lot. The plot, storyline, and performance was on spot!

Really liked it..,.

I thoroughly like this book. Adrian McKinty is a wonderful author. Gerard Doyle does an excellent job of bringing the characters to life. I loved this team when I read the Sean Duffy series, I sincerely hope the books keep coming. Adrian McKinty makes me want to visit Ireland! Buy this book you won't be disappointed!

Doesn’t compare to Duffy books

Tried this bc had listened to Duffy series, but I just couldn’t get into this one. Characters & story line not nearly as good.