Pray for Us Sinners

By: Patrick Taylor

Narrated by: John Keating

Length: 12 hrs and 56 mins

Publisher's Summary

A British Army bomb-disposal expert goes undercover to try to identify the source of the bombs being used by the Provisional Irish Republican Army in Pray for Us Sinners, a thrilling novel by New York Times best seller Patrick Taylor.

In Belfast in 1973 the Troubles are raging. Two Ulstermen. Two sides. On one, British Army bomb-disposal officer Marcus Richardson; on the other, Davy MacCutcheon, Provisional IRA armourer who has been constructing bombs since his teens. Both men are committed to their causes until events shatter their beliefs, leaving each with a crisis of faith and an overpowering need to get out - but with honour.

When he is nearly killed by an exploding car bomb, Marcus welcomes the offer of a transfer to the elite SAS - provided that he first accept an undercover mission to infiltrate the Falls Road ghetto, join the Provisional IRA, identify their upper echelon, and expose their bomb-maker.

When Davy’s devices are used for civilian disruption rather than military targets, the bomb-maker begins to question what he’s doing. His work is being used to maim and kill innocent people. His request to be discharged is countered by an order that he go on one last mission. Success will bring Davy redemption and permission to leave Ireland with Fiona Kavanagh, the woman he loves.

When the paths of the two men cross, Davy realizes that he can use Marcus’s expertise in plastic explosives. A runaway series of events leaves both men in an abandoned farmhouse in the middle of a plot to kill the British Prime Minster. Can Marcus find a way to thwart the plan and escape with his life?

©2013 Patrick Taylor (P)2013 Macmillan Audio

The Troubles

When I read a review stating that this book was only worth the narration and that the author should stick to "the country stories" because it was just kill and kill some more with nothing good, I knew I would read it as soon as I finished reading An Irish Country Doctor. Adrian McKinty did a great job with "the troubles", and he is one of my faves. Taylor makes "the troubles" real and gave me a terrific understanding of this extremely important time in history. These things happened in my lifetime and I could never put the Irish, English, Carholic, Protestant conundrum in any framework that I could understand. If you want to read a great historical fiction novel, leaving with a new understanding that you may not have had, while listening to a super narrator, don't hesitate to read this. If you want Patric Taylor's great and wistful interpretation of the Irish countryside and feel good, his Irish tales are wonderful...and true to reality. If you want to understand what shaped the Iives of those same people in the 20th century, read Taylor's take on "the troubles". Not a fluffy story, not for the faint of heart. But terrorism never is.

7 of 7 people found this review helpful

Great narration of a wonderful tragic tale

This was an exceptional novel in terms of story, depth of characters and narration. Reminded me a bit of LeCarre in that it didn't skirt the machinations of people in positions of power and how petty infighting and gamesmanship wind up leaving the pure of heart with the short end of the stick.

5 of 5 people found this review helpful

The futility of Irish sectarian bombing

This story should be listened to prior to Patrick Taylor's "Now and in the Hour of our Death".
Moves along at a good pace and explores human failings without judgement.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Great book about a very troubled time

Any additional comments?

Excellent book, believable characters could not stop listening to it. I always believed in Ireland fighting for independence. After listening to this book and Now and at the Hour I also see how very violent and wasteful this time in Irish history was.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

awesome brilliant

greats ensitive unbiased treatment of the troubles. suberb narration and great plotgritty real emotional lovedit

So Sorry!

Would you try another book from Patrick Taylor and/or John Keating?

Yes as long as it is all about Dr. Fingal Flahertie O’Reilly and Ballybucklebo.

What was most disappointing about Patrick Taylor’s story?

Oh everything, it was so long on kill them and kill us and kill some more! God,,, I could not like these people.

Would you be willing to try another one of John Keating’s performances?

Always Mr. Keating is a wonderful reader.

If you could play editor, what scene or scenes would you have cut from Pray for Us Sinners?

Don't ask!

Any additional comments?

Please give us a thank God we are alive - Ireland!!!

2 of 4 people found this review helpful