Pray for Us Sinners

A Novel of the Irish Troubles

By: Patrick Taylor

Narrated by: John Keating

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 bestseller 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?

Critic reviews

“Pray for Us Sinners is written with heartfelt urgency to explain Ulster rather than demonize the place and the population. A deeply felt thriller and a very valuable one.” —The Globe and Mail

“Taylor has written a compelling story. Tension grows as it moves from one side of the conflict to another. What is clearly brought home to the reader is the suffering and hardships this conflict brings to the civilian population.” —Historical Novel Society on Pray for Us Sinners

“Flawlessly researched and . . . nails the chips-and-guns-with-everything atmosphere of violence in mid-1970s Ulster.” —Quill & Quire on Pray for Us Sinners

“Patrick Taylor has become probably the most popular Irish-Canadian writer of all time.” —The Globe and Mail

“Taylor . . . captivates and entertains from the first word.” —Publishers Weekly

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.

awesome brilliant

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

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.

Very good.

Excellent story combining history and intrigue. Some unexpected, but believable, twists and turns. Excellent narration.

Great Narrator

The story is very compelling, well written. I can't wait to listen to the sequel.

The narrator does a fantastic job with different accents and voices.