The Dark Path by Kevin McManus (A John Morrigan Thriller)

Here comes another Bloodhound book! 

About the Book: 

John Morrigan, a New York Detective, arrives on the scene of what at first appears to be a routine homicide in a botched armed robbery. However, as a key witness to the murder is herself violently killed less than 24 hours later, Morrigan discovers that a professional assassin is at work. 

As the Detective follows his trail, it leads him into a tangled web of duplicity stretching from the heart of his police department all the way to the upper echelons of political power.

But as Morrigan is about to spring a trap to catch the killer, his own dark past emerges, and he is faced with the dilemma of dropping the case or face a prison sentence.

Will Morrigan make the right choice?

And can he solve the case before it’s too late?

Here is the book trailer I found and liked:

My Review:

It starts with an interesting premise. John Morrigan is working a case, only the key witness is now dead. I suspect this happens in real life on occasion too. However, now things get complicated. The killer is someone who has to know John, because what should have become a cold case without leads is now quite a mess. There are blackmail issues, career ending choices, mega corruption and a bit more. What is John's secrete and would prison be better than trying to bring the killer, and potentially himself to light? 

The writing is easy to read and includes a huge amount of action. The police procedures appear sound or plausible for the most part. While this is my first book by this author, I have to decide if I will read others. The ending upset me, as it is a cliff hanger. I rather despise those. They leave me feeling high and dry and not satisfied, which is what happened with this book. The loose ends are not tied up, my questions aren't answered and I really don't care for that at all. 

3.5 Stars
Thanks to Bloodhound books for the opportunity to read and review this book. 

About The Author:

Kevin McManus is an award winning crime fiction writer from Western Ireland. He is an active member of the CWA (The international Crime Writers Association).

In 2016 the author was awarded the Leonard Trophy for his writing and in 2017 and 2018 his novels Under the Red Winter Sky and New Blood were voted the best Crime Novels of the year out of 2000 nominated books.

He lives with his wife Mary and their dog Jack in rural County Leitrim. He graduated from University in 1998 with a Master’s Degree in History and a Higher Diploma in Education. For the last twenty years he has worked as a secondary school teacher.

Apart from writing, during his free time he enjoys listening to and playing music. He played in a number of bands since his teenage years and began writing song lyrics before progressing to prose. He is also a passionate supporter of Aston Villa FC.