Review: One of the best books I've read this year
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 07 8, 2014
I read Getting Out of Dodge in two days. The novel to which it is a sequel, Peril, I finished in about the same time. This book is a smooth, fascinating read, full of lively and complex characters. It begins with Ger Mayes, who nearly died at the end of the previous book, emerging from prison to figure out what to do with himself. He is mixed into intrigue from the moment he reaches Kilkenny, some left over from Peril, some brand new. Ger is a better man this time around. Not a good man, but a man who is willing to help out other people. He still leads with his d@ck, and still blunders his way into mix-ups with rough characters, but he isn't quite so much of a self-serving, excuse-making, philandering creep. It's possible to like him just a little, which is fine with me. There is enough sex in this book to make it not suitable for people who don't read about sex but suitable for people who do read about sex. There is also some violence, but it's not graphic.I haven't visited Ireland, but I get a pretty good feel for it from reading this book. Ruby, who is an Englishman living in Ireland, has an excellent ability to create atmosphere with an authentic feel. Considering the plot, the dialogue, the choice of details, there wasn't a page or a word choice I didn't like. Ruby Barnes got everything exactly right. It's one of the best books I've read this year.Although I know Ruby Barnes casually, this is an unsolicited review. I won my paperback copy in a contest at his Facebook page over a year ago and delayed a long time in reading it. I don't know why, but one thing is clear -- once I started, I didn't want to stop.