Contemporary
Dead Right provides an insight into the psychology of radicalism and how strongly held beliefs can lead to and be used to justify extreme actions. The story unravels the mystery of four female characters and offers a unique perspective on the Troubles in Northern Ireland.
Four women had a plan. Barricade themselves inside a suburban house and starve to death. It almost worked, but one survived. She alone knows why they did it. Can she be trusted?
It’s a puzzle. Dead Right reveals the truth.
The novel explores the complex relationships between these women, their fears and motivations and how the men in their lives – the domineering father; the weak, immature brother and the abusive, unfaithful husband – alienated and motivated them, inspiring and shaping their plans.
Their story unfolds against dramatic events taking place in Northern Ireland and the wider world.
Here's what readers have to say about this book....
A tour de force. I couldn’t put it down. I thought the characterisation was excellent and while nobody was exactly appealing each character had something to either make you sorry for them or at least understand their motivations. Fantastically well done.
A gripping whydunnit with a twist. Inspired by the real life mystery of 4 women from the same Irish family found barricaded in and starved to death leaving no explanation, Dead Right is an intriguing and gripping work of fiction based on this premise. Relocated to present day Northern Ireland, it’s the story of the long shadow that is cast by the Troubles, the Catholic church and the men in these women’s lives. I was hooked in from the start as the mystery of why these women did what they did gradually unfolds, and be warned - the twist at the end is a killer. Another great read from Martin Howe.
This is a beautifully written fictionalised account of a chilling and mystifying real event. Martin Howe skilfully analyses the possible motives of all of the characters but leaves the denouement till the very last. I couldn’t put it down. Highly recommended
A compelling and intriguing novel by Martin Howe, which delves deeply into the intricacies of familial relationships. This dark story engages the reader from the start and takes them along the resolute and deadly path of its protagonists.
Dead Right was an unpredictable novel highlighting the power of manipulation and deceit. It kept you doubting each character resulting in a very unpredictable ending - I really recommend this book!