Customer Reviews: Read 8 more reviews...
 Must read for those interested in the troubles September 19, 2004
7 out of 7 found this review helpful
Dillon's account of the 'Shankhill Butchers' offers an important and detailed account of the truly shocking and appalling actions of the 'Brown Bear unit', a small, splinter faction of the UVF operating in Belfast through the mid to late 70's.
I read about them in Peter Taylor's 'Loyalists' book. This, itself, is an exceptional read but, as the title suggests, does not always offer detailed information on all of the subjects it covers. It did, however, give enough information for me to want to know more and I'm very pleased I bought the book.
Dillon's writing kept me hooked and I completed the book inside two days (some feat for me!).
It may be that the unforgiving detail of the brutal actions of the 'Butchers' keep you going as opposed to a deep interest in the 'Troubles', but either way it's a well written, detailed and fascinating read...get it!
You will not be able to put this book down!!! November 23, 2005
11 out of 12 found this review helpful
This is an awesome read!! I read this book in one day and have read it 3 times altogether, I could not put it down, and keep returning to it because it is just so shocking!!I currently live in Belfast and have done my whole life. I am 26 yrs old and have NEVER experienced or been mixed up in any part of the troubles, or with any paramilitary groups. Anyone from outside of N. Ireland has serious misconceptions about what goes on here, particularly in Belfast. Essentially in Belfast, there are areas you know well to stay out of, and really you wont find trouble unless you go looking for it! Martin Dillon is an excellent writer and his research and attention to detail is second to none, although I have been told of more atrocities which are not recorded in this book, but how accurate the information is, I cannot say for sure. I would recommend this book to anyone (with a strong stomach, as descriptions are very graphic). And would also ask prospective readers to bear in mind that this features only a certain area of Belfast, and not Belfast as a whole.
One of the darkest chapters of Loyalist history November 9, 2001
11 out of 18 found this review helpful
Don't eat before you read this book, or go to bed soon afterwards - it will turn your stomach and give you nightmares.The gruesome story of Lenny Murphy, a pyschopath who uses Northern Ireland's 'Troubles' as an excuse to commit murder. Murphy and his gang randomly pick Catholics off the street and then torture and kill them. The story follows Murphy's attempts to escape justice and a dedicated RUC officer's attempts to rid the streets of this menace. Eventually a kindly passing Catholic terrorist did the world a favour and riddled Murphy with bullets. Anybody who believes the IRA are terrorists and the UVF defenders of their communities should read this and think again (for the record I am neither Catholic nor a 'Loyalist', merely interested by the complexities of 'The Troubles').
Excellent July 13, 2000
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
An essential backround for anyone interested in The Troubles. Well written and meticulously documented, this book provides a stark and bloody insight into a period of Northern Ireland's history which many would prefer to forget.
Superb investigative journalism December 5, 2006
fuji (Japan)
2 out of 3 found this review helpful
Martin Dillon is without question N. Ireland's most skilled and accurate investigative journalist. His writing style is interesting, compelling and unbiased. He has amazing sources to factually present the dirty dealings of terrorists and undercover agencies alike. This book is not for the squeamish and portrays the intense hatred and callousness of UVF loyalist terrorists, who randomly targeted, tortured and butchered Catholics. For anyone with an interest in N Ireland, this book is highly recommended.
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