Jack Byrne

The devastation and death in Ukraine and Gaza are a denial of Hope, rather than Hope we should look to her daughters.

“Hope has two beautiful daughters; their names are Anger and Courage. Anger at the way things are, and Courage to see that they do not remain as they are.”

― Augustine of Hippo

I wish you all a safe and succesful 2024.

I am in discussion to see if we can get Irish editions of the books in the Liverpool Mystery trilogy. I would be very excited and happy if this were to happen and would look forward to promoting them in Ireland if it goes ahead. So fingers crossed, and if there is any further news I will let you know first.

‘Burning Down The House’ is a new novel, hopefully, the first of a second trilogy it is virtually ready, it is finished, has been edited and proofread, and it is ready to go. A small press based in London offered to publish it in 2024, and I was appreciative and tempted, but in the end decided to wait. Northodox my current publisher has a schedule of books for 2024 but has indicated they would sign up my next three books as a second trilogy for publication beginning 2025.

So if things work out we could see three new additions to the Liverpool Mysteries from 2025. They will all be set in Liverpool. If you have read the first three books you will be familiar with Charlie, Vinny’s son.

The following is a review of the draft.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers’ Favorite Awarded 5 Stars

“‘Burning Down The House’ is a work of fiction in the climate, political drama, and interpersonal drama subgenres. By Jack Byrne for young adult and adult readers.

In this riveting tale of climate activism, police conspiracy, and sociopolitical challenges, we find ourselves following the exploits of one young man, Charlie, when he’s swept up into the center of a world-changing storm of events. When Charlie witnesses a young activist’s death in police custody, he doesn’t realize the target painted on his back because of what he now knows. So begins a tense tale of conspiracy as the threat of silence or violence looms over his head.

Author Jack Byrne has crafted an engaging tale that takes many popular and poignant issues from today’s media and weaves them into a highly believable and suitably tense drama.

I think that young adult readers in particular will warm to Charlie and feel for him in his situation, which is certainly isolating and forces him to come of age very quickly and focus on topics he might not have wished to handle quite so soon in his life. The supporting cast of the story each has their unique barriers to overcome and their take on the central themes of climate change, the power of protest, and the hidden agenda of UK police and political rhetoric, which makes for a well-rounded read filled with action and emotion.

I would certainly recommend Burning Down The House for fans of cli-fi action thrillers.” K.C.Finn

One of the most exciting things for me in 2024 is that my first book Under The Bridge will be included in the reading list for a student class at the University of Connecticut USA, and the plan is for me to zoom into a couple of classes for discussions.

If it happens my thanks and appreciation will go to Dr Mary Burke.

Best wishes for 2024!