Product Description

This book by the author of "Rogue Warrior of the SAS", retells the story of a series of murders by the Ulster Volunteer Force in N. Ireland in the 1970s. When convicted, the killers received over 2000 years in jail, the longest sentences ever given in a single trial in British legal history.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #19388 in Books
• Published on: 1991-11-07
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 349 pages

Customer Reviews

engrossing but stomach churning
The Troubles in Northern Ireland have provided the unique conditions to turn otherwise ordinary people into killers. However that is not what Lenny Murphy and his gang were by any stretch of the imagination, suggests Dillon....The book is utterly absorbing as it chronicles the way in which the gang not only acted but thought too. If there is one flaw, it is Dillon's urge to record everything in massive detail. What sometimes happens is that peripheral information takes presidence over the central investigation. At one point I was worried he might run out of letters in the alphabet for naming all those who police could not pin involvement on for the crimes (Mr A, Mr B and Mr C etc. Sentences can turn into a scrabble game!) Having said that, there is nothing wrong with being meticulous, but that must be balanced by keeping the reader's attention and focus. Neverthelss this book provides a chilling insight into what makes killers "tick".

You will not be able to put this book down!!!
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.

Must read for those interested in the troubles
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!