This book is really a continuation from the authors debut novel "The Twelve" and I would advise that you read this first. Both books are excellent with great characters. Highly recommended and certainly an author to follow.

My husband reviewed Stuart Neville’s debut novel The Twelve last year. Unfortunately I didn’t have the opportunity to read it as it was lent out to friends who lent it to other friends etc etc. However, this time I was determined not to miss out so as soon as he turned the last page I snatched the book and devoured it in just one day, taking time out only to see that the children were fed and watered – it was really unputdownable. I have been assured by my husband that Collusion is an even better read than The Twelve and that you can see how Neville has improved his writing, tightening up the narrative, using short chapters which crank up the tension to an almost unbearable level. Gerry Fegan and the mysterious Traveller both have a slightly supernatural element about them – Gerry is still haunted by his turbulent past as a paramilitary killer but retains his aura of invincibility. Is The Traveller his nemesis? It’s not a clearcut case of good versus evil here as the baddies far outnumber the goodies and each character is fully fleshed, flaws and all. You really don’t know who to trust from one minute to the next. DI Jack Lennon is a really engaging character. He’d given up so much in order to join the police at a time when Catholic recruits were few and far between and now his once respected superiors seem enmeshed in the filthy mess of collusion – loyalists and republicans even helping each other if there’s money to be made. In short, a thrilling, taut read – not for those of a nervous disposition or those who object to “strong” language. I’m really looking forward to Stolen Souls, another thriller featuring Jack Lennon, somehow I don’t think he’s going to get the quiet life he’d hoped for!