This was a well written, vivid and often brutal novel about a community soured by decades of conflict. Strong characters, good dialogue and a compelling storyline make it a disturbing read. In the run up to the peace talks the republican community is awash with rumours and unrest. Meetings, talks and reassurances doing nothing to placate the voiced concerns. The Warrenpoint job was a disaster, the cops were waiting and the lads never stood a chance. With fingers being pointed and paranoia setting in the question on everyone's mind is 'How did they know?', followed closely when the inevitable conclusion was reached by 'Who told them?' Very much a character driven novel, Cross revolves around the inhabitants of a fictional Northern Irish border town with republicanism in its veins during the run up to the 1994 ceasefire. The law doesn't count for much in Cross, those with the power make their own rules and have their own way of dealing with things whilst others look the other way. There are snippets of humour and wit within this dark and brutal read and whilst there's a definite sense of community the overwhelming impression is of one based on fear and distrust. A compelling and disturbing read.

I absolutely loved this book. It is a proper page turner - I ended up reading it in about two days, desperate to find out what happens and moved along by the structure and the writing. The narrative moves between characters as the picture of the small town begins to fill in and we begin to understand the lasting impact the decades of violence have had on the people. At turns heartbreaking, shocking, but always beautifully written. Can't recommend this book highly enough.

1994 was the summer the ceasefire started in Northern Ireland and the town of Cross will see the endgame play out. Francine believed totally in the cause but times are changing quickly. Handy Byrne is out of control, violent and dangerous. Enjoyed this well written and well narrated novel (I listened to the audiobook). Full of strong characters on all sides. This novel gives an insight into the changes in 1994. Very tense novel.