The first title in the acclaimed and bestselling crime series featuring Jack Taylor, a disgraced former police detective from Galway. Mourning the death of his father, Jack is slowly drinking himself into oblivion when he is asked to investigate a teenage suicide. Plunged into a dangerous confrontation with a powerful businessman and with the Irish police - The Guards - who have an unhealthy interest in Jack's past, he finds that all is not as simple as it at first seemed and a dark conspiracy unfolds.
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The first title in the acclaimed and bestselling crime series featuring Jack Taylor, a disgraced former police detective from Galway. Mourning the death of his father, Jack is slowly drinking himself into oblivion when he is asked to investigate a teenage suicide. Plunged into a dangerous confrontation with a powerful businessman and with the Irish police - The Guards - who have an unhealthy interest in Jack's past, he finds that all is not as simple as it at first seemed and a dark conspiracy unfolds.
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Add this copy of The Guards: a Jack Taylor Novel (Jack Taylor Series, 1) to cart. $0.99, fair condition, Sold by Dream Books Co. rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Denver, CO, UNITED STATES, published 2004 by Minotaur Books.
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Seller's Description:
Fair. This copy has clearly been enjoyed-expect noticeable shelf wear and some minor creases to the cover. Binding is strong and all pages are legible. May contain previous library markings or stamps.
Add this copy of The Guards: a Novel to cart. $0.99, good condition, Sold by ZBK Books rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Woodland Park, NJ, UNITED STATES, published 2003 by Minotaur Books.
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Used book in good and clean conditions. Pages and cover are intact. Limited notes marks and highlighting may be present. May show signs of normal shelf wear and bends on edges. Item may be missing CDs or access codes. May include library marks. Fast Shipping.
Add this copy of The Guards: a Jack Taylor Novel (Jack Taylor Series, 1) to cart. $1.22, good condition, Sold by Zoom Books Company rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Lynden, WA, UNITED STATES, published 2004 by Minotaur Books.
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Book is in good condition and may include underlining highlighting and minimal wear. The book can also include From the library of labels. May not contain miscellaneous items toys dvds etc. We offer 100% money back guarantee and 24 7 customer service.
Add this copy of The Guards: a Jack Taylor Novel (Jack Taylor Series, 1) to cart. $1.22, good condition, Sold by Zoom Books East rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Glendale Heights, IL, UNITED STATES, published 2004 by Minotaur Books.
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Book is in good condition and may include underlining highlighting and minimal wear. The book can also include From the library of labels. May not contain miscellaneous items toys dvds etc. We offer 100% money back guarantee and 24 7 customer service.
Add this copy of The Guards: a Jack Taylor Novel (Jack Taylor Series, 1) to cart. $1.50, fair condition, Sold by Goodwill of Greater Milwaukee rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Milwaukee, WI, UNITED STATES, published 2004 by Minotaur Books.
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Fair. The cover has visible markings and wear. The illustration of the cover may be different from the image shown. The cover has curled corners. There is a crease or fold on the cover. The pages show normal wear and tear. Codes or product keys that accompany this product may not be valid. Fast Shipping in a Standard Poly Mailer!
Add this copy of The Guards: a Jack Taylor Novel (Jack Taylor Series, 1) to cart. $1.88, like new condition, Sold by dying earth books rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from torrance, CA, UNITED STATES, published 2004 by Minotaur Books.
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Fine. Book Book is square, solid, and unread. No remainder marks. This book is so sharp it could slice even Superman's skin--you'll shout up, up, and away with glee when it arrives at your door!
Add this copy of The Guards: a Novel to cart. $1.95, very good condition, Sold by Good Books Will Follow rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Blue Springs, MO, UNITED STATES, published 2003 by Minotaur Books.
Add this copy of The Guards: a Jack Taylor Novel (Jack Taylor Series, 1) to cart. $2.20, very good condition, Sold by ThriftBooks-Atlanta rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Austell, GA, UNITED STATES, published 2004 by Minotaur Books.
Add this copy of The Guards: a Jack Taylor Novel (Jack Taylor Series, 1) to cart. $2.20, good condition, Sold by ThriftBooks-Reno rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Reno, NV, UNITED STATES, published 2004 by Minotaur Books.
Add this copy of The Guards: a Jack Taylor Novel (Jack Taylor Series, 1) to cart. $2.20, good condition, Sold by ThriftBooks-Dallas rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Dallas, TX, UNITED STATES, published 2004 by Minotaur Books.
Rarely, if ever, do I give a series opener 5 stars, but I just couldn't help myself. I started this book last night, stayed up way too late and finished it and was totally blown away. What a great book; what a great author. I would recommend this to anyone looking for something different in the mystery field, but with a caution: the plot isn't the central focus here -- it is most definitely the characters, especially that of Jack Taylor, the main character. Jack Taylor lives in Galway, Ireland, is a serious alcoholic and has lost his job with the Gardia. He has set himself up as a private detective, knows his is prone to self-destruction, has issues with his mother, and may be one of the most darkly-tormented individuals in crime fiction. But on the other hand, he turns to reading and poetry for comfort and has a soft spot for people he truly cares about. His office a pub, he gets involved in the case of a suicidal teen whose mother hires him to prove that her daughter's death was murder rather than self-inflicted. The only real lead he has is that she worked in a place with other girls, a few of whom have also committed suicide. But as I noted above, the plot is not the real story here, so this novel shouldn't be read for the mystery storyline. Jack Taylor stands out as an incredibly fascinating character, one for whom you can't help but feel sorry. The other characters surrounding him really help to draw out Jack's personality; they are also very well drawn. And the writing ...the book is divided into very short chapters that don't always have very much to say, but what's there is to the point and absolutely necessary. I love how the author is able to be very understated yet can get Jack's story out just as if Jack was a real-life, personal friend and the author's telling you all about him. The style is very original; sparse, but yet packs a punch. I definitely, most highly recommend this book and plan to read all of the Jack Taylor series here shortly. A great read!
Arkay
Mar 6, 2008
A Personal Black-Irish Odssey
A brilliant depiction of family formed hopelessness bolstered by Irish-Catholic guilt and booze aflicted judgement in continual conflict with an almost hidden heroic soul. Our hero often sees the best where most anyone else would not yet misses the worst where most would clearly see. A unique and refreshing style not too unlike Cormack McCarthy at his best. I for one will be reading more of Mr. Bruen's good works.
