‘
‘Before He Kills Again is partly set in Cork city, exploring themes like sexual and gender-based violence and how misogyny can be spread through social media. It’s also partly set in West Cork. This is mainly because Collins is from there and I wanted to explore the themes of home and love in the book, and what they mean. I also wanted to explore the geographical features of West Cork
and how they reflect his character.‘
Tadhg Coakley
[ About Before He Kills Again ]
As the sun sets on the bustling streets of Cork city, a young woman lies brutally murdered in her own home. Former inter-county hurler turned detective Garda Tim Collins, and his new partner Deirdre Donnelly are tasked with solving the case.
As they dig deeper, they uncover a sinister plot to attack more women. Against the clock and with a fierce commitment to stop the violence, Collins and Donnelly race to find the perpetrator before he kills again.
But when one of Ireland’s most dangerous criminals shows up in Collins’ home patch of West Cork, that case becomes personal and pushes him to the brink. As the investigation explodes in a brutal showdown, we see a different side of Collins as he questions how far he will go to seek justice.
[ My Review ]
Before He Kills Again by Tadhg Coakley was published March 31st with Mercier Press. It is the second book in the Garda Tim Collins series, following on from the outstanding Whatever It Takes. It is described as a novel ‘with a strong sense of place and a shocking double climax…a gripping and thrilling read.’ Tadhg Coakley is without doubt an incredible writer. As well as being a huge fan of his fiction writing, I was also totally blown away by his stunning memoir and reflective writings in The Game. This is a writer that can do no wrong in my eyes. I have been lucky enough to meet Tadhg on numerous occasions and I can honestly say that he is a true gentleman, a genuine individual and a top-notch writer.
Garda Tim Collins returns in Before He Kills Again, a high-energy and thrilling second instalment that will give every reader a real bang for their buck. When the body of a woman is discovered at her home in a leafy suburb of Cork city, Collins is called in to investigate, alongside his new partner Deirdre Donnelly. This brutal attack leaves everyone shocked and, with no obvious leads, the team are left reeling looking for clues. This is Donnelly’s first case with Collins and she is unsure of what to expect. She has heard all the rumours about his unorthodox approach to the job and is initially underwhelmed by his methods but as time rolls by, she starts to understand Collins more.
As the investigation widens, there is a strong feeling among the team that this attack feels very personal, with the real possibility that the perpetrator will strike again.
Meanwhile there are rumours of a top criminal after landing in West Cork, a drug dealer with a violent reputation and an axe to grind with Collins. Being a local to the area, Collins is seething. He is all too aware of the destruction that follows in this man’s wake but is caught between the murder in the city and his requirement to be in West Cork to bring this thug down.
Tim Collins is well known throughout the county of Cork, and beyond, for his prowess and skill as an inter-county hurler. Recognised in many households, it makes sense that he be the one to take on this alternate investigation, as he has direct contacts in the area. But Collins is frustrated. He wants justice for the murder victim but now, with this crazed individual on his home turf, Collins must do as instructed and leave Donnelly with her hands full in the city. Tim Collins believes in integrity and uncovering the truth but how far is he prepared to go in this quest? Where does he draw the line?
Before He Kills Again is a very pertinent and shocking read, highlighting themes of violence against women, the dangers lurking on social media platforms, misogynistic behaviour and also delving deep into the dark and merciless world of drugs. With two investigations running in parallel, Tadhg Coakley provides the reader with a serious adrenaline hit, with some very tense and heinous moments. Cork is a character in its own right throughout with a very strong sense of place, making for a very authentic reading experience.
Tadhg Coakley has created a fantastic protagonist with a brilliant personality, bringing Tim Collins very much alive for every reader. Police-procedurals don’t come much better than this. Addictive, disquieting, fast-paced, realistic and thoroughly engrossing Before He Kills Again is a book that I highly recommend to all fans of this genre. Congratulations Tadhg, you’ve done it again!
[ Bio ]
Tadhg Coakley is the award-winning author of five books. His debut novel The First Sunday in September, was shortlisted for the Mercier Fiction Prize and published in 2018 to much acclaim. His crime novel Whatever It Takes (Part 1 of the Tim Collins Series) was chosen as the 2020 Cork, One City One Book. Everything (a sports autobiography, which he co-wrote with its subject, Denis Coughlan) was one of the 2020 sports books of the year in The Sunday Times, The Irish Examiner and The Irish Times.
His bestselling memoir The Game: A Journey into the Heart of Sport (2022) was described in The Irish Examiner as ‘one of the most distinctive, original, beautiful and best books on sport this country has known’. It was shortlisted for the An Post Irish Book Awards.
Tadhg’s short stories, articles and essays have been widely published.
Website ~ www.tadhgcoakley.ie
Twitter ~ @TadhgCoakley
