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1950s Dublin and its dead men…even the dead have tales to tell
Even the Dead (Quirke 7)
What you need to know before your trail
You could say that Pathologist Quirke sees the best and worst of Dublin society. The dead who come through his doors on metal trolleys say silent until his work can allow their bodies to tell the stories of how they died. The latest body seems to show signs of suicide but as Quirke looks more closely, there are other signs which point elsewhere entirely.
Investigations find a potential witness but she has disappeared and there doesn’t appear to be any trace of her anywhere. Quirke finds himself on her trail and is shocked by what he finds – for he wanders not into the expected dark side of the city but the shiny elite – the church, politicians and a conspiracy..
Travel Guide
Set in fifties Dublin, the streets and the atmosphere are bleak and damp. The city wears the shadows like a cloak and its murky fragile state – something which is embodied in the character of Quirke himself who suffers blackouts and other health related issues.
Dublin’s dead come to him for answers, salvation of a sort and the last chance to have their voices heard. But his melancholy, his determination to reduce his alcohol intake and the nature of his work mix into a dark and mysterious setting.
Dublin’s Phoenix Park is the scene of the crime and brings Quirke back to the office. The path from here leads to some dark social and political sides to the city. In the 1950s, politics, church and state were in a different relationship to that which they are today and the details of the time and era stand out to place you firmly into the action. Added to this is the investigation thwarted by procedure and legal restraints of the day. A difficult working environment, a difficult case and dark deeds in Dublin
Sometimes it’s the dead who have the loudest voices of all.
Booktrailer Review
Clare @thebooktrailer
These Quirke novels are very good for the unique character and setting. There’s a lot more to this book and the others that you might not think, but look past the forward and you’ll be rewarded. Quirke by name and quirky by nature. His job, his habits and his way of doing this is refreshing in a novel of this kind. Although I’ve read some of the earlier ones, you don’t need to in order to appreciate this one. Dublin and its dead are more than capable of speaking for themselves.
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