One popular Irish crime novel is 'The Likeness' by Tana French. It has a great plot with a detective who discovers a woman who looks exactly like her. Another is 'In the Woods' also by Tana French, which is full of mystery and complex characters. 'The Guard' by John Connolly is well - known too, featuring a detective with a unique personality.
The moral and religious undertones were quite prevalent. Ireland in the 1960s was still a very religious society. So in crime novels, the idea of sin, redemption, and the role of the Church often played a part. A criminal's actions might not just be seen as a legal violation but also as a spiritual one. And the characters' moral compasses were often shaped by the religious beliefs of the time.
Often, top Irish crime novels have a strong sense of place. For example, they might be set in Dublin or other Irish cities and towns, and the local culture, dialects, and landscapes are vividly described. The characters are complex, not simply good or bad. They are often haunted by their pasts, like in Tana French's novels.
Many of the best Irish crime novels feature a brooding atmosphere. There's often a sense of gloom or unease that pervades the story. The relationships between the characters are complex and full of tension. And the crimes themselves are not just about the act, but about what they reveal about the human condition, the society, and the secrets that lie beneath the surface of Irish life.
Tana French is a very well - known author of Irish crime novels. Her books like 'The Secret Place' are full of twists and turns. John Connolly is also famous. His novels often have elements of the supernatural combined with crime. Another one is Jane Casey, who has written some great detective - centered crime novels set in Ireland.
Irish crime fiction often features complex characters. The settings are typically distinctively Irish, like the narrow streets of Dublin or the rural Irish landscapes. There's a strong sense of community and family, which adds depth to the stories. Also, the Irish history and culture, such as the influence of the Catholic Church and the Troubles, often play a role in the plots, making the stories not just about crime but also about the society.
Northern Irish crime fiction often reflects the unique social and political context of Northern Ireland. It may incorporate elements of the Troubles, the long - standing conflict in the region. Writers in this genre use the backdrop of Northern Ireland's cities and countryside to create tense and engaging crime stories. For example, some works might explore the activities of paramilitary groups within the framework of a crime narrative.
I'm not sure if there is a specific, widely - known 'crime series' strictly from 1960 Ireland in a traditional sense. However, some works from that era like those by John B. Keane might touch on darker themes related to Irish society which could be considered in the realm of crime - influenced literature. Keane's works often explore the human condition in rural Ireland, and some of his stories involve elements like feuds and moral transgressions.
Definitely 'The Guards' by Ken Bruen. It's a hard - hitting Irish crime novel. Bruen's writing style is gritty and his descriptions of Galway and the criminal underworld there are vivid. His use of language is unique and really draws you into the seedy world of crime in Ireland. It's a great example of Irish crime fiction.