Debut Novel Out Now
An Enemy within by ciarán roche
John Franklin has been arrested for the murder of a child. His family, friends and neighbours are frozen in disbelief, especially his childhood friend Joan, godmother to one of his children, who quickly becomes embroiled in a frantic search for answers. Detective Sergeant Kevin Brady is seething with rage as he looks at the body of a young boy lying in a grave in a wood. He knows who the boy is. Two families desperate for knowledge of their missing children have reached out to Detective Brady for help. Could this be the breakthrough they hope for? Meanwhile, a group with no regard for the damage their depravity inflicts are going about their lives feeling superior and safe. Using a multi-layered story structure, An Enemy Within shows how abuse causes trauma and long-term effects on the lives of victims, as well as devastating consequences for the wider community.
‘Crime novels are not usually how I like to spend my reading time. But this one I started yesterday evening and I have finished it today!
This book was such a gripping and powerful story. Well Done’
— Ruth, Dublin.
‘The story line is heavy and perfect for a good crime novel. I absolutely love the style of writing and how the sentences are framed. An elegance that captures the scene and mood of the characters and their individualities.
Joan’s character at odds with her friends perception of their past and how it developed had me trapped and riveted till the end’
— Joan, Louth.
‘In this compelling book, Ciarán Roche offers an insight Into a dangerous reality. As a society, we have only begun to understand the extent of the cause and effect of child abuse and yet this book is about so much more. It is a story too, about a cast of characters who try to make life better for others in their community, Such courageous people bring this book to life as they face, unflinchingly, the enemy within.’
—Liz McManus.
About ciarán
Ciarán Roche is the author of a number of plays for which he has received widespread recognition. He was shortlisted for the RTÉ P.J. O’Connor Radio Play Award for A Tangled Web.
Born in Drimnagh, Dublin, he is the second child of nine. Having left school at 15, he moved to England, where he qualified in disability and psychiatric nursing before working as a mental welfare officer. He subsequently worked in Ireland as a social work manager, branching out to develop alternative support services for children and their families. He is currently the chairperson of three not-for-profit companies providing support for individuals and families.
Ciarán divides his time between his home in Co. Wicklow and the Dingle Peninsula in Co. Kerry. An Enemy Within is his debut novel.
Contact
ciaranrochebooks@gmail.com
