One of the advantages of writing historical mysteries is the ability to weave in and out of actual events, and Adrian McKinty has done it very effectively in this mystery novel, book three of the Sean Duffy series. It’s 1984 and Duffy is on the hunt for an IRA bomber who apparently has his sights set on a big target.

Margaret Thatcher.

At the time, she was probably the biggest target in the world, and the bombing described in the book actually happened in real life. Another reason, I like this series so much and keep reading them is that I keep learning about a place and time that I don’t know much about. I mean, I remember 1984. I was alive, but I was mostly interested in GI Joe figures and Mr. T, not so much the Irish Troubles.

In the Morning I’ll Be Gone combines a classic locked room mystery with a ticking clock thriller. It becomes a story of family, corruption, and greed with an action packed ending. Think, if Robert Crais books had substance and gravitas as well as excellent style and structure. Of the Sean Duffy books, this one structurally is probably the most effective one, though I personally liked the first book more.

My Take: If you like your mysteries to be realistic, structurally sound, and historically accurate, read this book. Really just read this whole series.