Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC. This review is for the book in audio format.

Anne Emery's Fenian Street isn't merely an audiobook; it's a haunting melody that reverberates through the dimly lit alleys of Dublin. Narrated by the talented Ashley O'Connell, this noir thriller grips your senses and refuses to let go.

In the heart of 1970s Dublin, where cobblestone streets echo with whispered confessions and secrets fester like old wounds, we meet Shay Rynne. Born in the shadow of the Corporation Flats on Fenian Street, Shay dreams of donning the uniform of the Garda Síochána—the Irish police. But justice in Dublin isn't a straightforward path; it's a labyrinth of allegiances, vendettas, and murky alliances.

When Rosaleen, Shay's childhood friend, is brutally murdered, he steps into the role of an unlikely avenger. His quest for truth leads him from the rain-soaked streets of Dublin to the smoky pubs where secrets are traded like contraband. Along the way, he encounters Detective McCreevy—a man with his own demons—and the enigmatic Nora, whose past intertwines with Shay's in unexpected ways.

This book was not my jam and I can tell you it was a me problem and not a book/author problem. This was my 1st book by Anne Emery but I will certainly give them another read!

#FenianStreet
#NetGalley

While the premise of Fenian Street is interesting and the inner conflict of a policeman who grew up on the 'rougher' side of life is always an interesting read (or in this case, listen), the book falls short.

The author often goes on tangents, giving side stories and details of characters from our main character's previous years and, while this usually seems relevant, a lot of the details are unnecessary and what may seem like foreshadowing is, on more than one occasion, simply an info dump.

While there is more than enough history to keep a fan of this time period/matter hooked, as an actual fictional tale, it lacks grip and it is easy to get distracted, lost or forget the real point of the book.

This was very interesting to listen to.
I don't know a lot about Irish history from this time, but this gave me a very good insight.
And the mystery was interesting too.

The narrator did a very good job.

Set in 1970s Dublin, Fenian Street successfully brings together historical fiction and crime. Having grown up in a Republican household in the corporation flats in Dublin’s inner city, Shay Rynne isn’t exactly a typical guard. His neighbours have always been distrustful of the Garda and his colleagues seem to think it more likely for Shay to be committing crimes instead of solving them. Despite the odds, Shay is committed to challenging the Garda’s stereotypes against working class Dubliners from within.

But this isn’t his only reason for becoming a guard – ever since his childhood friend Rosaleen died in an alleged accident working at a hotel, Shay has felt the need to find answers. Suspecting foul play, Shay reopens Rosaleen’s case and begins to piece together the circumstances of his friend’s death. However, things become personal once again when Shay’s own father becomes a suspect in another, highly political murder investigation.

If you’re looking for a mystery that will have you on the edge of your seat or even just a classic whodunnit, this might not be the book for you. By choosing a rather slow pace, Anne Emery takes a rather unconventional approach to the crime novel, yet this certainly feels deliberate and adds to the generally quite personal feel of the book. Besides the well-constructed and suspenseful cases that make up the main plot, Fenian Street also places great emphasis on capturing everyday life in 1970s working class Dublin. Witnesses and suspects are never just mere plot devices, but truly three-dimensional characters representing their communities.

This sense of authenticity which is achieved through skilful characterisation is what sets Fenian Street apart from other good mystery novels. Shay’s individual perception of and involvement with the cases truly adds to the story, as do the insights into the protagonist’s relationships outside of his role as a guard. Moreover, presenting a critical view of the police force and drawing attention to the institution’s issues with corruption and prejudice against the Dublin working class is rather unique for the genre.

Anne Emery also does a great job at embedding her fictional story within the historical context of the Troubles. For instance, Shay becomes a witness to the 1972 Dublin and Monaghan bombings and sees his city being destroyed with his own eyes, a traumatic incident which greatly impacts his view on justice and how he views the world in the aftermath of the attack.

Thus, Fenian Street does not only provide a thrilling mystery, but also touches upon countless human stories that could not feel any more real or genuine, not least because many of them are inspired by true historical events. The audio book, too, is well worth a listen: The characters feel even more tangible when you can hear them speak in their own accent and Ashley O’Connell’s rendition of the story will transport you straight to the streets of Dublin.

I listened to Fenian Street by Anne Emery narrated by Ashley O’Connell and I was glad I chose the audio instead of reading the book because you get the feel so much more by hearing the brogue. The reading was perfectly done. Changing tone and even tempo with characters were done flawlessly. You could easily slip into the action and feelings of the characters and was read at a comfortable pace. Ashley made it easy to imagine what was happening by sounds and the right drama to the events and conversations.
The story takes place during a very tumultuous time in Ireland, the 70s. Shay Rynne was from Fenian Street - public housing. - in Dublin. A dream of Shays was to become a Garuda in the Irish police, and he does achieve that goal, mainly to find the killer of his good friend Rosaleen. Her death was, in Shay's opinion, not an accident. He must endure not only a prejudicial attitude, because of where he is from, but he also made an enemy of the original investigating detective, McCreevy, a man his superior, who would like nothing more than to ruin him.
Anne Emery tells of the discord of war between the Irish and Brits, that caused so much pain and death in the 70s.
The narrator does well reading it but the story did seem to go on and on. It is a long book, I did projects while listening and had to re-listen at times as my mind wandered during the story.

I recommend this book, in audio, to those who like history and relationships tied up in a story. There is language but with the brogue, it isn’t offensive and learned some fun words indigenous to that area. I can't say I would buy this for a friend as I wouldn't buy it for myself however, many readers would appreciate the story reflecting the difficult times they experienced. I prefer books with more drama and action.

Thank you NetGalley and Publishers ECW Press Audio for this audio presentation and for my honest review.

The narration of this book was superb, most authentic accent to accompany a local dialect I have heard. The storyline was of solving local crime and the dilemma facing the young guard to remain impartial and not take his position of trust to the limit. Although set in Dublin the scenarios could have been anywhere and tackling an unsolved case would be a challenge for even the most experienced detective. The attention to detail and evidence was well thought out and developed throughout the book, as was the references to local and social history. Thank you #NetGalley for the audiobook to review.

Love the narrator’s accent but not so keen on his reading style which I found a little dry.
The book is hard going. Not the most riveting tale, as it dragged, but I found I mostly enjoyed the book. The best part about the story was the historical facts I learned along the way.

*Many thanks to Anne Emery, ECW Press Audio, and NetGalley for arc in exchange for my honest review.*
I really enjoyed this audiobook, set during The Troubles and designed as a novel which is not fast-paced but focuses on social background, troubled history and character development. A young policeman decides to find out the truth behind allegedly a fatal accident and throughout his investigation makes some shocking discoveries.
Fenian Street is a perfect read/listen to those who want to learn more about the difficult times, not just find the culprit.

Shamus Rin grew up in the flats and one of the bright spots of him growing up there and they weren’t many was Rosie. She looked out for all the little guys giving every extra she had when she could. One night there was a concert at a local hotel and the next morning Shayfound out that there was a murder and it was Rosie. It wouldn’t be until a couple of years later that he would join the Gardi and with the help of his mentor and God father Colin Griffin set out to solve the murder. And although he would step on toes namely investigator Shaylynn McGreevey hey self important social climber who didn’t solve it to begin with so he could protect city politicians. Let me just say I would listen to Ashley O’Connell read ingredients to make paint he has the nicest voice I have ever heard on an audiobook I am truly going to look for other audiobooks narrated by him love his voice. As far as Fenian Street goes I loved the story I loved how he brought himself up despite his circumstances and how he carried himself with respectability I just loved Shay so much!
He was such a good guy not to mention the writing style of the author I love how even when he had to deal with seedy people he treated them the same as his coworkers and other people he respected if they deserved it I just love this book and the ending was one I didn’t expect this is a great old time feel mystery and I totally loved it. I received this book from NetGalley and the publisher but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

4.5 rounded down.
I listened to the audio version of this novel and really enjoyed it.
While this is a mystery, the mystery itself seemed to be vehicle for writing about the Irish experience during this time period. I do not know much about this period of Irish history and found it fascinating. While the mystery was good, I found the characters and atmosphere the author so skillfully developed the stars of the book. Had the outcome of the mystery been a little more surprising, I would have given this book 5 stars.
In the audio format, I also really enjoyed the voice and accent of the narrator. I got lost in the story and could imagine every scene as though I were there. I would definitely read this author again.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Dublin - 1970’s, during the troubles. After the unsolved murder of his kind childhood friend Rosie, who supposedly fell down a flight of stairs to her death. Shay decides to join the Garda Siochana to represent the people from his area of poverty within the Police force, and to try to get to the bottom of what happened to Rosie.

I found this to be a too slow paced for my taste, however it picks up speed a little about 40% in. A lot of insight is given into how hard life was in these deprived areas at the time, in addition to well researched historical context of the area, and the horrors of British Colonialism.



A wonderful narrator, really expressive and transportive - perfect for this book.

An Irish cop and an Irish priest walk into a pub...
This gritty salt of the earth story follows the rough and tumble group who grew up together in Dublin with all of their dreams and struggles. Their fictional story weaves beautifully through the horrors of the car bombings of 1974 and the tense political world that spilled onto the streets.

Genuinely enthralling and oh so carefully pictured with wonderful views in the Irish countryside and towns, I was absorbed from beginning to end and loved the flavour of the characters. The descriptions were so good I could hear the fiddles in the background and the guiness on tap!

Really enjoyed this Audio book and I love an Irish accent so the narrator was great too
I liked the character Shay’ Rynne was born and brought up in Fenian Street, Dublin
Against the odds of his upbringing Shay joins the Garda his reasons to become a Garda is to investigate his childhood friends "accidental death "
This book covers Shay's life his progression and it also covers the troubles in Northern Ireland in the ‘70s, and how this affected families during this time

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.

As someone who was born just after the events in this novel, not in Ireland but in Scotland but who Was, nonetheless keenly aware of the “Troubles” This was a fascinating and at times salutary lesson in Irish history.

Shay is an engaging protagonist to follow through this tale with Myriad ups and downs through the vagaries of the troubled second half of the 20th century in the Irish Republic. Shamefully, I was not fully aware of the Dublin bombings in the 70s. This is in part and indictment of the UK education system and the media. I learned a great deal, I was gripped and moved and I would thoroughly recommend this book to anyone who loves Ireland, the Irish and wants to get a greater understanding of the shaping of the modern nation.

Thank you to NetGallery and ECW Audio Press for the complimentary audio version of Fenian Street by Anne Emery, narrated perfectly by Ashley O’Connell.. Wonderful, we’ll defined characters and a excellent plot, and a “can’t put this down” read. It made me want to spend some time in an Irish pub eavesdropping! This one, especially with such a fantastic narration, is definitely a 5-star recommendation.

I think I had a hard time getting into this because it’s my first Irish historical fiction and I genuinely don’t know much about Irish history. There were some events that just left me confused and it took a bit to get the hang of the vernacular sometimes too.

I did like the plot and the characters though.

🌀Synopsis
Shay Rynne grew up poor but broke the cycle to become part of the Irish Police.

He decides he needs to solve a murder from his past, his friend Rosealeen. His work and inquires do him no favors on the force as he makes an enemy out of the detective who tried to solve it when it occurred.

When a politician is killed Shay gets another opportunity to prove his abilities but his father is a suspect she he gets removed from the case.

Shay is determined to clear his name and ultimately solves the murder case, proving a poor kid can make it in the force.

ITS A TEN FROM ME! seriously though this meander through the history of Ireland is so well detailed and researched you’d feel you were immersed in it yourself. While it’s most definitely a thriller, it’s a thriller with heart. The journey through young Shay’s life from growing up in the poverty of the corpos right through to joining the garda, every tiny detail is perfect and it was a joy to watch the making of the man so to speak. Father Brennan is written so well, I’m sure I’ve confessed my sins to him at some point. The narration deserves huge applause as it was beautifully done. Again I can’t express how beautifully written and researched this is covering the troubles of the times with a real heart and firm question marks on the British involvement in Ireland and the north. I wonder was the author there?! #Jorecommends

Thank you to the publishers, author and NetGalley for the free copy of this audio book.

Very interesting read, with a great historical setting. It is a tad slow at times but makes up for it at other points. The narrator was really great.