The Last Crossing

By: Brian McGilloway

Narrated by: Owen McDonnell

Shortlisted for the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year 2021.

Tony, Hugh and Karen thought they'd seen the last of each other 30 years ago.

Half a lifetime has passed, and memories have been buried. But when they are asked to reunite—to lay ghosts to rest for the good of the future—they all have their own reasons to agree.

As they take the ferry from Northern Ireland to Scotland, the past is brought into terrible focus—some things are impossible to leave behind.

In The Last Crossing, memory is unreliable, truth shifts and slips and the lingering legacy of the Troubles threatens the present once again.

©2022 Brian McGilloway (P)2020 Hachette Audio UK

Critic reviews

"Poetic, human and gripping...reminded me of Bernard MacLaverty's early work. Yes, it's that good." (Ian Rankin)

"Moving and powerful, this is an important book, which everyone should read." (Ann Cleeves)

"The Last Crossing is not only a riveting story about loss and guilt in a fractured society, it is also an important work. Beautifully written and lingers long in the memory." (Steve Cavanagh)

Well written downer

It is a good story, well written and read. But a real downer, very depressing.

A tragedy revealed

You won’t soon forget this almost gothic narrative, which parses the long echoes of the Troubles. Set in two distinct times, on the narrow cusp of politics, violence, corruption, betrayal and ideological zeal. Vivid descriptions and convincing dialogue animate a cast of characters trapped by poor decisions and conflicted loyalties. Fine voice talent, wonderful accents, irresistible momentum.

Absolutely gripping, not just another mystery

Shakespearean tragedy, eloquently written, narrator could not be better! I’m going to download more books featuring Owen McDonnell, and more written by Brian McGilloway.

DARK BUT SUPERB

Excellent narration of this audiobook. The characters and setting were quite powerful —- the type that make the reader think about long after the story is over. It progressed a little too slow for me but, all in all, well worth the time both in listening and the necessary contemplation of it afterward.