The Rage – Gene Kerrigan

Gene Kerrigan's 'The Rage' is an incredibly well thought out and addictive novel. We are introduced to the story at a point where a crime is being planned. Told through the eyes of a number of different characters – criminals, reformed criminals, the police, witnesses and informers – each protagonist provides another piece of the puzzle and the story starts to take shape. Gradually each perspective comes together to build a network of connections between individuals that literally culminates in the 'rage' that appears in the title.

Set in Ireland a couple of years ago it very cleverly blurs the lines between right and wrong, law and justice – and in some cases injustice. The hierarchy and chains of command that exist within the criminal world echo those which similarly exist within the police, hampering progress to get to the real truth.

This was a random choice for my April Book Club meeting and one of those little gems that I have come across from time to time over the last few years since we started. Winner of The Crime Novel of the Year in 2012 by the CWA, it really is a gripping thriller and one that I'll be recommending fellow crime fiction enthusiasts.