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The Anatomy of a Killing

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The Anatomy of a Killing

By: Ian Cobain
Narrated by: Patrick Moy
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About this listen

The untold story of an IRA unit and a killing that has echoed across the decade.

On the morning of Saturday 22nd April 1978, members of an Active Service Unit of the IRA hijacked a car and crossed the countryside to the town of Lisburn. Within an hour, they had killed an off-duty policeman in front of his young son.

In The Anatomy of a Killing, award-winning journalist Ian Cobain documents the hours leading up to the killing and the months and years of violence, attrition and rebellion surrounding it. Drawing on interviews with those most closely involved, as well as court files, police notes, military intelligence reports, IRA strategy papers, memoirs and government records, this is a unique perspective on the Troubles and a revelatory work of investigative journalism.

©2020 Ian Cobain (P)2020 W F Howes Europe Great Britain Words, Language & Grammar Writing & Publishing

Critic Reviews

“By homing in on one man's violent death, Ian Cobain tells a riveting and tragic story but, while doing that, he has also written a precise, compelling history of the Troubles. It's one of the best I've read.” (Roddy Doyle)

All stars
Most relevant
Best book in a long time. Very thorough research, full of context and historical facts. The writer has made a real effort to shine light on both sides. Narration is also spot on and fits the book perfectly.

Excellent research, writing and narration

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