Danny Morrison: Cork crime novel Cruel Deeds explores dark side of lust for property

Catherine Kirwan brilliantly handles the intricacies of fraud and financial impropriety.

Catherine Kirwan. Picture: Denis Minihane

What I loved about this fast-paced crime novel was the intimacy of the narration: our access to the rationale, doubts, and suspicions of Cork solicitor-turned-sleuth, Finn Fitzpatrick.

A work colleague, Mandy Breslin, a powerhouse in the prestigious law firm of MLC in Mac Swiney St which acts for some of Cork’s wealthiest people, and tipped to become managing partner, is reported missing by her husband, Ed.