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    Those We Left Behind
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    Those We Left Behind
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    Those We Left Behind
    Audiobook10 hours

    Those We Left Behind

    Written by Stuart Neville

    Narrated by Deirdre O'Connell

    4/5

    ()

    Unavailable in your country

    Unavailable in your country

    About this audiobook

    When 12-year-old Ciaran Devine confessed to murdering his foster father it sent shock waves through the nation. DCI Serena Flanagan took Ciaran's confession after days spent earning his trust. He hasn't forgotten the kindness she showed him – she hasn't left his thoughts at all.

    But was there more to this case than the police uncovered? When concerns are brought to DCI Flanagan the years of lies begin to unravel, setting a deadly chain of events in motion.
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherW. F. Howes Ltd
    Release dateMar 1, 2016
    ISBN9781510019980
    Unavailable
    Those We Left Behind

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    Reviews for Those We Left Behind

    4/5

    70 ratings15 reviews

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    • 4/5
      Another good book by Stuart Neville.A 12 year old is convicted of murdering his foster father, his older brother is convicted as an accessory, but what really happened and who really did the killing? Well the reader will find out because as the book opens up the young killers is now released from prison. This was a well told story and from another author likely would have got 5 stars but the others books by this author especially The Ghosts of Belfast are so fantastic that in comparison this book is a 4.
    • 5/5
      Thrilling read. Stuart Neville never fails to satisfy!
    • 4/5
      I liked the story a lot but it is depressing. The book dives deep into a very dysfunctional relationship between two brothers. There are a couple of mysteries but they really are not the most important part of the book.
    • 4/5
      This is the first Serena Flangan novel. She is a Detective in Northern Ireland. Two brothers Ciaran and Thomas are out of jail now after killing their Foster Dad.Ciaran took the blame for it, It turns out Thomas the eldest is the manipulator and Ciaran does whatever Thomas wants.Thomas is the brains Ciaran is a bit slower, Flanagan really connected with Ciaran when he was sent down 7 years ago. Now they are out the offences start again, more murder and attacks, they even attack Flanagan in her house her husband is stabbed. She follows them to the coast were they used to live they attack a Policeman and have a big fight in the sea and both drown.Good story this.
    • 3/5
      I've enjoyed getting into Stuart Neville's work and the first of his Flanagan series is a pretty good addition. It's not perfect, though, with the problem being the 'star' player's behavior throughout.The 2nd of a pair of young man who had murdered their foster-father (they were both found at the scene and questions remain about who did the actual killing) is released from juvenile prison with concerns all around about how he'll function in today's world. DCI Serena Flanagan, who was involved in the original investigation and had developed a bit of a rapport with the youngster, has returned to the force after breast cancer surgery and inserts herself into the young man's probation process. A sub-plot involves the murder-suicide of one of Flanagan's friends from the breast cancer support group she attends.I have a couple problems with Flanagan's behavior throughout, but never having been in law enforcement I'm not sure how relevant my concerns are.... First, she had developed, and seems to continue, a creepy relationship with the young man, supposedly in an attempt to get him to 'fess up about the original crime (and subsequent others by he and his brother after they were reunited). The 2nd is her almost total disregard of authority. She disregards direct orders and otherwise does pretty much whatever she wants in her search for justice. Again, crime literature is chock full of police who go against the rules, but this seemed to be a stretch.Things wrap up a little melodramatically at the end. I look forward to checking into the progress of the Flanagan character in subsequent additions to the series.
    • 4/5
      Those We Left Behind by Stuart NevilleSerena Flanagan series Book #13.5&#9733'sFrom The Book:Ciaran Devine, who made Belfast headlines seven years ago as the “schoolboy killer,” is about to walk free. At the age of twelve, he confessed to the brutal murder of his foster father; his testimony mitigated the sentence of his older brother, Thomas, who was also found at the crime scene, covered in blood. But DCI Serena Flanagan, the only officer who could convince a young, frightened Ciaran to speak, has silently harbored doubts about his confession all this time.Ciaran’s release means several things: a long-anticipated reunion with Thomas, who still wields a dangerous influence over his younger brother; the call-to-action of a man bent on revenge for his father’s death; and major trouble for Ciaran’s assigned probation officer. Meanwhile, Serena Flanagan has just returned to the force from her battle with breast cancer, only to endure the pitying looks of her coworkers and a mountain of open case files. She will soon discover that even closed cases can unleash terror on the streets of Belfast.My Thoughts:Not a bad book or a bad story plot but not much investigation taking place since that was pretty much done years ago. Anyone that reads this type of book figured out what had actually happened and who had done it shortly after the first few chapters. Still a fairly well done story when you consider that there was constant going back and forth from seven years ago to the present. The story dealt with a topic that every cop wants to believe is impossible...children that kill. This not only dealt with that subject but also with children who convincingly lie and makes finding the truth a thankless job. I can't say that I particularly developed any like or dislike for DCI Serena Flanagan. More development may take place in later books but at this time she seems rather bland and not particularly interesting. Not a bad effort for a first book so I'll give it 3.5 stars.
    • 5/5
      At the finish of this story there are some notes by the author in which he attempts to explain difficulties he experienced in the initial writing of "Those we left behind" In particular the story was originally intended for DI Jack Lennon but after some soul searching and some rewriting the reader was introduced to DCI Serena Flanagan....and what a brilliant accomplishment that has proved to be.You see, on the one level, we have a murder from some years ago and two disturbed brothers Thomas and Ciaran Devine. Ciaran has been incarcerated in a young offenders prison but did he actually commit the murder or is there a more sinister and evil side to Thomas? This story is actually secondary to the emotional and turbulent life of Serena Flanagan.At the very beginning we learn that Flanagan has returned to duty after an operation; a lumpectomy. As the story proceeds the question posed is one of her capability against the background of the personal trauma just experienced. I, as a male reader, can only imagine the insecurities that must surely surround this relatively young and career driven police woman. At the bottom of this dilemma is the question that seems to haunt Serena....does my husband Alistair still want me and find my attractive?....."You know, you don't have to touch me there. I can keep my top on. You can......She watched as Alistair blinked, his mouth moving, seeking the words to reflect his heart. He sighed as his desire to tell her the truth was defeated by his quiet nature. In the end, he said, "I'm tired, love. Let's get some sleep." He rolled over his back to her, and pulled the duvet up to his chin. "It's just a bit of scarring", Flanagan said, "hardly anything at all." He stayed silent. "I'm not some disfigured monster, for Christ's sake."Ciaran has now been released and once again DCI Flanagan, with the prompting of his probation officer, has become involved as fresh fears and evidence become apparent. Ciaran has never known or experienced in his short life any type of love or affection. He is now confronted with a sympathetic attractive policewoman facing her own emotional battle and sadness within the family unit. I could almost feel the agony that Stuart Neville, so expertly portrayed, as these two damaged individuals found comfort in the presence of each other.....where exactly was he going with this storyline?This is a brilliant, emotional, character driven thriller of the highest order. I so much want Flanagan to be happy and yet her insecurities and problems are what make Those We Left Behind a thriller not to be missed. Highly Recommended!
    • 4/5
      Stuart Neville has evolved into one of my favorite novelist. This one is set in Belfast and involves two brothers that are released from jail after killing their foster father when they were 12 and 14. It explores several themes, including the boys inability to escape their past. Fast paced and thought provoking.
    • 5/5
      I received this from Edelweiss and Soho Publishing in exchange for an honest review.

      This was a strangely compelling book. More of a thriller and character study mash-up than a police procedural, Stuart Neville adeptly entwines two timelines and three main storylines, all tightly woven together with hidden agendas on the part of almost all of the characters introduced in this first book of a new series.

      DCI Serena Flanagan was the lead investigator that drew a confession from then 12-year Ciaran Devine, who killed his foster care giver, and served a seven-year sentence in the juvenile system. His older brother, Thomas, served five years for his role in the murder. After their release, they find the world they knew is gone; it’s completely different than before, and they don’t respond to this change well. The son of the foster care giver also plays a huge role in this story, and the ties between these four main characters draw them inexorably towards the satisfying conclusion.

      This is the first book I've read by Stuart Neville, but it definitely won't be the last!
    • 4/5
      Serena Flannigan has just returned to police work after a major health issue. She will soon find herself embroiled in a case that seriously affected her years ago. A case that will for a short time pair her with a young parole officer, finding themselves confronting something over which they have little control.Flannigan is committed, dogged in pursuit of what she feels is right, very stubborn and uses some unorthodox methods. Not sure how I feel about her and how she handled things but I was intrigued. Dark and gritty, how could it be anything else with child killers as the focus. Psychologically twisty, a police procedure and a very good thriller. Wonderful start to a new series. ARC from Netgalley.
    • 4/5
      In Belfast, nineteen-year-old Ciaran Devine, who was convicted of the gruesome bludgeoning murder of his foster father some seven years earlier, is about to be released from the Young Offenders Centre. His older brother, Thomas, convicted as an accessory in the crime, has already been released. DCI Serena Flanagan, had developed a rapport with Ciaran during the initial investigation of David Rolston’s murder. She believed, and is still convinced, that Thomas actually committed the murder and then persuaded his younger brother to confess. Despite some apprehension and a media focus on the discharge, the decision has been made and Ciaran is to be freed --- and reunited with his brother. Thomas seems to have a dark and dangerous influence over him; Ciaran looks to him for approval and acceptance. But the yet-to-be-revealed darker side of their relationship is about to be exposed . . . and it spells danger for the son of the murdered man, the inspector, and the probation officer. For, despite what each of them believes to be the truth, none have yet to recognize the terror that is about to be unleased.Crisp writing, well developed characters, and steadily-building suspense keep the pages turning in this fast-paced psychological thriller that leads to a climax readers won’t see coming until it’s upon them. Recommended.
    • 3/5
      In reading Those We Left Behind, I was moved to pity for Ciaran Devine, the boy everyone felt free to take advantage of his entire life, but that was the most involvement I felt. To me the story was all too predictable from beginning to end and filled with people for whom I really didn't care. It's well-written and the pacing flows smoothly, but unfortunately the entire story felt lifeless. I know that Stuart Neville is well regarded, and since this is the first book of his I've read, I'll read another of his books in the future. This one just isn't my cup of tea.
    • 4/5
      Those We Left Behind is my first Neville book, and I'll likely read more. I whipped though this book in a few hours, curious about the outcome. However, it had something that I really dislike in crime novels,and having it in the very first of a series (not sure if this is meant to be the first of a series, but I'm thinking it is) puts me off. ****Spoiler Alert***When the main detective/character is put in danger by the perp, and/or, even worse, the detective's family, I get irate. Especially when that character is a woman. Go there in the first book of the series? Then what's left?
    • 3/5
      Actual rating: 3.5Set in Belfast, 'Those We Left Behind' is an atmospheric and gripping psychological thriller. A 'must read' for all crime thriller fans. It follows four key characters, along two timeframes which are seamlessly executed.Ciaran Devine is being released on parole after serving seven years for killing his foster father. His older brother, Thomas, released two years earlier is anticipating their reunion.DCI Serena Flanagan has just returned to the department after recovering from breast cancer.Probation Officer Paula Cunningham has been working with Ciaran to help him adjust to his release from prison.'Those We Left Behind' is narrated in each character's point of view. Ciaran portrays a quiet, insular, troubled and anguished child, even as an adult on release it was difficult to imagine him as a nineteen year old man. It was as if he hadn't aged mentally and just remained in the past. I read somewhere that this often happens. That there is little emotional or mental maturing in very young offenders. Time stays still. They remain in the past, unable to develop or mature. The world moves on leaving them in stasis. The 'outside' becomes a hostile, alien place. If this was Neville's intention to portray Ciaran as emotionally stunted then he did exactly what he set out to do.DCI Serena Flanagan shows signs of being a maverick detective as she will fight to achieve what she believes in even if it goes against the grain and causes tension with her superiors. There is also a vulnerability about her which comes to the fore during her interviews with Ciaran.Paula Cunningham, Ciaran's probation officer, believes he is innocent of the crime he confessed to and works towards helping him break free of the unnatural hold his older brother has over him and tell the truth about what happened that night.Flanagan and Cunningham work together after a murder once again brings the brothers under suspicion. Each endeavour to unburden Ciaran of his loyalty to his brother, but Thomas is not ready to relinquish his hold and be abandoned or betrayed and trouble ensues. There is another strand running alongside the main storyline about the paramilitary and the difficulties encountered by the community who want to live as normal a life as possible in the aftermath of 'The Troubles'. This is only touched on with the team leaders where Ciaran finds work, but it certainly has an impact and demonstrates the current tensions and compromises of working and living alongside each other.'Those We Left Behind' is a character driven, emotional thought-provoking read about abusive sibling relationships and obsession. Highly compelling it is also about how violent crime affects everyone involved from the perpetrators, to the family of the victim, and the investigating team. Above all it show how there is never any real closure for those left in its aftermath.'Those We Left Behind' is the first novel I've read by Stuart Neville and I was not disappointed. I look forward to reading what's in store for the main character DCI Serena Flanagan now that she has been awarded justifiably her own series after featuring in Neville's previous novels.'Those We Left Behind' will surely generate some interesting discussion at book reading groups. Highly recommended.Disclaimer: I received a complementary copy for an honest, unbiased review from the Publisher & Dead Good Books (GoodReads) Group
    • 5/5
      Set in Belfast, really a police procedural, this was a difficult plot structure to pull off successfully: three main strands and two time frames seven years apart. I think Neville has done it very well.Life has moved on since 12 year old Ciaran Devine confessed to murdering his foster father. His brother Thomas has served five years for his role in the murder and has been "out" two years waiting for his younger brother's release. Ciaran is nearly twenty but in many ways still immature, a child who relies on his older brother for advice, and even for permission to speak. Flanagan is a mother of two, and recently returned to work after a bout of breast cancer and is a member of a breast cancer support group. . She remembers Ciaran Devine very well. Paula Cunningham too remembers Ciaran Devine and his older brother Thomas.An excellent read.