Holding by Graham Norton

Garda Siochána (Guardian of the Peace) is more commonly referred to as the Gardai or Guards. It’s the police service of the Republic of Ireland. Gardai’s representative in the sleepy and remote Irish village of Duneen, County Cork, is Sergeant Patrick James ‘PJ’ Collins.

When he’s advised by a young builder’s labourer in the main street of the village that a skull and a few bones have been dug up on a housing construction site, a whisper goes round Duneen within minutes that Tommy Burke has been found.

Tommy Burke has been missing for 23 years. The postmistress, Mrs O’Driscoll, feels a twinge in her stomach; an uneasiness about the secrets that might be unearthed to disturb this little village.

As night falls on the most exciting day for many years, four women find that sleep is eluding them: Elizabeth Meany, the policeman’s housekeeper; Susan Hickey, coordinator of a team encouraging good causes; Evelyn Ross, unmarried, highly strung and fragile; and Brid Riordan, an unhappily married alcoholic.

Detective Superintendent Linus Dunne arrives from Cork to lead the investigation but ‘PJ’ does most of the interviews. Evelyn remembers Tommy as being shiny-haired, tanned-skinned, wide-mouthed, and perfect. She’s convinced she knows who is to blame for his death.

Word from the pub is that Tommy left because of a messy love life. He was seen getting on the daily bus to Cork but no-one can remember who actually saw him boarding.

Anger, resentment, secrets and regrets are released as memories reawaken.

Graham Norton, a popular television host and presenter, has created a darkly humorous and touching debut novel. Short, sharp chapters and a sleek, apparently effortless style encourages the reader to stay up late to finish this exciting page-turner.  

Holding has been adapted for television; the four episodes are currently streaming on SBS TV.

Reviewed by Clive Hodges