Utterly Monkey

Nick Laird

First time novelist Nick Laird hails from Northern Ireland and now lives in London. He continues in the long tradition of great Irish storytellers, bringing us a tense, briskly moving tale of the troubles that refuse to die easily.

Danny Williams, a Ballyglass native, kept his nose clean, studied hard, and earned university credentials. He escapes a depressed Northern Ireland as the troubles are winding down; academic success lands him in a prestigious law firm in the City of London.

The treadmill of long hours and concern over his capability has him disillusioned at a young age, but Danny is selected to review Ulster Water as part of a M & A deal. Ellen, an intern and one of few at the office lower on the totem pole (or the equivalent London analogy) than he is, provides assistance. Having returned from Ulster, Danny has a personal crisis while preparing the due diligence report, failing miserably.

Geordie Wilson, a layabout, wannabe punk, has learned the hard way that he doesn't have what it takes to be a real bad guy. He escapes to England by ferry to avoid being murdered by extremists he has crossed. He has escaped with nearly £50,000 of their funds, and won't be readily forgotten.

On the ferry crossing he is unlucky enough to meet Ian, one of the bad guys. Ian, off to London for reasons of his own, befriends Geordie and secures his cell number so they can get together as two Northern Irish lads in London, pondering whatever is pondered in a London pub.

Arriving in London, Geordie locates his school chum of sorts, Danny, and hangs out at his apartment while not finding work and missing Ireland over more than a few pints of Guinness (the wonderful description of Guinness settling out is, in my opinion, worth the price of the book). When Ian learns of the missing money, he calls Danny, and sets up a meeting over yet another pint.

The tension builds as Ian gets himself invited to a party thrown by Danny. Shortly after the party, Ian recovers the money from Geordie – but an upset Geordie turns the tables, trying to uncover what Ian plans for the money. Having botched the due diligence report, Danny agrees to join Geordie in an amateur undercover mission, trailing Ian's van to learn what he is up to. Their detective work uncovers and foils the inept plot cooked up by Ian and his Irish backers.

The characters are well fleshed out and consistent. The writing is fluid, mature for a first time novelist. Unlike many books today, nearly everything is wrapped up as a nicely finished package. A much more interesting read than this review, well worth the effort.