GRIPPING DEBUT YOU CAN BANK ON FOR THRILLS Midday

David B Lyons Bloodhound €10.21 ★★★★★

WHEN one of the main characters asks himself very early on ‘What does Dublin have to offer me today?’ it’s a question that the reader can ask of this book. The answer is a gripping and high-octane page-turner that keeps you guessing right until the end.

Dubliner David B. Lyons has written a very promising debut novel full of mystery and suspense. Midday tells the tale of one of the most ambitious bank robberies in Dublin’s history. Before they’ve rubbed the sleep out of their eyes, bank manager Vincent and his boyfriend Ryan are held at gunpoint in their plush home. They are told that Vincent must rob €2million from the four different branches that he is in charge of by midday, or else Ryan will be killed.

We are soon also introduced to the would-be thieves who, along with Vincent and Ryan, tell the story from their own perspective. It brings together the different strands in a way which may not have worked as well in a more traditional style.

As you would expect, things take a bit of a left turn and each character must confront their past in order to keep their future alive. These ‘recall’ moments allow the author to occasionally take his foot off the pedal which lets the story breathe.

As Vincent frantically gets to work withdrawing the money, other characters come into play and the tension seeps out into the pages as the clock ticks down.

Lyons peers into some dark corners at times, especially in the exchanges between Ryan and his captor Darragh.

Overall this is a highly impressive debut novel from Lyons who delivers a breathless story which resolves itself in a hugely satisfying manner.