The Key to Kells by Kevin Barry O’Connor
What's It About?
A discovery upends everything we know about memory and genetics, and might cost one man his life.The Key to Kells pulses with action and international conspiracy, while also granting readers a fantastically vivid glimpse of an ancient past. Author Kevin Barry O’Connor captures the quick pace and excitement of the Mission Impossible film franchise while breaking from the average thriller by incorporating fictionalized first-hand accounts of history every few chapters. While consulting on a criminal investigation, Key Murphy has a series of near-death experiences that awaken a unique ability within him. He initially sees visions, then becomes completely immersed in the memories of his ancestors, as if he were living the moments himself. Key must learn to harness this special gift and rely on a close team of allies to solve a mystery hundreds of years in the making.
When we want you dead. You’ll be dead.
This ominous threat, uttered within the first few pages of the novel, initially appears to be an idle threat from a street thug. The phrase is repeated in multiple occasions throughout the novel, by increasingly sophisticated and powerful enemies. As Key Murphy, friends, and even his family learn of a direct familial connection and possible clue to a historic mystery involving his Irish forebearers, they encounter a variety of adversaries. A series of hidden clues and relics lead Key to the ultimate treasure from Irish lore, the missing pages and bejeweled cover of the ancient Book of Kells. The closer he draws to solving this mystery and recovering the treasure, the more brazen and insurmountable the opposition. Dedicated treasure hunters, powerful public figures, even an entire corporation conspire to stop Key before he can bring the ancestral treasure to light and reunite a divided land.
Set in the modern day, The Key to Kells weaves through the crowded streets of Philadelphia, through some of the seedier parts of Jamaica, and off to Scotland and Ireland. A notable sense of place permeates the pages of this book, with details that immerse readers in the story. Specific regions of each location, local dialects, customs, even fragrances and textures are all mixed in to create a wonderful effect.
Key Murphy’s ability to draw up the experiences of his ancestors is one of the more intriguing aspects of this story. While bordering the paranormal, the author grounds this ability with a scientifically feasible explanation based on genetic memory. This rare, fictionalized anomaly is pivotal to the story and pulled off wonderfully by this talented writer. Kevin Barry O’Connor provides sufficient explanation to make it seem possible, without overexplaining the fact. This is just one of the special angles of this book that gives space for the imagination of the reader to fill in the gaps and bring the characters to life.
For those who appreciate traditional stories of espionage and action, The Key to Kells delivers as well. There are chase scenes, gunfights, hostage situations, and more than one twist that will make your jaw drop. Key Murphy is fairly consistent in his intentions to make the right choice, but this is far more than can be said about the vast majority of the supporting cast. Allies become enemies, enemies become temporary friends, motivations and loyalty shift throughout the course of the book. These twists and turns are represented in a manner that avoids seeming cliché, while representing the complicated motivations and sympathies of human nature. Readers can reliably cheer for the protagonist but keep an eye on everyone else.
The Key to Kells is a brilliantly crafted novel of action and suspense with a provocative angle. Kevin Barry O’Connor writes this story with a level of detail trademark of the greatest authors, yet keeps the action turned on high for the greater part of the book. A thorough mining of historic records and examination of current divisive issues give a depth of meaning to this highly entertaining tale. The Key to Kells offers something for everyone and will have readers anxious to pick up the next book in this exciting series.
About the author:
Kevin has been a storyteller most of his life. From living room productions as a child to studying mime, circus arts, acting, dance, and writing for the stage. He co-founded a comedy theater company that toured the US for over a decade. His passion for story led him to become a global sales trainer and motivational speaker, taking him to ninety countries on six continents.
Kevin has dual US/Irish citizenship and a passion for history. He lived and ran a business in Jamaica in the nineties. His novels blend the history of the Irish and African diasporas set in contemporary thrillers. Kevin’s traveling life will continue to be displayed in this series as he takes you to the far corners of the world, where exotic locales become the setting for fast-paced action and adventure.
Kevin published his first novel, The Key to Kells, on his 70th birthday to celebrate aging as an adventure to be met with fun, creativity, and passion.
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