Unfortunately, 5 stars is all I can give 'The Journeyman Tailor'.... it deserves a few more. Great writing by a master in an intricately plotted, entirely believable story combine to become a novel that is now on my 'all-time favorites' shelf. I can't believe it hasn't been made into a movie.....

The setting is the era of the 'Troubles' in Ireland. A master IRA assassin is on the run and heads for England, while the entire machinery of Great Britain's military and police is on the hunt. The story, though, is on the micro-level, with a hyper-focused young lady spychaser and her newly assigned assistant working with an informant to lure the assassin back to his home in order to bring him to justice. Moral dilemmas abound, the tradecraft and procedural descriptions are first rate, the action is frighteningly credible, and the heroine leaves an indelible mark on everyone she meets. And did I mention the writing? First class....

All in all, an excellent novel by a true master of his craft. An incredible book! ( )