Four Shots in the Night: A True Story of Spies, Murder, and Justice in Northern Ireland BY Henry Hemming

Four Shots in the Night delves into the gripping story of a political murder that reverberated through the tumultuous landscape of Northern Ireland’s Troubles. The book centers on the assassination of an IRA member turned British informant, whose body was found with tape over his eyes, signaling a brazen and undisguised hit. This murder ignited a series of dramatic events that extended far beyond the initial crime.

The quest for justice in this case did more than uncover the truth about the murder—it revealed the informant's covert status, sparking widespread protests, legal reforms, and a landmark ruling by a senior judicial body. The ensuing police investigation was groundbreaking, while a US Congressional commission condemned the actions surrounding the case. There are also persistent rumors implicating one of Northern Ireland’s most senior politicians, Sinn Fein leader Martin McGuinness, in the murder.

Drawing from extensive archival research, interviews, and new police findings, Four Shots in the Night provides a riveting narrative that examines not only the murder but also its broader implications for the conflict known as the Troubles. The book probes deep questions about the end of the Troubles—was it a diplomatic triumph, or did espionage play a decisive role? It also challenges readers to consider the ethical boundaries of espionage in the name of national interests.

This page-turner offers a compelling exploration of a dark chapter in history and the complex dynamics that shaped the resolution of a prolonged and painful conflict.