An Introduction to RED HAND OF ULSTER by SAM MILLAR

Of all the bloody scenes in Ireland’s past, none was as personal as The Red Hand of Ulster when the High King, O’Neill, and a man named Dermott both wished to be king of that coveted piece of Ireland. The High King suggested a horse race, and first to touch the land would become the winner and sole owner of Ulster. As the two came in sight of the ending point, it seemed that Dermott would win, so O’Neill cut his hand off and threw it. It reached the goal ahead of Dermott’s horse, winning for O’Neill the crown of Ulster.

For me, this was the perfect background for Belfast PI, Karl Kane, when he went in search of the elusive Red Hand of Ulster serial killer. I enjoyed the story so much I decided to expand it into a full length novel in the Karl Kane series, due for 2011.

Edited by Gerard Brennan & Mike Stone

Requiems for the Departed
Irish Crime, Irish Myths.

Requiems for the Departed can now be pre-ordered on the Morrigan Books website.