[b]Rating[/b]: 5 out of 5 stars Some of my maternal ancestors hail from Northern Ireland, and although I can conduct basic research on that area of the world, my skill set is woefully inadequate. This author is a fantastic writer. He’s clear, to the point, and engaging. Paton takes readers and researchers by the hand, beginning with the first chapter, which is a superb condensed history of Belfast from the ancient times until the Good Friday Agreement of 1998. Then author then reveals how the various peoples of Belfast (Irish, Scottish, and English) were administered throughout time. This was so important to me because as an American, I am utterly unfamiliar with the laws of that region. For someone doing research on foreign-born relatives, this is something that I, and other readers and researchers, definitely need because in order to conduct research, one has to know where to look to find those documents. Chapter 4: Online Repositories was an especially helpful chapter, particularly.. Read more
NetGalley, Matal Baker

Tramfare readers will be familiar with author Peter Waller as he has compiled many ‘picture books’ on trams. He now brings us a new series of four books from publishers Pen & Sword. The books are well produced, quite a useful addition to the tram enthusiast’s library, to acquire at a modest cost some brief details of these sister vehicles.
Tramfare magazine 330 (January-February 2023) - Tramway and Light Railway Society

As featured in
Britain at War

[b]Rating[/b]: 5 out of 5 stars I thought I was quite well-educated on the history of Britain in 1939, a year that saw the beginning of the war with Nazi Germany. While most will be aware of that I doubt I'm the only one surprised to learn that it was also the year the IRA launched mass bombing attacks in a campaign that lasted through to the next year. Dick Kirby is one of my favourite True Crime authors and I interrupted my "catch up" of his back catalogue to devour his latest book, IRA Terror on Britain's Streets 1939-1940. As always with one of Mr Kirby's books this is meticulously researched and goes into great detail about the protagonists ,the plot,their capture and trials. It also tells in great detail the carnage wrought by the cowardly attacks with the protestations that those of us who remember later attacks will be familiar with that they were planned so as not endanger human life. which were just as dishonest and cynical then as they have been since. As usual Dick Kirby treats.. Read more
NetGalley, Dave Blendell

Featured 'ON THE SHELF' by Neil Smith
Wargames Illustrated, May 2018