Evil empire: the Irish mob and the assassination of journalist Veronica Guerin

Evil empire: the Irish mob and the assassination of journalist Veronica Guerin 
by Paul Williams

Another example of a movie triggering an insatiable interest in the topic or the person.  A previous entry on this blog was a book that critically analyzed Veronica Guerin's actions and journalistic procedures and whether they lead to her assassination. (see entry from Feb. 5, 2011).

This book primarily deals with John Gilligan, the Irish godfather, who ordered the "hit" of Veronica Guerin, the journalist who was investigating Gilligan's drug empire and was threatening to expose him and his 'gang'.  This is a riveting account of the true story of Irish godfather John Gilligan, the assassination of Irish investigative journalist Veronica Guerin, and the behind-the-scenes efforts of law enforcement to bring Gilligan and his cronies to justice.

Paul Williams, also an investigative Dublin journalist and colleague and friend of Veronica Guerin, describes the assassination scene, as vividly as the way Joel Schumacher, the director of the movie Veronica Guerin, brought it to the screen. That scene in the movie always brings tears to my eyes, as did Williams' prose in describing that event.

In reading William's book, one would think they are reading The Godfather by Mario Puzo.  Evil Empire is a gripping, detailed and well researched account of Ireland's underworld.  Williams, a seasoned and skilled investigative journalist and writer, never loses his grip on the story.  "For anyone interested in the movie Veronica Guerin or who thought organized crime only involved Italians, this book provides a chilling glimpse into the backstory of an Irish gang that thought itself above the law and set out to prove it." (Publishers Weekly).  Pick up the book at the public library and definitely rent the movie.  A must read and a must see!