Love Thine Enemy

About the Book

2010. Belfast seems quiet, but unrest is simmering beneath the tranquil surface. Several dissident republican movements are harbouring resentment since the IRA’s disarmament and the most dangerous is a group calling themselves Freedom for Ireland. The British Prime Minister is worried that the fragile peace accord could be shattered if unrest is allowed to burgeon and calls in his top security advisors.

A covert operation is set in place, three members of the SAS are recruited and after ten months of blending into the Belfast community, they are activated.  

James Fitzpatrick, grandson of a murdered RUC Chief Constable, chooses the wrong time for a holiday in Ireland. Freedom for Ireland waste no time seizing a valuable bargaining tool and kidnap the young man without a hitch, negotiations for terms of his release begin. But one of the kidnappers has a change of heart seeing the brutal and sadistic treatment of James. Unexpected events lead to a cocktail of mixed emotions and loyalties that explode in a last minute bloodbath.

About the Author

Michael Pakenham is part of a well-known literary Irish family. Born in Belfast, the death of his father saw his home in Ireland sold and he moved with his mother and sister to Tucson, Arizona where he spent his early childhood. On his return to England the family settled in Hampshire where he has lived ever since.  Having served in the army he returned to take over his mother’s farm.  Having sold his farming interests in 1991 he concentrated on writing. He has a married son and two daughters. His second daughter lives in Melbourne and is a professional singer. He enjoys reading, tennis and country sports. Between them, he and his wife have 12 grandchildren. This is his sixth book.