Conundrum

About the Book

During the early 1990´s an unprecedented event occurred in the British territory of Northern Ireland. A cease-fire was declared between the Irish Republican Army and the British Government. Peace talks convened. History was in the making. As a demonstration of good faith, the British government released several "political prisoners" including suspected IRA bomber Sean O´Reilly.

Upon his release Sean had resolved to sever his ties with the IRA. Before his incarceration, one of his bombings had gone awry and an innocent child had been killed. Sean now saw his recent liberation as an opportunity to put his past behind him. He returned to his native Belfast resolved to embark on a civilian existence unencumbered by political idealism or wanton violence.

Unfortunately, events would unfold that would disrupt the agendas of the IRA, British Government, and Sean O´Reilly. Bombs began detonating in and around Belfast. The immediate suspect: Sean O´Reilly. Suddenly Sean finds himself being pursued by the IRA who believe he has turned renegade and is threatening the peace by following his own agenda, the UDA (Ulster Defense Association, the Protestant equivalent of the IRA) who likewise believe he is endangering the peace and would also love to exact revenge for the bombings, and agents of MI5, the British security service in charge of combating terrorism.

Sean is confronted with a race against time. He must unravel the mystery of who is behind the bombings while eluding the IRA, UDA, and MI5. Sean´s freedom and life are at stake, but beyond that so is the first chance for peace in Northern Ireland in that region´s turbulent history. Conundrum follows the suspenseful, intriguing, roller coaster ride of a former guerrilla soldier whose skill as a terrorist is the only hope for saving the peace.

About the Author

Steve Leadley earned an Associates Degree at Camden County Community College before moving on to earn his Bachelor’s of Arts at Rowan University. He is currently finishing his Master’s Degree at Calfornia State University. Mr. Leadley is a teacher of American History in Cape May, New Jersey.