Crime novel by Athlone author set for Luan Gallery launch

An Athlone-based writer will be launching a crime novel he wrote during Covid-19 lockdowns at the Luan Gallery on Saturday, September 21, at 3pm.

The novel, entitled ‘How to Murder Your Dear Wife (and get away with it)’ features numerous locations in the Midlands, including Belvedere House's Jealous Wall, Sean’s Bar, Viking Mike’s Boat, Custume Bridge, and even the Luan Art Gallery itself.

The author is Martin JP Devaney, who has written for RTÉ and the BBC, as well as penning 'The RTÉ Writer’s Guide', a book on writing.

Originally from Mayo, Martin moved to Athlone 16 years ago with his wife, who is a Ballinasloe native, and their family.

He was the producer of the show 'Westmeath County Matters' for the former television station, IrishTV, which went off air in 2017. Working on this show allowed Martin to become familiar with the “stories and events that make Westmeath tick”.

When Martin began writing the novel, he first set it in Dublin, where he had lived for some time, but said it “felt derivative, like a knockoff of Fair City”.

“When you’re writing a scene involving a character walking across the Ha’penny Bridge, you know you’re in bother,” he quipped.

After starting over, and switching the location to Westmeath, the words began to flow.

Martin said that although the book was published in London in June, he feels the most appropriate place for the Irish launch is Athlone.

“I pushed hard for the Irish launch to be here in Westmeath, a place that has become much more than just a setting; it is the heart of the story.

“Hosting the event at The Luan Gallery, surrounded by the locations that inspired the book, adds a special layer of meaning.

“I'm particularly thrilled that Grace O’Connor, the current Westmeath Rose, plans to attend the launch,” he added.

“It’s a fitting touch since the fictional ‘wife’ in the novel is also a former Westmeath Rose, a woman with a unique mix of nursing skills and expertise in medieval weaponry. As Grace can probably attest, you don’t mess with the Roses.”

Also attending the launch will be Westmeath County Council Cathaoirleach, Cllr Liam McDaniel, and Athlone Mayor Cllr Frankie Keena.

The novel tells the story of a teacher who suspects that several people are out to kill him. Suspects include everyone from his wife to the Taliban and Ed Sheeran.

The launch will take place at 3pm and is open to the public. The book is available for purchase online and in all good bookshops.