The Northern Bank Job

by Glenn Patterson
The Northern Bank Job cover
Good Books rating 4.5
True Crime
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Paperback • £14.99
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  • ID: 2773
  • Added: 2025-10-16
  • Updated: 2025-10-16
  • ISBN: 9781035917990
  • Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
  • Published: 2025-05-08
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

The Northern Bank Job delves into the audacious heist that took place in Belfast in 2004, where £26.5 million was stolen under the threat of violence against the bank officials' families. The meticulous planning and execution of the robbery pointed to the Irish Republican Army, despite their denials and the supposed demobilization following the Good Friday Peace Agreement. The book explores the outrage from governments and the subsequent failed attempts to bring the culprits to justice, leaving many questions unanswered./n/nAuthor Glenn Patterson builds on his popular BBC podcast to provide new insights into this infamous heist, focusing on the victims, the organizers, and the bumbling efforts to solve the crime. As the twentieth anniversary of the robbery approaches, the book sheds light on the complex web of politics, crime, and the lingering mysteries that continue to surround this daring and controversial event.

Reviews
The Times · 2025-06-20
masterful 4.50

The book is commended for its masterful narration of the heist and the deeper questions it raises about the event.

The reviewer finds the book to be a masterful narration of the infamous Belfast heist, highlighting the author's ability to delve into the details of the event. They appreciate how the book goes beyond just recounting the heist, exploring the broader implications and unanswered questions surrounding the robbery. The reviewer also notes the engaging and well-researched nature of the narrative, making it a compelling read.

Quick quotes

    In The Northern Bank Job, Glenn Patterson masterfully narrates the details of the infamous Belfast heist.

    But the bigger question, ...

    The book is a compelling read, blending detailed research with engaging storytelling.

The Independent · 2025-05-09
superb 4.50

The account is praised for its detailed narrative and the author's ability to bring the events to life. The reviewer highlights the meticulous research and engaging storytelling.

The reviewer is impressed by the depth of detail in the book, noting that the author's investigative work is both meticulous and illuminating. They appreciate how the narrative brings the infamous heist to life, making it a gripping read. The reviewer also mentions that the book raises important questions about the aftermath of the robbery, adding layers to the story beyond just the heist itself.

Quick quotes

    In his superbly detailed account, Patterson – a novelist ...

    The bank was robbed of £26.5m, which at that time was the largest haul ever in Britain and Ireland.

    Patterson’s investigative work is meticulous and illuminating.

Goodreads · 2021-03-01
brilliant 4.50

The narrative is described as witty, indignant, and brilliantly controlled, showcasing the author's storytelling prowess.

The reviewer praises the author's narrative style, describing it as witty, indignant, and brilliantly controlled. They highlight the author's ability to balance these elements, creating a compelling and engaging story. The reviewer also notes that the book is a masterful piece of storytelling, with the author's investigative work shining through. They appreciate how the narrative brings the events to life, making it a memorable read.

Quick quotes

    His narrative of the events is witty, indignant and brilliantly controlled, the work of a master storyteller.

    The book is a masterful piece of storytelling.

    The author's investigative work shines through in this compelling narrative.

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