The Maker’s Name by Seamus McKenna unravels a gripping tale of ambition, betrayal, and family dysfunction set against the dramatic backdrop of Ireland’s Celtic Tiger years. At its heart is Hawthorne Meats, a thriving family business, but beneath the surface, trouble is brewing. When patriarch Malachi Considine dies under suspicious circumstances, his sons, Rudi and Gus, face off over the inheritance. The fallout is swift and brutal, with Rudi attempting to edge Gus out of the company. Yet, the drama extends far beyond the brothers. Ambitious banker Toomarood, the sly solicitor Cosgrave, and a host of other players circle like vultures. The mystery of Malachi’s death looms large. Was it truly an accident or something far darker?
McKenna draws readers into a narrative that echoes the complex family dynamics of The Godfather and the sharp, corporate scheming of HBO’s Succession. The setting, Ireland during its era of unprecedented economic growth, grounds the story in a world where greed and power reign supreme. This tale of familial conflict feels larger than life, yet McKenna roots it in sharp details and vivid personalities.
The tense relationship between Rudi and Gus commands attention. Both are richly developed characters, capable of driving the story forward with their flawed yet compelling personalities. Surrounding them is a cast of supporting characters who elevate the narrative, from Gus’s loyal friend Raymond and his steadfast partner Kaarina to Rudi’s ambitious wife Penny. Even the minor characters leave a lasting impression. McKenna’s deft characterization and razor-sharp dialogue make these figures leap off the page.
The story unfolds with the controlled chaos of a Guy Ritchie film; dark humor, sudden bursts of violence, and a palpable tension that escalates as events spiral out of control. Few of the characters inspire affection, yet watching them maneuver and clash is an unmitigated delight. Every twist tightens the grip, and every revelation adds a layer of intrigue.
This is a wickedly entertaining ride, packed with sharp turns and unforgettable moments. While the characters may not win your sympathy, they will certainly hold your attention. For fans of dark family dramas or stories steeped in ambition and deception, The Maker’s Name delivers a riveting experience.
Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
In The Maker's Name by Seamus McKenna, Rudi and Malachi run Hawthorne Meats Limited, up until Malachi’s tragic shooting, which deeply impacts Rudi and his family. As Rudi juggles the fallout from Malachi’s death and suspicions regarding his own involvement, he also has his hands full in the light of his wife Penny’s grief. Concurrently, Raymond Quinn, facing legal troubles in China related to a Ponzi scheme, complicates matters. Meanwhile, Gus Considine, Rudi's butcher brother with his own shadow under shady practices, faces scrutiny over his illegal foie gras sales, leading to his dismissal and subsequent return to Brussels. As their storylines become more and more entangled, so too does all the trouble each seems particularly good at conjuring up. “It’s one thing to be ambitious. It’s another to be fanatical about screwing everyone in sight so you can get on.”
Seamus McKenna does a fantastic job of throwing the whole kitchen sink into The Maker's Name. McKenna’s writing is witty and intelligent, bringing his main characters Rudi, Malachi, and Gus to life. McKenna does well in leaning into the ramifications that often follow the tragic downfall of a patriarch, especially when there's massive sibling rivalry and business partnerships in hand. There are a lot of moving parts here that run the gamut of financial investments and embargoes to history, colonialism, and, of course, meat. As a reader who happens to be half East Asian and half Irish, I went into the story with moderate expectations and finished it with a smile on my face. McKenna displays sharp observations about societal issues, especially in the handling of business ethics and cultural identity, which elevate the book as a whole. Overall, this is a book that is prime and ready for hearty consumption and I'm certain others will enjoy it as much as I did.
