Walking out of the garda training colllege in Templemore in 1985, Pat Marry's burning desire was to be a detective, but he had no idea of how to become one. In time he realised that it was all about putting yourself forward and taking initiative, following up hunches (even when they seemed flimsy), being obsessive about detail, trying out new investigative techniques, being a bit of a psychologist and thinking laterally, honing your instincts. In over three decades in the force Marry was instrumental in solving dozens of serious cases, including many murders.
In The Making of a Detective Pat Marry reveals the inside story of high profile investigations he led, such as the murders of Rachel O'Reilly and Garda Adrian Donohue. And he also recounts fascinating detail of cases that have faded from public memory, such as the 1990 murder of Marilyn Rynn, which involved the first use of DNA evidence to solve a crime in Ireland. Or the 2001 murder of Mary Gough by her husband Colin Whelan, a case that was resolved largely through a painstaking trawl through Whelan's internet use - something that was new at the time.
The Making of a Detective is a unique and gripping insight into the work of a dedicated garda working at the very top of his profession.
