John de St. Jorre

THE PATRIOT GAME
(with Brian Shakespeare)
[London: Hodder & Stoughton, 1973]
[London: Coronet, 1974]
[Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1973]

The Patriot Game is a page-turning thriller set against the background of the Northern Ireland "troubles," which began in 1969 and still rumble on today. James Grogan, an Irish patriot who acquired his military skills in the British army, becomes disillusioned with the IRA's squabbling factions and the senseless slaughter of innocent civilians. A lone wolf, he decides to do things his own way.

Grogan chooses his target, makes his preparations, and sets off for London to wreak his personal brand of havoc. All of which makes life hell for Britain's security services. They get wind of Grogan's plan early on in the game. But only he knows the true target and when he will strike.