Chief Superintendent Christy Mangan joined An Garda Síochána upon leaving school in 1980, and over the course of his forty-year career was involved in more than 100 murder investigations. He twice received the Scott Medal for valour in the performance of his duties, and established the Serious Crime Review Team in 2007, investigating historic cold cases. He retired in 2022. Cracking the Case, his first book, describes many of the fascinating cases Mangan worked on, always with a focus on giving the victim’s family answers and demonstrating a deep understanding of the complex reasons people are drawn into crime. Cracking the Case is shortlisted for the Dubray Non-Fiction Book of the Year.
Congratulations on making the shortlist for the Dubray Non-Fiction Book of the Year Award! How does it feel?
I was delighted to be nominated as I did not expect it; it is an exciting time, and to be nominated for such an award is an honour for me and my family.
Tell us a bit about your shortlisted work?
My book, Cracking The Case, is an in-depth murder investigation memoir and details my involvement as a Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) in some of the most high-profile murders committed in Ireland. It describes the emotional rollercoaster of dealing with major criminal investigations. A key message contained in the book is for victims’ families to never give up on seeking justice for their loved ones.
What drove you to write this book?
I was asked on a number of occasions to consider writing this book, and I was reluctant until I spoke with Barry Cummins of RTÉ, who told me I had a story to tell of the history of murder investigation in Ireland. After I decided to write the book, I wanted to convey to the reader that the murder of a human being is devastating for the victim, the family and the community.
What was the research and investigative process like of putting together the book?
What I found difficult initially was deciding which murder investigations should go into the book. I have been involved in over 100 murder investigations in my career, and I believe each one should be in a book to serve as a reminder as to what happened. Due to my in-depth involvement in each case, I have a very good memory recall of the facts of each investigation.
What was the emotional impact of writing it like?
There certainly is an emotional impact of writing a book such as Cracking The Case; I was awakening memories of tragic cases within myself, and there was an impact personally when I recalled times a criminal was plotting to kill me. Going back in time to very difficult murder scenes certainly brought back memories I would rather have left behind.
How did you navigate the distance between yourself and your subject? Or alternatively, how did they become intertwined?
As the book is about my career in An Garda Siochana for 40 years, the subject, which is true crime, and myself, were completely intertwined. I am recalling how I engaged with armed robbers and murderers, so it is a very personal account.
What is next for you? Is there anything pulling at your attention?
I really enjoyed the whole process of writing the book, particularly around the publication of the book. It was a completely new venture for me, and I look forward to being involved in podcasts and true crime programmes going forward.
What An Post Irish Book Awards shortlisted book is next on your to-be-read pile?
I am really looking forward to reading Poor by Katriona O’Sullivan.
Explore the Dubray Non-Fiction Book of the Year Shortlist here.