Originally titled Cycle of Violence, this is the super second novel by author of Smith's Fresh Talent title Divorcing Jack, set in mythical Northern Ireland town of Crossmaheart. Drunken journalist Miller is sent as a punishment from his big-city paper in Belfast to small-town Crossmaheart, as replacement for someone who has disappeared -- presumed murdered by one terrorist organization or another. Once there, he falls in love with the disappeared man's girlfriend -- and problems aplenty ensue. Very dark, very funny, romantic and quirky -- Bateman has a uniquely brilliant voice.