As the search for peace in Ireland gathers momentum, British counter-terrorism agent, Mike Devon, is handed a chilling mission - put the IRA out of business at any cost.He assembles an elite undercover squad determined to neutralise the entire IRA leadership. Kidnap, torture and shoot-to-kill tactics are all on Devon's agenda as he sets about the task with a ruthlessness the IRA has never before had to face.But the IRA has its own specialist operative. Cold-hearted assassin Fergal McSweeney is brought out of semi-retirement to launch one final murderous campaign against the British establishment.Before settling for peace both sides are determined to first win the ultimate victory.Devon and McSweeney had clashed years before in Chicago in an operation that ended the life of the British agent's girlfriend. Now it has become personal.The action races from Chicago to London, and from Belfast to Glasgow, before climaxing in a final bloody showdown in the suburbs of Dublin.When the dust settles who will walk away?Someone Has To Pay is the debut thriller of Irish writer Joe McCoubrey, a former journalist who worked through the worst of the Irish troubles. His insight and knowledge of the period provides an authentic backdrop for a story as uncompromising as the people and events that shaped the history of a troubled land.About the Author: Joe McCoubrey is a former Irish newspaper editor who is now a full-time action thriller writer. His first full-time job after leaving college was as a showroom salesman for a car-parts company. At coffee break on the first morning he walked to the nearest cafeteria, and kept on walking - he never went back! At the turn of the seventies he joined the Civil Service based at Stormont, the seat of the Northern Ireland Government, and watched behind the scenes as some of the country's most momentous events unfolded. These were the early dark days of the 'troubles' - events that reverberated around the world, and somehow served to push him towards his real passion of writing. He has lived all his life in the beautiful Irish town of Downpatrick, made famous by its association with the national Patron Saint, St. Patrick.