The Civil War in Dublin examines the brutal and often overlooked conflict that raged through the Irish capital following the initial seizure of the Four Courts. John Dorney's meticulous research, drawing on primary sources and eyewitness accounts, details the calculated violence and internal divisions within the pro-Treaty forces. The book explores the city's descent into disorder, detailing the roles of civilians, guerrilla fighters, and female insurgents, alongside the alternating patterns of IRA violence and National Army counter-insurgency. It critically analyzes the emergence of the ruthless 'Murder Gang' from Michael Collins' Intelligence Department, shedding light on the extreme actions taken by both sides of the burgeoning Irish Free State.

The book is presented as a rigorous historical account, utilizing primary sources and eyewitness testimonies to offer new insights into the Irish Civil War in Dublin. Its focus on detailed research and the exploration of previously less-understood aspects of the conflict, such as the 'Murder Gang', suggests a work aimed at providing a comprehensive and unsettling truth about the period. The description indicates a deep dive into the chaos and extreme actions of the time, positioning it as a significant contribution to Irish Studies and military history.