Today, I’m delighted to share the stunning cover for the fifth book in the Lucy Lawrence Mystery Series. The Carver Affair is set in my native Dublin, which makes it an extra special project for me. Pre-order is now live on Amazon (see link below), with publication slated for January 22nd 2026.

It was always my intention to bring Lucy and her entourage to Dublin. What I hadn’t realised was how much fun it would be. Research is always enjoyable and when the locations to be explored are a short distance away, it is even better. Dublin, in the late 19th century, was no different to any other large city in Europe, with its share of poverty and crime, and having grown up not far from the notorious Monto area which features in the book, the history of which has always fascinated me, it was a no-brainer to feature it in the story. Many of the Monto characters in the novel were inspired by the real-life inhabitants.

Luckily, most of my working life was spent close to the beautiful Georgian square, Merrion Square, which back in Victorian times was as far removed, socially and economically, from the Monto as it was possible to get. I often walked through the square, which is now a public park, and reflected on the history of its inhabitants. As soon as I had decided on Dublin as my setting for this novel, I thought it would be an interesting location for Lucy and Phin and the Carver family to live.

I hope you enjoy this brief journey through Victorian Dublin. I know Lucy has, and you never know, she may wish to return someday…

Pre-order Link: https://geni.us/1207-al-aut-am