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DS Lucy Golden #3
The Reckoning
The reckoning is coming...
In an isolated house by Dugort pier a body is found. DS Lucy Golden is shocked to discover that the victim, Sandra Byrne, is a sister of one of her old school friends. To further complicate matters, Ben Lively, one of Lucy's colleagues, is the chief suspect. Lucy must put aside her bias in order to uncover the truth. But the deeper she digs into Sandra's life, the more the past starts to unravel and the less she seems to know. How do you solve a murder when all you have are lies?
As Lucy desperately tries to sort out what is true from what is not, Rob, her ex-husband and ex-con, makes a reappearance.
And when the reckoning for past mistakes finally arrives, nothing is what it seems.
Praise for Martina Murphy
'The Branded pulls you straight into the story, snares you, and won't let you escape until you turn the last page' Patricia Gibney
'A novel that raises the bar for crime procedurals. . . artful, measured and gripping' Shots Magazine
'A twisty mystery, a moody setting and a troubled cop on a tricky case. What more could you want?' Peterborough Evening Telegraph
In an isolated house by Dugort pier a body is found. DS Lucy Golden is shocked to discover that the victim, Sandra Byrne, is a sister of one of her old school friends. To further complicate matters, Ben Lively, one of Lucy's colleagues, is the chief suspect. Lucy must put aside her bias in order to uncover the truth. But the deeper she digs into Sandra's life, the more the past starts to unravel and the less she seems to know. How do you solve a murder when all you have are lies?
As Lucy desperately tries to sort out what is true from what is not, Rob, her ex-husband and ex-con, makes a reappearance.
And when the reckoning for past mistakes finally arrives, nothing is what it seems.
Praise for Martina Murphy
'The Branded pulls you straight into the story, snares you, and won't let you escape until you turn the last page' Patricia Gibney
'A novel that raises the bar for crime procedurals. . . artful, measured and gripping' Shots Magazine
'A twisty mystery, a moody setting and a troubled cop on a tricky case. What more could you want?' Peterborough Evening Telegraph
354 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 10, 2023
31 people are currently reading
153 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
August 19, 2023
In "The Reckoning", book 3 in the thrilling Irish crime series by Martina Murphy, DS Lucy Golden and her colleague Dan Brown have another murder case to solve. The 39-year-old sister of Lucy's old schoolfriend, Sarah, is found dead in her mother's house. Lucy's colleague Ben Lively, who left the pub with Sarah the previous evening and seems to be the last person seeing her alive, is the chief suspect. Lucy doesn't believe in Ben's guilt, all the more so since Sarah didn't really have the best reputation, so she tries to uncover the secrets that surround Sarah and her family. And there seem to be many secrets!
At the same time Rob, Lucy's ex-husband and ex-con, reappears and makes Lucy's life even more complicated...
I absolutely loved the first two book in this series and so I was sure I would also love the this one. And I was right. 😊 An incredibly gripping plot with many surprising twists, well-developed and authentic characters, a beautiful setting and a nice dose of really good humour make "The Reckoning" a crime novel you just can't put down. There were also moments that moved me to tears.
After three books, all the characters have become friends to me since the focus is not only on the crime itself but also on the characters' private lives and their problems. I will miss them all dearly until book 4 comes out next year.
So in a nutshell, if you want to start a new crime series, make it this one. It's one of the best I've ever read. 😍
At the same time Rob, Lucy's ex-husband and ex-con, reappears and makes Lucy's life even more complicated...
I absolutely loved the first two book in this series and so I was sure I would also love the this one. And I was right. 😊 An incredibly gripping plot with many surprising twists, well-developed and authentic characters, a beautiful setting and a nice dose of really good humour make "The Reckoning" a crime novel you just can't put down. There were also moments that moved me to tears.
After three books, all the characters have become friends to me since the focus is not only on the crime itself but also on the characters' private lives and their problems. I will miss them all dearly until book 4 comes out next year.
So in a nutshell, if you want to start a new crime series, make it this one. It's one of the best I've ever read. 😍
September 4, 2023
Good murder case set on Achille Island with believable characters and well thought out plot. Perhaps enhanced by having bought it in Westport.
July 22, 2025
4.5 stars
Great book, lots of twists, enjoyed the Irish setting.
Lots of characters but remained easy to follow.
Sad story but sensitively written!
Thanks Georgia for lending it to me :)
Great book, lots of twists, enjoyed the Irish setting.
Lots of characters but remained easy to follow.
Sad story but sensitively written!
Thanks Georgia for lending it to me :)
August 14, 2023
I bought this book and read it in one sitting - it's that good. A really great police procedural. The author knows her stuff but the book isn't drowning in research. It's about a murder on Achill Island but also about the lead detective - Lucy Golden and her chaotic but loveable family. And a great twist which kept me guessing until the end. It's the third in a series, will get the other two now and maybe take a trip to Achill too!
December 16, 2023
I would like to thank Netgalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK for a review copy of The Reckoning, the third novel set on Achill Island, Co, Mayo to feature DS Lucy Golden of An Garda Síochána.
The body of Sandra Byrne, a recently returned native of the island, is found murdered in her deceased mother’s isolated house at Dugort pier. She was last seen leaving the pub with DG Ben Lively, one of Lucy’s team, and that brings a separate investigation. Lucy digs in to Sandra’s family and past, but all she seems to get are lies and obfuscations. If that isn’t enough her ex-husband and conman, Rob, is trying to get back into her life.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Reckoning, which is a fast moving police procedural with some interesting side action and a messy tale of a dysfunctional family. It is told from Lucy’s point of view, so the reader lives the investigation alongside her. There are surprises, twists, disappointments and a lot of frustration, stemming mostly from their inability to get a firm grip on Sandra and her life.
Sandra appears to have been a promiscuous woman with a drink problem and a transient lifestyle, but it’s all hearsay and her elastic attitude to the truth makes it difficult to get at the truth. I was impressed by how the author gradually reveals a different Sandra, who is more a victim in life than the careless flibbertigibbet she initially appears.
The novel is mostly concerned with efforts to uncover a suspect and a viable motive. There is some misdirection from an unnamed person with revenge in mind, that made this reader jump to certain conclusions and that’s cleverly done, but mostly it’s a question of interviewing witnesses and reviewing CCTV. Few of them are pleasant and all have secrets, so it’s a bit like Pandora’s box with more distasteful behaviour revealed in every interview. It could be argued that it makes them human, but maybe not when it’s at Sandra’s expense.
I found the novel immersive and addictive. There are some action scenes, but mostly it’s the uncovering of secrets. Quiet, but compulsive, if you like. The characterisation is strong with Lucy leading the charge. She is determined to get justice for Sandra, but there are personal issues that get in the way.
The Reckoning is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
The body of Sandra Byrne, a recently returned native of the island, is found murdered in her deceased mother’s isolated house at Dugort pier. She was last seen leaving the pub with DG Ben Lively, one of Lucy’s team, and that brings a separate investigation. Lucy digs in to Sandra’s family and past, but all she seems to get are lies and obfuscations. If that isn’t enough her ex-husband and conman, Rob, is trying to get back into her life.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Reckoning, which is a fast moving police procedural with some interesting side action and a messy tale of a dysfunctional family. It is told from Lucy’s point of view, so the reader lives the investigation alongside her. There are surprises, twists, disappointments and a lot of frustration, stemming mostly from their inability to get a firm grip on Sandra and her life.
Sandra appears to have been a promiscuous woman with a drink problem and a transient lifestyle, but it’s all hearsay and her elastic attitude to the truth makes it difficult to get at the truth. I was impressed by how the author gradually reveals a different Sandra, who is more a victim in life than the careless flibbertigibbet she initially appears.
The novel is mostly concerned with efforts to uncover a suspect and a viable motive. There is some misdirection from an unnamed person with revenge in mind, that made this reader jump to certain conclusions and that’s cleverly done, but mostly it’s a question of interviewing witnesses and reviewing CCTV. Few of them are pleasant and all have secrets, so it’s a bit like Pandora’s box with more distasteful behaviour revealed in every interview. It could be argued that it makes them human, but maybe not when it’s at Sandra’s expense.
I found the novel immersive and addictive. There are some action scenes, but mostly it’s the uncovering of secrets. Quiet, but compulsive, if you like. The characterisation is strong with Lucy leading the charge. She is determined to get justice for Sandra, but there are personal issues that get in the way.
The Reckoning is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
December 17, 2023
Als Hörbuch gehört. Volle Punktzahl aus den gleichen Gründen wie bei den beiden vorherigen Bänden. Ich mochte, dass das Buch fast ausschließlich ein nüchterner Bericht der Kommissarin ist. Kommissarin, Kollegen und Familie waren inzwischen lieb gewonnene, gut entwickelte Figuren. Leider kommt schon wieder ein irrer Täter vor. Der Hauptfall war der am besten konstruierte der bisherigen Reihe. Die Verdächtigen interagieren manchmal wie die überdrehten Akteure einer amerikanischen Serie. Ich kann mir nicht vorstellen, dass Menschen so viel Wut aufrechterhalten können, wenn sie lange Strecken in irischer Küstenlandschaft zurücklegen. Extrapunkte für Achill und irischen Akzent.
Im Fall geht es darum, dass wir unsere Vergangenheit aufräumen müssen, damit sie nicht unsere Gegenwart zerstört.
Wetterbeschreibungen: Das Gewitter im Januar ist grundsätzlich plausibel, aber schlecht beschrieben. Ebenso der "Wetterbericht von Met Eirean", der einem Verdächtigen ein Alibi gibt. Nicht falsch, aber deutlich vorbei an einer sachlich korrekten Beschreibung. Fast hätte es dafür Punktabzug gegeben, aber, naja, das Buch spielt auf Achill.
Im Fall geht es darum, dass wir unsere Vergangenheit aufräumen müssen, damit sie nicht unsere Gegenwart zerstört.
Wetterbeschreibungen: Das Gewitter im Januar ist grundsätzlich plausibel, aber schlecht beschrieben. Ebenso der "Wetterbericht von Met Eirean", der einem Verdächtigen ein Alibi gibt. Nicht falsch, aber deutlich vorbei an einer sachlich korrekten Beschreibung. Fast hätte es dafür Punktabzug gegeben, aber, naja, das Buch spielt auf Achill.
June 22, 2024
This is a great read. I haven't read anything by this author before do wasn't sure what to expect. What I got is an excellent detective novel, well crafted and very intriguing. I loved the cast of characters, Lucy, Dan and William in particular. The details of their lives are very skillfully weaved around the murder case they are trying to solve. The many characters introduced as part of this case are interesting and we are kept guessing right to the very end. The secondary plot is also very well done.
This is a very well written, well paced novel. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I look forward to reading more from this author.
This is a very well written, well paced novel. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I look forward to reading more from this author.
September 10, 2024
Well that was bloody unexpected.
It’s a slow burner to begin with, very information dense and general setting of the scene but about half way through things really begin to pick up.
There’s plot twists you genuinely didn’t expect until DC Lucy Golden leads you down that path it’s like when something begins to piece together in her mind you’re right there with her.
Even with that I still didn’t expect the bomb at the end that really shook me to my core.
Phenomenal. Despite being a slow burner at the beginning it has you gripping for me at the end
It’s a slow burner to begin with, very information dense and general setting of the scene but about half way through things really begin to pick up.
There’s plot twists you genuinely didn’t expect until DC Lucy Golden leads you down that path it’s like when something begins to piece together in her mind you’re right there with her.
Even with that I still didn’t expect the bomb at the end that really shook me to my core.
Phenomenal. Despite being a slow burner at the beginning it has you gripping for me at the end
December 6, 2023
A decent police procedural, with interesting lead character, and even more interesting victim.
I enjoyed the writing style, and the plot.
This is book 3 in the series, and I haven't read the first two.
I felt everything was explained just fine, but coming into an established series never gives you the same experience as starting from beginning.
I'll be looking out for the other books I think.
I enjoyed the writing style, and the plot.
This is book 3 in the series, and I haven't read the first two.
I felt everything was explained just fine, but coming into an established series never gives you the same experience as starting from beginning.
I'll be looking out for the other books I think.
December 23, 2023
This series of books, set in Ireland and featuring Garda Lucy Golden, is definitely worth reading! The setting is lovely, set on Achille Island, the characterisation is believable and the plotting was complex but actually left me feeling a bit emotional towards the end. Not many books leave me feeling this way but this one certainly did with it's twists, suspense and an ending which left me hungry for the next episode in Lucy's life. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.
April 9, 2024
I listened on Audible and have never read/listened to this author before. I wasn't fully engaged for the first chapter, maybe that was my brain getting used to the Irish accent because before I knew it I was hooked!
I listened 45 minutes daily to and from work and the only thing that kept this from a 5* for me was me not feeling compelled to keep listening indoors. The plot moved along nicely, great characterisation and a believable denoument. I will pick up more of this author's work.
I listened 45 minutes daily to and from work and the only thing that kept this from a 5* for me was me not feeling compelled to keep listening indoors. The plot moved along nicely, great characterisation and a believable denoument. I will pick up more of this author's work.
November 2, 2024
The third book in the series, The Reckoning is also the first book which I have read from Martina Murphy. I have to admit that I found it a little hard to get in to at first due to it being in first person perspective, but I found once it picked up around the middle, it didn't take too long before I was hooked on the story line and managed to look past the first person, and of how the past could come back to haunt the present with just the smallest of things happening.
September 19, 2025
2 Stars.
I struggled with this. It won’t have helped that I haven’t read book one and two I’m sure, but, the writing style just wasn’t for me. It felt rushed in parts and I really didn’t like how every chapter ended on a ‘mini drama’, at least that’s how it felt.
I didn’t find this very convincing I’m afraid and I won’t be reading anymore in this series.
Based on other reviews, I think this is definitely a case of it’s me and not the book.
I struggled with this. It won’t have helped that I haven’t read book one and two I’m sure, but, the writing style just wasn’t for me. It felt rushed in parts and I really didn’t like how every chapter ended on a ‘mini drama’, at least that’s how it felt.
I didn’t find this very convincing I’m afraid and I won’t be reading anymore in this series.
Based on other reviews, I think this is definitely a case of it’s me and not the book.
September 25, 2024
A fantastic read, it was a nice change to read a book based on a small island of Ireland.
The detective work was fantastic and kept you invested the whole time, the little hints of who it could possibly be throwing you off track and the redemption of a previously evil character was a nice addition.
Would definitely recommend, and I now need to go and find The Night Caller & The Branded!
The detective work was fantastic and kept you invested the whole time, the little hints of who it could possibly be throwing you off track and the redemption of a previously evil character was a nice addition.
Would definitely recommend, and I now need to go and find The Night Caller & The Branded!
February 5, 2025
3.5.
Solid third instalment. My favourite parts of these books are the interpersonal rather than police procedural aspects. The investigative component is always sound - although this one possibly waffled on a bit - but Lucy and her relationships with her mam, William, Dan etc mark the series out from others in the genre. Will continue reading the series.
Solid third instalment. My favourite parts of these books are the interpersonal rather than police procedural aspects. The investigative component is always sound - although this one possibly waffled on a bit - but Lucy and her relationships with her mam, William, Dan etc mark the series out from others in the genre. Will continue reading the series.
October 8, 2023
A perfect whodunit to curl up and escape to rural Ireland with your favourite beverage. Easy to read with lovely big print and bite sized chapters. Charming, thought provoking with humour and suspense until the end. Perfect!
March 24, 2024
This is a well plotted and intriguing series and I loved all the instalments I read. Twisty, dark, gripping. Lucy Golden is a strong and clever character I like and the solid mystery kept me guessing.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
December 18, 2024
I got this book in an advent calendar this year, so hadn’t read the first 2 to know any build up plot on DS Lucy Golden but I didn’t need too. Brilliant book, where I actually couldn’t work out the murderer until right near the end. Plenty of plot twists. Would highly recommend.
August 15, 2023
I am really enjoying this series
Great characters and plots
This one kept me guessing until the end
Great characters and plots
This one kept me guessing until the end
September 7, 2023
Great story
Loved the latest Lucy Golden story. Some excellent writing. Fast paced, suspenseful. Kept me guessing right to the end. Highly recommend
Loved the latest Lucy Golden story. Some excellent writing. Fast paced, suspenseful. Kept me guessing right to the end. Highly recommend
September 24, 2023
I love the series but this one didn't grab me as much as the first two did , by all means still very much worth the read.
October 20, 2023
Love all the books in the DS Lucy Golden series
December 20, 2023
Thoroughly enjoyed the third DS Lucy Golden story. I love the character development that is happening as the murder is solved. Another excellent performance by Aoife McMahon
March 14, 2024
As always, great book. I love Lucy Golden. ❤️
March 29, 2024
We felt about half way through that the author was feeling series fatigue. The story improved towards the end.
June 5, 2024
Wow my first ever Martina Murphy book and it won't be my last. The writing is brilliant and kept me guessing all the way through it. And the plot twist.
I highly recommend this book to anyone xx
I highly recommend this book to anyone xx
July 26, 2024
Great detective good with writing that keeps you guessing
November 2, 2024
Another great Lucy Golden mystery thriller. The guessing continued until the very end and the character interactions are devoloping in the world best and wildest scenery ☘️
December 5, 2024
Despite being #3 Lucy Golden this was my first, which I really enjoyed. Time to go back and find 1 and 2. It is so Irish without being too cliched.
March 31, 2025
Another great Ds Lucy Golden book. I'm quite enjoying this series!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews