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Murder, She Wrote #56
Murder, She Wrote: Death on the Emerald Isle
A trip to Northern Ireland becomes unexpectedly grim for Jessica Fletcher in this new entry in the USA Today bestselling Murder, She Wrote series.
Jessica Fletcher is quick to accept an invitation to replace a speaker who couldn’t attend a book festival in Belfast, Ireland. When her Cabot Cove neighbor Maeve O'Bannon hears about the trip, she asks Jessica to deliver some paintings to her family in the village of Bushmills. Happy to extend her travels and see more of the Irish countryside, Jessica agrees.
The festival goes off without a hitch, and it seems like Jessica is in for a relaxing vacation. But then Maeve’s cousin Michael is discovered dead under suspicious circumstances. Jessica finds herself once again in the midst of a murder investigation, and she’ll have to dig into the O'Bannon family’s secrets to unmask the killer.
Jessica Fletcher is quick to accept an invitation to replace a speaker who couldn’t attend a book festival in Belfast, Ireland. When her Cabot Cove neighbor Maeve O'Bannon hears about the trip, she asks Jessica to deliver some paintings to her family in the village of Bushmills. Happy to extend her travels and see more of the Irish countryside, Jessica agrees.
The festival goes off without a hitch, and it seems like Jessica is in for a relaxing vacation. But then Maeve’s cousin Michael is discovered dead under suspicious circumstances. Jessica finds herself once again in the midst of a murder investigation, and she’ll have to dig into the O'Bannon family’s secrets to unmask the killer.
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 3, 2023
82 people are currently reading
522 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Fletcher
115 books1,061 followersLibrarian’s note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Jessica Fletcher (born Jessica Beatrice MacGill, and writes under the initialed J.B. Fletcher) is a fictional character from the US television series Murder, She Wrote.
In keeping with the spirit of the TV show, a series of official original novels have been written by American ghostwriter Donald Bain and published by the New American Library. The author credit for the novels is shared with the fictitious "Jessica Fletcher." When the first novel in the series, Gin and Daggers, was published in 1989 it included several inaccuracies to the TV series including Jessica driving a car which she could not do as she never learned to drive. Due to fans pointing out the errors, the novel was republished in 2000 with most of the inaccuracies corrected.
Source: Wikipedia
Jessica Fletcher (born Jessica Beatrice MacGill, and writes under the initialed J.B. Fletcher) is a fictional character from the US television series Murder, She Wrote.
In keeping with the spirit of the TV show, a series of official original novels have been written by American ghostwriter Donald Bain and published by the New American Library. The author credit for the novels is shared with the fictitious "Jessica Fletcher." When the first novel in the series, Gin and Daggers, was published in 1989 it included several inaccuracies to the TV series including Jessica driving a car which she could not do as she never learned to drive. Due to fans pointing out the errors, the novel was republished in 2000 with most of the inaccuracies corrected.
Source: Wikipedia
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
April 16, 2025
**3.5-stars rounded up**
When Jessica is asked to fill-in for a friend who is unable to attend a book conference at which she was set to speak, Jess graciously accepts, because that's the type of woman Jessica Fletcher is. She's helpful to her friends.
That's why where her long-time Cabot Cove neighbor, Maeve O'Bannon, asks her to do her a favor while attending said conference, Jess agrees to that too.
The conference is in Belfast, Northern Ireland, very close to the village Maeve's family hails from, Bushmills.
Maeve has in her possession some beautiful landscapes her Grandfather painted of Bushmills. As Maeve nears the final chapter of her life, and with no family stateside to bequeath the paintings to, she asks Jessica to take them and present them to her remaining family members in Bushmills.
In Belfast, Jessica attends the book event, then is picked-up by an O'Bannon family friend and escorted the rest of the way to Bushmills.
The O'Bannon family is well-known and well-off as owners of a very successful skincare/cosmetics line. Their company is currently in negotiations to merge with a similar French company. They have a lot going on.
The friendly family greets Jessica with kindness and welcomes her whole-heartedly, inviting her along to parties and other family gatherings.
The morning after one of these gatherings, as Jessica is taking a solo-tour of the village via bicycle, she comes across a vehicle, parked in a strange location with a man slumped over the steering wheel.
It turns out it is Michael O'Bannon, one of Maeve's cousins, a local doctor. He is dead!
Of course this is before Jessica has had a chance to present the paintings to the family and now it would be in ill-taste to do so. They've got more important things to worry about now, having just lost a loved one.
Jessica agrees to stay on in Bushmills until the matter is settled. While she's there, she might as well solve the murder. This is Book #56, people. You know how Jessica is.
Y'all, this was exactly the kind of cozy, simple, nostalgic mystery I needed right now. The holidays can get stressful. It felt so nice sitting and getting swept into this story.
It was comforting to be reunited with Jessica and I loved going along with her as she explored the beautiful countryside of Northern Ireland.
While this wasn't the most captivating Murder, She Wrote mystery that I have ever read, I still really enjoyed it.
I loved the setting and the idea of the O'Bannon family and their business. It was also pleasing to see Jessica get along with and aiding local law enforcement.
Additionally, Jessica met a bit of a protege in this one. A girl named Maggie, who worked at the Inn where Jessica stayed in Bushmills.
I loved Maggie. She was gungho to help Jessica look into Michael's death and she was good at it. I would love to see her again in a future installment. That would be so fun!
I'm really pleased with this series in the hands of Terrie Farley Moran. I think she has done a great job channeling the original tone of the series. I hope she continues on with it for a long time to come.
Murder, She Wrote is my number one comfort series and I will continue to pick them up as long as they are published! Thank you so much to the publisher, Berkley, for providing me with a copy to read and review.
When Jessica is asked to fill-in for a friend who is unable to attend a book conference at which she was set to speak, Jess graciously accepts, because that's the type of woman Jessica Fletcher is. She's helpful to her friends.
That's why where her long-time Cabot Cove neighbor, Maeve O'Bannon, asks her to do her a favor while attending said conference, Jess agrees to that too.
The conference is in Belfast, Northern Ireland, very close to the village Maeve's family hails from, Bushmills.
Maeve has in her possession some beautiful landscapes her Grandfather painted of Bushmills. As Maeve nears the final chapter of her life, and with no family stateside to bequeath the paintings to, she asks Jessica to take them and present them to her remaining family members in Bushmills.
In Belfast, Jessica attends the book event, then is picked-up by an O'Bannon family friend and escorted the rest of the way to Bushmills.
The O'Bannon family is well-known and well-off as owners of a very successful skincare/cosmetics line. Their company is currently in negotiations to merge with a similar French company. They have a lot going on.
The friendly family greets Jessica with kindness and welcomes her whole-heartedly, inviting her along to parties and other family gatherings.
The morning after one of these gatherings, as Jessica is taking a solo-tour of the village via bicycle, she comes across a vehicle, parked in a strange location with a man slumped over the steering wheel.
It turns out it is Michael O'Bannon, one of Maeve's cousins, a local doctor. He is dead!
Of course this is before Jessica has had a chance to present the paintings to the family and now it would be in ill-taste to do so. They've got more important things to worry about now, having just lost a loved one.
Jessica agrees to stay on in Bushmills until the matter is settled. While she's there, she might as well solve the murder. This is Book #56, people. You know how Jessica is.
Y'all, this was exactly the kind of cozy, simple, nostalgic mystery I needed right now. The holidays can get stressful. It felt so nice sitting and getting swept into this story.
It was comforting to be reunited with Jessica and I loved going along with her as she explored the beautiful countryside of Northern Ireland.
While this wasn't the most captivating Murder, She Wrote mystery that I have ever read, I still really enjoyed it.
I loved the setting and the idea of the O'Bannon family and their business. It was also pleasing to see Jessica get along with and aiding local law enforcement.
Additionally, Jessica met a bit of a protege in this one. A girl named Maggie, who worked at the Inn where Jessica stayed in Bushmills.
I loved Maggie. She was gungho to help Jessica look into Michael's death and she was good at it. I would love to see her again in a future installment. That would be so fun!
I'm really pleased with this series in the hands of Terrie Farley Moran. I think she has done a great job channeling the original tone of the series. I hope she continues on with it for a long time to come.
Murder, She Wrote is my number one comfort series and I will continue to pick them up as long as they are published! Thank you so much to the publisher, Berkley, for providing me with a copy to read and review.
December 9, 2022
Murder, She Wrote: Death on the Emerald Isle by Jessica Fletcher and Terrie Farley Moran is a 2023 Berkley publication.
Jessica heads to Belfast, Ireland to attend a Book Festival for a colleague who is unable to attend. Her stay is extended when, Maeve, her Cabot Cove neighbor, asks Jessica to do her a favor and deliver some family heirloom paintings to her family in Bushmills.
The last thing she anticipates is having to call Maeve with the news that one of her cousins has been murdered…
The television show, on which these books are based, featured a handful of episodes set in Ireland, and I do believe that Angela Lansbury had some Irish roots in real life, so I was happy to see the author once again remained true to the series, while taking us on a trip to Bushmills, Ireland!
This is the 56th installment in the series and the fourth by Terrie Farley Moran, but it is also the first MSW novel published after the death of Angela Lansbury. (To be released in early 2023) As such, there is a bit of a bittersweet pall cast over this one, but it also made the setting all the more fitting, though my favorite installments are normally those set in Cabot Cove.
As for the mystery, it stands up nicely, and I was invested in the story right way, though the clues could have been a bit more subtle in some places and Moran, while doing an admirable job, still seems a bit too tentative.
Other than that, this was another enjoyable installment in the series- and as always it is so nice to touch base with Jessica again-especially now, when I really needed to hear her voice again. I hope this series will continue Jessica’s legacy and help keep Lansbury’s memory alive for a long time to come!
3.5 rounded up.
Jessica heads to Belfast, Ireland to attend a Book Festival for a colleague who is unable to attend. Her stay is extended when, Maeve, her Cabot Cove neighbor, asks Jessica to do her a favor and deliver some family heirloom paintings to her family in Bushmills.
The last thing she anticipates is having to call Maeve with the news that one of her cousins has been murdered…
The television show, on which these books are based, featured a handful of episodes set in Ireland, and I do believe that Angela Lansbury had some Irish roots in real life, so I was happy to see the author once again remained true to the series, while taking us on a trip to Bushmills, Ireland!
This is the 56th installment in the series and the fourth by Terrie Farley Moran, but it is also the first MSW novel published after the death of Angela Lansbury. (To be released in early 2023) As such, there is a bit of a bittersweet pall cast over this one, but it also made the setting all the more fitting, though my favorite installments are normally those set in Cabot Cove.
As for the mystery, it stands up nicely, and I was invested in the story right way, though the clues could have been a bit more subtle in some places and Moran, while doing an admirable job, still seems a bit too tentative.
Other than that, this was another enjoyable installment in the series- and as always it is so nice to touch base with Jessica again-especially now, when I really needed to hear her voice again. I hope this series will continue Jessica’s legacy and help keep Lansbury’s memory alive for a long time to come!
3.5 rounded up.
March 24, 2025
My dear Goodreads Friends you got me to read our dear Jessica! And is she ever ageless!
This is the latest in the series.
It was actually published this year, and dedicated to the amazing Angela Lansbury who just recently passed away on October 11, 2022 at 96 years young.
As those who may remember, she played Jessica Fletcher from 1984-1996 on television. And the question that would often come up for those of us addicted to that series was, how could there be so many murders in this quaint little fishing village of Cabot Cove, Maine?
I think the producers got smart by this point and allowed the famous author, J.B. Fletcher to travel around, as well as teach at a New York university, where murders could happen in their towns. Of course, it was always wonderful to have Mrs. Fletcher available to solve them. And, in this book, it is no different.
And it just so happens, as Mrs. Fletcher is out and about enjoying a wonderful bike ride around the beautiful countryside of Ireland, she even gets to discover the dead body.
So off we are on another scintillating fun cozy time with Jessica, knowing she’s got this one, just fine!
This is the latest in the series.
It was actually published this year, and dedicated to the amazing Angela Lansbury who just recently passed away on October 11, 2022 at 96 years young.
As those who may remember, she played Jessica Fletcher from 1984-1996 on television. And the question that would often come up for those of us addicted to that series was, how could there be so many murders in this quaint little fishing village of Cabot Cove, Maine?
I think the producers got smart by this point and allowed the famous author, J.B. Fletcher to travel around, as well as teach at a New York university, where murders could happen in their towns. Of course, it was always wonderful to have Mrs. Fletcher available to solve them. And, in this book, it is no different.
And it just so happens, as Mrs. Fletcher is out and about enjoying a wonderful bike ride around the beautiful countryside of Ireland, she even gets to discover the dead body.
So off we are on another scintillating fun cozy time with Jessica, knowing she’s got this one, just fine!
February 22, 2023
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the Great Escapes Book Tours. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Death on the Emerald Isle by Jessica Fletcher and Terrie Farley Moran sees Jessica set off on an adventure to the northern part of Ireland.
Will Jessica figure out who killed Michael O'Bannon before she leaves for home?
Jessica Fletcher is off to Ireland to substitute for another author who can't make it to a book festival in Belfast. She has to travel to Bushmills to visit her neighbor's family to deliver some paintings that their shared grandfather painted. Jessica seems to have the best time in both Belfast and Bushmills until she deals with the neighbor's family members. Well, the older family members, that is. I love that even though Jessica doesn't know any Irish family members, she makes it her business to find out why someone would want Michael O'Bannon gone, as it could be any number of people throughout the story. Jessica is still a great joy to read. It was like an episode from her show playing out in my head.
The Mystery
Jessica Fletcher stumbles across the body of Michael O'Bannon while enjoying a nice bike ride through Bushmills and its country sideroads. She noticed some things about the crime scene that wouldn't leave her mind, so she decides to investigate, especially when the local police were looking to Jessica for help. Jessica doesn't mind helping out and is finding many things out about the O'Bannon clan. I have to say that I figured it out, but I couldn't say for sure that I had it right until she confronted the killer in a similar Jessica Fletcher way.
Five Stars
I am giving five stars to Death on the Emerald Isle by Jessica Fletcher and Terrie Farley Moran and also recommending it. Even if you haven't watched any Murder, She Wrote episodes reading this series at any point won't hinder you from following the mystery. Ms. Moran does a beautiful job of bringing Jessica Fletcher into the 21st century, and I like how she writes it as if you could turn on the tv to see this play out like an episode of the show.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Death on the Emerald Isle by Jessica Fletcher and Terrie Farley Moran. Check out the other stops and giveaway if you have time.
Until the next time,
Happy Reading!
This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove
Death on the Emerald Isle by Jessica Fletcher and Terrie Farley Moran sees Jessica set off on an adventure to the northern part of Ireland.
Will Jessica figure out who killed Michael O'Bannon before she leaves for home?
Jessica Fletcher is off to Ireland to substitute for another author who can't make it to a book festival in Belfast. She has to travel to Bushmills to visit her neighbor's family to deliver some paintings that their shared grandfather painted. Jessica seems to have the best time in both Belfast and Bushmills until she deals with the neighbor's family members. Well, the older family members, that is. I love that even though Jessica doesn't know any Irish family members, she makes it her business to find out why someone would want Michael O'Bannon gone, as it could be any number of people throughout the story. Jessica is still a great joy to read. It was like an episode from her show playing out in my head.
The Mystery
Jessica Fletcher stumbles across the body of Michael O'Bannon while enjoying a nice bike ride through Bushmills and its country sideroads. She noticed some things about the crime scene that wouldn't leave her mind, so she decides to investigate, especially when the local police were looking to Jessica for help. Jessica doesn't mind helping out and is finding many things out about the O'Bannon clan. I have to say that I figured it out, but I couldn't say for sure that I had it right until she confronted the killer in a similar Jessica Fletcher way.
Five Stars
I am giving five stars to Death on the Emerald Isle by Jessica Fletcher and Terrie Farley Moran and also recommending it. Even if you haven't watched any Murder, She Wrote episodes reading this series at any point won't hinder you from following the mystery. Ms. Moran does a beautiful job of bringing Jessica Fletcher into the 21st century, and I like how she writes it as if you could turn on the tv to see this play out like an episode of the show.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Death on the Emerald Isle by Jessica Fletcher and Terrie Farley Moran. Check out the other stops and giveaway if you have time.
Until the next time,
Happy Reading!
This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove
January 13, 2023
I loved Death on the Emerald Isle. Terrie Farley Moran does a wonderful job telling a Jessica Fletcher story. The thing about reading a mystery that has 55 others before it is you want to experience a new story, but it has to have the elements of the other stories and in this case, stories written by other authors. I felt securely landed in Jessica's world with Seth Hazlett complaining about the lack of pastry and Jessica's polite gracefulness in tricky situations. The mystery is well-paced and the Irish characters were loveable, especially Jessica's young assistant from the Bushmills hotel. If you love Murder She Wrote, you won't want to miss this one.
January 30, 2023
In case anyone is keeping track, I'm unironically reading this series because I like it. Yes...I know it's peak commercialization.... but so is a Big Mac and I'm not giving those up. I'm not saying you have to be a Murder, She Wrote fan....BUT.... if you say you could never under any circumstances EVER enjoy a single episode and/or book, you're either delusional or a grumpy psychopath.... just saying.
This book has Jessica flying to Ireland to fill in for another writer at an event. Her neighbor in Maine (Mauve) asks her to carry a package to her Irish family. Her father had painted several landscapes of Ireland and she had no family in the US to leave them to. She wanted to make sure the artwork was appreciated. I liked the art/mortality thing here. I recently saw a whole stack of (pretty good) paintings next to a dumpster at recycling center and I've wondered about how they ended up there. It was kinda sad when I saw it and this book captures the idea that when you go, your treasures are basically trash. (The books I've read so far usually don't go that deep, but this one was still good).
Jessica ends up investigating the death of family member. People misunderstand and think she's carrying a valuable inheritance. I was kind of disappointed because the Cabot Cove sheriff and other friends didn't book a flight and show up to help/sightsee. I didn't really like Jessica using a smart phone (she should be stuck in 1990). I thought the final reveal was a bit off brand. Jessica didn't reveal the killer at the funeral when everyone is gathered. Instead she waited until it was clear and she confronts the killer one on one ( with back up hidden).
This book has Jessica flying to Ireland to fill in for another writer at an event. Her neighbor in Maine (Mauve) asks her to carry a package to her Irish family. Her father had painted several landscapes of Ireland and she had no family in the US to leave them to. She wanted to make sure the artwork was appreciated. I liked the art/mortality thing here. I recently saw a whole stack of (pretty good) paintings next to a dumpster at recycling center and I've wondered about how they ended up there. It was kinda sad when I saw it and this book captures the idea that when you go, your treasures are basically trash. (The books I've read so far usually don't go that deep, but this one was still good).
Jessica ends up investigating the death of family member. People misunderstand and think she's carrying a valuable inheritance. I was kind of disappointed because the Cabot Cove sheriff and other friends didn't book a flight and show up to help/sightsee. I didn't really like Jessica using a smart phone (she should be stuck in 1990). I thought the final reveal was a bit off brand. Jessica didn't reveal the killer at the funeral when everyone is gathered. Instead she waited until it was clear and she confronts the killer one on one ( with back up hidden).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 11, 2023
Yet another absolutely delightful MSW mystery, the perfect companion to what has been a hellish week at work for me. There's nothing I needed more than an escape, and where better to escape than the MSW universe with Jessica Fletcher? :)
Jessica has stepped in at the last minute to attend the Belfast book festival after a fellow writer, Lorna Winters, breaks her leg. When her neighbor Maeve O'Bannon hears of her trip, she insists that Jessica stop over at her ancestral village of Bushmills, NI, to leave some family paintings with her cousins. Jessica is only too happy to do so; unfortunately, the same day she arrives, one of the cousins is murdered, and she finds the body. This means that (1) she can't leave until the murderer is found, because she herself is a suspect, and (2) she can't carry out Maeve's wishes until the trauma of the murder has cleared. Jessica has a lot of time to sit and wait while PSNI investigates, so she spends quite a bit of time exploring the Irish countryside and mingling with Maeve's family. And, of course, she figures out whodunit with a classic burst of MSW insight, LOL.
This book is perfectly cozy but it didn't knock my socks off. First of all, if you were expecting an appearance by Jessica's UK beau George Sutherland: you will be disappointed, as he's conveniently written off on a trip to Australia. (What's the point of sending Jessica to the UK if she can't canoodle with her boyfriend? :D) Second of all, there really isn't enough plot to justify even the rather slim 275 page count, and there's a LOT of touristy filler padding things out. The whodunit is exactly who you think it is, and the climax of the murder plot is extremely flat. If you're looking for fiery Irish tempers, you'll have to look elsewhere.
That's not to say there isn't good stuff here - there absolutely is! Lots of wonderful descriptions of places like Giant's Causeway and Fair Head, and fun side characters who fill out the extended O'Bannion family. This novel fits right in with the MSW universe, and it is dedicated to the late, great Angela Lansbury. There are even some fun Cabot Cove-set scenes. Hopefully this is not the last of the series!
Jessica has stepped in at the last minute to attend the Belfast book festival after a fellow writer, Lorna Winters, breaks her leg. When her neighbor Maeve O'Bannon hears of her trip, she insists that Jessica stop over at her ancestral village of Bushmills, NI, to leave some family paintings with her cousins. Jessica is only too happy to do so; unfortunately, the same day she arrives, one of the cousins is murdered, and she finds the body. This means that (1) she can't leave until the murderer is found, because she herself is a suspect, and (2) she can't carry out Maeve's wishes until the trauma of the murder has cleared. Jessica has a lot of time to sit and wait while PSNI investigates, so she spends quite a bit of time exploring the Irish countryside and mingling with Maeve's family. And, of course, she figures out whodunit with a classic burst of MSW insight, LOL.
This book is perfectly cozy but it didn't knock my socks off. First of all, if you were expecting an appearance by Jessica's UK beau George Sutherland: you will be disappointed, as he's conveniently written off on a trip to Australia. (What's the point of sending Jessica to the UK if she can't canoodle with her boyfriend? :D) Second of all, there really isn't enough plot to justify even the rather slim 275 page count, and there's a LOT of touristy filler padding things out. The whodunit is exactly who you think it is, and the climax of the murder plot is extremely flat. If you're looking for fiery Irish tempers, you'll have to look elsewhere.
That's not to say there isn't good stuff here - there absolutely is! Lots of wonderful descriptions of places like Giant's Causeway and Fair Head, and fun side characters who fill out the extended O'Bannion family. This novel fits right in with the MSW universe, and it is dedicated to the late, great Angela Lansbury. There are even some fun Cabot Cove-set scenes. Hopefully this is not the last of the series!
December 16, 2022
I have come to think of this series as a source of comfort food, and it was a delight to find that this time, comfort food came with a visit to Northern Ireland! The mystery was very well written with red herrings that I almost abandoned my pet suspect for. While I had a good idea who did it and why, I had to look at those who had the attention of the Chief Inspector and what Jessica and her new friends uncovered.
Jessica went to Belfast at the request of a friend who had an accident that rendered her unable to travel. Jessica went to the Belfast Book Festival to receive an award on behalf of Lorna and fill in at the events she was scheduled to participate in. Jessica and her old friend Seth discussed the trip while she prepared to leave, and her neighbor, Maeve, stopped in. She heard about Jessica’s trip and asked the favor of Jessica hand-delivering some family treasures, paintings, to her cousins on her behalf. The entire trip should only take a few days.
If only the side trip to Bushmills had gone smoothly! The first night Jessica was in the village, she was invited to join the O’Bannon cousins for a family business dinner and meeting with a company they planned to merge with. The next day one of the cousins, Michael, was dead. Jessica found him in his car on the side of a country road while out for an early morning bike ride.
Crises such as this can bring the best or the worst out in people. One cousin was concerned for all the family members, while one hoped that, once it was announced that Michael was murdered, it would not damage their business. Each is grieving in their own way, especially when having to deal with questions from the police.
Jessica was going to have to wait to present the family with the paintings until the immediate crises is past. The family welcomed her into their eccentric circle, with one of the cousins asking her to tell the victim’s adult children how she found him!
The author presents Jessica as timeless, a wise and intelligent woman who can solve mysteries with the best classic detectives, yet who enjoys the company of children and teens as much as adults of all ages. She shows equal interest in and attention to each person, sometimes especially so to those who might be “whodunit”. She is cheerful with a positive outlook, but not a Pollyanna.
Jessica began to keep her ears open in the village to see who might want to kill the man. Within a short time, she had a list of people and motives regarding anything from a gambling problem to some changes he wanted done in their business that was not in the best interest of the family or the merging company. While I was kept guessing throughout, there were just a couple tiny clues that pointed me in what turned out to be the right direction despite some of the people who seemed like better guesses. I was very pleased at the resolution. I highly recommend this novel to those who are fans of the author and series, who enjoy well-written cozy mysteries, and this time, Ireland.
From a thankful heart: I received a complimentary copy of this novel, and this is my honest review.
Jessica went to Belfast at the request of a friend who had an accident that rendered her unable to travel. Jessica went to the Belfast Book Festival to receive an award on behalf of Lorna and fill in at the events she was scheduled to participate in. Jessica and her old friend Seth discussed the trip while she prepared to leave, and her neighbor, Maeve, stopped in. She heard about Jessica’s trip and asked the favor of Jessica hand-delivering some family treasures, paintings, to her cousins on her behalf. The entire trip should only take a few days.
If only the side trip to Bushmills had gone smoothly! The first night Jessica was in the village, she was invited to join the O’Bannon cousins for a family business dinner and meeting with a company they planned to merge with. The next day one of the cousins, Michael, was dead. Jessica found him in his car on the side of a country road while out for an early morning bike ride.
Crises such as this can bring the best or the worst out in people. One cousin was concerned for all the family members, while one hoped that, once it was announced that Michael was murdered, it would not damage their business. Each is grieving in their own way, especially when having to deal with questions from the police.
Jessica was going to have to wait to present the family with the paintings until the immediate crises is past. The family welcomed her into their eccentric circle, with one of the cousins asking her to tell the victim’s adult children how she found him!
The author presents Jessica as timeless, a wise and intelligent woman who can solve mysteries with the best classic detectives, yet who enjoys the company of children and teens as much as adults of all ages. She shows equal interest in and attention to each person, sometimes especially so to those who might be “whodunit”. She is cheerful with a positive outlook, but not a Pollyanna.
Jessica began to keep her ears open in the village to see who might want to kill the man. Within a short time, she had a list of people and motives regarding anything from a gambling problem to some changes he wanted done in their business that was not in the best interest of the family or the merging company. While I was kept guessing throughout, there were just a couple tiny clues that pointed me in what turned out to be the right direction despite some of the people who seemed like better guesses. I was very pleased at the resolution. I highly recommend this novel to those who are fans of the author and series, who enjoy well-written cozy mysteries, and this time, Ireland.
From a thankful heart: I received a complimentary copy of this novel, and this is my honest review.
April 2, 2023
Jessica & I enjoyed the Emerald Isle immensely. Terrie Farley Moran writes a fantastic JB Fletcher, right down to Jessica’s travel stretches, descriptions of down time, and clever whodunit! Numerous cups of tea and scones were consumed fictionally, as well as while reading. Best of all, the ending left me ready to return to the O’Bannons & Mullens in the Bushmills!
January 1, 2023
Another great installment in this series
September 19, 2023
**I received an advanced reader's copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
Full of lovely descriptions of Ireland, this addition to the Murder, She Wrote franchise has Jessica once again on the track of a killer. While by now the books are a little formulaic with plot and the climax at the end, I still turn to these for a fun entertainment. Jessica is a little different from her TV persona (I cannot help but think of Angela Lansbury as I read this series), but I find this Jessica just as captivating. While I did suspect the killer by the end of the book, I enjoyed the journey towards that conclusion. Great read!
Full of lovely descriptions of Ireland, this addition to the Murder, She Wrote franchise has Jessica once again on the track of a killer. While by now the books are a little formulaic with plot and the climax at the end, I still turn to these for a fun entertainment. Jessica is a little different from her TV persona (I cannot help but think of Angela Lansbury as I read this series), but I find this Jessica just as captivating. While I did suspect the killer by the end of the book, I enjoyed the journey towards that conclusion. Great read!
August 27, 2022
I am a big Jessica Fletcher fan, and I am always happy to spend some time with her and her laser-like detective brain. Here Jess takes the reader along with her to Ireland, where she is substituting for an ailing American author at a writers' conference. At the same time Jess is helping her Cabot Cover neighbor by bringing some paintings to her neighbor's family members who live in a nearby village. During one of Jessica's early morning bike rides, she discovers the body of her neighbor's uncle, with whom she had dinner the previous evening, and whose family company is in the middle of a merger with a French company. So begins Jessica's newest murder adventure. The beautiful country of Ireland and its people come alive in the descriptive writing and well-drawn characters. During some of Jess's sightseeing tours I felt like I was right there with her, enjoying the scenery. I even learned what a
"snug" is in terms of an Irish pub. What a cool idea! This is a terrific addition to the long-running cozy mystery book series. Thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for providing an ARC.
"snug" is in terms of an Irish pub. What a cool idea! This is a terrific addition to the long-running cozy mystery book series. Thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for providing an ARC.
July 13, 2023
Another pretty perfect read for me. I love Jessica Fletcher and the Murder, She Wrote series. Each one is like a visit with an old friend. This latest adventure has Jessica caught up in a murder in Ireland. I loved the Irish setting, that made for a super fun read. The mystery is very good as usual and kept me entertained. Loved this one!
April 8, 2023
Enjoyed the characters, but not so much the author’s writing style.
January 10, 2023
Though I’ve never been to Ireland, it’s one of my favorite places in the world. I have lots of favorite places…just ask my daughter! I watch Escape to the Country on BritBox, and I pretty much need to own at least one house per county (yes, county, not country, so I need some funds!) in England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland. In fact, when I watch the shows, I often let out an Irish sigh! I never knew my sigh had a name until I read this book! Jessica finds out what an Irish sigh sounds like in Death on the Emerald Isle, and I really imagine it sounding like my deep sighs of longing for those houses (or deep sighs of frustration!). But as you can tell, I was very, very happy with the setting of Jessica’s latest adventure!
Since Jessica’s author friend is unable to fly to Ireland due to an injury she sustained, she asks Jessica to go in her place and accept an award for her and give her speech. Of course, Jessica agrees to help her friend. She also agrees to deliver some family heirlooms to her neighbor’s Irish cousins. It seems like a simple enough task, and it gives Jessica some time to enjoy the quiet country life in Bushmills. But can Jessica ever just have some peace and quiet? Nope! As she’s riding a bicycle down a country lane, she comes across a dead body! And she recognizes him as her neighbor’s cousin, Michael. Of course, she can’t deliver the family heirlooms when the family is in shock about Michael’s murder, so she stays and puts her skills to work.
I absolutely loved Murder She Wrote: Death on the Emerald Isle. This author always has me totally immersed in the story. I grew up during the Murder She Wrote TV days, and most of you have probably watched it too! I love that I can picture the regular characters and hear their voices as I read. It’s like getting an all new episode years after the TV show ended. I’ve only read the Murder She Wrote books authored by Terrie Farley Moran, and I’ve loved every one of them. They make me feel that cozy nostalgia of watching the show with my grandma. In addition to the regular characters, the author brings the new characters in Murder She Wrote: Death on the Emerald Isle with her excellent descriptions and ear for dialogue. There are a few characters in this one that I’d love to see again, so Jessica needs to either visit them or invite them to Cabot Cove!
The murder is just puzzling enough to leave you guessing! I changed my choice of culprit several times throughout the mystery, and I think you will be satisfied as to the who and why.
Murder She Wrote: Death on the Emerald Isle is the perfect cozy mystery to curl up with whether you’re putting up with the chill of winter or enjoying the sunshine on your porch. It has such wonderful characters and a glorious setting! I can’t wait until Jessica’s next adventure! I highly recommend this delightful cozy mystery to all mystery lovers!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from NetGalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Since Jessica’s author friend is unable to fly to Ireland due to an injury she sustained, she asks Jessica to go in her place and accept an award for her and give her speech. Of course, Jessica agrees to help her friend. She also agrees to deliver some family heirlooms to her neighbor’s Irish cousins. It seems like a simple enough task, and it gives Jessica some time to enjoy the quiet country life in Bushmills. But can Jessica ever just have some peace and quiet? Nope! As she’s riding a bicycle down a country lane, she comes across a dead body! And she recognizes him as her neighbor’s cousin, Michael. Of course, she can’t deliver the family heirlooms when the family is in shock about Michael’s murder, so she stays and puts her skills to work.
I absolutely loved Murder She Wrote: Death on the Emerald Isle. This author always has me totally immersed in the story. I grew up during the Murder She Wrote TV days, and most of you have probably watched it too! I love that I can picture the regular characters and hear their voices as I read. It’s like getting an all new episode years after the TV show ended. I’ve only read the Murder She Wrote books authored by Terrie Farley Moran, and I’ve loved every one of them. They make me feel that cozy nostalgia of watching the show with my grandma. In addition to the regular characters, the author brings the new characters in Murder She Wrote: Death on the Emerald Isle with her excellent descriptions and ear for dialogue. There are a few characters in this one that I’d love to see again, so Jessica needs to either visit them or invite them to Cabot Cove!
The murder is just puzzling enough to leave you guessing! I changed my choice of culprit several times throughout the mystery, and I think you will be satisfied as to the who and why.
Murder She Wrote: Death on the Emerald Isle is the perfect cozy mystery to curl up with whether you’re putting up with the chill of winter or enjoying the sunshine on your porch. It has such wonderful characters and a glorious setting! I can’t wait until Jessica’s next adventure! I highly recommend this delightful cozy mystery to all mystery lovers!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from NetGalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
January 2, 2023
Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
Death on the Emerald Isle is the 56th (!!!) Murder, She Wrote mystery. Due out 3rd Jan 2023 from Penguin Random House on their Berkley imprint, it's 288 pages and will be available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.
This is an eminently readable and enjoyable mystery "co-written" by Terrie Farley Moran. This outing sees Jessica flying to Belfast as a guest speaker for a local book festival. The festival actually wraps up without any issues, and it's only when she agrees to deliver some paintings for a neighbor back in the Cabot Cove that dead bodies start popping up.
These books are such comfort reading. There's something very relaxing about starting a read which is already a known quantity before opening the covers or reading a single sentence. They're consistently well written, cleverly constructed, fast paced, clean, and without graphic violence or language.
I enjoyed the book, but I daresay I'd avoid any college reunion, wedding, vacation, cruise, or christening to which "Aunt Jess" is invited for fear of tripping over a recently murdered friend or acquaintance. "We know you're busy, just send a card, thanks!". I'm sure there are actuarial tables and insurance agents who have lectures and workshops on the statistical improbability of violent crime in her immediate vicinity, no matter *where* she finds herself.
The mysteries are self-contained and can be read in any order. This is a perennial favorite for binge reading and highly recommended.
Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Death on the Emerald Isle is the 56th (!!!) Murder, She Wrote mystery. Due out 3rd Jan 2023 from Penguin Random House on their Berkley imprint, it's 288 pages and will be available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.
This is an eminently readable and enjoyable mystery "co-written" by Terrie Farley Moran. This outing sees Jessica flying to Belfast as a guest speaker for a local book festival. The festival actually wraps up without any issues, and it's only when she agrees to deliver some paintings for a neighbor back in the Cabot Cove that dead bodies start popping up.
These books are such comfort reading. There's something very relaxing about starting a read which is already a known quantity before opening the covers or reading a single sentence. They're consistently well written, cleverly constructed, fast paced, clean, and without graphic violence or language.
I enjoyed the book, but I daresay I'd avoid any college reunion, wedding, vacation, cruise, or christening to which "Aunt Jess" is invited for fear of tripping over a recently murdered friend or acquaintance. "We know you're busy, just send a card, thanks!". I'm sure there are actuarial tables and insurance agents who have lectures and workshops on the statistical improbability of violent crime in her immediate vicinity, no matter *where* she finds herself.
The mysteries are self-contained and can be read in any order. This is a perennial favorite for binge reading and highly recommended.
Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
April 29, 2024
Jessica Fletcher was given an opportunity to attend an author's convention in Northern Ireland. When her neighbor and friend, Maeve O'Bannon, found out that Jessica was going on the trip, she asked Jessica to do a favor for her. Maeve had some paintings that were done by her grandfather. She wanted Jessica to bring them back to Ireland and give them to her cousins. Jessica was happy to do so and was also pleased to meet her friend's family. However, that all changed when Jessica was going for a bicycle ride out in the country and came across a stranded vehicle by the side of the row. When she approached the car, she was shocked to discover an obviously murdered man inside. What was even more disturbing was that she recognized him as one of the O'Bannon cousins. It didn't take long for her to realize that there was much more to the family dynamics and business partners than first met the eye.
January 9, 2023
📖My Thoughts📖
Murder She Wrote has always been something I’ve enjoyed watching. To this day, I occasionally put in on when I go to bed as a sort of comfort. When I was sent the widget for this book I was so excited! Who doesn’t love a good dose of Jessica Fletcher? What could possibly make this book any better? It takes place in Ireland (a bucket list vacation destination of mine). I love the details of the book as it made me feel as though I was there myself. This was just as good as watching the tv series, if not better. It wasn’t too lengthy, the characters were very easy to follow, and of course, Jessica Fletcher did an amazing job as always solving the murder. If you’re a fan of Murder She Wrote, I strongly suggest you pick this one up. While it’s a part of a series, it’s very capable of being read as a standalone.
Thank you Netgalley, Berkley Publishing, Jessica Fletcher and Terrie Farley Moran for the opportunity to read and review this book. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Murder She Wrote has always been something I’ve enjoyed watching. To this day, I occasionally put in on when I go to bed as a sort of comfort. When I was sent the widget for this book I was so excited! Who doesn’t love a good dose of Jessica Fletcher? What could possibly make this book any better? It takes place in Ireland (a bucket list vacation destination of mine). I love the details of the book as it made me feel as though I was there myself. This was just as good as watching the tv series, if not better. It wasn’t too lengthy, the characters were very easy to follow, and of course, Jessica Fletcher did an amazing job as always solving the murder. If you’re a fan of Murder She Wrote, I strongly suggest you pick this one up. While it’s a part of a series, it’s very capable of being read as a standalone.
Thank you Netgalley, Berkley Publishing, Jessica Fletcher and Terrie Farley Moran for the opportunity to read and review this book. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
January 19, 2023
I loved the fact that this was dedicated to Angela Lansbury, the woman who is Jessica Fletcher.
The Northern Irish landscape sounds so beautiful and was described so well that I could picture it clearly in my mind. Unfortunately, murder got in the way - poor Michael O'Bannon. Of course, Jessica solves the case before going back to Cabot Cove, and I tried (as I always do) to figure out the murderer and came up short. There was no shortage of suspects, that's for sure, but I was completely wrong - I let the red herring lead me astray.
I hope Jessica ventures back to Bushmills for the upcoming wedding she was invited to, but I'd hate to see murder upstage Owen and Maggie's wedding. We'll just have to wait and see.
The Northern Irish landscape sounds so beautiful and was described so well that I could picture it clearly in my mind. Unfortunately, murder got in the way - poor Michael O'Bannon. Of course, Jessica solves the case before going back to Cabot Cove, and I tried (as I always do) to figure out the murderer and came up short. There was no shortage of suspects, that's for sure, but I was completely wrong - I let the red herring lead me astray.
I hope Jessica ventures back to Bushmills for the upcoming wedding she was invited to, but I'd hate to see murder upstage Owen and Maggie's wedding. We'll just have to wait and see.
December 4, 2024
This author is new to me on the series. I'm not sure if she's written previous books as I just grabbed this one at the used book store without noticing it wasn't Donald Bain.
So the first thing I noticed was a slight difference in the feel of the books and how Jess would normally behave (in my opinion). It just didn't hit quite right in places.
BUT that said, overall, this was a perfect plot for murder she wrote. It took longer than expected to actually get to the murder - we spent a bit of time in a completely unrelated storyline which surprised me.
It wasn't a bad book though. I enjoyed it.
So the first thing I noticed was a slight difference in the feel of the books and how Jess would normally behave (in my opinion). It just didn't hit quite right in places.
BUT that said, overall, this was a perfect plot for murder she wrote. It took longer than expected to actually get to the murder - we spent a bit of time in a completely unrelated storyline which surprised me.
It wasn't a bad book though. I enjoyed it.
April 15, 2023
I love this gentle and thoughtful portrayal of Jessica. She is going out of her way to help out a friend by going to Ireland, then she goes further by helping a second friend to get her family’s art back to her Irish family. Even the way she catches the bad guy is more gentle. The setting of Ireland is wonderful and the characters in Ireland are fabulous. This made for a great book and a great trip to Ireland.
January 5, 2023
In Death on the Emerald Isle, Jessica is already doing a favor for a friend by attending a book conference in Ireland in her stead. Now, she is also returning some paintings to their Irish homeland for her neighbor. Jessica being Jessica she is soon embroiled in a mystery when she finds a local doctor dead. Cue the Murder She Wrote music that I can still hear in my head over thirty years after the original television series was cancelled.
It is always such a pleasure to hang out with Jessica. I hope to have such an exciting life when I’m her age, which appears to be fast approaching. The suspects, clues and red herrings are all in place for armchair detectives to unravel. It was also nice to get a bit of a travelogue of Ireland. 4 stars and a fun read!
Thanks to Berkley Books, Great Escapes Book Tours, and NetGalley for a digital review copy of the book.
It is always such a pleasure to hang out with Jessica. I hope to have such an exciting life when I’m her age, which appears to be fast approaching. The suspects, clues and red herrings are all in place for armchair detectives to unravel. It was also nice to get a bit of a travelogue of Ireland. 4 stars and a fun read!
Thanks to Berkley Books, Great Escapes Book Tours, and NetGalley for a digital review copy of the book.
July 3, 2023
4.5. Comfort reading at its finest! Normally, I would give 5, but I felt like the mystery solving part was somewhat anticlimactic. But otherwise, I thoroughly enjoyed a visit with Cabot Cove regulars and some new folks in Ireland!
January 9, 2023
Jessica Fletcher is at her best as a not-so-amateur sleuth in this one, and the taste of village life in Ireland is delightful. Author Terrie Moran has done some solid research, probably in person, on life in Ireland. Of course, it helps that Terrie can claim Irish heritage. But it works out to be some great reading. Can't wait to see where Jessica is going next.
January 8, 2023
This is now one of my all-time favorites in the series. Great atmospherics, loved the Northern Ireland setting and I really could picture the characters speaking with Irish brogues. I also felt like the book was very true to how a television episode would have evolved. Definitely had classic Murder, She Wrote vibes.
February 11, 2025
Stars: 4 / 5
Recommendation: A fitting eulogy to Dame Angela Lansbury as the author takes us through Ireland, Angela's British Irish roots. Well placed mystery with lovable new characters and locations yet keeping the spirit of the previous 55 books, Author Terrie Moran has done an excellent job.
Death on the Emerald Isle is the 56th novel in the long-running Murder She Wrote series co-written by Terrie Farley Moran & fictional writer Jessica Fletcher. It was first published on January of 2023.
This is my take on the series of books written by a plethora of authors and Jessica Fletcher (fictional author) based on the 80s and 90s popular American crime drama television series Murder, She Wrote. These books are ghost written by Donald Bain and fictional author Jessica Fletcher for the first 43 books until 2015. Then Donald Bain wrote these with Renee Paley Bain and Jon Land for four more books. After Donald Bain passed away in 2017, Jon Land alone took the baton and continued with Jessica Fletcher for 5 more books until 2020. Starting 2021 the series was picked by Terrie Farley Moran again pairing with the fictional writer Jessica Fletcher. As of October 2024, 59 books have been written in this series. They are mostly written in first person narration.
Angela Lansbury who had played the role of Jessica Fletcher in the TV show Murder, She Wrote and also had co-authored in all of 55 books prior to this one, written in this series. However she passed away on October 11, 2022, at a very ripe age of 96 a few weeks before her 97th birthday. Its no wonder that Terrie wrote and published only one book in 2023 considering her demise.
Must have taken quite a while for all the aspects surrounding her books and estate settled before she was given permission to publish further. I thought they would stop publishing just like how they have done with Mary Higgins Clark and Sue Grafton. Apparently now, since Terrie has written 4 books after Angela passed way. And aptly author Terrie dedicates the book to Angela Lansbury who brought the character Jessica Fletcher to life.
In this installment, Jessica goes to Ireland to attend a book festival. When her neighbor Maeve O'Bannon asks her to deliver some paintings to her family closer to where Jessica was going, little did she expect to fall smack in the middle of the murder Michael, Maeve's cousin. Now she has to dig into the O'Bannon family's secrets to unmask the killer.
We are back to seeing Jed Richardson's wife's name as Alicia in this. The one book where she is mistakenly named Barbara by Donald Bain in the 27th book Coffee, Tea or Murder? (https://galavantreflections.com/2023/...) and was never given any explanation. I guess Terrie corrected in this book.
I was hoping to see more of George Sutherland in this book since it is set in Ireland. But George is in Australia on a case at the same time. Too bad! But what delighted me was that Jessica reads the book "An Irish Country Doctor" by Patrick Taylor, another author that I read often.
Jessica goes to the iconic Titanic Belfast Hotel where the book festival is held in Belfast, Ireland. We get charmed by author Terrie's description of the famous sweeping staircase and the Honor and Glory Crowning Time clock. Jessica reminisces that she saw that clock in the 1997 movie Titanic. About 35 seconds into this scene, you can see the grand staircase ang the clock as well at the top of the staircase. I don’t remember this scene at all.
PS: couldn't link the scene when we first see Jack entering First Class, but was able to share this scene that shows the clock in clear view. Also this has always been a sentimental scene for me.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xPlGP...
I had just watched a recorded episode of Jeopardy and one of the clue was on the Irish Poet and Playwright Seamus Heaney. And lo and behold, when I opened to the section I left last in this book, I see the owner of River Bush Motel leaves a book of Seamus Heaney's poems in Jessica's room for her to enjoy. Just scary how the TV knows in advance I would read. :P
Bushmills was my all-time favorite Irish Whiskey that I ever tasted. Not that I drink anymore, but was pleased to know Bushmills was indeed a town in Ireland and thrilled at the description of the distillery.
A fitting eulogy to Dame Angela Lansbury as the author takes us through Ireland, Angela's British Irish roots. Well placed mystery with lovable new characters and locations yet keeping the spirit of the previous 55 books, Author Terrie Moran has done an excellent job.
Spoiler Alerts:
1. Grammatical / Character / Plot / Geographical / Historical / Mythological Errors:
a. On Pg. 241, Line 5, it should be Anya who leads Jessica to Tilly. Not Tilly as mentioned.
2. Plot Reveals:
a. Characters we see here:
i. O'Bannon family: All of the three cousins of Maeve run the family cosmetic company Marine Magic, Beth Anne O'Bannon Ryan, head of the company; Jane O'Bannon Mullen, Beth's sister and head chemist; Michael O'Bannon, Maeve's cousin and a doctor; Owen Mullen, Jane's son; Nora, a servant; Liam Mullen, Jane's husband; Diedre, Michael's daughter; Niall, Michael's son; Caro and Shiela, Beth Anne's daughters;
ii. Nolan's family: Dougal Nolan, runs River Bush Hotel in Bushmills, Ireland; his daughter Maggie, engaged to Owen;
iii. Others involved: Godfrey Hamilton, Jessica's escort; Tara Brennan, festival coordinator; Moira Callan & Tom Singh, festival co-chairs; Conor Sweeney, owner of Sweeney Brothers Shipment; Saiorse McInerney, Owen's nanny and runs a team room in Ballycastle; James Collins, owns the pub Dart and the Pint; Claude Blanchet and Julien Lavigne, member from BOD of the French company Belle Visage; Malachy Gleason, Marine Magic's Comptroller and his wife Grainne; Constable Eddie Breen; Constable Tim Redding; Chief Inspector Clive Finley; Dermot Kerrigan, a loan shark; Agatha Mason, owns Aunt Aggie's Attic; Hugh Tierney, a tour guide.
b.
3. Sub Plots:
a. Friends of Jessica Fletcher: Dr. Seth Hazlitt; George Sutherland, senior inspector with Scotland Yard, formerly with British Special Air Service; Morton "Mort" Metzger, Cabot Cove Sherriff and his second wife Maureen; Eve Simpson, realtor friend with Cabot Cove Realty called Simpson Realty; Ethan Cragg, Cabot Cove’s chief town elder; Susan Shevlin, travel agent and her husband Jim, Current Mayor of Cabot Cove; Charlene Sassi, baker;
b. Literary contacts and friends: Harry McGraw, her private eye friend; Matt Miller, her literary agent & his wife Susan; Paulette, Matt's assistant; her British Publisher Griffin Semple, son of her original publisher Archibald Semple; Herb Mason, her accountant.
c. Other Cabot Cove characters: Josh, the mailman; Jed Richardson, bush pilot and owner of Jed's Flying Service, and his wife Alicia / Barbara?, His brother Harvey, owns the local Gas-and-Go; Mara, owns Mara’s Luncheonette, as of #54, Mara has branched out into NH and VT; Hank Weathers, a homeless war vet; Seamus McGilray, manager of Hill House Hotel per the 51st book / Thomas Wilkerson per the 47th book; Richard "Dick" Mann, Fire Chief; Professor Donskoy; Roberta Dougherty, bookstore owner; Richard Koser, photographer, and his wife MaryJane; Barbara DePaoli, Chamber of Commerce's secretary; Anthon Colarusso, dentist; Beth and Peter Mullin, owners of Old Thyme Floral; Sam Davis, investment advisor; Jack Decker, publisher of Cabot Cove's monthly magazine; Peter Eder, Cabot Cove's symphony orchestra; Bob Daros, owns Heritage Fuel; Tim Purdy, treasurer of chamber of commerce and historian and president of Cabot Cove's historical society, and investment advisor, and his wife Ellen; Pat Hitchcock, Cabot Cove's popular nurse and teacher?; Joseph "Joe" Turco, an attorney; Marcia Davis, costume designer; David and Jim Raneri, owners of Charles Department Store; Ralph Mackin, town attorney; Ed and Joan Lerner, retirees; Brenda Brody, copy editor of Cabot Cove Insider; Doug Treyz, dentist, and his wife Tina; Jack and Marilou Decker, publishers of Cabot Cove Insider; Peter and Roberta Walters, owners of the radio station; Horace Teller, publisher of Cabot Cove News; Doris Sitar, assistant manager at Cabot Cove Savings Bank; Dmitri, owner of local taxi company; Phil Wick, field manager of the phone company; John St. Clair, professor of business law at Cabot Cove Community College; Dr. Jennifer "Jenny" Countryman, Seth's partner; Reginald "Reggie" Weems, insurance agent; Richard Jenkins & Sal Marterella, city council members; Jack Wilson, the Veterinarian, and his wife Tobe; Dan Andrews, editor of Cabot Cove Gazette; Maniram Chatterjee & his wife Hita, jewelry shop owners; Sanford Teller, public relations agency; Lee, postmistress; Loretta Spiegel, owns beauty salon; Barnaby Longshoot; Brad Crandall; SeaBasket, a supermarket; Father Donald Barnes; Becky Thayer, owner of Cabot Cove Catering; Doris Ann, librarian; Ansell Hodges, homeless veteran; Clara, Seth's longtime receptionist; Carl Cragg, Ethan's cousin and Building inspector; Demetri and his cousin Nick, Cabot Cove Taxi Service; Ideal Molly, Jessica's long time neighbor; Lavinia Wahl, another friend; Maeve O'Bannon, Jessica's another neighbor; Dr. Gregory Leung, Cabot Cove Hospital Deputy Administrator; Rosie Santangelo, teaches arts and crafts; Walter Hendon, harbormaster; Sally Thomson, sales associate at Charles Department Store; Margo Linwood, front desk at Hill House; Edward, Library aide; John Martinez, a library patron; Lorna Mason, Library Committee treasurer; Nancy, a newish committee member; Joseph, maitre d' at Hill House
d. Sheriff Metzger’s staff & other law enforcement: Deputy Andy Jenks / Broom??; Deputy Jack; Rookie Wendell Watson and his mother Gloria; Deputy Harold; Deputy Jerry; Deputy Evan; Deputy Chip; Alfred Gillo, medical examiner; Judge Kaplan; Marie Poutre, dispatcher; Officer Edgar; Gladys, a civilian dispatcher; Deputy Billy Simms; NYPD lieutenant with Major Case Squad Artie Gelber; Deputy Muldoon; Deputy Floyd McCallum
e. Jessica Fletcher’s family: Grady Fletcher, nephew that she and her late-husband Frank raise, his wife Donna and child Frank. Grady plans to open his own accounting firm in book #52.
f. From the 9th book, Murder on the QE2: Mary Ward has been a prominent character in this book. Will she resurface again?
g. From the 10th book, Murder in Moscow:
i. There is still no resolution as to who or how Ward Wenington was killed in D.C. and why Vladislav "Vlady" Staritova was killed in Russia. What was the connection?
ii. Alexandra Kozhina disappears at the end of the plot. And will she surface in another book?
h. From the 30th book:
i. Tom Craig offers Michael Haggerty a book deal to write about his escapades as an undercover British spy.
ii. There is no closure as to who actually kills the person in the first murder.
iii. Will Jennifer Kahn, the alleged jewel thief, walk away free since they could only find circumstantial evidence against her and nothing concrete?
i. From the 37th book: If I ever try the sidecar recipe I will have to post it again referring the 37th book. But Angela Lansbury did print a cookbook based on the food items shared either in the episodes or by characters of the series. https://www.silverscreensuppers.com/t...
j. From the 47th book:
i. Mort jokes that Jessica is a magnet for murder; and Jessica quips that can she use that as a title. We know that this title has never been done so far in her books or the fictional ones she wrote on the TV show. May be a future book?
ii. Again we don’t see the criminal Armand Dejong's body found. So did he succumb to the injuries caused by fire or escape?
k. From the 48th book, Manuscript for Murder:
i. We come to know that Mort was in Vietnam that we had never heard either on TV show or the earlier books.
l. From the 51st book, The Murder of Twelve:
i. Author Land gives considerable mystery to Seamus McGilray’s character. I wonder if he resurfaces in a future book.
ii. Towards the end of the book, Mort jokes that Jessica should run for mayor. Hmm…something to look forward to I suppose.
m. From the 54th book, Debonair in Death: Deputy Andy's full name become Andy Broom vs Andy Jenkins.
Recommendation: A fitting eulogy to Dame Angela Lansbury as the author takes us through Ireland, Angela's British Irish roots. Well placed mystery with lovable new characters and locations yet keeping the spirit of the previous 55 books, Author Terrie Moran has done an excellent job.
Death on the Emerald Isle is the 56th novel in the long-running Murder She Wrote series co-written by Terrie Farley Moran & fictional writer Jessica Fletcher. It was first published on January of 2023.
This is my take on the series of books written by a plethora of authors and Jessica Fletcher (fictional author) based on the 80s and 90s popular American crime drama television series Murder, She Wrote. These books are ghost written by Donald Bain and fictional author Jessica Fletcher for the first 43 books until 2015. Then Donald Bain wrote these with Renee Paley Bain and Jon Land for four more books. After Donald Bain passed away in 2017, Jon Land alone took the baton and continued with Jessica Fletcher for 5 more books until 2020. Starting 2021 the series was picked by Terrie Farley Moran again pairing with the fictional writer Jessica Fletcher. As of October 2024, 59 books have been written in this series. They are mostly written in first person narration.
Angela Lansbury who had played the role of Jessica Fletcher in the TV show Murder, She Wrote and also had co-authored in all of 55 books prior to this one, written in this series. However she passed away on October 11, 2022, at a very ripe age of 96 a few weeks before her 97th birthday. Its no wonder that Terrie wrote and published only one book in 2023 considering her demise.
Must have taken quite a while for all the aspects surrounding her books and estate settled before she was given permission to publish further. I thought they would stop publishing just like how they have done with Mary Higgins Clark and Sue Grafton. Apparently now, since Terrie has written 4 books after Angela passed way. And aptly author Terrie dedicates the book to Angela Lansbury who brought the character Jessica Fletcher to life.
In this installment, Jessica goes to Ireland to attend a book festival. When her neighbor Maeve O'Bannon asks her to deliver some paintings to her family closer to where Jessica was going, little did she expect to fall smack in the middle of the murder Michael, Maeve's cousin. Now she has to dig into the O'Bannon family's secrets to unmask the killer.
We are back to seeing Jed Richardson's wife's name as Alicia in this. The one book where she is mistakenly named Barbara by Donald Bain in the 27th book Coffee, Tea or Murder? (https://galavantreflections.com/2023/...) and was never given any explanation. I guess Terrie corrected in this book.
I was hoping to see more of George Sutherland in this book since it is set in Ireland. But George is in Australia on a case at the same time. Too bad! But what delighted me was that Jessica reads the book "An Irish Country Doctor" by Patrick Taylor, another author that I read often.
Jessica goes to the iconic Titanic Belfast Hotel where the book festival is held in Belfast, Ireland. We get charmed by author Terrie's description of the famous sweeping staircase and the Honor and Glory Crowning Time clock. Jessica reminisces that she saw that clock in the 1997 movie Titanic. About 35 seconds into this scene, you can see the grand staircase ang the clock as well at the top of the staircase. I don’t remember this scene at all.
PS: couldn't link the scene when we first see Jack entering First Class, but was able to share this scene that shows the clock in clear view. Also this has always been a sentimental scene for me.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xPlGP...
I had just watched a recorded episode of Jeopardy and one of the clue was on the Irish Poet and Playwright Seamus Heaney. And lo and behold, when I opened to the section I left last in this book, I see the owner of River Bush Motel leaves a book of Seamus Heaney's poems in Jessica's room for her to enjoy. Just scary how the TV knows in advance I would read. :P
Bushmills was my all-time favorite Irish Whiskey that I ever tasted. Not that I drink anymore, but was pleased to know Bushmills was indeed a town in Ireland and thrilled at the description of the distillery.
A fitting eulogy to Dame Angela Lansbury as the author takes us through Ireland, Angela's British Irish roots. Well placed mystery with lovable new characters and locations yet keeping the spirit of the previous 55 books, Author Terrie Moran has done an excellent job.
Spoiler Alerts:
1. Grammatical / Character / Plot / Geographical / Historical / Mythological Errors:
a. On Pg. 241, Line 5, it should be Anya who leads Jessica to Tilly. Not Tilly as mentioned.
2. Plot Reveals:
a. Characters we see here:
i. O'Bannon family: All of the three cousins of Maeve run the family cosmetic company Marine Magic, Beth Anne O'Bannon Ryan, head of the company; Jane O'Bannon Mullen, Beth's sister and head chemist; Michael O'Bannon, Maeve's cousin and a doctor; Owen Mullen, Jane's son; Nora, a servant; Liam Mullen, Jane's husband; Diedre, Michael's daughter; Niall, Michael's son; Caro and Shiela, Beth Anne's daughters;
ii. Nolan's family: Dougal Nolan, runs River Bush Hotel in Bushmills, Ireland; his daughter Maggie, engaged to Owen;
iii. Others involved: Godfrey Hamilton, Jessica's escort; Tara Brennan, festival coordinator; Moira Callan & Tom Singh, festival co-chairs; Conor Sweeney, owner of Sweeney Brothers Shipment; Saiorse McInerney, Owen's nanny and runs a team room in Ballycastle; James Collins, owns the pub Dart and the Pint; Claude Blanchet and Julien Lavigne, member from BOD of the French company Belle Visage; Malachy Gleason, Marine Magic's Comptroller and his wife Grainne; Constable Eddie Breen; Constable Tim Redding; Chief Inspector Clive Finley; Dermot Kerrigan, a loan shark; Agatha Mason, owns Aunt Aggie's Attic; Hugh Tierney, a tour guide.
b.
3. Sub Plots:
a. Friends of Jessica Fletcher: Dr. Seth Hazlitt; George Sutherland, senior inspector with Scotland Yard, formerly with British Special Air Service; Morton "Mort" Metzger, Cabot Cove Sherriff and his second wife Maureen; Eve Simpson, realtor friend with Cabot Cove Realty called Simpson Realty; Ethan Cragg, Cabot Cove’s chief town elder; Susan Shevlin, travel agent and her husband Jim, Current Mayor of Cabot Cove; Charlene Sassi, baker;
b. Literary contacts and friends: Harry McGraw, her private eye friend; Matt Miller, her literary agent & his wife Susan; Paulette, Matt's assistant; her British Publisher Griffin Semple, son of her original publisher Archibald Semple; Herb Mason, her accountant.
c. Other Cabot Cove characters: Josh, the mailman; Jed Richardson, bush pilot and owner of Jed's Flying Service, and his wife Alicia / Barbara?, His brother Harvey, owns the local Gas-and-Go; Mara, owns Mara’s Luncheonette, as of #54, Mara has branched out into NH and VT; Hank Weathers, a homeless war vet; Seamus McGilray, manager of Hill House Hotel per the 51st book / Thomas Wilkerson per the 47th book; Richard "Dick" Mann, Fire Chief; Professor Donskoy; Roberta Dougherty, bookstore owner; Richard Koser, photographer, and his wife MaryJane; Barbara DePaoli, Chamber of Commerce's secretary; Anthon Colarusso, dentist; Beth and Peter Mullin, owners of Old Thyme Floral; Sam Davis, investment advisor; Jack Decker, publisher of Cabot Cove's monthly magazine; Peter Eder, Cabot Cove's symphony orchestra; Bob Daros, owns Heritage Fuel; Tim Purdy, treasurer of chamber of commerce and historian and president of Cabot Cove's historical society, and investment advisor, and his wife Ellen; Pat Hitchcock, Cabot Cove's popular nurse and teacher?; Joseph "Joe" Turco, an attorney; Marcia Davis, costume designer; David and Jim Raneri, owners of Charles Department Store; Ralph Mackin, town attorney; Ed and Joan Lerner, retirees; Brenda Brody, copy editor of Cabot Cove Insider; Doug Treyz, dentist, and his wife Tina; Jack and Marilou Decker, publishers of Cabot Cove Insider; Peter and Roberta Walters, owners of the radio station; Horace Teller, publisher of Cabot Cove News; Doris Sitar, assistant manager at Cabot Cove Savings Bank; Dmitri, owner of local taxi company; Phil Wick, field manager of the phone company; John St. Clair, professor of business law at Cabot Cove Community College; Dr. Jennifer "Jenny" Countryman, Seth's partner; Reginald "Reggie" Weems, insurance agent; Richard Jenkins & Sal Marterella, city council members; Jack Wilson, the Veterinarian, and his wife Tobe; Dan Andrews, editor of Cabot Cove Gazette; Maniram Chatterjee & his wife Hita, jewelry shop owners; Sanford Teller, public relations agency; Lee, postmistress; Loretta Spiegel, owns beauty salon; Barnaby Longshoot; Brad Crandall; SeaBasket, a supermarket; Father Donald Barnes; Becky Thayer, owner of Cabot Cove Catering; Doris Ann, librarian; Ansell Hodges, homeless veteran; Clara, Seth's longtime receptionist; Carl Cragg, Ethan's cousin and Building inspector; Demetri and his cousin Nick, Cabot Cove Taxi Service; Ideal Molly, Jessica's long time neighbor; Lavinia Wahl, another friend; Maeve O'Bannon, Jessica's another neighbor; Dr. Gregory Leung, Cabot Cove Hospital Deputy Administrator; Rosie Santangelo, teaches arts and crafts; Walter Hendon, harbormaster; Sally Thomson, sales associate at Charles Department Store; Margo Linwood, front desk at Hill House; Edward, Library aide; John Martinez, a library patron; Lorna Mason, Library Committee treasurer; Nancy, a newish committee member; Joseph, maitre d' at Hill House
d. Sheriff Metzger’s staff & other law enforcement: Deputy Andy Jenks / Broom??; Deputy Jack; Rookie Wendell Watson and his mother Gloria; Deputy Harold; Deputy Jerry; Deputy Evan; Deputy Chip; Alfred Gillo, medical examiner; Judge Kaplan; Marie Poutre, dispatcher; Officer Edgar; Gladys, a civilian dispatcher; Deputy Billy Simms; NYPD lieutenant with Major Case Squad Artie Gelber; Deputy Muldoon; Deputy Floyd McCallum
e. Jessica Fletcher’s family: Grady Fletcher, nephew that she and her late-husband Frank raise, his wife Donna and child Frank. Grady plans to open his own accounting firm in book #52.
f. From the 9th book, Murder on the QE2: Mary Ward has been a prominent character in this book. Will she resurface again?
g. From the 10th book, Murder in Moscow:
i. There is still no resolution as to who or how Ward Wenington was killed in D.C. and why Vladislav "Vlady" Staritova was killed in Russia. What was the connection?
ii. Alexandra Kozhina disappears at the end of the plot. And will she surface in another book?
h. From the 30th book:
i. Tom Craig offers Michael Haggerty a book deal to write about his escapades as an undercover British spy.
ii. There is no closure as to who actually kills the person in the first murder.
iii. Will Jennifer Kahn, the alleged jewel thief, walk away free since they could only find circumstantial evidence against her and nothing concrete?
i. From the 37th book: If I ever try the sidecar recipe I will have to post it again referring the 37th book. But Angela Lansbury did print a cookbook based on the food items shared either in the episodes or by characters of the series. https://www.silverscreensuppers.com/t...
j. From the 47th book:
i. Mort jokes that Jessica is a magnet for murder; and Jessica quips that can she use that as a title. We know that this title has never been done so far in her books or the fictional ones she wrote on the TV show. May be a future book?
ii. Again we don’t see the criminal Armand Dejong's body found. So did he succumb to the injuries caused by fire or escape?
k. From the 48th book, Manuscript for Murder:
i. We come to know that Mort was in Vietnam that we had never heard either on TV show or the earlier books.
l. From the 51st book, The Murder of Twelve:
i. Author Land gives considerable mystery to Seamus McGilray’s character. I wonder if he resurfaces in a future book.
ii. Towards the end of the book, Mort jokes that Jessica should run for mayor. Hmm…something to look forward to I suppose.
m. From the 54th book, Debonair in Death: Deputy Andy's full name become Andy Broom vs Andy Jenkins.
January 29, 2023
Great read as always, love the Murder she wrote books. Really enjoyed this about the Death on Emerald Isle.
January 8, 2023
I do so love the Jessica Fletcher mystery books. This one did not disappoint. I'm always happy to read one. I did get this one figured out.
December 31, 2022
3.5 stars
I have always loved the TV series, and the book series is just as enjoyable. I loved the Irish countryside setting. It is easy to picture yourself there while reading. There are enough twists to keep the reader engaged. There's a romance angle, but it's not overpowering.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn't required to leave a positive review.
I have always loved the TV series, and the book series is just as enjoyable. I loved the Irish countryside setting. It is easy to picture yourself there while reading. There are enough twists to keep the reader engaged. There's a romance angle, but it's not overpowering.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn't required to leave a positive review.
March 30, 2023
3 1/2 ⭐️I really enjoyed the first half of the book with the likeable characters and descriptive setting in Ireland. After it felt like more of a struggle to to stay with the twists and turns of the business dealings I can picture Angela Lansbury and hear her voice throughout the book which gives it 3 1/2 stars.
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