A Lesson in Malice

Finn Fitzpatrick #3

by Catherine Kirwan

A gripping, atmospheric murder mystery that will keep you turning the pages

She said yes to a dinner invitation, and now she's a murder suspect . . .

When an old university friend invites Finn Fitzpatrick to speak at a conference at her alma mater, Finn reluctantly agrees. Now working as a solicitor with a side interest in investigation, Finn is busy with her own troubles but feels she can't say no to her former law school classmate. Even though she has no idea why she's been invited to the conference, or to the exclusive dinner in the College President's private dining room afterwards.

Then, three days later, a body is discovered in the College grounds, and everyone who was at the President's dinner is a murder suspect. Including Finn.

Finn is determined to find the killer, and to clear her name. But, as she starts to look into her fellow dinner guests, she unearths a slew of dark secrets, bitter rivalries and hidden agendas. Will Finn let sleeping dogs lie, or risk it all to uncover the truth?

Hear what everyone is saying about Catherine Kirwan's

'A propulsive mystery that feels both fresh and assured' Catherine Ryan Howard

'Atmospheric and intriguing with a brilliantly relatable heroine and an explosive, gripping conclusion' Sam Blake

'Thrilling ... a page turning read' Patricia Gibney

'Pacy, twisty and ingeniously plotted ... a real page-turner' T.M. Logan

'Money and greed, office gossip and secret affairs; twisty and pacy' Andrea Mara

'Pacy, gripping and atmospheric ... a cracking read!' Andrea Carter

Genres: Crime, Thriller, Fiction, Ireland

432 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 29, 2023

Reviews

[Fiona MacDonald · Rating 3 out of 5]

An enjoyable thriller overall, but really far too long winded for me considering the simplicity of the ending.

[Melyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy this series, which reminds me of cozy mysteries because it features a lawyer who keeps solving murder cases, but it’s more gritty than a cozy. The MC is pretty prickly but I find her compelling. I have read all three of this series in one summer. I hope there will be more of them.

[Mairead Hearne (swirlandthread.com) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Lesson in Malice by Catherine Kirwan was just published June 29th with Hachette Ireland and is described as ‘a pacy, atmospheric page-turner.'

It is the third book featuring our gutsy protagonist and sleuth, solicitor Finn Fitzpatrick, following on from Darkest Truth and Cruel Deeds. The city of Cork is always a very strong character in its own right in Catherine Kirwan's books but this time the focus is in a more academic setting, that of the stunning grounds and old buildings of University College Cork.

Finn Fitzpatrick unexpectedly gets invited to attend a conference on campus, which is quite an unusual turn of events for Finn as she is not an academic.

‘I passed over grass and tarmac and up the seven steps and through the carved limestone Gothic doorway that was the rear entrance to the Aula Maxima, one of the university’s original buildings.'

She gives her talk, conscious that she is a little out of her comfort zone but any attempt she makes to leave is thwarted by an expectation that she will attend the formal dinner that evening in the president’s private rooms. Over the course of the day, Finn senses a change in the atmosphere among some of the attendees but is dismissive as she gets caught up with her own case work. But three days later everything changes when a body is discovered and everyone who was in attendance that evening, including Finn, is under suspicion.

‘Returning more slowly the way she’d come, she noticed an odd unnameable odour. And she remembered the little door to the gallery. She hadn’t tried that one. She went to it. Stood for a moment. The smell seemed stronger here. She pressed her nose to the wood. Definitely stronger.’

Finn is hired by the college as a go-between with the police putting Finn in quite an extraordinary position as her best friend, Sadie, who is a member of the force, is involved with the murder investigation. As close friends they have often discussed cases and shared confidences over the years but this time Finn’s position makes this trade-off a little more difficult. Finn carves her own path, at times to the detriment of her own safety, but this time she sails a little too close to the wind and bites off more than she bargains for. Trouble is on the horizon and Finn Fitzpatrick is, as ever, slap bang in the middle of it, more so than she could ever possibly have imagined.

If you have ever walked the campus of UCC, the authenticity of Catherine’s descriptions will just shine through. If you have never been, then Catherine’s writing brings it very much alive, with very vivid imagery and colourful depictions of its idyllic grounds. With short and pacy chapters, the story rips along at a great speed, immersing the reader deep into the bowels of academia, in this case, into hidden depths riddled with secrets and subterfuge.

Having UCC as the backdrop for A Lesson in Malice provides an incredibly historical setting, with its beautiful gardens and old buildings. I haven’t read a murder mystery set in UCC before and now, scratching my head, I wonder why is that as it's the perfect location for a devious crime.

I am happy to report that Catherine Kirwan has mentioned a Book 4 in development so we will definitely be seeing more of Finn Fitzpatrick in the future. Her character develops more in every book, offering the reader additional insights into her personality and quirks.

Full of intrigue with a right good helping of red herrings, A Lesson in Malice is an atmospheric and engaging murder mystery. With Cork city as her side-kick, Finn Fitzpatrick is a wonderful bloodhound with a ballsy attitude and a measured approach to solving a crime.

[Trish at Between My Lines · Rating 4 out of 5]

Where The Secret History meets Agatha Christie but set it in Cork University!

A Lesson in Malice gripped my attention with very effective foreshadowing that me guessing and second guessing while I read. I've thoroughly enjoyed Finn's personal story that has played out alongside her faltering legal career and her far more successful criminal investigations in previous books, and this one adds another intriguing layer.

A murder occurs at a UCC dinner where Finn is giving a guest talk, and everyone there is now deeply tangled up in the murder investigation . We have the set up, we have persons of interest, we have a myriad of secrets, we have a bustling Cork city and so many cultural landmarks that I know so well jumping out at me.

I flew through this one and the short chapter format kept me hooked. Every time I thought I'll finish at the end of this chapter there would be another little detail that would keep me reading and reading. I loved the tension, the labyrinth of suspects and the dark academia setting is the icing on top.

Recommended for sure, and I'm already eagerly awaiting the next instalment in the Finn Fizpatrick series.

[Stephanie Coughlan · Rating 3 out of 5]

To me, A Lesson in Malice was a walk down memory lane! My dad and I actually went to the launch party for the book last year at Waterstones Cork (we are both alumni of UCC, where this cozy murder mystery is set) so I couldn't believe it when it popped up as the February crime fiction book club pick for my local (new) English bookshop here in Gothenburg! I loved the setting - naturally - and plan to regale my fellow book clubbers with my memories (for which I apologize in advance!). Other than that, I enjoyed the lawyer/investigator angle as I haven't read many books from that perspective before. On the whole, a great locked room mystery that will keep you guessing throughout!

[Chloe O’Brien · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, I enjoyed this book. Once it got into the depths of investigation, you never knew where it was going to go. Although, there was many characters, with their own side plots and characteristics, it took me a while to remember who was who, what they did, etc, especially in the build up. There were some good plot twists too, that probably could have had more potential. But I couldn’t wait to find out who was the murderer, so 3.5 stars🌟

[Stephanie Brady · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

[Éilis · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book needed a lot more editing. Storyline had potential but far too much unnecessary details included.

[Mary Crawford · Rating 3 out of 5]

A murder mystery in a university is the backdrop for this novel. A bit light on character development, very readable but not as good Cruel Deeds.

[megs · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5⭐️
Super longwinded and had so many side plots.

[dawn wilkes · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had high hopes for this novel but to be honest I ran out of steam with it after a bit. I really enjoyed the first few pages but it seemed prolonged .....

[Sanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 sterren voor het boek, 1 ster voor het feit dat het zich afspeelt op de UCC campus

[Elaine Tomasso · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would like to thank Netgalley and Hachette Books Ireland for an advance copy of A Lesson in Murder, the third novel to feature Cork based lawyer Finn Fitzpatrick.

Finn is invited to give a talk at her old university and she’s puzzled as to why she’s been invited as the other speakers are all top legal academics and even more puzzled to be further invited to an exclusive dinner in the President’s dining room. That puzzlement disappears when one of the dinner guests is found murdered and the rest, including her, fall under suspicion. Soon she is involved in the murder investigation and uncovering all kinds of secrets.

I thoroughly enjoyed A Lesson in Murder, which is a cleverly plotted novel with some unexpected twists and turns, but the novel’s biggest selling point is Finn’s first person narrative. She is an engaging character with a strong voice. She admits to her mistakes and false steps, but she always move forward, albeit with her heart on her sleeve. She undergoes a few trials and tribulations in this novel and as she’s so honest about the way they make her feel the reader roots for her throughout. I don’t think I could have coped as well with all the shocks she gets with such balance. She’s really wonderful and so human.

The plot is very interesting in several ways. I like that there are only a few potential suspects and most of them have secrets and grudges, but no real motive. Uncovering a motive will probably lead to a suspect, at least in Finn’s mind, so I was amazed by the solution, which offers something a little bit different. The plot basically follows Finn’s investigation and observations about the various characters. I found it compulsive reading as she winkles out secrets and puts little bits of information together to paint a bigger picture.

A Lesson in Malice is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.

[Lavender · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Finn Fitzpatrick is invited to a conference at her old alma mater she is a bit surprised. She is busy with her own private problems and her job as a solicitor and she is no academic. But she accepts the invitation. When one of the guests is found dead three days later she is asked to work as a liaison officer between the police and the University. Soon she is deeply involved in the murder case.

When I got the book I was not aware that it is the third one in a series about Finn and her work as a sleuth/solicitor. But you can easily read it as a stand-alone although there is some talk about a case on which Finn worked before and that is the reason she is asked to look into the murder. Finn is a well developed character. She has her flaws and she makes quite a few stupid decisions but this makes her a very reliable and realistic character. The story itself is a classic who-done-it mystery with a lot of red herrings and everyone is a suspect at one point. It is an easy read and it keeps you guessing. For me there was a bit too much detective work on Finn’s side. I am not a fan of descriptions of every move and every cup of coffee in elaborate detail.

This is a well plotted murder mystery which held my interest and put Cork on my list of cities to visit when I am traveling to Ireland.

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Farah G · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Finn Fitzpatrick, a solicitor based in Cork, is invited to speak at her alma mater, she is unclear as to why the invitation has been proffered to her. Nevertheless, out of politeness and because she doesn't want to disappoint her friend, she accepts. Much to her subsequent regret.

After an event featuring various senior legal academic types alongside the bewildered Finn, she is even more surprised to be invited for a meal at the President's exclusive dining room.

Sadly, that's where the magic ends. Because when one of their number is found dead a few days later, all those present on that occasion fall under suspicion, including Finn herself.

This is the third outing for the engaging sleuth-cum-solicitor, and I might have to go back and read the other two books. Finn is a delight to keep company with, and her inner monologue simply adds to her charm. I've never been there, but I also like the way the author brings alive Finn's surroundings, making the city itself a character in the book. An enjoyable read.

I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for a fair review

[David Cowpar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the ongoing adventures of Finn Fitzpatrick. The nods to Cork and places in Cork are a lovely touch. They were a couple of doors from my college house and she took a break on the Quay I lived on. Such familiar and many unfamiliar places.

I thought about taking a star off because the way chapters end are sometimes really really annoying. We’ve bought the book. You don’t need cliffhangers to keep us reading. It’s not a tv show. You don’t need us to come back next week. Those last lines “but I’d regret not doing it later” etc etc. that’s not needed. Tell the story like it’s unfolding. The majority of it sounds like Finn’s recollections at the end of each day. Then there’s “but I’d regret that omission later” or “I didn’t know my life was about to change”. It doesn’t fit the way the story is told.

[Maggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solicitor Finn Fitzpatrick is surprised to be invited to a day conference & dinner at her old university- UCC. She doesn't really know where she fits in with the other speakers. Her forte has become investigation but as it is an old friend who asks her, she agrees. The various guests are a varied bunch & Finn is glad when it is time to go. When one of the speakers if found dead everyone at the conference is under suspicion- including Finn. Doing what she does best she works to uncover the truth.

I hadn't read any other books by this author but I found this an enjoyable read, I particularly liked how the author made the reader feel they knew the setting intimately even if they'd never been to Cork. Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book.

[Kerrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second novel featuring Cork solicitor Finn Fitzpatrick.

It seems that the high profile speaker from Australia, a graduate originally from Cork University, with a reputation for womanising, came to the conference intending to speak to Finn. But circumstances got in the way and they never had a chance to talk and now he is dead. Finn has not been able to work out why she was invited to speak anyway, but now she finds herself as the liaison between the university and the police.

And then some unexpected news results in her being arrested and investigated.

I obviously didn't find the book as captivating as some of those whose blurbs appear on the cover. Nevertheless it took me into a world and a setting with which I was not familiar.

[Tim O'Mahony · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good solid detective story featuring solicitor and sometime sleuth Finn Fitzpatrick. Believable characters, evocative setting in and around the charming campus of University College Cork. It's a real threat to gave a pacy whodunnit set in my home town, with Finn going in and out of cafés and cars I frequent on a daily basis. Great for Corkonians for sure but Kirwan is a crime writer who can hold her own amongst crime writers anywhere. Highly recommended.

[Corinne Johnston · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was enjoyable enough but didn't grab me like the two previous books with Finn. The characters were not individual enough to not be confusing, her best friend dipped in and out in a strange way compared to the other books. I found the entire thing a lttle confusing to be honest. not quite the page-turner I'd hoped for

[Marianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

An ingenious plot with an ending I did not anticipate. Brilliant descriptions of Cork and the University. Overall, a good read. Although the author has written other books, this works very well as a standalone.
Thank you to netgalley and Hachette books for this advance copy.

[Annarella · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good mystery, well plotted and solid. It kept me hooked and guessing, fascinated me with the descriptions of the university and the places.
I enjoyed it.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I did not guess how or why or by whom the murder had been committed, yet it all transpired to be very logical.
As a graduate of UCC, I loved reading about my old university and about Cork city as well.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A rather interesting story by a solicitor revealing all the ins and outs in solving a murder . The story ambles along with nothing spectacular happening until the very end . For readers who know UCC it was quite interesting .

[Lisa Roberts · Rating 1 out of 5]

Irritatingly slow slow slow

Lord this was a slog! I made it halfway and felt like I'd been reading it forever. Beyond slow . So slow in fact that it made me angry. There is nothing gripping or atmospheric , the narrative was pedestrian and dull. I have up just after halfway

[Caroline Rowan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a crime novel that keeps me guessing to the end. This one is set in Cork, Ireland. A murder at the University leaves one of the guest speakers at a conference on the hook for murder. But why was the victim killed in the first place? A well-written, pacy piece of crime fiction.

[Milie2112 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Really long winded, and honestly how many pages do you need for who sat next to whom, and where did they all go.
The first book in the series was great, second one ok, but this one was not that good at all.

[Maurice Ryder · Rating 4 out of 5]

a proper page turner

Picked it up at 5pm. Finished at 3am. Haven’t done that with a book in a while. It really kept me hooked.

[Mrs. L. Power · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fabulous read - could not put it down!

Absolutely loved the pace, the story, the wonderful evocative descriptions of both Cork and UCC - can’t wait for the next one!

[Niamh · Rating 5 out of 5]

A page turner Agatha Christie style murder mystery set in UCC. Great fun.