What do you think?
Rate this book
Exit Unicorns #2
Mermaid in a Bowl of Tears
The long awaited sequel to 'Exit Unicorns' opens in the autumn of 1969. Casey and Pamela Riordan have fled the erupting violence of Belfast, Northern Ireland, only to find themselves tangled in the web of political corruption that permeates South Boston. Here, a man's life can hang upon the whim of another, and neighborhood politics and organized crime are one and the same. While Pamela appears to flourish in the arena of Boston Irish society, Casey struggles to survive in a sphere where his presence has become increasingly inconvenient. Betrayed and blackmailed by friend and foe, the Riordans are forced to make desperate choices that bear heavy consequences. In the wake of tragedy, they return to Ireland and an alliance with James Kirkpatrick. It is here the bonds of love are tested - by the bloody price of rebellion, a past that is fraught with dangers of its own, friendships that carry a steep price, and a secret that threatens to tear their lives apart. Set against the backdrop of the gritty streets of Southie and the heartbreaking beauty of Ireland, 'Mermaid in a Bowl of Tears' is a tale of the invincibility of the human spirit, imbued with the passion, humor and magic inherent to the Emerald Isle.
768 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2007
82 people are currently reading
622 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
November 6, 2016
Book two in the Exit Unicorn series continues the life journey of Pamela and Casey Riordan and Jamie Kirkpatrick, along with various family and friends. Ireland and it's colorful, bloody history in the late 60's and early 70's is again center stage.
Replete with Irish legend, poetry and history, the book is by turns gritty and magical. Even having lived through this time, there was much I did not know or had forgotten about. It was a sad revisitation in many ways.But overall this is a love story. The love of country and the love between people caught up in a time larger than themselves.
I have broken my own rule about taking time in between books in a series. I have started book three. I don't see burn out in my future with this series. So enjoyable!
Replete with Irish legend, poetry and history, the book is by turns gritty and magical. Even having lived through this time, there was much I did not know or had forgotten about. It was a sad revisitation in many ways.But overall this is a love story. The love of country and the love between people caught up in a time larger than themselves.
I have broken my own rule about taking time in between books in a series. I have started book three. I don't see burn out in my future with this series. So enjoyable!
January 4, 2015
This book was SO.GOOD. Brandner is a master storyteller, and I really can't believe that this series isn't more well-known. The continuation of the stories of Casey, Pamela, Pat, & Jamie is intense, complicated, heart-wrenching, and so lovely. The backdrop of the unrest in Ireland is sad and scary and crazy and emotional and it is insane that it is all based in fact. I can't wait to start the next installment, and I would highly recommend this series!
August 8, 2015
As much as I am enjoying this continuation of the Exit Unicorn series, there are a few things that bother me a wee bit. Pamela's and Casey's decision making made me groan out loud a number of times. I realize, of course, that this is fiction, and with that one must "go with the flow". I am liking it well enough to continue on with the series, and suppose I will just continue to admonish the characters on a regular basis.
Learning the history of Northern Ireland has been interesting (and sad), also. Man's inhumanity to man never ceases to amaze me.
Perhaps I need to start adding a wee bit of tea (and a shot or two of whiskey) to my life, as it seems to alleviate all kinds of problems. I also wonder, if the term "wee" is used quite as often as the author has a tendency to use it! Just minor annoyances, it's a good read and I will soldier on to the next one, which I understand might be a wee bit longer than it needs to be. We shall see.
Learning the history of Northern Ireland has been interesting (and sad), also. Man's inhumanity to man never ceases to amaze me.
Perhaps I need to start adding a wee bit of tea (and a shot or two of whiskey) to my life, as it seems to alleviate all kinds of problems. I also wonder, if the term "wee" is used quite as often as the author has a tendency to use it! Just minor annoyances, it's a good read and I will soldier on to the next one, which I understand might be a wee bit longer than it needs to be. We shall see.
April 1, 2022
Wow. This love triangle is incredible. Am I team Jamie or team Casey? I. DON’T. KNOW. All I know is Brandner has my heart on a string.
To my Outlander friends, this needs to get on your TBR list.
4.5/5 (Rounded up because this series deserves the hype.)
To my Outlander friends, this needs to get on your TBR list.
4.5/5 (Rounded up because this series deserves the hype.)
April 6, 2015
Have you ever gone through a reading drought where nothing can satisfy that escapism emptiness you need filled? Nothing is quite scratching that itch; the itch that can only be satisfied when you read something truly remarkable? Remarkable to the point where you feel as if you won't be completely sated until you convert all of your friends into avid readers of this particular story?
I was lucky enough to find that recently. Not only did I read a truly remarkable book, I read a truly remarkable series, by a truly remarkable author.
Cindy Brandner's Exit Unicorns series scratched my itch.
I read Exit Unicorns (book one in the Exit Unicorns series) quite a while ago, and it actually took me a bit of time to pick up the second book in her series, Mermaid in a Bowl of Tears. I predict that this was due to my sub-conscious preventing me from coming to the inevitable and heart-breaking end (for now) to the series, as there are only three books currently out.
Mermaid in a Bowl of Tears (Mermaid for short) follows Exit Unicorns' four major key characters, Casey and Pamela, who are husband and wife, Patrick, Casey's brother, and Jamie (a very big favorite of Ms Brandner's readers) and Pamela's best friend. We follow these three as they face the ugliness and the beauty of Ireland in the 1960s and 1970s.
At this point in time, I have finished all of Cindy Brandner's Exit Unicorns books, and I would have to say that Mermaid is my favorite book of hers, followed closely by Flights of Angels, book three.
Mermaid hooked me instantly. Even though I hadn't picked up a Brandner book in quite some time previous to this, I felt as if no time had gone by whatsoever and I was catching up with old friends, as soon as my eyes hit the very first word on the very first page.
I'm going to go out on a limb here and tell you that Cindy Brandner's writing has only improved and blossomed over time. It seems that the more words she writes, the more they flow and become perfection.
Cindy Brandner is a natural born storyteller. Readers of her work will find themselves easily captivated with the world she has created, and will find themselves sucked into her stories while losing track of time in every day life.
That is the key indicator of an amazing piece of literature, and Cindy Brandner has created it. She has raised a bar for my taste in books, and I don't plan on seeing it lowered any time soon.
I was lucky enough to find that recently. Not only did I read a truly remarkable book, I read a truly remarkable series, by a truly remarkable author.
Cindy Brandner's Exit Unicorns series scratched my itch.
I read Exit Unicorns (book one in the Exit Unicorns series) quite a while ago, and it actually took me a bit of time to pick up the second book in her series, Mermaid in a Bowl of Tears. I predict that this was due to my sub-conscious preventing me from coming to the inevitable and heart-breaking end (for now) to the series, as there are only three books currently out.
Mermaid in a Bowl of Tears (Mermaid for short) follows Exit Unicorns' four major key characters, Casey and Pamela, who are husband and wife, Patrick, Casey's brother, and Jamie (a very big favorite of Ms Brandner's readers) and Pamela's best friend. We follow these three as they face the ugliness and the beauty of Ireland in the 1960s and 1970s.
At this point in time, I have finished all of Cindy Brandner's Exit Unicorns books, and I would have to say that Mermaid is my favorite book of hers, followed closely by Flights of Angels, book three.
Mermaid hooked me instantly. Even though I hadn't picked up a Brandner book in quite some time previous to this, I felt as if no time had gone by whatsoever and I was catching up with old friends, as soon as my eyes hit the very first word on the very first page.
I'm going to go out on a limb here and tell you that Cindy Brandner's writing has only improved and blossomed over time. It seems that the more words she writes, the more they flow and become perfection.
Cindy Brandner is a natural born storyteller. Readers of her work will find themselves easily captivated with the world she has created, and will find themselves sucked into her stories while losing track of time in every day life.
That is the key indicator of an amazing piece of literature, and Cindy Brandner has created it. She has raised a bar for my taste in books, and I don't plan on seeing it lowered any time soon.
August 30, 2020
Mermaid in a Bowl of Tears is the second book in this phenomenal series and the continuation of this epic story around the lives of Casey, Pamela, Jamie, Patrick, and a host of memorable characters and how they navigate through the terrible tragedy that is The Troubles.
This part of the story takes us to South Boston for a time and continues back in Ireland. Cindy weaves a fantastic tale full of history, poetry, betrayal, love, heartache, and survival. It will leave you craving more, and more you shall have.
I love this series with every fibre of my being!
I first read Mermaids in 2015 and again when the audiobook released in 2018.
I am completely enamoured! The audio takes you on a plane of existence that you didn’t even know was there. Pairing the book with the audio and to experience a story like this is so much different from watching it in a movie format. Gary Furlong is a master at his trade and he does not disappoint! I thought he did a fantastic job with Exit Unicorns. He takes it up quite a few notches for Mermaids!
I am very much looking forward to him doing the rest of the series because honestly; I don’t know if anyone else could do it justice.
I have enjoyed this experience so much that I have re-listened to several chapters more than once! I love it that much!!
This part of the story takes us to South Boston for a time and continues back in Ireland. Cindy weaves a fantastic tale full of history, poetry, betrayal, love, heartache, and survival. It will leave you craving more, and more you shall have.
I love this series with every fibre of my being!
I first read Mermaids in 2015 and again when the audiobook released in 2018.
I am completely enamoured! The audio takes you on a plane of existence that you didn’t even know was there. Pairing the book with the audio and to experience a story like this is so much different from watching it in a movie format. Gary Furlong is a master at his trade and he does not disappoint! I thought he did a fantastic job with Exit Unicorns. He takes it up quite a few notches for Mermaids!
I am very much looking forward to him doing the rest of the series because honestly; I don’t know if anyone else could do it justice.
I have enjoyed this experience so much that I have re-listened to several chapters more than once! I love it that much!!
February 15, 2015
To me "Mermaid in a Bowl of Tears" was more of a "can't put down" book than the previous book in the series, "Exit Unicorns". I liked both books but "Mermaid in a Bowl of Tears" was amazing. Following the main characters--Casey, Pamela, Pat and Jaime--is a real rollercoaster ride with highs and lows. You never can predict what was coming. I liked that the setting was back in Ireland. Going to America didn't turn out well for Casey & Pamela. I highly recommend this series to those who want to understand the Irish Revolt, who love the Irish setting and who enjoy books that keep you on your toes. Cindy Brandner is a great novelist and her descriptions of the Irish countryside, Irish cities and old abandoned cottages brings it all to light for the reader. These novels have definitely explained to me the struggles that the Irish people have had to live through over the centuries.
October 14, 2013
4.5 stars, but I'm rounding up on behalf of my beloved Casey :)
More great writing from Cindy Brandner. Someone tell me why these books aren't more popular?
She has me invested in a couple where I don't even like the female 50% of the time. How is that even possible?
Looking forward to the third book, and hoping Jamie can find happiness away from Pamela.
More great writing from Cindy Brandner. Someone tell me why these books aren't more popular?
She has me invested in a couple where I don't even like the female 50% of the time. How is that even possible?
Looking forward to the third book, and hoping Jamie can find happiness away from Pamela.
September 1, 2021
When I read Book #1 in the series I wasn't sure I'd continue. I'm so glad that I did. This book was so good. The author tells a story of the history of Ireland by making it real through the lives of Casey, Pat, Pamela, and Jamie. The story is completely engrossing and is filled with history, love, betrayal, violence...but ultimately it's a love story between Pamela and Casey. It's beautifully written and makes the reader feel they are in the scene. I'm honestly surprised these books are not more popular. Off to read #3...
June 12, 2018
I felt that the author truly found her stride in this story. On the last book there were times I felt I was just powering through it. This one however, I could not put down! I am fascinated with Irish history so I do have some background knowledge, but the author gives enough information so someone who doesn't can still follow along fine. Her characters and descriptions are beautiful. I am excited to read the next one.
August 17, 2017
Love, hate, history
Oh man did this book, the follow up to Exit Unicorns get to me. From the dark underside of Boston and the Irish mob to the killings in Belfast. A family, blood, betrayal, love and hurt. The story of the Riordan brothers and all who become the weft of their lives is well worth your time.
Oh man did this book, the follow up to Exit Unicorns get to me. From the dark underside of Boston and the Irish mob to the killings in Belfast. A family, blood, betrayal, love and hurt. The story of the Riordan brothers and all who become the weft of their lives is well worth your time.
February 6, 2022
This book really was excellent. I’m not sure why these books aren’t more popular. Maybe because they’re so long and contain tales of almost unbearable tragedy? But other than that…. They’re great stories (having now read the first and second of the series) and the author is a very skilled writer. I’m also learning a lot about Irish history which is a plus.
July 16, 2021
ON TO BOOK THREE
This series has grabbed my heart. I love reading the history of "The Troubles" The setting is clearly in my mind, the Irish countryside, the weather, the Irish themselves. Looking forward to book three
This series has grabbed my heart. I love reading the history of "The Troubles" The setting is clearly in my mind, the Irish countryside, the weather, the Irish themselves. Looking forward to book three
March 5, 2022
The trails that Casey and Pamela are going through continue when then return to Ireland. The strength of that love is tested frequently. My heart hurts for Jamie, he loves Pamela so much, that he will put her first at all times. Patrick has the loss of so much. Tears will fall for all of them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 29, 2017
a few years back but read the whole series (at the time I think) and will pick it back up if/when the story continues
August 12, 2018
The story of Northern Ireland told through beautiful rich characters. Enjoyed every poetic word a brilliant work.
June 1, 2019
Cried, laughed, loved it. Great story telling in the Irish tradition.
December 2, 2023
Love this series
I got so mad at Casey, but I still love this series. So many twists and turns and it never shies away from tragedy.
I got so mad at Casey, but I still love this series. So many twists and turns and it never shies away from tragedy.
May 29, 2025
This is a fantastic series that continues to get better with each addition!
July 6, 2016
All right, these novels tear your heart and soul to pieces. I've read Jane Eyre, Gone with the Wind, Hunger Games, Rebecca, Exodus, Tale of Two Cities, and Winds of War. These novels hit me just as hard. The squeamish should not enter this world. The Irish Troubles portrayed here devastate friendships and families.
Casey and Pamela escape to Boston, looking for safety. They don't find it. They flee back to Belfast, consistently under constant threat. The connections and confrontations between the British police, IRA, Mafia, MI6, and the numerous other groups are deadly; the ground beneath my feet felt like I was in an earthquake pretty much the entire novel.
One scene bothered me: in the first novel, Casey states he cannot take Pamela too roughly because he loves her too much. However, in this sequel, he takes her somewhat savagely, chanting,
" Mine!" repeatedly in Gaelic.
I do not want to be owned.
Casey and Pamela escape to Boston, looking for safety. They don't find it. They flee back to Belfast, consistently under constant threat. The connections and confrontations between the British police, IRA, Mafia, MI6, and the numerous other groups are deadly; the ground beneath my feet felt like I was in an earthquake pretty much the entire novel.
One scene bothered me: in the first novel, Casey states he cannot take Pamela too roughly because he loves her too much. However, in this sequel, he takes her somewhat savagely, chanting,
" Mine!" repeatedly in Gaelic.
I do not want to be owned.
June 17, 2020
My first thought was Ms. Brandner has outdone herself with the sequel to Exit Unicorns. In Mermaid, we are drawn more deeply into the lives, loves and personalities of our favorite characters and we are introduced to some new ones. Because she does this so well, Ms. Brandner not only made me laugh and cry, as usual, she shocked me AGAIN, pissed me off and frustrated me, but she also made me fall more deeply in love! I'm anxious to know what happens next. The author stays very true to the historical setting so I do not feel one bit safe for my beloved characters and in the end, if her intent is to put a personal face/name to this turbulent time in Irish history, well indeed I shouldn't feel safe. Very powerful read!
March 7, 2015
I love this series of books, and the look into a bloody and violent history. I want to take back all the "cute" things I've said about Ireland. I still love that country and don't know why I'm so drawn to it. All three of my children have Irish names, two of them deliberate, one just an unconscious choice.
What I love about Ms. Brandner's series is her vivid portrayal of the people, both the good and the bad, and her lilting descriptions of character, landscapes and atmosphere. These are big books, and not quick reads, because you want to make sure and read every word. The love scenes are emotional and loving rather than pornographic. I just started the third in the series, and am going to be sad when I've made my way through them all.
What I love about Ms. Brandner's series is her vivid portrayal of the people, both the good and the bad, and her lilting descriptions of character, landscapes and atmosphere. These are big books, and not quick reads, because you want to make sure and read every word. The love scenes are emotional and loving rather than pornographic. I just started the third in the series, and am going to be sad when I've made my way through them all.
May 7, 2008
A wonderful continuation of the Exit Unicorns story with Jamie, Casey, Pamela and Patrick. The love and passion, the struggles and adventures, the pain and sorrow of their lives takes place in Boston and in Ireland and definitely will not disappoint a reader. I met these characters in Exit Unicorns and grew closer to them in Mermaid and I can hardly wait for the third book in the series. Reading Cindy's novels is such a stimulating, heart-breaking, thrilling ride that I just do not want to get off. Alas, one must always turn the last page but I'm thankful Cindy's gift of storytelling will continue.
May 31, 2015
Had to put this one aside and highly doubt I will pick it up again. While I enjoyed the first in this series and looked forward to the second, I found this to be ridiculous. Are we really to believe that Pamela is a gifted PR person to a powerful and dangerous Irish mobster and that she is willing to prostitute herself in order to save her strong and capable husband. I put this down when she became a photographer and began plotting to bring down The Man although none could do so with far more experience and resources...blah, blah ,blah. Please...
October 15, 2014
I enjoyed this sequel even better than the first novel, perhaps because I was already emotionally invested in the characters. At times I couldn't believe that all that I had read was in the same book! So much happened, yet I didn't want it to end. This is great story telling that brought me to tears, broke my heart, turned my stomach, and had me muttering, "Oh, thank God!" I look forward to continuing the journey with book three.
February 12, 2015
I'm speechless
This series a truly a masterpiece
Heartbreakinglybeautiful
I love all the characters but Casey is just so special: he understands that he is number one in Pamela's life and her love for him is immeasurable but he also recognizes and accepts that Jamie is Pamela's soul mate, that their spirits speak to each other.
I admire Casey because of his strength and courage but also because he shows his sensibilities at times when others needed it most.
This series a truly a masterpiece
Heartbreakinglybeautiful
I love all the characters but Casey is just so special: he understands that he is number one in Pamela's life and her love for him is immeasurable but he also recognizes and accepts that Jamie is Pamela's soul mate, that their spirits speak to each other.
I admire Casey because of his strength and courage but also because he shows his sensibilities at times when others needed it most.
May 8, 2008
A continuation of a love story that transcends in the face of adversity. You come to love Casey, Pamela and Jamie even more and add additional characters to your circle of "friends". Brandner weaves a story that is not only written so well that you can feel, taste and smell the scenes, but keeps you guessing at each turn. Another two thumbs up! Can't wait for the third book to be made available!
February 25, 2016
This is the second of a trilogy about Pamela and Casey Riordon. Pamela get Casey out of America to save his life. She makes a deal with the devil to do it. Casey feels there is something that Pamela is keeping hidden. With a background the IRA and the RUC Pamela and Casey try to survive. Things become so bad that Casey moves out.
August 13, 2015
This is a must read!
The lives and the politics are something else and you will find yourself holding your breath or in tears. Casey, Pam, Jamie, Pat and Lawrence you will be in love with each character. The emotional roller coaster ride you will be on. You will not want to stop reading or want it to end..
The lives and the politics are something else and you will find yourself holding your breath or in tears. Casey, Pam, Jamie, Pat and Lawrence you will be in love with each character. The emotional roller coaster ride you will be on. You will not want to stop reading or want it to end..
April 22, 2009
Fabulous book but not for the easily offended. It is quite violent and gritty at times considering it deals with the IRA in a very violent and turbulent time. It is a great love story and a story of choices and consequences. It opened my eyes to Ireland and now I have to visit it in my lifetime.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews