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Irish Village Mystery #4
Murder in an Irish Pub: An absolutely gripping Irish cosy mystery
When competing card sharps stir up Siobhán O'Sullivan's quiet Irish village, a poker tournament turns into a game of Hangman . . .
Naomi's Bistro, managed by the many siblings of the lively O'Sullivan brood, is the place to go for a cuppa tea in Kilbane. For a pint or a game of darts, it's the pub you want. But when Dublin card sharp Eamon Foley is found swinging from the rafters of Rory Mack's pub, it's time for the garda to take matters into their own hands. Macdara Flannery would lay odds it's a simple suicide, but Siobhán suspects foul play. With conflicting theories abounding, tensions are running high between Siobhán and Macdara. Soon it's up to Siobhán to call a killer's bluff, but if she doesn't play her cards right, she may be the next one taken out of the game . . .
"The intricate puzzle and continuing Irish atmosphere make this the series' best to date."
--Kirkus Reviews
Naomi's Bistro, managed by the many siblings of the lively O'Sullivan brood, is the place to go for a cuppa tea in Kilbane. For a pint or a game of darts, it's the pub you want. But when Dublin card sharp Eamon Foley is found swinging from the rafters of Rory Mack's pub, it's time for the garda to take matters into their own hands. Macdara Flannery would lay odds it's a simple suicide, but Siobhán suspects foul play. With conflicting theories abounding, tensions are running high between Siobhán and Macdara. Soon it's up to Siobhán to call a killer's bluff, but if she doesn't play her cards right, she may be the next one taken out of the game . . .
"The intricate puzzle and continuing Irish atmosphere make this the series' best to date."
--Kirkus Reviews
Paperback
First published February 26, 2019
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About the author
Carlene O'Connor
39 books2,626 followersCarlene O’Connor is the USA Today Bestselling author of The Irish Village Mystery Series, The Home to Ireland Series and the County Kerry Mystery series. The first in the County Kerry Series, NO STRANGERS HERE received a starred review from Kirkus and was the Mystery Pick of the Month at Barnes and Noble in September of 2023. Of all the places across the pond she’s wandered, she fell most in love with a walled town in County Limerick and was inspired to create the town of Kilbane, County Cork. She currently lives in New Mexico.
https://carleneoconnor.net/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 617 reviews
March 16, 2019
I have enjoyed this is a series since the first book, although I missed the third one somehow, and I am enjoying the development and evolution of the characters and the village. This story is a bit of a locked room mystery, as the victim was found hanging in a cooler that was locked from the inside. Most agree that it is a suicide, but Siobhan knows something is not right and is sure it is a murder. As she investigates, she finds clues to implicate more and more suspects. Is it the pregnant wife? The disgruntled poker players? A jewel thief? Someone that the wife is having an affair with? Or maybe it was suicide? Read along as Siobhan puts the clues together to solve the mystery.
Siobhan is the main character and she is a sympathetic, likable character that has continued to grow and come into her own. I love visiting with her family although in this book it was a secondary role. She is the oldest and has been responsible for her siblings since her parents were killed. It is an important role in her life and it makes her even more likeable. She is now a member of the garda, so is technically not an amateur sleuth any longer. She is very thoughtful, meticulous and is able to untangle clues and put them together when it comes to solving a crime. The relationship between her and Macdara has continued to evolve as well, and it played a rather surprising and humorous role in this story. He is very respectful of her skills as a garda and even before. He listens to her as she solves the puzzles and between the two of them, they are able to untangle any mystery so far. The mystery was well done and woven throughout the story. It was a locked room type mystery with plenty of clues, twist, turns and red herrings thrown in. While the reveal was not a total surprise (I had some things figured out), some explanations were, and I always like a story when I don't know all the answers until they are revealed. A well written and enjoyable mystery that I recommend to anyone who enjoys a good, clean, mystery. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
Siobhan is the main character and she is a sympathetic, likable character that has continued to grow and come into her own. I love visiting with her family although in this book it was a secondary role. She is the oldest and has been responsible for her siblings since her parents were killed. It is an important role in her life and it makes her even more likeable. She is now a member of the garda, so is technically not an amateur sleuth any longer. She is very thoughtful, meticulous and is able to untangle clues and put them together when it comes to solving a crime. The relationship between her and Macdara has continued to evolve as well, and it played a rather surprising and humorous role in this story. He is very respectful of her skills as a garda and even before. He listens to her as she solves the puzzles and between the two of them, they are able to untangle any mystery so far. The mystery was well done and woven throughout the story. It was a locked room type mystery with plenty of clues, twist, turns and red herrings thrown in. While the reveal was not a total surprise (I had some things figured out), some explanations were, and I always like a story when I don't know all the answers until they are revealed. A well written and enjoyable mystery that I recommend to anyone who enjoys a good, clean, mystery. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
March 1, 2021
3 stars. Cute.
I haven't read the others in the series and that may make a difference in my review. So giving the author the benefit of the doubt, I gave 3 stars when I was leaning more towards two.
It was a cute story but lacked character development and depth. (As well as other things which I'll get to). This may be because I have not read 1-3. With that said, if you jump in like I did, you may find the characters flat, with little individual personality. But I'm not so sure it will be improved if you read 1-3.
Drawn in by the title and price, I gave this a go. It was my first mystery and I thought it would be nice and cozy, but instead it read like non stop constant chatter.
I don't know if it's an Irish thing or a writing thing, but everyone in this book is constantly winking. They all "wink" at each other incessantly, It was cringeworthy.
As far as believability, I don't think a brand new cop (Guard) would be involved so heavily in a murder case, even if she is sleeping with the Det. Sergeant. In fact she is more involved than her boss. Sorry, that is just too much to ask of me to accept.
But I did over look it (with eyes rolling). So if you can get past those things, and have a good imagination (to make up for the lack of various descriptions) and get it free or cheap, than I would recommend. If your looking for a spellbinding mystery, I'd say pass.
Will I read the other in the series? I might, but it's not first on my list of priorities.
It was cute and entertaining, but I didn't care much about any of the characters and felt the Det. Sgt. was weak and an "eejit" when it comes to his job.
Summary: A high stakes poker tournament is being held at Kilbane when the top ranked player commits suicide. Or was it murder? Siobhan and Dara are dating, although it is against the policy of the Guarda (the police department). Together they unravel (actually it was Siobhan alone) the truth of what happened.
Content concerns: Very mild cursing. No violence, no blood, no gore, no sex. Adultery by Rose and Eamon, and alcohol references. Romance peeps: Safe. No O/W for MC's no cheating no past mentioned for either.
I haven't read the others in the series and that may make a difference in my review. So giving the author the benefit of the doubt, I gave 3 stars when I was leaning more towards two.
It was a cute story but lacked character development and depth. (As well as other things which I'll get to). This may be because I have not read 1-3. With that said, if you jump in like I did, you may find the characters flat, with little individual personality. But I'm not so sure it will be improved if you read 1-3.
Drawn in by the title and price, I gave this a go. It was my first mystery and I thought it would be nice and cozy, but instead it read like non stop constant chatter.
I don't know if it's an Irish thing or a writing thing, but everyone in this book is constantly winking. They all "wink" at each other incessantly, It was cringeworthy.
As far as believability, I don't think a brand new cop (Guard) would be involved so heavily in a murder case, even if she is sleeping with the Det. Sergeant. In fact she is more involved than her boss. Sorry, that is just too much to ask of me to accept.
But I did over look it (with eyes rolling). So if you can get past those things, and have a good imagination (to make up for the lack of various descriptions) and get it free or cheap, than I would recommend. If your looking for a spellbinding mystery, I'd say pass.
Will I read the other in the series? I might, but it's not first on my list of priorities.
It was cute and entertaining, but I didn't care much about any of the characters and felt the Det. Sgt. was weak and an "eejit" when it comes to his job.
Summary: A high stakes poker tournament is being held at Kilbane when the top ranked player commits suicide. Or was it murder? Siobhan and Dara are dating, although it is against the policy of the Guarda (the police department). Together they unravel (actually it was Siobhan alone) the truth of what happened.
Content concerns: Very mild cursing. No violence, no blood, no gore, no sex. Adultery by Rose and Eamon, and alcohol references. Romance peeps: Safe. No O/W for MC's no cheating no past mentioned for either.
February 18, 2019
I really enjoyed this cozy mystery I received via Netgalley. I thought the MC Siobhan was great, and really liked the mystery surrounding the death of the #1 rated poker player.
January 23, 2019
This is a series that I have really enjoyed since the very first book and that continues as the series evolves. This is the fourth book in the Irish Village Mystery series and I have come to look forward to each new book. Siobhan is a sympathetic, likable character that has continued to grow and come into her own. I like how her family always plays a part in the stories even if it is only in a secondary capacity. It is what grounds her. I also like how she approaches solving a mystery. She is not reckless (especially now that she is garda) but she is thoughtful and untangles clues while solving the puzzle before her. The relationship between her and Macdara has continued to evolve as well. I have always liked that he didn't dismiss her thoughts in an investigation, even before she was garda. He has a respect for how her mind works and how she can put together the clues.
The mystery was well done and woven throughout the entire story. It was the murder in a locked room type mystery to solve and there were plenty of clues, twist, turns and red herrings thrown about to distract the reader. While the reveal was not a total surprise, some aspects were and I liked that I didn't totally guess the outcome.
I voluntarily read a digital ARC provided to me by the publisher, Kensington, through Netgalley. This book is scheduled to be released in late February.
The mystery was well done and woven throughout the entire story. It was the murder in a locked room type mystery to solve and there were plenty of clues, twist, turns and red herrings thrown about to distract the reader. While the reveal was not a total surprise, some aspects were and I liked that I didn't totally guess the outcome.
I voluntarily read a digital ARC provided to me by the publisher, Kensington, through Netgalley. This book is scheduled to be released in late February.
April 2, 2020
An enjoyable enough read. There are plenty of plausible suspects to keep the reader guessing throughout. I really like Siobhan's character and the interaction with her siblings. I like the humor weaved throughout the book.
I do think the author and editor tend to be a bit sloppy, especially so in "...an Irish Pub". First off, in the last book, the age given for Siobhan's brother, Ciaran, was 13. He's 12 in this book. Hey, I guess the magician played another trick they all missed, sending someone backward in time. Also, too many typos throughout. And there is a doozy of a mistake in the last scene where Siobhan is laying out her theories. We are told the police clear the pub of all but the suspects and guards. But then as Siobhan is talking, the CROWD is reacting. How is the crowd reacting if everyone is gone? And if all but the suspects and officials were gone, how come her siblings are present, ready and available to help as props? What a boneheaded mistake. And unnecessary, too. There was no reason to disperse the crowd, though it states plainly at the beginning of Chapter 32 that the pub was cleared of people.
I'll keep reading the series because I like the characters and I also think Ms. O'Connor creates fairly clever mysteries. But she really needs to clean up little errors (or big ones, like the above). I'm pretty sure people stand up in some scenes only to stand up again a paragraph or two later. These are the kind of little mistakes that stick out and that a good editor should catch.
I do think the author and editor tend to be a bit sloppy, especially so in "...an Irish Pub". First off, in the last book, the age given for Siobhan's brother, Ciaran, was 13. He's 12 in this book. Hey, I guess the magician played another trick they all missed, sending someone backward in time. Also, too many typos throughout. And there is a doozy of a mistake in the last scene where Siobhan is laying out her theories. We are told the police clear the pub of all but the suspects and guards. But then as Siobhan is talking, the CROWD is reacting. How is the crowd reacting if everyone is gone? And if all but the suspects and officials were gone, how come her siblings are present, ready and available to help as props? What a boneheaded mistake. And unnecessary, too. There was no reason to disperse the crowd, though it states plainly at the beginning of Chapter 32 that the pub was cleared of people.
I'll keep reading the series because I like the characters and I also think Ms. O'Connor creates fairly clever mysteries. But she really needs to clean up little errors (or big ones, like the above). I'm pretty sure people stand up in some scenes only to stand up again a paragraph or two later. These are the kind of little mistakes that stick out and that a good editor should catch.
July 22, 2021
I loved it!
I've truly grown to love the characters in this series. It fun to watch the main characters love grow. Also the mystery was the best so far. Always a bit complicated but Sioban always gets it figured out!
I've truly grown to love the characters in this series. It fun to watch the main characters love grow. Also the mystery was the best so far. Always a bit complicated but Sioban always gets it figured out!
January 23, 2019
MURDER IN AN IRISH PUB by Carlene O’Connor straddles the line between cozy and detective fiction. There’s the classic “locked-room” murder, without too much in the way of blood and guts detail as is typical of a cozy mystery. The detective, Siobhán O'Sullivan, is a garda, or member of the Irish police force, much as would be found in a police procedural. Both elements are present and compliment each other in this, the forth in the “Irish Village Mystery” series.
The small village of Kilbane in County Cork, Ireland is the location and there is plenty of local color to add to the story. The village and its inhabitants are charming in their own way, and serve to give the reader at least a passing thought of a trip to Ireland in search of a simpler lifestyle filled with pubs, bistros, music, and brown bread.
In this novel, a poker tournament has come to town as part of a larger festival where the village inhabitants have set up tents to sell their wares and enjoy the spectacle of watching some world class poker players. The tournament is halted, however, when one of the players is found hanging in a locked storage room in the pub where festivities had migrated after a temporary halt to the tournament.
Garda O’Sullivan finds the body and is convinced that it’s murder, in spite of the fact the room is locked from inside and there is no apparent way in or out other than through the locked door. Although she is relatively new to the force, she has a knack for asking the right questions and discovering clues overlooked by other, more experienced officers including her current beau and boss Macdara Flannery.
There are several supporting mysteries throughout the book which tie together in the end to reveal a web of plotting and criminal activity. The results were not hard to guess, however, it was still entertaining to read along to verify the correctness of conclusions. In addition, the relationship between Siobhan and Macdara provides a comforting backdrop to soften the story without spilling over into a romantic mystery.
While I had not read any previous books in the series, that did not prevent me from connecting with the characters and getting up to speed on their activities in this novel. Given the opportunity, reading the books in order might be beneficial in that the reader could participate in the growth of relationships that occur across the books.
The pacing was good, with enough suspense to help pull the reader through the book without causing too much tension. One of my favorite parts was toward the end of the novel when Siobhan has an internal dialogue that adds some levity and gives more personal insight into her as in individual.
If you are looking for a book that is a light read and still offers a good mystery and an opportunity to solve the puzzle along with the detective, this is one to consider. My thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for an advanced digital read copy of this novel.
The small village of Kilbane in County Cork, Ireland is the location and there is plenty of local color to add to the story. The village and its inhabitants are charming in their own way, and serve to give the reader at least a passing thought of a trip to Ireland in search of a simpler lifestyle filled with pubs, bistros, music, and brown bread.
In this novel, a poker tournament has come to town as part of a larger festival where the village inhabitants have set up tents to sell their wares and enjoy the spectacle of watching some world class poker players. The tournament is halted, however, when one of the players is found hanging in a locked storage room in the pub where festivities had migrated after a temporary halt to the tournament.
Garda O’Sullivan finds the body and is convinced that it’s murder, in spite of the fact the room is locked from inside and there is no apparent way in or out other than through the locked door. Although she is relatively new to the force, she has a knack for asking the right questions and discovering clues overlooked by other, more experienced officers including her current beau and boss Macdara Flannery.
There are several supporting mysteries throughout the book which tie together in the end to reveal a web of plotting and criminal activity. The results were not hard to guess, however, it was still entertaining to read along to verify the correctness of conclusions. In addition, the relationship between Siobhan and Macdara provides a comforting backdrop to soften the story without spilling over into a romantic mystery.
While I had not read any previous books in the series, that did not prevent me from connecting with the characters and getting up to speed on their activities in this novel. Given the opportunity, reading the books in order might be beneficial in that the reader could participate in the growth of relationships that occur across the books.
The pacing was good, with enough suspense to help pull the reader through the book without causing too much tension. One of my favorite parts was toward the end of the novel when Siobhan has an internal dialogue that adds some levity and gives more personal insight into her as in individual.
If you are looking for a book that is a light read and still offers a good mystery and an opportunity to solve the puzzle along with the detective, this is one to consider. My thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for an advanced digital read copy of this novel.
August 2, 2023
Book #4 following the sleuthing adventures of now Garda Sióbhan O'Sullivan. In this one, the village of Kilbane is looking forward not only to a Irish crafts festival, but also a poker tournament starring three of the hottest players in the game, including "The Octopus," Eamon Foley, who is expected to win a large sum of money in the tournament. Of course, Sióbhan finds a dead body, this time hanging in a locked storeroom of one of the local pubs. It looks like an open-and-shut case of suicide, but Sióbhan is positive the man was actually murdered. But whodunnit? One of the fellow contestants? A local who lost too much at the poker table? The man managing the tournament? Why do he and 'Dara seem to become buddies?
Thus begins the interminable "murder vs suicide" between Sióbhan and her boss/boyfriend MacDara Flannery, and the trotting forth of suspects. This went on far too long in this novel, IMHO. It ended up frustrating instead of intriguing. The denouement just felt rushed and tortured, and thus incomprehensible. From other reader questions on Goodreads, I see that I am not alone in feeling confused. There are the usual references to Sióbhan's large family and again, she is concerned about their maturing while she is busy being a Garda. Her romance w/ 'Dara progresses as well, and I do enjoy their struggle w/ work vs romance in these novels. But I just didn't enjoy this one as much as previous outings, so will give it a satisfactory 3 stars.
Thus begins the interminable "murder vs suicide" between Sióbhan and her boss/boyfriend MacDara Flannery, and the trotting forth of suspects. This went on far too long in this novel, IMHO. It ended up frustrating instead of intriguing. The denouement just felt rushed and tortured, and thus incomprehensible. From other reader questions on Goodreads, I see that I am not alone in feeling confused. There are the usual references to Sióbhan's large family and again, she is concerned about their maturing while she is busy being a Garda. Her romance w/ 'Dara progresses as well, and I do enjoy their struggle w/ work vs romance in these novels. But I just didn't enjoy this one as much as previous outings, so will give it a satisfactory 3 stars.
July 26, 2021
3.5 / 4.0 Stars
This fourth in series book is an interesting closed room cozy mystery with all the frustration such stories entail. The story centers around a poker tournament being held in a small Irish village. Our clever and most intuitive protagonist, Siobhán O'Sullivan, a member of the Garda Síochána (Irish Police), is assigned to keep an eye on the crowd at the village of Kilbane's first poker tournament. The three leading players in the country are in competition and drinking in the crowd's admiration and accolades. That is until one of the three is accused of potential cheating. The organizer will announce his decision the next morning on whether the tournament can continue. Before the next morning rolls around, word on the street is that one of the players has committed suicide. Siobhán is eager to get to the bottom of this and is at odds with her boss and main squeeze, Detective Sergeant McDara Flannery. Can Siobhán prove to everyone, including herself, that her hunches ought not to be ignored? Unfolding the story through her eyes, ears and mind is the joy of this story and the entire series.
Even though the books can stand on their own, the personal stories which unfold around the mysteries is well worth reading in their order. As cozy mysteries go, this is one of the most enjoyable series for its charm, wit and warmth.
This fourth in series book is an interesting closed room cozy mystery with all the frustration such stories entail. The story centers around a poker tournament being held in a small Irish village. Our clever and most intuitive protagonist, Siobhán O'Sullivan, a member of the Garda Síochána (Irish Police), is assigned to keep an eye on the crowd at the village of Kilbane's first poker tournament. The three leading players in the country are in competition and drinking in the crowd's admiration and accolades. That is until one of the three is accused of potential cheating. The organizer will announce his decision the next morning on whether the tournament can continue. Before the next morning rolls around, word on the street is that one of the players has committed suicide. Siobhán is eager to get to the bottom of this and is at odds with her boss and main squeeze, Detective Sergeant McDara Flannery. Can Siobhán prove to everyone, including herself, that her hunches ought not to be ignored? Unfolding the story through her eyes, ears and mind is the joy of this story and the entire series.
Even though the books can stand on their own, the personal stories which unfold around the mysteries is well worth reading in their order. As cozy mysteries go, this is one of the most enjoyable series for its charm, wit and warmth.
December 27, 2019
This is the third or fourth I have read in this series (read for our December mystery book group choice) and each book is better than the last. This was a brilliant locked room mystery, truly brilliant. The clues to solve what seemed impossible were honestly laid out before the reader throughout the book. Add the gorgeous scenery of rural Ireland, the humor of newly minted Garda Siobhan as she raises her brothers and sisters, solves crimes and flirts with McDara Flannery and you have a winning book and series. I really look forward to reading more of these. Highly recommend!
March 17, 2019
Another exceptional visit with the O'Sullivan clan! This time a professional poker event has set up shop in the village for the weekend and all mystery and mayhem abound! Great plotting with multiple suspects entwined with great characters that are well developed and have interesting personal stories to enhance the plot line. Added bonus, the entire series is available on audiobook.
February 26, 2020
FULL DISCLOSURE NOTICE: I won a copy of this book from a giveaway here on the Goodreads site.
In Carlene O'Connor's fourth Irish Village mystery, a world class poker tournament has come to Kilbane coinciding with a village festival.
Siobhan O'Sullivan is enjoying life in Kilbane. She's got her dream job as a cop, surrounded by her siblings and though it is now on the sly because of work requirements, Macdara Flannery as her guy.
But while enjoying a night out at the local pub to see some of the poker tournament, she's witness to the drunken behavior of Eamon Foley, the favorite to win the tournament.
As it happens, Siobhan ends up discovering his body the next morning at a rival pub. Foley has hung himself. While everyone else is quick to assume that the death is the suicide it appears to be, Siobhan is not convinced. Little things don't add up and she is soon digging into the case.
There are suspects aplenty, from his obviously unhappy (and very pregnant) wife to his poker rivals. The poking around reveals other covert activities surrounding the poker tournament and the stakes are soon raised. It's not just a matter of solving the murder but now Siobhan needs to make sure that she is not the next target on a killer's list.
I'm a big fan of this series, so it shouldn't come as a surprise that I loved this book. There's all the familiar trappings of a cozy series but there's a bit more of an edgy darkness to the plot as well.
I loved the way O'Connor shows that Siobhan is a bit restless and starting to cast her eyes towards a big life change. Even when she questions just what she wants with her relationship with Macdara, it doesn't make you throw up your hands in frustration and crying out "Girl, make a damn decision already, willya?"
The subplots involving the rest of the O'Sullivan can range from amusing to sadly frustrating. Siobhan's feelings for her brother James's relationship issues, the sense of loss as Ciaran grows up and doubts about the direction of Grainne's life now that she's home from New York weigh on her and make for a nicely compelling break from the main story.
What makes Siobhan such a great character (and perhaps this only works in fiction) is the way she is so forthright in expressing her opinion. I doubt that in real life most rookie cops would be so forthright in contradicting not only her boss and the medical examiner on the matter of cause of death. The fact that her boss is her boyfriend might give her a little bit of leeway but still. Yet there she is unafraid to express her opinion and then back it up. Even after four books, I'm always surprised to see that there isn't an ounce of shrinking violet in her personality makeup.
It's that winning combination of strong character development and a kick butt story that makes the Irish Village Mystery series in general and MURDER IN AN IRISH PUB specifically such a great example of great mystery writing. This is the kind of cozy I love to read and I hope that there are many more adventures with Siobhan O'Sullivan to come.
In Carlene O'Connor's fourth Irish Village mystery, a world class poker tournament has come to Kilbane coinciding with a village festival.
Siobhan O'Sullivan is enjoying life in Kilbane. She's got her dream job as a cop, surrounded by her siblings and though it is now on the sly because of work requirements, Macdara Flannery as her guy.
But while enjoying a night out at the local pub to see some of the poker tournament, she's witness to the drunken behavior of Eamon Foley, the favorite to win the tournament.
As it happens, Siobhan ends up discovering his body the next morning at a rival pub. Foley has hung himself. While everyone else is quick to assume that the death is the suicide it appears to be, Siobhan is not convinced. Little things don't add up and she is soon digging into the case.
There are suspects aplenty, from his obviously unhappy (and very pregnant) wife to his poker rivals. The poking around reveals other covert activities surrounding the poker tournament and the stakes are soon raised. It's not just a matter of solving the murder but now Siobhan needs to make sure that she is not the next target on a killer's list.
I'm a big fan of this series, so it shouldn't come as a surprise that I loved this book. There's all the familiar trappings of a cozy series but there's a bit more of an edgy darkness to the plot as well.
I loved the way O'Connor shows that Siobhan is a bit restless and starting to cast her eyes towards a big life change. Even when she questions just what she wants with her relationship with Macdara, it doesn't make you throw up your hands in frustration and crying out "Girl, make a damn decision already, willya?"
The subplots involving the rest of the O'Sullivan can range from amusing to sadly frustrating. Siobhan's feelings for her brother James's relationship issues, the sense of loss as Ciaran grows up and doubts about the direction of Grainne's life now that she's home from New York weigh on her and make for a nicely compelling break from the main story.
What makes Siobhan such a great character (and perhaps this only works in fiction) is the way she is so forthright in expressing her opinion. I doubt that in real life most rookie cops would be so forthright in contradicting not only her boss and the medical examiner on the matter of cause of death. The fact that her boss is her boyfriend might give her a little bit of leeway but still. Yet there she is unafraid to express her opinion and then back it up. Even after four books, I'm always surprised to see that there isn't an ounce of shrinking violet in her personality makeup.
It's that winning combination of strong character development and a kick butt story that makes the Irish Village Mystery series in general and MURDER IN AN IRISH PUB specifically such a great example of great mystery writing. This is the kind of cozy I love to read and I hope that there are many more adventures with Siobhan O'Sullivan to come.
April 1, 2019
New author and series to me and I enjoy the story and mystery, it kept me guessing all the way.
I also, enjoyed how clean this book was of cussing and I how the author used terms real Ireland people would use today it made me feel as if I was right there.
What I would have loved to read more of is setting descriptions and a bit of background of the characters even though it can become respective to the people who have read the series but to those of us who just randomly pick a book up, it helps to keep a bit on track of who is who and what they are doing even though it is respective to some. So, if you haven’t picked up this series I would suggest starting with book one to make sure you don’t get lost like I did a few times.
Now, I need to go pick up book one so I can get all the happens, of who is who from the beginning.
I also, enjoyed how clean this book was of cussing and I how the author used terms real Ireland people would use today it made me feel as if I was right there.
What I would have loved to read more of is setting descriptions and a bit of background of the characters even though it can become respective to the people who have read the series but to those of us who just randomly pick a book up, it helps to keep a bit on track of who is who and what they are doing even though it is respective to some. So, if you haven’t picked up this series I would suggest starting with book one to make sure you don’t get lost like I did a few times.
Now, I need to go pick up book one so I can get all the happens, of who is who from the beginning.
April 19, 2019
4.5 stars
This was definitely my favorite of the series. I love the way Siobhan's career has progressed. Her and Macdara working the case, as well as all the banter, had me grinning through. As did Ciarán. That kid never disappointed. It was such a perfect ending to the book.
Micky, I'm sorry I advance that the title spoiled you.
This was definitely my favorite of the series. I love the way Siobhan's career has progressed. Her and Macdara working the case, as well as all the banter, had me grinning through. As did Ciarán. That kid never disappointed. It was such a perfect ending to the book.
Micky, I'm sorry I advance that the title spoiled you.
February 21, 2019
Thank you Netgalley, publisher, and author for an e-galley of this book.
My first cozy mystery is officially in the books! That being said, I’m not sure how much weight my opinion can hold, but I’ll do my best.
The only real negative I can give, which is totally a personal opinion, is that it was too “clean” for my personal preference. Which I think is a theme in this genre, and it didn’t necessarily take away from the story, I just tend to find no swearing or sex unrealistic in life.
I really enjoyed Siobhan’s character. I actually enjoyed all the characters. Carlene O’Connor did a great job of maintaining plenty of characters without it being overwhelming, and also while forming some sort of bond with each character. Often you don’t get to know a lot of the supporting characters, but I feel like I could easily describe any in this book.
3.5 stars from me!
My first cozy mystery is officially in the books! That being said, I’m not sure how much weight my opinion can hold, but I’ll do my best.
The only real negative I can give, which is totally a personal opinion, is that it was too “clean” for my personal preference. Which I think is a theme in this genre, and it didn’t necessarily take away from the story, I just tend to find no swearing or sex unrealistic in life.
I really enjoyed Siobhan’s character. I actually enjoyed all the characters. Carlene O’Connor did a great job of maintaining plenty of characters without it being overwhelming, and also while forming some sort of bond with each character. Often you don’t get to know a lot of the supporting characters, but I feel like I could easily describe any in this book.
3.5 stars from me!
January 13, 2024
I love these characters, and the stories just get better and better.
January 31, 2026
This cozy mystery series is really well-written! The characters feel like real people and the stories flow organically. I honestly have been left guessing who the culprit is and how the plot will unfold until the very end!
February 10, 2019
What I most enjoyed in this cozy was the authentic sounding Irish dialog and phrasing and the feisty bantering style of the characters which made this village cozy lively and spirited.
The mystery is a classic locked room mystery, was the hanged man a suicide or a murder victim, and if it was murder how did the murder occur in a locked room? It had me scratching my head and remembering one reason I love mysteries, the puzzle of 'how could this have been done'?
The detective is a newbie garda, Siobhan who is a mother hen to her siblings and is involved with her boss, the handsome DS Macdara. They end up investigating the suspicious suicide of a famous poker player who is in town for a poker tournament with a huge prize of 250,000 Euros. Who is bluffing who in this mysterious game of murder or suicide? The poker player's pregnant widow and the other tournament players are prime suspects and the plot becomes quite involved with various clues, marked cards, a carrier pigeon who delivers notes, a stolen diamond, a racehorse, a missing ladder, a missing orange Ford Mustang, a higher up who is carrying out an investigation in disguise each are a card that must be shuffled together in the right order for the mystery to be solved.
This sparkling and charming cozy left me in suspense until the very end and was like a quick trip to Ireland - a winning combination like a pair of Aces!
I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
The mystery is a classic locked room mystery, was the hanged man a suicide or a murder victim, and if it was murder how did the murder occur in a locked room? It had me scratching my head and remembering one reason I love mysteries, the puzzle of 'how could this have been done'?
The detective is a newbie garda, Siobhan who is a mother hen to her siblings and is involved with her boss, the handsome DS Macdara. They end up investigating the suspicious suicide of a famous poker player who is in town for a poker tournament with a huge prize of 250,000 Euros. Who is bluffing who in this mysterious game of murder or suicide? The poker player's pregnant widow and the other tournament players are prime suspects and the plot becomes quite involved with various clues, marked cards, a carrier pigeon who delivers notes, a stolen diamond, a racehorse, a missing ladder, a missing orange Ford Mustang, a higher up who is carrying out an investigation in disguise each are a card that must be shuffled together in the right order for the mystery to be solved.
This sparkling and charming cozy left me in suspense until the very end and was like a quick trip to Ireland - a winning combination like a pair of Aces!
I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
March 2, 2019
I was enchanted from the start with the description of Kilblane, the home of Siobhan O’Sullivan. A small village in County Cork, Ireland, that still has its medieval walls, the annual festival is being set up as Siobhan steps out of her home/family-run cafe. Dressed in her Garda uniform, Siobhan heads off to her job assignment at a nearby pub where a poker tournament is being held. The excitement of having an important tournament is palpable, but too soon it becomes the site of accusations of cheating with threats of fighting. And then the next morning Garda O’Sullivan finds the body of the champion poker player in a locked room. But is it suicide or murder? Both professional poker players, accustomed to dodging telling truths, and locals are potential suspects. Siobhan, the smart Garda, not “smart girl,” seeks to find the answers.
The setting of Kilblane is charmingly presented, along with Siobhan’s family of siblings whom she now mothers in place of her late parents. This is the fourth in the series, and makes a great stand-alone book as it is part police procedural with a complicated locked room scenario. First time readers can readily embrace the characters, although their is clearly much more to their stories that leave new reader with questions as to what happened to Siobhan’s parents, and most particularly how did Siobhan come to be a Garda and start a relationship with the Detective Sergeant she reports to. I certainly want to know more about the O’Sullivans and about Kilblane village itself.
The setting of Kilblane is charmingly presented, along with Siobhan’s family of siblings whom she now mothers in place of her late parents. This is the fourth in the series, and makes a great stand-alone book as it is part police procedural with a complicated locked room scenario. First time readers can readily embrace the characters, although their is clearly much more to their stories that leave new reader with questions as to what happened to Siobhan’s parents, and most particularly how did Siobhan come to be a Garda and start a relationship with the Detective Sergeant she reports to. I certainly want to know more about the O’Sullivans and about Kilblane village itself.
January 26, 2019
I won this in a Goodreads giveaway. I had not read any of the other books in the series but I am interested enough to read them now. Murder in an Irish pub is an enjoyable light read but not great. The plot is good and paced about right. It seemed sometimes that the descriptive writing (what there was of it) could have been a little stronger. For example, in one place it said, "our magnificent abbey" and that's all the description there is, leaving the reader to wonder why it is magnificent. I suppose there could have been a better description in one or more of the previous books but a lot of readers are like me and haven't read them.
January 14, 2019
Aces and Eights
A no limit poker tournament explodes in controversy when an accusation of cheating is tossed at the winning player who happens to be holding aces and eights with a joker. Aces full! Well the jokes on him when he's found dead hanging from the rafters.
There is no shortage of suspects with motives. This was a simple, straightforward, rated G whodunit. A well paced story set in a small town in Ireland. Siobhán gathering all the suspects and proceeding to expose the killer was something out of the movie 'Clue'.
This is Irish Village Mystery #4, my first. Probably best to start with book 1 to better understand the people of Kilbane Ireland.
Thanks to Netgalley for an advance copy of the book in exchange for an unbiased review.
A no limit poker tournament explodes in controversy when an accusation of cheating is tossed at the winning player who happens to be holding aces and eights with a joker. Aces full! Well the jokes on him when he's found dead hanging from the rafters.
There is no shortage of suspects with motives. This was a simple, straightforward, rated G whodunit. A well paced story set in a small town in Ireland. Siobhán gathering all the suspects and proceeding to expose the killer was something out of the movie 'Clue'.
This is Irish Village Mystery #4, my first. Probably best to start with book 1 to better understand the people of Kilbane Ireland.
Thanks to Netgalley for an advance copy of the book in exchange for an unbiased review.
October 21, 2020
Secondo libro ambientato in Irlanda che leggo di fila, ma è una delle ambientazioni che preferisco: confesso che mi piacerebbe vivere nel villaggio immaginario di Kilkare (spero di aver scritto il nome giusto...).
Per quanto riguarda la storia, devo dire che qui c'erano tanti possibili colpevoli e ho capito chi fosse quello giusto solo una frazione di secondo prima della protagonista.
Per quanto riguarda la storia, devo dire che qui c'erano tanti possibili colpevoli e ho capito chi fosse quello giusto solo una frazione di secondo prima della protagonista.
March 2, 2019
While this is the fourth installment in this series it was my first dive into the series. I was concerned that I would have difficulty in following the characters and their development since I usually prefer to read a series from the first book. The story was a nice cozy mystery that I enjoyed reading. There were a few spots I thought I had it all figured out and then BAM, something changed. I look forward to reading more in the series and other works by this author!
March 3, 2024
For a cozy murder mystery this hit all the marks. I felt very much in a small town Ireland. It was a bit difficult following all of the characters and keeping up with the Irish jargon and name pronunciation. I kept reading not putting in effort to try to figure out the murder but because I enjoyed feeling apart of a small Irish community. Highly recommend as a theme read around st Patrick’s day in march ☘️
April 11, 2020
This one is quite intense ... and a little unbelievable at times ... but the ending was a total surprise to me.
May 26, 2024
The book is well-written and the story is very cleverly put together. Out MC still has a mind spinning in several directions as she tries to solve the murder. The family is still intact, running the bistro, and still going in different directions. The big reveal has the suspects and witnesses meeting in a bar for the wake, after the wake, things get exciting.
June 14, 2024
This is a great story. I loved the characters and the twists in the story that make the culprit harder to figure out. Fantastic series.
June 21, 2020
I love this series. The characters are adorable and the plots are good.
December 11, 2024
About what I expect from this series. A decent mystery in an easy, enjoyable story.
April 18, 2019
Love this series! Siobhan and her crew keep me laughing and also shaking my head in frustrated understanding. Having grown up in a big family and also having a lot of kids makes me really appreciate and identify with the situations the O’Sullivans get into. I will say there were some holes in the resolution. In other words, I think the mystery was over complicated. However, it was enjoyable and I’m excited for the next book.
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