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Irish Village Mystery #11
Murder in an Irish Garden
Win a free print copy of this book!
12 days and 14:03:12
100 copies available
U.S. only
Everything’s coming up roses for garda Siobhán and the rest of O’Sullivan family in quaint Kilbane, County Cork, Ireland—until a murder investigation blooms out of a deadly gardening competition.
While Siobhán studies for her Detective Sargeant exams, her brother, Eoin, prepares for the grand opening of his new restaurant, The O’Sullivan Six, and concocts a plan to enter Kilbane’s Top Garden Contest to boost business. But trouble brews when Eoin hires a mercurial landscape designer known for her killer designs. His new partner’s unflattering reputation and questionable practices nearly eclipse her talents—and plunge the prestigious competition into chaos.
A lush and intricate winning garden emerges from the controversy, with a spectacular golden statue in the center of the display. But in a devastating twist, the work of art leads to the shocking discovery of a bold and brutal work of murder.
Everyone in town has an opinion about who committed the crime and planted the evidence, from easily bribed sponsors to green-with-envy gardeners. And with another golden statue found in Eoin’s garden display, rumors about his involvement intensify. As local gossip buzzes and a list of suspects grows, it’s up to quick-witted Siobhán and her husband, Macdara, to suss out the guilty culprit’s identity . . . before the competition buries another victim.
While Siobhán studies for her Detective Sargeant exams, her brother, Eoin, prepares for the grand opening of his new restaurant, The O’Sullivan Six, and concocts a plan to enter Kilbane’s Top Garden Contest to boost business. But trouble brews when Eoin hires a mercurial landscape designer known for her killer designs. His new partner’s unflattering reputation and questionable practices nearly eclipse her talents—and plunge the prestigious competition into chaos.
A lush and intricate winning garden emerges from the controversy, with a spectacular golden statue in the center of the display. But in a devastating twist, the work of art leads to the shocking discovery of a bold and brutal work of murder.
Everyone in town has an opinion about who committed the crime and planted the evidence, from easily bribed sponsors to green-with-envy gardeners. And with another golden statue found in Eoin’s garden display, rumors about his involvement intensify. As local gossip buzzes and a list of suspects grows, it’s up to quick-witted Siobhán and her husband, Macdara, to suss out the guilty culprit’s identity . . . before the competition buries another victim.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published February 25, 2025
7155 people want to read
About the author
Carlene O'Connor
35 books2,584 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 244 reviews
March 8, 2025
EXCERPT: They reached the tent. It was situated across from Eion's farm-to-table restaurant, a short stroll away. Once the garden was unveiled, restaurant guests could walk through the installment either before or after their dinner, and it would remain on the property throughout summer for folks to enjoy. It was ingenious of Eion to think about doing this, even if it had gotten him in some hot water with the other contestants. Now that they were near the tent, Siobhán was surprised that all was quiet.
'Hello?' she called out. 'Cassidy Ryan? There's a large delivery here. Some kind of statue?'
There was no reply. 'She must be on a break,' Siobhán said. 'Would you like me to sign for it?'
The lad glanced at this paperwork. 'It clearly states that only Cassidy Ryan can sign for it.'
'A rule follower,' Macdara said. 'Good man.' He gave Siobhán a pointed look.
'Wait there then and I'll see if my brother knows where she is.' Siobhán ignored Macdara and headed for the restaurant.
Macdara followed her. 'Let's try another question. 'Susan is walking to work one morning -'
'Not strolling?' Siobhán shot back.
'Two men suddenly come up behind her - Harry and Joe -'
'Is this the same Joe that struck the cyclist?'
'They say, "we won't hurt you as long as you give us the bag."' Macdara was getting into it, acting out the role. Just as he was speaking, the restaurant doors opened and a young woman with long brunette hair emerged with a camera slung around her neck. She had not only caught the tail end of his statement, but Macdara was acting as if Siobhán had a handbag and he was going to snatch it.
The woman's eyes were panicked. 'Leave her alone,' she yelled, running towards Siobhán. She started to tug on Macdara as she screamed at Siobhán. 'Where's your bag?'
'I'm not carrying one,' Siobhán said. She glared at Macdara. 'And neither was the person in that scenario.'
The woman let go of Macdara and stepped back, confusion planted on her pretty face.
'Of course she was carrying a handbag,' Macdara said. 'How could they try and rob it off her if she wasn't?'
'Then why doesn't it clearly state that she was carrying a handbag? Good old Harry and Joe just said, "Give us the bag!" For all I know it was a SuperValu bag.'
The woman's eyes ping-ponged between them, her shiny pink lips agape. She was slim and her dewy face was dotted with freckles. 'Do either of you want me to call someone?'
Macdara turned to the young woman. 'We're reading test questions,' he said. 'My stubborn wife is studying to become a detective sergeant.' He shook his head. 'Or I should say she's actively avoiding studying.'
Siobhán put her hands on her hips, realising that to this young woman she probably looked like a typical wife nagging her husband. But some things couldn't be helped. 'And my detective-sergeant husband is drilling me with practice questions that do not make an ounce of sense because they were written by men with limestone for brains!' Siobhán could feel her blood pressure tick up. She wanted to hit something. Preferably him.
'Stop overthinking every single little detail,' Macdara said. 'When you become a detective-sergeant, you can lobby to change the questions. But if you don't get out of your own stubborn way, you're never going to pass the exams!'
'How many times are you going to call me stubborn?'
'As many as it takes to get through to you!'
The woman backed away slightly, her hand going to her camera. If she started to film them, Siobhán was going to yank it off her neck and stomp on it. She was dying for the woman to start filming them. The young woman held up her right hand and flashed a diamond on her engagement finger. 'Should I take this as a warning?'
'Yes,' they said in stereo.
ABOUT 'MURDER IN AN IRISH GARDEN': Everything’s coming up roses for garda Siobhán and the rest of O’Sullivan family in quaint Kilbane, County Cork, Ireland—until a murder investigation blooms out of a deadly gardening competition.
While Siobhán studies for her Detective Sargeant exams, her brother, Eoin, prepares for the grand opening of his new restaurant, The O’Sullivan Six, and concocts a plan to enter Kilbane’s Top Garden Contest to boost business. But trouble brews when Eoin hires a mercurial landscape designer known for her killer designs. His new partner’s unflattering reputation and questionable practices nearly eclipse her talents—and plunge the prestigious competition into chaos.
A lush and intricate winning garden emerges from the controversy, with a spectacular golden statue in the center of the display. But in a devastating twist, the work of art leads to the shocking discovery of a bold and brutal work of murder.
Everyone in town has an opinion about who committed the crime and planted the evidence, from easily bribed sponsors to green-with-envy gardeners. And with another golden statue found in Eoin’s garden display, rumors about his involvement intensify. As local gossip buzzes and a list of suspects grows, it’s up to quick-witted Siobhán and her husband, Macdara, to suss out the guilty culprit’s identity . . . before the competition buries another victim.
MY THOUGHTS: There's plenty of action in this (Book 11!) of the Irish Village Mystery series. Siobhán is studying for her detective-sergeant exams with the help of husband Macdara; Eion's restaurant, The Six, is preparing for its grand opening; and it is the final week of the Kilbane Top Garden contest.
It's always wonderful to catch up with the O'Sullivan family, although Siobhán seems to be a little out of sorts, being punctilious over the wording of practice test questions, picking squabbles with Macdara, and wanting to hit people who annoy her - which seems to be everyone at the moment. So not Siobhán! Is it just the pressure of the upcoming exam or is something else afoot?
As the big day of the garden competition judging nears, odd things begin to happen, culminating in a body being found in very strange circumstances.
This was a lovely twisty mystery with more suspects than I could poke a stick at! My head was fair spinning as evidence seemed to point to first one, then another. I was completely wrong with my suspicions. The denouement set me back on my heels - it was a solution that had never occurred to me! I don't know how realistic it was, but it sure was entertaining.
I have read or listened to most books in this series, enjoyed them all, and am always excited to see a new book in the pipeline. I was lucky to be able to combine reading with listening to Murder in an Irish Garden written by Carlene O'Connor with the audiobook superbly narrated by Caroline Lennon. If I had to pick between the two, the audiobook would win by the narrowest of margins - it's the Irish brogue. It gets me every time.
⭐⭐⭐.8
#MurderinanIrishGarden #NetGalley #readingirelandmonth25 #beggorathon25
MEET THE AUTHOR: Born into a long line of Irish storytellers, Carlene O'Connor's great-grandmother emigrated from Ireland filled with tales in 1897 and the stories have been flowing ever since. Of all the places she’s wandered across the pond, she fell most in love with a walled town in County Limerick and was inspired to create the town of Kilbane, County Cork, the setting of her Irish Village Mystery series.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Kensington Publishing roe providing an e-ARC and RB Media for providing an audio ARC of Murder in an Irish Garden, written by Carlene O'Connor and narrated by Caroline Lennon, for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
'Hello?' she called out. 'Cassidy Ryan? There's a large delivery here. Some kind of statue?'
There was no reply. 'She must be on a break,' Siobhán said. 'Would you like me to sign for it?'
The lad glanced at this paperwork. 'It clearly states that only Cassidy Ryan can sign for it.'
'A rule follower,' Macdara said. 'Good man.' He gave Siobhán a pointed look.
'Wait there then and I'll see if my brother knows where she is.' Siobhán ignored Macdara and headed for the restaurant.
Macdara followed her. 'Let's try another question. 'Susan is walking to work one morning -'
'Not strolling?' Siobhán shot back.
'Two men suddenly come up behind her - Harry and Joe -'
'Is this the same Joe that struck the cyclist?'
'They say, "we won't hurt you as long as you give us the bag."' Macdara was getting into it, acting out the role. Just as he was speaking, the restaurant doors opened and a young woman with long brunette hair emerged with a camera slung around her neck. She had not only caught the tail end of his statement, but Macdara was acting as if Siobhán had a handbag and he was going to snatch it.
The woman's eyes were panicked. 'Leave her alone,' she yelled, running towards Siobhán. She started to tug on Macdara as she screamed at Siobhán. 'Where's your bag?'
'I'm not carrying one,' Siobhán said. She glared at Macdara. 'And neither was the person in that scenario.'
The woman let go of Macdara and stepped back, confusion planted on her pretty face.
'Of course she was carrying a handbag,' Macdara said. 'How could they try and rob it off her if she wasn't?'
'Then why doesn't it clearly state that she was carrying a handbag? Good old Harry and Joe just said, "Give us the bag!" For all I know it was a SuperValu bag.'
The woman's eyes ping-ponged between them, her shiny pink lips agape. She was slim and her dewy face was dotted with freckles. 'Do either of you want me to call someone?'
Macdara turned to the young woman. 'We're reading test questions,' he said. 'My stubborn wife is studying to become a detective sergeant.' He shook his head. 'Or I should say she's actively avoiding studying.'
Siobhán put her hands on her hips, realising that to this young woman she probably looked like a typical wife nagging her husband. But some things couldn't be helped. 'And my detective-sergeant husband is drilling me with practice questions that do not make an ounce of sense because they were written by men with limestone for brains!' Siobhán could feel her blood pressure tick up. She wanted to hit something. Preferably him.
'Stop overthinking every single little detail,' Macdara said. 'When you become a detective-sergeant, you can lobby to change the questions. But if you don't get out of your own stubborn way, you're never going to pass the exams!'
'How many times are you going to call me stubborn?'
'As many as it takes to get through to you!'
The woman backed away slightly, her hand going to her camera. If she started to film them, Siobhán was going to yank it off her neck and stomp on it. She was dying for the woman to start filming them. The young woman held up her right hand and flashed a diamond on her engagement finger. 'Should I take this as a warning?'
'Yes,' they said in stereo.
ABOUT 'MURDER IN AN IRISH GARDEN': Everything’s coming up roses for garda Siobhán and the rest of O’Sullivan family in quaint Kilbane, County Cork, Ireland—until a murder investigation blooms out of a deadly gardening competition.
While Siobhán studies for her Detective Sargeant exams, her brother, Eoin, prepares for the grand opening of his new restaurant, The O’Sullivan Six, and concocts a plan to enter Kilbane’s Top Garden Contest to boost business. But trouble brews when Eoin hires a mercurial landscape designer known for her killer designs. His new partner’s unflattering reputation and questionable practices nearly eclipse her talents—and plunge the prestigious competition into chaos.
A lush and intricate winning garden emerges from the controversy, with a spectacular golden statue in the center of the display. But in a devastating twist, the work of art leads to the shocking discovery of a bold and brutal work of murder.
Everyone in town has an opinion about who committed the crime and planted the evidence, from easily bribed sponsors to green-with-envy gardeners. And with another golden statue found in Eoin’s garden display, rumors about his involvement intensify. As local gossip buzzes and a list of suspects grows, it’s up to quick-witted Siobhán and her husband, Macdara, to suss out the guilty culprit’s identity . . . before the competition buries another victim.
MY THOUGHTS: There's plenty of action in this (Book 11!) of the Irish Village Mystery series. Siobhán is studying for her detective-sergeant exams with the help of husband Macdara; Eion's restaurant, The Six, is preparing for its grand opening; and it is the final week of the Kilbane Top Garden contest.
It's always wonderful to catch up with the O'Sullivan family, although Siobhán seems to be a little out of sorts, being punctilious over the wording of practice test questions, picking squabbles with Macdara, and wanting to hit people who annoy her - which seems to be everyone at the moment. So not Siobhán! Is it just the pressure of the upcoming exam or is something else afoot?
As the big day of the garden competition judging nears, odd things begin to happen, culminating in a body being found in very strange circumstances.
This was a lovely twisty mystery with more suspects than I could poke a stick at! My head was fair spinning as evidence seemed to point to first one, then another. I was completely wrong with my suspicions. The denouement set me back on my heels - it was a solution that had never occurred to me! I don't know how realistic it was, but it sure was entertaining.
I have read or listened to most books in this series, enjoyed them all, and am always excited to see a new book in the pipeline. I was lucky to be able to combine reading with listening to Murder in an Irish Garden written by Carlene O'Connor with the audiobook superbly narrated by Caroline Lennon. If I had to pick between the two, the audiobook would win by the narrowest of margins - it's the Irish brogue. It gets me every time.
⭐⭐⭐.8
#MurderinanIrishGarden #NetGalley #readingirelandmonth25 #beggorathon25
MEET THE AUTHOR: Born into a long line of Irish storytellers, Carlene O'Connor's great-grandmother emigrated from Ireland filled with tales in 1897 and the stories have been flowing ever since. Of all the places she’s wandered across the pond, she fell most in love with a walled town in County Limerick and was inspired to create the town of Kilbane, County Cork, the setting of her Irish Village Mystery series.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Kensington Publishing roe providing an e-ARC and RB Media for providing an audio ARC of Murder in an Irish Garden, written by Carlene O'Connor and narrated by Caroline Lennon, for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
February 28, 2025
I listened to this one on audiobook and I thought the narrator did a great job. It really made the story to come to life and really put me in the Irish countryside where it was set. This is book 11 in the Irish Village Mystery series and while I haven’t read them all I’ve read and enjoyed several and this one was no exception. This mystery centers around a garden contest where one contestant is found murdered in a rather creative and gruesome way. Siobhan is studying for her detective Sargent exams and is determined to find the killer in this gruesome murder. This one had some good twists and a wonderful mystery. I like these characters quite a bit, especially Siobhan, she makes a great sleuth to follow. Overall I gave this 4.5 stars which I rounded up because it was a fun mystery.
February 25, 2025
I received a free copy of, Murder in an Irish Garden, by Carlene O'Connor, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is book eleven in The Irish Village Mystery series. Siobhan is studying for her exams, her brother Eoin is getting ready to open a new restaurant, when their is a murder in Ireland. Can Siobhan solve the murder? What is better then a cozy mystery set in Ireland, I love the O'Sullivan family. This was a good read.
June 13, 2025
This is the first in a long series that I have read. I enjoyed the sense of humor and the setting and the fact that it involved gardens, but I somehow started skimming through the last 50 pages or so . I guess I would try another one, but there’s lots of people and it’s wordy …
July 24, 2025
Set in the lovely Irish gardens, this book was fantastic!! I really enjoy reading books set in Ireland and this one is no exception!
The mystery centers around an Irish garden contest where one of the competitors ends up murdered! Oh no 😯! The garda, Irish police, have their hands full trying to discover the killer or killers. As the search heats up, so do the competitors, each has an alibi and each one also has secrets to hide.
This was a fun whodunnit mystery and I had fun trying to figure out the killer! I guessed one right! I highly recommend this one, it's really great!
Enjoy and Happy Reading 💫✨
The mystery centers around an Irish garden contest where one of the competitors ends up murdered! Oh no 😯! The garda, Irish police, have their hands full trying to discover the killer or killers. As the search heats up, so do the competitors, each has an alibi and each one also has secrets to hide.
This was a fun whodunnit mystery and I had fun trying to figure out the killer! I guessed one right! I highly recommend this one, it's really great!
Enjoy and Happy Reading 💫✨
September 23, 2024
#MurderinanIrishGarden #NetGalley is the newest book in this series, as well as my favorite.
Siobhan is studying for her detective sergeant exam, she butts heads with her husband Macdara. Their comical bickering shows a spicy side of each spouse, and they both kept me chuckling.
Her brother Eion is preparing for the grand opening of his new restaurant, and decides to participate in a garden contest.
Things don't go well and Siobhan finds herself wrapped up in another murder investigation. The pressure is on to solve this one, especially since she's not feeling well and she can't afford to be sick.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
Siobhan is studying for her detective sergeant exam, she butts heads with her husband Macdara. Their comical bickering shows a spicy side of each spouse, and they both kept me chuckling.
Her brother Eion is preparing for the grand opening of his new restaurant, and decides to participate in a garden contest.
Things don't go well and Siobhan finds herself wrapped up in another murder investigation. The pressure is on to solve this one, especially since she's not feeling well and she can't afford to be sick.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
August 7, 2025
Entertaining mystery listening 🤓
This kindle ebook novel is from my Kindle Unlimited account book 11 of 12
I love 😘 this series and author! This novel is about murder at the garden festival. The gardens of all the contestants are trashed. Who and why? The guard are working hard to solve the case. The truth is uncovered leading to arrest. 🏡
I would highly recommend this series and author to readers of romantic family and friends relationships adventures action mystery novels.👒🎶 2025 😘😚
This kindle ebook novel is from my Kindle Unlimited account book 11 of 12
I love 😘 this series and author! This novel is about murder at the garden festival. The gardens of all the contestants are trashed. Who and why? The guard are working hard to solve the case. The truth is uncovered leading to arrest. 🏡
I would highly recommend this series and author to readers of romantic family and friends relationships adventures action mystery novels.👒🎶 2025 😘😚
February 10, 2025
It's a busy and exciting time for the O’Sullivan family. Siobhán is studying for her Sargeant's exams, it's the week of the Kilbane Top Garden Contest, and the opening of Eoin's restaurant, The Six. So, when it becomes clear there is a saboteur at work, everyone is horrified, but worse is to come when one of the gardens is found to contain a dead body! With multiple suspects and crime scenes Siobhán and her husband, DS Macdara Fleming, are left chasing their tales. Can they sift through the lies to discover the culprit before reputations are ruined and businesses destroyed?
Book 11 in Carlene O'Connor's Irish Village Mystery series has a twisty turning mystery with more suspects than Siobhán and Macdara know what to do with! The storyline is fast moving, and with the everyday life of the O’Sullivan clan embedded into each scene, it paints a picture of a location and way of life that is central to everything Siobhán does.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Kensington Publishing, Kensington Cozies, but the opinions expressed are my own. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the images it created.
Book 11 in Carlene O'Connor's Irish Village Mystery series has a twisty turning mystery with more suspects than Siobhán and Macdara know what to do with! The storyline is fast moving, and with the everyday life of the O’Sullivan clan embedded into each scene, it paints a picture of a location and way of life that is central to everything Siobhán does.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Kensington Publishing, Kensington Cozies, but the opinions expressed are my own. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the images it created.
November 19, 2024
“ Murder at an Irish Garden” the 11th instalment in the "Irish Village" Mystery series by Carlene O’Connor. This is one of my many favourite cozy series and I loved this story!
I always love visiting the village of Kilbane in County Cork and the O'Sullivan Six this time a murder investigation blooms out of a deadly gardening competition. Eoin hires a mercurial landscape designer known for her killer designs. His new partner’s unflattering reputation and questionable practices nearly eclipse her talents—and plunge the prestigious competition into chaos.
I love the characters which are well developed. I also like where the series is heading as the siblings spread their wings. The mystery is super interesting and well plotted, and loaded with red herrings. I kept guessing and second-guessing myself on whodunnit right to the very end.
I highly recommend this book to all my cozy loving friends.
I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from Kensington Books and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I always love visiting the village of Kilbane in County Cork and the O'Sullivan Six this time a murder investigation blooms out of a deadly gardening competition. Eoin hires a mercurial landscape designer known for her killer designs. His new partner’s unflattering reputation and questionable practices nearly eclipse her talents—and plunge the prestigious competition into chaos.
I love the characters which are well developed. I also like where the series is heading as the siblings spread their wings. The mystery is super interesting and well plotted, and loaded with red herrings. I kept guessing and second-guessing myself on whodunnit right to the very end.
I highly recommend this book to all my cozy loving friends.
I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from Kensington Books and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 15, 2024
Murder in an Irish Garden by Carlene O'Connor
is a great cozy mystery that is the 11th book in the An Irish Village Mystery series.
This is an awesome series that I have followed from the very beginning. I feel like the O’Sullivan family and are almost part of my own at this point. Siobhán and her husband, Macdara make a great team and the dialogue and interplay between the two make this so much fun. It balances the seriousness of the murder/mystery. Plenty of suspects in the garden competition, plenty of twists…and an enjoyable ride in the process.
An excellent addition to the series.
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and Kensington Publishing | Kensington Cozies for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 2/25/25.
is a great cozy mystery that is the 11th book in the An Irish Village Mystery series.
This is an awesome series that I have followed from the very beginning. I feel like the O’Sullivan family and are almost part of my own at this point. Siobhán and her husband, Macdara make a great team and the dialogue and interplay between the two make this so much fun. It balances the seriousness of the murder/mystery. Plenty of suspects in the garden competition, plenty of twists…and an enjoyable ride in the process.
An excellent addition to the series.
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and Kensington Publishing | Kensington Cozies for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 2/25/25.
March 6, 2025
5 star Review Murder in an Irish Garden (Irish Village Mystery #11) by Carlene O'Connor
This was a gripping and entertaining romantic suspense story. Well written, the narration was good and the narrator(s) easy to listen to. They brought the story to life for me. I quickly became invested the story and I really liked the characters.
This was a gripping and entertaining romantic suspense story. Well written, the narration was good and the narrator(s) easy to listen to. They brought the story to life for me. I quickly became invested the story and I really liked the characters.
March 14, 2025
Scattered and A Stretch
I think O’Connor drifted too far from her dependable, predictable formula with this one. It was disjointed and far fetched and lacked the strong characters her previous novels have.
I think O’Connor drifted too far from her dependable, predictable formula with this one. It was disjointed and far fetched and lacked the strong characters her previous novels have.
March 3, 2025
"Murder in an Irish Garden (Irish Village Mystery #11)" by Carlene O'Connor for sure takes after a specific Agatha Christie book that I wont name as it would give too much away about this book. This book takes place during an Irish gardening contest that ends up not taking place since each garden created for the contest ends up out of the contest. Unfortunately, there is also the death of one of the contestants as well.
Garda Siobhán is present when all the chaos is discovered and immediately jumps into investigating, despite needing to study to finally take the Detective Sargent exams and not feeling so great. She is also currently in a bit of a fight with her husband in over the exams. So as not to spoil anything, I'll just say that once things were going in the direction I thought they were they wrapped up pretty much how I expected.
I do have to say that I am glad I listened to this in audiobook format since I wouldn't have gotten the correct pronunciation of some of the Irish names. Also, maybe reading some of the past books would have been good just for the family dynamics. It's been a while since I've read any of this series and I was thinking Siobhán was older than she was until I realized it was her siblings she raised after their parents died that she was feeling like an empty nester over.
Garda Siobhán is present when all the chaos is discovered and immediately jumps into investigating, despite needing to study to finally take the Detective Sargent exams and not feeling so great. She is also currently in a bit of a fight with her husband in over the exams. So as not to spoil anything, I'll just say that once things were going in the direction I thought they were they wrapped up pretty much how I expected.
I do have to say that I am glad I listened to this in audiobook format since I wouldn't have gotten the correct pronunciation of some of the Irish names. Also, maybe reading some of the past books would have been good just for the family dynamics. It's been a while since I've read any of this series and I was thinking Siobhán was older than she was until I realized it was her siblings she raised after their parents died that she was feeling like an empty nester over.
March 5, 2025
Siobhán is back in action and better than ever! Married life is rolling along although with the occasional hiccups and the family restaurant is about to launch a soft opening at the reveal of the garden club entries. The only major issue is that someone has a problem with the gardens and gardeners so it's up to Siobhán and the other guards to solve the case before more damage can be inflicted. Once again an outstanding story has been woven to delight and entertain readers! I do think that this mystery was much more complex than others thus creating an even more enjoyable mystery experience. I loved the story and the outcome! As with the other books in the story, the characters personal lives are woven throughout and exciting things are in store for the future! I can't wait for the next book! If you are like me and love a good audiobook, then you really need to find the audio version as the narration is fantastic and helps to bring the story even more fully to life! All I can say is that I am greedy for more!!!
May 1, 2025
A lot of twists and turns in the latest from Carlene O'Connor. A gardening competition turns deadly when some local gardeners, jealous of a hometown gardener with an international reputation, signed up for her hometown's annual competition. Unraveling the crime is a challenge for the local Garda. The reveal takes on an interesting light, while the O'Sullivan family gets a surprise reveal of their own.
August 17, 2025
need another book asap
What am I supposed to do without these cozy Irish Village mysteries visiting the O’Sullivan family as a palate cleanser in between all the other books I read?! I need 11 more asap, please. I’ve loved them all :’)
What am I supposed to do without these cozy Irish Village mysteries visiting the O’Sullivan family as a palate cleanser in between all the other books I read?! I need 11 more asap, please. I’ve loved them all :’)
April 22, 2025
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Murder in an Irish Garden by Carlene O'Connor is a masterfully spun mystery with so many twists and turns.
Will the Guardi figure out who killed Cassidy?
The mystery is set amidst a garden competition. Usually, the competition is among local gardeners, but this year, a landscape architect has joined the competition. Some people don't think it's fair to have a professional compete. Yet, the rules don't make it unacceptable. Additionally, we have an eager journalist conducting interviews and stirring up the contestants at each turn. So, on the opening day, when the gardens have been destroyed and two of the contestants don't show up at the start, things start to spiral until they find the body of the famed landscape architect, Cassidy, dead in her garden.
I love the way Ms. O'Connor weaves the story. The clues are all there, and some of the guardi fall for the red herring, but not Siobhán. She isn't falling for the false clues or misdirection. This is why she is going to ace her detective sergeant exams. There was so much happening throughout the investigation that Siobhán had to keep track of so many things. A couple of times, I almost started to believe the tall tales. But I also listened to Siobhán's intuition.
The O’Sullivans
All of the O'Sullivans come together for the opening of The Six, Eion's new restaurant. They are all grown up and living their own lives, but it is lovely to see them come together for each other. Siobhán has done a fantastic job of keeping her family together after her parents' deaths. I always enjoy returning to one of the Irish Village Mysteries.
Five Stars
My rating for Murder in an Irish Garden by Carlene O'Connor is five stars. Ms. O'Connor easily transports me to Ireland, and I feel as though I am there with Siobhán and Macdara tracking down the culprit. I highly recommend Murder in an Irish Garden and the rest of the series. I'm sure you'll enjoy it.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Murder in an Irish Garden by Carlene O'Connor.
Until the next time,
This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove
Murder in an Irish Garden by Carlene O'Connor is a masterfully spun mystery with so many twists and turns.
Will the Guardi figure out who killed Cassidy?
The mystery is set amidst a garden competition. Usually, the competition is among local gardeners, but this year, a landscape architect has joined the competition. Some people don't think it's fair to have a professional compete. Yet, the rules don't make it unacceptable. Additionally, we have an eager journalist conducting interviews and stirring up the contestants at each turn. So, on the opening day, when the gardens have been destroyed and two of the contestants don't show up at the start, things start to spiral until they find the body of the famed landscape architect, Cassidy, dead in her garden.
I love the way Ms. O'Connor weaves the story. The clues are all there, and some of the guardi fall for the red herring, but not Siobhán. She isn't falling for the false clues or misdirection. This is why she is going to ace her detective sergeant exams. There was so much happening throughout the investigation that Siobhán had to keep track of so many things. A couple of times, I almost started to believe the tall tales. But I also listened to Siobhán's intuition.
The O’Sullivans
All of the O'Sullivans come together for the opening of The Six, Eion's new restaurant. They are all grown up and living their own lives, but it is lovely to see them come together for each other. Siobhán has done a fantastic job of keeping her family together after her parents' deaths. I always enjoy returning to one of the Irish Village Mysteries.
Five Stars
My rating for Murder in an Irish Garden by Carlene O'Connor is five stars. Ms. O'Connor easily transports me to Ireland, and I feel as though I am there with Siobhán and Macdara tracking down the culprit. I highly recommend Murder in an Irish Garden and the rest of the series. I'm sure you'll enjoy it.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Murder in an Irish Garden by Carlene O'Connor.
Until the next time,
This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove
March 19, 2025
Murder in an Irish Garden is the 11th book in An Irish Village Mystery series. It's been many years since the O’Sullivan family lost their parents and Siobhan was responsible for raising her 5 siblings. In this outing, Eoin (pronounced Ian), prepares for the grand opening of his new restaurant, The O’Sullivan Six. He also plans to enter Kilbane’s Top Garden Contest to boost business. He hires a well-known landscape designer known for her killer designs, but with an unflattering reputation. The other competitors are not happy that a professional designer will be competing in the contest. Although there is a lot of chaos, on garden emerges as a possible winner, with it's golden statue as the focal point. But, where is Cassidy Ryan? When her body is found in a rather gruesome twist, everyone in town has an opinion about who the murderer was and why she was killed.
I always enjoy a visit with the O'Sullivan family. Siobhan is under pressure in this book as she is studying for her Detective Sargeant exams, and is frustrated by the practice questions. She takes her stress out on her husband, Macdara, who lets it roll off his shoulders. This is not the normal Siobhan, so how will this affect her work as a garda? The mystery in this book was a good one. There were so many suspects, but also lots of red herrings. With twists that I didn't see coming, and a culprit(s) that were surprising, I finished this one totally satisfied. I have been doing read/listen with most of the books in this series and once again enjoyed the narration by Caroline Lennon. She does a wonderful job with the voices, tone and pacing of the story. I enjoyed both the audiobook and ebook and recommend this one to those who enjoy a good cozy mystery, in whichever format you prefer.
I always enjoy a visit with the O'Sullivan family. Siobhan is under pressure in this book as she is studying for her Detective Sargeant exams, and is frustrated by the practice questions. She takes her stress out on her husband, Macdara, who lets it roll off his shoulders. This is not the normal Siobhan, so how will this affect her work as a garda? The mystery in this book was a good one. There were so many suspects, but also lots of red herrings. With twists that I didn't see coming, and a culprit(s) that were surprising, I finished this one totally satisfied. I have been doing read/listen with most of the books in this series and once again enjoyed the narration by Caroline Lennon. She does a wonderful job with the voices, tone and pacing of the story. I enjoyed both the audiobook and ebook and recommend this one to those who enjoy a good cozy mystery, in whichever format you prefer.
August 7, 2025
The author seems to have lost the momentum she had built up until the 10th book. This one, again, screamed for editing. There were scenes that were referred to that never happened. Bad sentence structure and questionable word usage combined with chaotic descriptions made for a tedious read.
The argument between the Siobhan and Dara was grossly overblown; no way could a petty disagreement over such a nothing reason could have resulted in that much angst and drama for those two. Again, she has all the authority of a higher ranking officer and plows ahead without any consequence. And she’s always right! The other aspect of these stories that is so annoying is how she treats her siblings as if they’re small children. They’re adult men and women! The plot was disjointed and I knew who did it from the beginning. I hung around because I wanted to see how. So much potential here. But this one just does not deliver.
The argument between the Siobhan and Dara was grossly overblown; no way could a petty disagreement over such a nothing reason could have resulted in that much angst and drama for those two. Again, she has all the authority of a higher ranking officer and plows ahead without any consequence. And she’s always right! The other aspect of these stories that is so annoying is how she treats her siblings as if they’re small children. They’re adult men and women! The plot was disjointed and I knew who did it from the beginning. I hung around because I wanted to see how. So much potential here. But this one just does not deliver.
March 12, 2025
I enjoyed this one. It was a murder mystery but not in a scary way.
This book told the story of a murder of a contestant of the Kilbane's Top Garden Contest. Each participate has to decorate their garden area to be judged with a golden trophy and prize money awarded to the winner. All of the contestants but one (Cassidy) are local. The one that is not is a big landscape designer who come to find out, is only in the competition as a stepping stone to a much larger contest and prize.
The day the contest end and it ready to be judged, Cassidy's body is found in her garden spray painted gold. The book is spent figuring out who in this small town could have done this, but everybody is connected so things are really difficult for Siobhan and Macdara as they search through all the clues and diversions.
This book told the story of a murder of a contestant of the Kilbane's Top Garden Contest. Each participate has to decorate their garden area to be judged with a golden trophy and prize money awarded to the winner. All of the contestants but one (Cassidy) are local. The one that is not is a big landscape designer who come to find out, is only in the competition as a stepping stone to a much larger contest and prize.
The day the contest end and it ready to be judged, Cassidy's body is found in her garden spray painted gold. The book is spent figuring out who in this small town could have done this, but everybody is connected so things are really difficult for Siobhan and Macdara as they search through all the clues and diversions.
March 26, 2025
Another great installment of the Irish Village Mysteries. Love the narrator!
We open with Siobhan studying for her detective exams and stressing out her devoted husband. Update on the family and the new restaurant opening. And then smack dab into a most creative spring time murder! Talk about the Midas touch! Wonderful characters and I just adore the growing family! I love listening to her books, but I find myself wanting to talk with an Irish accent for a few days! Thank you #NetGalley and #KensingtonCozies for the audio version of this wonderful tale.
We open with Siobhan studying for her detective exams and stressing out her devoted husband. Update on the family and the new restaurant opening. And then smack dab into a most creative spring time murder! Talk about the Midas touch! Wonderful characters and I just adore the growing family! I love listening to her books, but I find myself wanting to talk with an Irish accent for a few days! Thank you #NetGalley and #KensingtonCozies for the audio version of this wonderful tale.
March 13, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and publishers for a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
This is the 11th installment of the series, but it was the first one I picked up. A murder happens during a gardening competition and everyone seems to be a suspect. I liked the pace of the investigation and how things were unraveled at the end. A cozy mystery that was good to listen while walking my dog or driving. I’m also glad I listened to the audiobook, as I’m not familiar with Irish pronunciation of certain names.
This is the 11th installment of the series, but it was the first one I picked up. A murder happens during a gardening competition and everyone seems to be a suspect. I liked the pace of the investigation and how things were unraveled at the end. A cozy mystery that was good to listen while walking my dog or driving. I’m also glad I listened to the audiobook, as I’m not familiar with Irish pronunciation of certain names.
March 5, 2025
I really enjoyed this one more than the last couple of books. Macdara seemed to be back to his normal self (he seemed a little dorky and soft after getting married). The mole plot line was a little silly, but that’s probably the only thing I didn’t like. Definitely looking forward to the next one!
July 4, 2025
Excellent. Kept me interested. I did not know this book was part of a series. Anything I needed to know was referenced in the narrative.
I will read more of her books. She has quite a few.
I highly recommend this author.
I will read more of her books. She has quite a few.
I highly recommend this author.
April 3, 2025
Another delightful chapter in the lives of these Irish police people, the Garda. I love the language and the accent (audiobook).
August 13, 2025
I love this mystery series which has both very good mysteries and also lots of heart! You should read them in order to see how the family changes and blossoms.
March 28, 2025
This feels like a final book.
July 26, 2025
I love this series!
July 1, 2025
My favorite so far in the series! I enjoyed it even more than the first book.
March 27, 2025
MURDER IN AN IRISH GARDEN, author Carlene O'Connor's latest Irish Village Mystery finds Siobhan O'Sullivan deep in study for her Detective Sergeant exam. Something that would be difficult under normal circumstances but with her husband Macdara Flannery (already a Detective Sergeant) as her "study buddy", it is looking like an all out war could break out between them at any time.
Thank goodness for a murder investigation, right?
Well, not that anyone would ever really hope for that or anything, but the discovery of the body of one of the contestants in the Kilbane Garden Competition does serve as a distraction from Siobhan's study and marriage "issues".
Cassidy Ryan, a well-known design landscaper who spent her early years in Kilbane has returned to the village for the contest and it has raised all kinds of upheaval with the local contestants. They resent a professional being allowed into the competition despite there being no rules against it.
But when it turns out that every garden in the contest has been vandalized just before the unveiling, they think Cassidy did it. Until they visit Cassidy's garden only to find her amongst the display...very much dead.
As Siobhan, Macdara and the rest of the cops dig into the case, there's plenty of suspects and plenty of reasons someone might've wanted her dead. The local man whose wife thinks he was cheating on her, the woman who's won the competition three years running or simply those who thought Cassidy was stealing their ideas for her own. But what about the local reporter? Was there a feud between her and the victim or did her stirring of the pot lead someone else to kill the woman? And what big secret was Cassidy Ryan hiding?
As the case expands wider and wider, Siobhan will have to muster all her know-how to track down killer hell bent on putting anyone that crosses their path into the ground.
With MURDER IN AN IRISH GARDEN, Carlene O'Connor provides a wildly twisting narrative with the main mystery plot. With any number of plausible suspects and motives, its resolution was very Christie-like in the final reveal. It drew you in and then laid out the reasons for the murder in such a way to make Dame Agatha proud.
And that's why I really liked this novel. However, the subplots were less interesting this time around. In the early going, the marital fight between Siobhan and Macdara seemed excessively silly and time consuming in a way that didn't do it justice. And the other subplot which began about halfway through the book served as a distraction because you'd have to be blind not to see what it was and yet the storytelling decision to not confirm it but only continuously hint at it until the very end was just annoying the hell out of me.
That said, I love the cast of characters in the series. The majority of the O'Sullivan Six are absent from the plot of MURDER IN AN IRISH GARDEN by design. After all, they are all grown now and most are off living their lives away from Kilbane now. But what little time they are involved in the story reminds the reader of what made you love them all in the first place. I felt myself a little saddened that the epilogue portion of the book felt like it was going to be the last book in the series, but I have no confirmation if my feeling is true or not.
But either way, the main murder mystery plot of MURDER IN AN IRISH GARDEN makes for a compelling read as you puzzle out just who did do it right alongside Siobhan and her team!
Thank goodness for a murder investigation, right?
Well, not that anyone would ever really hope for that or anything, but the discovery of the body of one of the contestants in the Kilbane Garden Competition does serve as a distraction from Siobhan's study and marriage "issues".
Cassidy Ryan, a well-known design landscaper who spent her early years in Kilbane has returned to the village for the contest and it has raised all kinds of upheaval with the local contestants. They resent a professional being allowed into the competition despite there being no rules against it.
But when it turns out that every garden in the contest has been vandalized just before the unveiling, they think Cassidy did it. Until they visit Cassidy's garden only to find her amongst the display...very much dead.
As Siobhan, Macdara and the rest of the cops dig into the case, there's plenty of suspects and plenty of reasons someone might've wanted her dead. The local man whose wife thinks he was cheating on her, the woman who's won the competition three years running or simply those who thought Cassidy was stealing their ideas for her own. But what about the local reporter? Was there a feud between her and the victim or did her stirring of the pot lead someone else to kill the woman? And what big secret was Cassidy Ryan hiding?
As the case expands wider and wider, Siobhan will have to muster all her know-how to track down killer hell bent on putting anyone that crosses their path into the ground.
With MURDER IN AN IRISH GARDEN, Carlene O'Connor provides a wildly twisting narrative with the main mystery plot. With any number of plausible suspects and motives, its resolution was very Christie-like in the final reveal. It drew you in and then laid out the reasons for the murder in such a way to make Dame Agatha proud.
And that's why I really liked this novel. However, the subplots were less interesting this time around. In the early going, the marital fight between Siobhan and Macdara seemed excessively silly and time consuming in a way that didn't do it justice. And the other subplot which began about halfway through the book served as a distraction because you'd have to be blind not to see what it was and yet the storytelling decision to not confirm it but only continuously hint at it until the very end was just annoying the hell out of me.
That said, I love the cast of characters in the series. The majority of the O'Sullivan Six are absent from the plot of MURDER IN AN IRISH GARDEN by design. After all, they are all grown now and most are off living their lives away from Kilbane now. But what little time they are involved in the story reminds the reader of what made you love them all in the first place. I felt myself a little saddened that the epilogue portion of the book felt like it was going to be the last book in the series, but I have no confirmation if my feeling is true or not.
But either way, the main murder mystery plot of MURDER IN AN IRISH GARDEN makes for a compelling read as you puzzle out just who did do it right alongside Siobhan and her team!
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