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Footsteps
Ireland 1967. The Summer of love. Or was it?
A holiday weekend. Amazing weather. American student Dakota Lacey is hiking around Kerry. When she arrives in a beautiful seaside town bustling with backpackers, every campsite is already crammed tighter than a duck’s eyelid. So she pitches her tent on the glorious beach..
But there’s a sinister, dark side to the festivities. Lone female hikers are being brutally attacked. The Gardaí dismiss them as random episodes, triggered by the booze, the drugs and the oppressive heat.
Dakota is unaware of this. Until something wakes her in the middle for the night. A torchlight flicking in the darkness? Someone coming along the beach? Her instinct tells her to run.
She races towards some distant lights, and realises her mistake when she hits the water. Now she’s trapped, waist deep in the water. The torchlight is following her footsteps along the sand. She stands still in the pitch darkness and holds her breath.
And when a hand lands on her shoulder her knees give out…
A holiday weekend. Amazing weather. American student Dakota Lacey is hiking around Kerry. When she arrives in a beautiful seaside town bustling with backpackers, every campsite is already crammed tighter than a duck’s eyelid. So she pitches her tent on the glorious beach..
But there’s a sinister, dark side to the festivities. Lone female hikers are being brutally attacked. The Gardaí dismiss them as random episodes, triggered by the booze, the drugs and the oppressive heat.
Dakota is unaware of this. Until something wakes her in the middle for the night. A torchlight flicking in the darkness? Someone coming along the beach? Her instinct tells her to run.
She races towards some distant lights, and realises her mistake when she hits the water. Now she’s trapped, waist deep in the water. The torchlight is following her footsteps along the sand. She stands still in the pitch darkness and holds her breath.
And when a hand lands on her shoulder her knees give out…
- GenresFiction
244 pages, ebook
Published December 19, 2010
3 people are currently reading
1169 people want to read
About the author
Brendan Gerad O'Brien
31 books41 followersOriginally from Tralee, on the west coast of Ireland, I now live in Newport, South Wales with my wife Jennifer and daughters Shelly and Sarah.
When I won my first writing competition I was so excited I ran all the way home. I was about eight years old. The Fun Fair was coming to town and our English teacher asked us to write an essay about it. I won the only prize - a book of ten tickets for the fair.
My uncle Moss Scanlon had a Harnessmaker’s shop in Listowel, and I spent some wonderful holidays there. The shop was a magnet for all sorts of colourful characters who’d wander in for a chat and a bit of jovial banter. One famous storyteller who often popped in was John B Keane, and I was there when John B’s first story was read out on Radio Eireann. I can still remember the buzz of excitement. And I dreamt of being a writer too.
But it was only when I got married and the children came along that I made any serious attempt to write a book.
The result was Dark September, an alternative history thriller set in Newport during WW2. Germany invade Britain. Stormtroopers attack the South Wales coast to capture the coal mines. Newport is blitzed. Irishman Danny O’Shea’s wife is killed. O’Shea heads for neutral Ireland with his son …
I find writing very therapeutic. I get a great buzz from taking an idea and developing it, often watching it evolve into something completely different from how it started out. Great ideas are all around us. Little gems are waiting to be harvested everywhere. I find myself listening to what people are saying, and the way they say it.
For instance, the Irish are famous for their colourful and exaggerated language, always using a dozen words when one would do. So I set all my stories in Ireland. The names are changed, of course, because I don’t earn enough to survive a lawsuit.
The title of my collection of short stories, Dreamin’ Dreams, comes from something my father said years ago when I got poor grades at school. ‘What do you expect?’ he told my mother. ‘He never does any studying. He just sits there, dreamin’ dreams.’
The characters are all based on real people who passed through my life at some time or other, or events that actually happened to me. Enhanced, of course, and sometimes exaggerated out of all proportion.
My second novel, Gallows Field, introduces Eamon Foley, a Local Security volunteer. Set in Tralee in 1941, Foley is in a crowded pub when his brother-in-law Joe McCarthy is shot dead. And no one sees a thing.
In A Pale Moon Was Rising, Eamon Foley is now a guard. A young man’s body is pulled from the River Lee. He’s wearing a distinctive silver ring that belonged to Paudy Daly, the eldest son of the notorious Mixer Daly.
A Crack in the Ice is the third in the series of murder mysteries featuring Guard Eamon Foley.
A Murder in a Different Light is the fourth Guard Eamon Foley thriller. Ireland 1947. Seven weeks of relentless snow. Guard Eamon Foley is searching for a missing child.
At Toby Appleyard’s farm, he discovers the kitchen littered with dead cats. And the skeletal remains of a woman. Upstairs, Toby is dead in his bed.
Footsteps is a stand-alone thriller set in 1967, the summer of love. Dakota Lacey, a young American backpacker, arrives in a beautiful Irish seaside town on a glorious holiday weekend.
There are a load of interesting ideas fermenting in my mind right now, but the hard part is trying to isolate the good ones and mould them into some sort of story that will make sense. Wish me luck, and thank you for taking the time to read my ramblings. Have a good day.
When I won my first writing competition I was so excited I ran all the way home. I was about eight years old. The Fun Fair was coming to town and our English teacher asked us to write an essay about it. I won the only prize - a book of ten tickets for the fair.
My uncle Moss Scanlon had a Harnessmaker’s shop in Listowel, and I spent some wonderful holidays there. The shop was a magnet for all sorts of colourful characters who’d wander in for a chat and a bit of jovial banter. One famous storyteller who often popped in was John B Keane, and I was there when John B’s first story was read out on Radio Eireann. I can still remember the buzz of excitement. And I dreamt of being a writer too.
But it was only when I got married and the children came along that I made any serious attempt to write a book.
The result was Dark September, an alternative history thriller set in Newport during WW2. Germany invade Britain. Stormtroopers attack the South Wales coast to capture the coal mines. Newport is blitzed. Irishman Danny O’Shea’s wife is killed. O’Shea heads for neutral Ireland with his son …
I find writing very therapeutic. I get a great buzz from taking an idea and developing it, often watching it evolve into something completely different from how it started out. Great ideas are all around us. Little gems are waiting to be harvested everywhere. I find myself listening to what people are saying, and the way they say it.
For instance, the Irish are famous for their colourful and exaggerated language, always using a dozen words when one would do. So I set all my stories in Ireland. The names are changed, of course, because I don’t earn enough to survive a lawsuit.
The title of my collection of short stories, Dreamin’ Dreams, comes from something my father said years ago when I got poor grades at school. ‘What do you expect?’ he told my mother. ‘He never does any studying. He just sits there, dreamin’ dreams.’
The characters are all based on real people who passed through my life at some time or other, or events that actually happened to me. Enhanced, of course, and sometimes exaggerated out of all proportion.
My second novel, Gallows Field, introduces Eamon Foley, a Local Security volunteer. Set in Tralee in 1941, Foley is in a crowded pub when his brother-in-law Joe McCarthy is shot dead. And no one sees a thing.
In A Pale Moon Was Rising, Eamon Foley is now a guard. A young man’s body is pulled from the River Lee. He’s wearing a distinctive silver ring that belonged to Paudy Daly, the eldest son of the notorious Mixer Daly.
A Crack in the Ice is the third in the series of murder mysteries featuring Guard Eamon Foley.
A Murder in a Different Light is the fourth Guard Eamon Foley thriller. Ireland 1947. Seven weeks of relentless snow. Guard Eamon Foley is searching for a missing child.
At Toby Appleyard’s farm, he discovers the kitchen littered with dead cats. And the skeletal remains of a woman. Upstairs, Toby is dead in his bed.
Footsteps is a stand-alone thriller set in 1967, the summer of love. Dakota Lacey, a young American backpacker, arrives in a beautiful Irish seaside town on a glorious holiday weekend.
There are a load of interesting ideas fermenting in my mind right now, but the hard part is trying to isolate the good ones and mould them into some sort of story that will make sense. Wish me luck, and thank you for taking the time to read my ramblings. Have a good day.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
January 6, 2019
In 1967 Dakota, a young, blond girl college student, from Colorado, is taking a year off from college to spend the next year backpacking across Europe, with friends. Before she meets up with her friends she goes Ireland to look up people from her grandfather's childhood, at his request. Because of the unusually warm weather, the town near the ocean, where the book takes place, is full of young, party loving, foreigners, like Dakota, looking for "love" and fun times.
Lurking in the background are two serial rapists that are targeting young blond women. In one week they rape and severely beat, three, young, blond, foreign women in this small town, women who were camping or walking close to the beach, the very beach where Dakota camps each night. She does meet up with her grandfather's best friend and spends time at his bar with him and several people who are renting his rooms.
Another main character is Jack, a young policeman, who is romancing a young, blond bar owner, Jack is assigned to interview the first woman that was attacked and is very concerned that more isn't being done to track down the whoever is stalking these women. Jack was probably my favorite character in this book, unsure, earnest, and wanting to do the right thing, despite obstacles, but with poor memory skills, apparently. Jack has two run-ins with the attackers in one day (literally hits their car with his motorcycle and stands face to face with them, the first time) and when he runs into one of them later that day, he can't remember where he saw the guy before, which boggles the mind.
The book has so much potential and I enjoyed most of the writing but it seems disjointed and unfinished in many areas. Also, the action of the main character, Dakota, of going to sleep on the beach, right after finding out that three young, blond, foreign women have been beaten and raped there in that very week, seems absurd.. There is also the inclusion of the only non blond in the entire book (as far as I can tell) who is a Chinese English speaking, English teaching, visitor of the bar, who has the most affected way of speaking, peppering her speech with "my dear" in almost every sentence, which was very distracting to the flow of the book.
The ending of the book has a "magical" aspect to it , which is fine with me but then there is very forced, silly, and not very wise scene with Dakota and a man she's just met, which has her flying out the door, on his coattails, to continue their fling in another country, Jack's romance with the bar owner is left unfinished, just as the book seems unfinished to me. I would have liked to know more about the killers and what they were doing in town during their "nonstalking" time. There was mention of receipts at the bank and lots of papers and they had access Dakota and another girl when they didn't make a move, which was puzzling to me. I would really like to know more about the mystical part of the book, too. I appreciate getting to read the book and think it has much greater potential with some additions and revisions. I'd rate the book 2.5 stars, rounded up to 3 stars.
Thank you to Brendan Gerad O'Brien and NetGalley for this ARC.
Lurking in the background are two serial rapists that are targeting young blond women. In one week they rape and severely beat, three, young, blond, foreign women in this small town, women who were camping or walking close to the beach, the very beach where Dakota camps each night. She does meet up with her grandfather's best friend and spends time at his bar with him and several people who are renting his rooms.
Another main character is Jack, a young policeman, who is romancing a young, blond bar owner, Jack is assigned to interview the first woman that was attacked and is very concerned that more isn't being done to track down the whoever is stalking these women. Jack was probably my favorite character in this book, unsure, earnest, and wanting to do the right thing, despite obstacles, but with poor memory skills, apparently. Jack has two run-ins with the attackers in one day (literally hits their car with his motorcycle and stands face to face with them, the first time) and when he runs into one of them later that day, he can't remember where he saw the guy before, which boggles the mind.
The book has so much potential and I enjoyed most of the writing but it seems disjointed and unfinished in many areas. Also, the action of the main character, Dakota, of going to sleep on the beach, right after finding out that three young, blond, foreign women have been beaten and raped there in that very week, seems absurd.. There is also the inclusion of the only non blond in the entire book (as far as I can tell) who is a Chinese English speaking, English teaching, visitor of the bar, who has the most affected way of speaking, peppering her speech with "my dear" in almost every sentence, which was very distracting to the flow of the book.
The ending of the book has a "magical" aspect to it , which is fine with me but then there is very forced, silly, and not very wise scene with Dakota and a man she's just met, which has her flying out the door, on his coattails, to continue their fling in another country, Jack's romance with the bar owner is left unfinished, just as the book seems unfinished to me. I would have liked to know more about the killers and what they were doing in town during their "nonstalking" time. There was mention of receipts at the bank and lots of papers and they had access Dakota and another girl when they didn't make a move, which was puzzling to me. I would really like to know more about the mystical part of the book, too. I appreciate getting to read the book and think it has much greater potential with some additions and revisions. I'd rate the book 2.5 stars, rounded up to 3 stars.
Thank you to Brendan Gerad O'Brien and NetGalley for this ARC.
December 22, 2018
Footsteps - This is my first book by this author and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Well written and intriguing, the storylines meshed well and were interesting throughout the pages. There's plenty of suspense and while there's violence, it is not graphic. Also there's no vulgar language, just storytelling at its best. There are a variety of characters, foreign and Irish, all developed enough to play their parts.
There's good dialog, thinking patterns and a touch of Irish magic at the end. Nope, no leprechauns in this story. Mr. O'Brien does a wonderful job of describing the beauty of Ireland, the charm of her people, as well as the actions, thoughts and events that make this an interesting read. If you like Baldacci or Follette, you'll enjoy this author's work as well.
I was lucky enough to read this story in paperback; what a pleasure. The pages were thick enough where you didn't see the print on the other side; the book is a comfortable size for holding; and the serif font was large enough for most people. There were only four errors, which makes this one of the best edited books I've come across in the last two years. I contacted the author to review his book. 5*
There's good dialog, thinking patterns and a touch of Irish magic at the end. Nope, no leprechauns in this story. Mr. O'Brien does a wonderful job of describing the beauty of Ireland, the charm of her people, as well as the actions, thoughts and events that make this an interesting read. If you like Baldacci or Follette, you'll enjoy this author's work as well.
I was lucky enough to read this story in paperback; what a pleasure. The pages were thick enough where you didn't see the print on the other side; the book is a comfortable size for holding; and the serif font was large enough for most people. There were only four errors, which makes this one of the best edited books I've come across in the last two years. I contacted the author to review his book. 5*
December 11, 2018
I got this as a e book from net galley. I enjoyed reading it. It had a good story to it. I liked the variety of characters in it. I hope to read more books by this author.
December 30, 2025
Footsteps - This is my first book by this author and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Well written and intriguing, the storylines meshed well and were interesting throughout the pages. There's plenty of suspense and while there's violence, it is not graphic. Also there's no vulgar language, just storytelling at its best. There are a variety of characters, foreign and Irish, all developed enough to play their parts. There's good dialog, thinking patterns and a touch of Irish magic at the end. Nope, no leprechauns in this story. Mr. O'Brien does a wonderful job of describing the beauty of Ireland, the charm of her people, as well as the actions, thoughts and events that make this an interesting read. If you like Baldacci or Follette, you'll enjoy this author's work as well. I was lucky enough to read this story in paperback; what a pleasure. The pages were thick enough where you didn't see the print on the other side; the book is a comfortable size for holding; and the serif font was large enough for most people. There were only four errors, which makes this one of the best edited books I've come across in the last two years. I contacted the author to review his book. 5*
Gallows Field #1 - Mr. O'Brien is a wonderful storyteller/writer/author/pick your label. This book is full of storylines that twist and turn, tell about Irish life during WWII, and keep the reader immersed until the last page. I read the books out of order (no harm done), yet I could not put either book down until I finished them and I missed a night's sleep chain reading. The talents of this author is evident with his writing style, his vivid, clear descriptions and his human characters. Their dialog is realistic and they suffer all the emotions and the problems being a person. The Guard is the main character in this story and his journey through the pages is mesmerizing. There is a lot of sorrow but at the same token, there is love, determination and everything in balance. I felt for all the characters, whether good or bad events, since Mr. O'Brien has an easy to read, in depth writing style, which is similar to sitting on the front porch with a cold drink while chatting with old friends. His words and imagination draw the reader deep into the pages and too soon the story ends. I purchased the Kindle edition over a year ago but could not find it in my library now. I was lucky enough to read this story in paperback; what a pleasure. The pages were thick enough where you didn't see the print on the other side; the book is a comfortable size for holding; and the serif font was large enough for most people - the only way to read a good book in my opinion. I contacted the author to review his books and I am so fortunate to have such a good writer in my top five favorite authors. If you like Ludlum and that company, you will enjoy the books of Mr. O'Brien. 5*
A Pale Moon Was Rising #2 - Mr. O'Brien has yet to disappoint me and he has become one of my favorite authors. The evolving storylines, set during the end of WWII, in Ireland, tell an interesting tale of murder, mystery, heartbreak and horror. I liked many of the characters, but the my favorite is the Guard; he takes his job further than required and uncovers secrets and horrors that weave the fabric of this story. There is also much good and gives a balanced picture of what life was like in that era. I was so involved with this story, I did not pay attention to the time and finished it at 0400 hours. Not many Indie books keep me awake nowadays - some even put me to sleep in the middle of the day. I was lucky enough to read this story in paperback; what a pleasure. The pages were thick enough where you didn't see the print on the other side; the book is a comfortable size for holding; and the serif font was large enough for most people. I contacted Mr. O'Brien to review his books and he shared this fine example of his wonderful talent of storytelling and vivid imagination and descriptions. 5*
Dark September – I loved this well written story but could not stomach the main character. Such a whiner, he expected everyone to help him but he did not lift a finger to help another, including children. Not a smart man but a loving father and husband who had abandoned his mother and sisters after he promised to support them. Anyway, the storylines are interesting, so much that although I disliked Danny more and more as the pages flew by, I could not put the well edited book down. The characters run the gamut from OK to not very nice to wacky. Yep, quite a few were certainly sideswiped by a mule if not kicked straight on. The pace is continuous, and although not real history but an alternative twist, I found it intriguing and filled with drama and suspense, along with plenty of figuring on my part of what would happen next. Besides wanting to cuff Danny continuously, his mistakes and lack of grey matter created a hard to put down read. I was lucky enough to read this story in paperback; what a pleasure. The pages were thick enough where you didn't see the print on the other side; the book is a comfortable size for holding; and the serif font was large enough for most people. I contacted the author to review his work. 5*
Dreamin' Dreams - Mr. O'Brien is a gifted storyteller, or is this just an Irish trait passed down the generations. His stories ranged the gamut of emotions and genre. He does equally well whether it's everyday life or humor or despair or a touch of magic. I came across a couple of his short stories almost a year ago, which while I remembered them I had forgotten Mr. O'Brien's name, and recently Footsteps, a delightful read full of life and a touch of magic. Part of Footsteps is included in this book. I'd read Footsteps first, since there's a lot more to the story. Along with Footsteps, this book keeps the author in my memory as someone I will always want to read again. A variety of shorts told in the Irish conversational style complete with Irish English and the intrigue and suspense that keeps the reader immersed in these glimpses of another world. It is pleasant to read books that tell a clean story and well edited. They're perfect for coffee breaks or a few minutes relaxation. I read the paperback, which I found a comfortable size to hold and the font was easy to read along with plenty of whitespace. No fumes either. 5 stars. I Dreamed another Dream - Intriguing. Reincarnation, you say? A Very Peculiar Christmas Holiday - A lucky chance or not? Bunny Dundee - From donkeys to dancing. Dapper Danny's Amazing Welsh Cousin - Wants to be remembered in life and death. Eavesdropping - Surprised. Discovered. The Last Confession of Father Stone - He's still tending his flock. Can't Take You Home Again, Kathleen - My favorite of the shorts. The ravages of war and age on love. Last Train to Cork City - There's consequences to everything. The Ghost of the Silver Screen - Peaking into the past has the past in the present. My Brother's Half-Crown - Misfortune gives opportunity. Spider's Web - Can't be too secretive. The Big White Coffin - The imaginations of seven-year-olds. The First Cut - How funny! Maeve Ryan's Wicked Secret - Oh dear, assumptions without proof. Exorcizing Uncle Peter - Rather intriguing, opens the imagination to run wild. Who's that in the Attic? - Poor Grandfather. Dressmaker - Pretentiousness from herself. Remember Me? - Very intriguing. Footsteps - Read the complete novel, if possible. Leg O'Lamb: Village Butcher - Don't mess with a man's food. Dreamin' Dreams end. 5*
Gallows Field #1 - Mr. O'Brien is a wonderful storyteller/writer/author/pick your label. This book is full of storylines that twist and turn, tell about Irish life during WWII, and keep the reader immersed until the last page. I read the books out of order (no harm done), yet I could not put either book down until I finished them and I missed a night's sleep chain reading. The talents of this author is evident with his writing style, his vivid, clear descriptions and his human characters. Their dialog is realistic and they suffer all the emotions and the problems being a person. The Guard is the main character in this story and his journey through the pages is mesmerizing. There is a lot of sorrow but at the same token, there is love, determination and everything in balance. I felt for all the characters, whether good or bad events, since Mr. O'Brien has an easy to read, in depth writing style, which is similar to sitting on the front porch with a cold drink while chatting with old friends. His words and imagination draw the reader deep into the pages and too soon the story ends. I purchased the Kindle edition over a year ago but could not find it in my library now. I was lucky enough to read this story in paperback; what a pleasure. The pages were thick enough where you didn't see the print on the other side; the book is a comfortable size for holding; and the serif font was large enough for most people - the only way to read a good book in my opinion. I contacted the author to review his books and I am so fortunate to have such a good writer in my top five favorite authors. If you like Ludlum and that company, you will enjoy the books of Mr. O'Brien. 5*
A Pale Moon Was Rising #2 - Mr. O'Brien has yet to disappoint me and he has become one of my favorite authors. The evolving storylines, set during the end of WWII, in Ireland, tell an interesting tale of murder, mystery, heartbreak and horror. I liked many of the characters, but the my favorite is the Guard; he takes his job further than required and uncovers secrets and horrors that weave the fabric of this story. There is also much good and gives a balanced picture of what life was like in that era. I was so involved with this story, I did not pay attention to the time and finished it at 0400 hours. Not many Indie books keep me awake nowadays - some even put me to sleep in the middle of the day. I was lucky enough to read this story in paperback; what a pleasure. The pages were thick enough where you didn't see the print on the other side; the book is a comfortable size for holding; and the serif font was large enough for most people. I contacted Mr. O'Brien to review his books and he shared this fine example of his wonderful talent of storytelling and vivid imagination and descriptions. 5*
Dark September – I loved this well written story but could not stomach the main character. Such a whiner, he expected everyone to help him but he did not lift a finger to help another, including children. Not a smart man but a loving father and husband who had abandoned his mother and sisters after he promised to support them. Anyway, the storylines are interesting, so much that although I disliked Danny more and more as the pages flew by, I could not put the well edited book down. The characters run the gamut from OK to not very nice to wacky. Yep, quite a few were certainly sideswiped by a mule if not kicked straight on. The pace is continuous, and although not real history but an alternative twist, I found it intriguing and filled with drama and suspense, along with plenty of figuring on my part of what would happen next. Besides wanting to cuff Danny continuously, his mistakes and lack of grey matter created a hard to put down read. I was lucky enough to read this story in paperback; what a pleasure. The pages were thick enough where you didn't see the print on the other side; the book is a comfortable size for holding; and the serif font was large enough for most people. I contacted the author to review his work. 5*
Dreamin' Dreams - Mr. O'Brien is a gifted storyteller, or is this just an Irish trait passed down the generations. His stories ranged the gamut of emotions and genre. He does equally well whether it's everyday life or humor or despair or a touch of magic. I came across a couple of his short stories almost a year ago, which while I remembered them I had forgotten Mr. O'Brien's name, and recently Footsteps, a delightful read full of life and a touch of magic. Part of Footsteps is included in this book. I'd read Footsteps first, since there's a lot more to the story. Along with Footsteps, this book keeps the author in my memory as someone I will always want to read again. A variety of shorts told in the Irish conversational style complete with Irish English and the intrigue and suspense that keeps the reader immersed in these glimpses of another world. It is pleasant to read books that tell a clean story and well edited. They're perfect for coffee breaks or a few minutes relaxation. I read the paperback, which I found a comfortable size to hold and the font was easy to read along with plenty of whitespace. No fumes either. 5 stars. I Dreamed another Dream - Intriguing. Reincarnation, you say? A Very Peculiar Christmas Holiday - A lucky chance or not? Bunny Dundee - From donkeys to dancing. Dapper Danny's Amazing Welsh Cousin - Wants to be remembered in life and death. Eavesdropping - Surprised. Discovered. The Last Confession of Father Stone - He's still tending his flock. Can't Take You Home Again, Kathleen - My favorite of the shorts. The ravages of war and age on love. Last Train to Cork City - There's consequences to everything. The Ghost of the Silver Screen - Peaking into the past has the past in the present. My Brother's Half-Crown - Misfortune gives opportunity. Spider's Web - Can't be too secretive. The Big White Coffin - The imaginations of seven-year-olds. The First Cut - How funny! Maeve Ryan's Wicked Secret - Oh dear, assumptions without proof. Exorcizing Uncle Peter - Rather intriguing, opens the imagination to run wild. Who's that in the Attic? - Poor Grandfather. Dressmaker - Pretentiousness from herself. Remember Me? - Very intriguing. Footsteps - Read the complete novel, if possible. Leg O'Lamb: Village Butcher - Don't mess with a man's food. Dreamin' Dreams end. 5*
October 16, 2025
I received this book in exchange for my honest review. Here is that review:
This story pulled me in right from the get go. I loved the characters, the banter, the twists and turns and how all of the pieces of the story intertwined in the end. It made me want to go back and read it once more with knowing eyes now. I look forward with anticipation to any other writing by this author. Well done!
This story pulled me in right from the get go. I loved the characters, the banter, the twists and turns and how all of the pieces of the story intertwined in the end. It made me want to go back and read it once more with knowing eyes now. I look forward with anticipation to any other writing by this author. Well done!
August 31, 2025
In the summer of 1967, Dakota decides to go backpacking across Europe. She breaks off from her friends to spend some time in Ireland meeting her grandfather's friends & family. The way that Mr. O'Brien wrote many of the characters really brought them to life. You felt Dakota's joy, sadness, and fear when she realized she'd found herself in a bad situation. I really enjoyed this book.
I won this book from Goodreads and would like to thank the author and Goodreads for the opportunity to read this book.
I won this book from Goodreads and would like to thank the author and Goodreads for the opportunity to read this book.
December 23, 2018
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher of this book for an advance copy in return for an honest review.
A wonderful read set in 1967 Ireland during the "Summer of Love". For young, blonde female hitchhikers it's dangerous as one after the other they are brutally beaten and assaulted. While there is violence in the novel it is not graphic or offensive.
The story weaves the beauty of Ireland with family, happiness and joy at rediscovering ones roots. There are 3 main themes: the first is of course the serial attacker roaming the beaches of Tralee, the second is the budding romance of a Guarda and a barmaid, the third is Dakota Lacey tracking down the people that her grandfather told her about and wanted her to look up when she reached Ireland.
There is a touch of Irish magic at the end of the story, a surprising twist as to who the dark, hooded men really are.
A wonderful read set in 1967 Ireland during the "Summer of Love". For young, blonde female hitchhikers it's dangerous as one after the other they are brutally beaten and assaulted. While there is violence in the novel it is not graphic or offensive.
The story weaves the beauty of Ireland with family, happiness and joy at rediscovering ones roots. There are 3 main themes: the first is of course the serial attacker roaming the beaches of Tralee, the second is the budding romance of a Guarda and a barmaid, the third is Dakota Lacey tracking down the people that her grandfather told her about and wanted her to look up when she reached Ireland.
There is a touch of Irish magic at the end of the story, a surprising twist as to who the dark, hooded men really are.
January 5, 2019
A thriller set in 1967 Ireland - the summer of love. Or was it?
A young American hitchhiker wanders into a brutal and terrifying situation when visiting a beautiful seaside town in 1960s Ireland. Who are the sinister men in the dark car? Are they the shadows that are stalking her on the beach? And who is the dark, mysterious figure hovering by the water's edge?
I recieved this book to read and review for my honest opinion. And I'll be honest I totally judged this book by its cover! I saw the reviews and it had amazing reviews but I still was skeptical. Let me tell ya, I was completely wrong and shocked by Footsteps. It was such a fabulous book and a well written book. It was such a quick paced book and you could tell how much effort he put into the details and history of Ireland. And the storyline was excellent. I truly enjoyed this book and was a quick read for me!
A young American hitchhiker wanders into a brutal and terrifying situation when visiting a beautiful seaside town in 1960s Ireland. Who are the sinister men in the dark car? Are they the shadows that are stalking her on the beach? And who is the dark, mysterious figure hovering by the water's edge?
I recieved this book to read and review for my honest opinion. And I'll be honest I totally judged this book by its cover! I saw the reviews and it had amazing reviews but I still was skeptical. Let me tell ya, I was completely wrong and shocked by Footsteps. It was such a fabulous book and a well written book. It was such a quick paced book and you could tell how much effort he put into the details and history of Ireland. And the storyline was excellent. I truly enjoyed this book and was a quick read for me!
January 1, 2019
While I have never been to Ireland, this story sure encourages me to join certain members of my family on a trip. Of course, not backpacking but I was a little too young for the hippy movement and now, at my age, I prefer more comfort. Either way, this author portrays magic uniquely Irish. I do have family there as well.
I recommend this book for its storyline and characters and for the great Irish magic it imparts.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I recommend this book for its storyline and characters and for the great Irish magic it imparts.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 2, 2019
This is the first book I have read by this author and I really enjoy the way he writes. It’s a clean book, no vulgarity etc. to detract from the story. It’s been many years since I’ve had the pleasure of visiting Ireland and it was really enjoyable to read this with the author being so descriptive so that you feel like you are there. I look forward to being able to read more by this author. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 8, 2019
This is the first book I have read by this author and I am so glad that I did! I felt the characters were well developed. It is a book that had no swearing in it and it wasn't needed. That was very refreshing! There are not many books that can "say" that. I totally enjoyed this book. I highly recommend this book.
November 20, 2020
Beautiful and Chilling.
This was a good read. A lovely description of the southwest of Ireland in the 60s and of the long hot summers. Yet there was always a chill there knowing that The Smiling Man and his Mate were on the prowl looking for innocent victims I would recommend this book for its fun and its fear.
This was a good read. A lovely description of the southwest of Ireland in the 60s and of the long hot summers. Yet there was always a chill there knowing that The Smiling Man and his Mate were on the prowl looking for innocent victims I would recommend this book for its fun and its fear.
December 13, 2018
2.5 stars
An Irish cocktail of vignettes and a tale of an American girl's search for friends of her Irish grandfather. blended with a serial rapist and a clever young Garda (policeman). The brogue is thicker Kerry treacle, but it does hold one's interest to the end.
An Irish cocktail of vignettes and a tale of an American girl's search for friends of her Irish grandfather. blended with a serial rapist and a clever young Garda (policeman). The brogue is thicker Kerry treacle, but it does hold one's interest to the end.
April 27, 2020
Young women who are single week to be the target of a killed but the police believe it is due to drugs and drink. Can they find out if they are connected? Is there a murder out there? See if they can find out
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 21, 2021
Love this book. I read the book and Kindle and I don't see the title all the time link in a hard cover or paper back and at the end I realized why the book was called what it is. Love Eammon Foley and Tralee.
November 6, 2011
Another short story which I don't mind but not overly fond of. A little bit of a mystery.
December 10, 2018
I thought this was a great read and enjoyed it very much. I would love to read more of this authors books.
I got this book through Book Review Buzz for a free review.
I got this book through Book Review Buzz for a free review.
May 17, 2019
Stunningly beautiful book, full of Irish charm and whimsy. Evocative prose with wonderfully descriptive images of the Irish scenery. A surprise ending which I won't spoil! Highly recommended
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August 6, 2020Didn’t want to read about serial rapist. Just deleted off my kindle app
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