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Skye O'Shea Paranormal Cozy Mystery #3

Pranks, Poitín, and Púcas: A Skye O'Shea Paranormal Cozy Mystery

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Everyone’s getting excited for Samhain. Can this savvy ex-pat spot a harbinger of doom before destruction descends?County Cork, Ireland. Skye Brigid O’Shea remains haunted by trouble. But though her B&B renovation keeps sprouting expensive new issues, the refugee American finds the preparations for her first Hallowe’en on the Emerald Isle enchanting. And the naturally nosy former nurse assumes the worst after a mansplaining stranger seemingly fulfills a dark prophecy by turning up dead.

Digging into forgotten local history, Skye fears malicious fae plan to use All Hallows’ Eve to disrupt the delicate balance between worlds. But with nothing but drunken rambling and old wives’ tales to work from, she’s terrified that they’re all about to be neck-deep in the supernatural soup.

Can she manipulate the moonlight and make a mousetrap for a monster?

Pranks, Poitín, and Púcas is the lighthearted third book in the Skye O’Shea paranormal cozy mystery series. If you like fae felines, amateur sleuthing, and Irish folklore, then you’ll love Rowan Dillon’s Celtic conundrum.

Buy Pranks, Poitín, and Púcas to down the spirits of tradition today!

330 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 30, 2025

119 people are currently reading
49 people want to read

About the author

Rowan Dillon

40 books33 followers

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5 stars
117 (63%)
4 stars
49 (26%)
3 stars
16 (8%)
2 stars
3 (1%)
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0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
1,044 reviews5 followers
July 13, 2025
It’s just about Samhain in Ballybas, what could possibly go wrong?

Once again, we’re back in County Cork with Skye as she’s not only trying to get her grandmother’s pub opened but dealing with her best friend being out of town, mysterious things happening and her abusive ex-husband is in the picture again too. This poor woman has a lot to try and deal with, much less coming to terms with her new abilities. I really love these stories. They show just how strong women can be when they have to, regardless of their circumstances and just how much they can overcome, whether it be an abusive ex-husband, or a stalker creating trouble and even the cat sidhe. The plots don’t bog down in details, but keep right on moving, and the village is described so well, I can picture in my mind, from the damp and cold to the comforting fire. I cannot recommend this story highly enough!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Christina Frøkjær.
245 reviews7 followers
June 29, 2025
This new installment of Skye O'Sheas adventures is just as great as the others.

It's almost Samhain and the spooky atmosphere is just perfect.

It was a great, quick, and fun read with the perfect blend of spooky, cozy and just right in the beginning of summer.

If you like coziness, found family and death, PPP might be right for you.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Jodi Sweet.
1,783 reviews9 followers
July 14, 2025
This was so exciting! I could not put the book down. It was so good!! Tensions ran so high throughout the story. I think my jaw dropped more than a few times. I really loved it!
319 reviews
July 11, 2025
Immersed in a captivating narrative, this book delivers an enchanting journey with compelling characters that leap off the page. The intricate plot weaves a spellbinding tale that keeps readers eagerly turning pages. An absolute must-read that promises an entire series of equally thrilling adventures awaits.
Profile Image for Delphia  Von Heeder .
1,732 reviews50 followers
June 22, 2025
Pranks, Poitin, and Pucas is Book 3 in A Skye I'd he's Cozy Mystery by Rowan Dillon. I thought that this book was fantastic. I couldn't put it down because the author wrote a quick pace that has many layers including a magical "puca". Skye's abusive ex-husband, Armand" shows up and he is definitely not up to anything good. Faelan is a magical cat and he has a fiery personality and her is written perfectly. The book is set in Ireland and it is the Halloween season… Trick or Treat! I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Me Christine Crawley.
159 reviews1 follower
July 4, 2025
This is the third instalment of Skye O’Shea stories and it continues with the themes of pub renovations, the fae and cozy murder. This time the setting is Halloween, which is a great backdrop to Skye’s situation in Ireland.

With an unpleasant ex husband and a charming beekeeper also in the mix, not forgetting the magical fae cat, Skye has her work cut out trying to juggle life.

The story moves along at a pace, the characters are ever evolving and the writing is engaging. I was happy to receive an arc for this book and I’m also happy to leave a review.
Profile Image for Penny.
3,137 reviews85 followers
June 16, 2025
I just finished this third book in the series, and I think it’s the best one so far. Skye is trying to find her place in her new home, and then death visits the village. Poor Skye has to face so much in this latest, but I think she’s finally come to terms with her past and her present. I just loved this, and I love how atmospheric and spooky it was. I feel we’ve come to a good spot, and I can’t wait to see what the author has for us next. Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
Profile Image for Brian.
271 reviews2 followers
September 7, 2025
***This book is an ARC provided by BookSirens. All opinions in the review are my own.***

Pranks, Poitín, and Púcas by Rowan Dillon is the second in the Skye O’Shea series. It is set in a small town in Ireland. Sky has left her abusive husband behind in America and relocated to inherit a pub her grandmother owned. In addition to inheriting the pub, she has inherited the responsibility of protecting the town from the Fae. The setup seems like it would be more urban fantasy than cozy mystery, but it fits nicely into the latter category.

I have to admit, I have not read the first book. Those who have seen other reviews from me know that I often do this on purpose with ARCs to see if a reader who picks up the book randomly can jump into the series. This book does a fair job of bringing the reader into the fold. You learn early enough why Skye is in Balybás, a small town in Ireland, not far from Bantry. You also get a very bare bones overview of the events in the first book. Fortunately, those events have very little to do with what occurs in this book, so the reader does not feel overly lost.

The writing is good. It started off slowly for my tastes, but did ramp up. I went from about 20 minutes of reading it per day to finishing the second half in a single sitting. Rarely do I give up video game time or even sleep to finish a book. This one sucked me in at one point and didn’t let go. I couldn’t pinpoint what pulled me in so tightly. First, that would be a spoiler and you should find these things out for yourself. Second, it was just a feeling I got that things were finally getting really good.

Despite what I saw as a slow start, and your mileage may vary, I felt this was a very worthwhile read. The coziness is there, which is a really pleasant surprise considering the premise of Skye’s powers. I give this book a solid four stars out of five.
Profile Image for Maria Fledgling Author  Park.
972 reviews51 followers
August 18, 2025
Dillon does it Again

Book 3 of The Skye O'Shea Paranormal Cozy Mystery Series is a powerful one rather than a cozy one. Skye is ending a cycle, two cycles in fact, that have plagued her life for some time.

Even as Skye becomes familiar with her new surroundings, she still finds herself jumpy and loath to attach herself to another relationship in light of the disastrous end of her marriage to Armand. Although her neighbor, Sean, is a sight for sore eyes.

Skye has enough on her hands with the renovation of her Gran's pub, her snarky sidhe cat, Faelin, and his cryptic warnings, and, managing the flow of magic practitioners through the town.

As Halloween or as the Celtic tradition refers to it, Samhain, approaches, the atmosphere in town becomes quarrelsome. Skye can't figure out if it's the enthusiasm for the American traditions vs the Celtic traditions or if evil is on the loose.

What I loved the most about this book in the series is that it deals with the aftermath of domestic abuse realistically. Author Rowan Dillon weaves it into the scariness around Halloween/Samhain so effectively that the fear factor goes sky high. So to speak.

Once again I will say Rowan Dillon writes above and beyond the typical Cozy Mystery. The mystery of the púca spirit is compelling reading and authentically presented, and relationships are resolved, even the uncomfortable ones.

I hope you'll grab your own copy of Pranks, Poitín, and Púcas and experience the magic of Skye O'Shea for yourself. I guarantee you won't regret it.
302 reviews2 followers
February 6, 2025
Protecting the little village of Ballybas is no easy job. And not when poor Skye just wants to get her grandmother's pub renovated and open before her meagre savings run out.
But more mysteries abound. Spirits (good or bad?) are again plaguing the village, and Skye is at the center of it.
Throw in the crazy cat, neighbors who warn of evil, and a deranged, abusive ex-spouse (and haven’t so many of been there!) she needs her wits and luck to find her way.
Great characterization for Skye, as we see more of her personality coming out. Her friends are also front and center and add a good bit of humor to the story.
2,893 reviews17 followers
July 4, 2025
Ballybas, in County Cork, Ireland is gearing up to celebrate Samhain, and Skye O'Shea is looking forward to the festival. Although renovations on her B&B keep running into unforeseen snags, which also means that her budget keeps taking expensive hits, she is enjoying the preparations, new customs, and her new life. Unfortunately, she will also discover that a malicious fae has made its own plans to shatter the balance between the human world and the fae world on All Hallows Eve. With help from friends Skye will made plans to trap the malevolent creature and send it back to where it belongs.
I loved all of these characters and thought they are all very well written with quirky personalities and big hearts. I get a particular kick out of Faelan, the fae cat, because let's face it, if you have ever lived with a cat then you know exactly how eccentric, aloof and sometimes mischievous they can be. Skye is so realistically well written and her, let's call them issues, are also very realistic and believable. I think this is an absolutely wonderful addition to the Skye O'Shea Cozy Mystery series. Magic and mayhem, powerful and malicious fae creatures, a plot with plenty of surprising twists, and of course, a mystery. This is a must-read book, and I highly recommend it to other readers.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary ARC received from Book Sirens.
Profile Image for Melora.
Author 5 books53 followers
August 4, 2025
Skye O’Shea inherited a lovely old pub in Ireland from her Gran, in the coastal town of Ballybas, but she also inherited the task of protecting the town from the Good Folk.

But the renovations seem to spark with trouble. It doesn’t help that Skye seems to catastrophize but that’s part of the nature of preparing for the worst that comes with surviving trauma in life.

The writing style draws the reader onward with the trials and tribulations of finding your place in a new country, along with renovations, and permit applications to run a bar.

Little things seem to keep happening – wiring sparking up, her new friend exhibiting very odd behavior, and creepy guys in stores.

Along with the usual problems, Skye has an abusive ex who shows up to let her know SHE can’t live without him, but Skye is pretty sure she can.

Of course, it’s only going to get worse as Samhain draws near.

The descriptions are lovely, like the town of Bantry that Skye visits with her friend, Jess. “Bantry’s charm unfolded in a lively mix of colorful shop fronts painted in rich reds, bright yellows, and sea-blues….”

The pace is lively and I couldn’t wait to get back to the book at lunch every day to read a little more.

I would highly recommend this charming series for a relaxing, get-away read.

139 reviews4 followers
July 24, 2025
4 1/2 Stars

I did enjoy this latest book in the series.

Skye is trying to renovate the pub her Grandmother left her. She's developed some friends (and a possible love interest in Sean), but her past, the fact that she's still not feeling a part of the town, and some evil fae trouble are causing quite a lot of havoc.

While the author says in the promo that it's a lighthearted book, I did not find it to be particularly lighthearted. Good, but not lighthearted.

What took this down a half star from a 5 star rating for me was I felt there were too many catch phrases (particularly "heavy" and "weight") used to describe feelings and the atmosphere.

That said, the mystery was an interesting one and the story well told. I enjoy the characters (including the snarky talking cat, Faelan), many of whom are rather quirky. There are surprises along the way.

I do recommend the book and look forward to the next one - with the hope that there will be less use of catch phrases..the author's skills in writing don't need that.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
717 reviews7 followers
July 16, 2025
The folk in Ballybas, Cork are becoming old friends. Skye O’Shea is still renovating her Gran’s pub and B&B as the town prepares to celebrate Samhain with decorations and a turnip carving contest. Skye’s friendships with Jess, Sean, Naibh, and others in town are deepening, and she is beginning to feel at home here. But strange people are showing up in town and even stranger occurrences interfere with Skye’s peace of mind. She finds an unconscious stranger on the beach while out walking. And that’s just for starters. Her ex-husband still hasn’t gotten the message that they are done, over, kaput, and he has no place in her life, which he proves by showing up in person Skye also needs to rid the town of at least one puca before more serious “accidents” occur. I enjoy each addition to this series more than the previous one, and am already anticipating another alliterative title next year. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily, although I would have loved to be bribed with a freshly baked scone.
Profile Image for Catherine.
487 reviews
June 28, 2025
Skye O’Sullivan has yet more items added to her growing list of pub repairs . The electrics in the pub are fizzling out. To make things worse, her two workers have to leave to take care of their injured mother in another town. But there’s her first Samhain/Halloween since arriving in Ballybrás. Will the Good Folk leave the town in peace to celebrate?
Skye hope her first Samhain in Ballybás will be peaceful but she discovers a comatose man on the beach with what looks like hoofprints around him. She had encountered the man earlier in a hardware store. Jess, her psychic friend thinks someone has called the mischievous púca to this world. They delve into why and who as Skye tries to fend off her attraction to Sean, the beekeeper next door. When one of her friends’ husband falls victim to the coma, Skye must find the magic to banish the púca while her past in the form of her ex-husband seems to be getting closer to finding her. Skye will find out if the town will have her back when the veil between the worlds is the thinnest and her battle includes facing her past as well?
26 reviews
August 14, 2025
This is the 3rd book in the series featuring Skye, who has left the USA to run her late grandmothers pub & B&B business. This story I found a little darker than the previous 2 and actually enjoyed more. It’s a continuation of the previous story this time the ‘Puca’ is at the forefront of the story not in the background as before. We get to meet her ex husband in this one in the later part of the story and gain more insight into their relationship. The story has some interesting Irish folklore i’d never heard of.

I’m a bit sad one of the main characters in the other books wasn’t in this one until the end and looks like won’t be around for the next book. Overall a good read, interesting characters and good storyline. Will definitely read another Skye novel if the author writes one.

I have received an advance copy of this book for free and leave my review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Jeanne.
1,907 reviews9 followers
August 20, 2025
Pranks, Poitín, and Púcas is book #3 in the Skye O'Shea Paranormal Cozy Mystery series by Rowan Dillon.

Skye O'Shea is renovating the B&B she inherited and it keeps running into unexpected issues. She’s looking forward to the Samhain, but when there is a death, she feels she needs to be the one to solve it to protect the village. Her abusive ex-husband is also coming around. Skye has a lot to deal with! This is a great addition to the series. I was drawn in from the very first chapter and couldn’t put it down. I really like Skye and everything she’s learning about herself. At least she has a snarky cat!

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
Profile Image for Roger.
5,642 reviews28 followers
December 29, 2025
Pranks, Poitín, and Púcas: A Skye O'Shea Paranormal Cozy Mystery (The Skye O'Shea Paranormal Cozy Mystery Series Book 3), my eighteenth read from author Rowan Dillon (a Christy Nicholas pen name). An enjoyable 330-page read, well-written with a well-developed primary character, so far each book in the series has been as good as or better than the last. “I received a complementary Kindle copy of this book am reading it & voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. I look forward to reading more from this author with Roots, Rum, and Revenants: A Skye O'Shea Paranormal Cozy Mystery (The Skye O'Shea Paranormal Cozy Mystery Series Book 4) next on my TBR list. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018.
Profile Image for Lori.
548 reviews2 followers
July 18, 2025
I love this series! It makes me feel like I'm taking a trip to Ireland every time I sit down to read. This storyline is different from anything else I've read (so far) and I'm really enjoying it. Of course, there's everything coming at Skye at once and she's finding herself stronger and better than ever, all the while dealing with the holiday, trying to get the pub finished along with all the issues going on at Samhain. Great series!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Sarah.
270 reviews24 followers
November 17, 2025
This is the 3rd book in the series and it was my least favourite. Perhaps it is the imaginative creation of the challenges faced by Skye but something was lacking for me personally. There is still the supernatural elements, Irish folklore, the eclectic group of town’s people but some of the elements and people added took away from the folksy charm. And, her pub renovations became no longer relevant.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you BookSirens.
Profile Image for Ingrid Gail.
163 reviews12 followers
December 30, 2025
As with the other books in this series, the atmosphere feels darker than a regular cozy mystery and the tension mounts throughout the book and I love it.
It captivates and keeps you turning the pages to see where the story is going added with Irish lore. For me, it is utterly compelling and I couldn't put the book down.

The relationships between the main characters are really deepened and alive, it is all so relatable.

Wow, this series is getting better and better and I can't wait to dive into the next one!
Profile Image for Annarella.
14.2k reviews167 followers
July 21, 2025
There's a strong dark undercurrent in this novel, not a paranormal one but the struggle of Skye to banish her past and fight against her demon.
There's also a beloved cat Sidhe, friends, the force of the community, and your inheritance and traditions.
A good mix of different genre with humour, movimng moments, and a solid paranormal mystery
Loved it
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
Profile Image for Shari.
90 reviews3 followers
July 31, 2025
As Skye O’Shea prepares for Samhain, unexpected renovations and a sinister fae threat complicate her new life in County Cork. With the help of quirky friends and a mischievous fae cat, Skye must stop a magical disaster—while facing her past and discovering her strength. A fast-paced, magical mystery filled with heart, humor, and resilience. A must-read for fans of cozy mysteries with a supernatural twist!
662 reviews
July 2, 2025
A lot of trouble for Skye: problems with the renovations, a murder, an ex-husband and paranormal stuff. Her friends keep her sane. I love that the setting is in Ireland, the lores, .. An enjoyable read. The book cover is beautiful.
I received an advance review copy and I'm leaving a voluntary and honest review.
1,987 reviews6 followers
July 20, 2025
Pranks, Poitín, and Púcas Book 3 in the Skye O'Shea Paranormal Cozy Mystery Series by Rowan Dillon is a fun and witty cozy mystery with likeable characters and a great storyline and look forward to reading more.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Irene.
372 reviews
July 24, 2025
Poor Skye just wants to get her Grandma’s pub opened but fate keeps interfering.

Once again death visits the village and Skye has a mystery to solve. And her ex husband has found his way to Ireland. Her best friend is out of town. What more could go wrong.

I love this series. It’s got enough supernatural mixed in to keep it from being just another cozy mystery. The characters are interesting and their personal stories are mixed in nicely with the mystery.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Pat Christiansen.
24 reviews2 followers
July 27, 2025
A fantastic third book in the series. Skye has inherited a pub and home from her grandmother in Ireland, just as she has to get a new start. She has also inherited the position to take care of the town, protecting it from evil spirits. The veil is thinning where spirits can cross over to her world. Many signs of an evil presence is following her. Love this book.
Profile Image for Christie.
1,230 reviews12 followers
July 29, 2025
I really enjoyed reading this book. Skye is a great character, and I love how strong she is. Jess is a great friend, and so is Sean. I love how hard Skye is trying to fit into the town. I hope that there is a 4th book soon. I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Debbie Benson.
9,662 reviews34 followers
July 11, 2025
I'm voluntarily leaving a review after receiving a free copy. It is a fast paced story that has everything to make it interesting. I liked that it was set in the Halloween season with magic and a nasty ex to cause trouble. Each book in this series is a joy to read and keeps getting better.
495 reviews1 follower
July 18, 2025
Pranks, Poitin, and Pucas,: a Skye of she's paranormal cozy mystery book 3

Skye still not sure she fits in and the holiday of Sakhalin approaches. Also her ex is still hunting for her. Her first friend is away and the story does wrap up some loose ends.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews

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