Death at Inishmore Castle

Mercy McCarthy Mystery #3

by Lucy Connelly

A grand castle, a glass of Irish whiskey, a good book by the fire… and a rather mysterious murder?

Historic Inishmore Castle is opening its doors for the first time, hosting a charming weekend of whiskey tasting and soda bread baking. Sisters Mercy and Lizzie McCarthy are badly in need of a break, but their relaxing trip takes a decidedly unrestful turn when Mercy finds fellow guest Father Brennen slumped over the desk in the library… Did he have one glass too many or did someone want him dead?

Even more curiously, Mercy swiftly learns that the priest was no priest at all. So why was he searching through dusty old journals? Can the legend of Inishmore’s lost treasure possibly be true?

Mercy’s suspicions of foul play are confirmed when another of their party is found drowned in the lake at the edge of the manor’s estate. It can’t be a coincidence! Someone in this idyllic Irish castle is up to no good and Mercy is determined to find out who’s behind it, accompanied by her reluctant fellow sleuth and beloved dog Mr. Poe.

With a host of frightened guests and worried staff, and a storm closing in, Mercy soon has more suspects than bedrooms in the castle. Could it be the unconvincing nun, the busybody birdwatcher, or are the owners hiding something sinister? When Mercy realises there are secret passages in the walls, she thinks she might have cracked the case… but will she track the killer down, or will Inishmore be her resting place forever more?

A completely delightful Irish cozy mystery, full of warmth and wit. Fans of Agatha Christie, Carlene O’Connor and Faith Martin will love Mercy McCarthy!

See what readers are saying about the Mercy McCarthy

“Outstanding! I am absolutely loving the main characters!… I ended up staying up until the wee hours of the morning to finish as I just couldn’t put it down… this series is sure to fill your cozy mystery loving needs!” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“Excellent!!!… one of the best mystery novels I read in 2024… Definitely looking forward to the next book!!” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“Wonderful… I really LOVED THIS BOOK!… I couldn’t put it down… I absolutely loved.” Broadbeansbooks, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“I had an amazing time!… OMG did I love that bookstore!!!… had me laughing out loud… I can’t wait to see what’s going to come next for Lizzie and Mercy!” Daniereads87, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“Perfect cozy mystery… I was in a horrible reading slump, and this novel helped me to turn that around… 5 out of 5!!!” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“Magical… The setting swooped me up and dropped me right into the middle of the story… makes me imagine a gray day with light rain, a stoked fire, a blanket, a cup of coffee (!!), and curling up to read.

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Mystery, Audiobook, Fiction, Cozy, Irish Literature, Ireland

220 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 10, 2025

Reviews

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the third book in the Mercy McCarthy cozy mystery series, we visit a castle outside the village of Shamrock Cove, in Ireland. The O’Sullivans have been fixing up their estate in preparation for welcoming visitors and this is the first official weekend. Mercy and her sister Lizzie have been invited, along with some of their friends and neighbors from their “court” in Shamrock Cove. The weekend’s schedule is filled with classes and demonstrations, cooking and lacemaking, as well as tastings of Gordon O’Sullivan’s custom distilled Irish Whiskey. The guests are an interesting and diverse bunch, including a young birdwatcher, an American couple, a priest and a nun. Of course, something goes amiss fairly quickly and someone is murdered. And then someone else is murdered too!

This is a terrific example of a locked-room style of mystery, because there’s a major storm and the old wooden bridge to the property is underwater. The police have to come by boat! And of course, no one can leave because of the storm.

Mercy is a well-known author of mysteries and her author’s brain comes into play in this book a lot, as she tries to “help” the local detective, Kieran, figure out the case. it looks like Mercy and Kieran may have a budding romance in their future.

The mystery took a few good twists and turns and the solution was satisfying. Descriptions of the castle and its grounds were wonderful. I have to say, though, that I kind of missed Shamrock Cove! I was glad that some of their neighbors were also at the castle - we need more of Rob and Scott! Lizzie and Mercy's pup, Mr. Poe, is adorable and his alertness becomes important to the story once again.

The very end of the book is written so that it looks like there will be at least one more book in this series - which is a very good thing.

NOTE: I think you would be fine reading this as a standalone, but you’d miss the fun of meeting all the series regular in books one and two.

Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Sarah Ellen (only have the emotional capacity for cozy murders right now) but less curmudgeon and more holly jolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, this one was good. Writing was much better. Nothing grated on me. Actually made me think of the Nancy Drew books in a positive way. The romance is working. Fun setting! I’m happy with the familiar world and characters so essential to a good cozy mystery. Well done. I’m thinking maybe I should make some designation in my shelves for reliably good cozy mysteries. My GR friend, Donne, told me that this writer has another series of mysteries that take place in Scotland which are also good.

[Deborah Almada · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good read in the Mercy McCarthy Mystery series. I love being in Ireland with sisters Mercy and Lizzie and their friends from the Court. In this episode the twins and their Court neighbors are visiting Inishmore Manor, a neighboring estate famous for their whiskey but also trying to expand their operations by opening an weekend experience with, baking, gardening and whiskey tasting experiences. This is a soft opening, as Lolly is friends with the owners, and they are looking for locals to recommend the experience the gang is invited. When a priest, a fellow guest, shows up dead, there are many questions. With the gang flooded into the castle, fortunately, Kieran and a couple officers boat in before everything else is shut down. With several unknown guests, staff, and the owners present, can we figure out who is trying to ruin opening weekend? What more mayhem will take place? Just how much trouble will Mercy's active brain put the gang in? Come along for an interesting vacation weekend. Thanks to #Netgally, #Bookouture, and the author for a vacation at an Irish Castle. #Death At Inishmore #LucyConnelly #MercyMcCarthyMystery #bookreview #bookideas #retiredreader

[Ashley Gillan · Rating 5 out of 5]

At this point, I just have to be flat out honest: I love this series.

It’s probably my favorite cozy mystery series out there on the market today. It has just about everything I want in a cozy series: great characters, a beautiful setting in an idyllic setting, it makes me laugh just as much as it makes me look over my shoulder, and it does make me work my brain as I try to find out the solution to the central mystery of the book.

So needless to say, this is going to be my third glowing review of the series in a row.

But before I get to that, I have to say, though this is the third in the series, it will work very well as a standalone. It does not spoil the other books and all of the character characters and the setting are introduced very well. So if the plot sounds good to you and you decide that you want to pick up this book, but a wary of starting with the third in a series, never fear. You will have no trouble picking up the plot in this book.

Getting back to this particular story, instead of Shamrock Cove were in a beautiful castle, which adds a new creepy factor to the book because castles really are great setting for a murder mystery and this one doesn’t disappoint. Plus you add in some stories of treasure, deceitful guests, greed, and of course, all of the high jinx that Mercy and her sister Lizzie normally get into which just adds up to plenty of laughs and creepiness along the way, and there’s another winner here in this book.

I also love the character of Mr. Poe. I can’t tell you how much I love this dog. I mean, I’m already a dog person, but he has to be my favorite fictional dog right now. He says written so well that every time he’s in a scene, I’m laughing my head off. It feels weird to say that about a murder mystery book, but it’s true.

As the description says, these books are very reminiscent of an Agatha Christie-type classic detective books, and I love trying to figure out the mystery before the end, though I rarely do because the author creates plenty of suspense and drama that keeps you guessing. It’s a lot of fun and I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next!

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 3 in the Mercy McCarthy Mystery book series, and it’s another fantastic one! This can be read as a standalone, but why read it as one when the first two books are equally as fantastic. For this book, we’re set at a castle in Ireland and bad storms make the castle secluded. We have our usual cast of characters from the neighborhood with a few extras here via the guests at the castle, the castle owners, and the castle workers. Of course my favorites were Mercy and Kieran.

With this cozy mystery series, it’s a true whodunnit. There are moments where I sometimes giggle, the dog Mr. Poe is absolutely fantastic and such an asset to Kieran. I can’t wait for him to officially join the force! I also love how even though Kieran seems “annoyed” that Mercy keeps inserting herself into the investigation, he secretly enjoys her help.

As for the whodunit aspect, I didn’t guess at all. I was guessing and going through the investigation right along side Mercy and Kieran. Connelly expertly writes these cozy mysteries and I absolutely cannot wait until the next one in this series!

[Karen Stallman · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Death at Inishmore Castle” by Lucy Connelly the 3rd instalment in the " A Mercy McCarthy Mystery" series. I really enjoyed visiting Shamrock Cove, Ireland again and Inishmore Castle. I enjoy the relationship between Mercy and Lizzie, and the other residents in the court. I LOVE Mr. Poe and was happy they took him along to the castle and that he played a part in solving the mysteries. Whisky tasting and baking was the plan until one of the guests was murdered! When Mercy realizes there are secret passages in the walls, she thinks she might have cracked the case… but will she track the killer down, or will Inishmore be her resting place forever more?

It was entertaining, full of twists and turns and I didn’t completely guess whodunnit until Mercy did.

I highly recommend this series to all my cozy loving friends and I can’t wait for book 4 to come out!

I requested and received an advanced readers copy from Bookouture and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my OWN.

[Darlene C Robold · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved this series, until this book. Usually the characters are so well formed and entertaining, but in this book they became mundane, mediocre Cosy characters, especially Mercy. I don’t like characters who continually “wink” and say that they MUST investigate and keep on, even though it is dangerous, contaminates or will exclude evidence, worries their loved ones, and is just plain stupid. Mercy continues to say “Have you met me?”, swears she won’t do something and then does it as soon as possible, and says “Sorry” later. The story was very repetitive about relationships and histories, and Mercy wondering about how events and people work using her Mystery Writer’s Brain. I knew who the murderer was long before those in the book did. This book was just not up to the quality of the previous books.

[Cherry King · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I like this series-I didn’t like mercy as much in this one. I definitely felt her impulsiveness of “writers brain” was super off putting. It was almost too much. I liked her nosiness in the first two but felt like it was over the top in this one. Her inner dialogue of I’m not gonna listen to anyone and do it anyway just got really annoying. I liked the story just didn’t care much for mercy‘s attitude in this book when it came to her nosiness and safety.

[Linniegayl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm really enjoying this series featuring twin American sisters who have moved to Ireland. In this entry, the two sisters and all their friends are at a soft opening weekend at a nearby castle. Of course, a murder soon occurs, and Mercy begins to investigate. I thought the mysteries were interesting (although I guessed one of the villains pretty quickly), and I liked seeing how things are developing with Mercy and Lizzie and their friends. We're definitely left with hints of a potential ongoing mystery at the end, and I look forward to the next in the series.

[Beverly Lane · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this a most tedious read. Was going to give the series up and never put myself through this again, but I am interested in seeing how the mystery of their father plays out.

In the first 2 books, the story and the characters made up for the bad editing and writing. But not so in this one. While I found Mercy somewhat annoying in books 1 and 2, I actively disliked her in this one. She came across as arrogant and entitled. For someone who loves her sister and will do anything to protect her, the fact of which she reminds us ad nauseam, she thinks nothing of lying to her and putting her in danger. I also grew quite tired of hearing about her “writer’s brain” and her supernatural curiosity that must, at all costs be satisfied. Laws and warnings from authority be damned.

The plot in this one was thin that there was lots of filler. How many times did we need to be reminded that she loved her new family? How many times did we need to be told they loved their sensitive, almost human little dog who was like family to them? How many times did we need reminding of the past? While some of the information about the food and the crafts and the history of Ireland was interesting, pages of it read like an attempt to reach a word count and did not contribute to the story.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series and can hardly wait to enjoy the next one!

[Marian. · Rating 4 out of 5]

📌 I received an e-copy through netgalley, and this is my honest opinion/review of it.

Volvemos otra vez con las hermanas McCarthy y esta vez en una aventura en un CASTILLO ANTIGUO! no se imaginan lo mucho que esperaba este libro y me dio todo lo que me dieron los anteriores. Desde el misterio hasta nuestra Mercy tratando de resolverlo, vamos que a donde va ella, van los problemas. Esta vez el asecinato de un “Padre” en el castillo en medio de una tormenta hace que nuestra protagonista tome cartas en el asunto hasta que lleguen las autoridades. Este libro siento que fue un poco mas ¿grafico?(por así decirlo) que el anterior, siento que hubo más misterio y un poco subido de tono del cual estoy acostumbrada de estos libros y me gusto, la escritura se ve que ha evolucionado a medida que nos vamos adentrando en la historia que por lo que se ve (y el pequeño misterio del final) será para muchos más libros (y estoy aquí para ello).

Sin duda no puedo ver que más nos esperan en las aventuras de estas hermanas.

---.

We are back with the McCarthy sisters and this time in an adventure in an OLD CASTLE! You can't imagine how much I was looking forward to this book and it gave me everything I got from the previous ones. From the mystery to our Mercy trying to solve it, come on, where she goes, trouble goes. This time the murder of a "father" in the castle in the middle of a storm makes our protagonist take matters into her own hands until the authorities arrive. This book I feel was a little more graphic (so to speak) than the previous one, I feel there was more mystery and a little more of the tone I'm used to in these books and I liked it, the writing has evolved as we go deeper into the story that by the looks of it (and the little mystery at the end) will be for many more books (and I'm here for it).

I can't imagine what else is in store for us in the adventures of these sisters.

[Paloma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twin sisters Lizzie and Mercy decide to take a whiskey tasting trip to Inishmore Castle. Mercy is a writer who is having writer's block and feels like this trip will really help her get out of her slump. There at the castle her friends and neighbors await her and her sister and their dog Mr. Poe. However, the inspiration and rest that Mercy was looking forward to comes to a halt when one of the guests, a priest, is found dead inside the castle's library. Mercy is a detective mystery writer and having worked with real detectives before, she gets on with securing the crime scene while they get a hold of Detective Inspector Kieran, once the severe weather permits it. Kieran makes it to the castle with Sergeant Sheila and here begins the search for the killer. They must hurry because on the second day, a nun's body is found floating in a shallow lake. Time is running out as more accidents continue to happen at Inishmore Castle and even Lizzie finds herself facing danger.

Death At Inishmore Castle is a cozy, murder mystery that captivates you from the start and make you want to read more about the twins and Mr. Poe!
💫💫💫💫💫

Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture!

[Cozy Reader Lady · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Death at Inishmore Castle (Mercy McCarthy Mystery #3)" by Lucy Connelly has Mercy, her sister and some of their neighbors staying at the Inishmore Castle just outside their little Irish town for a few days. The Castle owners are doing a test run of having guests. There are a few other guests as well. An American couple, a nun and a priest are also guests at the castle. Then a couple of mysterious deaths happen while everyone is trapped at the castle due to bad weather.

Mercy eventually gets in contact with the town police. The detective, her possible love interest, makes it out to the castle with a team. They do their best to track down who the culprit is while they can keep everyone together.

[Nicola “Shortbookthyme” · Rating 5 out of 5]

✅I have to say I really enjoy reading the Mercy McCarthy Mystery series. The cozy mystery aspect reminds me of my favorite Agatha Christie books.
First, I have to say…..I am a big fan of Mr. Poe ;). I do think he is part human….he makes me smile with all he does.
This installment in the series has at a castle instead of revolving around the village and the bookstore. Mercy and Lizzie are there for the soft opening at the castle. There is to be whiskey tasting and other fun activities going on. What they weren’t expecting was a murder.
Mercy McCarthy Mystery is a fun, cozy mystery series that I encourage you to read. Can they be read as a standalone? Yes, I believe this can be done. But, I recommend reading them in order. There is much back story to Mercy and Lizzie that is important to know about. As well as the other main characters.
I can’t wait to see what other “situations” Mercy and Lizzie get into along with Mr. Poe.
Thank you NetGalley, Bookouture and the author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Lisa Garry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this cozy story. Mercy & Lizzie are twin sisters who keep finding themselves in mysteries since they moved to Ireland. It was a fun, easy read. I’m looking forward to seeing more of the relationship with the handsome detective & Mercy.

[Lori Bonkoski · Rating 5 out of 5]

This third book in the series does not disappoint! Mercy and Lizzie and their neighbors are spending the weekend at the soft opening at a castle. When one of the guests is found dead, Kieran is called in and soon is stranded at the castle because of the weather. When another guest is found dead, Mercy gets herself into the mix of figuring out who the killer might be. With limited suspects and motives, unveiling the killer takes some serious work and risk taking. I love how these neighbors have become a family and work to figure out the mystery. A great read that keeps you guessing!

[Erin Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great cozy mystery. Both the author and the narrator kept me invested from the first chapter. With a number of twists and turns and a result I didn’t see coming, I was hooked. Cannot wait to read and or listen to more from this author.
 

[Melisa Broadbent · Rating 4 out of 5]

A big thank you to Sarah Hardy and the publisher for issuing me with my review copy of the book and for inviting me to take part on the blog tour.

Death at Inishmore Castle is the third in the cosy crime series featuring sisters Mercy and Lizzie, who in-between running a bookshop and being a successful author, also solve crimes that seem to crop up near their home in Ireland!

When Mercy and Lizzie, along with their neighbours in Shamrock Cove are invited to an opening weekend at Inishmore Catle, they are looking forward to having a relaxing time following the tough times they have had recently, little do they know that they will all be in the middle of another murder and become cut off with a storm heading their way.

Lucy Connelly is doing a wonderful job with this series and it is definitely one of my favourite ones so far. The characters are well written and we learn more and more about them as the series carries on. Although Mercy and Lizzie are twins, throughout the series we learn how different they can be - Lizzie definitely wants to more quiet life whereas Mercy throws herself into investigations! Mr Poe as their dog is always a joy to have around (I feel as though he is a real dog!) and I love how astute he is becoming - clearly having Lizzie and Mercy as his owners is rubbing off on him.

The almost locked room setting in the cut off castle is always a favourite of mine and very reminiscent of the old style of mysteries I have read, complete with hidden passage ways and rooms and this was incorporated well into the story. As is usual, I try not to get too deep into solving the crime as I find I usually end up suspecting everyone and there is quite a full compliment of characters in this story with some more suspicious than others.

I thought everything linked up particularly well and I didn't really guess the ending which was a bit of a surprise to me!

Another really enjoyable addition in the series - looking forward to book 4!

[Aliya Ariani · Rating 4 out of 5]

A 3.5!

Lucy Connelly does a brilliant job setting up Mercy's character as the main protagonist. In addition, it sincerely lives up to the claim of being a cosy mystery. I found myself reading this with my morning cup of tea and relaxing which is something I have not done in YEARS! It's a good and really easy read that I'd recommend to anyone who'd want an experience like that. It - funnily enough - also brought me back to my childhood when I'd be reading a copy of the Famous Five under the covers, so definitely a bonus.

Digging into the characters and plot, I enjoyed it a lot with the exception of a few moments in the book that felt like they came out of nowhere language-wise. At the same time, there's a vividness to the descriptions of the characters, their behaviours and their motives throughout the book. Mr. Poe - of course - was an adorable character I loved reading about. He reminded me of my own dogs as well! I absolutely loved Scott and Rob acting as pseudo-guardians for Mercy's reckless snooping.

Talking about Mercy as well, this was the first book I read in this series and I definitely enjoyed following along as she slowly tried to organise her thoughts on what was actually happening, the why, the how, the what. Mercy and Kieran's banter is super fun to read and balances out a lot of her impulse through the story. In addition to being a story that's genuinely comfortable to read, I also have a handful of new food that I'll be trying out the recipes to!

On a scale of 1-10, I'd give this a 7 and definitely plan on recommending it and buying the other books in the series when I can. Thank you to NetGalley for my copy!

[Gigi]

DNF

[Isabell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally posted on Dreaming With Open Eyes

Suspense, Secrets, and Surprises: A Thrilling Return to the Mercy McCarthy Series

🔑 Locked-room mystery | ⚡ Intriguing | 🇮🇪 Ireland

Inishmore Castle is hosting a weekend of whiskey tasting and soda bread baking, but things take a dark turn when Mercy McCarthy discovers a dead body in the library. Father Brennen appears to have died from too much whiskey, but Mercy soon learns he wasn’t a priest at all. His mysterious search through old journals hints at something bigger—could the legend of a lost treasure be true? When another guest is found drowned, Mercy believes foul play is at work. With a storm approaching and guests growing more nervous, she begins to suspect everyone, from a strange nun to a nosy birdwatcher. As Mercy uncovers hidden passages in the castle, she’s closer to solving the case—if the killer doesn’t find her first.

Death at Inishmore Castle is the third book in the Mercy McCarthy Mystery series, and while each book can be enjoyed on its own, I highly recommend reading the first two before diving into this one. The background stories of Mercy and her sister Lizzie are revealed much later in this installment, and reading the earlier books will give you a deeper connection to the characters and the overall story arc, enhancing the experience.

What a fantastic series and what an amazing author! It’s so good to be back with the McCarthy sisters. The characters have become so dear to me, and I was eagerly awaiting the next chapter in their adventures. The setting of Inishmore Castle for this book was a brilliant choice, though I must admit I missed the familiar charm of Shamrock Cove. Still, the castle offered an intriguing new atmosphere, full of mystery and suspense.

I love when a book keeps you guessing, making you feel like you're solving the mystery right alongside the characters. Lucy Connelly truly knows how to craft a mystery. But beyond the twists and turns of the plot, she also excels at developing her characters. Mercy and Lizzie are as lovable and compelling as ever, and I was really drawn into their personal dynamics. I also have to mention Mr. Poe—he’s such an endearing part of the story, and I loved every moment he was on the page.

This book has a slightly darker, more atmospheric tone compared to the earlier ones. The action is confined to the castle, which gives it a "locked-room" mystery vibe as the guests are stranded there by a fierce storm, unable to leave until the case is solved. It creates such an intense sense of isolation and urgency, which kept me glued to the pages. The build-up surrounding the two deaths was masterfully done. Connelly does an excellent job of keeping you on edge, never quite letting you settle, and always pulling you deeper into the mystery. There’s also the intriguing rumor of a treasure hidden within the castle, which adds another layer of suspense to the plot.

[The Sassy Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review: Death at Inishmore Castle by Lucy Connelly

Rating: 4 Stars

I just finished Death at Inishmore Castle by Lucy Connelly, and it’s a really charming cozy mystery that kept me hooked throughout. The story takes place in a grand historic castle in Ireland, where sisters Mercy and Lizzie McCarthy are hoping to unwind with some whiskey tasting and soda bread baking. But of course, things don’t stay peaceful for long — when Mercy discovers a guest who appears to be a priest slumped over in the library, it quickly becomes clear that not everything is as it seems.

What starts as a possible case of one too many drinks soon spirals into something far more sinister. Mercy finds out that this “priest” isn’t actually a priest at all, and he was digging through some old journals tied to the castle’s mysterious past — including rumors about a lost treasure. When another guest is found drowned in the nearby lake, Mercy knows there’s foul play afoot. Alongside her reluctant sleuthing partner Lizzie and their clever dog Mr. Poe, she sets out to uncover who among the guests and staff might be hiding dangerous secrets.

The book really nails the classic locked-room mystery vibe. A storm traps everyone inside the castle, the wooden bridge leading to the property is flooded, and suspicion runs high among the frightened visitors. The atmosphere is fantastic — you can almost feel the chill of the Irish weather and hear the creaks of the old manor. The characters are wonderfully drawn, from an unconvincing nun to a nosy birdwatcher, each adding depth and intrigue to the story. Plus, the discovery of secret passages inside the castle walls adds just the right touch of old-world mystery.

One thing I particularly loved was the cover — it’s absolutely delightful and really draws you in before even opening the book. This series is such a joy to read, combining warmth, wit, and clever plotting. The pacing was spot on, and the mystery kept me guessing until the end without feeling rushed or confusing.

If you’re a fan of cozy mysteries with a bit of an Irish twist, or enjoy authors like Agatha Christie or Faith Martin, Death at Inishmore Castle is definitely worth picking up. It’s a fantastic addition to the genre and I’m already looking forward to the next book in this series!

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Death at Inishmore Castle by Lucy Connelly is Mercy McCarthy Mystery. I love this series. Mercy and her sister, Lizzie, have inherited a cottage and a bookshop from their grandfather; a grandfather of whose existence they had been unaware. They had some recovering to do: their mother had died of cancer; then, six months later, Lizzie’s fiance and his daughter had died in a car accident; Mercy was still reeling from having a stalker in New York City. It was a lot. They loved it here. Their cottage was one of six in the bailey of an old castle. They were a tight-knit little community: Rob and Scott, a lovely couple; Lolly, everyone’s grandmother; and lately, Kieran, Lolly’s grandson and the local police investigator. Lizzie ran the bookstore, gardened, and cooked. Mercy was working on her latest, now very overdue, novel. They had come to the opening weekend at Inishmore Castle, a brewery of some note, now opening as a destination, with classes and other adventures. So far, it was great. Then, Mr. Poe, their dog, discovered the dead body of the priest in the study. It was storming so there was no cell service and the land line as out also so Mercy did her best to preserve the crime scene and keep the other guests unaware. Eventually Kieran and his team arrived. But then, Mr. Poe Discovered the body of the nun, as well. This was getting out of hand.

Excellent mystery: all the necessary components. No getting off the property, they were rained in. Hidden passages in the walls. People were not who they appeared to be. Mercy was not there to investigate, Kieran was, but she was curious. She couldn’t help herself. Of course that got her in trouble, both literally and figuratively. They kept re-looking at everyone and they all seemed to check out. She did discover some minor theft and some major embezzlement, but no murderer. Then things started to break. The person had killed for the best of reasons and the people he killed were not worth much, but still. It was a good mystery and this characters are terrific. The food was good and the whiskey was better. There is even a cliffhanger. Good read.

[Emerald Maple · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't find I was missing much not having read the previous books in the series. The characters are introduced quickly with some backstory but not in a way that would bog down the book for those who have read the other two books. I have put the other books on my TBR though, I really enjoy the characters in this one.

The main characters in this one being American living in Ireland also solves a problem I find in some Irish based books meant for a larger audience. They try to keep the conversation less Irish so include Irish names instead.

Anyway, Lizzie and Mercy are American, as are some of the guests along with some English ones. The Irish references are well explained since the castle is being used for tourists. The sisters work really well together, as twins they know each other well and use it to pick up on things in the investigation.

The mystery was good, you think someone is a suspect, then they get ruled out for various reasons. It is fairly quick paced and there is a real detective working with Mercy who is an amateur sleuth/mystery writer. They play well off each other but seriously, just kiss already.

Overall a great read, if a little annoying that the detective should have realised how the killer was involved earlier. This has a locked room feel to it as they are stuck in the castle due to the storm causing the water to rise over the bridge. Hidden passageways add some intrigue and mystery to possible suspects and how they get to places without being seen. There is good character development and some obvious setup for the next installment of the series to hook you in to getting that one too.

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This has a really cool premise! Visit a beautiful, old castle, meet a few normal people, and a bunch of weird ones, strange things happen, someone dies. I enjoyed meeting the characters, and discovering their quirks. I liked the efforts made to distinguish the twins, even if some of the points about their differences were stated too often. I liked Mercy, and her banter with detective Kieran. I really enjoyed the glimpses into actual police work. There’s how books and movies think murder and murder investigations go, and then there’s Kieran, reminding us that ‘Actually, this is how it goes.’ Those moments were my favourite parts.

I appreciate the red herrings. Still I didn’t love not having enough physical clues, or clear motives, to link people to the crimes and conjure up my own suspect list, besides ‘they were also in the castle.’ I just had to go with Mercy's speculation. When clarity started to come, it wasn’t early enough for me. Again, some details were stated over and over. I loved Mercy (a lot!) as a main sleuth; she’s got a brain that won’t quit turning the case over, but I wonder the wisdom in going sleuthing in the dark—alone—, after being explicitly told not to, with a killer on the loose. She knows krav maga, (great detail, by the way!) but…still a pretty reckless undertaking.

Overall, while I wasn’t keen on being kept in the dark for most of the book, I like these characters. A fun cozy mystery, altogether. I’m reeeally curious on what develops with Mercy now that she’s acknowledging some unexpected feelings 😄.

I received an ARC via NetGalley, and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[dnsyl57 · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Death At Inishmore Castle" is book #3 in the "Mercy McCarthy Mystery" by Lucy Connelly.

What could be more fun than a long weekend tasting whiskey, learning some new skills, touring the extensive gardens and exploring an old Irish castle? At least that was what Mercy, her sister Lizzie and friends from Shamrock Cove thought - until they found the first body. Winter storms are making it challenging to keep the power on, cell service is spotty and the only bridge that connects the estate to the outside world is flooded over. Oh and it being an old castle there are hidden passages just to make things more interesting!

Mercy uses her mystery writing skills and enlists help from her Cove friends to gather info till Kieran and his team can find a way to get there and find a killer.

Admittedly, I'm not a whiskey drinker nor am I much interested in gardens or art history but this was a fun read. The Cove crew has built a tight, family like bond and look out for each other. Mercy and Lizzie's little dog Mr. Poe is a great protector and sleuth when it comes to finding evidence.

The other guests that weekend, as well as the O'Sullivan's and their staff were an interesting lot. There was some suspicious behavior amongst a few of them. Clearly, not everyone was as they seemed and some were keeping some secrets. I did have a hunch about a couple of characters but could have gone either way as to which was the murderer. The confrontation and reveal were well done. The debriefing after the fact answered a few more questions. There was also a hint of some things that may be to come in future books! (I can't wait!)

Overall, a thoroughly enjoyable cozy mystery!

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mercy and Lizzie McCarthy are fraternal twins and have a beloved pet dog who is unusually adept at finding dead bodies. The local castle is having a soft opening as they prepare it for tourism to help with the impressive costs of upkeep with such a historic building. Most of the time the weather is dark and terribly stormy with bridges out and rare cell service, especially after they need Inspector Kieran and his team to deal with the first dead body and discover that the place is riddled with secret passages.
Backstory: Mercy McCarthy went from Texas to NYC bigtime mystery writer to an inheritance in Ireland from a grandfather they never knew. Her twin sister Lizzie went from Texas to deep depression after sequential tragedies, to Ireland with her sister for the healing of change.
I really enjoy the ongoing characters, and the new ones are always very interesting as well.
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected digital galley from Bookouture via NetGalley. Avail Apr 10, 2025
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[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like the main character characters and the other residents of their neighborhood. The mystery is very puzzling and well written. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.

Amazon synopsis:
Historic Inishmore Castle is opening its doors for the first time, hosting a charming weekend of whiskey tasting and soda bread baking. Sisters Mercy and Lizzie McCarthy are badly in need of a break, but their relaxing trip takes a decidedly unrestful turn when Mercy finds fellow guest Father Brennen slumped over the desk in the library… Did he have one glass too many or did someone want him dead?

Even more curiously, Mercy swiftly learns that the priest was no priest at all. So why was he searching through dusty old journals? Can the legend of Inishmore’s lost treasure possibly be true?

Mercy’s suspicions of foul play are confirmed when another of their party is found drowned in the lake at the edge of the manor’s estate. It can’t be a coincidence! Someone in this idyllic Irish castle is up to no good and Mercy is determined to find out who’s behind it, accompanied by her reluctant fellow sleuth and beloved dog Mr. Poe.

With a host of frightened guests and worried staff, and a storm closing in, Mercy soon has more suspects than bedrooms in the castle. Could it be the unconvincing nun, the busybody birdwatcher, or are the owners hiding something sinister? When Mercy realises there are secret passages in the walls, she thinks she might have cracked the case… but will she track the killer down, or will Inishmore be her resting place forever more?

[Seraphine Lüscher · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked the diversity in the cast and I thought the characters were written very warmly. However, the protagonist is not very good at thinking. It takes her quite a while to understand some very obvious things and she is often forgetting what should be kept secret and what should be talked about with her police crush. Furthermore, she was pretty annoying with always mentioning her "writer's brain" or "the writer in me" etc. We understand that she is a writer, but it does not need to be mentioned everytime she has a thought, especially since she is worse at thinking than the average person. She considers herself so qualified to solve this crime, which does not feel warranted considering her intellectual capabilities. Also the way the police crush just shares sensitive information with her made me so mad. That is some very unprofessional police work, even though the protagonist often whines about him going "by the book" so much. Laws are there for a reason, mam...
Oh, also the reason behind the killings was a bit farfetched. The weird co-dependent relationship of the two sisters was also not my cup of tea. The protagonist's sister's trauma was also so briefly touched on and she apparently got over it way too quickly in my opinion. I am sorry but "Live has its ups and downs, we are so lucky to have what we have" does not feel like the type of thing to say to someone who recently lost their husband and child in a car crash. Super flat and insensitive way of dealing with this kind of topic.