Murder on the Clock

Mercy McCarthy Mystery #4

by Lucy Connelly

The town of Shamrock Cove is gearing up for a grand summer festival… but the fête turns fatal when a clockmaker is killed. Can amateur sleuth Mercy McCarthy crack the case?

When Mercy McCarthy takes her beloved mother’s watch to be fixed, she’s completely charmed by the little repair store and the father-and-son duo who run it. Little does she know that the clock is ticking… when she returns, she finds the father lying unconscious amid broken glass, and her mother’s watch is missing.

The police think Mr. Flynn was attacked in a burglary gone wrong but soon suspects closer to home start coming out of the clockwork. Mercy, her sister, and their canine sidekick, master body sniffer-outer Mr. Poe, set out to gather clues and help the local detective find the killer.

Could it be the family next door to the Flynns who’ve been feuding for decades? His fiercest rival, who’s long dreamed of shutting him down? Or was his son less devoted than he seemed? As the hours tick away, another murder and the discovery of a long-buried secret changes everything…

The summer festival is fast approaching. Can Mercy solve the mystery in the nick of time, or will someone stop her clock?

A completely charming and page-turning Irish cozy mystery. Fans of Agatha Christie, Carlene O’Connor and Faith Martin will absolutely love the Mercy McCarthy series!

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, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“I absolutely love this series… a delight… I couldn’t put it down, I really really loved.” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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

“Wonderful… I really LOVED THIS!… 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, Fiction

251 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 14, 2025

Reviews

[Linda Galella · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy for review purposes. All opinions are honest and mine alone.


Mercy and Lizzie are soon to have a birthday. In order to celebrate her twin in a special way, Mercy decides to take their recently deceased mother’s watch to be cleaned and repaired for a special gift. When she arrives at the clock shop to pick up the watch, Mercy finds the owner dead on the floor and her precious family heirloom gone.

MURDER ON THE CLOCK, by Lucy Connelly, is book 4 in a charming, small town, cozy mystery series. It can be read as a standalone but might be more fulfilling if at least book 1 were read prior. The stories take place in the fictional,
Irish town of Shamrock Cove. The twins have newly arrived from America, having inherited a bookstore and home from their recently passed grandfather. Lizzie runs the bookstore and Mercy is a mystery book writer. Their synergy, along with assistance from their pup, Mr. Poe, has grown into crime fighting staples for the town’s people and solid backup for the police department.

Part of the success of this story and the series is the universe of characters from town that support Mercy and Lizzie. Each are treated respectfully and have been developed enough to be able to carry out subplots of their own. Connelly uses humor deftly rather than making caricatures of over quirkiness. This is a town I’d like to visit with people in it I’d like to know and spend time with.

There’s just enough procedure in the crime solving to keep the story from being “lite” and not so much it becomes work. Romance elements are very gentle with both sisters making small progress in that department. Hand holding a chaste kiss and a few long sighs are the sum total. Violence elements are also treated gently making this story and series safe for mature 12 year olds and up.

An excellent choice for readers of cozy mysteries, small town fiction, Irish fiction and good, clean stories📚

Read & Reviewed from a NetGalley eARC via Kindle, with thanks to the author and publisher.

[Emerald Maple · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the last Mercy McCathy book, Death at Inishmore Castle, so I was excited for this one. Mercy brings her mother's watch in to a local shop to be fixed intending to gift it to her twin sister on their birthday. But later that night as they pass it following a night at the pub, they find a broken door with the owner on the floor and his son missing. The family has history with two local families and lots of secrets, so no shortage of suspects.

But seriously, Shamrock Cove seems like a dangerous place to live. They haven't even been there a year and four sets of investigations with murders. Ireland has less than 100 a year (and under 50 if you remove driving related manslaughter etc) so this sleepy town is probably up there with cities. No wonder they need to stick together at night and use secret doors.

The slow burn with Mercy and Kieran is still painfully slow but they had some good character development in this book as the detective includes Mercy in his investigation as a consultant. He does it to keep her out of trouble but it still lets them spend a lot of time together. The adorable Mr Poe of course helps out too.

I found the pacing a little off on this one, Mercy spends a lot of time investigating, eating and writing only for it to come together very quickly and dramatically at the end. Part of the charm of the last book was that so many of the town's characters were involved and I found myself missing them this time. Hopefully the next book includes them a bit more, solves their 'stalker' issue and finds Mercy and Kieran closer.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

The small Irish village of Shamrock Cove has become home to American sisters, Mercy and Lizzie, after inheriting their grandfather’s cottage and bookstore. Mercy is a mystery author who just can’t help getting involved when murder occurs. The series combines interesting mysteries with small town community, friendship and budding romance. This is a solid addition to the series, but I did miss the involvement of some of the other characters we’ve gotten to know throughout the previous books. Cozy mystery readers are sure to find much to like in this entertaining series.

[Toni · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick and engaging Irish cozy! When a local clockmaker is found injured in his shop, Mercy McCarthy jumps in to help investigate — this time with the invitation and support of local policeman Kieran.

The real charm of this series lies in its cast of characters. Mercy, her twin sister Lizzie, and the ever-loyal Mr. Poe make such a delightful team, and the growing connectionbetween Mercy and Kieran adds a nice touch of warmth to the mystery. My one "con" on this would be the numerous times, "We laughed" was used.
The ongoing “stalker” thread continues to build intrigue, and I’m eager to see how that plays out in the next book...psst hopefully it will..this is book 4!

Overall, Murder on the Clock is a fun, fast-paced read with a lively mix of mystery, humor,and heart — a wonderful addition to the Mercy McCarthy series.

[Cozy Reader Lady · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Murder on the Clock (Mercy McCarthy Mystery #4)" by Lucy Connelly has the McCarthy twins working to get ready for a start of Summer Irish fête. It's almost their birthday as well. Mercy has a watch of their mother's that she's taken to be repaired so she can give it to her sister. Unfortunately, it may be a while until she can give it to her. The clock shop owner has been severely injured and his son was later found dead.

With most of Shamrock Cove's police force felled by illness and prep for the fête, Mercy gets officially made a consultant. She and the detective investigate almost the potential leads together. There's really a bit of a limited set of suspects. I'm not totally sure how I feel about Mercy officially being able to investigate, but it at least seems to be keeping her from making stupid choices.

[Isabell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Originally posted on Dreaming With Open Eyes

🇮🇪 Cozy Mystery in Ireland I 😬​ Kept me on edge until the end I 📚 4th installment in the series

As a long-time fan of the McCarthy Mystery Series, I’ve eagerly anticipated each new installment, eagerly devouring the previous three books. The cliffhanger at the end of Book 3 had me on edge all year, so when I received the NetGalley widget for Murder on the Clock, I dropped everything to dive in. Unfortunately, despite my high expectations, this fourth book in the series left me feeling underwhelmed and disappointed by the end.

The premise of the novel is solid. The quaint coastal town of Shamrock Cove is preparing for its grand summer festival, but when a beloved local clockmaker is found attacked and his prized possessions missing, Mercy McCarthy once again finds herself drawn into a web of secrets and suspicion. Armed with her trusty canine sidekick, Mr. Poe, and the help of her sister, Mercy works alongside the local detective to uncover the truth behind the crime. As the investigation progresses, Mercy uncovers hidden feuds, long-buried secrets, and several potential suspects—each with their own motives for murder.

On paper, this should have been another charming mystery. However, I found myself struggling with a few key issues that ultimately affected my enjoyment of the story.

One of the things I’ve always loved about the McCarthy Mystery Series is the sense of place. Shamrock Cove, with its charming atmosphere, quirky characters, and tight-knit community, has always felt like a character in its own right. However, in this installment, that charm seemed to be missing. I can’t quite pinpoint why, but it felt like the town’s vibrancy was lost amidst the plotting and procedural details. Perhaps it was the focus on the mystery itself, which felt more procedural than personal this time around, but I really missed the cozy, small-town vibe that made earlier books so engaging.

This book had a few issues with pacing, but my main struggle was with the writing itself. There were several phrases that felt repetitive. The amount of exposition was another sticking point. While some backstory is necessary for new readers to the series, for those of us who’ve been following Mercy’s journey from the beginning, the constant rehashing of character relationships and events in Shamrock Cove felt redundant. It didn’t add anything new to the story and, instead, disrupted the flow of the mystery.

One of the biggest disappointments was the unresolved cliffhanger from book 3. Fans, myself included, were eagerly awaiting its resolution in this book, but it wasn’t addressed much. The twins think they are being wathed but they don’t know if it’s their father or just a stalker. This felt like a missed opportunity, especially considering how much of a lead-up there was in the previous book. It left me feeling a bit frustrated. I was hoping for more progression in Mercy’s journey.

Another ongoing subplot throughout the series is the (super) slow-burn romance between Mercy and Kieran. In this book, there’s a slight but notable shift, as Kieran finally allows Mercy to play a more active role in his investigation. While I was happy to see this progression, it’s still extremely slow. The push-and-pull between them has been dragging on for far too long, and it feels like it’s time for the relationship to move forward in a more substantial way. However, instead of adding excitement, their interactions here felt a bit repetitive, as we were reminded once again of the same dynamics. While I understand that relationships take time to develop, at this point in the series, I was hoping for something more significant.

On a more positive note, one thing that consistently shines through in every book is the lovable Mr. Poe, the canine detective extraordinaire. As always, he steals the spotlight and brings a lighthearted touch to the otherwise tense atmosphere. His instincts and loyalty are a highlight of the series, and once again, he proves to be a key player in the investigation. If I’m being honest, Mr. Poe is probably the most consistent and endearing part of this book.

A minor nitpick, but something I noticed was the compressed timeline. All four books in the series take place within the span of a single year, which, when you think about it, seems a bit unrealistic. It’s hard to believe that so many significant events would happen in such a short period. While I understand the desire to keep the stories flowing, the fast pace in which events unfold sometimes takes away from the sense of believability.

Murder on the Clock had all the makings of a great mystery—a small-town setting, an intriguing crime, a close-knit family, and a beloved protagonist. However, the repetitive writing, the lack of closure on key plot points, and the slow pace of character development left me feeling like this installment didn’t quite live up to the high standard set by previous books in the series. While I still look forward to the next installment and hope the unresolved plot threads will finally be addressed, this one missed the mark for me.

Ultimately, this book is a solid three-star read—enjoyable enough, but not as compelling as I had hoped. I’m still invested in Mercy’s journey and hopeful that the next book will bring the excitement.

I kindly received this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you so much Bookouture.

[Deborah Almada · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fun trip to Ireland with the McCarthy twins. I really enjoy the life the ladies have built themselves. Their little neighborhood of friends and neighbors, the bookstore and pub all cozy and welcoming, but that doesn't mean no troubles! Mercy decides to get an old family heirloom watch fixed to give to Lizzie for their birthday and is charmed by the father son duo who run the Clock Shop. Unfortunately, the older gentleman is found injured in his shop that had been broken into with an apparent theft of the jewelry in the shop, including the sisters' watch. When the missing son is found dead in the McCarthy's backyard after leaving a note for Mercy asking for help, you know she can't stay uninvolved! What follows is a wild ride as Mercy and Kieran try to figure out who injured the father and murdered the son. It definitely takes a village to find the answers, and we continue to be charmed along the way. Thanks to #Netgally, #Bookouture, and the author for an opportunity to get in on the adventure! #MurderontheClock #AMercyMcCarthyMystey #LucyConnelly #bookreview #bookideas #retiredreader

[Linniegayl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good entry in the Mercy McCarthy mystery series. Mery and her twin sister Lizzie have really settled in to the small Irish town, but as usual, murder follows them. The primary murder was interesting, with lots of complexity. We also have the continuing thread of Mercy and Lizzie believing someone is following them. Is it the father they never knew, or is something else going on?

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my new favorite cozy mystery series

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder on the Clock (A Mercy McCarthy Mystery Book 4) by Lucy Connelly
Published by Bookouture — thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for my gifted ARC.

By now, reading a Mercy McCarthy book is like pulling on a favorite wool sweater: a little quirky, slightly oversized, probably smelling faintly of scones and peat smoke, but absolutely perfect. In Murder on the Clock, Lucy Connelly proves once again that she’s mastered the art of the modern cozy mystery—with a signature Irish twist, plenty of sibling banter, a town full of nosy neighbors, and of course, at least one very inconvenient corpse.

We’re back in Shamrock Cove, where the murder rate continues to outpace its tourism numbers. Mercy McCarthy, our murder-magnet-slash-mystery-novelist, is just trying to do a sweet thing—get her late mother’s watch fixed for her sister Lizzie’s birthday. But this is Mercy we’re talking about. Nothing stays sweet for long. She walks into the local clock repair shop only to find Mr. Flynn unconscious, the glass display shattered, and her mother’s watch conveniently missing. Honestly, you’d think she’d stop being surprised by these things by now.

From there, it’s full sleuth mode: Mercy, Lizzie, and Mr. Poe (the four-legged detective with the best nose and the fewest lines of dialogue) dive straight into the mystery. The police are calling it a robbery gone wrong, but of course Mercy’s gut says otherwise, and let’s be honest, her gut is usually right—probably from all the bakery goods she stress-eats while investigating murders.

One of the greatest joys of this series is the way it balances charm and danger without tipping into cartoon territory. Connelly walks that line like a tightrope artist—surefooted, dryly witty, and absolutely unbothered. There are suspects aplenty, from the feuding family next door to the conveniently competitive rival clockmaker. (Yes, apparently clockmaker rivalries are a thing now. I learn so much from these books.) There’s even the looming question of Mr. Flynn’s son, who might not be the golden child he seems. Everyone has a motive, and Mercy has a sharp eye—when she’s not being distracted by one Detective Inspector Kieran, of course.

And can we please discuss Kieran? Our gruff, by-the-book, emotionally repressed dreamboat of an inspector is finally warming up to Mercy. It’s been four books of banter, side glances, and “accidental” hand touches, and finally we see some real movement. I’m not saying I squealed at certain scenes like a Regency heroine spotting a brooding duke across a ballroom, but… okay, yes, I am. The chemistry is less “explosive passion” and more “slow burn until someone snaps and throws flour at the other,” which honestly? Perfection.

Lizzie continues to be the series’ low-key MVP. Her kindness disarms suspects faster than any badge could, and her insistence on dragging Mercy into social interaction is honestly heroic. Their sister dynamic is one of the most grounded, believable parts of the story—equal parts affection, sarcasm, and mutual eye rolls. If you have a sister, you’ll get it. If you don’t, you’ll want to borrow one just for the banter.

But let’s not forget the real star here: Mr. Poe. This dog has the instincts of Sherlock Holmes and the loyalty of Lassie, wrapped in the body of a scruffy little four-legged genius. If Mr. Poe ever gets his own spin-off series, I’m pre-ordering immediately. Someone give this pup a medal. Or at least a bakery treat.

What I appreciate most about Murder on the Clock is that even while juggling clues, suspects, and a budding romance, Connelly still manages to give us rich atmosphere and layered emotional moments. Mercy’s lingering grief for her mother, the mystery of her father’s identity (and the ever-growing suspicion that he might be secretly stalking them—normal stuff, obviously), and the community she and Lizzie have built in Shamrock Cove all add real heart to the plot. It’s not just about solving crimes; it’s about building a life after loss, one bookshop shelf and murder investigation at a time.

Also: shoutout to the town festival plot thread, which is pure cozy gold. Nothing says “small-town whodunit” like murder sandwiched between bunting, pie competitions, and overly enthusiastic mayors. The contrast between the cheerful event prep and the very real danger lurking behind closed doors just makes everything pop more vividly.

And while we’re on the topic, let’s take a moment to honor the quote that made me snort into my tea:

“There’s nothing like finding a body to ruin your errands list.”
Truly the kind of dry humor I aspire to in times of crisis.

In all seriousness, this book is clever, heartfelt, and laugh-out-loud funny in that perfectly Irish, perfectly exasperated way. The mystery is satisfying, the relationships continue to deepen, and the emotional beats feel earned.

My one (tiny) complaint? We still haven’t resolved the stalker/father mystery. Four books in and the shadowy figure on the CCTV remains shadowy and figure-y. Come on, Lucy. Give us the reveal. Or at least one good confrontation where someone throws a scone.

Still, Murder on the Clock is a five-star gem in a series that keeps getting better. It’s cozy with bite, romantic without being mushy, and full of the kind of characters that feel like old friends—assuming your old friends regularly stumble into murder scenes and meddle with law enforcement.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

#MurderontheClock #MercyMcCarthyMystery #LucyConnelly #CozyMysteryLovers #ShamrockCove #NetGalley #MrPoeFanClub #IrishMystery #Bookouture #BookReview #CozyCrimeFiction #BookishHumor #SisterDetectives #SmallTownMystery #WhodunitReads #MysteryWithTeaAndSnark

[June Price · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me awhile to get into this one but once I did, I enjoyed it. One of those that while it didn't wow me, it keep me entertained. Twins Lizzy and Mercy McCarthy inherited their grandfather's bookshop and cottage in Ireland and Mercy is trying to find just the right present for Lizzy. She settles on having their mother's old watch, a family keepsake, repaired and takes it to the local Clock & Jewelry store. Next thing you know, the repairman is found dead. Well, while it certainly isn't what Lizzy would have wanted but looks like she's getting a murder investigation for her birthday ... and not one mystery author Mercy wrote ... although Mercy tries mightily to keep it a secret from her that the watch went missing. And, the story is off.

I won't share any more of the plot but will say that despite the to me slow acceleration of the story, it was nice to get to know the town of Shamrock Cove, Ireland, in the process. It's one of those typical mystery cozy towns where everyone knows each other, often better than some would want. As relative newcomers, Mercy and Lizzie are still feeling their way but have made progress becoming a part of the community. Heck, there even seems to be some s.l.o.w. progress in the relationship between Mercy and Detective Inspector Kiernan. Even better, a potential romance seems to have emerged for Lizzie although that's still a big unknown. Sounds promising, however. Overall, the cast of characters is quirky at times but likable and, hey, let's not forget Mr. Poe, Mercy's canine buddy. The town has secrets and long running feuds but did that lead to murder? Family Dramas? Romance gone wrong? Greed?

Bottom line, if you like a bit of a slow build, this one will be a hit with you. The rest of us ultimately fell into line, too, as the characters took the spotlight. It's been fun to further differentiate Mercy and Lizzie, Mercy the more introverted writer type, while Lizzie is the more open, caring sort who knows just what to say to others. It was also rather nice to see people who were willing to take the time and money to have old items repaired rather than simply trash them and buy new. I think I'd have enjoyed that clock shop. Thanks #Bookouture and #NetGalley for this virtual trip to Ireland. Looking forward to seeing more on the potential stalker matter next installment. It largely didn't seem to be an element this go-round.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 4th installment in the Mercy McCarthy mystery series. Mercy and her sister Lizzie are about to have a birthday and she knows that all her friends are planning them a party but she is struggling with what to get her sister. Her mother left her a watch that they believe was her father’s so Mercy decides to get that watch fixed and give that to Lizzie for her birthday. She goes to the clock and jewelry repair store to see if she can get it fixed in time. There she meets the owner, Mr. Flynn and his son Declan. Mercy is charmed by the store and both men. That evening when Mercy is leaving the pub with her sister and neighbors they walk by the darkened store and Mercy thinks something is “off”. She sees the store door open and broken glass and when she goes inside, she finds Mr. Flynn on the floor unresponsive and barely breathing. Once again Mercy finds herself involved with a mystery as not only is Mr. Flynn barely holding on to life, but her mother’s watch is missing and so is Declan. Mercy can not believe that Declan could have anything to do with the robbery and attack on his father. Kiernan the police detective and love interest for Mercy soon begin their investigation. Kiernan has given up keeping Mercy from investigating so he allows her to help (especially since the majority of the department is sick with the flu). Lizzie and Mercy befriend Belinda the daughter of Mr. Flynn and try and help find Declan. One evening as Mercy is heading home with Mr. Poe (their cute little dog and protector), he begins to growl and Mercy finds a slip of paper under her door (a note from Declan) and then when she opens the back door she sees someone in the backyard and to her surprise it is Declan dead. So now both Flynn’s have been attacked. This was a charming mystery as I love the relationship between Mercy and her sister and all the people they come across. They are both just caring and kind people. I am enjoying the growing relationship with Kiernan and how they both are the only ones who don’t seem to get how perfect they are for each other. Ultimately, Mercy and Kiernan piece together the puzzle and once again Mercy’s life is in danger at the end. I also like the hint of a potential love interest for Lizzie. I absolutely love this series. Can’t wait for the next in the series.

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s always fun to return to a series where you’ve gotten to know and love the recurring characters. Such is the case for Murder on the Clock by Lucy Connelly, the fourth book in her Mercy McCarthy cozy mystery series. Once again, the story is set in Shamrock Cove, a small Irish town on the Atlantic Ocean.

Mercy and her sister Lizzie are Americans who inherited a home and a bookshop from an Irish grandfather they’d never known or even heard of. They’ve both experienced tragedy in recent times, so they welcomed a change of scenery to start over somewhere new. Mercy is a well-known mystery writer so she can work from anywhere and Lizzie’s Texas lavender farm was doing really well, enabling her to leave it in the good hands of her staff. So they picked themselves up and moved to Ireland. By book four, they’ve established themselves in Shamrock Cove, making great friends among their neighbors. Mercy in particular has both helped and been a thorn in the side of the local Detective Inspector, Kieran, but their relationship has really grown and matured. So much so, that he actually asks for her help with the case featured in this book, especially because half his small crew is down with a spring/summer flu.

Mercy and Lizzie are twins and Mercy wants to present Lizzie with an old (very fine) watch that belonged to their mother but it’s not working so she takes it to the local clock repair shop, owned by father and son. Soon after, the older Mr. Flynn is found badly injured on the floor of his shop. Who had it in for Mr. Flynn? The case had some good twists and turns, including a second death. Lizzie and Mercy’s dog, Mr. Poe, once again proves valuable in addition to being cute.

I think you would be fine reading this as a standalone, but you’d miss the fun of meeting and getting to know all the series regular in the earlier books.

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

[Robin Loves Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s summer in Shamrock Grove, and soon, Mercy and her twin sister, Lizzie, will be celebrating their birthday. While rummaging through her mother’s belongings, Mercy discovers an elegant watch. She feels a strong sense of nostalgia and decides to gift it to Lizzie. However, before she can make it a birthday gift for Lizzie, she first takes the watch to a local repair store hoping that it can get working again.

Mercy goes to check on the status of the watch, and she finds the elderly shopkeeper gravely injured. Without a doubt, there were many valuable items in the shop, so the police think that it was perhaps a burglary gone wrong. Ever the astute observer, Mercy realizes that her mother‘s watch is one of the things that has been stolen.

This is the fourth book in a delightful series that I have had the pleasure of binging thanks to the first three books being available on KU. I have gotten to love Mercy, Lizzie, as well as the detective inspector, Kieran O’Malley, who has become a staple in their lives. While Kieran is the one in charge of the investigations that have had to take place, Mercy doe her best to stay one step ahead of him. All the while, their sweet little fur-baby Mr. Poe, is right by her side and is great at sniffing out clues.

I love that both sisters have gone “boots on the ground” after leaving their lives in the U.S. to living in Ireland. Lizzie is doing a great job at running their grandfather’s bookshop while Mercy, a very well-known author, is writing with ease, much to the delight of her editor. More than that, Mercy has become an excellent amateur sleuth. I am thrilled that I have read all of the books in the series so far and can’t wait to read the next book.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

[boogleloo · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 stars: This is Connelly's fourth entry in the Mercy McCarthy Mystery series which is a Literary British Cozy Mystery set in Ireland. Featuring an American crime writer, who helps her identical twin sister run their Irish antique and new bookshop, as she turns sleuth after finding a watch repairman attacked, his shop burgled and her mother’s watch missing. With the local detective inspector, her sister and their master body sniffer-outer canine sidekick, she'll gather clues and investigate the ever growing list of suspects. But after another death and the discovery of a long-buried secret changes everything, she'll have to work fast to solve the mystery in the nick of time.

With plenty of twists and turns, Connelly has masterfully crafted a mystery that deftly balances the suspects, clues and red herrings and will leave you pondering the whodunit until the final reveal. Additionally, there's a multi-book over-arching plot that's engaging. Heartfelt and humorous, Connelly's writing and character work are brilliant; the characters are well-rounded and complex while remaining incredibly likable with a secondary cast that are well crafted and uniquely voiced.

• For Animal Lovers: MC has an adorably intuitive and personable dog.
• CWs: grief and panic attacks.

Connelly touches on some sensitive topics; so take care and check out the CWs. While you could read this as a stand-alone, you'll gain so much more by reading the series from the beginning; so be sure to pick up book one, An Irish Bookshop Murder.

I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.

[Marian. · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐4.5

Volver al mundo de Mercy McCarthy es un placer y con este caso que me mantuvo en vilo leyendo mucho mejor. Este libro nos trae otro caso en el pequeño pueblo de irlanda donde nuestras hermanas gemelas favoritas viven, Mr. Flynn cae inconsciente y nuestra Mercy lo ayuda, pero oh su hijo está desaparecido y acá es donde todo comienza (es un poco más complejo que eso pero no quiero dar spoilers), cuando digo que me tuvo en vilo es porque así lo fue, tenía mis sospechas pero cada vez (y como mala detective que soy) no eran correctas, el desenlace fue explosivo como solo Mercy lo puede hacer y ahora bien, seguimos con el misterio de su padre que tengo mis dudas sobre si es o no la persona que las está siguiendo pero ya veremos en el próximo libro.

---

Returning to the world of Mercy McCarthy is a pleasure, and this case kept me on the edge of my seat, making for a much better read. This book brings us another case in the small Irish town where our favorite twin sisters live. Mr. Flynn falls unconscious and our Mercy helps him, but oh, his son is missing, and this is where it all begins (it's a little more complex than that, but I don't want to give any spoilers). When I say it kept me on the edge of my seat, I mean it did. I had my suspicions, but every time (and as a bad detective that I am) they were wrong. The ending was explosive, as only Mercy can make it, and now we continue with the mystery of her father. I have my doubts about whether or not he is the person who is following them, but we'll see in the next book.

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

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have absolutely adored getting to know Mercy and her twin sister Lizzie in the previous three books and was excited to revisit them, and their friends, in this new adventure.

Aside from Mercy and Lizzie, the other characters who live in Shamrock Cove are diverse and interesting and I wish we could have lots of stories that just focus on them. The twins live in a close-knit community and the different backgrounds and personalities of the neighbours makes for a very charming group of people.

Speaking of charming, the local Detective Inspector, Kieran, has been slowly (emphasis on SLOWLY) getting closer to Mercy and has even progressed to the point of hiring her on as a consultant to help him with this latest investigation. It’s been a slow burn so far and I feel things are FINALLY inching forward (slowly). Maybe next book?

Mercy’s background as a mystery writer, and her experiences and knowledge (she deep-dives into many different topics as part of her book research) makes her a competent sleuth and I love seeing her and Kieran work together. I did have a hard time guessing who the culprit was but that made it more enjoyable. It probably wasn’t my favourite book of the series so far, but this still continues to be one of my favourite cozy mystery series and I’m definitely looking forward to the next one!

*** Thank you to the publisher, Bookouture, for inviting me on this book tour and for providing me with an e-copy of this book for review purposes

[Ashley Gillan · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual: I am coming at this review as A HUGE FAN of the Mercy McCarthy series, so that’s my perspective.

I think this was another very successful addition to this absolutely delightful series, which continues to bring the charm and coziness of Shamrock Cove to readers, with a bit of mystery and intrigue thrown in there. I always love the balance that these stories have between the mysteries and the characters themselves, allowing us not only to get sucked into a good, old-fashioned murder mystery, but also envelope ourselves in this cozy little town with some amazing people and atmosphere.

(Also, come onnnnn Ms. Connelly, Kieran and Mercy. You know what we want. That’s all. We’re still waiting, sone of us not-so-patiently!, lol)

The mystery itself was incredibly intriguing, and as usual had some great twists that left me guessing until the end. There’s always little clues along the way that you can look back on and say “ohhhhhh” once everything is revealed, much like in Agatha Christie, or Sherlock Holmes, which is neat, since Mercy is an author and bibliophile.

And what I absolutely love is that I’m also laughing the way through the book. Mercy and her sister just crack me up, and I know we would be IRL besties!

Any of these books could be read as standalones, but once you read them, you’ll want your read the whole series, so be prepared for that. Might as well buy the whole series anyway!

[Melissa Hummel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy this series. I stumbled upon the Mercy McCarthy series in July of 2025 and just burned through them. They are a great cozy mystery series, which I have also recommended to my mom and sister. These books make it easy for a reader to pick one up after a bit where you aren't relying on remembering every little detail, as Lucy Connelly gives you enough of a snippet in each book to jog your memory about the previous ones. She does a great job of describing Shamrock Cove and continuously building on the relationships of the characters.

In this one, we see Mercy arriving after an attack at the local Clock & Jewelry store. As always, Lizzie is worried, but is also taking a more active role in the investigation. Kieran and Mercy's relationship (friendship? situationship? budding romance?) is progressing, and it's just so wholesome. I had a few theories on who the perpetrator might be, and I was happy with how I was able to see the strings of the crime progress.

I am hoping that the "possible stalker" situation gets resolved soon - or at least we get a little more information about it.

All in all, this series has been added to my must-reads whenever I see another in the series.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC. :)

[Greg · Rating 4 out of 5]

My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, Bookouture, for letting me read and review an advanced copy of ‘Murder on the Clock’, by Lucy Connelly.

The 4th book in the Mercy McCarthy series, finds Mercy and the family dog, Mr Poe, finding another dead body in Shamrock Cove, Ireland, something that seems to happen too often. This time, it happened at the local clock shop, where she had dropped off a beloved family watch. In addition to the finding the dead, elder shopkeeper, the watch is now missing, which was an intended birthday gift for Mercy’s twin sister. Since she had ‘helped’ the police in the past, Mercy is invited to assist the local Detective Inspector, Kieran, since he is short-staffed.

This is a nice cozy mystery that has intrigue, some danger, a town festival, friendly neighbors, and a starring role for Mr Poe. Even though she is warned by Kieran, Mercy does strike out on her own, attempting to solve the mystery. I agree with other reviewers, that the ongoing feeling of being ‘watched’ (an ongoing storyline) is a bit irritating, since it is never resolved. We will also have to wait for further installments in the series to see where the relationship between Mercy and Kieran is heading.

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 4 of the Mercy McCarthy series, which can be read as a stand alone but all of the others are so good why would you not want to read them? Reading these books feels a lot like coming home – they are mysteries but they are cozy mysteries. Mercy is a writer and she helps the Inspector investigate murders. They have grown to like each other now, and seem to like to spend time together. But what is central here is how well Mercy is at investigating! She is a crime writer, so she enjoys it.

The cast of characters is so fantastic too. We continue to see the characters that live in the village and then those added that are central to the story. Everyone from the village is so friendly and so caring. They found family among themselves! I want to live there and be part of the community!

The mystery part of this book is particularly good. I really tried the entire time to figure out who was being all of what happened and I couldn’t figure it out. I had no clue, no hint, no indication of anyone. So when that is revealed, I was shocked! I love how thorough the investigation is as well – there’s no jumping to conclusions or arresting anyone on gut instinct. They want evidence.

So if you love a good, cozy mystery, check this one out and the others in the series!

[dnsyl57 · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Murder On The Clock" is book #4 in the "Mercy McCarthy Mystery" series by Lucy Connelly.

A robbery at the clock shop lands the elder Mr Flynn in the hospital while his son goes missing and later turns up dead. Who would want to hurt the older man and why was his son killed? Just a robbery or was something else going on? Suspects include a business rival, their feuding neighbors, a land developer and a couple others.

Ms. Connelly wove an interesting story with some twists that readers won't see coming. With the help of her twin Lizzie and their beloved dog Mr. Poe, Mercy manages to gather information that DI Kieran and his team weren't quite able to get at. Of course there is some missteps as well as some drama along the way before a dangerous encounter and an eventual reveal of what really happened.

Shamrock Cove is an idyllic village with core characters you can't help but cheer for. The twin sisters haven't been there long but the bonds they have made are strong.

There is definite chemistry between Mercy and Kieran. It does get a bit awkward at times but I enjoy their banter and how they are figuring out how to work together and whatever else may be coming.

An entertaining cozy mystery!

[Helen Arrand · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murder on the Clock by Lucy Connelly
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is my first Mercy McCarthy Mystery and I'm sure it won't be my last!

Mercy and Lizzie are twins who own a Bookshop in Shamrock Cove left to them by their grandfather; Lizzie runs the shop and Mercy writes books, she also tries to solve real life mysteries.

Kieran is the Detective Inspector and I got the feeling there'd been a bit of a history where Mercy had been more involved in cases than she should have been, often putting herself in danger, I'm guessing this would have been the thread in previous books and although referred to I don't feel that I missed out not having read the previous books. I liked how their relationship developed during this book and that they were able to work together.

A good mystery surrounding the Flynn family, I enjoyed trying to work it all out; with the clues along the way I'd worked out what happened to Mr Flynn, I wasn't quite there with the murder, it kept me guessing.

As I always say a book is better with a dog in it, and Mr Poe did not disappoint 🐶 he takes an active part supporting Mercy and Lizzie.

A good cosy mystery with a bit of murder and intrigue thrown in.

I received a gifted copy of this book.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture.
This is my honest review.

[DianeLikesToRead · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Welcome back to the charming seaside town of Shamrock Cove. Mercy and Lizzie are back and it’s time for their birthdays! Mercy brings their mother’s old watch in for a repair but then the clockmaker is found unconscious and her mother's watch vanishes. Good thing their delightful pup, Mr. Poe, is there to guide them.
Welcome back to the charming seaside town of Shamrock Cove. Mercy and Lizzie are back and it’s time for their birthdays! Mercy brings their mother’s old watch in for a repair but then the clockmaker is found unconscious and her mother's watch vanishes. Good thing their delightful pup, Mr. Poe, was there to guide them.
This cozy mystery kept me guessing until the final page! There was just the right touch of mystery and romance. I can’t wait to see what’s next for these sleuthing twins. Many thanks to the author, Bookouture and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
#MurderOnTheClock #LucyConnelly #Bookouture #NetGalley #BookLove #Bookstagram #NewBook #ILoveBooks #BooksSetInIreland #CozyMystery

[April Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series has quickly become one of my favorites. I love to relax with a blanket, cup of tea and a visit with Mercy and Lizzie in Shamrock Ireland.

Mercy is a mystery author who along with her twin sister inherited her grandfather's home and bookstore. Lizzie runs the bookstore along with her canine protector Mr. Poe. Mercy also has a tendency to come across dead bodies and wants to do a little amateur sleuthing much to the chagrin of local police constable Kiernan (and grandson of one their group of new friends)

This book finds Mercy taking a watch that belong to their late mother to the clock shop to see if it can be fixed as she wants to give it to Lizzie for their upcoming birthday. A short while later she finds the shop owner near death with a head wound, his son, who works in the shop, missing. Also, her mom's watch has been taken. Can Mercy and her friends get to the bottom of what happened?

This is such an entertaining story. and will leave you wanting more.... Can't wait for the next installment of this series

Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the chance to read this story and give my opinion.

[K.J. Sweeney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't believe we're up to book four already, I'm really enjoying these Mercy McCarthy books. This time, Mercy stumbles across the body of the clock repairman in her village. She seems to have a knack for finding recently murdered, or in this case, very injured bodies and once she has, she can't help but try and investigate.
This time, the local detective inspector, who usually tries to put her off helping out, actually lets her join in and assist him. Partly because he's short-staffed due to flu, but also, because he's hoping that their relationship might develop into something new and exciting.
I didn't manage to solve this one at all, but thankfully Mercy was on the scene and able to get to the bottom of things. I did also really enjoy the progression of her relationship with Detective Inspector Kieran, which I'm really enjoying. A great read and I'm looking forward to more.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and given voluntarily.

[Suzan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love finding a series that, when a new book comes out, you can't wait to devour it. This series is like that for me, and this book didn't disappoint. Twin sisters from America who inherited their grandfather's bookstore and lovely cottage in Ireland are also involved with solving murders. Well, not really by choice. With each book in this series, you see the twins grow and become members of their new community. But Lucy Connelly does a wonderful job of making each book enjoyable, even if it is the first in the series you have read. Just be careful, you will want to go back and read any you might have missed, they are that good.
In this book, we find Lucy and Mercy about to celebrate a birthday. Mercy claims she is not a very good gift-giver. Yet she manages to come up with a lovely idea for her sister, only to have the gift taken, as she finds the repair shop has been robbed. Will she have her gift be part of an investigation and have to find another gift?
I was given an ARC and would like to thank Netgalley and Bookouture.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murder on the Clock is #4 in the Mercy McCarthy series. Mercy and her sister Lizzie (twins) live in a lovely Irish town. Mercy is a writer of mysteries and Lizzie now runs a bookshop left to them by their grandfather.  As well as the here and now mystery, Lizzie and Mercy sometimes feel someone watching and following them. Is it their mysterious father that they never knew. Well we still don't know - maybe one day!

This time around a shop is broken into and the shop owner is injured and barely alive. Of course Mercy and her friends find him. Later Lizzie and Mercy find someone else - this time dead, So Mercy has something to get her investigative juices into. Kieran the local gardai has finally given in and invites her along on various interviews. They are becoming quite a couple.

They mystery was interesting and I thought it could be a few people, however when all was revealed it made sense.

I enjoyed the book and look forward to another in the Mercy McCarthy mystery series. Oh and it was nice to see Lizzie might have someone that makes her blush.

[DJ Sakata · Rating 5 out of 5]

Favorite Quotes:

“I wondered if I could speak to you about last night,” I said. “By speak to me, do you mean give me the third degree on what we’ve discovered so far?” “It’s like you know me or something.”

He gave me that stare. The one that said he wasn’t putting up with any shenanigans. But I liked shenanigans. Sometimes that was the only way to get people to be honest.

They are a daft bunch. But I can’t see them killing someone. None of them are bright enough to get away with it.

Ugh. I tried not to judge people. Honestly. But that woman was a parasite.

My Review:

This series has been a delightful treat and just keeps getting better and better. I enjoy Lucy Connelly’s wry wit, amusing storytelling, and scene-stealing dog named Mr. Poe. She has created a quaint Irish village populated with quirky characters with various family dramas that are familiar to any culture, yet authentically unique. Her writing is engaging and well-honed with an easy flow that scrolls through my gray matter like a movie reel. I am eagerly awaiting the next installment.

[J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mercy and her sister Lizzie inherited a bookstore and home in Ireland and have relocated from the US after the loss of their loved ones. Mercy writes mysteries while her sister runs the bookshop, and they have settled into the small town and made good friends. Mercy takes her mother’s watch to a repair shop to fix and gift to her sister for their birthday, but then the shop is burgled and the owner is in a coma. Mercy, of course, can’t help doing investigating and this time, Kieran, the local detective, puts her on the case as a consultant. The relationship between Kieran and Mercy is developing slowly and naturally. I love the characters in this story and the little town is something you want to be a part of! The mystery was well-done and I thoroughly enjoyed the story. If you like cozy mysteries, books, and Irish villages, you will want to cozy up with this book.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the ARC.