What do you think?
Rate this book
In Plain Sight
A brutal killer is stalking the streets of Dublin. She’s the only one who can stop him—if her past doesn’t destroy her first.
Darcy has always dreamed of joining the serious crime detectives of the NBCI. She finally gets her chance to prove herself on what should have been an open-and-shut case—but it quickly turns into a race against time to stop the multiple sadistic killings of women on the streets of Dublin.
To show her the ropes, she is assigned a once-brilliant but now washed-out detective, Mick Kelly, who should have retired years ago. Darcy fears that if, or rather when, he screws up, she will crash and burn along with him.
So far in her career, she has always managed to keep her secretive past hidden. But as they close in on the killer, her past is coming back to haunt her.
Can she save the next victim from the relentless killer—and at the same time, save herself from her own past?
In Plain Sight is a fast-paced and gritty Irish crime thriller packed with psychological suspense, emotional depth, and a flawed, unforgettable female detective.
Perfect for fans of Patricia Gibney, Jane Casey, Catherine Ryan Howard, and Tana French.
📖 Start reading today and uncover the secrets hiding in plain sight.
PRAISE FOR JOSEPH BIRCHALL
“Calling all crime fiction fans, there’s a new talent in town. Joseph Birchall brings the darkest corners of Dublin to life with thrilling verve.”
— Bernice Barrington, author of Sisters and Lies
“In Plain Sight grips you from the first page and refuses to let go. Joseph Birchall delivers a masterful thriller that announces a brilliant new voice in Irish crime fiction—one that deserves a place alongside the genre’s finest.”
— Jean Grainger, USA Today bestselling author
Darcy has always dreamed of joining the serious crime detectives of the NBCI. She finally gets her chance to prove herself on what should have been an open-and-shut case—but it quickly turns into a race against time to stop the multiple sadistic killings of women on the streets of Dublin.
To show her the ropes, she is assigned a once-brilliant but now washed-out detective, Mick Kelly, who should have retired years ago. Darcy fears that if, or rather when, he screws up, she will crash and burn along with him.
So far in her career, she has always managed to keep her secretive past hidden. But as they close in on the killer, her past is coming back to haunt her.
Can she save the next victim from the relentless killer—and at the same time, save herself from her own past?
In Plain Sight is a fast-paced and gritty Irish crime thriller packed with psychological suspense, emotional depth, and a flawed, unforgettable female detective.
Perfect for fans of Patricia Gibney, Jane Casey, Catherine Ryan Howard, and Tana French.
📖 Start reading today and uncover the secrets hiding in plain sight.
PRAISE FOR JOSEPH BIRCHALL
“Calling all crime fiction fans, there’s a new talent in town. Joseph Birchall brings the darkest corners of Dublin to life with thrilling verve.”
— Bernice Barrington, author of Sisters and Lies
“In Plain Sight grips you from the first page and refuses to let go. Joseph Birchall delivers a masterful thriller that announces a brilliant new voice in Irish crime fiction—one that deserves a place alongside the genre’s finest.”
— Jean Grainger, USA Today bestselling author
450 pages, Paperback
First published June 3, 2025
15 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
May 30, 2025
This was an incredible read. It had me gripped right from the start and I couldn't wait to get back to it as soon as I could. It's set in Dublin too so I liked the familiarity having lived there for many years. The main characters of Darcy and Mick are great, two people who are so different yet are thrown together to investigate the murder of a woman in her home. Darcy is young and determined while Mick is jaded and an alcoholic who was a terrific detective in his prime.
The story was so easy to read. I loved it, as much for the dialogue as for the plot. It is intense, intriguing and the tension ramps up as the story speeds to the final conclusion. There's some surprising twists too , all the ingredients for a top notch story. I hope this is going to be the start of a series. I would love to read more involving this duo.
The story was so easy to read. I loved it, as much for the dialogue as for the plot. It is intense, intriguing and the tension ramps up as the story speeds to the final conclusion. There's some surprising twists too , all the ingredients for a top notch story. I hope this is going to be the start of a series. I would love to read more involving this duo.
June 15, 2025
This gripping debut novel by Joseph Birchall had me hooked from the very beginning. Set in Dublin, it follows the unlikely pairing of young, driven Darcy and Mick, a once-great detective now battling alcoholism, as they investigate a woman’s murder. The story is fast-paced, filled with sharp dialogue, escalating tension, and unexpected twists. I found it incredibly readable and compelling, with a dynamic duo I’d love to see in future books. A rollercoaster of a read I couldn’t put down.
Thank you Book Siren & Joseph Birchall for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you Book Siren & Joseph Birchall for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
June 19, 2025
Slow Burn. Twisty Turns. One Fierce FMC.
In Plain Sight is a crime fiction thriller that takes its time—but once it gets going, it really goes. What begins as a slow burn gradually unravels into a dark, twist-laced ride full of psychological suspense and layered storytelling.
Told through multiple POVs, the story keeps you guessing—not just about the mystery, but about who is narrating each chapter. And while that unpredictability adds intrigue, it also causes a bit of confusion. A simple note about whose perspective we’re in would’ve gone a long way in helping the reader stay oriented, especially with so many characters to keep track of.
That said, the payoff is well worth it. As the plot threads start connecting, the pace accelerates and the tension spikes. You’ll go from inching through the beginning to racing through the second half.
Darcy, the FMC, is an absolute force. She’s navigating her own trauma while hunting a serial killer—and she does it with grit, determination, and real depth. Her arc gives the story heart, grounding the chaos in something raw and relatable.
With strong plot twists, layered characters, and a gripping finale, In Plain Sight ends up being a great murder mystery that rewards your patience. If you like your thrillers dark, psychological, and full of surprises, this one’s worth the ride.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
In Plain Sight is a crime fiction thriller that takes its time—but once it gets going, it really goes. What begins as a slow burn gradually unravels into a dark, twist-laced ride full of psychological suspense and layered storytelling.
Told through multiple POVs, the story keeps you guessing—not just about the mystery, but about who is narrating each chapter. And while that unpredictability adds intrigue, it also causes a bit of confusion. A simple note about whose perspective we’re in would’ve gone a long way in helping the reader stay oriented, especially with so many characters to keep track of.
That said, the payoff is well worth it. As the plot threads start connecting, the pace accelerates and the tension spikes. You’ll go from inching through the beginning to racing through the second half.
Darcy, the FMC, is an absolute force. She’s navigating her own trauma while hunting a serial killer—and she does it with grit, determination, and real depth. Her arc gives the story heart, grounding the chaos in something raw and relatable.
With strong plot twists, layered characters, and a gripping finale, In Plain Sight ends up being a great murder mystery that rewards your patience. If you like your thrillers dark, psychological, and full of surprises, this one’s worth the ride.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 26, 2025
Wow! What an utterly gripping read!
This book grabs you from page 1 and doesn't let go. If I could give it 10 ⭐ I would!
If you like a book with drama, tension, intrigue and grit, then you've come to the right place.
Mick, our previously revered but now almost washed up Garda Inspector, and Darcy, our keen, newly appointed Detective Sergeant with her own demons and secrets, are teamed up to investigate a sinister and brutal murder, but that's just the start. There's so much more and so many layers that I was flying through the pages.
At times I was laughing at the humour, at other times I gasped out loud, and at others, I shook my head in awe as the tale went in yet another shocking direction. This book has absolutely everything, it's a cross between Red Rock on steroids and Life on Mars in the present day.
I'm so grateful to the author and BookSirens for the ARC, and this is my honest review.
As for the ending, well, another huge twist, with all the loose ends tied up as smoothly as one of Mike's pints of Guinness.
This is one of the best crime thrillers I have ever read, and I've read a lot!
This book grabs you from page 1 and doesn't let go. If I could give it 10 ⭐ I would!
If you like a book with drama, tension, intrigue and grit, then you've come to the right place.
Mick, our previously revered but now almost washed up Garda Inspector, and Darcy, our keen, newly appointed Detective Sergeant with her own demons and secrets, are teamed up to investigate a sinister and brutal murder, but that's just the start. There's so much more and so many layers that I was flying through the pages.
At times I was laughing at the humour, at other times I gasped out loud, and at others, I shook my head in awe as the tale went in yet another shocking direction. This book has absolutely everything, it's a cross between Red Rock on steroids and Life on Mars in the present day.
I'm so grateful to the author and BookSirens for the ARC, and this is my honest review.
As for the ending, well, another huge twist, with all the loose ends tied up as smoothly as one of Mike's pints of Guinness.
This is one of the best crime thrillers I have ever read, and I've read a lot!
July 16, 2025
Wow did I get this one wrong🤣🤣I knew Conor was….ok but I missed the boat on who. I was totally not expecting that one. Definitely thought something else. This was really good. And I like Mick & Darcy as a team. They work well together. I hope there will be more to come. It was a great cast of characters all around and a really good mystery.
July 2, 2025
In Plain Sight by Joseph Birchall was released in June 2025 with Poolbeg Press and is described as ‘a dark and atmospheric Irish murder mystery that will keep you guessing'. It is the first book in the Detective Darcy Doyle series where she fulfils her ambition of becoming a serious crime detective as a member of the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation (NBCI). In this absolutely cracking debut crime novel Joseph Birchall never lets the tension drop taking the reader on a fast-paced and riveting journey through the darker sides of Dublin.
Darcy Doyle had it rough in her childhood years, facing challenges that most of us would struggle to comprehend. From a young age she was driven to succeed, but society had other ideas, taking its toll on her as time passed. But, through a chance encounter, her life was turned around, with her eventually being given the opportunity to join the police force. As a member of An Garda Síochána, Darcy worked with the Domestic Violence unit and was good at her job but the NBCI was where she really wanted to be.
Mick Kelly is a senior member of the NBCI team but in recent times he has been deemed a bit of a washout. Having once garnered great respect among colleagues and criminals as a tough character, his reputation is now in decline. His life is in downfall with many of his workmates now laughing at the state of him, making snide remarks and being generally cruel in their comments. But Mick Kelly has reasons for his current state of being. He is fully aware of how low he has fallen from grace.
When the body of a women is discovered in her home, Darcy is drafted into the NBCI and partnered up with Mick Kelly. The general consensus is that this case is relatively straight-forward and the optics look good from the perspective of the powers that be, adding a young female officer to the team.
Darcy Doyle and Mick Kelly are thrown together in a race against time as it soon becomes very clear that a killer is on the loose. When a second body of a woman is discovered, brutally attacked, the team are left in very little doubt that they have to move very, very fast.
Darcy Doyle and Mick Kelly are a brilliant pairing. She isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty and he has nothing to lose. Darcy’s story lingers in the background with snatches of her past drip-fed to the reader as the story unfolds. With brilliant dialogue and Irish wit, Mick Kelly is fabulously cast and very easy to visualise. A perfect series for streaming I would think (just saying).
Brilliantly executed, it really is difficult to fathom how this is a debut author. With three books expected in this series, it’s really exciting to see where Joseph Birchall will take Darcy Doyle to next. Gritty and compelling, with a storyline that never releases, In Plain Sight is a top-class police procedural/crime fiction novel. The pages really do turn themselves, as the plot moves furiously along, with plenty of unexpected yet brilliantly conceived storylines, all interweaving seamlessly and taking the reader on a heart-thumping and tense journey. Congratulations to Joseph Birchall on a seriously impressive debut!
Darcy Doyle had it rough in her childhood years, facing challenges that most of us would struggle to comprehend. From a young age she was driven to succeed, but society had other ideas, taking its toll on her as time passed. But, through a chance encounter, her life was turned around, with her eventually being given the opportunity to join the police force. As a member of An Garda Síochána, Darcy worked with the Domestic Violence unit and was good at her job but the NBCI was where she really wanted to be.
Mick Kelly is a senior member of the NBCI team but in recent times he has been deemed a bit of a washout. Having once garnered great respect among colleagues and criminals as a tough character, his reputation is now in decline. His life is in downfall with many of his workmates now laughing at the state of him, making snide remarks and being generally cruel in their comments. But Mick Kelly has reasons for his current state of being. He is fully aware of how low he has fallen from grace.
When the body of a women is discovered in her home, Darcy is drafted into the NBCI and partnered up with Mick Kelly. The general consensus is that this case is relatively straight-forward and the optics look good from the perspective of the powers that be, adding a young female officer to the team.
Darcy Doyle and Mick Kelly are thrown together in a race against time as it soon becomes very clear that a killer is on the loose. When a second body of a woman is discovered, brutally attacked, the team are left in very little doubt that they have to move very, very fast.
Darcy Doyle and Mick Kelly are a brilliant pairing. She isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty and he has nothing to lose. Darcy’s story lingers in the background with snatches of her past drip-fed to the reader as the story unfolds. With brilliant dialogue and Irish wit, Mick Kelly is fabulously cast and very easy to visualise. A perfect series for streaming I would think (just saying).
Brilliantly executed, it really is difficult to fathom how this is a debut author. With three books expected in this series, it’s really exciting to see where Joseph Birchall will take Darcy Doyle to next. Gritty and compelling, with a storyline that never releases, In Plain Sight is a top-class police procedural/crime fiction novel. The pages really do turn themselves, as the plot moves furiously along, with plenty of unexpected yet brilliantly conceived storylines, all interweaving seamlessly and taking the reader on a heart-thumping and tense journey. Congratulations to Joseph Birchall on a seriously impressive debut!
June 7, 2025
Joseph Birchall's In Plain Sight follows Detective Darcy Doyle's first case on her dream job at the National Bureau of Crime Investigation.
The NBCI’s male-dominated culture leaves Darcy isolated, with no one eager to be her partner. With his glorious days behind him, Mick Kelly steps up to mentor her.
Their case involves the gruesome murder of a young woman. They have their work cut out for them, as the crime scene has no DNA trace. Soon, they realise that there is more to the case than what they see.
The writing style is crisp and clean. The book is gripping right from the first page to the last. The author creates a suspenseful atmosphere that moves swiftly from one scene to the next. The book has multiple twists and reveals, making it an unputdownable read.
The scenes where the detectives brainstorm the case are my favourite.
Detective Darcy Doyle is the protagonist with a tragic and difficult past. She is pragmatic and observant making her a likeable character.
Mick Kelly is a sceptical and sarcastic Detective. He was once a celebrated detective, but an incident from his past has left him with almost no cases. His character slowly grows on the reader.
Every character is seamlessly woven into the narrative, making them easy to remember and connect with. The author has given everyone a solid and meaningful backstory. The growing bond between the characters is authentic and nice to read. Apart from the main plot, the troubled relationship between parents and children is a prominent theme in the book.
This is a must-read for all thriller lovers.
I received an advance review copy in exchange for an honest review.
The NBCI’s male-dominated culture leaves Darcy isolated, with no one eager to be her partner. With his glorious days behind him, Mick Kelly steps up to mentor her.
Their case involves the gruesome murder of a young woman. They have their work cut out for them, as the crime scene has no DNA trace. Soon, they realise that there is more to the case than what they see.
The writing style is crisp and clean. The book is gripping right from the first page to the last. The author creates a suspenseful atmosphere that moves swiftly from one scene to the next. The book has multiple twists and reveals, making it an unputdownable read.
The scenes where the detectives brainstorm the case are my favourite.
Detective Darcy Doyle is the protagonist with a tragic and difficult past. She is pragmatic and observant making her a likeable character.
Mick Kelly is a sceptical and sarcastic Detective. He was once a celebrated detective, but an incident from his past has left him with almost no cases. His character slowly grows on the reader.
Every character is seamlessly woven into the narrative, making them easy to remember and connect with. The author has given everyone a solid and meaningful backstory. The growing bond between the characters is authentic and nice to read. Apart from the main plot, the troubled relationship between parents and children is a prominent theme in the book.
This is a must-read for all thriller lovers.
I received an advance review copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 2, 2025
An Irish police procedural, In Plain Sight (2025) by Joseph Birchall is a serial killer crime tale. Detective Darcy Doyle has just joined the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation (NBCI), when she is partnered by an experienced, if somewhat decrepit Detective Mick Kelly. The new detective team is tasked with investigating a woman’s murder, with the husband the likely suspect. However, a second similar murder complicates the case, as the new victim was the wife of a family criminal gang. As Darcy attempts to prove her worth, Mick is battling his failing reputation and failure to solve the double murders will be career ending. A first-rate crime mystery with a realistic, yet gritty edge with an unusual newly minted detective pairing that make a formidable team. A steady building tension and all too human detectives, makes for a four and a half star read rating. As always, the opinions herein are totally my own, freely given and without any inducement. With thanks to Poolbeg Press and the author for an uncorrected advanced review copy for review purposes.
June 12, 2025
This is the debut novel of author Joseph Birchall and one which I thought was just superb. I actually had to google to check if in fact it was a debut as it’s that good. Right from the prologue I was completely captivated and knew from the off it was going to be one of those books that I wouldn’t be able to put down. Talk about sending me on a rollercoaster of a ride there were so many twists and turns and none did I see coming. I loved the characters of Mick and Darcy and can’t wait to see how the author develops them over the series. Yes you read that right this is the first book in a brand new series by Birchall which is fantastic to hear . For those who follow my reviews on X and Instagram you will know I don’t often give a book 5⭐️ but with In Plain Sight it was 100% a five star read .
July 2, 2025
This one had me hooked from the start. I liked how we were introduced to the characters, whether they were part of the police/forensics teams or a potential victim. It really brought them to life. The novel was fast-paced, to the point where I was shocked it was after midnight and I had to put it down for the night (after another chapter or two).
I loved Mick. He cares, even when nobody else thinks he does. Darcy was a good partner for him, bringing him back to what mattered at the start of his career, as he seemed pretty jaded at the start of the novel.
The mystery was well done and I like that the reader was given some clues before Mick and Darcy (starting with that clock).
I would absolutely recommend this novel to other readers!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I loved Mick. He cares, even when nobody else thinks he does. Darcy was a good partner for him, bringing him back to what mattered at the start of his career, as he seemed pretty jaded at the start of the novel.
The mystery was well done and I like that the reader was given some clues before Mick and Darcy (starting with that clock).
I would absolutely recommend this novel to other readers!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 22, 2025
I thought this was a great book. It was a quick read because I had a real hard time putting it down. Just wanted to see what happened. Darcy is such a fascinating character, and I need more books about her. I thought her being partnered with Mick was perfect. I felt the characters were so well developed and are people I want to learn more about and see succeed. The mystery was very good and kept me on edge.
This is the first book I have read by Joseph Birchall, and I will most certainly be looking for more of his to read.
I received a copy of this ARC from Book Sirens; I want to thank them and the author for this free read. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is the first book I have read by Joseph Birchall, and I will most certainly be looking for more of his to read.
I received a copy of this ARC from Book Sirens; I want to thank them and the author for this free read. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 28, 2025
Such a great read! I thought I had this figured out about halfway through the book and BAM! out of left field comes this crazy twist I never saw. The characters were very well thought out and likeable. Fair warning, there are some rather graphic scenes and very vivid details regarding some incredibly deviant behavior. I look forward to reading more from the world of Doyle and Kelly!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 20, 2025
This story was so enjoyable that I could not believe it was a debut novel. I love the main characters and the way they interacted with each other, and there was so many twist and turns that I could not put the book down. I cannot wait to see what the author is going to do with these characters. I enjoyed them immensely in this story.
I received an ARC from BookSirens and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an ARC from BookSirens and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 29, 2025
I greatly enjoyed In Plain Sight. There were numerous times when I was sure I had it all figured out with a shiny bow, and read on and figured out that I indeed did not. Definitely recommend. I would love to read a sequel.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 14, 2025
Five stars does not do this book justice.
A gripping read, the first book in a new detective series set in Dublin. Really great twists in the plot that keeps your attention throughout
Did not want this book it to end! Looking forward to see what’s in store for the characters Darcy & Mick in the next book.
A gripping read, the first book in a new detective series set in Dublin. Really great twists in the plot that keeps your attention throughout
Did not want this book it to end! Looking forward to see what’s in store for the characters Darcy & Mick in the next book.
June 23, 2025
Found this book to be a great read, reminded me of some of the classic hard-boiled detective classics from Chandler / Rankin etc. with its dark humour, snappy dialogue, fast pace and many twists. Catches well the Dublin scene and its people's banter. A bit like the Benjamin Black books though more contemporary. If you like the above then you'll like this too.
May 27, 2025
Thanks to BookSirens, publishers and author for an ARC of In Plain Sight.
Wow. This book had me gripped from the start. I got annoyed when I had to get back to real life and had to put the book down. I loved the characters, the story and the setting.
Highly recommend.
Wow. This book had me gripped from the start. I got annoyed when I had to get back to real life and had to put the book down. I loved the characters, the story and the setting.
Highly recommend.
July 7, 2025
really good actually, set in ireland and girl gets her chance in NCBI and is paired with Mick Kelly who used to be really good detective 'Colombo Kelly' and they fight against time to stop a serial killer, real twisty novel
June 4, 2025
A quick pace psychological thriller. I was immediately drawn into the characters. I always love the surprise twist at the end.
Thanks to Book Sirens for the ARC for a voluntarily honest review.
Thanks to Book Sirens for the ARC for a voluntarily honest review.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews