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Where All Roads Meet: A witty and warm mystery set in rural Ireland

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SECRETS, LIES, AND A CRIME THAT HITS TOO CLOSE TO HOME

When an old flame returns from Italy to sweep local married woman Babs Wheatley off her feet, the rug is truly pulled from under her when—just twenty-four hours later—he turns up murdered.

Garda Caitlín Kennedy and her colleagues at Ballantur Garda Station are hard-pressed to solve the case with so little to go on. Meanwhile, life in the small Irish village rumbles on—with summer events, presidential visits, and even a cross-country rally complicating matters.

As Caitlín juggles her role in the security team for JFK’s visit to Galway and her unlikely debut as a rally driver, the murder investigation spirals. With Sergeant Lamb breathing down her neck and tensions rising, Caitlín follows a dangerous lead—one that takes her far from Ballantur to the sun-drenched olive groves of Sicily.

A charming and suspenseful mystery for fans of cosy crime with heart, humour, and historical flair.

314 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 8, 2025

3 people are currently reading
8 people want to read

About the author

Marie O'Connor

7 books2 followers

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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
Profile Image for Lynseygibs.
356 reviews3 followers
August 15, 2025
Thanks to BookSirens, publishers and author for an ARC of Where All Roads Meet.

Set in rural Ireland in the 1960s, this book had a little rustic feel to it, a bit like listening to an older relatives ramblings. In all it was enjoyable and I will be going back to read book 1 in the series next.
Profile Image for Lu.
554 reviews
July 24, 2025
I received this book as an ARC reader for Book Sirens and this is my honest opinion.

This is the second book set in a small Irish town in 1961, and even though I didn’t read the first one, the author provides enough details from the past that I figured out what happened.

Caitlin Kennedy is a young Irish policewoman, (Bangharda), who loves solving murders more than the everyday boring police work. Her supervisor is a typical male who doesn’t think she can perform her duties as well as her male counterparts. She is also up against some of the townspeople's difficulty with the idea of a woman on the force. However, she is dedicated, full of energy with great ideas and she doesn’t let anyone hold her back. She is also on the local woman’s camogie club/team (look that one up!).

There are multiple side characters involved and their stories are included until it’s a bit much at times. The plot twists over, around and under from the initial murder to car racing, trips to Cornwall and out of the country, a visit by the American President and extensive background information on the victim and a friend. It does seem as though anything that can happen to Caitlin will happen. Phew!

There are a few uses of the “f bomb”, other than that, this is a clean, cozy murder mystery. It’s best to read it consistently in order to keep track of the characters. Overall, it was a pleasant read. I am not likely to read book three as there are other books on my list that I enjoy more.


I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Marcia Crabtree.
284 reviews7 followers
July 30, 2025
I enjoyed reading Marie O’Connor’s debut novel, “Whispers on Main Street,” shortly after it’s publication in January, 2024, thinking it a cute “whodunnit” story set in a quaint, quiet, small Irish town where everyone knows everything about everybody but where facts become garbled as they are told and retold and retold, akin to a game of telephone. It was light and easy to read, and the characters were all likable and easy to root for. After reading Ms. O’Connor’s debut, I was looking forward to her next novel, and I’m thankful to BookSirens for giving me an advanced reader’s copy prior to publication.

My review of Ms. O’Connor’s sophomore book, “ Where All Roads Meet, is entirely voluntary. Just like “Whispers on Main Street,” it’s a light, easy read that doesn’t command any deep thoughts or emotions. Like her debut, it’s also a murder mystery set in a small Irish town, where everyone knows everyone, and it’s hard to keep secrets. Again, the characters are mostly extremely likable, and it’s easy to root for them and also easy to choose who to root for and who not so much. While I expected a bit more from Ms. O’Connor’s second book in terms of a more polished style or maybe a more clever plot, which I didn’t find, I nevertheless was equally as entertained by this book as the first and definitely enjoyed reading it and recommend it to anyone, especially those who enjoy murder mysteries with a lot of humor and misdirection.
Profile Image for Joan F.
1 review
August 9, 2025
This book is an easy, enjoyable read set in a small Irish town in the 1960s, with a warm mix of mystery, humour, and charm. The story follows policewoman Caitlin Kennedy, who finds herself caught up in a murder investigation that takes her from the quiet Mayo streets to the sweeping scenery of Cornwall, and the sunlit beauty of Sicily. Along the way there are plenty of colourful moments, from car chases to light-hearted encounters that bring a smile.
What stood out most to me was how well the atmosphere of the time was captured. There’s a real sense of small-town life in Ireland during that era, complete with local events, familiar faces, and even a presidential visit. The author’s attention to historical detail is impressive, with each setting—whether at home or abroad—described in a way that feels authentic. The scenes set in Sicily, in particular, are rich with background and history, adding great depth to the story without slowing it down. The characters are well developed and back stories are told of each one, so you remember each character.
The combination of mystery, humour, and travel keeps the pace lively, and the charming, and not so charming, characters make you want to stay in their world for a little longer. A delightful read that’s well worth five stars. It will keep you guessing until the end!
Profile Image for Jacqueline.
602 reviews17 followers
July 11, 2025
I am an ARC reader for Book Sirens and this is my honest opinion. This second book set in a small Irish town in 1961, and it's Bangharda (Irish policewoman) Caitlin Kennedy, still struggling against misogyny and some of the townspeople's difficulty with the idea of a woman on the Gharda force continues to entertain. Nevertheless her energy and initiative prove impossible for the grumpy Guarda sergeant to ignore even though he'd like to. A character readers of book 1 met when she was accused of murder finds herself once again in a suspicious and complicated situation. Caitlin's faith in her innocence takes them on a trip to Sicily and a run in with the mafia. It does seem as though anything that can happen to these two women will happen. This book, like book 1, is a bit of a farce at times, a murder mystery with a convoluted mystery - and a visit from President JFK, who Caitlin manages to meet - unexpectedly. I doubt Sergeant Lamb will be so keen to close down the pirate radio in future books. I couldn't put it down by the time I'd got half way through. I look forward to episode 3!
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews

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