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Irish Village Mystery #12
Murder at an Irish Session
As pregnant Siobhán O’Sullivan awaits bringing her new life into the world, she’s bringing new life to her village of Kilbane in County Cork, Ireland, with a music and matchmaking festival. But one matchmaker is about to find out that Cupid’s arrow can be fatal in the latest Irish Village Mystery from
USA Today
bestselling author Carlene O’Connor.
Siobhán loves to see the joy playing trad music brings to her brother Ciaran, but his concern that he’ll never find a mate pulls at her heartstrings. So she proposes that Kilbane host a music and matchmaking festival to draw single trad musicians. While renowned matchmaker Liam Noone plays Cupid with his Lucky Book, music—and hopefully love—will fill the pubs and the autumn air.
Turning over his precious Lucky Book to Siobhán for safekeeping, Liam takes the stage to introduce matched musician couples who will kick off the festival in the town square. Suddenly all goes black. When the lights come back on, the matchmaker has met his maker, impaled through the heart with an arrow made from the sharpened bow of a bass.
Was it the fiddle player, the flute player, the drummer, the piper, the squeeze box player, or the bass player who struck a sour note? Garda Siobhán and her husband Macdara must pick up the tempo to make whoever committed this crime of passion face the music…
Siobhán loves to see the joy playing trad music brings to her brother Ciaran, but his concern that he’ll never find a mate pulls at her heartstrings. So she proposes that Kilbane host a music and matchmaking festival to draw single trad musicians. While renowned matchmaker Liam Noone plays Cupid with his Lucky Book, music—and hopefully love—will fill the pubs and the autumn air.
Turning over his precious Lucky Book to Siobhán for safekeeping, Liam takes the stage to introduce matched musician couples who will kick off the festival in the town square. Suddenly all goes black. When the lights come back on, the matchmaker has met his maker, impaled through the heart with an arrow made from the sharpened bow of a bass.
Was it the fiddle player, the flute player, the drummer, the piper, the squeeze box player, or the bass player who struck a sour note? Garda Siobhán and her husband Macdara must pick up the tempo to make whoever committed this crime of passion face the music…
288 pages, Hardcover
First published February 24, 2026
162 people are currently reading
592 people want to read
About the author
Carlene O'Connor
37 books2,638 followersCarlene O’Connor is the USA Today Bestselling author of The Irish Village Mystery Series, The Home to Ireland Series and the County Kerry Mystery series. The first in the County Kerry Series, NO STRANGERS HERE received a starred review from Kirkus and was the Mystery Pick of the Month at Barnes and Noble in September of 2023. Of all the places across the pond she’s wandered, she fell most in love with a walled town in County Limerick and was inspired to create the town of Kilbane, County Cork. She currently lives in New Mexico.
https://carleneoconnor.net/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
September 24, 2025
#MurderatanIrishSession #NetGalley is the twelfth book in this cozy series.
Siobhan is pregnant with twins but that doesn't stop her from investigating a murder in her little Irish town.
Music and matchmaking is the theme of this book, and while it seems like a unique concept to match couples, things take a horrible turn when the matchmaker is found dead, with an arrow through his heart.
I enjoyed this book and it was fun to meet such interesting characters as those in #MurderatanIrishSession
Siobhan is pregnant with twins but that doesn't stop her from investigating a murder in her little Irish town.
Music and matchmaking is the theme of this book, and while it seems like a unique concept to match couples, things take a horrible turn when the matchmaker is found dead, with an arrow through his heart.
I enjoyed this book and it was fun to meet such interesting characters as those in #MurderatanIrishSession
February 23, 2026
My ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This book reminded me of my favorite movie, The Matchmaker with Janeane Garofalo, based on a real matchmaking festival in Lisdoonvarna. It’s nice to see the O’Sullivan family continue to grow and grow up through these cozy mysteries.
November 8, 2025
Murder at an Irish Session by Carlene O'Connor is a great cozy mystery that is the 12th book in the Irish Village Mystery series.
I have read all of the books in this series, and it definitely pays to read up as you will enjoy each book so much more if you know the background of each within the character cast.
I love the location of the novels within the village of Kilbane in County Cork, Ireland. The O’ Sullivan family never leaves the reader with a dull moment and I have always liked Siobhán and Macdara and their relationship does not deter from the series. In fact their banter, chemistry, and the way they care about each other and their families says it all.
This murder/mystery involving a hired Matchmaker for a festival, all hands are on deck to solve this puzzling demise.
4/5 stars
Thank you NG and Kensington Books for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 2/24/26.
I have read all of the books in this series, and it definitely pays to read up as you will enjoy each book so much more if you know the background of each within the character cast.
I love the location of the novels within the village of Kilbane in County Cork, Ireland. The O’ Sullivan family never leaves the reader with a dull moment and I have always liked Siobhán and Macdara and their relationship does not deter from the series. In fact their banter, chemistry, and the way they care about each other and their families says it all.
This murder/mystery involving a hired Matchmaker for a festival, all hands are on deck to solve this puzzling demise.
4/5 stars
Thank you NG and Kensington Books for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 2/24/26.
February 17, 2026
"Murder at an Irish Session (An Irish Village Mystery Book 12)" by Carlene O'Connor is a very mildly police procedural style cozy mystery, if you're not familiar with the series. Siobhán O’Sullivan is pregnant with twins and from how she's described I'm surprised she thinks she can still hide the pregnancy. Especially with everyone new she meets hinting at her size/physical fitness. She and her husband both work for the same department so one will have to transfer eventually since there isn't enough need for both of them in their hometown. I would have to disagree since we're on book 12 and there were two deaths in this one alone.
Siobhán has invited a famous match maker to their town to put together a matchmaking event specifically for musicians. She's trying to set up one of her brothers that was threatening to leave Ireland to find romantic partner that understands his fiddling ways. The matchmaker ends up being more of a scammer and his poor behavior catches up to him quickly.
Siobhán has invited a famous match maker to their town to put together a matchmaking event specifically for musicians. She's trying to set up one of her brothers that was threatening to leave Ireland to find romantic partner that understands his fiddling ways. The matchmaker ends up being more of a scammer and his poor behavior catches up to him quickly.
November 13, 2025
Life for the newly promoted Detective Sergeant Siobhán O’Sullivan, is pretty good. She's expecting twins with husband Macdara and has recently organised a music and matchmaking festival for her home village of Kilbane in Ireland. But when murder strikes a discordant note and both love and clues are in short supply, it's up to Siobhán, Macdara, and the Kilbane Gardai to find the killer before everyone leaves town and responsibility behind.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Kensington Publishing, Kensington Cosies, but the opinions expressed are my own. I thoroughly enjoyed this, and even though I worked out whodunit fairly early on, it was still an excellent read, and I could have been wrong! I hope Macdara's mum will appear again. Her opinions, especially about mothers to be are priceless. There are no spoilers, so this can be read as a standalone.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Kensington Publishing, Kensington Cosies, but the opinions expressed are my own. I thoroughly enjoyed this, and even though I worked out whodunit fairly early on, it was still an excellent read, and I could have been wrong! I hope Macdara's mum will appear again. Her opinions, especially about mothers to be are priceless. There are no spoilers, so this can be read as a standalone.
February 27, 2026
4 1/2 stars. Another fantastic mystery to keep you guessing. It took me longer to figure this one out than most of the mysteries I read. The author always does a great job of coming up with interesting crime scenes. The twin innkeepers had an extra special role this time. I also purchased the audio version because they’re so well done. I love the narrator that does the series. It’s been so fun to see the growth and development of the family over the years since book one. Siobhan and Macdara have a lot of changes coming, and I can’t wait to see how they handle them.
October 15, 2025
Detective Sergeant Siobhan O'Sullivan lives in the small village of Kilbane, County Cork, Ireland, with her husband and several of her siblings. She has raised them since their parents' untimely death years ago. But when her youngest brother Ciaran tells her that he is thinking of moving to Australia to find a mate, she's upset.
Since Ciaran is a fiddle player, she contacts a matchmaker that specializes in connecting musicians with one another, and he arrives soon for a weekend of events and trad sessions of music. Siobhan takes an instant dislike to Liam Noone, but decides to keep a far berth, knowing this is for Ciaran. It doesn't last long when on the first night Liam is found dead, shot through the heart with a makeshift arrow -- the bow from a double bass.
All the attendees are now suspects, including Liam's two assistants who traveled with him. When Siobhan and her husband, Detective Sergeant Macdara, start investigating, the find that Liam had made many enemies along the way, and there is more to the matches he made than meets the eye. In fact, it seems that all of them are arguing among themselves, and she discovers that secrets run deep, and lies abound.
It doesn't help that Siobhan is pregnant with twins, and feeling queasy at the most inopportune times with morning sickness. But she's determined to do her job, and get to the truth, no matter what it takes. Unfortunately, it may take more than she's at first aware of, and all she knows is that there is still a killer out there who might not be done with the game...
This is the 12th book in the series, and I have grown to love these characters. The books have evolved, and the characters are growing right along with the books. We have watched them as children now grown, with all the problems that comes with it. There is no doubt that Siobhan loves her family and would do anything for them; and loves her husband so much that she is willing to put up with his overbearing mother, who is trying to make sure that Siobhan's job doesn't harm "her grandchildren." All I can say about that is that I am glad I have the mother-in-law that I do. I am more grateful for her each day. (ha).
The mystery itself is done well and it's not easy to decipher the murderer, which is how a mystery should be. There are plenty of red herrings, and suspects are everywhere. You must sift through the issues and the lies to get to the truth; and not everyone is forthcoming about their privacy. It makes it tough going for the garda, and a most intriguing mystery.
In the end, it all comes together nicely, as the murderer is indeed a surprise. The reasons for the killing are as old as time, but we can never see into the mind of a killer, nor, I think, would many of us want to do so. It would make for a rough life. But as with the other books in this series, this one is a delight to read, and I look forward to the next in the series. Highly recommended.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley but this in no way influenced my review.
Since Ciaran is a fiddle player, she contacts a matchmaker that specializes in connecting musicians with one another, and he arrives soon for a weekend of events and trad sessions of music. Siobhan takes an instant dislike to Liam Noone, but decides to keep a far berth, knowing this is for Ciaran. It doesn't last long when on the first night Liam is found dead, shot through the heart with a makeshift arrow -- the bow from a double bass.
All the attendees are now suspects, including Liam's two assistants who traveled with him. When Siobhan and her husband, Detective Sergeant Macdara, start investigating, the find that Liam had made many enemies along the way, and there is more to the matches he made than meets the eye. In fact, it seems that all of them are arguing among themselves, and she discovers that secrets run deep, and lies abound.
It doesn't help that Siobhan is pregnant with twins, and feeling queasy at the most inopportune times with morning sickness. But she's determined to do her job, and get to the truth, no matter what it takes. Unfortunately, it may take more than she's at first aware of, and all she knows is that there is still a killer out there who might not be done with the game...
This is the 12th book in the series, and I have grown to love these characters. The books have evolved, and the characters are growing right along with the books. We have watched them as children now grown, with all the problems that comes with it. There is no doubt that Siobhan loves her family and would do anything for them; and loves her husband so much that she is willing to put up with his overbearing mother, who is trying to make sure that Siobhan's job doesn't harm "her grandchildren." All I can say about that is that I am glad I have the mother-in-law that I do. I am more grateful for her each day. (ha).
The mystery itself is done well and it's not easy to decipher the murderer, which is how a mystery should be. There are plenty of red herrings, and suspects are everywhere. You must sift through the issues and the lies to get to the truth; and not everyone is forthcoming about their privacy. It makes it tough going for the garda, and a most intriguing mystery.
In the end, it all comes together nicely, as the murderer is indeed a surprise. The reasons for the killing are as old as time, but we can never see into the mind of a killer, nor, I think, would many of us want to do so. It would make for a rough life. But as with the other books in this series, this one is a delight to read, and I look forward to the next in the series. Highly recommended.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley but this in no way influenced my review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Our beloved protagonist, Garda Siobhán O'Sullivan and detective Macdara Flannery, are at it again. Siobhán has passed her Detective Sargeant exam and she and Macdara are preparing for the arrival of their active twins. Meanwhile, the town is prepping for a grand event featuring a much esteemed matchmaker and a myriad of single Irish session musicians, including Siobhan's brother, Ciarán. The goal is to match up these musicians with their sympatico mates. On opening night, suddenly the lights go out and a scream is heard. Perhaps someone didn't care for their match as the matchmaker is no more. Siobhan and Macdara are immediately on it as we all know, "the show must go on!"
Author Carlene O'Connor has done a grand job of a laying out the Irish music session protocols. In one's mind can be heard the lovely strains of "The Lilting Banshee" and "The Silver Spear" as well as a pub full of grand craic. Ms. O'Connor's writing flows well; the dialogue is at times amusing yet also endearing; and the characters are well developed - each with their own demons and virtues. The best character of them all is that of Siobhán. She's bright, intelligent, plucky, caring and highly intuitive. Nothing gets past her. There is also a fair number of red herrings planted throughout the story. It's a well spun yarn which all comes to a satisfying conclusion. It's definitely among the better cozies I've read.
Although this twelfth book in series can stand on its own, the series is perhaps best enjoyed starting from the beginning as each book builds upon the last. If you enjoy a good cozy mysteries with an Irish lilt, then this is a series which I can easily commend to you.
I am grateful to Ms. O'Connor and her publisher, Kensington Books for having provided a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.
Publisher: Kensington Cozies
Publication date: February 24, 2026
Number of Pages: 288
ISBN: 978-1496744463
Author Carlene O'Connor has done a grand job of a laying out the Irish music session protocols. In one's mind can be heard the lovely strains of "The Lilting Banshee" and "The Silver Spear" as well as a pub full of grand craic. Ms. O'Connor's writing flows well; the dialogue is at times amusing yet also endearing; and the characters are well developed - each with their own demons and virtues. The best character of them all is that of Siobhán. She's bright, intelligent, plucky, caring and highly intuitive. Nothing gets past her. There is also a fair number of red herrings planted throughout the story. It's a well spun yarn which all comes to a satisfying conclusion. It's definitely among the better cozies I've read.
Although this twelfth book in series can stand on its own, the series is perhaps best enjoyed starting from the beginning as each book builds upon the last. If you enjoy a good cozy mysteries with an Irish lilt, then this is a series which I can easily commend to you.
I am grateful to Ms. O'Connor and her publisher, Kensington Books for having provided a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.
Publisher: Kensington Cozies
Publication date: February 24, 2026
Number of Pages: 288
ISBN: 978-1496744463
October 13, 2025
Siobhan and Dara are expecting twins! All of the O'Sullivan clan is thrilled, but Nana Flannery is not just thrilled, she has moved in and is set to direct Siobhan's life through her pregnancy and maybe beyond! Makes for some interesting family dynamics! As for the rest of the O'Sullivan gang, the focus is on the youngest, Ciaran this time around. As a fiddle player looking for love, his older sister sets out to help him find just that closer to home than the Australia he is threatening. She organizes a Matchmaking Irish Traditional Music Festival. When the Matchmaker King is found murdered on the night before the festival is set to officially kick off, all of the musicians he previously matched and brought with him along with his two associates and a few locals fall under suspicion. As Siobhan, now a Detective Sergeant deals with the early stages of pregnancy and it's associated hormone issues and sensitivities, she casts about looking for clues and interviewing suspects. When another of the suspects is found dead, she and Dara kick into high gear to get this solved before all of their suspects leave town.
I completely enjoyed this outing to Kilbane, even though we interacted much less than usual with the family, there was plenty to keep the story moving along and while I had the eventual killer on my suspect list, I kept talking myself into others until I was pretty much flummoxed.
If you have enjoyed the beautiful world Ms. O'Connor creates for us in past books in this series, you will like this one as well. More, it's just a great story with a well-crafted mystery and engaging characters. Crank up the Irish music, put your feet up and read this!
My thanks to NetGalley and Kensington for the chance to read an advance copy of this one in exchange for my honest thoughts.
I completely enjoyed this outing to Kilbane, even though we interacted much less than usual with the family, there was plenty to keep the story moving along and while I had the eventual killer on my suspect list, I kept talking myself into others until I was pretty much flummoxed.
If you have enjoyed the beautiful world Ms. O'Connor creates for us in past books in this series, you will like this one as well. More, it's just a great story with a well-crafted mystery and engaging characters. Crank up the Irish music, put your feet up and read this!
My thanks to NetGalley and Kensington for the chance to read an advance copy of this one in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Love and music often go hand in hand, which is why Irish professional matchmaker Liam Noone believes true love can be found within the bounds of a traditional Irish music session. Buoyed by the success of a previous session-related matchmaking experience, Liam is prepared to bring success to another endeavor. But not everything is as it seems, and when Liam is publicly murdered on the night his newest festival is set to launch, bedlam ensues. With a bevy of potential suspects and a slew of unanswered questions, law enforcement has the monumental task of identifying and detaining the murderer before they strike again. This cozy murder mystery is part of the An Irish Village Mystery series, and while references to previous tales appear within the text, this novel can stand on its own. Placed in the picturesque setting of the Irish town of Kilbane, the story incorporates both Irish cultural elements and relevant musical inclusions. While not everything relating to the nature of an Irish traditional music session is accurate, efforts have been made to respectfully represent this subculture within the story. Formulaic in its approach, the narrative is as readable and enjoyable as one would expect a cozy mystery to be. Elements of romantic connection are peppered throughout the story to add a level of lightness, and the discussions of murder are brief and tasteful, as well. The plot is engaging, and readers will appreciate following the journey as it winds toward the final reveal. Filled with the magic of Irish culture, this cozy murder mystery is well suited to fans of stories that feature amplified elements of real life combined with a touch of the macabre.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
MURDER AT AN IRISH SESSION is the twelfth book in the Irish Village Mystery series by Carlene O’Connor. I’ve been a longtime fan of this delightful series and have adored watching the progression and growth of the characters, in particular protagonist Detective Sergeant Siobhán O’Sullivan. After raising her orphaned siblings, making a career for herself with the Garda, then getting married, she and her detective sergeant husband, Dara, are expecting twins! When she should be resting and taking it easy (according to her mother-in-law) a music and matchmaking festival headed by Liam, Ireland’s “King of Matchmaking,” comes to their village of Kilbane. It doesn’t take long for discord and issues to follow in his wake, with his untimely death by arrow quick shortly after his arrival.
With her strong descriptive voice, the author sets an ominous tone with conflict happening right away. She’s highly skilled at crafting scenes to weave in the charming aspects of an Irish village with memorable characters while keeping the mystery forefront. The plotting is meticulous, and the pacing is spot-on, including the bits and pieces about traditional Irish music and sessions. These only add to the authenticity of the story without slowing it down. With plenty of suspects who had secrets to hide, I was kept guessing who the culprit was, which kept me invested in the story and turning pages. If you enjoy a character driving story with precise investigation procedures and atmospheric settings, then you’ll enjoy Murder at an Irish Session!
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
With her strong descriptive voice, the author sets an ominous tone with conflict happening right away. She’s highly skilled at crafting scenes to weave in the charming aspects of an Irish village with memorable characters while keeping the mystery forefront. The plotting is meticulous, and the pacing is spot-on, including the bits and pieces about traditional Irish music and sessions. These only add to the authenticity of the story without slowing it down. With plenty of suspects who had secrets to hide, I was kept guessing who the culprit was, which kept me invested in the story and turning pages. If you enjoy a character driving story with precise investigation procedures and atmospheric settings, then you’ll enjoy Murder at an Irish Session!
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 24, 2026
Even though Siobhan has her hands full, with her new promotion to Detective Sergeant as well as being pregnant with twins, she will always look after her siblings and their happiness. And in Murder at an Irish Session, the twelfth book in Carlene O'Connor's Irish Village Mystery series, the focus is on her younger brother Ciaran.
Seeing as Ciaran is a fiddler player and interested in music, when Siobhan learns of a matchmaker who combines music and love, she works with him and his assistants to host a festival in Kilbane. The host, Liam, brings his two assistants as well as a group of couples that he successfully matched a year ago to town.
Unfortunately, at the beginning of the festival there is a lighting problem and when it is fixed and the lights come back on, Liam is dead, shot in the heart by bow and arrow. Readers may think that this would be an easy case to solve, but with this being O'Connor's twelfth book, she knows what she is doing .... and she will have you guessing until the very end.
I am a huge fan of mysteries and cozy mysteries; however, I never try to solve the case. Although there have been a few times where I was pretty sure I knew who the guilty party was. I like to relax and read the story and just get lost in it all. O'Connor knows how to write the story keeping readers on the edge of their seats. And I hope you are a fan of this series as well and have come to love Siobhan, her family and Kilbane as much as I have. If not, you have plenty of time to catch up.
Seeing as Ciaran is a fiddler player and interested in music, when Siobhan learns of a matchmaker who combines music and love, she works with him and his assistants to host a festival in Kilbane. The host, Liam, brings his two assistants as well as a group of couples that he successfully matched a year ago to town.
Unfortunately, at the beginning of the festival there is a lighting problem and when it is fixed and the lights come back on, Liam is dead, shot in the heart by bow and arrow. Readers may think that this would be an easy case to solve, but with this being O'Connor's twelfth book, she knows what she is doing .... and she will have you guessing until the very end.
I am a huge fan of mysteries and cozy mysteries; however, I never try to solve the case. Although there have been a few times where I was pretty sure I knew who the guilty party was. I like to relax and read the story and just get lost in it all. O'Connor knows how to write the story keeping readers on the edge of their seats. And I hope you are a fan of this series as well and have come to love Siobhan, her family and Kilbane as much as I have. If not, you have plenty of time to catch up.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Murder at the Irish Session
Carlene O’Connor
February 24, 2026
The Matchmaking King set up a session to hold a matchmaking session combined with musical notes at Fitzgerald’s Pub. The festival was set for a week. Many of the towns were thrilled to participate as well as observe as such a jamboree had never taken place in the village. When he arrived in Kilbane, it was set for Siobhan to greet him and his entourage. Musicians came from around the country with a few from Kilbane including Siobhan’s brother, Ciaran. Being an accomplished fiddler, he had hoped to find a lady when the crowds started to arrive.
Murder at the Irish Session will be published by Kensington Publishing Corporation on February 24, 2026. I was able to read O’Connor’s latest novel via NetGalley. Being a true Irish Village Mystery fan I was thrilled to read her next in the series. In this tale Siobhan and her husband Macdara are expecting twins. She doesn’t let her pregnancy affect her job as detective with the local police force. When ‘the king’, Liam Noone arrives he spells a shifty shade to his personality. Many townsfolk and participants are either thrilled or put off by him. After he is found dead in the center of town the suspense hits a difficult search for the duo who are in charge of the homicide. Whether or not readers have read Carlene O’Connors series, each is an interesting look at the Irish police way of solving crimes. I always enjoy it!
Carlene O’Connor
February 24, 2026
The Matchmaking King set up a session to hold a matchmaking session combined with musical notes at Fitzgerald’s Pub. The festival was set for a week. Many of the towns were thrilled to participate as well as observe as such a jamboree had never taken place in the village. When he arrived in Kilbane, it was set for Siobhan to greet him and his entourage. Musicians came from around the country with a few from Kilbane including Siobhan’s brother, Ciaran. Being an accomplished fiddler, he had hoped to find a lady when the crowds started to arrive.
Murder at the Irish Session will be published by Kensington Publishing Corporation on February 24, 2026. I was able to read O’Connor’s latest novel via NetGalley. Being a true Irish Village Mystery fan I was thrilled to read her next in the series. In this tale Siobhan and her husband Macdara are expecting twins. She doesn’t let her pregnancy affect her job as detective with the local police force. When ‘the king’, Liam Noone arrives he spells a shifty shade to his personality. Many townsfolk and participants are either thrilled or put off by him. After he is found dead in the center of town the suspense hits a difficult search for the duo who are in charge of the homicide. Whether or not readers have read Carlene O’Connors series, each is an interesting look at the Irish police way of solving crimes. I always enjoy it!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for an e-copy of the book. All opinions are my own.
I always get excited when I’m approved to read an advanced copy of a book in Carlene O’Connor’s Irish Village Mystery series. I’ve fallen in love with Kilbane, County Cork, and Siobhán’s large Irish family. Now her family is getting bigger because Siobhán and her husband, Macdara O’Sullivan, are expecting twins. Siobhán wants her family close, so when her brother Ciaran threatens to leave for Australia to find love, Siobhán arranges a music and matchmaking festival, hoping he’ll find love locally and stay close to home. Things don’t go according to plan when the matchmaker is murdered during a sudden blackout just as the festival is getting underway.
As usual, O’Connor has a well-plotted out mystery novel. There are plenty of suspects.
Lots of red herrings kept me second-guessing my theories. But what has made this series one of my favorites are the characters. Siobhán’s clan is a tight-knit Irish family that thrives on love and humor. I’ve really enjoyed watching them grow and change over the series. Each book highlights one of the siblings, and Murder at an Irish Session focuses on Ciaran. He’s a trad musician, and through him readers also learn about Ireland’s trad music sub-culture. The trad music is the backdrop for a tightly written mystery that kept this reader guessing until the end of the book.
4/5 stars.
I always get excited when I’m approved to read an advanced copy of a book in Carlene O’Connor’s Irish Village Mystery series. I’ve fallen in love with Kilbane, County Cork, and Siobhán’s large Irish family. Now her family is getting bigger because Siobhán and her husband, Macdara O’Sullivan, are expecting twins. Siobhán wants her family close, so when her brother Ciaran threatens to leave for Australia to find love, Siobhán arranges a music and matchmaking festival, hoping he’ll find love locally and stay close to home. Things don’t go according to plan when the matchmaker is murdered during a sudden blackout just as the festival is getting underway.
As usual, O’Connor has a well-plotted out mystery novel. There are plenty of suspects.
Lots of red herrings kept me second-guessing my theories. But what has made this series one of my favorites are the characters. Siobhán’s clan is a tight-knit Irish family that thrives on love and humor. I’ve really enjoyed watching them grow and change over the series. Each book highlights one of the siblings, and Murder at an Irish Session focuses on Ciaran. He’s a trad musician, and through him readers also learn about Ireland’s trad music sub-culture. The trad music is the backdrop for a tightly written mystery that kept this reader guessing until the end of the book.
4/5 stars.
February 26, 2026
"Murder at an Irish Session" is book #12 in an "Irish Village Mystery" by Carlene O'Connor.
Siobhán O’Sullivan has arranged to bring a matchmaker to Kilbane to help single musicians (including her younger brother Ciaran) find a mate during a trad music festival. What she didn't expect, was for the matchmaker's three previously matched couples to all be bringing secrets that could lead to the matchmaker being murdered. Bribes, blackmail, broken instruments, lies and broken hearts all add to the mystery and confusion for the garda.
As Siobhán tries to sort out the real story and catch a killer, she is also dealing with the early months of pregnancy and Macdara's very opinionated mother Nancy!
Thanks to some cleverly added twists, I changed my mind a couple of times before figuring out who was behind the killing. Reading how it all played out was well done. As always, Ms. O'Connor enriches the stories with snippets of subplots from the lives of the O'Sullivan Six and generously sprinkles a bit of wit and humor into her writing. Oh, the dynamics of a large family and a village where everybody knows your business - or thinks they do!
This was a thoroughly entertaining Irish cozy mystery!
Siobhán O’Sullivan has arranged to bring a matchmaker to Kilbane to help single musicians (including her younger brother Ciaran) find a mate during a trad music festival. What she didn't expect, was for the matchmaker's three previously matched couples to all be bringing secrets that could lead to the matchmaker being murdered. Bribes, blackmail, broken instruments, lies and broken hearts all add to the mystery and confusion for the garda.
As Siobhán tries to sort out the real story and catch a killer, she is also dealing with the early months of pregnancy and Macdara's very opinionated mother Nancy!
Thanks to some cleverly added twists, I changed my mind a couple of times before figuring out who was behind the killing. Reading how it all played out was well done. As always, Ms. O'Connor enriches the stories with snippets of subplots from the lives of the O'Sullivan Six and generously sprinkles a bit of wit and humor into her writing. Oh, the dynamics of a large family and a village where everybody knows your business - or thinks they do!
This was a thoroughly entertaining Irish cozy mystery!
December 21, 2025
The Irish Village series are always pleasant to read. Escapism at its best and we can all dream we are in Ireland. The O'Sullivan children have all grown up and are branching out, with lives of their own. Siobhan, a member of the Garda and married to MacDara; they are expecting twins and excited about it. Dara's mother has moved in and is monitoring Siobhan's every move and every mouthful.
Ciaran, the youngest, plays the fiddle and is threatening to move to Australia. Siobhan decides she needs to lend a hand here and an Irish traditional music festival is organized. A musical matchmaker will be the special attraction. His specialty is matching up musician couples. Unfortunately, a real arrow finds his heart and he is killed before the festival even begins. Everyone at the festival is now a suspect, and, then, yet another murder occurs. Now, as they say, the plot thickens.
The Irish setting is picturesque, the sounds of music waft through the village and the Garda team is working overtime before anything else happens.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Kensington Publishing, Kensington Cozies, in exchange for a review.
Ciaran, the youngest, plays the fiddle and is threatening to move to Australia. Siobhan decides she needs to lend a hand here and an Irish traditional music festival is organized. A musical matchmaker will be the special attraction. His specialty is matching up musician couples. Unfortunately, a real arrow finds his heart and he is killed before the festival even begins. Everyone at the festival is now a suspect, and, then, yet another murder occurs. Now, as they say, the plot thickens.
The Irish setting is picturesque, the sounds of music waft through the village and the Garda team is working overtime before anything else happens.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Kensington Publishing, Kensington Cozies, in exchange for a review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Siobhan and clan return for another excellent story, this time centered around trad musicians in town for a festival centered around matchmaking within the trad community. Ciaran, the youngest, gets his coming of age story, as he settles into adulthood finding joy in playing trad music. The mystery was not as compelling to me as others in the series, but the dialogue and unique characters were top notch as usual. I wish we’d had some more time with the locals, but with so many outsiders in town who were suspects, who has time to hang around with friends? Definitely not Siobhan, who is racing against time to find a murderer while fighting off morning sickness and pregnancy exhaustion from the twins she is carrying. The meddling mother-in-law brings a bit of comic relief to us (but not to poor Siobhan!), and I look forward to Siobhan’s siblings and husbands having to find a way to keep her from causing a rift from frustrations.
Thank you to Kensington Books, Kensington Cozies and Netgalley for early access to another great entry in this series by Carlene O’Connor.
Thank you to Kensington Books, Kensington Cozies and Netgalley for early access to another great entry in this series by Carlene O’Connor.
December 9, 2025
Siobhan brings a famous match maker that specializes in bringing musicians together to town. Afterall, if she wants to keep her younger brother in town, he will need to find someone to love. But what Siobhan brings is a murder and soon she and the Garda are investigating. It seems the man wasn’t what he claimed to be and someone had enough of it. But who? With a town full of visitors and a short window to investigate them all, the team will need to keep the tempo moving in order to beat the clock.
This is such a great series! I love not only the mystery in each entry, but the whole family. We’ve watch Siobhan raise her siblings and now she’s starting her own family. It’s such a fun and heart warming cast of characters that I cannot help but root for them every step of the way. With twins on the way, you know things are going to get more interesting in future installments…and I cannot wait!
This is such a great series! I love not only the mystery in each entry, but the whole family. We’ve watch Siobhan raise her siblings and now she’s starting her own family. It’s such a fun and heart warming cast of characters that I cannot help but root for them every step of the way. With twins on the way, you know things are going to get more interesting in future installments…and I cannot wait!
March 2, 2026
3.75 stars
This series has become a favorite. A light-hearted but well-plotted story with great characters and a wonderful Irish setting.
We have followed Siobhan O'Sullivan through lots of changes. She is married now, to fellow DI McDara, and they are expecting twins. Their town is hosting a special matchmaking event geared toward traditional Irish musicians and there is lots of excitement and activity.
But when the organizer for the event is found murdered, they have their work cut out for them. There are lots of suspects and many motives. MacDara and O'Sullivan are entertaining and full of banter, and their shared joy in her pregnancy is fun. He is helpful and watchful of her, but doesn't smother her or try to dissuade her from doing her job (unlike his mother). And the story is quite informative about trad music and the musicians. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This series has become a favorite. A light-hearted but well-plotted story with great characters and a wonderful Irish setting.
We have followed Siobhan O'Sullivan through lots of changes. She is married now, to fellow DI McDara, and they are expecting twins. Their town is hosting a special matchmaking event geared toward traditional Irish musicians and there is lots of excitement and activity.
But when the organizer for the event is found murdered, they have their work cut out for them. There are lots of suspects and many motives. MacDara and O'Sullivan are entertaining and full of banter, and their shared joy in her pregnancy is fun. He is helpful and watchful of her, but doesn't smother her or try to dissuade her from doing her job (unlike his mother). And the story is quite informative about trad music and the musicians. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 4, 2025
Another great book by Carlene O'Connor. This is my favorite cozy series that takes place in Ireland. I love how the O'Sullivian family interacts and the small-town feel of West Coast Ireland. The way Carlene O'Connor describes the interactions between Macdara and Siobhan, now pregnant with their twins, is so true to life. I loved all the references and history on traditional Irish music. In reading this story, I could almost hear the music. The story was so interesting to me that I didn't want to end my reading session. You are in for a treat if you have not read this series before. I feel you could read and enjoy this book even if you are reading the series for the first time. Let me warn you, it is addictive, though.
Thank you to Netgalley and Kensington Cozies for an ARC. This review is my own opinion.
Thank you to Netgalley and Kensington Cozies for an ARC. This review is my own opinion.
October 6, 2025
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, Kensington Cozies, for letting me read and review an advanced copy of ‘Murder at an Irish Session’, by Carlene O’Connor.
In the ‘Irish Village Mystery’ series, number 12, we find Siobhán O’Sullivan, local Garda, pregnant with twins. When she helps to organize a music festival, mostly to try to help her brother find a mate, she doesn’t expect a murder investigation. When a famous matchmaker brings his staff and some previously matched couples to the festival, the drama begins, and Siobhán and her Garda husband, Macdara, must solve the case.
The characters in this story bring this Irish village story to life, and the plot presents a great background for the Irish love of music. The twists and turns in the investigation keep the reader engaged, with a few surprises at the end.
In the ‘Irish Village Mystery’ series, number 12, we find Siobhán O’Sullivan, local Garda, pregnant with twins. When she helps to organize a music festival, mostly to try to help her brother find a mate, she doesn’t expect a murder investigation. When a famous matchmaker brings his staff and some previously matched couples to the festival, the drama begins, and Siobhán and her Garda husband, Macdara, must solve the case.
The characters in this story bring this Irish village story to life, and the plot presents a great background for the Irish love of music. The twists and turns in the investigation keep the reader engaged, with a few surprises at the end.
November 15, 2025
It's hard to accept that all the family members are adults now with their own lives, and they aren't all living together above their restaurant. It's exciting to find out that Siobhan will be having twins and how that will affect her crime-solving. I appreciate that Macdara isn't trying to keep her wrapped in wool and deter her from her career, as often happens in cozy mysteries. I didn't know anything about trad music, so it was interesting to learn about throughout the book as characters went against the norms. Liam is definitely an unlikeable character, so it's easy to have suspects who might want him dead or get revenge on him. I wasn't sure about who the culprit was until the end as there were so many options.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy.
December 2, 2025
This latest entry into Carlene O'Connores Irish Village Mystery has enough red herrings in it to make the reader constantly wonder if their theory of "who did it and why" is correct until Siobhan and Macdara carefully discern who the culprit is (and why). Reading a new book in this series is like catching up with old friends. While I'm glad O'Connor aged the characters and Shiobhans siblings are out on their own, I miss hearing about their days, but this is the way it is in real life when children become adults. So glad Siobhan is having twins so that we will have antics in the future.
One addition I would like to see is a character listing with phonetic pronunciation guide.
Thanks to Kensington for the ARC.
One addition I would like to see is a character listing with phonetic pronunciation guide.
Thanks to Kensington for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was quite the whirlwind - and answers aren't given until the very end (about 98%) of the book, so I was quite riveted. While the pacing was slow, it did feel natural to the book.
The FMC is likable and smart. I thought the author was clever in informing readers how names are pronounced, posing them as potential baby names. Her family was fun - you can tell how close they are - and the towns people are kind of fascinating. I learned a lot about trad sessions and musician stereotypes. Although I had my suspicions (and was right!), there are a lot of messy complications.
Overall, really entertaining.
Thank you Kensington Publishing for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
The FMC is likable and smart. I thought the author was clever in informing readers how names are pronounced, posing them as potential baby names. Her family was fun - you can tell how close they are - and the towns people are kind of fascinating. I learned a lot about trad sessions and musician stereotypes. Although I had my suspicions (and was right!), there are a lot of messy complications.
Overall, really entertaining.
Thank you Kensington Publishing for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
February 27, 2026
Murder at an Irish Session is book #12 in the Irish Village Mystery series by Carlene O'Connor.
Siobhán O’Sullivan is pregnant with twins and dealing with all that goes with that. With her younger brother feeling he won’t find a mate in Kilbane, Siobhán suggests a music and matchmaking festival. It doesn’t go well with the matchmaker being killed. It was an interesting case but my favorite part of this long running series are the characters. I like seeing how they have grown and changed through the series. That being said, you don’t have to have read the earlier books to enjoy this one.
Thank you to the author, Kensington Books, and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Siobhán O’Sullivan is pregnant with twins and dealing with all that goes with that. With her younger brother feeling he won’t find a mate in Kilbane, Siobhán suggests a music and matchmaking festival. It doesn’t go well with the matchmaker being killed. It was an interesting case but my favorite part of this long running series are the characters. I like seeing how they have grown and changed through the series. That being said, you don’t have to have read the earlier books to enjoy this one.
Thank you to the author, Kensington Books, and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
December 7, 2025
This series is like a warm hug. I’ve really grown to love this series, particularly Siobhan, Macdara and the whole O’Sullivan clan.
When a matchmaker comes to town to pair off musicians, his mysterious death by bow and arrow sets Macdara and Siobhan on the search for the murderer.
It took me a bit to get into this book, but once it started rolling, it was a fun read! The banter between Siobhan and Macdara always makes the books entertaining and the addition of Macdara’s mother was great. The setting amidst a musician matchmaking festival was quirky and enjoyable.
Thank you to #NetGalley #Kensingtonpublishing and #KensingtonCozies for the ARC
When a matchmaker comes to town to pair off musicians, his mysterious death by bow and arrow sets Macdara and Siobhan on the search for the murderer.
It took me a bit to get into this book, but once it started rolling, it was a fun read! The banter between Siobhan and Macdara always makes the books entertaining and the addition of Macdara’s mother was great. The setting amidst a musician matchmaking festival was quirky and enjoyable.
Thank you to #NetGalley #Kensingtonpublishing and #KensingtonCozies for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Siobhán is pregnant and she’s not just having one bundle of joy but two! Her town Kilbane is hosting a music and matchmaking festival. The groups coming in for the contest seem to have some stress. Some with the matched couples which seem mismatched and some just musical disagreements. When the head matchmaker is found shot by an arrow Kilbane has another murder to solve.
There’s a lot of investigation and a good amount of Siobhán dealing with her pregnancy. Being a detective isn’t as easy when your uniform no longer fits, your mother-in-law has moved in, and running happens at a slower speed. I thoroughly enjoyed this installment. #NetGalley
There’s a lot of investigation and a good amount of Siobhán dealing with her pregnancy. Being a detective isn’t as easy when your uniform no longer fits, your mother-in-law has moved in, and running happens at a slower speed. I thoroughly enjoyed this installment. #NetGalley
March 1, 2026
This is my yearly read of the Irish series by Carlene O'Connor. When I see there is a new addition I run right out and get it. This one was better than some not as good as others but I love the characters in these books, (I would actually give it 3.75 if goodreads let us rate that way.) I was a little disappointed that I knew from the start who the killer was which is unusual for me, it normally takes me more time and there were a couple of books I didn't guess until the end or maybe at all. If you have been reading this series I know you will like this one and if you are familiar with musical instruments and the British terms for them it will probably make it better.
October 17, 2025
The reader is again in the Irish village surrounded by Siobhan's family and neighbors. Soon, the village plays host to a matchmaker and a music festival. Siobhan is looking forward to the festival and also feeling the extra "weight" of being pregnant with twins! Perhaps, her brother will find a match. The fun and flair of the festival soon ends when the matchmaker is found murdered. As Siobhan and Dara search for the murderer, they find themselves with a long list of musicians and lovers who may have killed the matchmaker. Love the Irish atmosphere of O'Connor's cozies.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Murder at an Irish Session is an entertaining whodunit by Carlene O'Connor. Murder at a matchmaking festival is a unique one. Along with the murder weapon this is one story that British Crime TV Show Midsomer Murders should be sure to pick up this plot. Of course giving Ms. O’Connor the credit, it is just that original. The plot is well woven taking place in the village of Kilbane in County Cork, Ireland. Though pregnant, Siobhán O’Sullivan is on the case so you can be sure the murderer will be caught. As always, a lively group of supporting characters are part of this story too.
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