The Delaney Woman

by Jeanette Baker

Tragedy has knocked on the door of the Delaney family more than once, and now Kellie Delaney must face it once again when her twin brother dies in a suspicious accident in Wales. Her grief turns to shock and then to rage when she learns that Connor had been working undercover for British Special Forces and that his death was no accident.

While going through his effects Kellie discovers puzzling notes about an Irishman named Tom Whelan. She begins to ask questions, which are met first with condescension and then with silence. Armed with little more than her anger and her desire to exact justice and revenge, Kellie travels to a sleepy Irish town to track down Tom Whelan, the man she is convinced is responsible for her loss.

Instead, she meets a man who is the antithesis of a killer. And the more she learns about him the more she falls under his spell, finally suspecting that Tom Whelan could be her ally -- not her foe. But who, then, is responsible for the death of Connor Delaney? Who is tracking Kellie's every movement? Who wants her silenced?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary

379 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published June 1, 2003

About the author

I love all things Irish, the language, a good cup of tea, soda bread, stew, smoked salmon, banoffee pie, green hills, happy cows, chedder cheese,... and all things Southern, sweet iced tea, southern hospitality, everything written by Anne Rivers Siddons and Johanna Trollope, blazing sunsets, driving through hot desert nights with the windows open, coffee and conversation with good friends, Katherine Hepburn movies, dessert, intimate gatherings and bright breezy days.

I live in Southern California during the winter months where I teach school to remarkably well-behaved 6th graders. During the summer months I live in County Kerry, Ireland where I take long walks, listen to traditional music, sigh over gray skies and write, write, write.

Reviews

[Anne OK · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read several years ago but just getting it posted to Goodreads. Transferring all my book-related info from spiral notebooks to Goodreads.

Jeanette Baker has written some beautiful and captivating Irish-centered stories that I've enjoyed very much for years now. "The Delaney Woman" is among my favorites.

[Maryann · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think I feel like I don't have enough background on the Troubles to really appreciate this book.

[Swapna · Rating 2 out of 5]

An ok read. Not too thrilling, no mystery and no detection involved.

[Brittany · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Donna Covell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book very much - good read.

[Jina Howell-Forbes · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting story of Northern Ireland conflicts as well as a love story. I enjoyed the story, but I did not think that it was Jeanette Baker's best work, and I am a very strong fan of her books.

The problem for me with this book was that all of the characters were a little too flawed. All of the adults used very poor judgment at times, which made them hard to like most of the time. There were also too many occurrences that seemed implausible. Also the ending seemed very rushed, with issues that were major entanglements throughout the book having somewhat miracle resolutions in the last chapter.

[Dawn Wells · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you are Irish or enjoy books about Ireland you will enjoy this book. Its a irish mystery with love, intrigue and suspense. Kellie Delaney goes looking for the person who is responsible for the death of her twin brother. Yet, the man she meets Tom Whelan is nothing like what she expects. I won't ruin it for you. It's a really good read.

[Lisa Currier · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy this author. This book was set in Ireland, and she gave alot of history into the conflicts, and rituals of Ireland: a pot of tea can solve anything :-)
The characters were well written, at times the plot was a little overdone. But a good story.

[Wendy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good story about a young woman who loses her brother and nephew in the political/religious battles in Ireland. She goes on a search to find out how and why and finds love along the way. I enjoyed the story and learned some things too.

[Judith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really, really liked this book.

[Tommy · Rating 5 out of 5]

outstanding, enjoyed this frim cover to cover