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Roots, Rum, and Revenants
Not yet published
Expected 1 May 26She’s finally finding her footing. But when developers dig too deep, can she stop the dead from rising and herself from becoming the next victim?
Skye O’Shea is ready for a fresh start. Again. After surviving her latest murder investigation and finally getting ready to reopen her Gran’s B&B and pub, the fledgling innkeeper hopes Ballybás’s biggest problem will be a slow tourist season. But when an overzealous building crew disturbs a burial site, the village’s peace unravels like loose thread in a storm.
Already on edge from eerie sightings and howling wind that seems to whisper her name, Skye stumbles into a chilling scene, ancient bones in the bog. With rumors of an elopement gone bad resurfacing and her own bloodline tangled in local legends, she must uncover who, or what, is haunting Ballybás before the revenants rise from the darkness.
Can Skye unravel the truth before the veil tears completely?
Roots, Rum, and Revenants is the spellbinding fourth book in the Skye O’Shea paranormal cozy mystery series. If you love sassy heroines, fog-drenched folklore, and a splash of spirits (both kinds), you’ll adore Rowan Dillon’s wickedly witty whodunit.
Buy Roots, Rum, and Revenants to dig up deadly secrets today!
Skye O’Shea is ready for a fresh start. Again. After surviving her latest murder investigation and finally getting ready to reopen her Gran’s B&B and pub, the fledgling innkeeper hopes Ballybás’s biggest problem will be a slow tourist season. But when an overzealous building crew disturbs a burial site, the village’s peace unravels like loose thread in a storm.
Already on edge from eerie sightings and howling wind that seems to whisper her name, Skye stumbles into a chilling scene, ancient bones in the bog. With rumors of an elopement gone bad resurfacing and her own bloodline tangled in local legends, she must uncover who, or what, is haunting Ballybás before the revenants rise from the darkness.
Can Skye unravel the truth before the veil tears completely?
Roots, Rum, and Revenants is the spellbinding fourth book in the Skye O’Shea paranormal cozy mystery series. If you love sassy heroines, fog-drenched folklore, and a splash of spirits (both kinds), you’ll adore Rowan Dillon’s wickedly witty whodunit.
Buy Roots, Rum, and Revenants to dig up deadly secrets today!
275 pages, ebook
Expected publication May 1, 2026
2 people are currently reading
9 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
Review of advance copy
In “Roots, Rum, and Revenants”, author Rowan Dillon delivers a masterclass in the genre of paranormal cozy mystery. This novel is an absolute page-turner, distinguished by its immersive setting and authentic magical lore.
Dillon’s portrayal of Ireland in winter is so real that it provides the perfect foundation for the supernatural aspects of the story. Protagonist Skye O’Shea is a charming guide, navigating the very human challenge of reviving a pub alongside the magical burden of her grandmother’s legacy with the Fae. Her part in the effort to halt the development of a tourist resort on Fae ground unveils a deeper mystery, a revenant and lost soul who reaches out to Skye for help, allowing Dillon to showcase a deep and compelling knowledge of Irish folklore.
The plot is a delightful tapestry woven with tangible villains, spectral revenants, complex Fae dynamics, a cat Familiar and satisfying personal revelations. The result is a world I was genuinely reluctant to leave. This book has secured me as a series fan and, quite honestly, rekindled my wanderlust for the Irish landscape.
Dillon’s portrayal of Ireland in winter is so real that it provides the perfect foundation for the supernatural aspects of the story. Protagonist Skye O’Shea is a charming guide, navigating the very human challenge of reviving a pub alongside the magical burden of her grandmother’s legacy with the Fae. Her part in the effort to halt the development of a tourist resort on Fae ground unveils a deeper mystery, a revenant and lost soul who reaches out to Skye for help, allowing Dillon to showcase a deep and compelling knowledge of Irish folklore.
The plot is a delightful tapestry woven with tangible villains, spectral revenants, complex Fae dynamics, a cat Familiar and satisfying personal revelations. The result is a world I was genuinely reluctant to leave. This book has secured me as a series fan and, quite honestly, rekindled my wanderlust for the Irish landscape.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The dead awakened.
Skye is finally looking forward to the official reopening of her Gran's B&B and pub, and not a moment too soon. When a shady developer comes to town and starts digging up an old burial site even before the legalities are settled, it will be up to Skye to put the dead back to their rest. Unfortunately, solving a thirty-year-old murder won't be easy, and with bad blood coming back into the light, and complicated legends involving bloodlines including her own resurfacing, Skye and her friends will need to solve the murder of a young woman before revenants rise from the bog.
These are all fascinating and complex characters. I love Skye and think that her struggles to become an accepted member of her adopted community are very realistic. I was completely engrossed in this book from the first page to the last. This book is also filled with intriguing Irish folklore, mystery, and some twists in the plot that I didn't see coming.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary ARC received from the author.
Skye is finally looking forward to the official reopening of her Gran's B&B and pub, and not a moment too soon. When a shady developer comes to town and starts digging up an old burial site even before the legalities are settled, it will be up to Skye to put the dead back to their rest. Unfortunately, solving a thirty-year-old murder won't be easy, and with bad blood coming back into the light, and complicated legends involving bloodlines including her own resurfacing, Skye and her friends will need to solve the murder of a young woman before revenants rise from the bog.
These are all fascinating and complex characters. I love Skye and think that her struggles to become an accepted member of her adopted community are very realistic. I was completely engrossed in this book from the first page to the last. This book is also filled with intriguing Irish folklore, mystery, and some twists in the plot that I didn't see coming.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary ARC received from the author.
Review of advance copy
Well done!
I very much enjoyed this latest book in the series.
Skye is getting close to opening her late Gran's pub. Meanwhile, a crew intending to build a resort uncovers (and tries to hide) some bones. Fortunately, Skye sees them and goes on, with friend Jess, to investigate who it was, and how they died.
There's quite a bit humor, thanks in part to snarky Faelan, Skye's mysterious feline sidhe. There's a possibility of romance with 2 different men. Will one of them be someone Skye decides to start dating? I'm hoping this gets developed further in future books!
There's a lot going on here, and many twists and turns before we discover everything.
The book kept my interest throughout, and had me wanting to keep reading. The characters are well done, feel very real, and are quite interesting. The settings are fascinating, with a lot of Irish folklore that adds to the mystique.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I very much enjoyed this latest book in the series.
Skye is getting close to opening her late Gran's pub. Meanwhile, a crew intending to build a resort uncovers (and tries to hide) some bones. Fortunately, Skye sees them and goes on, with friend Jess, to investigate who it was, and how they died.
There's quite a bit humor, thanks in part to snarky Faelan, Skye's mysterious feline sidhe. There's a possibility of romance with 2 different men. Will one of them be someone Skye decides to start dating? I'm hoping this gets developed further in future books!
There's a lot going on here, and many twists and turns before we discover everything.
The book kept my interest throughout, and had me wanting to keep reading. The characters are well done, feel very real, and are quite interesting. The settings are fascinating, with a lot of Irish folklore that adds to the mystique.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy
I love this series, it’s adorable and the Characters & setting have me hooked. It’s a great cozy, light, low stakes, fun read - as is the rest of the series. They are not literary works of art by any means - character development is slow, editing isn’t great there are often super repetitive phrases and even a few lines repeated verbatim. Also being a cozy fantasy the plot is slower going too. They read like a series of novellas centered around the same quaint town and corky characters. While I wish editing would improve as it can be irritating, that won’t stop me from continuing the series. I will add given my critique I felt this book / installment moved several characters development along further than the prior books have.
Oh and author Rowan Dillon is a pen name, I believe her name is Christy Nicholas. Haven’t checked out any of her other series yet.
I Read on Kindle, good reads is telling me not published yet? I had pre-ordered it and I do think it was delivered early, but didn’t know/think it was pre-pub? That wouldn’t make much sense given I accessed it from Amazon.
Oh and author Rowan Dillon is a pen name, I believe her name is Christy Nicholas. Haven’t checked out any of her other series yet.
I Read on Kindle, good reads is telling me not published yet? I had pre-ordered it and I do think it was delivered early, but didn’t know/think it was pre-pub? That wouldn’t make much sense given I accessed it from Amazon.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Will Skye be able to open her pub?
As our story starts, Skye is panicking about trying to get everything ready to open her gran’s pub, O’Shea’s. There’s paperwork to fill out, the licensing hearing to go to, inspections to be scheduled and if that’s not enough, bones have been dug up in the bog! This poor woman really does have way too much on her plate that she’s trying to take care of, in addition to being the guardian of Ballybas. This time around though, Skye has friends to help her and help her they do. I really love these stories. We get to learn about Irish folklore and culture, the characters are all realistic and not over the top and I do love the fact we get to in Ireland with Skye and friends. Plus, there’s Faelan, her cat sidhe.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
As our story starts, Skye is panicking about trying to get everything ready to open her gran’s pub, O’Shea’s. There’s paperwork to fill out, the licensing hearing to go to, inspections to be scheduled and if that’s not enough, bones have been dug up in the bog! This poor woman really does have way too much on her plate that she’s trying to take care of, in addition to being the guardian of Ballybas. This time around though, Skye has friends to help her and help her they do. I really love these stories. We get to learn about Irish folklore and culture, the characters are all realistic and not over the top and I do love the fact we get to in Ireland with Skye and friends. Plus, there’s Faelan, her cat sidhe.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy
A good witchy mystery.
As the pub opening approaches, Skye hurries to complete everything for her license. The judge could refuse to grant it if someone objects, and she knows several people in town who might. Her to-do list grows as she adds leading the opposition to a developer’s plan to build a resort near the church cemetery. When the construction crew unearths a skeleton, Skye senses danger to Ballybás. Can she find the truth behind the secrets, death, and hauntings in time?
I like this series. Skye and Faelin have a special relationship, but he is always cryptic about what he reveals. The Irish lore adds depth to the storyline. I received an advance copy, but my review is honest and voluntary.
As the pub opening approaches, Skye hurries to complete everything for her license. The judge could refuse to grant it if someone objects, and she knows several people in town who might. Her to-do list grows as she adds leading the opposition to a developer’s plan to build a resort near the church cemetery. When the construction crew unearths a skeleton, Skye senses danger to Ballybás. Can she find the truth behind the secrets, death, and hauntings in time?
I like this series. Skye and Faelin have a special relationship, but he is always cryptic about what he reveals. The Irish lore adds depth to the storyline. I received an advance copy, but my review is honest and voluntary.
Review of advance copy
I am hooked on this series, it is so captivating and well written!
If possible, this fourth book is even better than the previous ones.
The character development is very believable and as a fellow introvert I can really connect to Skye.
The mystery and folklore are captivating which makes it hard to put the book down. I feel there is more humour in this one and I love the addition. It had me laughing out loud several times!
The promising romance adds yet another layer to this book as does the spiritual growth Skye is going through.
I am definitely going to read whatever is coming next. Can't wait!
If possible, this fourth book is even better than the previous ones.
The character development is very believable and as a fellow introvert I can really connect to Skye.
The mystery and folklore are captivating which makes it hard to put the book down. I feel there is more humour in this one and I love the addition. It had me laughing out loud several times!
The promising romance adds yet another layer to this book as does the spiritual growth Skye is going through.
I am definitely going to read whatever is coming next. Can't wait!
Review of advance copy
I just finished this fourth book in the series, and it was delightful. Skye is really settling into her new home, and she’s finishing up the touches of her pub when a developer stirs up trouble and bones in her village. Skye is of course drawn in when a ghost wants Skye’s help. This series is getting better and better, and I must admit to some frustration with her inability to commit to a romance. LOL! I am definitely looking forward to more in this series. Recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
December 18, 2025
Roots, Rum, and Revenants is Book 4 in A Skye of O'Shea Cozy Mystery by Rowan Dillon. Sky is working to reopen her grandmother's B & B with the Pub. When the contractor disturbed old bones in the bog… there are unexpected surprises. I find that the characters are really interesting. Plus, I love Faelan, her talking cat! This is an excellent mystery I thought the unveiling was perfect. Nothing will be the same after after a hidden truth is told. In my opion, book 4 is exceptional. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy
Great series. It improved with each book. I love Faelan, the cat- enough said. Skye's about to finally reopen her granny's old B&B, when the building crew finds a burial site- bones in the bog??!! New, old, whose? So many questions and so much going on in this tale. It's creepy, humorous, scary,deadly, and totally engrossing storyline to hold your attention until the end. Skye is much better at business and sleuthing than she is at romance- frustrating!!! The zany unique characters are genius. I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Skye is finally getting close to being able to reopen her grandmother’s pub (and maybe be able to survive financially on her own now). She’s been in rural Ireland for 9+ months, and things she understands how things work here.
Too bad there continue to be unhappy spirits. For a born-and-bred Miami girl who didn’t grow up with legend and superstition, she sure has her hands full.
Fun adventure. As this series has progressed, I’ve come to enjoy more of the quirky characters and odd surprises.
Too bad there continue to be unhappy spirits. For a born-and-bred Miami girl who didn’t grow up with legend and superstition, she sure has her hands full.
Fun adventure. As this series has progressed, I’ve come to enjoy more of the quirky characters and odd surprises.
Review of advance copy
This paranormal murder mystery is a lovely read.
I have read Skye's adventures from the first book with great enjoyment.
There is a plethora of interesting characters and the Irish folklore is amazing.
To me, it is a bit like Skye having one foot in another world; that of fairy tales or mythology.
I am enjoying seeing her role in the village evolve from being a stranger to becoming accepted.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I have read Skye's adventures from the first book with great enjoyment.
There is a plethora of interesting characters and the Irish folklore is amazing.
To me, it is a bit like Skye having one foot in another world; that of fairy tales or mythology.
I am enjoying seeing her role in the village evolve from being a stranger to becoming accepted.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Love the mix of folk horror, Irish mythology and humorous cozy mystery. I would like a cat like Faelan even if there's not plenty of Fea Cat in my home town (huge, black, called Gatass Pitois, yes our root are Celtic)
It's another winner that ends with a bang and made me crave for more after an explosive ending full of surprise
One more soon, highly recommended
Highly recommended.
Many thanks for this digital copy, all opinions are mine
It's another winner that ends with a bang and made me crave for more after an explosive ending full of surprise
One more soon, highly recommended
Highly recommended.
Many thanks for this digital copy, all opinions are mine
Review of advance copy
Roots, Rum, and Revenants Book 4 in the Skye O'Shea Paranormal Cozy Mystery Series by Rowan Dillon is another witty cozy mystery with wonderful, quirky characters, with great worldbuilding and a great storyline. I can't wait for more!
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.
Read
December 19, 2025Who is killing people? First a gentleman and next a lady. This book is a great Christmas mystery.
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.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews