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Skye O'Shea Paranormal Cozy Mystery #5
Spectacles, Sangria, and Selkies: An Irish-Themed Cozy Mystery
She just wanted to enjoy her summer by the sea. The ocean had other plans.With Ballybás’s annual Spring Fête on the horizon, Skye Brigid O’Shea hopes the carnival will bring crowds, and enough profit to keep her seaside pub afloat. Between baking scones, wrangling volunteers, and fending off her cat sídhe’s complaints about “tourists with no taste,” she’s determined to enjoy a rare stretch of normal life.
But when the carnival rolls into town wrapped in fog and mystery, the fun fades fast. A teenage boy is found dead under a cliff, a traveling photographer vanishes without a trace, and the Fun Fair workers seem a little too obsessed with the sea. Strange rhythms pulse beneath the sand and mysterious eyes gleam from the surf.
When friends and neighbors begin to disappear, Skye has to decide how far she’ll wade into the magic that’s already claimed too many lives. As a storm rises over the cliffs and the sea demands its due, Skye faces a final choice. Does she protect the people she loves, or honor the old laws of blood and brine?
Spectacles, Sangria, and Selkies is a hauntingly cozy paranormal mystery filled with Irish folklore and seaside secrets. If you like strong heroines and talking cats, you’ll love Rowan Dillon’s latest tale from Ballybás.
Buy Spectacles, Sangria, and Selkies and dive into the depths of the mystery today!
But when the carnival rolls into town wrapped in fog and mystery, the fun fades fast. A teenage boy is found dead under a cliff, a traveling photographer vanishes without a trace, and the Fun Fair workers seem a little too obsessed with the sea. Strange rhythms pulse beneath the sand and mysterious eyes gleam from the surf.
When friends and neighbors begin to disappear, Skye has to decide how far she’ll wade into the magic that’s already claimed too many lives. As a storm rises over the cliffs and the sea demands its due, Skye faces a final choice. Does she protect the people she loves, or honor the old laws of blood and brine?
Spectacles, Sangria, and Selkies is a hauntingly cozy paranormal mystery filled with Irish folklore and seaside secrets. If you like strong heroines and talking cats, you’ll love Rowan Dillon’s latest tale from Ballybás.
Buy Spectacles, Sangria, and Selkies and dive into the depths of the mystery today!
340 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 30, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
July 7, 2026
This 5th installment of the series was just as fun and quirky as the former four.
It is well written, fast paced and fun.
Skye O’Shea hopes the carnival will bring crowds, and enough profit to keep her seaside pub afloat. Between baking scones, wrangling volunteers, and fending off her cat sídhe’s complaints about “tourists with no taste,” she’s determined to enjoy a rare stretch of normal life.
But when the carnival rolls into town wrapped in fog and mystery, the fun fades fast. A teenage boy is found dead under a cliff, a traveling photographer vanishes without a trace, and the Fun Fair workers seem a little too obsessed with the sea. Strange rhythms pulse beneath the sand and mysterious eyes gleam from the surf.
When friends and neighbors begin to disappear, Skye has to decide how far she’ll wade into the magic that’s already claimed too many lives. As a storm rises over the cliffs and the sea demands its due, Skye faces a final choice. Does she protect the people she loves, or honor the old laws of blood and brine?
Even though you haven't read the former books in the series, you can absolutely enjoy this one. It is a fully formed story. And just know the books before are also great.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
It is well written, fast paced and fun.
Skye O’Shea hopes the carnival will bring crowds, and enough profit to keep her seaside pub afloat. Between baking scones, wrangling volunteers, and fending off her cat sídhe’s complaints about “tourists with no taste,” she’s determined to enjoy a rare stretch of normal life.
But when the carnival rolls into town wrapped in fog and mystery, the fun fades fast. A teenage boy is found dead under a cliff, a traveling photographer vanishes without a trace, and the Fun Fair workers seem a little too obsessed with the sea. Strange rhythms pulse beneath the sand and mysterious eyes gleam from the surf.
When friends and neighbors begin to disappear, Skye has to decide how far she’ll wade into the magic that’s already claimed too many lives. As a storm rises over the cliffs and the sea demands its due, Skye faces a final choice. Does she protect the people she loves, or honor the old laws of blood and brine?
Even though you haven't read the former books in the series, you can absolutely enjoy this one. It is a fully formed story. And just know the books before are also great.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
In this paranormal cozy mystery Skye O’Shea finds herself having to decide between two love interests, sharing her best friend and looking after the well being of the people in the small town she’s come to call her home as they once again come under attack from unnatural beings. Will she choose the man who has been there for her since her arrival in Ballybás, Sean Gallagher, but is plagiarizing her life or the most recent love interest, the caring yet less charismatic Dr. Cillian Byrne? Can she share Jess with her arch rival Catarina and what is going on with the sea?
A fabulous mystery unfolds during the spring festival when Merrin’s Seaside Fun Fair once again rolls into down bringing some eccentric Travellers, nauseating rides and eerie musical sounds. A young teenage boy is found dead but is his death accidental or related to previous missing people from years ago? And what is the mysterious call the sea is having on certain people? A full length novel with lots of intriguing questions to be answered as the characters come alive within this book.
As a warning there is mention of spousal abuse which is confronted.
I received an Advance Review Copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
A fabulous mystery unfolds during the spring festival when Merrin’s Seaside Fun Fair once again rolls into down bringing some eccentric Travellers, nauseating rides and eerie musical sounds. A young teenage boy is found dead but is his death accidental or related to previous missing people from years ago? And what is the mysterious call the sea is having on certain people? A full length novel with lots of intriguing questions to be answered as the characters come alive within this book.
As a warning there is mention of spousal abuse which is confronted.
I received an Advance Review Copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 6, 2026
Another very good book in this series!
I definitely enjoy this series. This book is well written, and has beautifully painted scenes and great characters. The Irish folklore adds to the mystique. I do think that it helps to start at the beginning of the series to understand the people, situations, and relationships better.
In this book, Skye has the pub open at last, and Spring Fête is going on, with a carnival. And there is mystery from the sea, and disappearing people. Skye is caught up in figuring out what is going on. Her relationships with both Sean and Cillian are highlights (I'm not thrilled about something that is revealed concerning this, and the aftermath of it, and hope it straightens itself out in the next book. Nothing bad about the book in this respect). Definitely looking forward to what comes next.
The book definitely kept my attention throughout, and it was a hard one to put down.
All in all, this is a great addition to the series!
Faelan, her cat sidhe, is there with snark and some helpfulness (not as funny as in some of the previous books)
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I definitely enjoy this series. This book is well written, and has beautifully painted scenes and great characters. The Irish folklore adds to the mystique. I do think that it helps to start at the beginning of the series to understand the people, situations, and relationships better.
In this book, Skye has the pub open at last, and Spring Fête is going on, with a carnival. And there is mystery from the sea, and disappearing people. Skye is caught up in figuring out what is going on. Her relationships with both Sean and Cillian are highlights (I'm not thrilled about something that is revealed concerning this, and the aftermath of it, and hope it straightens itself out in the next book. Nothing bad about the book in this respect). Definitely looking forward to what comes next.
The book definitely kept my attention throughout, and it was a hard one to put down.
All in all, this is a great addition to the series!
Faelan, her cat sidhe, is there with snark and some helpfulness (not as funny as in some of the previous books)
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 30, 2026
The sea demands payment due.
Wow, Skye O'Shea will find herself neck deep in a mystery that has spanned many years, and the even more mysterious occurrences that stem from bargains made with the fae. In Ballybus it's time for the annual Spring Fete and Skye is hoping that the influx of tourists will generate enough profit to keep her seaside pub and B&B afloat. But this year a carnival will arrive and bring strange lights and to make matters more complicated a boy is found dead, and then a photographer disappears. To make matters worse, Skye is noticing the strange behavior of a few of friends and neighbors.
Skye is an absolutely wonderful character and her inner strength and determination to protect the people around her made it impossible to put this book down. With compelling, quirky, and well written characters this is a must-read paranormal cozy mystery with unexpected and even a shocking twist or two in the plot that kept me engrossed from page on. I loved this book and highly recommend it.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary ARC provided by the author.
Wow, Skye O'Shea will find herself neck deep in a mystery that has spanned many years, and the even more mysterious occurrences that stem from bargains made with the fae. In Ballybus it's time for the annual Spring Fete and Skye is hoping that the influx of tourists will generate enough profit to keep her seaside pub and B&B afloat. But this year a carnival will arrive and bring strange lights and to make matters more complicated a boy is found dead, and then a photographer disappears. To make matters worse, Skye is noticing the strange behavior of a few of friends and neighbors.
Skye is an absolutely wonderful character and her inner strength and determination to protect the people around her made it impossible to put this book down. With compelling, quirky, and well written characters this is a must-read paranormal cozy mystery with unexpected and even a shocking twist or two in the plot that kept me engrossed from page on. I loved this book and highly recommend it.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary ARC provided by the author.
Review of advance copy received from Author
So exactly what is Skye going to be fighting this time?
In this edition of the Skye O’Shea Cozy Mystery Series, Skye has a totally different opponent to deal with. When the fun fair comes to town for the Spring Fete with a very strange man in charge and a young man with green hair seems to have fallen off a cliff right after, Skye knows there’s not exactly a coincidence. There has to be something connecting the two events. Reading one of the Skye O’Shea Cozy Mysteries feels like a bit of a homecoming because I’ve come to know more about Skye and her friends and the village of Ballybas. I’ve always had an interest in Ireland and I am learning more and more of Irish folk legends with each story I read. I love how cryptic Faelan is and never gives Skye a complete answer to anything, but just enough to keep her researching to find the answer for herself.
I received a free advanced reader’s copy and am voluntarily leaving this review.
In this edition of the Skye O’Shea Cozy Mystery Series, Skye has a totally different opponent to deal with. When the fun fair comes to town for the Spring Fete with a very strange man in charge and a young man with green hair seems to have fallen off a cliff right after, Skye knows there’s not exactly a coincidence. There has to be something connecting the two events. Reading one of the Skye O’Shea Cozy Mysteries feels like a bit of a homecoming because I’ve come to know more about Skye and her friends and the village of Ballybas. I’ve always had an interest in Ireland and I am learning more and more of Irish folk legends with each story I read. I love how cryptic Faelan is and never gives Skye a complete answer to anything, but just enough to keep her researching to find the answer for herself.
I received a free advanced reader’s copy and am voluntarily leaving this review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I’ve enjoyed this series, so I’m always excited when there’s a new book. This is the fifth book in the series, and Skye is settling into her not-so-new-anymore home in the village. This time, there’s a fair coming to town, but it isn’t a natural fair. Poor Skye is also trying to decide between two men since she thinks she’s ready for love in her life. I admit I have a favorite of the two, but I’m a little annoyed with him. I’ve realized after this book what tiny bit of these books mildly irritates me and it’s the way everything is mysterious and unknowable. I don’t like that because I read so quickly, I can’t figure out what is hinted at because I generally read too fast. LOL! Besides that, I really enjoy this series and this latest installment. Recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is the 5th book in the series but the 1st I've read. It stands very well on its own. This author is a great storyteller, the plot is unique and the characters bigger than life. There are a lot of characters in the story and a lot going on. The story moves fast, it is a page turner and pulls you right in. It is set in a coastal town in Scotland that adheres to the old rules and has a bit of magic within the community. There are several romances included to keep things interesting. A young teen boy is found dead on the beach very early in the story and the story moves forward very quickly. If you don't want to be up until the wee hours of the morning, like I did, allow yourself enough time or be strong enough to stop at some point. I wasn't :) This story earned every one of it's 5*.
Read on 06/17-18/26.
Read on 06/17-18/26.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A fair has come to town, one that comes every seven years and unsettling things start to happen. Skye has a booth at the fair during the day and then opens the pub at night and is very busy indeed. Faelan her cat familiar is not helpful. Everyone is given a free ride on the carousel and many people were badly affected by it. There seems to be something moving under the ground that Skye and a few others notice. Then a young boy is found dead and with some weird marks on his wrists. The police call it an accident, but, it clearly wasn’t. This is a very involved book, lots of magic is included bot good and bad! I really enjoyed reading it, I’ve never been to Ireland but feel as if I have, having read few of these books.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Spectacles, Sangria, and Selkies: An Irish-Themed Cozy Mystery (The Skye O'Shea Paranormal Cozy Mystery Series Book 5), my twentieth read from author Rowan Dillon. An enjoyable 394-page read, well-written with a well-developed primary character; so far, each book in the series has been as good as or better than its predecessors. “I received a complimentary Kindle copy of this book and am reading it & voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. I look forward to reading more from this author with Greed, Guinness, and Grogochs: An Irish-Themed Cozy Mystery (The Skye O'Shea Paranormal Cozy Mystery Series Book 6) due out in April of 2027. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018.
Review of advance copy
I love this series, so I was glad there was another novel about Skye and Faelan.
I did feel this book was more about Skye's feelings for the 2 men in her life and her inability to choose. In itself, it was nice to read about, but it felt like the mystery was more in the background and it took some time to really get to the foreground. Also, Faelan's role was limited in this book, which I felt was a shame.
The writing is great, like every previous novel in this series, although I did notice a couple of minor errors.
I really love the author's writing style and the way folklore and mystery are woven into everyday life.
I will certainly continue this series and hope to read more about Skye and Faelan!
I did feel this book was more about Skye's feelings for the 2 men in her life and her inability to choose. In itself, it was nice to read about, but it felt like the mystery was more in the background and it took some time to really get to the foreground. Also, Faelan's role was limited in this book, which I felt was a shame.
The writing is great, like every previous novel in this series, although I did notice a couple of minor errors.
I really love the author's writing style and the way folklore and mystery are woven into everyday life.
I will certainly continue this series and hope to read more about Skye and Faelan!
July 2, 2026
Spectacles, Sangria and Seller's is Book 5 in A Sky I'd he's Cozy Mystery by Rowan Dillon. Skye hopes the carnival will bring crowds with money to keep the pub running. She was not expecting a dead teenager with friends and neighbors disappearing! Faelan her sassy cat with a BIG attitude helps Skye solve the murder. I have found that this series has great characters with an over the top cat. I love Faelan… sassy mouth and his picky food choices… only the best tuna for him! There is even a fight scene between Skye and a fairy creature. I can't wait for their next adventure. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.
July 18, 2026
Spectacles, Sangria, and Selkies is a Superb story and series about Skye O'Shea a Bar Owner and Faelan a very special Talking Fairy Cat and her friend Sean an Author. The town is holding its Annual Spring Fete. A teenage boy is found dead and then people start to disappear. But what will Skye be able to discover and can she keep people safe?
I enjoyed reading this story very much and I highly recommend that you read this book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I enjoyed reading this story very much and I highly recommend that you read this book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 16, 2026
Skye O'Shea's adventures continue in this 5th episode and she finally seems a bit more settled. She's less concerned about being an outsider and more concerned about the constant paranormal disturbances that keep showing up and complicating her life. She's also in a bit of a love triangle so there's that. But she seems to be making some progress with Faelan, her Gran's magical fae cat.
Its an enjoyable book in this series with a good amount of suspense. I'm looking forward to the next adventure for Skye.
Its an enjoyable book in this series with a good amount of suspense. I'm looking forward to the next adventure for Skye.
July 19, 2026
Spectacles, Sangria, and Selkies Book 5 in the Skye O'Shea Paranormal Cozy Mystery Series by Rowan Dillon is such a fun read! I love this series, such great characters, good mysteries and the storyline is so fun, witty and exceptional. I really enjoy the cameos by previous characters, it's one of my favorite things!
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.
July 26, 2026
I really enjoyed this magical book, filled with Irish mythology, by one of my favourite authors.
I love the protagonist, American Skye O'Shea who is still learning to do the job she inherited from her Irish grandmother, namely to protect her village.
She has complicated romantic interests in the shape of two personable men and an enigmatic and 'bolshy' cat sidhe.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I love the protagonist, American Skye O'Shea who is still learning to do the job she inherited from her Irish grandmother, namely to protect her village.
She has complicated romantic interests in the shape of two personable men and an enigmatic and 'bolshy' cat sidhe.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 18, 2026
The sea takes what it wants, and returns what it doesn’t.
The carnival is in town, and it brings crowds, mystery, and death to Ballybás.
This is a spellbinding story of magic, Irish lore, and the sea. It's a perfect addition to the series. I received an advance copy, but my review is honest and voluntary.
The carnival is in town, and it brings crowds, mystery, and death to Ballybás.
This is a spellbinding story of magic, Irish lore, and the sea. It's a perfect addition to the series. I received an advance copy, but my review is honest and voluntary.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I have been an avid reader of this series from the start and this is the best one yet! It delves further into the secrets that are the in the land, advances the romances (or does it?), and teaches the reader even more about the mysteries of of the Irish mystical world. I *loved* it.
July 1, 2026
I just love this series, and can never wait for the next book in the series. It is well written, it flows beautifully, and it never leaves you hanging. Should definitely be added to your must read list.
July 7, 2026
This is a good cozy mystery. Skye must figure out what is going on after a teenage boy is found dead. This is full of folklore, magic and little love. I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I look forward to the next book.
July 7, 2026
The author paints a solid picture of both life in an Irish village, and the legends of the Emerald Isle.
The series started with Skye and her settling in - now it is about the village, friends (and even a few enemies).
So much fun to read - light and entertaining, with deeper plot beneath.
The series started with Skye and her settling in - now it is about the village, friends (and even a few enemies).
So much fun to read - light and entertaining, with deeper plot beneath.
July 8, 2026
Another great read by Rowan Dillon hope the next book will be released soon. Very well written, love the peek at living in a small village in Ireland. Hopefully her grandmother is able to communicate with her soon. If you enjoy the stories of The Good People, Puca's and fairy's you will enjoy this series.
July 16, 2026
I'm voluntarily leaving a review after receiving a free copy. I liked this fun mystery about the Fun Fair and what happens during it. It was well written and engaging. I liked how Skye was able to solve it.
July 27, 2026
Not my favorite
Not my favorite of the series. Most of the conversations were confusing. The pace also dragged. This book read like it was never proofread. Like an idea was given to chatgpt and whatever it spat out was published immediately.
Not my favorite of the series. Most of the conversations were confusing. The pace also dragged. This book read like it was never proofread. Like an idea was given to chatgpt and whatever it spat out was published immediately.
August 8, 2026
Rowan Dillon is brilliant! Her writing of this series continues to keep me captivated! I am amazed at her imagination of a story and all the rhyming magical words. This book is another “can’t put down” read!
September 2, 2026
This was riveting! I couldn’t stop reading once I started. Skye had so much stacked up against her protecting the town. Finding out about Sean’s writing was eye opening. Even I’m peeved at him! Loved this book!
Review of advance copy
Skype, yet again, finds herself in the middle of myrder mystery and mayhem. Not what she expected from a small Irish village
July 2, 2026
I look forward to each book
I enjoy this series so much! This well-written series, each offering actually book length, has been a pleasure to read!!
I enjoy this series so much! This well-written series, each offering actually book length, has been a pleasure to read!!
September 4, 2026
Another good book in the series! I will look forward to the next one.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews