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The Mayo Mysteries #2
The Bertra Beach Mystery
Previously published as The Red Shoes Mystery
A burnt-out car on the Mayo coast. A young woman’s body inside. Someone wanted her erased.
Detective Inspector Martin O’Shea is dragged from his bed before dawn and out to Bertra Beach, where a Toyota Avensis still smoulders in the morning heat. The victim is unrecognisable — except for her red shoes, the one clue the fire didn’t destroy.
By his side is Detective Sergeant Deirdre Maguire, sharp-eyed, unflappable, and armed with coffee because she knows exactly what her boss is like at this hour. Together they begin picking apart a strange a car with no plates, a body that couldn’t escape and no sign of the driver who fled into the night.
When a local man comes forward with camera footage of the blaze, the investigation jolts to life — but the recording only deepens the mystery. Who was the woman? Who brought her here? And why burn her where tourists stop to watch the sunset?
O’Shea and Maguire know one the killer is out there, and someone in Westport knows more than they’re saying.
A burnt-out car on the Mayo coast. A young woman’s body inside. Someone wanted her erased.
Detective Inspector Martin O’Shea is dragged from his bed before dawn and out to Bertra Beach, where a Toyota Avensis still smoulders in the morning heat. The victim is unrecognisable — except for her red shoes, the one clue the fire didn’t destroy.
By his side is Detective Sergeant Deirdre Maguire, sharp-eyed, unflappable, and armed with coffee because she knows exactly what her boss is like at this hour. Together they begin picking apart a strange a car with no plates, a body that couldn’t escape and no sign of the driver who fled into the night.
When a local man comes forward with camera footage of the blaze, the investigation jolts to life — but the recording only deepens the mystery. Who was the woman? Who brought her here? And why burn her where tourists stop to watch the sunset?
O’Shea and Maguire know one the killer is out there, and someone in Westport knows more than they’re saying.
227 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 3, 2024
About the author
David Pearson
35 books127 followersOne of Ireland's most prolific crime writers, David has a total of 28 books published to date across four separate series.
The Galway Homicides - set in and around Clifden on the Wild Atlantic Way, now with a new title available October 2026 - Murder on the Wild Atlantic Way.
The Dublin Homicides - a grittier set of 6 stories set in the capital of Ireland
The Wexford Homicides - introducing DI Vikki Kirkby
The Mayo Murders - a new series set in and around Westport in County Mayo featuring DI Martin O'Shea and DS Deirdre Maguire.
The Galway Homicides - set in and around Clifden on the Wild Atlantic Way, now with a new title available October 2026 - Murder on the Wild Atlantic Way.
The Dublin Homicides - a grittier set of 6 stories set in the capital of Ireland
The Wexford Homicides - introducing DI Vikki Kirkby
The Mayo Murders - a new series set in and around Westport in County Mayo featuring DI Martin O'Shea and DS Deirdre Maguire.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
December 5, 2024
The death of Maria Hyka has O’Shea and Maguire unravelling a thrilling new mystery as they sift through a web of lies and corruption.
Another fantastic mystery from David Pearson. This one had me at page one and I couldn’t read it fast enough. A must read for mystery fans.
Another fantastic mystery from David Pearson. This one had me at page one and I couldn’t read it fast enough. A must read for mystery fans.
February 8, 2026
This is the second in the series and it doesn't look like there's another waiting in the wings. DCI Martin O'Shea and DS Deirdre Maguire are called out in the early hours of the morning to a car on fire on a caravan site facing the beach. When they get there they discover that there was a body in the passenger seat whose face, hair and clothes have all burnt away but her fetching red shoes did not! There is no ID and had very little to go by. The occupants of the few caravans which were permanently sited there had seen nothing until they woke up to the sounds of crackling and the smell of smoke. Later on a guy appears back from his holidays and says my camera is still working and captured something which may be of use to you. It was!
This the tale of call girls, a man selling dodgy cars and an older woman using procurement and the murder of a young girl. As usual in the Martin O'Shea books it moves along a little snail like but it gets there in the end! I still haven't got over the shock that the police officers get to go home almost on time and get very few call outs and lead lives away from the police station!! It's like entering another world far away from officers who work all day and night, live on very unhealthy food, and get shot or stabbed or bashed over the head or all 3 at the same time, and whose books are twice the length of these, but then these are the intrepid folks from British or American police stations who shout a lot and are worn out to a frazzle, unlike their Irish counterparts who get to go home on time and even get meals!!! Am not used to this!!
This the tale of call girls, a man selling dodgy cars and an older woman using procurement and the murder of a young girl. As usual in the Martin O'Shea books it moves along a little snail like but it gets there in the end! I still haven't got over the shock that the police officers get to go home almost on time and get very few call outs and lead lives away from the police station!! It's like entering another world far away from officers who work all day and night, live on very unhealthy food, and get shot or stabbed or bashed over the head or all 3 at the same time, and whose books are twice the length of these, but then these are the intrepid folks from British or American police stations who shout a lot and are worn out to a frazzle, unlike their Irish counterparts who get to go home on time and even get meals!!! Am not used to this!!
December 23, 2025
Goodnread
This is the second book in this series and I enjoyed it just as much as the first. It's a quick read with fast moving story which gives insight into some of the difficulties encountered in police enqiries. The characters are well portrayed and there are many twists and turns in the plot which keep one guessing.
This is the second book in this series and I enjoyed it just as much as the first. It's a quick read with fast moving story which gives insight into some of the difficulties encountered in police enqiries. The characters are well portrayed and there are many twists and turns in the plot which keep one guessing.
April 15, 2026
Another thoroughly enjoyable novel
As usual I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading more of his work.I have recommended this author to members of my book club.
As usual I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading more of his work.I have recommended this author to members of my book club.
May 24, 2026
The Vacation Women
The story moves along well with a lot of interesting characters. Great police interactions with some surprises and good detail. Anyone who enjoys a cozy mystery will enjoy this. Could have
been proofread one more time.
The story moves along well with a lot of interesting characters. Great police interactions with some surprises and good detail. Anyone who enjoys a cozy mystery will enjoy this. Could have
been proofread one more time.
September 11, 2026
Detectives Martin O’Shea and Deirdre Maguire of the Westport police investigate the murder of a woman whose body has been burned. A well-crafted procedural. Reader Kevin Marron brings the audio version to life.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews