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The Wild Atlantic Murders #1
The Clew Bay Detective
Not yet published
Expected 16 Jun 26Welcome to Westport, where the wild beauty of Ireland’s western coast hides deadly secrets…
Reeling from a devastating breakup, landscape gardener Ali Brennan escapes to the small coastal town of Westport, hoping its rugged shoreline and quiet rhythms will help her rebuild her life. But peace is short lived when wealthy landowner John Clifford-Murphy is found dead on a remote island in Clew Bay – alone, and inexplicably without his phone or vital medication.
The local Gardaí are quick to rule the death an accident. Ali isn’t so sure… especially when Clifford-Murphy’s widow begs her to look more closely. Joined by her enthusiastic college-dropout nephew, Gav, Ali begins to ask questions the tight-knit community would rather leave unanswered. And when her ex-boyfriend, Detective Aidan Cahill, turns up to inform her that her life is under threat, Ali is forced to confront the past she thought she’d left behind.
As secrets surface, the danger escalates. When Ali herself becomes a target – waking terrified and alone on the shores of nearby lake Doo Lough – it’s clear the investigation has drawn her into something far darker than she ever imagined. Can Ali uncover the truth before the killer strikes again?
Perfect for fans of Emylia Hall, LJ Ross and Carlene O’Connor.
Reeling from a devastating breakup, landscape gardener Ali Brennan escapes to the small coastal town of Westport, hoping its rugged shoreline and quiet rhythms will help her rebuild her life. But peace is short lived when wealthy landowner John Clifford-Murphy is found dead on a remote island in Clew Bay – alone, and inexplicably without his phone or vital medication.
The local Gardaí are quick to rule the death an accident. Ali isn’t so sure… especially when Clifford-Murphy’s widow begs her to look more closely. Joined by her enthusiastic college-dropout nephew, Gav, Ali begins to ask questions the tight-knit community would rather leave unanswered. And when her ex-boyfriend, Detective Aidan Cahill, turns up to inform her that her life is under threat, Ali is forced to confront the past she thought she’d left behind.
As secrets surface, the danger escalates. When Ali herself becomes a target – waking terrified and alone on the shores of nearby lake Doo Lough – it’s clear the investigation has drawn her into something far darker than she ever imagined. Can Ali uncover the truth before the killer strikes again?
Perfect for fans of Emylia Hall, LJ Ross and Carlene O’Connor.
- GenresCozy Mystery
316 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication June 16, 2026
About the author
Pam Lecky
19 books305 followersPam is an Irish author of historical and contemporary crime and mystery, published by Storm Publishing and Avon Books UK (Harper Collins).
Pam's Victorian murder mystery series features Lucy Lawrence, along with her trusty maid, Mary, and the enigmatic investigator, Phineas Stone. Lucy solves some nasty crimes along the way and although she is often a magnet for trouble, she invariably comes good in the end. The books are set in the UK and Europe during the late Victorian period.
The Sarah Gillespie espionage series (trilogy) features an Irish woman working for MI5 during WW2. Pam has also written a standalone WW2 murder mystery, Under A Lightning Sky, set during the Blitz.
The Bowes Inheritance, Pam’s debut novel, was awarded the B.R.A.G. Medallion; was shortlisted for the Carousel Aware Prize 2016; made 'Editor's Choice' by the Historical Novel Society; long-listed for the Historical Novel Society 2016 Indie Award; and chosen as a Discovered Diamond in 2017.
Pam’s current project is The Wild Atlantic Murders series, a contemporary Irish crime series (cozy crime with a bit of an edge!), the first book of which will be published on June 16th 2026. The Clew Bay Detectives is set in Co. Mayo and features a landscape designer, Ali Brennan, who discovers she has a surprising talent for solving crime.
Pam is represented by Thérèse Coen at Susanna Lea Associates Literary Agency, London. Pam is a member of the Historical Novel Society, The Crime Writers' Association and the Society of Authors.
Pam's Victorian murder mystery series features Lucy Lawrence, along with her trusty maid, Mary, and the enigmatic investigator, Phineas Stone. Lucy solves some nasty crimes along the way and although she is often a magnet for trouble, she invariably comes good in the end. The books are set in the UK and Europe during the late Victorian period.
The Sarah Gillespie espionage series (trilogy) features an Irish woman working for MI5 during WW2. Pam has also written a standalone WW2 murder mystery, Under A Lightning Sky, set during the Blitz.
The Bowes Inheritance, Pam’s debut novel, was awarded the B.R.A.G. Medallion; was shortlisted for the Carousel Aware Prize 2016; made 'Editor's Choice' by the Historical Novel Society; long-listed for the Historical Novel Society 2016 Indie Award; and chosen as a Discovered Diamond in 2017.
Pam’s current project is The Wild Atlantic Murders series, a contemporary Irish crime series (cozy crime with a bit of an edge!), the first book of which will be published on June 16th 2026. The Clew Bay Detectives is set in Co. Mayo and features a landscape designer, Ali Brennan, who discovers she has a surprising talent for solving crime.
Pam is represented by Thérèse Coen at Susanna Lea Associates Literary Agency, London. Pam is a member of the Historical Novel Society, The Crime Writers' Association and the Society of Authors.
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Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Clew Bay Detectives by Pam Lecky
Synopsis /
Welcome to Westport, where the wild beauty of Ireland’s western coast hides deadly secrets…
Reeling from a devastating breakup, landscape gardener Ali Brennan escapes to the small coastal town of Westport, hoping its rugged shoreline and quiet rhythms will help her rebuild her life. But peace is short lived when wealthy landowner John Clifford-Murphy is found dead on a remote island in Clew Bay – alone, and inexplicably without his phone or vital medication.
The local Gardaí are quick to rule the death an accident. Ali isn’t so sure… especially when Clifford-Murphy’s widow begs her to look more closely. Joined by her enthusiastic college-dropout nephew, Gav, Ali begins to ask questions the tight-knit community would rather leave unanswered. And when her ex-boyfriend, Detective Aidan Cahill, turns up to inform her that her life is under threat, Ali is forced to confront the past she thought she’d left behind.
As secrets surface, the danger escalates. When Ali herself becomes a target – waking terrified and alone on the shores of nearby lake Doo Lough – it’s clear the investigation has drawn her into something far darker than she ever imagined. Can Ali uncover the truth before the killer strikes again?
My Thoughts /
First and foremost, a huge THANK YOU to NetGalley, Storm Publishing and author, Pam Lecky for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
The Clew Bay Detective is the first book in The Wild Atlantic Murders series. As a huge fan of Lecky's Lucy Lawrence Mysteries series, I was quick to hit that request button when finding out a new series was added to her repertoire.
In a nutshell, the plot follows female protagonist, Ali Brennan, a landscape gardener who relocates to the quiet coastal town of Westport, County Mayo, to rebuild her life after a difficult breakup. The peace of the quiet coastal town is shattered when wealthy landowner John Clifford-Murphy is found dead on a remote island in Clew Bay.
The police rule Clifford-Murphy's death accidental – he was an insulin dependent diabetic and was found alone on the island with no phone, food, water, or medication. But the victim's widow is adamant that her husband would never go anywhere without his life-saving medication and pleads with Ali to look into her husband's death.
The mystery unfolds slowly but deliberately, with Lecky introducing key characters and contextual clues exactly when needed.
The characters are likable and generally, well-written. However, Ali is portrayed as a strong-willed and persistent protagonist, preferring to make her own decisions rather than rely on others' guidance, which at times became her undoing, and this reader found it to be one of her more frustrating characteristics.
Where the book truly shines is in Lecky's vivid prose which perfectly captures the Irish coast, transporting me straight onto those windy, desolate shores. Woven with local expressions and cultural texture, the narrative carries a uniquely authentic Irish atmosphere.
As with her Lucy Lawrence Mysteries series, I think this reader will come to enjoy Ali Brennan in books to come.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to one of my favourite publishers, Storm Publishing 💗 for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for June 16, 2026.
Synopsis /
Welcome to Westport, where the wild beauty of Ireland’s western coast hides deadly secrets…
Reeling from a devastating breakup, landscape gardener Ali Brennan escapes to the small coastal town of Westport, hoping its rugged shoreline and quiet rhythms will help her rebuild her life. But peace is short lived when wealthy landowner John Clifford-Murphy is found dead on a remote island in Clew Bay – alone, and inexplicably without his phone or vital medication.
The local Gardaí are quick to rule the death an accident. Ali isn’t so sure… especially when Clifford-Murphy’s widow begs her to look more closely. Joined by her enthusiastic college-dropout nephew, Gav, Ali begins to ask questions the tight-knit community would rather leave unanswered. And when her ex-boyfriend, Detective Aidan Cahill, turns up to inform her that her life is under threat, Ali is forced to confront the past she thought she’d left behind.
As secrets surface, the danger escalates. When Ali herself becomes a target – waking terrified and alone on the shores of nearby lake Doo Lough – it’s clear the investigation has drawn her into something far darker than she ever imagined. Can Ali uncover the truth before the killer strikes again?
My Thoughts /
First and foremost, a huge THANK YOU to NetGalley, Storm Publishing and author, Pam Lecky for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
The Clew Bay Detective is the first book in The Wild Atlantic Murders series. As a huge fan of Lecky's Lucy Lawrence Mysteries series, I was quick to hit that request button when finding out a new series was added to her repertoire.
In a nutshell, the plot follows female protagonist, Ali Brennan, a landscape gardener who relocates to the quiet coastal town of Westport, County Mayo, to rebuild her life after a difficult breakup. The peace of the quiet coastal town is shattered when wealthy landowner John Clifford-Murphy is found dead on a remote island in Clew Bay.
The police rule Clifford-Murphy's death accidental – he was an insulin dependent diabetic and was found alone on the island with no phone, food, water, or medication. But the victim's widow is adamant that her husband would never go anywhere without his life-saving medication and pleads with Ali to look into her husband's death.
The mystery unfolds slowly but deliberately, with Lecky introducing key characters and contextual clues exactly when needed.
The characters are likable and generally, well-written. However, Ali is portrayed as a strong-willed and persistent protagonist, preferring to make her own decisions rather than rely on others' guidance, which at times became her undoing, and this reader found it to be one of her more frustrating characteristics.
Where the book truly shines is in Lecky's vivid prose which perfectly captures the Irish coast, transporting me straight onto those windy, desolate shores. Woven with local expressions and cultural texture, the narrative carries a uniquely authentic Irish atmosphere.
As with her Lucy Lawrence Mysteries series, I think this reader will come to enjoy Ali Brennan in books to come.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to one of my favourite publishers, Storm Publishing 💗 for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for June 16, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Synopsis:
After a devastating breakup, landscape gardener Ali Brennan retreats to the seaside town of Westport, hoping the rugged shoreline and quiet charm will help her start over. But her fresh beginning is shattered when wealthy landowner John Clifford-Murphy is found dead on a remote island in Clew Bay — alone, without his phone, and missing the medication he desperately needed to survive.
The local Gardaí are quick to call it a tragic accident. Ali isn’t convinced, especially when the dead man’s widow pleads with her to investigate. With the help of her sharp-witted, college-dropout nephew Gav, Ali begins uncovering secrets the tight-knit community would rather keep buried.
Then Detective Aidan Cahill — the ex Ali has tried hard to forget — arrives with a chilling warning: someone wants her dead.
As the investigation deepens, so does the danger. When Ali wakes terrified and disoriented on the desolate shores of Doo Lough, it becomes clear she’s stumbled into something far darker than a suspicious death.
Now, with the truth closing in and a killer watching her every move, Ali must uncover what really happened before she becomes the next victim.
Review:
The Clew Bay Detectives is a slow-burning, cozy mystery that relies heavily on atmosphere and suspense rather than fast-paced action. The story is told exclusively from Ali’s point of view, which helps keep the events clear and focused while also highlighting what a strong, independent protagonist she is. Ali is capable and determined, making her easy to follow throughout the investigation.
One aspect that stretched believability for me was the premise of someone asking Ali — essentially a stranger with no investigative background — to investigate the death of a husband. It felt far-fetched at times and required a fair amount of suspension of disbelief.
The suspense surrounding the crime boss lingering in the background added a steady sense of danger to the story and helped maintain tension even during the slower moments. However, the pacing overall felt sluggish in places and occasionally dragged, making it harder to stay fully engaged.
The characters are likable and generally well written, but they lacked the emotional depth needed to make me truly invested in them. I never found myself strongly rooting for or against anyone, which made some of the emotional moments feel less impactful.
I was also disappointed that the author glossed over certain details of the crimes with phrases like “You can guess the rest” or “She won’t tell us what she did.” In a mystery novel, avoiding those specifics felt unsatisfying and left parts of the story feeling incomplete.
Where the book truly shines is in its setting. The author does an excellent job creating an authentic Irish atmosphere through vivid environmental descriptions, coastal scenery, and natural Irish inflections in the dialogue. The setting becomes one of the strongest aspects of the novel.
Overall, this is a good choice for fans of atmospheric Irish mysteries and gripping coastal suspense, particularly readers who enjoy immersive settings and slow-burn storytelling.
Thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
After a devastating breakup, landscape gardener Ali Brennan retreats to the seaside town of Westport, hoping the rugged shoreline and quiet charm will help her start over. But her fresh beginning is shattered when wealthy landowner John Clifford-Murphy is found dead on a remote island in Clew Bay — alone, without his phone, and missing the medication he desperately needed to survive.
The local Gardaí are quick to call it a tragic accident. Ali isn’t convinced, especially when the dead man’s widow pleads with her to investigate. With the help of her sharp-witted, college-dropout nephew Gav, Ali begins uncovering secrets the tight-knit community would rather keep buried.
Then Detective Aidan Cahill — the ex Ali has tried hard to forget — arrives with a chilling warning: someone wants her dead.
As the investigation deepens, so does the danger. When Ali wakes terrified and disoriented on the desolate shores of Doo Lough, it becomes clear she’s stumbled into something far darker than a suspicious death.
Now, with the truth closing in and a killer watching her every move, Ali must uncover what really happened before she becomes the next victim.
Review:
The Clew Bay Detectives is a slow-burning, cozy mystery that relies heavily on atmosphere and suspense rather than fast-paced action. The story is told exclusively from Ali’s point of view, which helps keep the events clear and focused while also highlighting what a strong, independent protagonist she is. Ali is capable and determined, making her easy to follow throughout the investigation.
One aspect that stretched believability for me was the premise of someone asking Ali — essentially a stranger with no investigative background — to investigate the death of a husband. It felt far-fetched at times and required a fair amount of suspension of disbelief.
The suspense surrounding the crime boss lingering in the background added a steady sense of danger to the story and helped maintain tension even during the slower moments. However, the pacing overall felt sluggish in places and occasionally dragged, making it harder to stay fully engaged.
The characters are likable and generally well written, but they lacked the emotional depth needed to make me truly invested in them. I never found myself strongly rooting for or against anyone, which made some of the emotional moments feel less impactful.
I was also disappointed that the author glossed over certain details of the crimes with phrases like “You can guess the rest” or “She won’t tell us what she did.” In a mystery novel, avoiding those specifics felt unsatisfying and left parts of the story feeling incomplete.
Where the book truly shines is in its setting. The author does an excellent job creating an authentic Irish atmosphere through vivid environmental descriptions, coastal scenery, and natural Irish inflections in the dialogue. The setting becomes one of the strongest aspects of the novel.
Overall, this is a good choice for fans of atmospheric Irish mysteries and gripping coastal suspense, particularly readers who enjoy immersive settings and slow-burn storytelling.
Thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book opens with a man, lying in a ruin on a small island in Clew Bay, off the coast of County Mayo, Ireland, aware that his death is imminent, and reflecting on his life. The action then moves to the Westport area, where readers meet master gardener and landscape designer Ali Brennan. Ali is new to the area, having moved there from Dublin after leaving a long-term relationship. She and her brother had been wanting to expand their business and this seemed like the perfect time and place. Ali's cousin, Jacinta Burke, owner of Burke's Hotel, has a holiday let that needs some refurbishment so Ali moves in there, paying a reduced rent in exchange for some work on the cottage. Ali's nephew, Gavan, soon arrives. He's at a bit of a loose end since he dropped out of Trinity College. He's there to get some part time work and to room with Ali. Little do they know they'll soon be working together as amateur detectives. As Ali tries to get the word out about her business and find her way in rural Ireland, she meets locals, learns about feuds and small town rivalries, and unwittingly becomes involved in an international crime investigation. Then she's asked by his widow to find out what happened to the guy on the island. She reluctantly agrees and she and Gavan find themselves investigating what law enforcement thinks is a case of natural death. Are they right or is something more sinister going on? There are other aspects to the intertwined stories, but I won't say anything more here because I don't want to give anything away.
When I saw that this book is set on the Wild Atlantic Way, I knew I wanted to read it. I've lived on the Wild Atlantic Way for several years, albeit further north. I haven't spent much time in the area where this book is set, although a town I lived in when I first got to Ireland is mentioned a couple of times in passing. The author's note stated that there will be at least two more books in the series and it'd be fun for me if one was set up here in Donegal, but it seems like the areas she's most familiar with are further south. No matter. I will look for the next books and happily read them. I enjoyed this one a lot. I think the author captured the setting beautifully--the landscape, the interpersonal relations in the rural area, the feuds, and the friendliness and willingness to help a newcomer all rang quite true to me. The plot was very well crafted and the story unfolded at just the right pace--as Ali and Gavan learned more about what was going on at the dead man's home, readers began to understand why it could be that someone wanted him dead, while at the same time, the possibility of a natural death was kept open. The mystery at the heart of the book was well done and pretty unique. The ending was satisfying with loose ends in the various plotlines tied up well, but with one ongoing. All in all, I'd say that this is an excellent cozy mystery--one that I thoroughly enjoyed spending time with. I'm thrilled that this will be a series and I look forward to reading the next one.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for a digital review copy.
When I saw that this book is set on the Wild Atlantic Way, I knew I wanted to read it. I've lived on the Wild Atlantic Way for several years, albeit further north. I haven't spent much time in the area where this book is set, although a town I lived in when I first got to Ireland is mentioned a couple of times in passing. The author's note stated that there will be at least two more books in the series and it'd be fun for me if one was set up here in Donegal, but it seems like the areas she's most familiar with are further south. No matter. I will look for the next books and happily read them. I enjoyed this one a lot. I think the author captured the setting beautifully--the landscape, the interpersonal relations in the rural area, the feuds, and the friendliness and willingness to help a newcomer all rang quite true to me. The plot was very well crafted and the story unfolded at just the right pace--as Ali and Gavan learned more about what was going on at the dead man's home, readers began to understand why it could be that someone wanted him dead, while at the same time, the possibility of a natural death was kept open. The mystery at the heart of the book was well done and pretty unique. The ending was satisfying with loose ends in the various plotlines tied up well, but with one ongoing. All in all, I'd say that this is an excellent cozy mystery--one that I thoroughly enjoyed spending time with. I'm thrilled that this will be a series and I look forward to reading the next one.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for a digital review copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
⭐⭐ A Beautiful Irish Setting in a Mystery That Was Too Cozy for Me
I received The Clew Bay Detectives by Pam Lecky as an ARC from NetGalley, and the extremely beautiful cover immediately caught my attention. I love a good murder mystery, and the Irish coastal setting made this seem like a book I would enjoy. The strongest part of the novel is easily the sense of place. Clew Bay and the surrounding Irish landscape felt vivid enough that I found myself checking Google Maps and looking into the history of the area because I wanted to understand the geography more clearly. The Irish language, expressions, and cultural texture also gave the book a distinct atmosphere. Unfortunately, even with that beautiful setting, this was dreadfully boring for me.
The main issue is that the book was far too cozy and gentle for my taste. I now realize that cozy mysteries may not be my preferred type of crime fiction because I need more urgency, tension, and investigative momentum. Much of the book felt like it was setting up a future series rather than fully pulling me into this mystery, especially since the next installment is already expected later this year. The mystery itself was decent enough, but it took too long to develop, and parts of the setup did not feel especially convincing to me. Gavan was probably the most memorable character because he read like a young man simply living his best life, and I can see how his growth could be interesting in future books.
Overall, this was a difficult reading experience because I found myself bored to the point of falling asleep multiple times while reading. The mystery was not bad, but it did not appeal to me in the way I hoped it would. I can see this working much better for readers who enjoy cozy mysteries, gentle crime stories, Irish settings, and series that take time to build their world and characters. I also think the author and publisher would do right by readers by pushing for an Irish audiobook because the setting, expressions, rhythm, and atmosphere could come alive beautifully with the right narrator. For me, though, this confirmed that I need more tension and investigative force in my mysteries.
Thank you to NetGalley, author Pam Lecky, and Storm Publishing for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
#TheClewBayDetectives #NetGalley
I received The Clew Bay Detectives by Pam Lecky as an ARC from NetGalley, and the extremely beautiful cover immediately caught my attention. I love a good murder mystery, and the Irish coastal setting made this seem like a book I would enjoy. The strongest part of the novel is easily the sense of place. Clew Bay and the surrounding Irish landscape felt vivid enough that I found myself checking Google Maps and looking into the history of the area because I wanted to understand the geography more clearly. The Irish language, expressions, and cultural texture also gave the book a distinct atmosphere. Unfortunately, even with that beautiful setting, this was dreadfully boring for me.
The main issue is that the book was far too cozy and gentle for my taste. I now realize that cozy mysteries may not be my preferred type of crime fiction because I need more urgency, tension, and investigative momentum. Much of the book felt like it was setting up a future series rather than fully pulling me into this mystery, especially since the next installment is already expected later this year. The mystery itself was decent enough, but it took too long to develop, and parts of the setup did not feel especially convincing to me. Gavan was probably the most memorable character because he read like a young man simply living his best life, and I can see how his growth could be interesting in future books.
Overall, this was a difficult reading experience because I found myself bored to the point of falling asleep multiple times while reading. The mystery was not bad, but it did not appeal to me in the way I hoped it would. I can see this working much better for readers who enjoy cozy mysteries, gentle crime stories, Irish settings, and series that take time to build their world and characters. I also think the author and publisher would do right by readers by pushing for an Irish audiobook because the setting, expressions, rhythm, and atmosphere could come alive beautifully with the right narrator. For me, though, this confirmed that I need more tension and investigative force in my mysteries.
Thank you to NetGalley, author Pam Lecky, and Storm Publishing for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
#TheClewBayDetectives #NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Bug thanks to NetGalley, Storm Publishing, and author Pam Lecky for the ARC.
3.5 stars rounded down to 3.
After breaking up her 3-year relationship, Ali Brennan moves to the small coastal town of Westport to find the peace of mind and quiet she desperately needs. However, it does not last long as wealthy landowner John Clifford-Murphy is found dead on a remote island in Clew Bay, and his widow is sure that it was not a tragic accident, as the Gardaí ruled it out to be. When nobody listens to her pleas, she turns to Ali for help. Ali starts her investigation together with her brilliant college-dropout nephew, Gavan. When her investigation makes her a target and puts her life in danger, it is her ex, Detective Inspector Aidan Cahill, who shows up to keep things in check. Despite being aware of the scale of the threat, Ali refuses to run away and is determined to unearth the truth before the killer strikes again.
This cozy mystery has a big advantage: its atmospheric setting. Combined with the author's masterful descriptions, it envelops the reader immediately and makes it easier to get immersed in the story. I was able to draw vivid pictures of each setting in my mind, which made me feel like I was shadowing Ali as she moved around town to get answers to her questions.
While it has some cozy elements, I would not say that this book is a complete cozy mystery. It leans more into being an amateur sleuth murder mystery, and I really appreciated that. Being the daughter of a well-known detective, it did not surprise me to see Ali asking the right questions and coming up with multiple deductions that may solve the case.
I really enjoyed the banter between Ali and Gav. Their banter definitely took the edge off at the right times. Occasionally, Gav became an anchor for Ali, steering her in the right direction and even holding her back when she got carried away, ignoring the warnings of the professionals.
The mystery surrounding the death of Clifford-Murphy kept me guessing and built the right amount of tension throughout the book without dragging too much or, on the contrary, being overwhelming.
Overall, it was a pleasant, atmospheric, and immersive read and I am thankful for the opportunity to read the ARC. I would recommend it to readers who are looking for a mystery that is easy to follow with a vivid Irish backdrop.
3.5 stars rounded down to 3.
After breaking up her 3-year relationship, Ali Brennan moves to the small coastal town of Westport to find the peace of mind and quiet she desperately needs. However, it does not last long as wealthy landowner John Clifford-Murphy is found dead on a remote island in Clew Bay, and his widow is sure that it was not a tragic accident, as the Gardaí ruled it out to be. When nobody listens to her pleas, she turns to Ali for help. Ali starts her investigation together with her brilliant college-dropout nephew, Gavan. When her investigation makes her a target and puts her life in danger, it is her ex, Detective Inspector Aidan Cahill, who shows up to keep things in check. Despite being aware of the scale of the threat, Ali refuses to run away and is determined to unearth the truth before the killer strikes again.
This cozy mystery has a big advantage: its atmospheric setting. Combined with the author's masterful descriptions, it envelops the reader immediately and makes it easier to get immersed in the story. I was able to draw vivid pictures of each setting in my mind, which made me feel like I was shadowing Ali as she moved around town to get answers to her questions.
While it has some cozy elements, I would not say that this book is a complete cozy mystery. It leans more into being an amateur sleuth murder mystery, and I really appreciated that. Being the daughter of a well-known detective, it did not surprise me to see Ali asking the right questions and coming up with multiple deductions that may solve the case.
I really enjoyed the banter between Ali and Gav. Their banter definitely took the edge off at the right times. Occasionally, Gav became an anchor for Ali, steering her in the right direction and even holding her back when she got carried away, ignoring the warnings of the professionals.
The mystery surrounding the death of Clifford-Murphy kept me guessing and built the right amount of tension throughout the book without dragging too much or, on the contrary, being overwhelming.
Overall, it was a pleasant, atmospheric, and immersive read and I am thankful for the opportunity to read the ARC. I would recommend it to readers who are looking for a mystery that is easy to follow with a vivid Irish backdrop.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Clew Bay Detectives is the first book in The Wild Atlantic Murders series by Pam Lecky, and it was one of my favorite reads this year so far and I strongly recommend this book in this new series.
Ali Brennan convinces her brother Dominic to set up a branch of their landscape business in Westport, Ireland near Clew Bay. Fortunately for her, she is not alone in this new adventure because her cousin Jacinta lives there and owns a hotel. Her nephew Gav joins her as her intern. As she is still recovering from the breakup of a three-year relationship with her boyfriend, Detective Aidan Cahill, this is an ideal situation for her.
Ali is trying to get her business off the ground, when for some reason Judith, the widow of John Clifford-Murphy, asks her to investigate his death, which has been ruled an accident due to his diabetes. This is strange because Ali and Judith only have a passing acquaintance 12 years previously.
As Ali starts questioning people about John, Aidan shows up to warn her that her life is in danger, and she should move back to Dublin. This is because she had unwittingly gone to a home to bid on landscaping that ended up being owned by a crime boss that Aidan has been investigating for two years. Of course, she stands her ground, which she will eventually regret.
There is a lot going on here with her snooping into John’s death and being worried about the threat to her personally and reconnecting with Aidan. There are plenty of twists and turns to keep a reader engaged in the story and I could not put it down!
Gav is an absolute delight in this story, and while he should go to college, I’d love to see him stay and work in the business and be Ali’s sidekick. I’m sure every reader is rooting for an Ali and Aidan reunion, and hopefully they can fix what went wrong with their relationship. The description of Ali’s location as she navigates her new home makes it easy to envision it in your mind and makes me want to go explore the western side of Ireland.
Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Ali Brennan convinces her brother Dominic to set up a branch of their landscape business in Westport, Ireland near Clew Bay. Fortunately for her, she is not alone in this new adventure because her cousin Jacinta lives there and owns a hotel. Her nephew Gav joins her as her intern. As she is still recovering from the breakup of a three-year relationship with her boyfriend, Detective Aidan Cahill, this is an ideal situation for her.
Ali is trying to get her business off the ground, when for some reason Judith, the widow of John Clifford-Murphy, asks her to investigate his death, which has been ruled an accident due to his diabetes. This is strange because Ali and Judith only have a passing acquaintance 12 years previously.
As Ali starts questioning people about John, Aidan shows up to warn her that her life is in danger, and she should move back to Dublin. This is because she had unwittingly gone to a home to bid on landscaping that ended up being owned by a crime boss that Aidan has been investigating for two years. Of course, she stands her ground, which she will eventually regret.
There is a lot going on here with her snooping into John’s death and being worried about the threat to her personally and reconnecting with Aidan. There are plenty of twists and turns to keep a reader engaged in the story and I could not put it down!
Gav is an absolute delight in this story, and while he should go to college, I’d love to see him stay and work in the business and be Ali’s sidekick. I’m sure every reader is rooting for an Ali and Aidan reunion, and hopefully they can fix what went wrong with their relationship. The description of Ali’s location as she navigates her new home makes it easy to envision it in your mind and makes me want to go explore the western side of Ireland.
Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Pam Lecky’s The Clew Bay Detectives is a wonderfully atmospheric start to what promises to be an excellent cozy mystery series. Set along Ireland’s stunning Wild Atlantic Way, the story immediately pulled me in with its vivid sense of place and layered mystery.
After leaving behind a long-term relationship in Dublin, Ali Brennan relocates to the Westport area to expand her landscaping business and start fresh. Alongside her nephew Gavan, who has recently dropped out of Trinity College and is trying to figure out his next steps, Ali soon finds herself drawn into the investigation surrounding the suspicious death of a local man found on a small island in Clew Bay. While authorities are quick to dismiss the death as natural causes, the victim’s widow isn’t convinced — and neither are Ali and Gavan for long.
One of the strongest aspects of this book is the setting. Lecky beautifully captures the rugged landscape, close-knit rural communities, local rivalries, lingering feuds, and the warmth shown to newcomers. The atmosphere felt authentic and immersive throughout. The mystery itself was very well crafted, unfolding at exactly the right pace. As Ali and Gavan slowly uncover secrets surrounding the dead man’s life, the possibility of both natural death and murder remains believable, which kept me guessing until the end.
I also really enjoyed the partnership between Ali and Gavan. Their dynamic brought warmth and humor to the story, balancing the darker elements nicely. The intertwined plotlines added depth without becoming overwhelming, and the ending tied things together in a very satisfying way while still leaving room for future books.
Overall, this was an engaging, clever, and highly enjoyable cozy mystery with memorable characters and a beautifully realized Irish setting. I’m thrilled this is the beginning of a series and will absolutely be picking up the next installment.
Thank you to NetGalley, Pam Lecky, and Storm Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
After leaving behind a long-term relationship in Dublin, Ali Brennan relocates to the Westport area to expand her landscaping business and start fresh. Alongside her nephew Gavan, who has recently dropped out of Trinity College and is trying to figure out his next steps, Ali soon finds herself drawn into the investigation surrounding the suspicious death of a local man found on a small island in Clew Bay. While authorities are quick to dismiss the death as natural causes, the victim’s widow isn’t convinced — and neither are Ali and Gavan for long.
One of the strongest aspects of this book is the setting. Lecky beautifully captures the rugged landscape, close-knit rural communities, local rivalries, lingering feuds, and the warmth shown to newcomers. The atmosphere felt authentic and immersive throughout. The mystery itself was very well crafted, unfolding at exactly the right pace. As Ali and Gavan slowly uncover secrets surrounding the dead man’s life, the possibility of both natural death and murder remains believable, which kept me guessing until the end.
I also really enjoyed the partnership between Ali and Gavan. Their dynamic brought warmth and humor to the story, balancing the darker elements nicely. The intertwined plotlines added depth without becoming overwhelming, and the ending tied things together in a very satisfying way while still leaving room for future books.
Overall, this was an engaging, clever, and highly enjoyable cozy mystery with memorable characters and a beautifully realized Irish setting. I’m thrilled this is the beginning of a series and will absolutely be picking up the next installment.
Thank you to NetGalley, Pam Lecky, and Storm Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
There’s something instantly inviting about The Clew Bay Detectives—as if the salt‑stung air of Westport drifts straight off the page and settles around you while the mystery quietly tightens its grip. It’s a story that begins with heartbreak and retreat, yet quickly unfurls into something far more tangled, atmospheric, and quietly gripping.
Ali Brennan is such an easy character to root for: bruised but not broken, trying to rebuild her life among the rugged beauty of Ireland’s western coast. That sense of place is one of the novel’s greatest strengths—the wild shoreline, the hush of Clew Bay, the lonely sweep of Doo Lough. It all feels windswept and watchful, as though the landscape itself is keeping secrets.
When the death of wealthy landowner John Clifford‑Murphy is waved away as an accident, Ali’s instinctive unease gives the story its spark. Her reluctant involvement—nudged along by a grieving widow, a charmingly chaotic nephew, and the unwelcome reappearance of her detective ex—creates a lovely blend of tension and warmth. The community’s tight‑lipped resistance adds that delicious small‑town friction, where everyone knows something but no one wants to speak.
As the danger circles closer, the novel shifts into a darker, more urgent register. Ali’s vulnerability is palpable, yet she never loses her quiet resilience, and the final stretch has that satisfying mix of dread, revelation, and emotional payoff.
It’s an atmospheric, character‑led mystery with a strong sense of place—perfect for readers who enjoy their crime fiction with heart, coastline, and a heroine who feels wonderfully real. A cosy‑dark Irish mystery that lingers like sea mist.
With thanks to Pam Lecky, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Ali Brennan is such an easy character to root for: bruised but not broken, trying to rebuild her life among the rugged beauty of Ireland’s western coast. That sense of place is one of the novel’s greatest strengths—the wild shoreline, the hush of Clew Bay, the lonely sweep of Doo Lough. It all feels windswept and watchful, as though the landscape itself is keeping secrets.
When the death of wealthy landowner John Clifford‑Murphy is waved away as an accident, Ali’s instinctive unease gives the story its spark. Her reluctant involvement—nudged along by a grieving widow, a charmingly chaotic nephew, and the unwelcome reappearance of her detective ex—creates a lovely blend of tension and warmth. The community’s tight‑lipped resistance adds that delicious small‑town friction, where everyone knows something but no one wants to speak.
As the danger circles closer, the novel shifts into a darker, more urgent register. Ali’s vulnerability is palpable, yet she never loses her quiet resilience, and the final stretch has that satisfying mix of dread, revelation, and emotional payoff.
It’s an atmospheric, character‑led mystery with a strong sense of place—perfect for readers who enjoy their crime fiction with heart, coastline, and a heroine who feels wonderfully real. A cosy‑dark Irish mystery that lingers like sea mist.
With thanks to Pam Lecky, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Who would have thought that a landscaper can moonlight as a detective! Pam Lecky's novel, The Clewbay Detectives follows Ali, who moves to Clewbay, to work on her latest landscaping project. As she settles in to her new life, the town suddenly is abuzz with the news of a missing person. Soon, Ali finds herself working a murder case.
The book is a light read and has cozy mystery vibes. The novel immerses readers in the picturesque Irish landscapes through its descriptive writing. We can almost feel the constant patter of rains and gusty winds as the story unfolds.
The novel takes its time building a vivid sense of place before introducing the mystery, yet the transition feels natural. As the investigation unfolds, the story retains its focus on character dynamics, giving the mystery added depth.
A minor issue I had was that the novel occasionally mentions characters without much initial context, leaving me unsure of their role in Ali's life until later in the story.
Ali is portrayed as a strong-willed and persistent protagonist, preferring to make her own decisions rather than rely on others' guidance. The subtle romantic tension between Ali and her ex, Aidan,was well written. Ali and her nephew Gav were an unexpected duo, and their relationship was particularly endearing to read.
Though the various details in the beginning seem unimportant, they become significant in the end. The mystery unfolds steadily, with well-placed clues and revelations that kept me guessing until the final pages.
This was my first book by this author . Ill definitely be checking out her other books !
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for providing me with an advance review copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
The book is a light read and has cozy mystery vibes. The novel immerses readers in the picturesque Irish landscapes through its descriptive writing. We can almost feel the constant patter of rains and gusty winds as the story unfolds.
The novel takes its time building a vivid sense of place before introducing the mystery, yet the transition feels natural. As the investigation unfolds, the story retains its focus on character dynamics, giving the mystery added depth.
A minor issue I had was that the novel occasionally mentions characters without much initial context, leaving me unsure of their role in Ali's life until later in the story.
Ali is portrayed as a strong-willed and persistent protagonist, preferring to make her own decisions rather than rely on others' guidance. The subtle romantic tension between Ali and her ex, Aidan,was well written. Ali and her nephew Gav were an unexpected duo, and their relationship was particularly endearing to read.
Though the various details in the beginning seem unimportant, they become significant in the end. The mystery unfolds steadily, with well-placed clues and revelations that kept me guessing until the final pages.
This was my first book by this author . Ill definitely be checking out her other books !
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for providing me with an advance review copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Clew Bay Detectives is the debut book in Pam Lecky's The Wild Atlantic Murders series, If you want an exciting roller coaster of a cozy adjacent story you will love this one! The characters are likable and there are two storylines plus a broken relationship to keep it interesting! Ali Brennan is moving to Westport in Ireland to start over and start a new office of the family landscaping business. Her cousin Jacinta lives there and manages an inn and her nephew Gavan (Gav) comes to help with the landscape business. Ali was in a serious relationship with Aiden who is a Police Detective doing special investigations. He was away on a long term assignment so Ali left. She inadvertently comes into contact with a crime boss who Aiden is investigating so he shows up. Having Aiden around wreaks havoc with her emotions. When the crime boss targets both of them, things get dicey. On top of that an unpopular local ends up dead out on a remote island. It looks like an accident but his new wife doesn't think so and wants Ali to find his killer (even though they barely know each other). There is some profanity and mention of rape and abuse but it is a minor part. The characters are interesting and relatable. The mystery is engaging and the pace kept me riveted to see what was going to happen next. This book was hard to put down! I received an advance copy for free from NetGalley and Storm Publishing and I voluntarily leave this review.
#TheClewBayDetectives #TheWildAtlanticMurders #NetGalley #StormPublishing
#TheClewBayDetectives #TheWildAtlanticMurders #NetGalley #StormPublishing
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book.
I did finish this but didn't enjoy it. The beginning was very slow and repetitive, with almost nothing happening for the first 20% of the book. Ali was so contradictory about everything. For example, when she was at the funeral and told the widow, Judith, to call her anytime, Judith asked to see her afterwards but Ali made a big deal about it and didn't want to. You literally just told her to call you and now you can't be bothered? This happened throughout the story. Aiden tells her not to tell anyone about him or her dad (a former cop), so the first person she sees after he says that (the neighbor), she tells him her life story. Why? Why would you do that?? And why would Judith even ask her to look into John's death and why would Ali agree to it? That made absolutely no sense. She barely even knew Ali. The writing wasn't awful but I always felt like the author didn't know what type of book to write so she threw everything in there. I hated the ending and won't be continuing the series.
I did finish this but didn't enjoy it. The beginning was very slow and repetitive, with almost nothing happening for the first 20% of the book. Ali was so contradictory about everything. For example, when she was at the funeral and told the widow, Judith, to call her anytime, Judith asked to see her afterwards but Ali made a big deal about it and didn't want to. You literally just told her to call you and now you can't be bothered? This happened throughout the story. Aiden tells her not to tell anyone about him or her dad (a former cop), so the first person she sees after he says that (the neighbor), she tells him her life story. Why? Why would you do that?? And why would Judith even ask her to look into John's death and why would Ali agree to it? That made absolutely no sense. She barely even knew Ali. The writing wasn't awful but I always felt like the author didn't know what type of book to write so she threw everything in there. I hated the ending and won't be continuing the series.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
First of a new Wild Atlantic Murders series featuring full time garden designer and part time amateur detective Ali Brennan. After a bad relationship breakup Ali moved to the West of Ireland and the beautiful Clew Bay Area to open a new branch of her family landscape business, alongside her nephew Gavan. There are a lot of Irish colloquialisms used in the book and it was useful having a partner who is from Dublin to translate for me!
Briefly, they quickly find themselves caught up in the death of a local and wealthy business man, whose body was found on a small isolated island. The Gardai believe it was accidental death, from a lack of insulin, but his widow isn’t convinced and for some strange reason asks Ali to look into it. With no apparent suspects Ali and Gav start digging but as they do an unwelcome romantic blast from her past reappears with serious news, putting her life in danger.
The descriptions of the beautiful landscape were very well done giving a great sense of place. Good characters and the small community vibe was good. A well paced and enjoyable cozy crime novel.
Briefly, they quickly find themselves caught up in the death of a local and wealthy business man, whose body was found on a small isolated island. The Gardai believe it was accidental death, from a lack of insulin, but his widow isn’t convinced and for some strange reason asks Ali to look into it. With no apparent suspects Ali and Gav start digging but as they do an unwelcome romantic blast from her past reappears with serious news, putting her life in danger.
The descriptions of the beautiful landscape were very well done giving a great sense of place. Good characters and the small community vibe was good. A well paced and enjoyable cozy crime novel.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
My rating 4.5 stars
The Clew Bay Detectives by Pam Lecky. What a great start to a new series, Pam Lecky is a new to me author but is definitely on my radar now. I enjoyed this book and look forward to book 2. Welcome to Westport, where the wild beauty of Ireland’s western coast hides deadly secrets…
I absolutely loved it, the setting, main characters Ali, Gav and of course Pip the cat. I knew from the first few pages that I would be engrossed in the story, I just couldn’t stop reading. I am eager to read more .
The story is well done and the characters are really a fun bunch.
It was entertaining, full of twists and turns and I did guess whodunnit but that did not distract from the story. I’m sure in the next book character development and plot will improve and I won’t be able to guess.
I recommend this series to all my cozy loving friends and I can’t wait for book 2 to come out!
I requested and received an advanced readers copy from Storm Publishing and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my OWN.
The Clew Bay Detectives by Pam Lecky. What a great start to a new series, Pam Lecky is a new to me author but is definitely on my radar now. I enjoyed this book and look forward to book 2. Welcome to Westport, where the wild beauty of Ireland’s western coast hides deadly secrets…
I absolutely loved it, the setting, main characters Ali, Gav and of course Pip the cat. I knew from the first few pages that I would be engrossed in the story, I just couldn’t stop reading. I am eager to read more .
The story is well done and the characters are really a fun bunch.
It was entertaining, full of twists and turns and I did guess whodunnit but that did not distract from the story. I’m sure in the next book character development and plot will improve and I won’t be able to guess.
I recommend this series to all my cozy loving friends and I can’t wait for book 2 to come out!
I requested and received an advanced readers copy from Storm Publishing and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my OWN.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Pam Lecky is starting a new cozy mystery series known as “The Wild Atlantic Murders”. “The Clew Bay Detectives” is the first edition in this series. So, in this oversaturated market, how does Ms. Lecky do? Quite well, actually.
First, the opening scene plays out more like a mystery/thriller. And there are several moments that felt that way throughout this novel. The mystery is really good. The situation seems impossible at times. The interaction between the characters lends itself to make you want to visit them again to see where things progress.
The only thing that made me sort of pause was that I am not used to curse words being used in cozies for the most part. There is a scene at the very end of the book where they flow. And to be quite honest, they served no purpose to me. But maybe that is just me.
Such an easy read. I breezed through this on the day that I received it.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for providing an ARC for an unbiased review.
First, the opening scene plays out more like a mystery/thriller. And there are several moments that felt that way throughout this novel. The mystery is really good. The situation seems impossible at times. The interaction between the characters lends itself to make you want to visit them again to see where things progress.
The only thing that made me sort of pause was that I am not used to curse words being used in cozies for the most part. There is a scene at the very end of the book where they flow. And to be quite honest, they served no purpose to me. But maybe that is just me.
Such an easy read. I breezed through this on the day that I received it.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for providing an ARC for an unbiased review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I really enjoy this author’s books and was very excited to see this mystery, first in a really promising series set on Ireland’s western coast near Galway. Ali has moved from Dublin to expand her landscaping and gardening business and try to restart after a very hard break up. The death of a deeply disliked local man and bad news from her ex, a police detective, soon start to keep her busy. The writing is excellent and characters very relatable, as always with Ms. Lecky. The mysteries themselves are compelling, and the setting is also a treat, particularly for readers who have been to that area and can picture the scenery. There were a couple of very minor plot points that didn’t quite work for me, but they didn’t detract from my enjoyment. I’m very much looking forward to the next in the series. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy. All views are entirely my own and offered voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Clew Bay Detectives is the first in a new mystery series by Pam Lecky. Pam Lecky is a new author to me, so I was excited to give this book a try. It was a really good book and I will definitely be reading more Ms. Lecky’s books. I really enjoyed the setting of County Mayo in Ireland and there was a fun mix of characters to get to know. Ali is a great lead character and it was interesting to get to know her a little. The mystery had plenty of twists and turns and lots of suspects and the secondary mystery involving Ali’s ex-boyfriend did too. I enjoyed figuring the mystery out along with the characters and getting to know a little bit about this corner of Ireland. I am looking forward to reading more about Ali and Aidan and their friends and to see how their relationship develops and changes.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this book. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this book. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
So, for some reason I thought this would be more of a cozy mystery when I started reading it. Don't ask me why. Because of that, it took me a minute to get into the story, but after that it was smooth sailing.
I would say that this is a really solid series-opener. You got a good feel for the characters and the setting without either being overdone. The mystery elements were well-done, with plenty of false leads and side quests. Ali was a very relatable and likeable protagonist. I feel like as an amateur detective, she was very realistic. She didn't overestimate her abilities, but she also felt a sense of responsibility and compassion. She was, occasionally, a bit naïve, but who am I to judge? I had a lot of fun trying to guess things along the way. The ending set things up nicely for a sequel, which I'll have to look out for.
A big thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an ARC to read and review.
I would say that this is a really solid series-opener. You got a good feel for the characters and the setting without either being overdone. The mystery elements were well-done, with plenty of false leads and side quests. Ali was a very relatable and likeable protagonist. I feel like as an amateur detective, she was very realistic. She didn't overestimate her abilities, but she also felt a sense of responsibility and compassion. She was, occasionally, a bit naïve, but who am I to judge? I had a lot of fun trying to guess things along the way. The ending set things up nicely for a sequel, which I'll have to look out for.
A big thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an ARC to read and review.
May 31, 2026
The Clew Bay Detective was an enjoyable start to an Irish crime series set against the stunning backdrop of County Mayo’s west coast. After a painful breakup, landscape gardener Ali Brennan moves to Westport hoping for a fresh start, only to find herself drawn into the unusual death of a wealthy local landowner.
I liked Ali as a main character. She was determined, independent and curious enough to keep investigating when everyone else seems happy to accept the official explanation. Her relationship with her nephew added some warmth and humour, while the arrival of her ex boyfriend, Detective Aidan Cahill, brought an extra layer to the story.
The setting was one of the highlights for me. The rugged coastline and remote landscape was memorable.
A well paced and engaging crime novel with a likeable lead character and an atmospheric Irish setting. I’m looking forward to seeing where the series goes next.
With thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
I liked Ali as a main character. She was determined, independent and curious enough to keep investigating when everyone else seems happy to accept the official explanation. Her relationship with her nephew added some warmth and humour, while the arrival of her ex boyfriend, Detective Aidan Cahill, brought an extra layer to the story.
The setting was one of the highlights for me. The rugged coastline and remote landscape was memorable.
A well paced and engaging crime novel with a likeable lead character and an atmospheric Irish setting. I’m looking forward to seeing where the series goes next.
With thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5* It drags a bit, and is a tiny bit obvious as to the mole's identity, but a decent enough whodunit.
This tale was my intro to this author, in a bit of a twee cosy mystery with a not-needed broken-off romantic aspect that was hinted at, not really present in the tale, but bigged up from Ali's end right in the closing chapter, that put a bit of a dampener on the book, tbh. Her ex did pretty much nothing but spout in a bit of a MCP way, and had pit his career over what they'd spent 3 years building, so in my book, that made him no prize. If he'd not been in the book, it'd have been better. The final pages felt forced.
So, a worth-reading tale that had a killer I'd not seen coming, with stuff that came out of the woodwork giving rise to a few not-bad red herrings. Was it believable? Not really in rural Ireland, with Ali and her nephew Gavan pretty much showing up the local Garda.
ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Storm Publishing for my reading pleasure.
This tale was my intro to this author, in a bit of a twee cosy mystery with a not-needed broken-off romantic aspect that was hinted at, not really present in the tale, but bigged up from Ali's end right in the closing chapter, that put a bit of a dampener on the book, tbh. Her ex did pretty much nothing but spout in a bit of a MCP way, and had pit his career over what they'd spent 3 years building, so in my book, that made him no prize. If he'd not been in the book, it'd have been better. The final pages felt forced.
So, a worth-reading tale that had a killer I'd not seen coming, with stuff that came out of the woodwork giving rise to a few not-bad red herrings. Was it believable? Not really in rural Ireland, with Ali and her nephew Gavan pretty much showing up the local Garda.
ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Storm Publishing for my reading pleasure.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
ARC. Well, this was horrifying, and I'm so disappointed. The female villain was a victim of child sexual abuse & is subsequently described as insane. Also, on drugs, with no indication that she might be self-medicating due to trauma. There are multiple offscreen past rapes that seem weirdly normalized. The heroine's ex is a controlling asshole, yet she's considering getting back together with him at the end of the book, and that's framed as a good thing. Structurally, the book is a disjointed mess, and I'm baffled at the lack of editorial intervention. It starts cozy, becomes a thriller out of the blue, and then spends a very long while wrapping up details. In short, I don't know what Lecky was thinking. I haven't read much of her work, but I really enjoyed one of her previous novels. Not this one, though. Not at all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This new contemporary mystery series by favorite author Pam Lecky is set in the west of Ireland along the coast, and has much of the flavor of the region. Landscape gardener Ali Brennan and her nephew Gavin are pulled into solving a murder which the local police consider an accident. Ali and Gav do some good investigating among the locals, which is complicated by her ex-boyfriend, Detective Aidan Cahill, being involved in an Irish mobster case which could also threaten Ali.
The author does a good job describing the area and the main characters, and the dual plots more along smoothly towards believable conclusions.
I have read Ms Lecky's historical Lucy Lawrence mystery series and this new series is just as captivating.
Thanks to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for an advance review copy.
The author does a good job describing the area and the main characters, and the dual plots more along smoothly towards believable conclusions.
I have read Ms Lecky's historical Lucy Lawrence mystery series and this new series is just as captivating.
Thanks to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for an advance review copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Set on the Irish west coast, The Clew Bay Detectives (2026) by Pam Lecky is the start of a new crime series - the Wild Atlantic Murders. Ali Brennan moves to the small coastal town of Westport, opening a branch of the family landscape design and gardening business. Her nephew Gav joins her after dropping out of college, and they are asked to investigate the death of a local man, believed to be an accident. Their questioning of locals stirs up trouble as Ali gets threatened and suspects various villagers, with links to a death decades earlier. Whilst it had a promising opening with well-sketched characters and humour, the lack of tension buildup and a ho-hum mystery make it a three star read rating. As always, the opinions herein are totally my own, freely given and without any inducement.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Ali is starting anew in a small town on the Irish coast after splitting from her boyfriend. She is expanding the landscaping business and her nephew, Gavin, is her apprentice and sidekick. When a wealthy and unpopular man is found dead on an island, his death is ruled unsuspicious. His wife disagrees and begs Ali to look into it. Ali also learns that her ex is working on a major case involving a crime thug and that she herself is in danger as a result.
There are many people who are suspects in the man’s death and the more Ali digs into his past, the more despicable he becomes. He was a pedophile and rapist with no conscience. I wouldn’t consider this a cozy mystery, but I enjoyed reading it.
Thanks to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC.
There are many people who are suspects in the man’s death and the more Ali digs into his past, the more despicable he becomes. He was a pedophile and rapist with no conscience. I wouldn’t consider this a cozy mystery, but I enjoyed reading it.
Thanks to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Interesting beginning for a new series. Definitely more suspenseful than I anticipated but that wasn't a negative. The writing is tight with very little wasted on nonsense or excessive descriptions. One thing that did throw me was the number of unfamiliar colloquial expressions used. Some I was able to sort out by context, but some I'm still scratching my head, wondering if it was integral to the story (i.e., was it a hint as to who the culprit was). I don't believe so, but it was still a touch frustrating to not understand all that was said in dialogue.
Overall, a good story that I'm curious to see what the next book in the series is about. I do think this should come with a trigger warning for rape and date-rape drugs.
I received an ARC; this is my honest review.
Overall, a good story that I'm curious to see what the next book in the series is about. I do think this should come with a trigger warning for rape and date-rape drugs.
I received an ARC; this is my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Having enjoyed Pam Lecky’s Lucy Laurence series, I was delighted to be offered the first book in her new series to read. Ali has moved to Westport to start up a branch of her and her brother’s business. A death occurs, but it is deemed natural causes, despite the misgivings of the deceased’s wife. Ali and her nephew Gavan are asked to look into it and they uncover various bits of information. Meanwhile, Ali’s ex is involved with another case close by and matters cross over. This was a satisfying start to a new series, and I liked Ali, Gav and Pip the cat, and I also liked the premise of pulling off the perfect crime and getting away with it. Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for sharing this book with me.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Received as an ARC through Netgalley to read and review, this is an honest review.
Thank you to Storm Publishing for the pre-approval to read this book.
Author Pam Lecky wrote a wild, emotional story that begins in gut wrenching fashion as we get to know the small coastal town that Ali Brennan, needing a fresh start and believe the rugged wilds of Westport is the place Ali and her cousin Gavan- needs to be. The bizarre desth of John Clifford-Murphy finds Ali helping the man's grieving wife understand what really happened... even if it means accepting the medical examiner's conclusion. Although neither a cop or a journalist, Ali finds herself uncovering secrets that makes John's death all the more disturbing that it had to happen in the first place.
The perfect series first book to curl up with.
Highly recommended.
Thank you to Storm Publishing for the pre-approval to read this book.
Author Pam Lecky wrote a wild, emotional story that begins in gut wrenching fashion as we get to know the small coastal town that Ali Brennan, needing a fresh start and believe the rugged wilds of Westport is the place Ali and her cousin Gavan- needs to be. The bizarre desth of John Clifford-Murphy finds Ali helping the man's grieving wife understand what really happened... even if it means accepting the medical examiner's conclusion. Although neither a cop or a journalist, Ali finds herself uncovering secrets that makes John's death all the more disturbing that it had to happen in the first place.
The perfect series first book to curl up with.
Highly recommended.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to review this book. It is the first in a new series by Pam Lecky, set on the west coast of Ireland. Ali Brennan has moved there after breaking up her long term relationship. As she is joined by her nephew they work at setting up a new branch of her Landscaping business. After the mystery death of a local landowner, who is unpopular within the community. Ali is asked by his widow to look into it as she doesn't believe it was a natural death. This is a cosy murder mystery which is a slow starter. However, the story is gripping and I quickly read it. I am looking forward to reading more in this series.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Secrets, Suspense and Brilliant Characters
The Clew Bay Detective is a wonderfully written mystery with plenty of twists, intrigue, and strong characters that kept me hooked from the start. Pam Lecky brings the setting and story to life beautifully, making it a hard book to put down. A gripping and enjoyable read with just the right mix of suspense and atmosphere. Another excellent book from a talented author. Thanks to NetGalley and to the publishers of this book for giving me a free advance copy of the book to preview and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The Clew Bay Detective is a wonderfully written mystery with plenty of twists, intrigue, and strong characters that kept me hooked from the start. Pam Lecky brings the setting and story to life beautifully, making it a hard book to put down. A gripping and enjoyable read with just the right mix of suspense and atmosphere. Another excellent book from a talented author. Thanks to NetGalley and to the publishers of this book for giving me a free advance copy of the book to preview and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
#TheClewBayDetectives #NetGalley
Ali is eager to find happiness in the coastal town of Westport, located in Ireland.
A bad breakup has her in a spin, and when her nephew Gav comes to stay with her, they find themselves in the middle of a murder investigation.
I absolutely loved this book. I knew from the first few lines that I was going to be glued to the pages.
The story is well done and the characters are really a fun bunch.
Ali is eager to find happiness in the coastal town of Westport, located in Ireland.
A bad breakup has her in a spin, and when her nephew Gav comes to stay with her, they find themselves in the middle of a murder investigation.
I absolutely loved this book. I knew from the first few lines that I was going to be glued to the pages.
The story is well done and the characters are really a fun bunch.
May 7, 2026
Please accept my apologies when I state that this
is absolutely not for me. I am not saying it's a bad
book, but it was all I could do to stay interested and
try to keep track of the characters and what they
were up to, due to what seemed to be a complete
disorganization that never self corrected.
I hope that the second book will be reorganized
to allow more cohesive development of the
characters.
My thanks to Storm Publishing for the
download of the book for review purposes.
is absolutely not for me. I am not saying it's a bad
book, but it was all I could do to stay interested and
try to keep track of the characters and what they
were up to, due to what seemed to be a complete
disorganization that never self corrected.
I hope that the second book will be reorganized
to allow more cohesive development of the
characters.
My thanks to Storm Publishing for the
download of the book for review purposes.
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