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Belfast McGrath Mystery #1
Wedding Bel Blues
Are they tying the knot?
Belfast McGrath has spent the last fifteen years avoiding her big, bustling, brash Irish family. But when her five-star culinary career goes up in flames, she retreats to Foster’s Landing―where she’s immediately tapped as her cousin Caleigh’s maid-of-honor. It’s a perfect recipe for disaster...especially when Bel learns that the wedding preparations included Caleigh having one last one-night stand.
Or the noose?
When Caleigh’s lover plunges from the second-floor balcony during the reception, Bel can’t help but think his death was no accident. Soon Detective Kevin Hanson, who just happens to be Bel’s long-ago love, arrives on the scene―looking hotter than ever. Heartbreak and homicide hardly help Bel to feel more at home, but if she is going to make a new beginning for herself, including putting the past behind her, she must first steer clear of a cold-hearted killer.
Belfast McGrath has spent the last fifteen years avoiding her big, bustling, brash Irish family. But when her five-star culinary career goes up in flames, she retreats to Foster’s Landing―where she’s immediately tapped as her cousin Caleigh’s maid-of-honor. It’s a perfect recipe for disaster...especially when Bel learns that the wedding preparations included Caleigh having one last one-night stand.
Or the noose?
When Caleigh’s lover plunges from the second-floor balcony during the reception, Bel can’t help but think his death was no accident. Soon Detective Kevin Hanson, who just happens to be Bel’s long-ago love, arrives on the scene―looking hotter than ever. Heartbreak and homicide hardly help Bel to feel more at home, but if she is going to make a new beginning for herself, including putting the past behind her, she must first steer clear of a cold-hearted killer.
336 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 31, 2016
17 people are currently reading
192 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
July 30, 2017
All'inizio avevo qualche difficoltà a seguire la storia perché ogni tanto non capivo cosa era scritto (dopo tutto sono un'autodidatta), ma poi ho preso il via. La famiglia della protagonista è del tutto fuori di testa a parte il fratello più piccolo (e c'è un perché per quanto riguarda lui), tanto che non sono riuscita a capire il colpevole a causa delle loro reticenze e dei loro comportamenti. C'è un secondo mistero che risale alla giovinezza della protagonista che non viene risolto e che, forse, avrà una sua spiegazione nel terzo libro, a meno a giudicare dalla trama: visto che ha un ruolo centrale in tutta la storia e mi ha avvinto, non vedo l'ora di conoscere la soluzione!
March 10, 2017
When I started to read this book, I was prepared for a simple cozy mystery. I was looking for a light read. What I got was a lot more than that. Yes it is a cozy, but there was a lot of suspense, some romance, a lot of family drama and even some humour. The story was very well developed and kept me turning the pages to see what would happen next. There was a lot that drew me in, and this bodes well for the series.
Belfast (Bel) McGrath has returned home to Foster's Landing after suffering a major incident both personal and career ending. Bel is an award winning chef, but does she want to cook for her parent's wedding banquet business. When Bel left town years before, her best friend had disappeared after a fight and she and her boyfriend had a falling out. She was not sure what she was coming back to, but she was going home. Two months after her return, she is the maid of honor in her cousin's wedding and a young man is killed, in fact, he is thrown over a bannister from the second floor and lands on a bust of FDR. The mystery begins. This is not the only mystery in the book. There is the mysterious Uncle, but who is he really and why is he there? There is the slow-witted brother that everyone seems to be protecting, but does he need the protection? And, the mystery of why Bel was so quick to leave her hometown of Foster's Landing after Amy disappears, and where is she?
Then there is the romance. Bel meets and starts to fall for Brandon, a boy she went to school with and thinks she might just be able to trust. But when Kevin, the old boyfriend, and her kiss, she is not sure where this is going? We find that there is love and loyalty within this loud Irish family that lives and runs the manor house after immigrating from Ireland. There are also many secrets that cause more problems than they solve. I really enjoyed the character of Bel. She was smart, loyal and did not give up. She wanted to find out what was going on no matter what, but she can keep a secret as well when she needs to. Her cousin, Caleigh, I didn't like so much. She was selfish and self-centered. I hope to see more of Brandon in the next book and that things progress between him and Bel, they both deserve some good luck in relationships.
I definitely recommend this book not only to cozy mystery lovers, but to anyone who likes a mystery without a lot of blood, guts and gore as well as someone who likes the family drama of a large immigrant family.
Belfast (Bel) McGrath has returned home to Foster's Landing after suffering a major incident both personal and career ending. Bel is an award winning chef, but does she want to cook for her parent's wedding banquet business. When Bel left town years before, her best friend had disappeared after a fight and she and her boyfriend had a falling out. She was not sure what she was coming back to, but she was going home. Two months after her return, she is the maid of honor in her cousin's wedding and a young man is killed, in fact, he is thrown over a bannister from the second floor and lands on a bust of FDR. The mystery begins. This is not the only mystery in the book. There is the mysterious Uncle, but who is he really and why is he there? There is the slow-witted brother that everyone seems to be protecting, but does he need the protection? And, the mystery of why Bel was so quick to leave her hometown of Foster's Landing after Amy disappears, and where is she?
Then there is the romance. Bel meets and starts to fall for Brandon, a boy she went to school with and thinks she might just be able to trust. But when Kevin, the old boyfriend, and her kiss, she is not sure where this is going? We find that there is love and loyalty within this loud Irish family that lives and runs the manor house after immigrating from Ireland. There are also many secrets that cause more problems than they solve. I really enjoyed the character of Bel. She was smart, loyal and did not give up. She wanted to find out what was going on no matter what, but she can keep a secret as well when she needs to. Her cousin, Caleigh, I didn't like so much. She was selfish and self-centered. I hope to see more of Brandon in the next book and that things progress between him and Bel, they both deserve some good luck in relationships.
I definitely recommend this book not only to cozy mystery lovers, but to anyone who likes a mystery without a lot of blood, guts and gore as well as someone who likes the family drama of a large immigrant family.
May 20, 2016
A surprisingly serious although also humorous and quirky mystery featuring a feisty chef and her endearing but very quirky Irish family. I will definitely read more of these. I love the Irish flavor, and food always goes well in a mystery, methinks!
Reviewed for Affaire de Coeur Magazine. http://affairedecoeur.com.
Reviewed for Affaire de Coeur Magazine. http://affairedecoeur.com.
October 15, 2016
'Bel'fast McGrath has suffered a major personal and career ending change. Being a chef for a movie star may seem glorious but Bel would quickly tell you otherwise as she tries to recover her spirits and future. Where better to heal than your childhood home. That is if your childhood home brings comfort.
There are many layers to the mysteries in this novel. There is the very clear murder, but who did it? There is the mysterious Uncle, but who is he really? There is the 'protected' brother, but does he need the protection? And, the underlying mystery of why Bel was so quick to leave her hometown of Foster's Landing, where is Amy anyways?
This was a psychological suspense murder mystery with touches of humor, (I loved the Psychic, Clown, and Hypnotist,) and hopes for a romance to heal Bel's heart.
We find that there is true love within this loud, raucous Irish family that runs a manor house for mainly weddings and other events. There are secrets galore. The food is flowing as Bel is a celebrity chef who was wronged.
I was impressed by the depth of the storyline. It was extremely well-written and tightly wove a tale that compelled me to turn the pages. I look forward to the next book in this new series.
There are many layers to the mysteries in this novel. There is the very clear murder, but who did it? There is the mysterious Uncle, but who is he really? There is the 'protected' brother, but does he need the protection? And, the underlying mystery of why Bel was so quick to leave her hometown of Foster's Landing, where is Amy anyways?
This was a psychological suspense murder mystery with touches of humor, (I loved the Psychic, Clown, and Hypnotist,) and hopes for a romance to heal Bel's heart.
We find that there is true love within this loud, raucous Irish family that runs a manor house for mainly weddings and other events. There are secrets galore. The food is flowing as Bel is a celebrity chef who was wronged.
I was impressed by the depth of the storyline. It was extremely well-written and tightly wove a tale that compelled me to turn the pages. I look forward to the next book in this new series.
June 4, 2016
Can't wait for the next book!
**Additional info: For those who might not know, this author also writes under the name of Maggie Barbieri. She has two other series of books: the Murder 101 series & the Maeve Conlon "Lies" series & both are EXCELLENT! If you liked this book, give her other series a try--you won't regret it! Her Murder 101 series is a cross up of Lisa Lutz/Spellman Files & Janet Evanovich/Stephanie Plum--great fun & great mystery! Her "Lies" series is darker & great for fans of Karin Slaughter & Laura Lippman--intense mystery with great plot twists!
**Additional info: For those who might not know, this author also writes under the name of Maggie Barbieri. She has two other series of books: the Murder 101 series & the Maeve Conlon "Lies" series & both are EXCELLENT! If you liked this book, give her other series a try--you won't regret it! Her Murder 101 series is a cross up of Lisa Lutz/Spellman Files & Janet Evanovich/Stephanie Plum--great fun & great mystery! Her "Lies" series is darker & great for fans of Karin Slaughter & Laura Lippman--intense mystery with great plot twists!
July 23, 2017
Setting: Foster's Landing
Characters: Belfast (Bel) McGrath, only girl in a family of five children, former chef in a five-star NYC restaurant. She's back at home after a disastrous incident in the kitchen and the abrupt end of her relationship. Bel's family round out the cast of characters, as well as her former high school sweetheart and current police detective, Kevin Hanson, and her new suitor, Brendan Joyce.
Plot: Growing up, Bel was eager to get out of Foster's Landing and away from her boisterous brothers and busy parents. The disappearance of her best friend, Amy, coming after an argument between the pair and a night that Bel can't fully remember, only fueled her desire to leave. And she did leave, creating a career for herself as an executive chef in a New York City restaurant. Her life was going well - her career was hot and she was engaged - until a former President dined at her restaurant and chocked on a fish bone. The resulting confrontation between Bel and the restaurant owner lead to her leaving the city in disgrace. After hiding in the apartment above her father's makeshift art studio back home in Foster's Landing, Bel is forced into service at Maid of Honor for her cousin, Caleigh's, wedding. The wedding day doesn't quite go as planned, the bride drunk and passed out at the reception after expressing doubts about the marriage before walking down the aisle and spotting among the guests the man with whom she had a one night stand just days ago. But shortly after tucking Caleigh into bed in a guest room at the historic manor Bel's parents own and operate as a banquet facility, Bel witnesses her cousin's lover fall from the balcony above to his death on the foyer floor. She can't help but feel that the incident is more than an accident, nor can she stop herself from poking around in the investigation. But the deeper she digs, the more secrets she uncovers - about more than just a mystery murderer.
Pacing: Steady
Predictability: Low
Wild Card: I was first introduced to Belfast and her family in the second book in the series, Bel of the Brawl. While I enjoyed that story very much, I'm quite glad that I went back to the beginning to start the series with Wedding Bel Blues. Meeting all of the characters in this setting revealed more about each of their intricacies and idiosyncrasies, and only makes me even more eager to see what comes next in the Belfast McGrath mystery series.
Characters: Belfast (Bel) McGrath, only girl in a family of five children, former chef in a five-star NYC restaurant. She's back at home after a disastrous incident in the kitchen and the abrupt end of her relationship. Bel's family round out the cast of characters, as well as her former high school sweetheart and current police detective, Kevin Hanson, and her new suitor, Brendan Joyce.
Plot: Growing up, Bel was eager to get out of Foster's Landing and away from her boisterous brothers and busy parents. The disappearance of her best friend, Amy, coming after an argument between the pair and a night that Bel can't fully remember, only fueled her desire to leave. And she did leave, creating a career for herself as an executive chef in a New York City restaurant. Her life was going well - her career was hot and she was engaged - until a former President dined at her restaurant and chocked on a fish bone. The resulting confrontation between Bel and the restaurant owner lead to her leaving the city in disgrace. After hiding in the apartment above her father's makeshift art studio back home in Foster's Landing, Bel is forced into service at Maid of Honor for her cousin, Caleigh's, wedding. The wedding day doesn't quite go as planned, the bride drunk and passed out at the reception after expressing doubts about the marriage before walking down the aisle and spotting among the guests the man with whom she had a one night stand just days ago. But shortly after tucking Caleigh into bed in a guest room at the historic manor Bel's parents own and operate as a banquet facility, Bel witnesses her cousin's lover fall from the balcony above to his death on the foyer floor. She can't help but feel that the incident is more than an accident, nor can she stop herself from poking around in the investigation. But the deeper she digs, the more secrets she uncovers - about more than just a mystery murderer.
Pacing: Steady
Predictability: Low
Wild Card: I was first introduced to Belfast and her family in the second book in the series, Bel of the Brawl. While I enjoyed that story very much, I'm quite glad that I went back to the beginning to start the series with Wedding Bel Blues. Meeting all of the characters in this setting revealed more about each of their intricacies and idiosyncrasies, and only makes me even more eager to see what comes next in the Belfast McGrath mystery series.
July 8, 2018
I really liked this book. Maybe I was drawn to it because I'm Irish. It has everything you wsng in a cozy. A light read, good story, good local & a main character that involves herself in a crime. It also has family drama. Everyone loves each other but bickers, fights, meddles & even hide things. I could just picture sitting at table with family acting the same way.
Will be reading the next one in the series
Will be reading the next one in the series
Want to read
March 27, 2020I can't read it
May 17, 2020
**Minor Spoiler Ahead Regarding Blurb on Back of Book So Don't Read If You Haven't Read It!!!!!**
I thought this would have a decent plot from the blurb, but it was pretty weak and nonsensical. Bel has returned home after being fired in disgrace for something that wasn't even her fault. Now she's had to move home with her tail between her legs, and is taking part in her cousin's wedding. While there, she meets a handsome man who winds up being thrown to his death from the balcony of her family's manor house, and she wants to find the murderer so that one of her family members won't be found guilty. To complicate matters, an old boyfriend is now a police detective, which makes it slightly awkward for her. But finding a killer won't be easy, especially if she's looking in all the wrong places...
This could have been so much better, but it wasn't. Her family owns a crumbling manor house that they rent out for weddings, and Bel's brothers all play in an Irish band for these weddings. So are they only renting to people who are Irish? Because I can't imagine that most people would hire an Irish band unless they were. There must be an awful lot of big Irish families around there to keep the manor running. I was wondering why they just didn't sell the place and live somewhere else. I wouldn't live in a money pit.
Honestly, the book would have been more interesting if there were a ghost running around haunting the place; I couldn't see a single reason why they kept it - except for the fact that it was a plot device to give Bel a job in the long run. Speaking of which, I didn't understand why she was fired when everyone knows that fresh fish might very well have bones in it. That's why you don't just shove the entire thing in your mouth and instead pick it apart to eat it.
Plus, the blurb states as how she runs into Detective Kevin Hanson, her "long-ago love," so you're naturally thinking that they'll probably rekindle something, right? Wrong. Why was he even given the role of being an ex-boyfriend? That didn't make any sense since it really added nothing to the story and he'd moved on long ago.
And the ending? Well, let's just say that it sucked. Big time. Personal opinion and all that. Because of it, I won't be reading any more books by this author.
I thought this would have a decent plot from the blurb, but it was pretty weak and nonsensical. Bel has returned home after being fired in disgrace for something that wasn't even her fault. Now she's had to move home with her tail between her legs, and is taking part in her cousin's wedding. While there, she meets a handsome man who winds up being thrown to his death from the balcony of her family's manor house, and she wants to find the murderer so that one of her family members won't be found guilty. To complicate matters, an old boyfriend is now a police detective, which makes it slightly awkward for her. But finding a killer won't be easy, especially if she's looking in all the wrong places...
This could have been so much better, but it wasn't. Her family owns a crumbling manor house that they rent out for weddings, and Bel's brothers all play in an Irish band for these weddings. So are they only renting to people who are Irish? Because I can't imagine that most people would hire an Irish band unless they were. There must be an awful lot of big Irish families around there to keep the manor running. I was wondering why they just didn't sell the place and live somewhere else. I wouldn't live in a money pit.
Honestly, the book would have been more interesting if there were a ghost running around haunting the place; I couldn't see a single reason why they kept it - except for the fact that it was a plot device to give Bel a job in the long run. Speaking of which, I didn't understand why she was fired when everyone knows that fresh fish might very well have bones in it. That's why you don't just shove the entire thing in your mouth and instead pick it apart to eat it.
Plus, the blurb states as how she runs into Detective Kevin Hanson, her "long-ago love," so you're naturally thinking that they'll probably rekindle something, right? Wrong. Why was he even given the role of being an ex-boyfriend? That didn't make any sense since it really added nothing to the story and he'd moved on long ago.
And the ending? Well, let's just say that it sucked. Big time. Personal opinion and all that. Because of it, I won't be reading any more books by this author.
May 31, 2016
I received this book from Netgalley and publisher for an honest review.
Wedding Bel Blues by Maggie McConnon is the 1st book in the Belfast McGrath Mystery series. Bel lost her job as a up and coming chef in New York City along with her fiance, and goes back home to her Irish family. Bel's family own Shamrock Manor on the Hudson, a place Bel never wanted to return to.
I was surprised how serious this book got at times, not your typical cozy mystery. It seems like everyone has a hidden secret, and Bel needs to know them all, and as readers we do to. The characters are quirky and well developed, and the story line has more twists and turns and surprises that keep you reading page after page. I can not wait for the next book in the series
Wedding Bel Blues by Maggie McConnon is the 1st book in the Belfast McGrath Mystery series. Bel lost her job as a up and coming chef in New York City along with her fiance, and goes back home to her Irish family. Bel's family own Shamrock Manor on the Hudson, a place Bel never wanted to return to.
I was surprised how serious this book got at times, not your typical cozy mystery. It seems like everyone has a hidden secret, and Bel needs to know them all, and as readers we do to. The characters are quirky and well developed, and the story line has more twists and turns and surprises that keep you reading page after page. I can not wait for the next book in the series
May 10, 2017
Belfast McGrath's culinary career crashed and burned in New York, leading her to (temporarily, she hopes) move back in with her large family--and get roped into becoming the cook for their wedding business. But when someone dies at her cousin's wedding, Bel finds herself drawn into solving both the mystery and the secrets of her family's past.
Bel is a great character. She's strong, but struggling, smart but still trying to figure life (and her heart) out. Her family is also full of great characters, all unique.
The mystery is also a good one, full of lots of twists and turns. Almost everyone has a motive, and everyone has a secret. The reveals at the end are especially surprising, which is always a good thing in my eyes.
I'm also really intrigued by the mystery from Bel's past, of what happened the night her best friend disappeared.
There's not much not to like about this series. There are a lot of characters, and how everyone is related (or not related) can get a little confusing at times.
I've really enjoyed the two books I've read in this series so far, and would definitely recommend them to cozy mystery fans.
Bel is a great character. She's strong, but struggling, smart but still trying to figure life (and her heart) out. Her family is also full of great characters, all unique.
The mystery is also a good one, full of lots of twists and turns. Almost everyone has a motive, and everyone has a secret. The reveals at the end are especially surprising, which is always a good thing in my eyes.
I'm also really intrigued by the mystery from Bel's past, of what happened the night her best friend disappeared.
There's not much not to like about this series. There are a lot of characters, and how everyone is related (or not related) can get a little confusing at times.
I've really enjoyed the two books I've read in this series so far, and would definitely recommend them to cozy mystery fans.
Read
July 4, 20244.5 Very funny mystery. Bel is a chef on hard times, having lost her prestigious place as a chef at a trendy NYC restaurant due to a treacherous fiance. She has retreated to her family's home, they run a wedding hall. They are very Irish, totally dysfunctional and incredibly funny. Someone gets killed at Bel's cousin's wedding and almost everyone is a suspect (except for Bel) and she sees that everyone in her family is lying to her Her very sardonic sense of humor and her perseverance get her through the ordeal, although she has a strong sense of guilt due to the disappearance of her best friend many years before after she had a fight with her. And of course, everyone in the town knows about her downfall and her guilt. Her crazy family is so funny; there are many twists and turns in the plot and the case is solved by a rash of confessions. There are a few things left hanging for a sequel (or 2). I found it entertaining and enjoyable. Bel is a hoot and I'd like to meet her again.
November 5, 2018
Bel McGrath was a well-known chef in New York when she was blamed for a culinary disaster that almost killed the President. She returned to her home town to mope and decide what to do now that NY restaurants didn’t want her. Her family owned a run-down mansion that was rented out for large gatherings and weddings. They catered the events, but their offerings were basic and boring. Maggie eventually decided to “upgrade” their offerings –against the wishes of her family! Arriving home she was commandeered as the Maid of Honor at her cousin’s wedding – to be held at the family manse. Unfortunately, during the reception, one of the guests died – but was it murder or an accident?
March 27, 2019
I thought this book was good. It slowed down a bit, then picked back up again. The characters were well written, especially Belfast. She comes home from being in NYC as a chef, who turns down a chance have her own cooking show. She's thrust into being her cousin's maid of honor, where a murder takes place at her family's catering house, Shamrock Manor. The Irish can definitely keep secrets, but these are a doozy! I highly recommend this book, it was an enjoyable read.
January 29, 2018
A real page turner with lots of twists and turns and lots of mystery and action.
July 2, 2018
Nice light mystery. Enjoyable.
August 30, 2018
A good basic story but the author is too wordy.
January 11, 2020
Super fun! Can't wait to read the next in the series
February 3, 2025
Quite meaty and enjoyable
October 16, 2016
Not nearly as funny as her Murder 101 or as engaging as Maeve Conlon.
July 8, 2016
Belfast "Bel" has a reason for leaving Foster's Landing 15 years ago. When every encounter with those she grew up around features accusing looks and indications that Bel is a liar, she fled as fast as she could. She had hoped to never look back - she insisted that her leaving was permanent. Unfortunately after a disastrous end to her high-end culinary career Bel ends up back in Foster's Landing - where bad goes to worse.
As the newly appointed maid-of-honor at her cousin Caleigh's wedding, Bel has many roles. One being the depositing of her inebriated cousin in the wedding suite to take a nap during the reception. On her way through the manner owned by her family, a body drops from above right into her path. To save her family's reputation, Bel now must hunt for a killer hidden among the guests at the wedding.
I must say, Wedding Bel Blues isn't your typical light-hearted cozy mystery. Yes, there are light and humorous moments but overall, the book has many serious overtones. The author does a great job taking multiple story lines and weaving them together into a fantastic and cohesive book of mysteries. There are many twists and turns that take the characters and the reader on a wild journey that doesn't just involve the death at the wedding.
Bel's traditional Irish family - loud, large, and meddlesome - has secrets. Secrets that they refuse to share with Bel. Something or multiple somethings are going on, some having to do with the dead guy and others not so much. The sheer amount of lies, deceit, and avoidance is enough to drive Bel insane. I had a hard time wrapping my head around the shenanigans that Bel's family put her through. I mean, I know there are families that lie, deceive, and cheat each other (I've seen it in my extended family) but wow - just wow!
I enjoyed Wedding Bel Blues as both the traditional cozy mystery but also as a more suspenseful book. The characters have their different quirks that add to overall tone of the book and each one is well developed. The story is well-told and full of twists and turns that keeps the reader guessing. The plot is pretty solid; I didn't read anything that didn't make sense or contradicted a previous statement or action.
I do have one issue with the way Wedding Bel Blues was written - run-on sentences. Wedding Bel Blues has many multi-line, single sentences. These single sentences could have been broken down and composed as two or three to give them more fluidity. Instead, I found myself having to re-read them in order to fully understand what exactly was going on.
Wedding Bel Blues is a great start to a new series by Maggie McConnon. I was engaged from the very beginning and the story was fast paced. I wasn't bogged down with useless or filler information about the characters, the location, or the backstories. The author did a great job with descriptions that were very vivid. The vividness allowed me to put together my own version of Shamrock Manor and the lives of those who dwell within. I look forward to reading about Bel in her next book.
Paperback review copy courtesy of the publisher, St. Martin's Press, at no cost in exchange for an honest review.
As the newly appointed maid-of-honor at her cousin Caleigh's wedding, Bel has many roles. One being the depositing of her inebriated cousin in the wedding suite to take a nap during the reception. On her way through the manner owned by her family, a body drops from above right into her path. To save her family's reputation, Bel now must hunt for a killer hidden among the guests at the wedding.
I must say, Wedding Bel Blues isn't your typical light-hearted cozy mystery. Yes, there are light and humorous moments but overall, the book has many serious overtones. The author does a great job taking multiple story lines and weaving them together into a fantastic and cohesive book of mysteries. There are many twists and turns that take the characters and the reader on a wild journey that doesn't just involve the death at the wedding.
Bel's traditional Irish family - loud, large, and meddlesome - has secrets. Secrets that they refuse to share with Bel. Something or multiple somethings are going on, some having to do with the dead guy and others not so much. The sheer amount of lies, deceit, and avoidance is enough to drive Bel insane. I had a hard time wrapping my head around the shenanigans that Bel's family put her through. I mean, I know there are families that lie, deceive, and cheat each other (I've seen it in my extended family) but wow - just wow!
I enjoyed Wedding Bel Blues as both the traditional cozy mystery but also as a more suspenseful book. The characters have their different quirks that add to overall tone of the book and each one is well developed. The story is well-told and full of twists and turns that keeps the reader guessing. The plot is pretty solid; I didn't read anything that didn't make sense or contradicted a previous statement or action.
I do have one issue with the way Wedding Bel Blues was written - run-on sentences. Wedding Bel Blues has many multi-line, single sentences. These single sentences could have been broken down and composed as two or three to give them more fluidity. Instead, I found myself having to re-read them in order to fully understand what exactly was going on.
Wedding Bel Blues is a great start to a new series by Maggie McConnon. I was engaged from the very beginning and the story was fast paced. I wasn't bogged down with useless or filler information about the characters, the location, or the backstories. The author did a great job with descriptions that were very vivid. The vividness allowed me to put together my own version of Shamrock Manor and the lives of those who dwell within. I look forward to reading about Bel in her next book.
Paperback review copy courtesy of the publisher, St. Martin's Press, at no cost in exchange for an honest review.
May 18, 2017
Belfast "Bel" McGrath's rising chef star has flamed out in NYC, and her fiance' has broken her engagement. Without too many other options she returns to her family home. Her large, loud, Irish family mostly welcomes her home to Shamrock Manor. The manor is the setting for weddings and other celebrations and Bel finds herself as maid of honor at her self-centered cousin Caleigh's wedding. When a a guest who told Bel he was Caleigh's cousin takes a header over a banister, hits an FDR bust and shuffles off the mortal coil the mystery is afoot. No one claims to know the guy, but Bel finds out a secret about him. Why was he at the wedding and who tossed him over the banister? We also get embroiled in another mystery...what really happened to Bel's best friend, Amy, on the night she disappeared when they were still in high school. A good tale with well-drawn characters, family relationships, a little romance and two good mysteries. RECOMMEND!
December 26, 2016
Title: Wedding Bel Blues - Belfast McGrath Mystery Book 1
Author: Maggie McConnon
Published: 5-31-2016
Publisher: St.Martin's Press
Pages: 332
Genre: Mystery, Thrillers & Suspense
Sub Genre: Amateur Sleuths; Cozy Mystery; Women Sleuths
ISBN: 13: 9781250001894
ASIN: B017RC8GB8
Reviewer: DelAnne
Reviewed For: NetGalley
Rating: 4.25 Stars
I received a copy of Wedding Bel Blues from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
Description From the Publishers:
Are they tying the knot?
Belfast McGrath has spent the last fifteen years avoiding her big, bustling, brash Irish family. But when her five-star culinary career goes up in flames, she retreats to Foster’s Landing—where she’s immediately tapped as her cousin Caleigh’s maid-of-honor. It’s a perfect recipe for disaster...especially when Bel learns that the wedding preparations included Caleigh having one last one-night stand.
Or the noose?
When Caleigh’s lover plunges from the second-floor balcony during the reception, Bel can’t help but think his death was no accident. Soon Detective Kevin Hanson, who just happens to be Bel’s long-ago love, arrives on the scene—looking hotter than ever. Heartbreak and homicide hardly help Bel to feel more at home, but if she is going to make a new beginning for herself, including putting the past behind her, she must first steer clear of a cold-hearted killer.
My Review:
Belfast McGrath is a character that grabs you in a bear hug at first meeting and hangs on. You know you are going to laugh and even cry with. Lord knows I am exhausted try to keep up with the constant chaos surrounding her, but can not walk away. She is a force to be reckoned with. The book describes the stereo- typical Italian gathering, loud, boisterous with the threat of anarchy around the edges. yet when the threat arrives their is a solidarity among the group to solve a problem and protect the intended victim.
Maggie McConnon Pulls it all together with flair and a writing style tat uses clues and a few red herrings to keep the story fresh and the reader glued to the book. My rating for the fast paced Wedding Bel Blues is 4.25 out of 5 stars. A Great read for any cozy mystery lover.
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B017RC8GB8/...
Barnes and Noble link: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/weddi...
GoodReads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
The Reading Room link: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.ph...
Author: Maggie McConnon
Published: 5-31-2016
Publisher: St.Martin's Press
Pages: 332
Genre: Mystery, Thrillers & Suspense
Sub Genre: Amateur Sleuths; Cozy Mystery; Women Sleuths
ISBN: 13: 9781250001894
ASIN: B017RC8GB8
Reviewer: DelAnne
Reviewed For: NetGalley
Rating: 4.25 Stars
I received a copy of Wedding Bel Blues from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
Description From the Publishers:
Are they tying the knot?
Belfast McGrath has spent the last fifteen years avoiding her big, bustling, brash Irish family. But when her five-star culinary career goes up in flames, she retreats to Foster’s Landing—where she’s immediately tapped as her cousin Caleigh’s maid-of-honor. It’s a perfect recipe for disaster...especially when Bel learns that the wedding preparations included Caleigh having one last one-night stand.
Or the noose?
When Caleigh’s lover plunges from the second-floor balcony during the reception, Bel can’t help but think his death was no accident. Soon Detective Kevin Hanson, who just happens to be Bel’s long-ago love, arrives on the scene—looking hotter than ever. Heartbreak and homicide hardly help Bel to feel more at home, but if she is going to make a new beginning for herself, including putting the past behind her, she must first steer clear of a cold-hearted killer.
My Review:
Belfast McGrath is a character that grabs you in a bear hug at first meeting and hangs on. You know you are going to laugh and even cry with. Lord knows I am exhausted try to keep up with the constant chaos surrounding her, but can not walk away. She is a force to be reckoned with. The book describes the stereo- typical Italian gathering, loud, boisterous with the threat of anarchy around the edges. yet when the threat arrives their is a solidarity among the group to solve a problem and protect the intended victim.
Maggie McConnon Pulls it all together with flair and a writing style tat uses clues and a few red herrings to keep the story fresh and the reader glued to the book. My rating for the fast paced Wedding Bel Blues is 4.25 out of 5 stars. A Great read for any cozy mystery lover.
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B017RC8GB8/...
Barnes and Noble link: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/weddi...
GoodReads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
The Reading Room link: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.ph...
July 6, 2016
Or should I reserve "culinary" for books with recipes? At any rate, Irish-American chef Bel returns to her parents' home, an events venue, after her career and romance in New York city both implode. She starts cooking for the weddings that take place with great regularity, although her creativity is not challenged at all. One guest at her cousin's wedding, at which Bel is maid of honor, is murdered, and everyone disclaims knowledge of him, claiming he's a gate-crasher. But what really haunts Bel, through many revelations of family secrets, is the disappearance of her best friend during their senior year in high school. Perhaps this will be addressed in the next book in this series.
June 4, 2016
This story is like a turtle to me, slow and steady throughout the whole book. I enjoyed the food and cooking aspect however, I wanted more excitement and emotions to pour out of it. Belfast returns home after a disaster occurs at the restaurant she works at, to her big Italian family, and all their quirkiness. I look forward to reading the next story to see what happened to Amy.
I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 31, 2016
A big Irish family with lots of secrets. This cozy mystery is engaging and entertaining. The prodigal daughter returns home. I am eager to read the next one in this series. While the murder was solved, there are more mysteries to be revealed. Hence the good and bad about a series...to be continued. NO! I want to know now! Okay, I will wait for the second one. Thanks to NetGalley for providing a copy in exchange for my honest review. I am now hooked on this series.
July 17, 2016
A little long, but the main character, despite being in the "licking her wounds" phase that you find so often in cozy series, isn't down or out. Nor does she have a ridiculously evil arch-nemesis or a love triangle. For which I'm immensely thankful.
There were a lot of side mysteries packed into this one, which could probably have been held for other installments, but they were interesting.
Will definitely read the next in the series.
There were a lot of side mysteries packed into this one, which could probably have been held for other installments, but they were interesting.
Will definitely read the next in the series.
July 11, 2016
This quirky, madcap mystery had me glued to my seat.
I have to say I just love Bel, and at times I would like to smack her family...lol.
I can't wait to read the next book to see what is what with Amy. As usual Maggie McConnon/ Barbieri weaved a story that kept me guessing. I adore her writing.
I have to say I just love Bel, and at times I would like to smack her family...lol.
I can't wait to read the next book to see what is what with Amy. As usual Maggie McConnon/ Barbieri weaved a story that kept me guessing. I adore her writing.
July 16, 2016
This was such a great read! The cozy mystery genre isn't usually a favorite but this book was amazing. I loved Bel(fast) & her crazy Irish family. The author crafted such complex characters & the story just flowed. I can't wait to read the next book in the series!
Advanced Reader Copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Advanced Reader Copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 2, 2016
This is the first Bel(for Belfast) mystery-somewhat along cozy lines, with a twist or two-I have read. Just discovered on adding it to my goodreads that it is the first if a series. There is a small "taste" of the second book at the end of this one. A light read, good in the summer, especially after starting a 730 page book which I decided to postpone reading after a couple of chapters.
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