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Belfast McGrath Mystery #3
Bel, Book, and Scandal
Maggie McConnon rings in Christmas in Bel, Book, and Scandal, the third adventure for everybody’s favorite Irish-American culinary artist turned amateur sleuth.
Bel McGrath tries her best to keep herself on the straight and narrow but she just has a taste for trouble. This time danger arrives in the form of a newspaper left behind by visitors to Shamrock Manor―and a photograph that jolts Bel out of the present and back into a dark chapter from her past. The person in the photo is Bel’s best friend Amy Mitchell, long gone from Foster’s Landing, at a commune in upstate New York shortly after her disappearance. The picture, and Bel’s burning desire to find out what happened to Amy―and whether she may still be alive―is the catalyst for a story in which old secrets are revealed, little by little…and certain characters are shown to not be as genuine as Bel once thought.
Bel McGrath
“Authentic…will leave you smiling.”―Nancy Martin
“Hilarious and surprising.”― RT Book Reviews
“A saucy, funny, flawed protagonist that readers are guaranteed to fall in love with.” ―Susan McBride
Bel McGrath tries her best to keep herself on the straight and narrow but she just has a taste for trouble. This time danger arrives in the form of a newspaper left behind by visitors to Shamrock Manor―and a photograph that jolts Bel out of the present and back into a dark chapter from her past. The person in the photo is Bel’s best friend Amy Mitchell, long gone from Foster’s Landing, at a commune in upstate New York shortly after her disappearance. The picture, and Bel’s burning desire to find out what happened to Amy―and whether she may still be alive―is the catalyst for a story in which old secrets are revealed, little by little…and certain characters are shown to not be as genuine as Bel once thought.
Bel McGrath
“Authentic…will leave you smiling.”―Nancy Martin
“Hilarious and surprising.”― RT Book Reviews
“A saucy, funny, flawed protagonist that readers are guaranteed to fall in love with.” ―Susan McBride
320 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published December 5, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
December 21, 2017
ARC from Netgalley.
Bel, Book and Scandal may have been the third book in a series, but it was the perfect place for me to dive into the Cozy Mystery genre. I didn’t feel at all lost while reading this book, but I will say that Bel’s family and acquaintances are such a colorful cast of characters that I definitely want to go back and read the first few books. In this installment of the Belfast McGrath Mystery series, Bel’s past comes back to haunt her when she spies her long lost friend’s picture in the newspaper. Amy disappeared under mysterious circumstances, and as Bel was the last person to see her, suspicion has been a cloud over her since. I loved Bel’s character, especially how she struggles to keep her nosy family at arm’s length. There are times when they annoy the heck out of her, and that’s where I feel I am sometimes so it was easy to identify with her. I really liked Belfast’s relationship with her brother, Cargan. He was so good to her, and out of all her brothers, he was the quickest to be there when she needed him. Her odd relationships with her ex-boyfriends put her in the middle of some sometimes awkward, sometimes hilarious situations, and they were so much fun to read. As with any type of mystery, saying too much will spoil things, so I will say this: of course there are hijinks, Bel makes a new friend along the way, has a run in with some ex-boyfriends, and fences are mended. And of course, things are solved and an entire town finally finds closure. If you’re a fan of Cozy Mysteries, I think you’ll enjoy this one. And if, like me, you’re looking for a place to start, look no further! I can’t recommend Bel, Book and Scandal enough. It was such a fun read; I challenge you not to bust out laughing during the snoozy yoga scene!
This review was originally posted on Books & Beauty Are My Bag.
Bel, Book and Scandal may have been the third book in a series, but it was the perfect place for me to dive into the Cozy Mystery genre. I didn’t feel at all lost while reading this book, but I will say that Bel’s family and acquaintances are such a colorful cast of characters that I definitely want to go back and read the first few books. In this installment of the Belfast McGrath Mystery series, Bel’s past comes back to haunt her when she spies her long lost friend’s picture in the newspaper. Amy disappeared under mysterious circumstances, and as Bel was the last person to see her, suspicion has been a cloud over her since. I loved Bel’s character, especially how she struggles to keep her nosy family at arm’s length. There are times when they annoy the heck out of her, and that’s where I feel I am sometimes so it was easy to identify with her. I really liked Belfast’s relationship with her brother, Cargan. He was so good to her, and out of all her brothers, he was the quickest to be there when she needed him. Her odd relationships with her ex-boyfriends put her in the middle of some sometimes awkward, sometimes hilarious situations, and they were so much fun to read. As with any type of mystery, saying too much will spoil things, so I will say this: of course there are hijinks, Bel makes a new friend along the way, has a run in with some ex-boyfriends, and fences are mended. And of course, things are solved and an entire town finally finds closure. If you’re a fan of Cozy Mysteries, I think you’ll enjoy this one. And if, like me, you’re looking for a place to start, look no further! I can’t recommend Bel, Book and Scandal enough. It was such a fun read; I challenge you not to bust out laughing during the snoozy yoga scene!
This review was originally posted on Books & Beauty Are My Bag.
October 23, 2017
Christmas is nearing in the third book of Bel McGrath series. Bel is busy getting the Shamrock Manor ready for Christmas. A couple looking to schedule a wedding leaves behind a newspaper. It contains a picture that catches Bel's eye. The photo of her BFF Amy Mitchel who has been missing since high school. She immediately heads for the town of Wooded Lake and Love Canyon. Bel will take a journey where she will find betrayal, secrets, old rivalries, and meet new friends as she seeks to find out what happened to Amy. If Amy is still alive? Where is she? Did she perish that long ago night? I highly recommend this book and series.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from St. Martin's Press through NetGalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review this book.The opinions expressed are my own.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from St. Martin's Press through NetGalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review this book.The opinions expressed are my own.
December 1, 2017
Bel, Book and Scandal by Maggie McConnon is the 3rd book in the Belfast McGrath mystery series, and all I can say is WOW!! To get the most out of this series, I would start with book one. There is one mystery in all three books that is concluded in this book. I love this series, and all the quirky characters, looking forward to the next book. I strongly recommend this series.
I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
October 25, 2017
Not as fluffy as many cozies, it had some meat to it. I had no clue who the villain was or why. I didn't love the story but I liked it.
December 5, 2017
Bel McGrath is one of my favorite protagonists. She is strong, determined and fiercely loyal.
In this book, it is time for Bel to come to terms with her past. A simple photograph in a newspaper reminds Bel of the disappearance of her best friend years ago. How does a young girl disappear without a trace? That is the question Bel has asked herself over the years and she has yet to find the answer.
The simple photo triggers the investigation into her disappearance and the beginning of a new friendship.
Bel, Book, and Scandal is an intriguing mystery filled with twists and turns that will leave the reader on the edge of their seat.
Grab your copy on December 5th! This fantastic book makes a perfect gift for the cozy mystery reader in your life!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an ARC of this story.
In this book, it is time for Bel to come to terms with her past. A simple photograph in a newspaper reminds Bel of the disappearance of her best friend years ago. How does a young girl disappear without a trace? That is the question Bel has asked herself over the years and she has yet to find the answer.
The simple photo triggers the investigation into her disappearance and the beginning of a new friendship.
Bel, Book, and Scandal is an intriguing mystery filled with twists and turns that will leave the reader on the edge of their seat.
Grab your copy on December 5th! This fantastic book makes a perfect gift for the cozy mystery reader in your life!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an ARC of this story.
October 27, 2017
On 15 February 2017 I wrote a review for Bel of the Brawl, the second book in this series. I’m very happy I received a copy of the third book in the series from St. Martin’s Press through NetGalley.
Bel is slowly coming to terms with herself and her life. Not that she is happy, far from that. Her erstwhile boyfriend Kevin is married to picture-perfect Mary Ann, and her last fiancée Brendan betrayed her by carrying a photo of the missing Amy Mitchell in his wallet. Her small apartment still isn’t ‘home’, especially not when one of her brothers has to hide for the police because he wrecked the car of said ex-fiancée… In short, Bel does her best, cooks wonderful dishes and tries to really start her new life, but it is not working out so well.
And then, one day, a couple of things happen. First, a middle-aged couple arrives at Shamrock Manor because their daughter is looking for a venue for her wedding. To her surprise, Bel and Alison become good friends, despite the age difference. Alison is a bit of a sleuth in her own right and when Bel discovers a picture of the still missing Amy in a newspaper, she is more than happy to help find out the truth. And what truth it is!
Bel, Book and Scandal nicely follows the path that was set in in the first and second book. I’m not going to tell you whether this path comes to an end, though. You will have to read for yourself. Bel will meet some new and interesting people along the way, some helpful for her in ways she didn’t think of. Being a foodie, I would have loved some more details regarding the food Bel is cooking. Maybe some recipes in the next book? Bel’s brothers, although very important to her, are not as finely defined as Bel herself, and neither are her parents. There is a lot of information but not enough to bring those people alive like Bel herself.
All in all, I enjoyed the book and I’m looking forward to read more about Bel and her family.
Bel is slowly coming to terms with herself and her life. Not that she is happy, far from that. Her erstwhile boyfriend Kevin is married to picture-perfect Mary Ann, and her last fiancée Brendan betrayed her by carrying a photo of the missing Amy Mitchell in his wallet. Her small apartment still isn’t ‘home’, especially not when one of her brothers has to hide for the police because he wrecked the car of said ex-fiancée… In short, Bel does her best, cooks wonderful dishes and tries to really start her new life, but it is not working out so well.
And then, one day, a couple of things happen. First, a middle-aged couple arrives at Shamrock Manor because their daughter is looking for a venue for her wedding. To her surprise, Bel and Alison become good friends, despite the age difference. Alison is a bit of a sleuth in her own right and when Bel discovers a picture of the still missing Amy in a newspaper, she is more than happy to help find out the truth. And what truth it is!
Bel, Book and Scandal nicely follows the path that was set in in the first and second book. I’m not going to tell you whether this path comes to an end, though. You will have to read for yourself. Bel will meet some new and interesting people along the way, some helpful for her in ways she didn’t think of. Being a foodie, I would have loved some more details regarding the food Bel is cooking. Maybe some recipes in the next book? Bel’s brothers, although very important to her, are not as finely defined as Bel herself, and neither are her parents. There is a lot of information but not enough to bring those people alive like Bel herself.
All in all, I enjoyed the book and I’m looking forward to read more about Bel and her family.
November 14, 2017
I’ve been waiting for the third book in the Belfast McGrath Mystery series and was excited to have the chance to read an advance copy of BEL, BOOK, AND SCANDAL by Maggie McConnon. This newest release finds Bel (short for Belfast) McGrath focused on solving the long ago mystery surrounding the disappearance of her best friend, Amy, when they were seventeen-years-old. The thread of this mystery ran through the first two books and had me not only intrigued, but sitting on pins and needles waiting for the next release to find out what happened. Amy’s disappearance and presumed death has haunted Bel, coloring every aspect of her life. Yet when a photo shows up that seems to prove Amy hadn’t died, Bel drops almost everything to pursue the long cold trail.
Despite the darkness surrounding the tragedy that happened to Bel as a teenager, the author also provides lighthearted, humorous moments via’s Bel’s family, who owns and operates Shamrock Manor. The family business is a special event and wedding venue with an Irish flavor. Bel is the chef for the parties while her four brothers compose the Irish band to entertain the guests. I so enjoyed the inside peek at what it’s like living with Irish Catholic immigrant parents and being the youngest plus the only daughter in an Irish family. The zingy one liners had me chuckling often, like the situation that called for Bel musing that “the McGrath family are all practiced procrastinators.” She also provides some deep introspection on the combination of being both Irish and Catholic with the burden of guilt she bears. Coming from a deeply religious and Irish family myself, I can relate to Bel. According to her this combination “…made sure a hearty helping of guilt accompanied every joyful experience…” The author completely explains it all in that one sentence!
It was also a nice surprise to see the author bring in a character from one of her other series to create a sleuthing friend for Bel to help in her search for Amy. As the two women bond they find themselves in situations that brings more humor to the story. I think this “new” character to the series will allow Bel to expand outside of Shamrock Manor and will provide outlets for new mysteries as the thread of Amy’s disappearance has been woven into a satisfying conclusion. I look forward to seeing what trouble Bel finds herself in next!
Despite the darkness surrounding the tragedy that happened to Bel as a teenager, the author also provides lighthearted, humorous moments via’s Bel’s family, who owns and operates Shamrock Manor. The family business is a special event and wedding venue with an Irish flavor. Bel is the chef for the parties while her four brothers compose the Irish band to entertain the guests. I so enjoyed the inside peek at what it’s like living with Irish Catholic immigrant parents and being the youngest plus the only daughter in an Irish family. The zingy one liners had me chuckling often, like the situation that called for Bel musing that “the McGrath family are all practiced procrastinators.” She also provides some deep introspection on the combination of being both Irish and Catholic with the burden of guilt she bears. Coming from a deeply religious and Irish family myself, I can relate to Bel. According to her this combination “…made sure a hearty helping of guilt accompanied every joyful experience…” The author completely explains it all in that one sentence!
It was also a nice surprise to see the author bring in a character from one of her other series to create a sleuthing friend for Bel to help in her search for Amy. As the two women bond they find themselves in situations that brings more humor to the story. I think this “new” character to the series will allow Bel to expand outside of Shamrock Manor and will provide outlets for new mysteries as the thread of Amy’s disappearance has been woven into a satisfying conclusion. I look forward to seeing what trouble Bel finds herself in next!
November 20, 2017
This is much more than a cozy= it's a lovely portrait of a large, boisterous family and their business and it's a quest by Bel, the protagonist, for answers about the disappearance of her childhood friend many years ago. McConnon sets this up as a funny, classic tale but there's more serious issues afoot when Bel goes looking for Amy, who has left a hole in her heart and her life. There are wonderful descriptions of the food Bel (a chef) cooks at the family inn and of her interactions with her family. I had not read the first two books but that wasn't a problem for me- I thoroughly enjoyed this and am looking for the next in the series to follow certain threads and answer more questions. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.
February 11, 2018
I love this series if books by Maggie McConnon. I did not want to put this book down I love that many of the mysteries that have gone on through the series were solved in this book. There were many twists and turns throughout this story. I loved the characters. I received a copy of this book from Minotaur books and Netgalley for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
February 6, 2018
So, I sort of jumped into this one at an odd spot—it’s the third book in the series and it happens to be the end of a mystery that’s arced across the series. Surprisingly, this one worked as a standalone.
Here’s what’s going on. When a potential client leaves behind a newspaper, Bel instantly recognizes Amy Mitchell, her best friend who has been missing and presumed dead since they were teens. Now Bel finds herself visiting an old commune in New York’s Hudson Valley and meeting a man who seems to be hiding more than he is willing to tell. As her search for Amy continues, Bel finds herself wading deeper and deeper into danger and questioning whether or not she wants to know the secret that drove Amy away.
I wasn’t really sure what to expect from this one, especially since I started in such a weird place in the series but I was hooked from the first chapter. The entire zany McGrath clan just drew me in and the mystery kept me turning the page.
Bel was a rather interesting and quirky chef-turned-amateur-sleuth. She’s a bit all over the place as she tries to uncover the truth about Amy’s disappearance, keep her nosy family at bay, work as chef at her family’s business, and deal with dating drama. She’s more than a bit harried from being pulled in so many different directions but she’s determined to discover the truth about what happened that night.
Bel’s brothers added so much entertainment and drama to the mix and it was fun seeing which one was going to come up with something outrageous to do. Although out of her four brothers, I liked seeing her relationship with Cargan. She knew he would always have her back and I liked the way he supported her.
The mystery was a bit different from the ones I’ve read before in cozy mysteries and I liked the change of pace. I also liked that I wasn’t really sure of what the outcome would be. I had an inkling and I was partly right but this one played out nicely.
Like most cozies there’s a bit of romance—or rather romantic drama—for Bel. Like the mystery, the romantic drama played out in the previous books so rather than witnessing it, this book dealt more with the fallout and the figuring out what to do next. While I thought it was handled well, the ending was a bit vague.
There were a few bumps in the road with this one. Bel was occasionally a bit over the top, there was a part of the book where she went on about how her cooking was so amazing one bite would make a suspect confess all he knew. The second was how abrupt a character who was helping Bel investigate Amy’s disappearance dropped out of the story. She brought a lot to the story as both a new friend for Bel and a sleuthing partner so when she was pulled out of the book it felt a little uneven. Also, the fact a character was named Tweed Blazer was a bit annoying. I’m just not a fan of weirdly named characters. While I did have a few problems, they didn’t pull me from the book.
Overall, this one kept me on my toes. The mystery was solid and the McGrath family was a riot. While I probably should have read the previous books to get the full flavor of this one, it wasn’t necessary.
Here’s what’s going on. When a potential client leaves behind a newspaper, Bel instantly recognizes Amy Mitchell, her best friend who has been missing and presumed dead since they were teens. Now Bel finds herself visiting an old commune in New York’s Hudson Valley and meeting a man who seems to be hiding more than he is willing to tell. As her search for Amy continues, Bel finds herself wading deeper and deeper into danger and questioning whether or not she wants to know the secret that drove Amy away.
I wasn’t really sure what to expect from this one, especially since I started in such a weird place in the series but I was hooked from the first chapter. The entire zany McGrath clan just drew me in and the mystery kept me turning the page.
Bel was a rather interesting and quirky chef-turned-amateur-sleuth. She’s a bit all over the place as she tries to uncover the truth about Amy’s disappearance, keep her nosy family at bay, work as chef at her family’s business, and deal with dating drama. She’s more than a bit harried from being pulled in so many different directions but she’s determined to discover the truth about what happened that night.
Bel’s brothers added so much entertainment and drama to the mix and it was fun seeing which one was going to come up with something outrageous to do. Although out of her four brothers, I liked seeing her relationship with Cargan. She knew he would always have her back and I liked the way he supported her.
The mystery was a bit different from the ones I’ve read before in cozy mysteries and I liked the change of pace. I also liked that I wasn’t really sure of what the outcome would be. I had an inkling and I was partly right but this one played out nicely.
Like most cozies there’s a bit of romance—or rather romantic drama—for Bel. Like the mystery, the romantic drama played out in the previous books so rather than witnessing it, this book dealt more with the fallout and the figuring out what to do next. While I thought it was handled well, the ending was a bit vague.
There were a few bumps in the road with this one. Bel was occasionally a bit over the top, there was a part of the book where she went on about how her cooking was so amazing one bite would make a suspect confess all he knew. The second was how abrupt a character who was helping Bel investigate Amy’s disappearance dropped out of the story. She brought a lot to the story as both a new friend for Bel and a sleuthing partner so when she was pulled out of the book it felt a little uneven. Also, the fact a character was named Tweed Blazer was a bit annoying. I’m just not a fan of weirdly named characters. While I did have a few problems, they didn’t pull me from the book.
Overall, this one kept me on my toes. The mystery was solid and the McGrath family was a riot. While I probably should have read the previous books to get the full flavor of this one, it wasn’t necessary.
December 6, 2017
Bel, Book and Scandal is another wonderful book in Maggie McConnon's Belfast McGrath Mystery Series.
Being the head chef at Shamrock Manor, owned by her parents, Bel is always busy. She does not have much of a social life to speak of and her love life is non-existent. When potential customers come to the Manor to explore the location for an upcoming summer wedding, the couple, whose daughter is getting married in May, remember Bel from the scandal at her last place of employment. Upon leaving the Manor, Alison accidentally leaves the newspaper behind that she had been using to track local antique stores. When Bel finds the paper she can hardly believe who is in the picture supporting an article about a local commune that was a bit north of Foster's Landing. Her long lost best friend Amy Mitchell stares out from an older photograph - and now Bel can't sit idly by not knowing whether her friend is actually still alive. Her sleuthing takes her to the place where the local commune used to be and few people in the town are happy to have the subject revisited. Some are even willing to lie to Bel about any knowledge regarding Amy.
When the pieces of this mystery are finally put together correctly, prepare to be shocked by the outcome. The author does a great job in all three books building up to what we receive in Bel, Book and Scandal. Between the anguish concerning the long standing mystery surrounding Amy as well as the new revelations, the book takes the reader through a myriad of emotions, actions, characters, and scenes.
As with the previous books, Bel, Book and Scandal isn't your typical light-hearted cozy mystery. There are some 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 weddings and Amy's disappearance.
I enjoyed Bel, Book and Scandal 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 was engaged with this fast paced novel from the very beginning. 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 going wherever the author takes us next with Bel - and I certainly hope she continues with this series.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC.
Being the head chef at Shamrock Manor, owned by her parents, Bel is always busy. She does not have much of a social life to speak of and her love life is non-existent. When potential customers come to the Manor to explore the location for an upcoming summer wedding, the couple, whose daughter is getting married in May, remember Bel from the scandal at her last place of employment. Upon leaving the Manor, Alison accidentally leaves the newspaper behind that she had been using to track local antique stores. When Bel finds the paper she can hardly believe who is in the picture supporting an article about a local commune that was a bit north of Foster's Landing. Her long lost best friend Amy Mitchell stares out from an older photograph - and now Bel can't sit idly by not knowing whether her friend is actually still alive. Her sleuthing takes her to the place where the local commune used to be and few people in the town are happy to have the subject revisited. Some are even willing to lie to Bel about any knowledge regarding Amy.
When the pieces of this mystery are finally put together correctly, prepare to be shocked by the outcome. The author does a great job in all three books building up to what we receive in Bel, Book and Scandal. Between the anguish concerning the long standing mystery surrounding Amy as well as the new revelations, the book takes the reader through a myriad of emotions, actions, characters, and scenes.
As with the previous books, Bel, Book and Scandal isn't your typical light-hearted cozy mystery. There are some 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 weddings and Amy's disappearance.
I enjoyed Bel, Book and Scandal 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 was engaged with this fast paced novel from the very beginning. 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 going wherever the author takes us next with Bel - and I certainly hope she continues with this series.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC.
November 26, 2017
Place: Foster's Landing, the Hudson Valley area
People: Belfast (Bel) McGrath, chef at her family's estate, Shamrock Manor. Bel's family - parents and four brothers - is the large and rambunctious supporting cast of the book. Bel's ex, Brenden, is another supporting character, as is the improbably named Tweed Blazer and Bel's childhood best friend, Amy.
Plot: As the holidays approach, Bel greets a potential client looking for a venue for their daughter and step-daughter's upcoming wedding. The couple seems conflicted - the bride's father worried that his daughter is too young to marry and his wife trying to facilitate the function in a way that makes everyone involved happy. When they leave, they leave behind a local newspaper open to a story about a former commune about an hour away from Foster's Landing. The photo included with the article is blurry, but Bel immediately recognizes someone: her presumed dead childhood best friend, Amy Mitchell. For as often as everyone around her tells her to let it go, Bel can't do that. As the last person to see Amy so many years ago, everyone in Foster's Landing has always harbored the thought that Bel knows what really happened, or at least more than what she has shared. Now, after so many years, Bel can't let go of the opportunity to finally solve the mystery of what really happened to Amy Mitchell.
Pacing: Steady
Predictability: Low
Perspective: Bel, Book, and Scandal is the third book in this series and my favorite. The mystery surrounding the night when Amy disappeared has always been a common thread in the stories, one that I felt at times outshone the plots put out in the first two books. The entire plot of this story revolves around putting together the many clues left by author Maggie McConnon in all of the books thus far, and takes readers all the way to a long awaited resolution. I feel like I've finally seen the full picture. At the same time, so many threads feel tied off and wrapped up, that I'm a little worried that this series has come to an end! I so enjoy Bel and her family, and reading about the mysteries she finds herself involved with. The McGrath family is a unique one in the cozy mystery genre and their adventures are a lot of fun to follow.
People: Belfast (Bel) McGrath, chef at her family's estate, Shamrock Manor. Bel's family - parents and four brothers - is the large and rambunctious supporting cast of the book. Bel's ex, Brenden, is another supporting character, as is the improbably named Tweed Blazer and Bel's childhood best friend, Amy.
Plot: As the holidays approach, Bel greets a potential client looking for a venue for their daughter and step-daughter's upcoming wedding. The couple seems conflicted - the bride's father worried that his daughter is too young to marry and his wife trying to facilitate the function in a way that makes everyone involved happy. When they leave, they leave behind a local newspaper open to a story about a former commune about an hour away from Foster's Landing. The photo included with the article is blurry, but Bel immediately recognizes someone: her presumed dead childhood best friend, Amy Mitchell. For as often as everyone around her tells her to let it go, Bel can't do that. As the last person to see Amy so many years ago, everyone in Foster's Landing has always harbored the thought that Bel knows what really happened, or at least more than what she has shared. Now, after so many years, Bel can't let go of the opportunity to finally solve the mystery of what really happened to Amy Mitchell.
Pacing: Steady
Predictability: Low
Perspective: Bel, Book, and Scandal is the third book in this series and my favorite. The mystery surrounding the night when Amy disappeared has always been a common thread in the stories, one that I felt at times outshone the plots put out in the first two books. The entire plot of this story revolves around putting together the many clues left by author Maggie McConnon in all of the books thus far, and takes readers all the way to a long awaited resolution. I feel like I've finally seen the full picture. At the same time, so many threads feel tied off and wrapped up, that I'm a little worried that this series has come to an end! I so enjoy Bel and her family, and reading about the mysteries she finds herself involved with. The McGrath family is a unique one in the cozy mystery genre and their adventures are a lot of fun to follow.
December 6, 2017
Belfast (Bel) McGrath, is a little impulsive. It’s gotten her into trouble in the past, and it’ll probably do so again in the future.
In Bel, Book, and Scandal: A Belfast McGrath Mystery (Bel McGrath Mysteries) Bel has returned to her hometown of Fosters Landing, to be the chef at her family’s Shamrock Manor. But it’s been a bit hard lately because she can’t put Amy out of her mind.
Ever since the drought, when the lake dried up enough to reveal the belongings of her best friend Amy at the bottom, she’s been thinking about what really happened so long ago.
They exchanged angry words after Bel found Amy kissing Bel’s boyfriend. That was the last time she saw Amy, 15 long years ago.
In the here and now, she is a talented chef, working in the family business the Shamrock Manor. After interviewing a couple who may want to use the Manor for his daughter‘s wedding, Bel notices a newspaper they leave behind.
Scanning through the paper, Bel notices a blurry picture that she is absolutely sure is Amy. The picture was said to have been taken at a local commune, called Love Canyon. Immediately Bel sets out to find it, maybe the commune will have some answers.
Impulsive, Independent and Insightful
I found myself completely taken with Bel’s impulsiveness, independence, and insight. I thoroughly enjoyed the way the author has brought her to life. It was impossible not to feel Bel’s compulsion to get to the bottom of the mysterious disappearance of her best friend.
The family too was fascinating with their quirks and unique personalities. They were all very real and so well written you might suspect the author knows them in real life.
This is not the first Belfast McGrath mystery, but it does work well as a standalone novel. I look forward to reading more from author Maggie McConnon.
In Bel, Book, and Scandal: A Belfast McGrath Mystery (Bel McGrath Mysteries) Bel has returned to her hometown of Fosters Landing, to be the chef at her family’s Shamrock Manor. But it’s been a bit hard lately because she can’t put Amy out of her mind.
Ever since the drought, when the lake dried up enough to reveal the belongings of her best friend Amy at the bottom, she’s been thinking about what really happened so long ago.
They exchanged angry words after Bel found Amy kissing Bel’s boyfriend. That was the last time she saw Amy, 15 long years ago.
In the here and now, she is a talented chef, working in the family business the Shamrock Manor. After interviewing a couple who may want to use the Manor for his daughter‘s wedding, Bel notices a newspaper they leave behind.
Scanning through the paper, Bel notices a blurry picture that she is absolutely sure is Amy. The picture was said to have been taken at a local commune, called Love Canyon. Immediately Bel sets out to find it, maybe the commune will have some answers.
Impulsive, Independent and Insightful
I found myself completely taken with Bel’s impulsiveness, independence, and insight. I thoroughly enjoyed the way the author has brought her to life. It was impossible not to feel Bel’s compulsion to get to the bottom of the mysterious disappearance of her best friend.
The family too was fascinating with their quirks and unique personalities. They were all very real and so well written you might suspect the author knows them in real life.
This is not the first Belfast McGrath mystery, but it does work well as a standalone novel. I look forward to reading more from author Maggie McConnon.
December 5, 2017
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This did not affect my opinion of the book or my review itself.
The long-running series' mystery of what truly happened to Belfast's best friend, Amy, so many years ago, takes a shocking turn in this latest cozy mystery. Belfast, a chef at her family's Shamrock Manor, spots a newspaper photograph that turns everything she thought she knew about that fateful night upside down. Drawn into a story she has never truly been able to leave behind, Belfast is determined to solve the mystery that has haunted her all these years.
I love the character of Belfast. She feels so real, as does her family. She's not perfect, neither are they, but they love and drive each other crazy in equal measure. Belfast is funny, and clever, and determined, but still doesn't know where she's going in life. She is relatable, and it's impossible not to like her.
I was so excited to see so much development in the mystery of Amy. It's one I've been following since I read the first book in the series, and I've been wanting to know the solution so much.
I felt like what was revealed, while surprising and shocking and fantastically dramatic, didn't feel like it entirely fit with what had come in the books before. I absolutely adore a shocking twist that I never saw coming, but this one felt a little too out of left field.
Definitely read the books that came before this one so you can understand the importance of what is happening in this one. This is a cozy mystery series I really enjoy, and I hope that, even though it felt like an ending, this isn't the last we read of Belfast.
The long-running series' mystery of what truly happened to Belfast's best friend, Amy, so many years ago, takes a shocking turn in this latest cozy mystery. Belfast, a chef at her family's Shamrock Manor, spots a newspaper photograph that turns everything she thought she knew about that fateful night upside down. Drawn into a story she has never truly been able to leave behind, Belfast is determined to solve the mystery that has haunted her all these years.
I love the character of Belfast. She feels so real, as does her family. She's not perfect, neither are they, but they love and drive each other crazy in equal measure. Belfast is funny, and clever, and determined, but still doesn't know where she's going in life. She is relatable, and it's impossible not to like her.
I was so excited to see so much development in the mystery of Amy. It's one I've been following since I read the first book in the series, and I've been wanting to know the solution so much.
I felt like what was revealed, while surprising and shocking and fantastically dramatic, didn't feel like it entirely fit with what had come in the books before. I absolutely adore a shocking twist that I never saw coming, but this one felt a little too out of left field.
Definitely read the books that came before this one so you can understand the importance of what is happening in this one. This is a cozy mystery series I really enjoy, and I hope that, even though it felt like an ending, this isn't the last we read of Belfast.
November 27, 2017
Bel, Book, and Scandal is the third book in Maggie McConnon’s Belfast McGrath Mystery series. This is the first book I’ve read in this series, but I didn’t have any problem identifying the characters’ relationships or understanding their backgrounds or relationships. This is a steadily paced mystery with great characters and an interesting mystery.
Belfast ‘Bel’ McGrath is a culinary artist turned amateur sleuth in Foster’s Landing in the Hudson Valley area. Shamrock Manor, the family business, is a special event and wedding venue with an Irish flavor. Bel is the chef and her four brothers often entertain their guests with their band. A couple seeking a venue for his daughter’s wedding leaves behind a newspaper and a blurry photo catches Bel’s eye. The article is about a commune, Love Canyon, located in the nearby town of Wooded Lake and Bel believes a girl in the photo is her best friend, Amy Mitchell, who has been missing since high school. Bel finds clues and information that has her believing Amy is alive and she doggedly pursues any possible lead, but it appears someone is sabotaging her search.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
Belfast ‘Bel’ McGrath is a culinary artist turned amateur sleuth in Foster’s Landing in the Hudson Valley area. Shamrock Manor, the family business, is a special event and wedding venue with an Irish flavor. Bel is the chef and her four brothers often entertain their guests with their band. A couple seeking a venue for his daughter’s wedding leaves behind a newspaper and a blurry photo catches Bel’s eye. The article is about a commune, Love Canyon, located in the nearby town of Wooded Lake and Bel believes a girl in the photo is her best friend, Amy Mitchell, who has been missing since high school. Bel finds clues and information that has her believing Amy is alive and she doggedly pursues any possible lead, but it appears someone is sabotaging her search.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
December 6, 2017
I warmed immediately to this novel’s spirited Irish-American amateur chef-cum-detective, finding myself quite willing to follow Bel along her meandering sleuthing trails. I liked the lighthearted, dysfunctional family relationship layered into the story (I mean, it’s fun when it’s not your own and make-believe, right?). Also well done was the tightening circle of people Bel could trust, as well as the intriguing sidekicks she picked up along the way.
Though the yuletide backdrop is subtle, and a few details seemed to get lost in the telling, Bel, Book, and Scandal makes for a relatively clean, lighthearted cozy mystery to snuggle up with this holiday season. Don’t forget to add a steaming mug of Irish breakfast tea.
Thanks to St. Martin’s for providing me this book free of charge. All opinions are mine.
Though the yuletide backdrop is subtle, and a few details seemed to get lost in the telling, Bel, Book, and Scandal makes for a relatively clean, lighthearted cozy mystery to snuggle up with this holiday season. Don’t forget to add a steaming mug of Irish breakfast tea.
Thanks to St. Martin’s for providing me this book free of charge. All opinions are mine.
December 11, 2017
Bel, Book, and Scandal by Maggie McConnon is an entertaining cozy mystery with a fantastic cast of delightful characters and a perplexing missing person's case to solve. This third installment in the Belfast McGrath Mystery series can be read as a standalone.
A photo in a newspaper gives Bel McGrath a starting place in her search to find her long missing best friend, Amy Mitchell. Amy went missing right after their graduation and the case has cast a long shadow over Bel since many of the townspeople believe she was involved in her friend's disappearance. Without thinking, Bel impetuously rushes to the small town where she hopes to learn more about the now defunct commune that might have been a haven for Amy. Coffee shop owner Tweed Blazer quickly shuts down when Bel begins asking questions but she remains undeterred as she follows every lead she uncovers. Will Bel finally uncover the truth about Amy's disappearance?
Bel is still trying to make peace with the unexpected detour her life has taken in the past few years. Never expecting to return home, she is making the best of her position as the chef at her parents' special events and wedding business. She is also still smarting over the painful breakup with her ex-boyfriend, Brendan Joyce, and her former high school boyfriend Kevin's recent marriage to the police chief's (in Bel's eyes) perfect daughter Mary Ann.
Undeterred when her investigation into Amy's disappearance hits a snag, Bel, along with her new friend, Alison Bergeron, doggedly continue following the scant clues they manage to unearth. She stumbles onto more proof that Amy might still be alive, but she is frustrated when she quickly hits a dead end. Bel is certain Tweed knows more than he is telling but before he can tell her everything he knows, someone tries to make sure his long buried information remains hidden.
Bel, Book, and Scandal is an intriguing cozy mystery that is quite humorous due to Bel's snarky sense of humor and hilarious one-liners. Bel’s attempts to uncover new evidence about Amy's whereabouts end in disappointment but she remains hopeful she will find her long missing friend. Maggie McConnon brings this third installment in the Belfast McGrath Mystery series to a twist-filled and action packed conclusion.
A photo in a newspaper gives Bel McGrath a starting place in her search to find her long missing best friend, Amy Mitchell. Amy went missing right after their graduation and the case has cast a long shadow over Bel since many of the townspeople believe she was involved in her friend's disappearance. Without thinking, Bel impetuously rushes to the small town where she hopes to learn more about the now defunct commune that might have been a haven for Amy. Coffee shop owner Tweed Blazer quickly shuts down when Bel begins asking questions but she remains undeterred as she follows every lead she uncovers. Will Bel finally uncover the truth about Amy's disappearance?
Bel is still trying to make peace with the unexpected detour her life has taken in the past few years. Never expecting to return home, she is making the best of her position as the chef at her parents' special events and wedding business. She is also still smarting over the painful breakup with her ex-boyfriend, Brendan Joyce, and her former high school boyfriend Kevin's recent marriage to the police chief's (in Bel's eyes) perfect daughter Mary Ann.
Undeterred when her investigation into Amy's disappearance hits a snag, Bel, along with her new friend, Alison Bergeron, doggedly continue following the scant clues they manage to unearth. She stumbles onto more proof that Amy might still be alive, but she is frustrated when she quickly hits a dead end. Bel is certain Tweed knows more than he is telling but before he can tell her everything he knows, someone tries to make sure his long buried information remains hidden.
Bel, Book, and Scandal is an intriguing cozy mystery that is quite humorous due to Bel's snarky sense of humor and hilarious one-liners. Bel’s attempts to uncover new evidence about Amy's whereabouts end in disappointment but she remains hopeful she will find her long missing friend. Maggie McConnon brings this third installment in the Belfast McGrath Mystery series to a twist-filled and action packed conclusion.
December 7, 2017
This is a not only a new series to me, but a new author as well and I am glad that I was approached to read and review this book! I really enjoyed getting to know Belfast, she is a strong and determined character! It seems the mystery in this book has been haunting Bel for years, so I was so happy that I got to get in on the reveal of the mystery! It is a doozie, I'll tell you that! For those of you that are in the same boat as I am, this can be read as a standalone, but I think you would truly get more out of the series starting at book one. However starting in the middle of the series didn't change the fact that I completely enjoyed the book! The story is well written and fast-paced, especially the ending. I guarantee the ending of the book will hit you with a punch! I really wish we would have been treated to some of the recipes that Bel was dishing up...maybe in future books?
November 10, 2017
Chef Belfast McGraw is still trying to help the family make their venue, Shamrock Manor, financially successful and dealing with the long ago disappearance of her best friend Amy.
Events and people conspire to make things difficult, mainly her own family.
She slogs on, but finds clues and information leading her to realize Amy is not dead, so she doggedly pursues any possible connection. She finds good intel, but someone is sabotaging her search.
She finally solves the decades old mystery, surprising all with the guilty parties
Well crafted cozy that keeps one reading to see what happens next.
I requested an Arc from NetGalley, because I enjoyed the series so far.
Events and people conspire to make things difficult, mainly her own family.
She slogs on, but finds clues and information leading her to realize Amy is not dead, so she doggedly pursues any possible connection. She finds good intel, but someone is sabotaging her search.
She finally solves the decades old mystery, surprising all with the guilty parties
Well crafted cozy that keeps one reading to see what happens next.
I requested an Arc from NetGalley, because I enjoyed the series so far.
December 5, 2017
Bel, Book, and Scandal: A Belfast McGrath Mystery is the third Belfast McGrath Mystery by author Maggie McConnon. I read the second book in the series previously so I was familiar with the location and Bel's large family. And Bel's obsession with finding an old friend Amy.
Bel who is an incredible chef is still living and working at her family's Irish themed resort Shamrock Manor. Her past in New York City comes back to haunt her in this book. As does a photo she sees that she is convinced is her old friend Amy who has been missing for years.
There are lots of twists and turns in this enjoyable cozy mystery. Good read!
Bel who is an incredible chef is still living and working at her family's Irish themed resort Shamrock Manor. Her past in New York City comes back to haunt her in this book. As does a photo she sees that she is convinced is her old friend Amy who has been missing for years.
There are lots of twists and turns in this enjoyable cozy mystery. Good read!
December 11, 2017
This is a great book with a wonderful story and well developed characters. The story flowed very well and was very enjoyable. This book will keep you reading long into the night and you will not want to put this book down until you finish. This was such a great read and full of surprises. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader’s copy of this book. The free book held no determination on my personal review.
May 5, 2018
This is the third Bel McGrath mystery, set in the Hudson Valley of New York State, featuring an Irish-American wedding chef who solves mysteries on the side. For fans of culinary cozies, there's nothing not to like!
McConnon is the pen name of Maggie Barbieri, author of the cozy Murder 101 series about a college professor and amateur sleuth named Alison Bergeron, and the edgier Once Upon a Lie series, featuring Maeve Conlon, a professional baker and divorced mother with a dark secret.
McConnon is the pen name of Maggie Barbieri, author of the cozy Murder 101 series about a college professor and amateur sleuth named Alison Bergeron, and the edgier Once Upon a Lie series, featuring Maeve Conlon, a professional baker and divorced mother with a dark secret.
January 22, 2018
I've enjoyed this series; it will be interesting to see where the author goes next, after the big denouement in this one. I kept thinking one of the new characters was familiar, then realised she was from the Murder 101 books, written as Maggie Barbieri, which I also enjoyed. (I disliked the other series with Lies in the titles.)
August 27, 2018
It was okay. The main character and thus the book were very unfocused, and many of the characters and plot points seemed unlikely (and not very engaging). I figured out what was meant to be a key plot point in both the mystery and the romance as soon as it was mentioned, and only kept reading to see if it got better (it did not).
Did Not Finish
December 19, 2019I tried getting into this book but it really drops you in the middle of things. I haven’t read the first one or two in the series and it really relies on you having those references. It also starts very dark, so I’m going to pass for now.
April 23, 2022
This was a GREAT ending to a mystery trilogy! A taste 6is Ireland all the way through. Great characters & a great mystery. This book concludes the mystery that ran through the previous two books. What a great ending!!
February 18, 2018
A book filled with lots of twists and turns and lots of mystery and action. The ending was filled with surprises. I hope we will see more books in this series.
March 2, 2018
The main character Belfast is a chef who works for her family business. She gets caught up investigating an unresolved missing persons from her past.
March 22, 2019
Fun read. I enjoyed the previous two books in the series and this one wraps it all up.
October 19, 2019
I was intrigued when I received a digital copy of Bel, Book, and Scandal by Maggie McConnon for review. I’ve never read a cozy mystery before (to my knowledge) but I’ve always been curious about them. And I adore the covers with cozies. This particular story is the third installment in the Belfast McGrath Mystery Series but reads as a standalone, so I decided to take the plunge and give it a try, especially since it is set around the holidays. I’m glad I did because I genuinely loved it.
Bel McGrath works alongside her parents and brothers at the local inn that they own, Shamrock Manor. Bel is the Manor’s Chef and she also takes an active role in event planning. The McGrath family is Irish; they are a large, loud group, and I love them. They seem to be the type of family that love one another to pieces but also annoy one another more than anything else – figure this is partly because they live and work in such close proximity.
One day, a photo in the local newspaper catches Bel’s eye, and it flips her world upside down. Apparently one of the women in the picture bears a striking resemblance to Bel’s BFF, who went missing years ago. Bel takes it upon herself to investigate to see if the woman in the picture is indeed her friend. Over the course of the story, this mystery takes Bel all over the area as she seeks out the truth, and it brings forth several twists that I didn’t see coming.
Bel’s missing friend and also her relationship subplot appear to be part of a larger story arc that began in the first book in this series.
This is one of the many books that I’ve picked up since my Dad’s health has been in decline this fall and winter, since he has been in and out of hospitals and in intensive care over the past few months. I was looking for a book that would transport me, hold my attention, and make me smile, and that is exactly what happened with this mystery. The story is not heavy at all; it’s actually funny, particularly Bel’s family and their shenanigans. And Bel’s constant quest for answers kept me on my toes. I loved the convenience of the shorter chapters because they were easy to read between my activities with my own family and caring for my dad; this meant that I was able to stay invested and still multitask without forgetting details that I had just read.
The McGrath family is awesome. Like I said earlier, they’re loud and Irish, and they annoy the mess out of one another. There are a few non-family characters that I adored as well. I really didn’t know who did the things in question, and I did not figure out the mystery surrounding the picture in the newspaper until it was revealed. I was suspicious of pretty much everyone.
This was just a lot of fun for me to read. In fact, I’ve been actively seeking out cozy mysteries since I finished this one a few weeks ago. I really want to go back and read the first two book in this series so I can see all of the parts of this story from the beginning. I realize that this book reads just fine as a standalone, but there are quite a few references to things that have happened prior to the start of this story included in here for the readers that have been faithful the entire time, so I definitely want to go back and figure out what I’ve missed before I move any further with this series. I also want to read more cozies by other authors.
Bel McGrath works alongside her parents and brothers at the local inn that they own, Shamrock Manor. Bel is the Manor’s Chef and she also takes an active role in event planning. The McGrath family is Irish; they are a large, loud group, and I love them. They seem to be the type of family that love one another to pieces but also annoy one another more than anything else – figure this is partly because they live and work in such close proximity.
One day, a photo in the local newspaper catches Bel’s eye, and it flips her world upside down. Apparently one of the women in the picture bears a striking resemblance to Bel’s BFF, who went missing years ago. Bel takes it upon herself to investigate to see if the woman in the picture is indeed her friend. Over the course of the story, this mystery takes Bel all over the area as she seeks out the truth, and it brings forth several twists that I didn’t see coming.
Bel’s missing friend and also her relationship subplot appear to be part of a larger story arc that began in the first book in this series.
This is one of the many books that I’ve picked up since my Dad’s health has been in decline this fall and winter, since he has been in and out of hospitals and in intensive care over the past few months. I was looking for a book that would transport me, hold my attention, and make me smile, and that is exactly what happened with this mystery. The story is not heavy at all; it’s actually funny, particularly Bel’s family and their shenanigans. And Bel’s constant quest for answers kept me on my toes. I loved the convenience of the shorter chapters because they were easy to read between my activities with my own family and caring for my dad; this meant that I was able to stay invested and still multitask without forgetting details that I had just read.
The McGrath family is awesome. Like I said earlier, they’re loud and Irish, and they annoy the mess out of one another. There are a few non-family characters that I adored as well. I really didn’t know who did the things in question, and I did not figure out the mystery surrounding the picture in the newspaper until it was revealed. I was suspicious of pretty much everyone.
This was just a lot of fun for me to read. In fact, I’ve been actively seeking out cozy mysteries since I finished this one a few weeks ago. I really want to go back and read the first two book in this series so I can see all of the parts of this story from the beginning. I realize that this book reads just fine as a standalone, but there are quite a few references to things that have happened prior to the start of this story included in here for the readers that have been faithful the entire time, so I definitely want to go back and figure out what I’ve missed before I move any further with this series. I also want to read more cozies by other authors.
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