Orphans: A Larry Lir mystery - Book 1

by Liam Mullen

A descendant of the fabled Children of Lir, twelve-year old Larry Lir has a curse hanging over him from that period of Irish history. The secret of how to dispense with the curse are lost because Lir is an orphan, and only his father could have told him how to lift the ancient curse that hangs over male heirs.

There are some who claim that Lir is older than his years, and others who whisper that he has dark, black magical powers. Whatever the truth of that he continues to work in the PI Agency his parents bequeathed him with.

When three Cuban orphans appeal to Lir for help, he finds things in common with them and he takes their case pro bono.

In doing so he has set himself up for a battle of wills against Da Silva and his gang of foreign agents, a battle that will bring about the ultimate betrayal and it will transpire that the ruthless Da Silva is also an orphan.

Set for the most part in Ireland can Lir’s ingenuity win the day in a story that carries important messages about basic press freedoms and human rights.

The book shows the independent spirit that dwells within children and the battle of triumph over evil.

141 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 30, 2017

About the author

Liam Robert Mullen: The Irish Self-Published Author Writing Across History, Crime and Adventure
In today’s publishing world, independent authors are proving that great storytelling doesn’t have to come from traditional publishing houses. One writer who has quietly built an impressive catalogue is Liam Robert Mullen, an Irish author whose books span historical fiction, crime thrillers, military adventures, spirituality, and contemporary fiction. By self-publishing through Amazon, Mullen has created a diverse collection of novels that appeal to readers looking for original stories beyond the mainstream.
Who is Liam Robert Mullen?
Liam Robert Mullen is an Irish writer living in County Wexford. Originally from Dublin, he has written dozens of novels and novellas across multiple genres, refusing to be confined to a single style. His background in government, transport, telecommunications, and tourism has influenced many of his stories, while his passion for history is reflected throughout much of his work.
Unlike many authors who focus on one niche, Mullen embraces variety. Whether readers enjoy historical epics, detective fiction, military thrillers, or religious fiction, there is likely a Liam Robert Mullen book that fits their interests.
A Self-Published Success Story on Amazon
Self-publishing has transformed the publishing industry, giving writers complete creative freedom. Liam Robert Mullen has taken full advantage of this opportunity by independently publishing his books through Amazon.
This independence allows him to explore ambitious subjects without the restrictions often associated with traditional publishing. His work ranges from ancient Rome and biblical history to Irish independence, police investigations, espionage, and international thrillers.
Historical Fiction That Brings the Past to Life
One of Mullen’s greatest strengths is historical fiction.
His novel The Nationalists explores Ireland’s revolutionary period, covering the Easter Rising, the War of Independence, and the Civil War through both fictional and historical characters. The novel blends romance, politics, and conflict into an engaging narrative that captures one of the most important periods in Irish history. The National Library of Ireland has also catalogued it as an independently published work.
Another standout title is The Scribe, which follows the life of Luke the Evangelist while exploring the political and religious world surrounding early Christianity. The novel received positive attention for its detailed historical setting and thoughtful portrayal of biblical figures.
Exploring Multiple Genres
One reason readers continue discovering Liam Robert Mullen is his willingness to experiment.
His catalogue includes:
• Historical fiction
• Crime and detective novels
• Military thrillers
• Political thrillers
• Adventure fiction
• Spiritual and biblical fiction
• Mystery series
• Young adult fantasy
Popular titles include Orphans, Pacific Deeps, Atlantic Deeps, Mano, Belfast, King Brian, Exile, and many others, demonstrating remarkable productivity and creativity.
Why Readers Enjoy Liam Robert Mullen’s Books
Many readers appreciate authors who consistently produce fresh ideas rather than repeating the same formula. Mullen’s novels often feature:
• Strong historical research
• Fast-paced storytelling
• Irish themes and settings
• International adventures
• Moral dilemmas
• Memorable characters
• A willingness to tackle different genres
His books appeal to readers who enjoy discovering independent authors with ambitious storytelling and broad literary interests.
Supporting Independent Authors
Choosing a self-published author means supporting creativity outside the traditional publishing industry. Writers like Liam Robert Mullen demonstrate that compelling stories can come directly from independent voices.
With an expanding bibliography available through Amazon, readers can explore everything from Irish history and wart

Reviews

[Kirsty Carson]

Larry is a twelve-year old who fends mostly for himself in a rambling mansion on the Hill of Howth, in Dublin following the brutal murder of his parents. When three Cuban children, recently orphaned themselves, appeal to Larry for help, he takes up their case.

I actually quite enjoyed this one even though it took a while to get into it and I suppose my biggest issue with it was that it was targeted to children and I felt it was written like it was for a much older audience.

I enjoyed the characterisation and I thought the plot line was interesting. The magic melded with the thriller/crime genre was exciting and it kept you on your toes wondering what was going to happen next. The crime bosses from Cuba, although a little cliche were intense and I also liked the links to Celtic mythology which are so intriguing. I guess I just think it could have been written to suit a younger audience more effectively.

[Janine Pestel]

The story was very interesting, and entertaining. Larry, a 12 year old orphan, is a genius who has his own detective agency. He takes on the case of some children, they themselves orphans. They are being pursued by men from Cuba. The men are looking for something they believe the children have that belonged to their murdered parents...in particular, their mother.

Although the story hints that Larry Lir has some magical powers, I don't recall him actually using them. Nonetheless, the story is, as I said, very entertaining.

However...it is in need of editing. There were places where the the children's last name was spelled differently that other places...their name began with O' and in some cases O'O'. There were also places where it seemed a new paragraph was started mid-sentence. I found these errors distracting.

I would still recommend this book to anyone who likes the genre. Even with the distractions, it is still an entertaining read. If it were re-edited, though...I think it could be awesome!

[Deedra]

This was a very good book.It was kind of on the level of the Artemis Fowel series. A twelve year old genius is a private eye,lawyer and has a butler etc at his fingertips.He is there to help children whos parents died under odd circumstance. David Frederking was a fine narrator.I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.' 

[Emziethebookworm]

Definately worth the read on this book I couldn't even out it down at all due to it being that good, from the plot and characters there was simply nothing wrong with this book at all, loved how it was based in Ireland as it was a different book for me as this is my first one to read that was based in Ireland.
I loved all the characters throughout this mystery case as it had me on the edge of my seat always guessing what was going to be happening next and being' shocked due to what happens a just wasn't expecting it at all.

[Joycee]

Not bad. Despite the style (editing) comment I had earlier, about how it seemed that ideas were repeated as if this were a draft & the author was testing locations (but never decided on a final one for each), I enjoyed the story. Hurrah for Lir and his band of young uns (and not-so-young uns) for thwarting a political plot and solving a murder mystery.

Anyway, another quick way to get another book closer to meeting my 2019 Goodreads challenge!

[Selena]

Larry Lir is the main character. He is very interesting. He is twelve years old and not only lives in a mansion, basically by himself, but has very influential contacts that allow his detective business flourish and help others.
The story begins when a recently orphaned boy shows up to ask Larry for help. He doesn't think his parent's deaths were an accident. He thinks they were murdered. Larry and his select group of "friends" are able to pull strings and determine what happened to the boy and his sisters' parents.

I hope there are more books to come. I enjoyed reading about his adventures, his quick wit, and his collection of influential contacts to call on for help.

I was given the opportunity to read this book by NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.

[Books Shelf]

Orphans: A Larry Lir mystery by Liam Robert Mullen is a very entertaining book. A 12-year-old genius has a PI agency and helps orphans find closure about their murdered parents. The idea is very interesting and the narrative is captivating. The book needs a bit of work, but it is a perfect read for young and adult readers.