Novice Mystery Ireland: The First Dan and Karen Novice Mystery

by Donna Rewolinski

Dan Novice, an American detective, and his social worker wife, Karen, now both retired, embark on the promise they made to spend more time together. They have rented a cottage in the quaint Irish village of Ballyram for three months. Their plans include visiting tourist sites, eating out, and interacting with the villagers. It doesn’t take long for the plan to be challenged when a prominent villager, Lord O’Connor is murdered and Dan and Karen stumble upon the scene. Local Sergeant Peter Quinn heads the investigation and engages Dan’s experience as a detective in solving the crime. As the case proceeds, villagers seek to deflect suspicion from themselves, implicate their neighbors, address personal secrets brought to light, and avoid being victims themselves. Conflict occurs between Dan and Karen when Dan is drawn back into a job he still loves, while Karen is left to fill her days alone. Karen, a smart and dedicated professional in her own right, becomes involved in her own investigation of the secrets of Ballyram and its residents. As she plumbs their depths, her inquiries lead to unexpected and nearly fatal consequences.

248 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 24, 2018

Reviews

[Laurie Buchanan · Rating 4 out of 5]

An absorbing tale brimming with authenticity. I felt like I was in Ireland, having a Guinness tapped for me as I tried to solve the mystery along with Dan and Karen Novice—the American protagonists.

[Joy Ribar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Donna Rewolinski gives readers a thrill ride through Ireland in this first mystery featuring Dan and Karen Novice, two Americans trying to vacation in the land of shamrocks and fairies. Allegedly retired detective Dan just can’t leave it alone when a murder happens in the quaint village of Ballyram, especially after Irish newbie detective Quinn asks for Dan’s help. Despite wife Karen’s protests, her friendly chatter with the locals yields more suspects than an Irish pub full of hurling fans! Together, the three leave no stone unturned to find the killer, not even the Blarney Stone. Readers will enjoy scenic Ireland and the authentic characters nestled there.

[Sharon Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ever wonder what a retired law enforcement officer and his social worker wife do on vacation? In the Novice series, they solve murders! The first in the series, this novel is set in a fictional village in Ireland and Rewolinski brings it alive. I can’t wait to vacation with the Novices on their next adventure.

[Steven Murawski · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read - kept me guessing

The story had good character development, moved along enough to stay interesting, and kept me guessing to the end.

The characters were relatable - I could a former coworker see in Dan - and felt authentic.

Looking forward to the next one.

[Rick Clark · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought the characters were believable. It was fun to raise a pint in the Irish pubs with the characters.

[Valerie Biel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This first book in the Novice mystery series follows now retired detective Dan Novice and his wife Karen on their travel adventures where they can't help but find a murder to solve. Great setting and fun details make you feel like you've taken a mini-holiday to Ireland. Excellent cast of characters with some super twists along the way that make for a very satisfying mystery read.