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Time-Slip Mysteries #1
Deadline with Death
Two Times, Two Crimes…
Dee Flanagan loves Irish history, bad rom-coms, and red lipstick. Dead clowns, injured time travelers, and shoot-outs don’t make it onto the small-town reporter’s Top Ten list. After the bullets stop flying in Dunleagh Castle’s courtyard, it’s up to Dee to convince people she didn’t imagine a gunfight played out between two centuries.
With the body count rising, and no one willing to believe Dee’s time travel theory, she’s forced to team up with a man who’s either a bona fide fruit cake or a police officer from the year 1919. Using her expert knowledge of the Irish War of Independence, Dee sets out to solve a century-old crime, plus a modern-day murder.
Dee Flanagan loves Irish history, bad rom-coms, and red lipstick. Dead clowns, injured time travelers, and shoot-outs don’t make it onto the small-town reporter’s Top Ten list. After the bullets stop flying in Dunleagh Castle’s courtyard, it’s up to Dee to convince people she didn’t imagine a gunfight played out between two centuries.
With the body count rising, and no one willing to believe Dee’s time travel theory, she’s forced to team up with a man who’s either a bona fide fruit cake or a police officer from the year 1919. Using her expert knowledge of the Irish War of Independence, Dee sets out to solve a century-old crime, plus a modern-day murder.
- GenresCozy Mystery
392 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 21, 2019
19 people are currently reading
98 people want to read
About the author
Zara Keane
42 books987 followersZara Keane is a USA Today bestselling author of Irish cozy mysteries and romantic comedies.
Zara grew up in Dublin, Ireland, but spent her summers in a small town very similar to the fictitious Ballybeg and Smuggler's Cove.
She currently lives in Switzerland with her family. When she’s not writing, Zara loves knitting, running, unplugged gaming, and adding to her insanely large lipstick collection.
Don't miss a new story! For news, giveaways, and TWO free stories, sign up for Zara's Mailing List at https://zarakeane.com/newsletter/
Zara can also be found in her Facebook Reader Group, the Mystery Mavens.
Zara grew up in Dublin, Ireland, but spent her summers in a small town very similar to the fictitious Ballybeg and Smuggler's Cove.
She currently lives in Switzerland with her family. When she’s not writing, Zara loves knitting, running, unplugged gaming, and adding to her insanely large lipstick collection.
Don't miss a new story! For news, giveaways, and TWO free stories, sign up for Zara's Mailing List at https://zarakeane.com/newsletter/
Zara can also be found in her Facebook Reader Group, the Mystery Mavens.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
June 26, 2019
Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) provided by the Author and Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an fair and honest review.
I love Zara Keane and her Romance and Romantic-Suspense books set in modern Ireland. This one is a Cozy-Mystery with a touch of Time-Travel Paranormal. Of all the fantasy/paranormal genres, I love time-travel the best. The mystery in Deadline with Death was absolutely great, I had no idea who done it until the reveal and the supporting characters are a hoot. As a first in the series it still leaves a lot of explanations for the following books and I can't wait to read them all.
Dee Flanagan is a romantic with a degree in Irish History who is working as a part time journalist with the 150 year old Dunleagh Chronicle whose offices are in the ancient Dunleagh Castle along with the city government offices, a museum and the Great Hall, which can be rented for the right price. When she crosses under the Castle's Green Archway she is caught up in strange weather, wind like a plum-colored cyclone and purple wisps hold holding her captive while the sounds of a gun battle rage around her. At the end of this phenomena she is trapped between a dead clown, Mr. Chuckles, she just had an argument with, and a handsome, wounded stranger.
Dee has no idea how to explain what happened, especially when the handsome stranger is wearing a uniform and carrying a gun from 100 years ago. The whole thing gets even stranger when her Nana and her friend Dottie zoom up on supercharged mobility scooters and Nana proceeds to poke around the victims and the crime scene. But, the tale takes an even stranger when two days later the very unpopular Mayor Henry Hyland is killed while rehearsing a play scene and Dee's mother, Bliss, is the shooter. Dee must now figure out what happened that day in the Castle's Courtyard and also figure out who killed the mayor and if the two murders are related.
I love Zara Keane and her Romance and Romantic-Suspense books set in modern Ireland. This one is a Cozy-Mystery with a touch of Time-Travel Paranormal. Of all the fantasy/paranormal genres, I love time-travel the best. The mystery in Deadline with Death was absolutely great, I had no idea who done it until the reveal and the supporting characters are a hoot. As a first in the series it still leaves a lot of explanations for the following books and I can't wait to read them all.
Dee Flanagan is a romantic with a degree in Irish History who is working as a part time journalist with the 150 year old Dunleagh Chronicle whose offices are in the ancient Dunleagh Castle along with the city government offices, a museum and the Great Hall, which can be rented for the right price. When she crosses under the Castle's Green Archway she is caught up in strange weather, wind like a plum-colored cyclone and purple wisps hold holding her captive while the sounds of a gun battle rage around her. At the end of this phenomena she is trapped between a dead clown, Mr. Chuckles, she just had an argument with, and a handsome, wounded stranger.
Dee has no idea how to explain what happened, especially when the handsome stranger is wearing a uniform and carrying a gun from 100 years ago. The whole thing gets even stranger when her Nana and her friend Dottie zoom up on supercharged mobility scooters and Nana proceeds to poke around the victims and the crime scene. But, the tale takes an even stranger when two days later the very unpopular Mayor Henry Hyland is killed while rehearsing a play scene and Dee's mother, Bliss, is the shooter. Dee must now figure out what happened that day in the Castle's Courtyard and also figure out who killed the mayor and if the two murders are related.
November 19, 2022
Dee Flanagan, harried part-time journalist and historian is having a rough day. First, she has to give up part of a day off to cover a nasty cockeral fight that turned into a melee. Next, she is forced to deal with a rude clown with whom she previously had a run-in after he groped her. Then after finishing her story, she learns she has to pick up her Nana and bring Nana to the hospital for a doctor's appointment. While racing through the rainy courtyard, Dee tries to capture the purple sky with her phone but gets caught in some strange winds. While struggling to get free, Dee is turned upside down and bumps her head. Finally, she's caught in some kind of strange shootout with no one responding to her calls for help. When the shooting is done, one man is dead and another severely wounded. Unfortunately for Dee, when help finally comes, it seems she's landed thick in the middle of a murder investigation because the victim is none other than Mr. Chuckles, her nemesis. The other man remains a mystery but Dee's investigation reveals surprising clues pointing to the 1919 Irish War for Independence!
This was a fun mystery but unbalanced. I was more intrigued by the historical mystery than the modern murder mysteries and that part came late in the story and ended on a cliffhanger! The next book doesn't come out until 2024 so I felt a little confused and unhappy. I couldn't put the book down and then it ended so abruptly but I never guessed who the modern muderer was until just before the confrontation. The whole thing was a big surprise. I don't know much about Irish history and there was so much information presented in the story, I would have liked an author's note with it all in one spot and sunccintly summarized.
I liked Dee and can relate to her love of history and being the only normal person in a quirky family. Or is she? I also relate to her love for her family even if they drive her crazy. Dee isn't all that well-developed yet. She's pretty intense in her investigation but sometimes goes a little too far. Dee means well though because she feels responsible for saving Mr. X and for the death of Mr. Chuckles. Her Nana is crazy and drove me crazy! Nana and her BFF Dottie are hell on wheels! They drive souped up mobility scooters, nose into everyone's business and participate in illegal activities! They do all this knowingly with gusto! I do appreciate Nana living her life but yikes! She creates the most insane "diversions" so Dee can snoop and everyone falls for it, even though they know her! Nana's herbal teas are the most normal thing about her. Nana's daughter, Dee's mother, Bliss, is more eccentric. She's a new age hippie type lost in la-la land and doesn't know what else is going on around her. Dee isn't the only normal member of her family. Her sister's husband, Lev, a pathologist, is perfectly respectable- and boring. He doesn't seem to appreciate Dee's investigation. He's a ruler follower.
Dottie's grandson, Gary, is a crook. He's involved in all sorts of petty crimes and illegal activities, like turning mobility scooters into hot rods. He doesn't sound dangerous, just smart enough to get away with things but not smart enough not to do them. Orla, a mousy young woman who works at the hospital, is sweet and innocent. I fear she's in trouble or going to be very soon! He's too naive and sweet for her own good. Also mousy is Mary Yates, librarian and member of Historical Murders Club. She's also a museum guide and wife of the chief pathologist at the hospital. Dr. Moriarty, her husband, is awful. He's egotistical and sexist. I suspect he isn't faithful to his marriage vows either.
There are many, many characters in this story, most of whom don't serve much purpose. Charles O'Rourke aka Mr. Chuckles, is a crude, crass, rude jerk. Dee is well able to handle him though and he proves to be all bark and little bite. As Dee remarks, he still didn't deserve to die- especially not like that. Seamie Dean is a local ne'er do well who runs a seedy establishment for gambling and other illegal activities. He's sneaky about it even when he's caught, no one can prove anything. The police seem to smile and look the other way most of the time. He sounds like a local small-time crook and not part of a large syndicate or anything the guards need to worry about. Mayor Hyland is more of a concern. He's a slimeball of the first degree. Probably corrupt and eager to line his own pockets, the mayor is about to renovate the Donleagh Castle and turn it into luxury apartments, pushing out the paper, the museum and the tourists. When he's shot and killed, Dee's mom is the prime suspect but Dee knows there are plenty of people who wanted the mayor dead. Now HE is the one who deserved to die in this story. I would have preferred him to go to jail instead. His wife and son are less than pleasant too. Is there a Real Housewives of Dunleagh? Because Sally Hyland would be perfect for the cast of the show.
Dee's colleagues are actually rather nice for journalists. Marcus, the sub-editor, is kind to Dee when she needs kindness and tough when she needs toughness. Aido, her fellow junior reporter, is a good friend. I don't appreciate his tactics with women but at least he respects Dee as a friend and co-worker. Her attitude towards his sister with possible mental health issues is not very nice but I am happy Dee understands that and tries to do better. Cian is apparently the editor and he's tough on the reporters. He's devoted to his paper and keeping it running. Richard, museum director, historian and playwright wannabe, is the most eccentric person in the castle. I don't like how he's portrayed as weird for being slightly effeninate and living alone. He's portrayed as socially awkward and obsessed with writing a great historical play about the Irish War of Independence. No one who has read the play actually thinks it will succeed and he blithely ignores the historical changes Dee makes for him. A murder happens during his play! Was it accidential or deliberate? Faced with losing his home and his museum, did he snap and kill Mayor Hyland?
Sargeant Louise Healey, aka "Lou", Dee's friend, is a good person. She's smart and smart enough not to be arrogant. She's never had a murder case before and needs Dee's help even if it isn't entirely legal. Lou is also itching to catch the mayor up to no good but he's a slippery customer. I hate seeing her case taken away from her and put into the hands of an arrogant man. Garda Eoin Duffy, Lou's right-hand man, has a good sense of humor and appreciates the absurd situations he finds. Detective Inspector Bradley of the NBCI, however, lacks a sense of humor or understanding of the local situation. I think he's going to be trouble. I also think something isn't quite right about him and he may be corrupt or not all he seems.
I enjoyed this mindless, fun mystery. I'm going to have to read it again before the second one is available to remember it though. Zara Keane has a good formula. If you've read her other Irish set mysteries, you'll recognize many of the same elements, but I don't think that's a bad thing1
This was a fun mystery but unbalanced. I was more intrigued by the historical mystery than the modern murder mysteries and that part came late in the story and ended on a cliffhanger! The next book doesn't come out until 2024 so I felt a little confused and unhappy. I couldn't put the book down and then it ended so abruptly but I never guessed who the modern muderer was until just before the confrontation. The whole thing was a big surprise. I don't know much about Irish history and there was so much information presented in the story, I would have liked an author's note with it all in one spot and sunccintly summarized.
I liked Dee and can relate to her love of history and being the only normal person in a quirky family. Or is she? I also relate to her love for her family even if they drive her crazy. Dee isn't all that well-developed yet. She's pretty intense in her investigation but sometimes goes a little too far. Dee means well though because she feels responsible for saving Mr. X and for the death of Mr. Chuckles. Her Nana is crazy and drove me crazy! Nana and her BFF Dottie are hell on wheels! They drive souped up mobility scooters, nose into everyone's business and participate in illegal activities! They do all this knowingly with gusto! I do appreciate Nana living her life but yikes! She creates the most insane "diversions" so Dee can snoop and everyone falls for it, even though they know her! Nana's herbal teas are the most normal thing about her. Nana's daughter, Dee's mother, Bliss, is more eccentric. She's a new age hippie type lost in la-la land and doesn't know what else is going on around her. Dee isn't the only normal member of her family. Her sister's husband, Lev, a pathologist, is perfectly respectable- and boring. He doesn't seem to appreciate Dee's investigation. He's a ruler follower.
Dottie's grandson, Gary, is a crook. He's involved in all sorts of petty crimes and illegal activities, like turning mobility scooters into hot rods. He doesn't sound dangerous, just smart enough to get away with things but not smart enough not to do them. Orla, a mousy young woman who works at the hospital, is sweet and innocent. I fear she's in trouble or going to be very soon! He's too naive and sweet for her own good. Also mousy is Mary Yates, librarian and member of Historical Murders Club. She's also a museum guide and wife of the chief pathologist at the hospital. Dr. Moriarty, her husband, is awful. He's egotistical and sexist. I suspect he isn't faithful to his marriage vows either.
There are many, many characters in this story, most of whom don't serve much purpose. Charles O'Rourke aka Mr. Chuckles, is a crude, crass, rude jerk. Dee is well able to handle him though and he proves to be all bark and little bite. As Dee remarks, he still didn't deserve to die- especially not like that. Seamie Dean is a local ne'er do well who runs a seedy establishment for gambling and other illegal activities. He's sneaky about it even when he's caught, no one can prove anything. The police seem to smile and look the other way most of the time. He sounds like a local small-time crook and not part of a large syndicate or anything the guards need to worry about. Mayor Hyland is more of a concern. He's a slimeball of the first degree. Probably corrupt and eager to line his own pockets, the mayor is about to renovate the Donleagh Castle and turn it into luxury apartments, pushing out the paper, the museum and the tourists. When he's shot and killed, Dee's mom is the prime suspect but Dee knows there are plenty of people who wanted the mayor dead. Now HE is the one who deserved to die in this story. I would have preferred him to go to jail instead. His wife and son are less than pleasant too. Is there a Real Housewives of Dunleagh? Because Sally Hyland would be perfect for the cast of the show.
Dee's colleagues are actually rather nice for journalists. Marcus, the sub-editor, is kind to Dee when she needs kindness and tough when she needs toughness. Aido, her fellow junior reporter, is a good friend. I don't appreciate his tactics with women but at least he respects Dee as a friend and co-worker. Her attitude towards his sister with possible mental health issues is not very nice but I am happy Dee understands that and tries to do better. Cian is apparently the editor and he's tough on the reporters. He's devoted to his paper and keeping it running. Richard, museum director, historian and playwright wannabe, is the most eccentric person in the castle. I don't like how he's portrayed as weird for being slightly effeninate and living alone. He's portrayed as socially awkward and obsessed with writing a great historical play about the Irish War of Independence. No one who has read the play actually thinks it will succeed and he blithely ignores the historical changes Dee makes for him. A murder happens during his play! Was it accidential or deliberate? Faced with losing his home and his museum, did he snap and kill Mayor Hyland?
Sargeant Louise Healey, aka "Lou", Dee's friend, is a good person. She's smart and smart enough not to be arrogant. She's never had a murder case before and needs Dee's help even if it isn't entirely legal. Lou is also itching to catch the mayor up to no good but he's a slippery customer. I hate seeing her case taken away from her and put into the hands of an arrogant man. Garda Eoin Duffy, Lou's right-hand man, has a good sense of humor and appreciates the absurd situations he finds. Detective Inspector Bradley of the NBCI, however, lacks a sense of humor or understanding of the local situation. I think he's going to be trouble. I also think something isn't quite right about him and he may be corrupt or not all he seems.
I enjoyed this mindless, fun mystery. I'm going to have to read it again before the second one is available to remember it though. Zara Keane has a good formula. If you've read her other Irish set mysteries, you'll recognize many of the same elements, but I don't think that's a bad thing1
July 22, 2019
*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.
What a wondrously hilarious start to a new series! Dee is quite the eclectic character as she juggles all her part time jobs along with the needs of her extremely quirky family. Each member seems to have their special power in some way though Dee they are joking because she has none. Witnessing an extremely strange murder along with a few surprises along the way just may change her mind. I have to say the family is such a hoot to follow and combined with the mystery makes for a fantastically fun read. I totally loved it so I give it 5/5 stars.
What a wondrously hilarious start to a new series! Dee is quite the eclectic character as she juggles all her part time jobs along with the needs of her extremely quirky family. Each member seems to have their special power in some way though Dee they are joking because she has none. Witnessing an extremely strange murder along with a few surprises along the way just may change her mind. I have to say the family is such a hoot to follow and combined with the mystery makes for a fantastically fun read. I totally loved it so I give it 5/5 stars.
June 16, 2019
Dee Flanagan is a historian and a newspaper reporter. The office she works in is located in the castle, in the same place it's been for 150 years.
Ireland apparently has erratic weather, it can go from rain to sunshine in the blink of an eye (or vice versa).
While Dee is heading to pick up her grandmother for an appointment. She gets just outside of the castle's walls when she gets caught in a very strange weather change, and also in the crossfire of a shootout. One dead (a clown in full makeup) whom Dee had had an argument just an hour previous. One wounded (an unknown) person who is dressed in a police uniform from a century before. He doesn't know where he's at.
The next day the Mayor himself is killed. Dee's mom shoots him during a scene of a play that's being put on with a gun that's supposed to be unloaded. Suspects for this murder are almost every adult in the town. The Mayor is very unpopular, Gutting the castle to renovate for upscale apartments, and evicting people from their homes and businesses left and right.
This is a very fun story and a very good mystery. There are very well defined characters, lots of humor, and several twists. The grandmother is definitely the comic relief (think a combination of Jana Deleon's Gertie and Janet Evanovich's grandmother character)
Ireland apparently has erratic weather, it can go from rain to sunshine in the blink of an eye (or vice versa).
While Dee is heading to pick up her grandmother for an appointment. She gets just outside of the castle's walls when she gets caught in a very strange weather change, and also in the crossfire of a shootout. One dead (a clown in full makeup) whom Dee had had an argument just an hour previous. One wounded (an unknown) person who is dressed in a police uniform from a century before. He doesn't know where he's at.
The next day the Mayor himself is killed. Dee's mom shoots him during a scene of a play that's being put on with a gun that's supposed to be unloaded. Suspects for this murder are almost every adult in the town. The Mayor is very unpopular, Gutting the castle to renovate for upscale apartments, and evicting people from their homes and businesses left and right.
This is a very fun story and a very good mystery. There are very well defined characters, lots of humor, and several twists. The grandmother is definitely the comic relief (think a combination of Jana Deleon's Gertie and Janet Evanovich's grandmother character)
July 16, 2019
Deadline with Death is a fast-paced humorous time travel cozy mystery. The book contains a cast of quirky, off-beat characters who inhabit Dunleagh, Ireland. Dee left university to take care of her grandmother, Eda who has a heart condition. However, Eda has no intention of letting her health slow her down. She zips about town on a mobility scooter that has been altered to whiz along at fast speeds. Dee’s scarlet scooter, Mavis could benefit from a tweak or two. Dee works a variety of jobs to support the household including the Dunleagh Chronicle which has been in operation for one hundred and fifty years. However, if Mayor Henry Hyland has is way, the newspaper, museum, library and other arts programs will be decimated. He has plans to gut the castle for high end apartments. The two mysteries were intriguing. I enjoyed learning about Irish history as Dee tried to unravel what happened in the castle courtyard. The murder of Mayor Hyland has a variety of suspects (almost every adult in town wanted him dead). Dee has her hands full as she digs for the truth and make sure Bliss does not do time for a crime she did not commit. I liked the supernatural elements and how they were incorporated into the story. Deadline with Death is a lighthearted comedic tale with multiple murders, a madcap nana, mystical mayhem, a scarlet scooter, and one resolute reporter.
June 20, 2019
A fun and entertaining read. I loved the cast of characters, the well written mystery and the setting.
I look forward to reading other books by this author.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
I look forward to reading other books by this author.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
July 11, 2019
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the Great Escapes Book Tours. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Who is using antique guns to murder people now?
Deadline with Death by Zara Keane is a stellar story, with fabulous characters, a marvelous mystery or two, and a setting that I adored. It also has the element of paranormal with a touch of time traveling and maybe a little witchcraft. If you believe in those sort of things or if you don’t this is a fabulous book.
Dee Flanagan
Our main character and sleuth is Dee Flanagan, who is also a reporter and what an excellent excuse for snooping. Dee also is a historian and likes to help out at the museum cataloging items, the library with displays and getting the old newspapers ready for digitation. She left her academic job in Dublin to return home and take care of her Grandmother.
There are so many things that I liked about Dee. She is tall and blond; she wears mostly black and white with red lipstick. Dee drives a Vespa scooter that she affectionately calls Mavis, which makes it easy to park, but rainy weather is another thing. She loves history, cares about people, and wants to be a normal person, which contradicts her family history of women that are into the supernatural. Dee is stubborn, noisy, and isn’t afraid to stand her ground. The perfect combination for a journalist/sleuth.
Mystery
There are a couple of murders, and one question is if they are connected. Who would want Mr. Chuckles and the mayor dead? Then comes the question of who is the mysterious stranger who was wounded when the clown was shot.
Purple skies, disappearing evidence, antique guns, and murder of a clown and the mayor. What does it all have in common? There lies the mystery, and now you have to read the book to find out.
Things about the book that I liked:
The setting is amazing. Seriously an Irish castle is where Dee’s newspaper office is.
Grandma Ada’s taste in clothing is fabulous.
Grandma Eda’s hysterical distractions and the way she gets what she wants.
The townspeople are all such great characters. They gossip and know everything about everyone. Well, maybe some people can keep their secrets.
The archives where Dee hangs out are so cool. I'd love to spend some time down there. Although I would be lost for hours.
5 Stars for Deadline with Death by Zara Keane
My rating for Deadline with Death by Zara Keane is five stars. It was such a brilliant book that I couldn’t stop thinking about the characters and how they were going to get out of this predicament. The paranormal part is one of my favorites, but the history and how it impacted to townsfolk was the best part to me.
I highly recommend this book. It is a masterful start to a new series that I am thoroughly looking forward to reading. The next book in the series is due out this fall.
Giveaway
Prize: (1) Signed Print Copy Deadline with Death (Time-Slip Mysteries) by Zara Keane (U.S. Only)
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Deadline with Death by Zara Keane is a stellar story, with fabulous characters, a marvelous mystery or two, and a setting that I adored. It also has the element of paranormal with a touch of time traveling and maybe a little witchcraft. If you believe in those sort of things or if you don’t this is a fabulous book.
Dee Flanagan
Our main character and sleuth is Dee Flanagan, who is also a reporter and what an excellent excuse for snooping. Dee also is a historian and likes to help out at the museum cataloging items, the library with displays and getting the old newspapers ready for digitation. She left her academic job in Dublin to return home and take care of her Grandmother.
There are so many things that I liked about Dee. She is tall and blond; she wears mostly black and white with red lipstick. Dee drives a Vespa scooter that she affectionately calls Mavis, which makes it easy to park, but rainy weather is another thing. She loves history, cares about people, and wants to be a normal person, which contradicts her family history of women that are into the supernatural. Dee is stubborn, noisy, and isn’t afraid to stand her ground. The perfect combination for a journalist/sleuth.
Mystery
There are a couple of murders, and one question is if they are connected. Who would want Mr. Chuckles and the mayor dead? Then comes the question of who is the mysterious stranger who was wounded when the clown was shot.
Purple skies, disappearing evidence, antique guns, and murder of a clown and the mayor. What does it all have in common? There lies the mystery, and now you have to read the book to find out.
Things about the book that I liked:
The setting is amazing. Seriously an Irish castle is where Dee’s newspaper office is.
Grandma Ada’s taste in clothing is fabulous.
Grandma Eda’s hysterical distractions and the way she gets what she wants.
The townspeople are all such great characters. They gossip and know everything about everyone. Well, maybe some people can keep their secrets.
The archives where Dee hangs out are so cool. I'd love to spend some time down there. Although I would be lost for hours.
5 Stars for Deadline with Death by Zara Keane My rating for Deadline with Death by Zara Keane is five stars. It was such a brilliant book that I couldn’t stop thinking about the characters and how they were going to get out of this predicament. The paranormal part is one of my favorites, but the history and how it impacted to townsfolk was the best part to me.
I highly recommend this book. It is a masterful start to a new series that I am thoroughly looking forward to reading. The next book in the series is due out this fall.
Giveaway
Prize: (1) Signed Print Copy Deadline with Death (Time-Slip Mysteries) by Zara Keane (U.S. Only)
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This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove
June 24, 2019
An unusual story. I enjoyed it. I wish there had been more details about the "gifts" that her family had and about the time=travel, slippage. #DeadlineWithDeath #NetGalley
May 22, 2020
*edit to add review *
This was quite a comedic cozy mystery, with a murder, a little bit of time-travel and some essecene of the paranormal. All ingredients that made this quite an enjoyable read.
Dee Flanagan is a historian, volunteer at Dunleagh Castle museum and reporter for the Dunleagh Chronicle. And you can add amateur sleuth to that list as well!
Following an altercation with Mr Chuckles, as Dee is walking through the Castle’s Green Gate suddenly there is a strange weather fluctuation – purple skies, plum coloured cyclones and then purple wisps that grip Dee on the spot, even more suddenly she begins to hear gunshots ring through the courtyard and then sees Mr Chuckles staggering into view, shot! The weather ceases and a silence descends, Dee is free to move again and only now does she realises that Mr Chuckles is dead but not only that, that is a man in the courtyard who seems to be in costume of the late Guarda uniform from 1919!!
Who’s is this mysterious man? Has he time-traveled or really suffering from memory loss? Dee is determined to get to the bottom of this and with her historical knowledge of the Irish War she discovers more than she bargained for.
The cast of characters were quirky – especially Nana who is a hoot! This whole book had moments that had me in tears of laughter – the chase on the motability scooters for example!
This was quite a comedic cozy mystery, with a murder, a little bit of time-travel and some essecene of the paranormal. All ingredients that made this quite an enjoyable read.
Dee Flanagan is a historian, volunteer at Dunleagh Castle museum and reporter for the Dunleagh Chronicle. And you can add amateur sleuth to that list as well!
Following an altercation with Mr Chuckles, as Dee is walking through the Castle’s Green Gate suddenly there is a strange weather fluctuation – purple skies, plum coloured cyclones and then purple wisps that grip Dee on the spot, even more suddenly she begins to hear gunshots ring through the courtyard and then sees Mr Chuckles staggering into view, shot! The weather ceases and a silence descends, Dee is free to move again and only now does she realises that Mr Chuckles is dead but not only that, that is a man in the courtyard who seems to be in costume of the late Guarda uniform from 1919!!
Who’s is this mysterious man? Has he time-traveled or really suffering from memory loss? Dee is determined to get to the bottom of this and with her historical knowledge of the Irish War she discovers more than she bargained for.
The cast of characters were quirky – especially Nana who is a hoot! This whole book had moments that had me in tears of laughter – the chase on the motability scooters for example!
June 18, 2019
ARC received from author for an honest review
Ahh, another fun and intriuging romp through one of Zara Keane's deadly towns - I swear, her towns are like Midsomer - where every visit could end up with a murder!!
It did take me a little while to get into Deadline With Death, however once I got my head around who was who, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I liked the kinda supernatural happenings around Dunleagh. Dee, her coworkers and her family (oy, her nan reminded me of Grandma Mazur in the Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich).
Murder, mystery and mayhem abound as bodies are turning up all over town!
I really like Dee. I like how she deals with her (at times, not the best) family, her colleagues and the hodge podge of people around town.
With the way this story ended (not a cliffhanger!), I am looking forward to seeing where this series goes.
Ahh, another fun and intriuging romp through one of Zara Keane's deadly towns - I swear, her towns are like Midsomer - where every visit could end up with a murder!!
It did take me a little while to get into Deadline With Death, however once I got my head around who was who, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I liked the kinda supernatural happenings around Dunleagh. Dee, her coworkers and her family (oy, her nan reminded me of Grandma Mazur in the Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich).
Murder, mystery and mayhem abound as bodies are turning up all over town!
I really like Dee. I like how she deals with her (at times, not the best) family, her colleagues and the hodge podge of people around town.
With the way this story ended (not a cliffhanger!), I am looking forward to seeing where this series goes.
May 30, 2020
Phew, this is a hard one to review, to be honest.
Well, good news first: I enjoyed this book very much. Sympathetic characters who promise still a lot to discover about them, interesting setting and intriguing premise. I feel that sometimes the story was a bit too far stretched and Dee hastened constantly from here to there, with some scenes not really adding much to the storyline or the characters, but it was definitely on the forgiving side.
I honestly can’t wait to read the next book in the series and am sad to have to wait til SEP for that.
So far so good.
Now to why it’s still hard to write a review here. The main problem I had was that I was promised a time-traveling mystery, and while I got that in theory, it just took too long to get there. Let’s see, this novel has around 370 pages. Dee first seriously considered an actual time-travel-occurrence somewhere around 280. You see the problem here? Especially as we readers pretty much knew this revelation was coming from the get-go. Also, when the truth finally was confirmed, it hardly got any place at all and Dee more or less just took notice of it, instead of really dealing with it.
Finally, there was little ‘confrontation’ with time-travel or the time traveler itself throughout the book.
In fact, the whole book felt like nothing else but a really, really long set-up for the real Fantasy-themed story instead of a mystery novel.
Now, I personally love crossover genres. And as said in the beginning, I do love the story and will be gladly reading on. But - I doubt this book is something for Fantasy-lovers, because it is essentially a mystery-novel. On the other hand, I also doubt it’s ideal for mystery lovers, because there is too much confusion with the time-travel elements of the story and it makes the end - essentially a cliffhanger for an over-all storyline - not very satisfying for the reader.
I imagine, once when there maybe will be a Omnibus-version available, it’s a different story, but until then, this might present a problem.
All that said, again, this is another intriguing book by this author, with a lot of whit and promising characters and plot lines, that I gladly recommend for those who love mysteries with a fantastic twist.
Well, good news first: I enjoyed this book very much. Sympathetic characters who promise still a lot to discover about them, interesting setting and intriguing premise. I feel that sometimes the story was a bit too far stretched and Dee hastened constantly from here to there, with some scenes not really adding much to the storyline or the characters, but it was definitely on the forgiving side.
I honestly can’t wait to read the next book in the series and am sad to have to wait til SEP for that.
So far so good.
Now to why it’s still hard to write a review here. The main problem I had was that I was promised a time-traveling mystery, and while I got that in theory, it just took too long to get there. Let’s see, this novel has around 370 pages. Dee first seriously considered an actual time-travel-occurrence somewhere around 280. You see the problem here? Especially as we readers pretty much knew this revelation was coming from the get-go. Also, when the truth finally was confirmed, it hardly got any place at all and Dee more or less just took notice of it, instead of really dealing with it.
Finally, there was little ‘confrontation’ with time-travel or the time traveler itself throughout the book.
In fact, the whole book felt like nothing else but a really, really long set-up for the real Fantasy-themed story instead of a mystery novel.
Now, I personally love crossover genres. And as said in the beginning, I do love the story and will be gladly reading on. But - I doubt this book is something for Fantasy-lovers, because it is essentially a mystery-novel. On the other hand, I also doubt it’s ideal for mystery lovers, because there is too much confusion with the time-travel elements of the story and it makes the end - essentially a cliffhanger for an over-all storyline - not very satisfying for the reader.
I imagine, once when there maybe will be a Omnibus-version available, it’s a different story, but until then, this might present a problem.
All that said, again, this is another intriguing book by this author, with a lot of whit and promising characters and plot lines, that I gladly recommend for those who love mysteries with a fantastic twist.
July 25, 2020
Small town reporter, Dee Flanagan lives in the town of Dunleagh in Ireland with her wacky grandmother, Nana. On a morning when she is late for work, as she hurries into town and is caught in a wild windstorm with purple clouds that act like handcuffs, Dee witnesses the shooting of two men; one is her least favorite person, Mr. Chuckles, the clown. The other is a mysterious man dressed in the garb of the Irish War of Independence. Suspicion falls on Dee, but not for long when the unpopular local mayor is also murdered as he is rehearsing for a play being put on in a local theater. Will Dee or her mother end up in jail for murders neither one of them committed or is there something else going on in the town that might lead officials to a different conclusion?
Deadline with Death reminds me of the Stephanie Plum mystery series except that this story takes place in a small town in Ireland rather than New Jersey and is a "cozy mystery." Also there are paranormal elements that are mostly referenced in the descriptions of the women in Dee's family, but I assume they will be discussed in more depth in future books. Deadline with Death is light on action but heavy on characterization and small town atmosphere. I liked many of the quirky characters, especially Nana, but the situations in which these characters do or say something funny seem a little forced. Overall, however, this is a light "cozy mystery" with lots of unique and fun characters.
Deadline with Death reminds me of the Stephanie Plum mystery series except that this story takes place in a small town in Ireland rather than New Jersey and is a "cozy mystery." Also there are paranormal elements that are mostly referenced in the descriptions of the women in Dee's family, but I assume they will be discussed in more depth in future books. Deadline with Death is light on action but heavy on characterization and small town atmosphere. I liked many of the quirky characters, especially Nana, but the situations in which these characters do or say something funny seem a little forced. Overall, however, this is a light "cozy mystery" with lots of unique and fun characters.
July 5, 2019
This to me is a comedic tale of a crazy and dysfunctional family with a soupçon of paranormal mystery added in for additional fun!
Dee Flanagan seems to be the only sane one in a family that prides itself on embracing the Woo factor, and in the case of her Nana also embracing souped up mobility scooters, gin/whiskey/poteen/any other alcohol of choice! Mind you Dee doesn't expect her day to go really drastically wrong, she starts off at an illegal cockfight (they were tipped off before she got there though that the Garda would be arriving and so nothing much happened), then has a run in with a mediocre clown, the same one she had arrested for sexual assault! however nothing tips the balance more in favour of "stop the world I want to get off" more than overhearing a gun fight, finding the aforementioned clown dead at her feet and another man dressed in period costume, also shot but at least still alive. The weirdness ramps up when it is discovered that the bullets in both men are also historical. With the unknown man in hospital Dee starts using her reporter's skills to try and find out what the heck happened, then things go from bad to worse and her ditzy, yoga and astrology loving Mother is arrested for murder. This makes it personal and Dee is determined that no-one will railroad her Mam!
Dee Flanagan seems to be the only sane one in a family that prides itself on embracing the Woo factor, and in the case of her Nana also embracing souped up mobility scooters, gin/whiskey/poteen/any other alcohol of choice! Mind you Dee doesn't expect her day to go really drastically wrong, she starts off at an illegal cockfight (they were tipped off before she got there though that the Garda would be arriving and so nothing much happened), then has a run in with a mediocre clown, the same one she had arrested for sexual assault! however nothing tips the balance more in favour of "stop the world I want to get off" more than overhearing a gun fight, finding the aforementioned clown dead at her feet and another man dressed in period costume, also shot but at least still alive. The weirdness ramps up when it is discovered that the bullets in both men are also historical. With the unknown man in hospital Dee starts using her reporter's skills to try and find out what the heck happened, then things go from bad to worse and her ditzy, yoga and astrology loving Mother is arrested for murder. This makes it personal and Dee is determined that no-one will railroad her Mam!
June 22, 2019
A new series with a new twist makes the first book of Time-Slip Mysteries, Deadline with Death by Zara Keane a fascinating read. It has Irish history woven into the delightful story without ever taking over the focus of the plot. It also has a spunky heroine that is often sassy but never edges over into snarky. Really this is the type of character I like best with Dervorgilla “Dee” Flanagan being one that was easy to love from the beginning. Creating characters like Dee who are vibrant and feisty is one element of writing that Ms. Keane has perfected.
Along with Dee is a supporting cast of off beat and quirky characters such as Dee’s mother and grandmother. Of course, there are the serious characters too; take Dee’s friend Sergeant Louise Healey as an example. Then there is Matt Sweeney, what a hot enigma he is and yet he is a crucial character in the story.
The plot is as wonderful as the characters with a dead clown, a time-slip (I love that expression), a bad play, one old fashion murder and finally the revelations that even Dee finds hard to believe but must deal with. What great fun! A must read!
The publisher/author gave me a complimentary ARC of the book which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Along with Dee is a supporting cast of off beat and quirky characters such as Dee’s mother and grandmother. Of course, there are the serious characters too; take Dee’s friend Sergeant Louise Healey as an example. Then there is Matt Sweeney, what a hot enigma he is and yet he is a crucial character in the story.
The plot is as wonderful as the characters with a dead clown, a time-slip (I love that expression), a bad play, one old fashion murder and finally the revelations that even Dee finds hard to believe but must deal with. What great fun! A must read!
The publisher/author gave me a complimentary ARC of the book which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 2, 2020
Deadline with Death is the first book in a new cozy mystery series from Zara Keane. I absolutely adored Keane's Movie Club Mysteries series, which had the right amount of everything. I was excited for this new series, especially with the hint of paranormal elements to it.
In Deadline with Death, Dee Flanagan gets mixed up with a shooting, stolen evidence, multiple dips in the mud, and so many other situations that my head was spinning a bit. I found there to be a lot going on in this story and sometimes it was just a little too much and it took me out of the story. It seemed to take forever to get to the good stuff. I think almost everyone in the town was introduced, and I liked the characters -- but it all seemed a little much and not enough at the same time.
That being said, I will say that I was left with wanting more information on the time-travel aspect of the world that Zara Keane is creating here. The idea of it all gets dumped on the reader fairly quickly and late in the book, so I felt I was left hanging a bit there. I'm hoping that the second book in this series explains a bit more.
Overall, I'm looking forward to more in the series.
A complimentary copy was provided for review.
In Deadline with Death, Dee Flanagan gets mixed up with a shooting, stolen evidence, multiple dips in the mud, and so many other situations that my head was spinning a bit. I found there to be a lot going on in this story and sometimes it was just a little too much and it took me out of the story. It seemed to take forever to get to the good stuff. I think almost everyone in the town was introduced, and I liked the characters -- but it all seemed a little much and not enough at the same time.
That being said, I will say that I was left with wanting more information on the time-travel aspect of the world that Zara Keane is creating here. The idea of it all gets dumped on the reader fairly quickly and late in the book, so I felt I was left hanging a bit there. I'm hoping that the second book in this series explains a bit more.
Overall, I'm looking forward to more in the series.
A complimentary copy was provided for review.
June 25, 2019
This is a new series for Ms Keane and what on interesting spin on cozy mystery it is.
Set in Dunleagh Ireland Dee works for the local paper but has a background and a love for history. Her family’s background is a bit strange but who’s family doesn’t have strange family members. Gran or Eda is the wild child of the bunch oh lordie is that woman rocking it. I don’t know where Ms Keane gets the ideas from for her geriatric characters in her books but they sure are some great characters to read about. I loved how even though it was two cases in this series she was able to keep them separated and you kind of had an idea that they weren’t linked. And the person who actually committed the second murder well I never saw that one coming.
I loved how the story ended and I’m curious to see what happens in the next book with Matt and Dee.
On the whole I enjoyed this book and can say that 4.5 stars for this book is well deserved.
July 9, 2019
Deadline With Death is the first book of Time-Slip Mysteries by Zara Keane, and what a fantastic start it is. I found Dee Flanagan to be a very down to earth and a loveable character, with a degree in Irish History and a newspaper reporter with the 150 year old Dunleagh Chronicle, whose office just so happens to be in the old Dunleagh Castle.
And off we go...Dee unfortunately gets sucked up in a strange and vast weather change...and of all things a shootout, wow! Now she has two, yes two mysteries on her plate to investigate. Where will her investigating skills take her?
I jumped at the chance to read this mysterious and humorous cozy mystery, and I know this series is going to be a hit with all the cozy mystery readers out there. Comedy, murder, mystery and time travel all wrapped up in this fantastic new beginning. I received an ARC from the author, this review is my own opinion of the book.
And off we go...Dee unfortunately gets sucked up in a strange and vast weather change...and of all things a shootout, wow! Now she has two, yes two mysteries on her plate to investigate. Where will her investigating skills take her?
I jumped at the chance to read this mysterious and humorous cozy mystery, and I know this series is going to be a hit with all the cozy mystery readers out there. Comedy, murder, mystery and time travel all wrapped up in this fantastic new beginning. I received an ARC from the author, this review is my own opinion of the book.
June 23, 2019
Wow! This was really an excellent start to a new series. Dee, a historian and a newspaper journalist, experienced a very strange event one morning. One clown, whom she just had fiery argument with, was murdered, and an unknown man dressed in uniform from centuries before was severely wounded. Then the town’s major was murdered. Talk about headline news. The twist and turn of events and evidence, budding romance (probably), incidentally time-traveller, all came together nice and smooth.
I can’t wait for the next book in the series. There’s still mystery left unsolved yet, great characters I’d love to meet again, and great storyline to lose my self into.
I was provided a complimentary copy by the author / publisher, but this in no way influenced my thoughts or opinions.
I can’t wait for the next book in the series. There’s still mystery left unsolved yet, great characters I’d love to meet again, and great storyline to lose my self into.
I was provided a complimentary copy by the author / publisher, but this in no way influenced my thoughts or opinions.
September 30, 2019
Dee is a reporter and history buff who witnesses a most unusual murder – a local character who does clown performances is shot, but another, unknown man is also shot who is wearing a military uniform dating from Irish War of Independence times – ca. 1919! Nobody else with a gun is around. She is suspected first, then her grandmother (a pleasantly batty and no-nonsense character), and her investigations and experiences take her into all sorts of different directions – old Irish history and some family secrets as well. Twists and turns in events keep you on your toes, and there's a nice surprise ending too! A great read, well written and proofread (one of my pet peeves when it's not), I recommend it!
June 22, 2019
Dee works for the local paper located in Dunleagh Castle. She lives with her grandmother, Nana, to help her ant try to keep an eye on her. It's pretty tough when Nana is so determined to get into all kinds of hilarious mischief. There's lots going on around the castle and town in general. When two men are shot and Dee is a witness, she uses her journalism skills to try and figure out what happened. I love the way this book is written and the characters whether they are fantastic people or bad guys. The plot is rich and I thoroughly enjoyed it with the added bonus of laughs along with the mystery. I definitely recommend it!
June 24, 2019
Loved this book, can't wait for the next book in the series. Zara had created another cozy mystery series that I am going to eagerly look forward to each new book in it. Dee works for a local newspaper, lives with her irrepressible grandmother and self absorbed mother (when her mother is home). Mom does the horoscopes for the paper and grandma makes herbal potions (and gets around on a suped up mobility scooter ). What could go wrong in her life, other than having the local clown, Mr. Chuckles, die at her feet. And that is just the beginning of things.
Read for yourself and see what happens next.
Read for yourself and see what happens next.
June 26, 2019
This new series is just as funny as the movie club mysteries. I love Dee’s grandmother, especially her prescription goggles. She cracks me up with her doctored scooter and her theatrics. Dee is a junior reporter at the local paper who stumbles on a mysterious murder. Using her family connections, her wacky grandma and her historical murder club friends, Dee is determined to get to the bottom of the intriguing survivor of the shooting and two murders. Some mysteries she may not want to know the answer to though. This book is full of suspense and quirky antics. I highly recommend it.
June 23, 2019
Great mystery story! Dee is a down-to-earth part time reporter and local historian who spends her spare time caring for a zany grandmother. She witnesses the murder of a local clown and the appearance of a mysterious stranger who thinks the year is 1919. Unfortunately, no one saw the bad guys and there seems to be no trail to follow.
Can Dee find the killers? Enjoy lots of madcap action as she tries!
Can Dee find the killers? Enjoy lots of madcap action as she tries!
June 23, 2019
A terrific start!
This new series started out with a bang when Dee was caught in gunfire. With all the super strange events going on solving the death becomes even more difficult. In all honesty my favorite character was Nana, a definite inspiration for we “seniors”. I recommend reading this book at home as reading it in public may lead to some strange looks when you’re unable to stop laughing.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
This new series started out with a bang when Dee was caught in gunfire. With all the super strange events going on solving the death becomes even more difficult. In all honesty my favorite character was Nana, a definite inspiration for we “seniors”. I recommend reading this book at home as reading it in public may lead to some strange looks when you’re unable to stop laughing.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
June 25, 2019
I voluntarily offered to review this book with no obligations and my opinions are honest!
This was a great book !
Dee finds herself in a middle of a mystery.
There was a shoot outs on the courtyard, but the players were from another century.
Were they really from the past ?or is this shoot out part of a play ?
Loved the characters + the storytelling !
It has all the ingredients that you need for a great book!
I can't wait for the next book in this series.
This was a great book !
Dee finds herself in a middle of a mystery.
There was a shoot outs on the courtyard, but the players were from another century.
Were they really from the past ?or is this shoot out part of a play ?
Loved the characters + the storytelling !
It has all the ingredients that you need for a great book!
I can't wait for the next book in this series.
April 12, 2023
Deadline with Death was such a fun read. I can't wait to read more.
Synopsis:
Dee Flanagan loves Irish history, bad rom-com, and red lipstick. Dead clowns, injured time travelers, and shoot-outs don’t make it onto the small-town reporter’s Top Ten list. After the bullets stop flying in Dunleagh Castle’s courtyard, it’s up to Dee to convince people she didn’t imagine a gunfight played out between two centuries.
Synopsis:
Dee Flanagan loves Irish history, bad rom-com, and red lipstick. Dead clowns, injured time travelers, and shoot-outs don’t make it onto the small-town reporter’s Top Ten list. After the bullets stop flying in Dunleagh Castle’s courtyard, it’s up to Dee to convince people she didn’t imagine a gunfight played out between two centuries.
June 16, 2019
Loved the book. I admit that it took me a bit to get into this book but once I did I really enjoyed it! It has a really unique storyline and I can't wait to see what happens next! Time travel and wacky family members help make this a wonderful book. I voluntarily received and read an ARC for an honest review.
June 20, 2019
Deadline with Death is the first book in Zara Keane's newest series. I liked Dee, loved her favorite mode of transportation and Eda, her Nana, is a hoot. This is a nice convoluted mystery where I did not guess the murderer. There are plenty of suspects, many possible motives and a visitor from 1919. Don't miss this epic start to the Time-Slip mysteries!
June 21, 2019
I loved this book. The main character, Dee, is caught in gunfire at the beginning of the book. The events that follow have her involved in two mysteries to solve. Her Nana is definitely a colorful character that adds a lot of humor to the book. This is an amazing cozy mystery that will not disappoint!
June 24, 2019
**POTENTIAL SPOILERS*** Dee stumbles into a gun battle where a clown she has issues with ends up dead and a mystery man is wounded. While trying to solve the mystery, keep her name clear, and write an excellent story for her newspaper her mother is framed for murder at the play she is starring in!!!
Our clever girl saves the day though and a few others along the way...
Our clever girl saves the day though and a few others along the way...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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