Murder at the Races

Galway Homicide: Hays & Lyons #9

by David Pearson

Irish detectives Maureen Lyons and Mick Hays face one of their hardest cases yet…

When a successful bookmaker is robbed and killed during the annual Galway Races, the motive seems clear.

But when the money turns up untouched, more questions are raised than answered.

Top Brass want the case wrapped up. The pressure is on DI Maureen Lyons to find the killer.

However, the police didn’t count on having to deal with a troublemaker within their own ranks.

Rigorous detective work will be needed to find the culprit. But with more than a few suspects, the police are stretched to their limit.

It may well require the luck of the Irish – and some underhand shenanigans – to crack the case.

Genres: Fiction

206 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 2, 2019

About the author

One of Ireland's most prolific crime writers, David has a total of 24 books published to date across four separate series.

The Galway Homicides - set in and around Clifden on the Wild Atlantic Way

The Dublin Homicides - a grittier set of 6 stories set in the capital of Ireland

The Wexford Homicides - introducing DI Vikki Kirkby

The Mayo Murders - a new series set in and around Westport in County Mayo featuring DI Martin O'Shea and DS Deirdre Maguire.

Reviews

[Anna Willett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this ninth instalment in the Lyons and Hays series and feel I’ve really grown to know and like the characters. The story starts off with a bang and never lets up. Murder at the Races has all the ingredients of a cracking mystery including a cast of likely suspects, some unexpected turns and a fascinating setting. The writing was warm and inviting and the story moved with an easy momentum. A pleasure to read.

[Joyce Rigg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent, easy to read detective story that kept me turning the pages. Sadly it is the last in this series and will probably be the last as Maureen is moving on. In fact policing in Galway is changing. I really want to visit Galway and all the places I have bee reading about in the series, as the author has brought them all to life for me. I strongly recommend this series, they are all stand alone but have references to previous books so if you have a choice start at the beginning.

[Ruth Sweet · Rating 5 out of 5]

David Pearson has created a fine series: Irish, police procedural, murder mystery series. Start with the first in the series, Murder On Old Bog Road, and read through the series. I wish there were more. The books are fast paced, with wonderful settings and weather, engaging dialogue. Enjoy these books with a proper cup of tea.

[Cynthia Grove · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this is probably the best in the series so far. Character development still isn't great, but adequate, and the story moves along well. The violence is more restrained in this book than in some of the previous titles. The descriptions of Ireland and the people make me wish to go there.
It's fairly light but quite credible and good reading.

[Ellen White · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inside look at how a bookie makes his living. He was shrewd at how he calculated the horse and the winnings. The house, life style was he into more. The daughter knew how to do it. He carried a lot of money at each race, was money or something else a motive. Surprise ending.

[Derek Thorndyke · Rating 4 out of 5]

A plot full of twists and turns

What looks like a robbery gone bad turns into a murder investigation and soon disturbing links to organised crime. A surprising twist in the tail at the end.

[JA · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terific series...

I have read all of them and about to start on book 10. I love the series... the characters become friends after a while adn the character development is terrific. Very good stories too... a series to read.

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mick Hays and Maureen Lyons series book nine. As with the past few in this series it's about 80 % Maureen Lyons as the main protagonist. A very good read. Was far better than last one in this series. A must read in a must read series. Check it out.

[Lee Brothers · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's always back stories in this series and often they come together to complete the story line. Giving us a better understanding of what was going on. I always find that to be the most fascinating part of the book and it gives the storyline a lot of depth.

[Garrett Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting and fun story.

The story was very interesting with lots of good characters from the police department that worked well together to solve a murder mystery and put the bad people in jail.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The setting in Connemara is wonderfully evoked. Galway detectives Maureen Lyons and Mick Hayes even get to spend a splendid evening at Ballynahinch Castle hotel. The mystery plot is an excellent procedural, intelligently solved.

[SUE · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although I am throughly enjoying this fab series , I must be I on #10/15, some of the overly long technical details go right over my head , well they did in this on and #9 , it hasn't spoilt my enjoyment of the progress Lyons is making and hee great team . Bring on the next 5 books lol

[Kathleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Getting tired of the exceedingly competent > 35 yo female protagonist doubting herself and her abilities - having to get her partner's validation.

Anyway this was a "joiner" book - moving Inspector Lyons along in her career.

[Gary Van Cott · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Ok.

[Betty Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder at the races

A thoroughly enjoyable read, very hard to put down. I would recommend anyone who loves mysteries to have a read.

[Maureen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Have really enjoyed reading this series. They are an easy and enjoyable read with likeable characters.

[Margaret Milburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another easy to read and enjoyable story with warm and friendly characters, set in that glorious countryside.

[Michael Wojciehoski · Rating 5 out of 5]

careful

Another good read, not as good as the previous. Kept you glued to your seat. Taking justice into your own hands. Advancement?

[Bob Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Four more to go in this excellent series.

[sharon sobzak · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murder at the Races

Irish racing and bookies as a backdrop for a murder. The Guardai work the case and follow the clues to solve the mystery. Straightforward story.

[Ms Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable

I enjoyed reading this book. The language used is so easy to read that you just glide along with the story. Definitely read more from the author.

[wendy geen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series.

I have really enjoyed this series of books and the characters are credible and developing. I'm looking forward to the next one.

[Susan Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great addition to the series. Lyons has a decision to make.

[R.L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have enjoyed reading the set of novels author David Pearson has written. I hope this won't be his last of the series. The protagonist Maureen Lyons is moving to a different division and different building. I would love to see more books with her in them. The characters are fun to keep up with in all these books.

[Kathy Francis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have really enjoyed going on the journey with Lyons and Hayes. I feel like I know these characters and their quirks. Fun to read

[Kerry Swinnerton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Barely three stars.

I’m sorry to say that this series hasn’t improved with the telling. Yes I bought and have read all nine books, and each one had a good set of bones to carry the story....although implausible at times. The trouble with each of the books is that there is an awful lot of fat on the bones that and the story out and very little muscle.
If I wanted to have a travelogue of County Galway and the environs, I’d buy a Lonely Planet guide book, and I don’t need a detailed description of the obvious delights of hotel and fine dining in the west of Eire. What I want is a boots and all murder story and these just don’t quite come up to the mark.
I like the characters and the relationships between each of the characters but in each of the books the description of various members of the cast has been repeated word for word because I’m sure that David Pearson had got them stored so that all he needs to do is insert the same tired description from stock each time. Leaves me feeling that there is a slight lack of imagination overall here.

[Diane Dickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another visit to the lovely countryside around Galway. These books really make you want to live in Ireland. Yeah okay there are murders and ne'er do wells but see how quickly and cleverly the local Garda suss them out and deliver justice.

It was interesting to see how the relationships are developing as the series continues and how Lyons is progressing in her career.

They are cosy crimes there is no doubt with just the odd expletive and hint at sexual carryings-on to spice up the narrative but this Murder series by David Pearson is easy reading with plots that are neatly tied with a bow at the end leaving the reader with a sense that right has triumphed yet again.

[Diane E]

Good story

Lovely Ireland . Sounds a beautiful place , except maybe in the winter . Not in this story . SI Lyons , impatient and feisty, gets a murder at the annual horse races. Her team gets to work , with few clues available .

[Karin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Things are not always as they seem. Good luck Maureen with the SOCU. I enjoyed this story and recommend the book.

[Sarah Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great mystery

Kept me intrigued till the end. Love this series of books, looking forward to the next one. An enjoyable read.