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Dublin Murder #3
No Past Forgiven
Crime and criminals keep getting in the way of Detective Garda Sergeant Mike West's personal life.
The woman he loves is living in his house, in his spare bedroom. It should be simple, but it isn't. He has a solution. A romantic weekend away, in a lighthouse on Clare Island.
A stunning place, a beautiful woman. What could be more perfect?
When one of the islanders dies in a bizarre and a tragic accident, West is roped in to help. But it isn't an accident, and there is more than one suspect.
There's also more than one secret. Can West solve the case before someone else dies?
A murder mystery with a touch of romance, set in the Dublin suburbs. It's the third book in the Dublin Murder mystery series, but can easily be read as a stand-alone. It will appeal to fans of authors such as Peter James, LJ Ross and Ruth Rendall. *** This book was previously published under the title Murder on Clare Island *** Also available in the Dublin Murder mystery series: Book 1: No Simple Death Book 2: No Obvious CauseKindle Edition
First published July 10, 2016
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362 people want to read
About the author
Valerie Keogh
44 books811 followersValerie started to write several years ago. She self-published eight crime novels and one psychological thriller before signing a two book contract with Bookouture in March 2018. The first of these, Secrets Between Us, is available now and the second is due in Feb 2019. She is a registered nurse with a degree in English and a Masters in American Literature. Recently she has given up nursing to concentrate on her writing career.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
March 2, 2020
Despite being the third of a series, (yes, readers, I have done it again and jumped feet-first into the middle of a series of books,) Keogh’s crime novel can easily be read as a stand-alone – big relief. It is interesting, pacy and with likeable characters. I liked the remote setting of Clare Island, off the coast of mainland Ireland, and I think this added to the mystery even further.
Keogh does make many references to the past books. Involving West and his new love, Edel, it definitely piqued my interest. (Should I ever get my hands on them, I will use the opportunity to review them on my blog for you all.) However, these references didn’t lessen my enjoyment of the novel and did not make it complicated to understand the back-story. It does not dominate the narrative and I still felt connected to the characters.
Investigating a murder whilst being on holiday should surely suck but West puts on a brave face and gets hands on. I enjoyed watching the detective work unfold but I did find it difficult to believe that his girlfriend could accompany him on his investigations. Surely a member of the public, despite her relationship with the police, would not be always present at witness and suspect questioning? I felt quite frustrated by this and it was this emotion that continued throughout my reading. I wish the writer had not pushed this so much because otherwise I could have easily given this a full, five-star rating. I understand that West wants to build a relationship with Edel, but I thought that she came across as a smug, nosy busy-body who considered herself more switched on than the police.
Regardless of my misgivings, I still enjoyed watching the plot unfold. I could not predict the closing and appreciated how the different plot strands came together. At first, I was unable to see how mainland drugs would be a part of a remote island community. However, the past stories of different characters shows this was not as abstract as I initially believed. It was only the domestic violence and hit and run that I struggled to engage with. They were such short back stories that I could not see how they would be part of the main plot. Instead, I felt like they were a way of making West’s investigations take longer on the island.
I continue to enjoy Keogh’s reads and would happily look into this series further – perhaps I would be more forgiving next time! It is a good offering of crime fiction and I appreciated how it was not overly complex and complicated. We, as a reader, are taken on a journey of investigations with West and Edel.
With thanks to Bloodhound books for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Keogh does make many references to the past books. Involving West and his new love, Edel, it definitely piqued my interest. (Should I ever get my hands on them, I will use the opportunity to review them on my blog for you all.) However, these references didn’t lessen my enjoyment of the novel and did not make it complicated to understand the back-story. It does not dominate the narrative and I still felt connected to the characters.
Investigating a murder whilst being on holiday should surely suck but West puts on a brave face and gets hands on. I enjoyed watching the detective work unfold but I did find it difficult to believe that his girlfriend could accompany him on his investigations. Surely a member of the public, despite her relationship with the police, would not be always present at witness and suspect questioning? I felt quite frustrated by this and it was this emotion that continued throughout my reading. I wish the writer had not pushed this so much because otherwise I could have easily given this a full, five-star rating. I understand that West wants to build a relationship with Edel, but I thought that she came across as a smug, nosy busy-body who considered herself more switched on than the police.
Regardless of my misgivings, I still enjoyed watching the plot unfold. I could not predict the closing and appreciated how the different plot strands came together. At first, I was unable to see how mainland drugs would be a part of a remote island community. However, the past stories of different characters shows this was not as abstract as I initially believed. It was only the domestic violence and hit and run that I struggled to engage with. They were such short back stories that I could not see how they would be part of the main plot. Instead, I felt like they were a way of making West’s investigations take longer on the island.
I continue to enjoy Keogh’s reads and would happily look into this series further – perhaps I would be more forgiving next time! It is a good offering of crime fiction and I appreciated how it was not overly complex and complicated. We, as a reader, are taken on a journey of investigations with West and Edel.
With thanks to Bloodhound books for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 18, 2020
Review to follow
February 28, 2020
Firstly, I must say thank you to Bloodhound for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Having loved the first 2 books, I was looking forward to the 3rd instalment of Detective Garda Sergeant Mike West - No Past Forgiven. Unfortunately, I felt it was nowhere near the fast-paced, gritty stories from the previous two books. It was still well written, and I loved unusual way the murder was committed. It was all far too slow, not a lot happened in the first 3rd of the book, then a brief bit of action and plodded towards an ending, where it picked up a little.
This read more like a romantic novel with an obscure murder, thrown in. Not a crime novel with a touch of romance. Overall not a bad book but just not what I was anticipating
Having loved the first 2 books, I was looking forward to the 3rd instalment of Detective Garda Sergeant Mike West - No Past Forgiven. Unfortunately, I felt it was nowhere near the fast-paced, gritty stories from the previous two books. It was still well written, and I loved unusual way the murder was committed. It was all far too slow, not a lot happened in the first 3rd of the book, then a brief bit of action and plodded towards an ending, where it picked up a little.
This read more like a romantic novel with an obscure murder, thrown in. Not a crime novel with a touch of romance. Overall not a bad book but just not what I was anticipating
March 4, 2020
No Past Forgiven is a must read for thriller fans, it's full of mystery and drama and I enjoyed it from start to finish.
I like how, before we hit the big climax further on in the story, Mike is working on other cases, one of which involves a designer drug that's supposedly circulating the area called Zombie Z, or ZeeZee. The other case being closer to home.
Mike is satisfied that Garda Peter Andrews and his team can cope with the workload and asks Edel Johnson, his friend and hopefully soon, lover, if she'd like to accompany him on a short break.
Mike's choice is Clare Island and a room in a boutique guest house, in a Lighthouse. I have loved Lighthouses since I was a child, they fascinate me, so straight away my interest was piqued.
The scenery sounded divine, I almost felt as if I were there with Mike and Edel, I think that the author has huge talent, not only in creating the most believable characters, captivating plots, but also the settings, and I could visualize it all.
I was thinking and hoping that Mike and Edel would become closer after their 'romantic' break. Do they? Or does what follow nudge them further apart?
Mike receives a phone call from Dublin; a man has been found dead and Mike is needed to help assist the Westport Garda with the enquiries, as the Westport station have a Garda on sick leave.
I really enjoyed following Mike and the team, including Edel, I thought that with what Edel has seen and been through in the past, Mike decided to include her, at least to a point. I think Edel is a strong woman, yes she is still recovering, but she is tougher than some would be. I think Mike also would have felt some guilt and would have been distracted had he had to leave her to her own devices.
I had my suspicions, more than once, another reason why I enjoy this authors books. You think you have solved the puzzle, then another twist appears!
Mike and his team have plenty of suspects and some also have a motive but who was the perpetrator?
I liked how the author wove a case from the beginning into the main plot, but again, was it the same perpetrator?
Wherever Mike, or even Edel go, they come into danger and this time was no exception! It made another great scene. I think that this series should be on TV and if it were, I think that it would be a huge success.
I never expected the ending, nor the baddie/s, and I hated that the story had to come to an end.
Although this is book 3 in the Dublin Murder Mystery series, it can easily be read as a stand-alone as the author gives us little snippets from the previous stories.
I definitely and highly recommend and I can't wait for more in this fabulous series, and to catch up with Mike, Peter and Edel.
Thank you
I like how, before we hit the big climax further on in the story, Mike is working on other cases, one of which involves a designer drug that's supposedly circulating the area called Zombie Z, or ZeeZee. The other case being closer to home.
Mike is satisfied that Garda Peter Andrews and his team can cope with the workload and asks Edel Johnson, his friend and hopefully soon, lover, if she'd like to accompany him on a short break.
Mike's choice is Clare Island and a room in a boutique guest house, in a Lighthouse. I have loved Lighthouses since I was a child, they fascinate me, so straight away my interest was piqued.
The scenery sounded divine, I almost felt as if I were there with Mike and Edel, I think that the author has huge talent, not only in creating the most believable characters, captivating plots, but also the settings, and I could visualize it all.
I was thinking and hoping that Mike and Edel would become closer after their 'romantic' break. Do they? Or does what follow nudge them further apart?
Mike receives a phone call from Dublin; a man has been found dead and Mike is needed to help assist the Westport Garda with the enquiries, as the Westport station have a Garda on sick leave.
I really enjoyed following Mike and the team, including Edel, I thought that with what Edel has seen and been through in the past, Mike decided to include her, at least to a point. I think Edel is a strong woman, yes she is still recovering, but she is tougher than some would be. I think Mike also would have felt some guilt and would have been distracted had he had to leave her to her own devices.
I had my suspicions, more than once, another reason why I enjoy this authors books. You think you have solved the puzzle, then another twist appears!
Mike and his team have plenty of suspects and some also have a motive but who was the perpetrator?
I liked how the author wove a case from the beginning into the main plot, but again, was it the same perpetrator?
Wherever Mike, or even Edel go, they come into danger and this time was no exception! It made another great scene. I think that this series should be on TV and if it were, I think that it would be a huge success.
I never expected the ending, nor the baddie/s, and I hated that the story had to come to an end.
Although this is book 3 in the Dublin Murder Mystery series, it can easily be read as a stand-alone as the author gives us little snippets from the previous stories.
I definitely and highly recommend and I can't wait for more in this fabulous series, and to catch up with Mike, Peter and Edel.
Thank you
June 9, 2019
Too gruesome for me
I am sorry to have to give this book two stars but I felt it was not just gruesome but pretty disgusting for me to read. The description of the murder was horrible and I felt quite ill. Sorry but this book was not for me.
I am sorry to have to give this book two stars but I felt it was not just gruesome but pretty disgusting for me to read. The description of the murder was horrible and I felt quite ill. Sorry but this book was not for me.
August 5, 2016
Another exciting read from a very talented writer. Great depth to her characters and a story that builds in tension. You think you know who dunnit - then you don't! I chose to give 5 stars because this writer never disappoints. I look forward to her next book and recommend all her previous novels- you won't be disappointed!
October 23, 2022
Well, well - sometimes persistence pays off. A much better offering than the first two in the series.
March 2, 2020
Having thoroughly enjoyed books one and two I jumped at the chance to read book three. In the Foxrock suburb of Dublin it is business as usual for Detective Garda Sergeant Mike West and his partner Garda Peter Andrews, particularly with reports coming in of a new designer drug called Zombie Zee taking the place of the one they previously put a stop to. Edel Johnson is staying at Mike's house while she recuperates from her terrible ordeal in book two although they are still dancing around each other and a possible relationship. To help things along the way Mike plans a romantic holiday for the two of them in a luxury room at a renovated lighthouse on remote Clare Island on the West coast. Everything is perfect and they have just started to enjoy their relaxing break when one of the islanders is found dead in what appears to be a tragic and rather peculiar accident. Mike's help is enlisted by the local Garda who covers the islands when it is discovered that the death is actually murder. The victim appears to be universally hated by everyone including his very famous wife, so it would seem there would be plenty of suspects but no one appears to have that really strong motive for murder. It is one step forward and two steps back each time the detectives believe they have a viable lead, aided by Edel who decides that she ought to be allowed to help since she is missing her holiday and time with Mike. And at least Mike can keep an eye on her - the poor woman does after all have a knack for getting involved in other people's crimes! There's some great action involved and the landscape is beautifully described by the author as the detectives struggle with the remoteness of the island and how that all impacts on their investigation. Once again the story is well written with a clever plot that takes a fair bit of unravelling by West and Andrews and which will keep the reader engrossed right to the end. A fourth book is coming out soon and work is in progress on book five, so there is plenty to look forward to from this author which is great news for fans of this series like myself. 5*
May 2, 2023
Y'know when you read the first one of a series and you're like 'awww yes this is great better buy all of these guys'? And then you get halfway through the series and realise that maybe, you don't actually like these characters that much, and they keep doing stupid stuff, and sometimes, they mention locations that remind you of that guy you dated long distance who complained that the margarita pizza was too spicy?
The twists are good, the story is good, but it just felt boring, I didn't look forward to reading it every evening. I'm not sure I'll bother with the others EVEN though I already bought them in a literary frenzy.
I'd recommend the first in the series but this one is a nah dawg from me.
The twists are good, the story is good, but it just felt boring, I didn't look forward to reading it every evening. I'm not sure I'll bother with the others EVEN though I already bought them in a literary frenzy.
I'd recommend the first in the series but this one is a nah dawg from me.
February 25, 2020
Detective Garda Sergeant Mike West is back for a third book in No Past Forgiven. I was really looking forward to the next book in this series as I loved the first two but I found it just didn’t measure up to the fast-paced, gritty stories from the previous two books.
It was still well written and I loved the peculiar way in which someone was murdered but it read like a romantic novel with a murder as opposed to a crime novel with a touch of romance. Overall a good book but just not what I was anticipating.
It was still well written and I loved the peculiar way in which someone was murdered but it read like a romantic novel with a murder as opposed to a crime novel with a touch of romance. Overall a good book but just not what I was anticipating.
September 26, 2022
Not bad, but not what I'm looking for right now. More emphasis on the love story than the mystery and I'm hoping that trend doesn't continue into the next book of the series.
June 12, 2025
No Past Forgiven is the third book in the Detective Garda Sergeant Mike West series and in my opinion, is the best one so far. I was immediately caught under Valerie’s spell as she reacquainted me with Mike and Edel, giving me a front-row seat as Mike becomes embroiled in a new case whilst on a weekend getaway. It is a fast-paced crime mystery that keeps you on your toes as you become caught up in the investigation in the lead up to a cliffhanger of an ending.
Throughout the story, Valerie displays her writing talent to wonderful effect through her use of a subplot at the beginning of the book, that has been written with as much depth as the main plot. She expertly weaves this back into the story at the end where it sets up the events for the next instalment. This subplot does contain a sensitive issue, but Valerie handles this respectively while putting in an unexpected twist that you don’t see coming. I am going to stop discussing any more on the plot, as the blurb gives more than enough about the main crux of the story.
I really enjoy the characters of Mike and Edel and the chemistry and banter they share. Valerie steps it up a notch this time around as she gives the reader what we have been waiting for! She has created an eclectic bunch of supporting characters, not the least of which is the location of Clare Island. Clare Island becomes the standout character that you actually want to meet. A real place, that through her writing, Valerie makes so appealing, that if I didn’t have a fear of flying and crippling motion sickness, I would be packing my bags and jumping on the first available flight over.
There are so many things that I love about this series, but I think what I have started to enjoy the most, is what Valerie comes up with as the murder weapon! Forget the standard gun, knives etc, what you get in these books are items that are very unique and never would cross my mind to use if I was inclined to murder someone (which I am not by the way!) These are the little details that make this such an enjoyable quirky series and a standout from others.
This is the third book of Valerie’s that I have reviewed this year. What I love most about her work, is her versatility and how seamlessly she is able to switch between genres without entangling them together. As she does with every book I have read of hers, she is able to get my attention right from the get-go and keeps me engaged in her stories. Each book she writes just outdoes the other and I am really looking forward to the next instalment to this series, but also ones from the psychological thriller genre that she also excels in.
As the blurb states, No Past Forgiven can be read as a stand-alone, but as I mentioned in my review for book two No Obvious Cause, I don’t recommend reading these books out of order as you miss out on fully immersing yourself in the setting and its characters and just because you would be missing out on two brilliant reads! It was an absolute please to read and review No Past Forgiven which I highly recommend.
Thank-you to Heather Fitt from Bloodhound Books for inviting me to be part of the publication day celebrations and for providing me with a free copy of the No Past Forgiven ebook which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Throughout the story, Valerie displays her writing talent to wonderful effect through her use of a subplot at the beginning of the book, that has been written with as much depth as the main plot. She expertly weaves this back into the story at the end where it sets up the events for the next instalment. This subplot does contain a sensitive issue, but Valerie handles this respectively while putting in an unexpected twist that you don’t see coming. I am going to stop discussing any more on the plot, as the blurb gives more than enough about the main crux of the story.
I really enjoy the characters of Mike and Edel and the chemistry and banter they share. Valerie steps it up a notch this time around as she gives the reader what we have been waiting for! She has created an eclectic bunch of supporting characters, not the least of which is the location of Clare Island. Clare Island becomes the standout character that you actually want to meet. A real place, that through her writing, Valerie makes so appealing, that if I didn’t have a fear of flying and crippling motion sickness, I would be packing my bags and jumping on the first available flight over.
There are so many things that I love about this series, but I think what I have started to enjoy the most, is what Valerie comes up with as the murder weapon! Forget the standard gun, knives etc, what you get in these books are items that are very unique and never would cross my mind to use if I was inclined to murder someone (which I am not by the way!) These are the little details that make this such an enjoyable quirky series and a standout from others.
This is the third book of Valerie’s that I have reviewed this year. What I love most about her work, is her versatility and how seamlessly she is able to switch between genres without entangling them together. As she does with every book I have read of hers, she is able to get my attention right from the get-go and keeps me engaged in her stories. Each book she writes just outdoes the other and I am really looking forward to the next instalment to this series, but also ones from the psychological thriller genre that she also excels in.
As the blurb states, No Past Forgiven can be read as a stand-alone, but as I mentioned in my review for book two No Obvious Cause, I don’t recommend reading these books out of order as you miss out on fully immersing yourself in the setting and its characters and just because you would be missing out on two brilliant reads! It was an absolute please to read and review No Past Forgiven which I highly recommend.
Thank-you to Heather Fitt from Bloodhound Books for inviting me to be part of the publication day celebrations and for providing me with a free copy of the No Past Forgiven ebook which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
June 4, 2020
Book 3 another gripping heart stopping read!
Garde DS Mike West and Edel are grabbing a much needed few days holiday. Their destination is a lighthouse, the location Clare Island with a little romance in the air it sounds idyllic doesn't it?
And it starts off as intended, but as they say, the best laid plans and all that, quickly go out the window. A gruesome murder, weird inhabitants, strange designer drugs it's a conundrum that quickly grows legs. Where nothing make any sense putting lives in great danger, and Mike is on his own apart from Edel whose curiosity is, as always little worrying.
This is certainly an intriguing plot and the storyline goes off in several directions, there's a few hair raising moments, most notably when Mike and Edel go missing overnight, scary stuff I can tell you, not for the faint-hearted if you're a fan of this series!
Great writing and storytelling I've come to love, from this excellent imaginative author!
Read it you will not be disappointed!
Garde DS Mike West and Edel are grabbing a much needed few days holiday. Their destination is a lighthouse, the location Clare Island with a little romance in the air it sounds idyllic doesn't it?
And it starts off as intended, but as they say, the best laid plans and all that, quickly go out the window. A gruesome murder, weird inhabitants, strange designer drugs it's a conundrum that quickly grows legs. Where nothing make any sense putting lives in great danger, and Mike is on his own apart from Edel whose curiosity is, as always little worrying.
This is certainly an intriguing plot and the storyline goes off in several directions, there's a few hair raising moments, most notably when Mike and Edel go missing overnight, scary stuff I can tell you, not for the faint-hearted if you're a fan of this series!
Great writing and storytelling I've come to love, from this excellent imaginative author!
Read it you will not be disappointed!
Read
October 21, 2020I thoroughly enjoyed the first two books in the series, featuring Dublin detective sergeant Mike West and Edel Johnson. This book follows on, with the first third focusing on the stumbling relationship between the two. When West books a romantic holiday in a lighthouse on a remote island off the west coast, he’s greeted by a strange murder and a lack of available detectives to investigate it.
From this point, the story follows a more conventional murder mystery route with plenty of suspects and red herrings before the detective finally finds the key to unlock the case.
The writing is good, the characters well drawn and believable and the murder investigation throws up some interesting suspects and moments to challenge the relationship between Mike and Edel.
I think this is best read after the previous two books so that you understand the characters and relationships. If approached as a standalone, you could be forgiven for thinking it’s a romance story with a murder rather than crime fiction.
From this point, the story follows a more conventional murder mystery route with plenty of suspects and red herrings before the detective finally finds the key to unlock the case.
The writing is good, the characters well drawn and believable and the murder investigation throws up some interesting suspects and moments to challenge the relationship between Mike and Edel.
I think this is best read after the previous two books so that you understand the characters and relationships. If approached as a standalone, you could be forgiven for thinking it’s a romance story with a murder rather than crime fiction.
May 26, 2020
Edel Johnson is now sharing house with Garda Sergeant Mike West after an ordeal that almost cost her life ,whilst hoping to sell up and buy a new home ..After an incident with Mike's neighbour and another case , Mike knows he needs to show Edel what she means to him, and takes her away to a beautiful lighthouse on Clare Island .When one of the Islanders dies in a horrific manner, West is asked to take charge of the case ...As he meets the deceased man's family ,he soon discovers that the dead man was a man with hidden Depths...On an Island with just 150 inhabitants, along with guests...what begins with a romantic getaway..turns into a dark and complex case ,with multiple suspects ..West is about to discover that still waters run deep..and the cruelest lies are often told in silence..Another Gripping Dark Pageturner...griemiuil ...Ms. Keogh ...
October 21, 2020
Valerie Keogh has done it again. Book 3 in the Dublin Murder Mystery series is another corker.
Detective Sergeant Mike West has persuaded Edel to go away with him for a mystery break. They arrive at the lighthouse on Clare Island and are having a wonderful romantic holiday when there is a suspicious death on the island and a Mike is called in to help. As Mike and Edel become embroiled in the case there lives are put at risk...
Wonderfully written and with suspects a plenty this is a great book and I’m off to read book four next. 5* from me.
Detective Sergeant Mike West has persuaded Edel to go away with him for a mystery break. They arrive at the lighthouse on Clare Island and are having a wonderful romantic holiday when there is a suspicious death on the island and a Mike is called in to help. As Mike and Edel become embroiled in the case there lives are put at risk...
Wonderfully written and with suspects a plenty this is a great book and I’m off to read book four next. 5* from me.
January 22, 2021
I am still in 2 minds whether I enjoy these or not ... mainly because some of the behaviours aren’t believable .... Edel ... again ... surely she wouldn’t be allowed to be so involved in an active investigation... and why ... after being involved in an incident did she return to the island as though nothing had happened ... wouldn’t she just have stayed at home out of the way? ...
I like the plot twists and the build up to whodunnit... am just not loving the relationships angle of the storyline ...
I like the plot twists and the build up to whodunnit... am just not loving the relationships angle of the storyline ...
August 11, 2023
This being the third book in the series. The author was clever to take the location away from it's usual surroundings. Definitely kept you guessing,, leading you down several paths to thinking who the murderer might be. It also managed to throw in a couple of extra tempted murders along the way.. Leaving the reader to wonder if it was one or more persons committing the crimes on Claire island.
This novel was well written and enjoyed the book all the way to the end. I definitely enjoyed book,as much as I did with the first two. I look forward to reading the last three books in this series.
This novel was well written and enjoyed the book all the way to the end. I definitely enjoyed book,as much as I did with the first two. I look forward to reading the last three books in this series.
January 1, 2025
Another highly imaginative detective story featuring DS West and his victim turned lover, Edel.
This story is like Enid Blyton mystery told for adults, inasmuch the inclusion of adult themes with overt sexual action, and dead people rather than mysterious cats.
Valerie Keogh tells a good story but the sheer number of fortuitous coincidence and unlikely hazard timing is irritating so I'm marking it 4 stars, not 5. Nevertheless, it's a good read, and entertaining plot, even if excessively fanciful.
This story is like Enid Blyton mystery told for adults, inasmuch the inclusion of adult themes with overt sexual action, and dead people rather than mysterious cats.
Valerie Keogh tells a good story but the sheer number of fortuitous coincidence and unlikely hazard timing is irritating so I'm marking it 4 stars, not 5. Nevertheless, it's a good read, and entertaining plot, even if excessively fanciful.
July 17, 2023
A disappointment. For starters, Garda Detective Sargent Mike West’s romance with Edel was a little too confusing. He went from being a bachelor to being a suitor of the hot/cold Edel without her enthusiasm for the relationship. I found the sex scenes belonging in the romance genre not the mystery/thriller category. Compared to the previous two novels in the series, this one was too slowly paced and contained too much detail about the romantic destination and its surroundings.
October 18, 2023
I have submitted this review after listening to the audiobook of this title. (Audible Membership)
Even away for a short week long break, our Irish guardian has a misfortune to run across a case that needs the attention of a senior officer such as himself.
It is definitely not a straightforward murder and the good police officer and his lady friend's lives are again put at risk but a more than ruthless criminal.
Even away for a short week long break, our Irish guardian has a misfortune to run across a case that needs the attention of a senior officer such as himself.
It is definitely not a straightforward murder and the good police officer and his lady friend's lives are again put at risk but a more than ruthless criminal.
December 22, 2023
Who needs holidays?
Best laid plans and all that. Mike and Edal had it all planned for a week away in a guest house within a lighthouse on Clare island. And then a murder happens which means Mike gets roped in to investigate.
Another good mystery with plenty of twists and turns as the murderer needs to be found. Not an easy task. And this has brought the two of them even closer together.
Best laid plans and all that. Mike and Edal had it all planned for a week away in a guest house within a lighthouse on Clare island. And then a murder happens which means Mike gets roped in to investigate.
Another good mystery with plenty of twists and turns as the murderer needs to be found. Not an easy task. And this has brought the two of them even closer together.
May 19, 2018
An interesting series
This series, besides being a mystery, has a good on-going backstory. Both Mike &Kelly are strong characters with their own foibles that endear them, rather than repel. Their relationship has developed slowly but in an interesting progression. I look forward to the next book!
This series, besides being a mystery, has a good on-going backstory. Both Mike &Kelly are strong characters with their own foibles that endear them, rather than repel. Their relationship has developed slowly but in an interesting progression. I look forward to the next book!
April 22, 2020
This is my favourite so far of the series. I thought the setting of a remote island off Co. Clare worked really well and I found the development of Mike and Edel's relationship natural and believable. I also felt the regular cast of characters is developing nicely. Another solidly plotted and enjoyable story.
March 25, 2021
This is the third book in the series and definitely the best so far, with the other two while they were enjoyable, it became obvious what the ending was going to be but this one led me in several different directions and I had the wrong suspect in mind. I have the rest of the books to look forward to.
May 22, 2020
I stumbled on this author by accident and quickly read the 4 books in the Dublin Murder series. I loved the books. I'm now ready to take on her other series. The stories are great with several suspects. And the description of the location is also lovely. No one can go wrong reading her.
June 15, 2020
I've read the series in order. In this one the main character isn't as much a victim, but then the two main characters get in trouble at the same time. The harrowing end is great. I recommend this read.
December 18, 2020
Another great story
Another great story in the Dublin Murder Mystery series. With all the usual characters these books keep getting better. If you are planning on reading one make sure you have the time to finish it as you won't want to put it down.
Another great story in the Dublin Murder Mystery series. With all the usual characters these books keep getting better. If you are planning on reading one make sure you have the time to finish it as you won't want to put it down.
August 6, 2021
A very enjoyable read. Love the characters and how they are developing. Loved the setting too - Clare Island. It sounds beautiful. Both Mike and Edel have drawn closer together after a few misunderstandings and have gone to Clare Island for a holiday.
April 19, 2024
Remarkably gripping story and it's made me want to visit the west coast of Ireland, particularly lighthouses (having only visited Dublin and ring of Kerry for horse 🐎 riding!)
The character development is engaging!
The character development is engaging!
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