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Home to Ireland Mystery #2
Murder in Connemara
In Galway County, a chance at redemption is denied by an unforgiving killer...
Former New Yorker and interior designer Tara Meehan is eagerly anticipating the grand opening of her architectural salvage shop Renewals in her newly adopted home of Galway. She's in the midst of preparations when heiress Veronica O'Farrell bursts in to announce she's ready for some renewal of her own. To celebrate one year of sobriety, she's invited seven people she wronged in her drinking days to historic Ballynahinch Castle Hotel in neighboring Connemara to make amends in style.
But perhaps one among them is not so eager to pardon her past misdeeds. Veronica is found lying in the ruins of manor house Clifden Castle with an antique Tara Brooch buried in her heart--the same brooch Tara Meehan admired in her shop the day before, posting a photo with the caption: #Killerbrooch. Now she's a prime suspect, along with Veronica's guests, all of whom had motives to stab the heiress. It's up to Tara to pin down the guilty party...
Former New Yorker and interior designer Tara Meehan is eagerly anticipating the grand opening of her architectural salvage shop Renewals in her newly adopted home of Galway. She's in the midst of preparations when heiress Veronica O'Farrell bursts in to announce she's ready for some renewal of her own. To celebrate one year of sobriety, she's invited seven people she wronged in her drinking days to historic Ballynahinch Castle Hotel in neighboring Connemara to make amends in style.
But perhaps one among them is not so eager to pardon her past misdeeds. Veronica is found lying in the ruins of manor house Clifden Castle with an antique Tara Brooch buried in her heart--the same brooch Tara Meehan admired in her shop the day before, posting a photo with the caption: #Killerbrooch. Now she's a prime suspect, along with Veronica's guests, all of whom had motives to stab the heiress. It's up to Tara to pin down the guilty party...
368 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 27, 2021
224 people are currently reading
2949 people want to read
About the author
Carlene O'Connor
35 books2,584 followersCarlene O’Connor is the USA Today Bestselling author of The Irish Village Mystery Series, The Home to Ireland Series and the County Kerry Mystery series. The first in the County Kerry Series, NO STRANGERS HERE received a starred review from Kirkus and was the Mystery Pick of the Month at Barnes and Noble in September of 2023. Of all the places across the pond she’s wandered, she fell most in love with a walled town in County Limerick and was inspired to create the town of Kilbane, County Cork. She currently lives in New Mexico.
https://carleneoconnor.net/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 209 reviews
September 10, 2021
⭐⭐⭐⭐
This book takes a good while to actually get going. So much so, I almost threw in the towel. However, once it hits its stride, I couldn't put it down. It sort of reminded me of CLUE or an Agatha Christie type story. A lot of potential suspects, all with secrets of their own. A lot of red herrings to throw the reader off. I also enjoyed Tara as a lead (mostly) and the setting was lovely. Overall, it was a very enjoyable read and I'll definitely keep my eyes open for the next book in this series!
**ARC Via NetGalley**
This book takes a good while to actually get going. So much so, I almost threw in the towel. However, once it hits its stride, I couldn't put it down. It sort of reminded me of CLUE or an Agatha Christie type story. A lot of potential suspects, all with secrets of their own. A lot of red herrings to throw the reader off. I also enjoyed Tara as a lead (mostly) and the setting was lovely. Overall, it was a very enjoyable read and I'll definitely keep my eyes open for the next book in this series!
**ARC Via NetGalley**
March 11, 2021
I love mysteries and have gotten into various series placed in Ireland and Scotland. Having visited the country settings of Wales, Scotland, and the UK, my imagination is drawn to wonderful descriptions of the life in the rural county towns Carlene O'Connor has created or visited on her trips to Ireland. She has become a favorite author of mine. I first started reading her "Irish Village Mysteries" and was excited to read her newest series "Home to Ireland". Her books focus on a strong female character that gets involved with the local police and ends up being heavily involved in investigating a murder.
In Murder in Connemara, Tara Meehan, an interior designer that moved from New York to live near and work with her uncle in architectural salvage, just ventured into opening a new shop in town called "Renewals" and was working on her grand opening. Tara is visited by the heiress Veronica O'Farrell, who bursts into her life wanting to celebrate her own renewal of a year of sobriety, to take place at Tara's shop. Veronica hires Tara to find the perfect gifts to make amends to seven people she wronged during her alcoholic days. Tara becomes a prime suspect in the death of Veronica, who was killed by an antique "Tara Brooch" which Tara had admired when Veronica visited her store. And who gave each person, including Tara, the book Palaces to See in Ireland Before You Die? Was this a threat, or something else? Tara moves forward in finding the perfect amends gifts that Veronica would have wanted, still to be given to each of the seven, and is drawn into their relationship with Veronica.
There are many twists and turns in solving the case, and I really had not expected who did it in the end. Of course, there is a little romance in the novel, which is always a good thing! The details of the locations: the town of Clifden Connemara, Clifden Castle, Connemara National Park, and Ballynahinch Castle, showed how much Carlene loved the area she visited with her father for research on her book. I can hardly wait for the third book to come out that she is writing in this series.
If you love Irish countrysides, history, and castles, tied to a murder mystery, then this book is for you!
Find this book and other titles within our catalog.
In Murder in Connemara, Tara Meehan, an interior designer that moved from New York to live near and work with her uncle in architectural salvage, just ventured into opening a new shop in town called "Renewals" and was working on her grand opening. Tara is visited by the heiress Veronica O'Farrell, who bursts into her life wanting to celebrate her own renewal of a year of sobriety, to take place at Tara's shop. Veronica hires Tara to find the perfect gifts to make amends to seven people she wronged during her alcoholic days. Tara becomes a prime suspect in the death of Veronica, who was killed by an antique "Tara Brooch" which Tara had admired when Veronica visited her store. And who gave each person, including Tara, the book Palaces to See in Ireland Before You Die? Was this a threat, or something else? Tara moves forward in finding the perfect amends gifts that Veronica would have wanted, still to be given to each of the seven, and is drawn into their relationship with Veronica.
There are many twists and turns in solving the case, and I really had not expected who did it in the end. Of course, there is a little romance in the novel, which is always a good thing! The details of the locations: the town of Clifden Connemara, Clifden Castle, Connemara National Park, and Ballynahinch Castle, showed how much Carlene loved the area she visited with her father for research on her book. I can hardly wait for the third book to come out that she is writing in this series.
If you love Irish countrysides, history, and castles, tied to a murder mystery, then this book is for you!
Find this book and other titles within our catalog.
September 23, 2020
I think I enjoyed this book even more than the first one. I loved the settings of the two castles and just the whole description of Ireland itself. Being an armchair traveler, I feel like I got a nice vacation in without all the fuss and bother. This author always has a nice assortment of characters, some likable and some not so much.
There were all kinds of suspects to pick from while the body count kept rising. Tara hadn't really expected to run into a murder when she was trying to get ready for her shop's grand opening, but things worked out for her in the long run. Even DS Gable asked for her help this time around. Danny wasn't happy about it, but they still ended up in a good place. I didn't realize who the killer was until right before Tara figured it out. There was a good showdown and escape scene along with the killer getting outed. I liked how everything was wrapped up and explained if not along the way, it was explained at the end. I'll be anxious to read the next book that comes along. I'll have to read in the author's other series in the meantime.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC paperback of this book provided by Kensington Publishing, and my opinions are my own.
There were all kinds of suspects to pick from while the body count kept rising. Tara hadn't really expected to run into a murder when she was trying to get ready for her shop's grand opening, but things worked out for her in the long run. Even DS Gable asked for her help this time around. Danny wasn't happy about it, but they still ended up in a good place. I didn't realize who the killer was until right before Tara figured it out. There was a good showdown and escape scene along with the killer getting outed. I liked how everything was wrapped up and explained if not along the way, it was explained at the end. I'll be anxious to read the next book that comes along. I'll have to read in the author's other series in the meantime.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC paperback of this book provided by Kensington Publishing, and my opinions are my own.
July 30, 2021
In which we add a second cozy canine into the story and I'm howling with glee. :-) I love me some critters in a cozy! And I love the Irish setting as American born Tara Meehan settles into her mother's birthplace.
This second book in the Home to Ireland series takes up where the first left off in respect to relationships and the salvage shop set up so I think this is a case where you should read Murder in Galway first in order to get the most out of this one.
The romance heats up fast and furious (unusual in a cozy) and there's nary a love triangle in sight. Yay! The mystery is grand -- so many suspects, all with motive, some with opportunity and all corralled in one place waiting for the next one to be picked off. Bwahahaha! Of course, Tara ends up in the thick of things and is an invaluable asset to the local garda. I was stumped, then thought I had a clue, but really I didn't until I finally did only...wait...what about....Happy sigh.
I listened to the audible edition narrated by Heather O'Neill and enjoyed it immensely.
Side note: some coarse language.
This second book in the Home to Ireland series takes up where the first left off in respect to relationships and the salvage shop set up so I think this is a case where you should read Murder in Galway first in order to get the most out of this one.
The romance heats up fast and furious (unusual in a cozy) and there's nary a love triangle in sight. Yay! The mystery is grand -- so many suspects, all with motive, some with opportunity and all corralled in one place waiting for the next one to be picked off. Bwahahaha! Of course, Tara ends up in the thick of things and is an invaluable asset to the local garda. I was stumped, then thought I had a clue, but really I didn't until I finally did only...wait...what about....Happy sigh.
I listened to the audible edition narrated by Heather O'Neill and enjoyed it immensely.
Side note: some coarse language.
December 21, 2021
This book is the second of the series. I read the first one so I knew some of the characters as well as the main character., Tara. I enjoyed the new characters as they were all so different which added to this story. I did feel that the story line dragged a bit going back and forth between all the different destinations. I loved that the story took place in Ireland. The author kept the reader guessing who might be the murderer until the end. The reader could feel the suspense building from the boat ride to Inishbofin island to the end of the story. I had no inkling that Andy and Alexis were brother and sister and their motive until Tara saw the book Places to See in Ireland Before You Die and family pictures in the bedroom. All in all I enjoyed the book and look forward to the next book in the series and to see what next adventure Tara has and where the relationship between her and Danny goes.
Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Publishing Corp for this ARC,
Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Publishing Corp for this ARC,
August 27, 2021
An interesting story with a plot twist I didn’t expect! Kept me reading straight through the story. I will definitely read more of this authors work in the future.
June 3, 2021
I had a great time reading this book.
Tara is a great character and I enjoyed the events that took place in the book.
As Tara prepares for opening her shop, Renewals, a potential customer arrives at the door, with a bizarre request. She wants to make amends to the people she wronged, but unfortunately, she never gets the chance.
I was shocked at the reveal, I had no idea that it was going to end that way.
I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Tara is a great character and I enjoyed the events that took place in the book.
As Tara prepares for opening her shop, Renewals, a potential customer arrives at the door, with a bizarre request. She wants to make amends to the people she wronged, but unfortunately, she never gets the chance.
I was shocked at the reveal, I had no idea that it was going to end that way.
I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
May 3, 2021
Kindle Copy for Review from NetGalley and Kensington Books.
I received a free, advance copy of this book and this is my unbiased and voluntary review.
As interior design looking forward to her grand opening of her salvage shop things take a deadly turn An unexpected visitor enters wanting to celebrate her sobriety of a year by inviting seven people she wronged to a nearby castle.
Soon the hostess is found dead with an antique brooch in her heart that she got from the salvage shop that she earlier purchased. Tara will become a suspect as well as she will find the real killer.
A delightful read with a wonderful backdrop.
I received a free, advance copy of this book and this is my unbiased and voluntary review.
As interior design looking forward to her grand opening of her salvage shop things take a deadly turn An unexpected visitor enters wanting to celebrate her sobriety of a year by inviting seven people she wronged to a nearby castle.
Soon the hostess is found dead with an antique brooch in her heart that she got from the salvage shop that she earlier purchased. Tara will become a suspect as well as she will find the real killer.
A delightful read with a wonderful backdrop.
August 7, 2021
I enjoyed this a lot. However, the Home to Ireland mystery simply isn't as strong as Carlene O'Connor's other mystery series set in Ireland. Hard to judge. RTC.
UPDATE: See full review at Sam's Beach Reads.
What I Loved:
The “Closed Universe” Mystery. I am a huge fan of Agatha Christie (can you tell?) so any mystery that has a limited pool of suspects with a wide range of motives is a hit for me. While the pool of suspects stay in a ritzy hotel, the concept is still the same: limited suspects, short window of time, unlikeable victim, and one outside observer to solve it all. Tara is in the unenviable position of being the one person who didn’t want the victim(s) dead, but in the thick of the investigation with a lot on riding on finding the killer. I loved how all of Veronica’s family and friends had motive to kill her, and how she one upped them in death. I was kept guessing until the very end. The dynamic between the suspects was also deliciously dramatic!
Ireland . For anyone who reads this blog, you know I am an absolute sucker for all things Ireland/Scotland, especially cozy mysteries. There is something about the bucolic, green, seaside settings that set the perfect stage for a murder or two. Murder in Connemara was no exception. O’Connor writes about the crumbling ruins of an old cottage, the rolling hills, the beautiful gardens, and walkable towns. She writes about friendly shop owners and dogs that roam the countryside. You feel like you’re in Ireland, and it is perfect.
What Didn’t Work For Me:
Tara and Danny. I get it, a cozy isn’t a cozy without a “will they, won’t they” relationship. However, Danny and Tara are an objectively awful couple. Danny goes off and does his own thing, Tara pines for him but doesn’t want to seem like she is pining, but when she gets involved in the murder investigation, Danny acts like he owns her and is “so concerned” for her? You can’t have it both ways, guy. Either you are in a relationship or you are not, and there is no controlling a girl like inquisitive and stubborn Tara. Tara, for her part, admits that the majority of the attraction is sexual, but no other guy has been introduced to give the audience some spice. I wish O’Connor wouldn’t make their relationship so turbulent, because it is more distracting than endearing.
Tara’s Sleuthing. On the one hand, I love heroines that are great amateur sleuths who piece together the clues and solve the mystery in the end (every cozy ever). On the other hand, Tara managing to convince the garda (Irish police) to officially involve her in their investigation is farfetched, especially since she was a suspect in the prior book in the series. I like the garda in this series, since they seem mostly competent and willing to dig deeper than the surface, but Tara genuinely doesn’t seem to think they can do their jobs. I generally dislike the “bumbling detective” trope, and here O’Connor avoids that but still makes the heroine have a lack of faith in the law. It feels ingenuine.
UPDATE: See full review at Sam's Beach Reads.
What I Loved:
The “Closed Universe” Mystery. I am a huge fan of Agatha Christie (can you tell?) so any mystery that has a limited pool of suspects with a wide range of motives is a hit for me. While the pool of suspects stay in a ritzy hotel, the concept is still the same: limited suspects, short window of time, unlikeable victim, and one outside observer to solve it all. Tara is in the unenviable position of being the one person who didn’t want the victim(s) dead, but in the thick of the investigation with a lot on riding on finding the killer. I loved how all of Veronica’s family and friends had motive to kill her, and how she one upped them in death. I was kept guessing until the very end. The dynamic between the suspects was also deliciously dramatic!
Ireland . For anyone who reads this blog, you know I am an absolute sucker for all things Ireland/Scotland, especially cozy mysteries. There is something about the bucolic, green, seaside settings that set the perfect stage for a murder or two. Murder in Connemara was no exception. O’Connor writes about the crumbling ruins of an old cottage, the rolling hills, the beautiful gardens, and walkable towns. She writes about friendly shop owners and dogs that roam the countryside. You feel like you’re in Ireland, and it is perfect.
What Didn’t Work For Me:
Tara and Danny. I get it, a cozy isn’t a cozy without a “will they, won’t they” relationship. However, Danny and Tara are an objectively awful couple. Danny goes off and does his own thing, Tara pines for him but doesn’t want to seem like she is pining, but when she gets involved in the murder investigation, Danny acts like he owns her and is “so concerned” for her? You can’t have it both ways, guy. Either you are in a relationship or you are not, and there is no controlling a girl like inquisitive and stubborn Tara. Tara, for her part, admits that the majority of the attraction is sexual, but no other guy has been introduced to give the audience some spice. I wish O’Connor wouldn’t make their relationship so turbulent, because it is more distracting than endearing.
Tara’s Sleuthing. On the one hand, I love heroines that are great amateur sleuths who piece together the clues and solve the mystery in the end (every cozy ever). On the other hand, Tara managing to convince the garda (Irish police) to officially involve her in their investigation is farfetched, especially since she was a suspect in the prior book in the series. I like the garda in this series, since they seem mostly competent and willing to dig deeper than the surface, but Tara genuinely doesn’t seem to think they can do their jobs. I generally dislike the “bumbling detective” trope, and here O’Connor avoids that but still makes the heroine have a lack of faith in the law. It feels ingenuine.
August 4, 2021
Murder in Connemara by Carlene O’Connor is the 2nd A Home to Ireland Mystery. It can be read as a standalone, but I believe readers will have a better understanding of Tara if they read Murder in Galway first. I enjoyed the beautiful descriptions of Ireland, the architecture, and the items in Tara’s shop. The author really brought the Irish countryside to life for me. Tara Meehan is a character that I am not sure that I like yet. Tara’s behavior and attitude bothered me at times. I really did not like her thoughts about the Garda (she thinks they are stupid). Tara is one of those people who will do what they want even if it gets in the way of others completing their job. The mystery has quite a few suspects. The author tried to the whodunit complicated, but the resolution was easy to suss out. The apparent clues made it a cinch to solve. The why is also not a challenge to figure out. I did not like Tara mucking up crime scenes (she is giving amateur sleuths a bad name). I got fed up with suspects arguing (I ended up skimming through some areas). Tara tended to go off on tangents at times that took her away from her goal. There are some quirky characters in this series including Tara’s uncle and the psychic, Rose. I loved little Savage with this adorable collar. I wanted to like Murder in Connemara, but I just did not find it that appealing. Murder in Connemara transports readers to Ireland in this cozy mystery with the sweet Savage, amends gone awry, a prophetic psychic, a forceful woman, business license tribulations, and a problematic photo.
August 3, 2021
"Murder in Connemara” the 2nd instalment in the Home to Ireland Mysteries series by Carlene O’Connor. I adore her other series, so I bought book one in paperback but I don’t think I read it yet. In Galway County, a chance at redemption is denied by an unforgiving killer...
I loved this story, and I will definitely be adding it to my paperback collection. I always love visiting Galway, in Northern Ireland. I like the interaction between the protagonist Tara, her uncle and Rosie as well as his employee Danny.
The mystery is super interesting and well plotted, and loaded with red herrings. I loved the characters which are well developed. I kept guessing and second-guessing myself on whodunnit right to the very end.
I highly recommend this book to all my cozy loving friends.
I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from Kensington Books and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I loved this story, and I will definitely be adding it to my paperback collection. I always love visiting Galway, in Northern Ireland. I like the interaction between the protagonist Tara, her uncle and Rosie as well as his employee Danny.
The mystery is super interesting and well plotted, and loaded with red herrings. I loved the characters which are well developed. I kept guessing and second-guessing myself on whodunnit right to the very end.
I highly recommend this book to all my cozy loving friends.
I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from Kensington Books and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 3, 2021
I had a great time reading this book.
Tara is a great character and I enjoyed the events that took place in the book.
As Tara prepares for opening her shop, Renewals, a potential customer arrives at the door, with a bizarre request. She wants to make amends to the people she wronged, but unfortunately, she never gets the chance.
I was shocked at the reveal, I had no idea that it was going to end that way.
I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Tara is a great character and I enjoyed the events that took place in the book.
As Tara prepares for opening her shop, Renewals, a potential customer arrives at the door, with a bizarre request. She wants to make amends to the people she wronged, but unfortunately, she never gets the chance.
I was shocked at the reveal, I had no idea that it was going to end that way.
I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
May 3, 2022
In the first book in this series I was puzzled by Galway sometimes being a city and sometimes being a rural village. This book explains that Galway refers to County Galway not Galway City.
This was a fun read and I will definitely listen to more of this series as it comes out.
This was a fun read and I will definitely listen to more of this series as it comes out.
May 8, 2021
Murder in Connemara by Carlene O’Connor is an excellent cozy mystery that is the second book in the amazing Home to Ireland Mystery series. I really liked this one.
I have been a fan of Ms. O’Connor for a while now and her Irish Village Mystery series is one of my favorite series ever so I have been so excited to be able to enjoy this newer series. This one should be just as great as her first!
I loved this first book introducing us to Tara Meehan, the NYC native transplanted back into her mother’s childhood home town of Galway. The first book gave us a glimpse of the conflicted past that Tara is escaping from, and the family past that she is longing to find. This book picks up where the first left off. Tara is busy trying to open up her new shop, run the warehouse, figure out her complicated relationship with the confusing but dashing Danny, and trying to become one of the locals. Of course she ends up embroiled into a fabulous murder/mystery, and it is there where we get to see the complex, wonderful, and intriguing character that Tara truly is.
This is an amazing murder/mystery plot that involves a questionable heiress, multiple suspects, a treasure hunt of clues so to speak, plenty of twists, turns, and surprises. I was on my toes the whole time, and I honestly did not know who the culprit was until the bitter end. What a ride!
I loved the addition of Danny, Rose, Uncle Johnny, and some of the residents. There is so much material that could easily be sourced for future books.
The narrative was charming, cheeky, modern, appropriately paced, and perfect. The character cast is well-developed and excellent. I loved this book and cannot recommend it enough. This is what a cozy mystery should be. Spot on!
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and Kensington for this awesome arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication.
I have been a fan of Ms. O’Connor for a while now and her Irish Village Mystery series is one of my favorite series ever so I have been so excited to be able to enjoy this newer series. This one should be just as great as her first!
I loved this first book introducing us to Tara Meehan, the NYC native transplanted back into her mother’s childhood home town of Galway. The first book gave us a glimpse of the conflicted past that Tara is escaping from, and the family past that she is longing to find. This book picks up where the first left off. Tara is busy trying to open up her new shop, run the warehouse, figure out her complicated relationship with the confusing but dashing Danny, and trying to become one of the locals. Of course she ends up embroiled into a fabulous murder/mystery, and it is there where we get to see the complex, wonderful, and intriguing character that Tara truly is.
This is an amazing murder/mystery plot that involves a questionable heiress, multiple suspects, a treasure hunt of clues so to speak, plenty of twists, turns, and surprises. I was on my toes the whole time, and I honestly did not know who the culprit was until the bitter end. What a ride!
I loved the addition of Danny, Rose, Uncle Johnny, and some of the residents. There is so much material that could easily be sourced for future books.
The narrative was charming, cheeky, modern, appropriately paced, and perfect. The character cast is well-developed and excellent. I loved this book and cannot recommend it enough. This is what a cozy mystery should be. Spot on!
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and Kensington for this awesome arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication.
July 8, 2022
Being a huge fan of the author’s Irish Mystery series, I had really high hopes for these books. The first one, Murder in Galway, introduced me to the main character of Tara Meehan and let me get more comfortable in the setting of Galway county, Ireland. I thought the first one was just ok, it just never grabbed me like the other series did. In the Irish Mystery series, I loved the village, and especially the main characters of the O’Sullivan 6 family. Tara, her uncle and the townspeople in this book just never connect with me. It was an OK mystery, but just didn’t really reel me in. I am now current (or maybe complete??) with this series, and I believe the author has a new series coming out soon set in County Kerry. NOTE: I wish GoodReads would allow half stars, as I would rate this one 2.5, somewhere between it was ok and I liked it.
July 13, 2021
Series: Home To Ireland Mystery #2
Publication Date: 7/27/21
Period: Contemporary Ireland
Number of Pages: 356
** 3.5 Stars **
I thoroughly enjoy this author’s Irish Village Mystery series and was very happy to find she had started a new mystery series also based in Ireland. This time, the lead character is a transplanted American interior designer whose family roots are in the Galway area of Ireland.
Tara Meehan is anxiously awaiting her business license in order to open her architectural salvage shop, Renewals, in downtown Galway. While she’s waiting, she is getting the shop set up and preparing for her grand opening. She is absolutely beyond excited. As a top interior designer in New York, she never expected to give it all up and move to Ireland, but here she is and she loves Ireland already. She has come to love the uncle she never knew she had (Murder In Galway), and then, there is Danny O’Donnell… Danny is more than a friend, but perhaps less than a boyfriend – Tara just isn’t sure what their relationship is aside from being occasional bed partners.
Tara found a flyer, on her shop’s front door, listing an old stone cottage for sale. With all the nervous energy she’s built up awaiting her license, she decides to go check out the cottage. She is absolutely entranced with the location and the crumbling cottage – until she discovers a tiny abandoned pug named Savage, and a dead body with no identification on it. Uh-Oh – another adventure begins.
A force of nature, in the form of Veronica O’Farrell, bursts into Tara’s yet-to-open shop and demands to be able to use the shop as the venue for her ‘Amends’ party. Veronica, along with her butler/lawyer Bartley, and driver Andy totally ignore Tara and her protestations that she could NOT allow the party to take place in her shop because she couldn’t open for business without her license. Since the fee Veronica is offering is exceptional and she wants additional tasks done, Tara manages to figure out a way to accommodate Veronica without losing the commission. It won’t take long for her to be very sorry about that decision – because Veronica is soon found murdered – and the murder weapon is one Tara had posted a selfie with – and the hashtag #KillerBrooch.
The overall mystery was a good one, but there were entirely too many people and suspects involved. We kept going off on tangents and it just bogged the story down. Then, there is Tara’s attitude. I haven’t yet managed to get to like her and a lot of that is her attitude – especially about the Garda. She just goes about doing her own thing whether it interferes with their investigation or not. I don’t know – I think it is her Holier-Than-Thou attitude that just rubs me the wrong way and she seems to think the Garda are stupid. Frankly, I wouldn’t blame Danny for walking away from her because she certainly doesn’t seem to give him any consideration either.
I’m certainly on the fence about this one. Once I’d waded through all of the extraneous chaff, the underlying mystery and motivation of the murderer were compelling and interesting. The suspects - John and Sheila Murphy, Elaine Burke, Mimi Griffin, Eddie O'Farrell, Cassidy Hughes, and Iona Kelly – are on Veronica’s ‘Amends’ list, but they spend almost all of their time loudly arguing and blaming each other for the murders. All of that just slows the pace of the story and bogs it all down. None of it adds to the mystery and a lot of it just doesn’t make much sense.
I am giving the book a 3.5-star rating (rounded to 3), so I guess that boils down to a conditional recommendation. The mystery really is a good one even though it is paced too slowly and has scenes that either doesn't move the mystery along or could easily be condensed to speed up the pace a bit. My bottom line is – I will read the next book to see if Tara (and Danny because I didn’t like him in this book) grows on me. If I don’t like her better by the end of the third book, I’ll discontinue reading the series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Publication Date: 7/27/21
Period: Contemporary Ireland
Number of Pages: 356
** 3.5 Stars **
I thoroughly enjoy this author’s Irish Village Mystery series and was very happy to find she had started a new mystery series also based in Ireland. This time, the lead character is a transplanted American interior designer whose family roots are in the Galway area of Ireland.
Tara Meehan is anxiously awaiting her business license in order to open her architectural salvage shop, Renewals, in downtown Galway. While she’s waiting, she is getting the shop set up and preparing for her grand opening. She is absolutely beyond excited. As a top interior designer in New York, she never expected to give it all up and move to Ireland, but here she is and she loves Ireland already. She has come to love the uncle she never knew she had (Murder In Galway), and then, there is Danny O’Donnell… Danny is more than a friend, but perhaps less than a boyfriend – Tara just isn’t sure what their relationship is aside from being occasional bed partners.
Tara found a flyer, on her shop’s front door, listing an old stone cottage for sale. With all the nervous energy she’s built up awaiting her license, she decides to go check out the cottage. She is absolutely entranced with the location and the crumbling cottage – until she discovers a tiny abandoned pug named Savage, and a dead body with no identification on it. Uh-Oh – another adventure begins.
A force of nature, in the form of Veronica O’Farrell, bursts into Tara’s yet-to-open shop and demands to be able to use the shop as the venue for her ‘Amends’ party. Veronica, along with her butler/lawyer Bartley, and driver Andy totally ignore Tara and her protestations that she could NOT allow the party to take place in her shop because she couldn’t open for business without her license. Since the fee Veronica is offering is exceptional and she wants additional tasks done, Tara manages to figure out a way to accommodate Veronica without losing the commission. It won’t take long for her to be very sorry about that decision – because Veronica is soon found murdered – and the murder weapon is one Tara had posted a selfie with – and the hashtag #KillerBrooch.
The overall mystery was a good one, but there were entirely too many people and suspects involved. We kept going off on tangents and it just bogged the story down. Then, there is Tara’s attitude. I haven’t yet managed to get to like her and a lot of that is her attitude – especially about the Garda. She just goes about doing her own thing whether it interferes with their investigation or not. I don’t know – I think it is her Holier-Than-Thou attitude that just rubs me the wrong way and she seems to think the Garda are stupid. Frankly, I wouldn’t blame Danny for walking away from her because she certainly doesn’t seem to give him any consideration either.
I’m certainly on the fence about this one. Once I’d waded through all of the extraneous chaff, the underlying mystery and motivation of the murderer were compelling and interesting. The suspects - John and Sheila Murphy, Elaine Burke, Mimi Griffin, Eddie O'Farrell, Cassidy Hughes, and Iona Kelly – are on Veronica’s ‘Amends’ list, but they spend almost all of their time loudly arguing and blaming each other for the murders. All of that just slows the pace of the story and bogs it all down. None of it adds to the mystery and a lot of it just doesn’t make much sense.
I am giving the book a 3.5-star rating (rounded to 3), so I guess that boils down to a conditional recommendation. The mystery really is a good one even though it is paced too slowly and has scenes that either doesn't move the mystery along or could easily be condensed to speed up the pace a bit. My bottom line is – I will read the next book to see if Tara (and Danny because I didn’t like him in this book) grows on me. If I don’t like her better by the end of the third book, I’ll discontinue reading the series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 9, 2025
Tara Meehan is back again. Tara has moved from New York (where she had her own interior-design business) and made Ireland her new home. She's also started a new business in downtown Galway called Renewals. The shop is a branch of her Uncle Johnny's business Irish Renewals, a local architectural-salvage place.
At the book's beginning, Renewals is set to open within a week or so. But days before its debut, Tara gets a surprise when the wealthy heiress Veronica O'Farrell enters her store. Veronica has been divorced twice and and has been sober for a year. She wishes to make amends with seven people she had wronged over the years. They would include her niece Cassidy Hughes (from her first husband's side) and her current ex-husband--the artist Eddie Oh.
Veronica wants Tara to pick out presents for all of the seven people she wronged in the past. The sky's the limit, and no expenses will be spared. Tara can feel the pressure mounting with the impending opening of her shop plus trying to figure out what to buy for each person. Along with the lucky seven, she's also given a room at the exquisite Ballynahinch Castle in Connemara. Veronica's chauffeur Andy and her butler Bartley are also there though on call 24/7.
A short time later, Veronica O'Farrell is found dead--lying face-up with her Tara Brooch (that Tara greatly admired, photographed and posted online) stuck in her heart. Four pieces of marble are found on Veronica's body--two red ones on each of her eyes, a green one over her mouth and a black one over her heart. Who could've done this heinous crime? And why the four pieces of marble?
But a few suspect that Veronica may have relapsed shortly before she died. Her sponsor Nancy Halligan was found dead a short time earlier, her pug Savage was near her owner. Tara discovered the body by a stone house she might have wanted to buy. Even in the intense summer heat, Nancy was found without a backpack containing water and other necessities for this weather.
Tara's boyfriend Danny O'Donnell, who works for her Uncle Johnny, would rather see her attend to the family business than focusing on Veronica's final wishes. Her store Renewals opens up in a few days, and she's busy trying to find presents for the seven people that Veronica wronged years before. One of them, Mimi Griffin, was Veronica's personal assistant. Veronica posthumously bequeaths Mimi a diamond watch. Mimi forgives her former employer.
But things tend to go awry. Veronica may have left some angry "letters" behind. Then at the grand opening at Renewals, things get even worse. Mimi is crushed to death by a falling chandelier at Tara's new shop. And a short time later, a horseback riding adventure nearly leads to a disastrous end for one of the riders. These instances make the other six guests of Veronica anxious to leave.
Detective-Sergeant Gable soon lets everyone know that once things are in the clear that they can finally leave Connemara. He gives them about three days. But are the three deaths--Nancy's, Veronica's and Mimi's--somehow connected to one another? Is it one of the six inside this suspicious circle? Or is the killer lurking outside on the rim? Tara now has 72 hours to find a murderer and the motives before a potential killer will walk away for good.
Carlene O'Connor writes another suspenseful novel. Once again, "Murder in Connemara" keeps the readers on the edge of their seat and guessing until almost the last chapter. Though not as good as "Murder in Galway", I'm looking forward to reading another of O'Connor's Irish Village and Home to Ireland mysteries. Keep them coming, Carlene O'Connor!!!
Rating: ***
At the book's beginning, Renewals is set to open within a week or so. But days before its debut, Tara gets a surprise when the wealthy heiress Veronica O'Farrell enters her store. Veronica has been divorced twice and and has been sober for a year. She wishes to make amends with seven people she had wronged over the years. They would include her niece Cassidy Hughes (from her first husband's side) and her current ex-husband--the artist Eddie Oh.
Veronica wants Tara to pick out presents for all of the seven people she wronged in the past. The sky's the limit, and no expenses will be spared. Tara can feel the pressure mounting with the impending opening of her shop plus trying to figure out what to buy for each person. Along with the lucky seven, she's also given a room at the exquisite Ballynahinch Castle in Connemara. Veronica's chauffeur Andy and her butler Bartley are also there though on call 24/7.
A short time later, Veronica O'Farrell is found dead--lying face-up with her Tara Brooch (that Tara greatly admired, photographed and posted online) stuck in her heart. Four pieces of marble are found on Veronica's body--two red ones on each of her eyes, a green one over her mouth and a black one over her heart. Who could've done this heinous crime? And why the four pieces of marble?
But a few suspect that Veronica may have relapsed shortly before she died. Her sponsor Nancy Halligan was found dead a short time earlier, her pug Savage was near her owner. Tara discovered the body by a stone house she might have wanted to buy. Even in the intense summer heat, Nancy was found without a backpack containing water and other necessities for this weather.
Tara's boyfriend Danny O'Donnell, who works for her Uncle Johnny, would rather see her attend to the family business than focusing on Veronica's final wishes. Her store Renewals opens up in a few days, and she's busy trying to find presents for the seven people that Veronica wronged years before. One of them, Mimi Griffin, was Veronica's personal assistant. Veronica posthumously bequeaths Mimi a diamond watch. Mimi forgives her former employer.
But things tend to go awry. Veronica may have left some angry "letters" behind. Then at the grand opening at Renewals, things get even worse. Mimi is crushed to death by a falling chandelier at Tara's new shop. And a short time later, a horseback riding adventure nearly leads to a disastrous end for one of the riders. These instances make the other six guests of Veronica anxious to leave.
Detective-Sergeant Gable soon lets everyone know that once things are in the clear that they can finally leave Connemara. He gives them about three days. But are the three deaths--Nancy's, Veronica's and Mimi's--somehow connected to one another? Is it one of the six inside this suspicious circle? Or is the killer lurking outside on the rim? Tara now has 72 hours to find a murderer and the motives before a potential killer will walk away for good.
Carlene O'Connor writes another suspenseful novel. Once again, "Murder in Connemara" keeps the readers on the edge of their seat and guessing until almost the last chapter. Though not as good as "Murder in Galway", I'm looking forward to reading another of O'Connor's Irish Village and Home to Ireland mysteries. Keep them coming, Carlene O'Connor!!!
Rating: ***
June 6, 2021
Tara Meehan moved to Galway, Ireland after her mother's death. It was her mother's homeland, and she had her reasons for coming. But now she's found an uncle, and she's part-owner in an architectural salvage business, and has decided to open a shop in town called Renewals. One day when she's preparing for her grand opening, a woman, larger than life, blows in through the door and announces she wants to hold a small party here for the guests she's invited to celebrate her sobriety. Stunned, Tara is also taken by the beautiful brooch the woman is wearing. Veronica O'Farrell turns out to be an heiress and invites Tara to wear it and take a picture. Tara posts it online, and when Veronica leaves thinks nothing of it. But when Veronica is later found murdered with that same brooch, Tara is now a suspect. Trying to clear her name might not be easy, but if she can figure out which one of the guests actually killed the woman, her worries will be over. Unfortunately, they might also be over if the killer finds her first...
This is the second book in the series and I have to say that I utterly enjoyed it as much as the first. I like all of the characters in this book, although I will admit I am a bit on the fence about Tara's maybe-boyfriend, Danny. Time will tell, I suppose. But I do like Uncle Johnny, Breanna, and Detective Gable. He treats Tara like a person, not an annoying gnat.
What I didn't care for in the book (and the loss of one star, unfortunately), was the fact that Tara would just walk up to people and start asking them questions like she was a garda herself, without even an introduction or why she was asking. It was a tad uncomfortable, and I would have told her to bugger off. Surely there are better ways to get answers than putting someone on the defensive immediately. But I did like the fact that both Danny and Johnny had her back, and that showed that they cared about her.
Other than that, the plot was very good, and there were questions throughout that get you wondering how certain things were done. Even looking for clues was a bit difficult, but it really didn't matter, as the ending was worth the wait. Speaking of that, it was definitely unexpected and came out of nowhere, but please do not peek to see who the murderer is! You will have more fun reading this book if you just wait, and it will all be revealed in time. The reason for the murder is rather sad, but who knows what goes on in the mind of the deranged? I do look forward to the next in this series. Recommended.
I received an advance copy from the publisher and NetGalley but this in no way influenced my review.
This is the second book in the series and I have to say that I utterly enjoyed it as much as the first. I like all of the characters in this book, although I will admit I am a bit on the fence about Tara's maybe-boyfriend, Danny. Time will tell, I suppose. But I do like Uncle Johnny, Breanna, and Detective Gable. He treats Tara like a person, not an annoying gnat.
What I didn't care for in the book (and the loss of one star, unfortunately), was the fact that Tara would just walk up to people and start asking them questions like she was a garda herself, without even an introduction or why she was asking. It was a tad uncomfortable, and I would have told her to bugger off. Surely there are better ways to get answers than putting someone on the defensive immediately. But I did like the fact that both Danny and Johnny had her back, and that showed that they cared about her.
Other than that, the plot was very good, and there were questions throughout that get you wondering how certain things were done. Even looking for clues was a bit difficult, but it really didn't matter, as the ending was worth the wait. Speaking of that, it was definitely unexpected and came out of nowhere, but please do not peek to see who the murderer is! You will have more fun reading this book if you just wait, and it will all be revealed in time. The reason for the murder is rather sad, but who knows what goes on in the mind of the deranged? I do look forward to the next in this series. Recommended.
I received an advance copy from the publisher and NetGalley but this in no way influenced my review.
February 3, 2021
I love mysteries and have gotten into various series placed in Ireland and Scotland. Having visited the country settings of Wales, Scotland and the UK, my imagination is drawn to the wonderful descriptions of the life in the rural country towns Carlene O’Connor has created or visited on her trips to Ireland. She has become a favorite author of mine. I first started reading her Irish Village Mysteries and was excited to read her newest series Home to Ireland. Her books focus on a strong female character that gets involved with the local police and ends up being heavily involved in investigating a murder.
In Murder in Connemara, Tara Meehan, an interior designer that moved from New York to live near and work with her Uncle in architectural salvage, just ventured into opening a new shop in town called “Renewals” and was working on her grand opening. Tara is visited by heiress Veronica O’Farrell who bursts into her life wanting to celebrate her own renewal of a year of sobriety, to take place at Tara’s shop. Veronica hires Tara to find the perfect gifts to make amends to seven people she wronged during her alcoholic days. Tara becomes a prime suspect in the death of Veronica who was killed by an antique Tara Brooch which Tara had admired when Veronica visited her store. And who gave each person, including Tara, the book “Palaces to see in Ireland before you Die”. Was this a threat, or something else? Tara moves forward in finding the perfect amends gifts that Veronica would have wanted, still to be given to each of the seven, and is drawn into their relationship with Veronica.
There are many twists and turns in solving the case and I really had not expected who did it in the end. Of course, there is a little romance in the novel, which is always a good thing. The details of the locations: the town of Clifden Connemara, Clifden Castle, Connemara National Park, and Ballynahinch Castle, showed how much Carlene loved the area she visited with her father for research on her book. I can hardly wait for the third book to come out that she is writing in this series.
If you love Irish country sides, history, and castles, tied to a murder mystery. This book is for you.
In Murder in Connemara, Tara Meehan, an interior designer that moved from New York to live near and work with her Uncle in architectural salvage, just ventured into opening a new shop in town called “Renewals” and was working on her grand opening. Tara is visited by heiress Veronica O’Farrell who bursts into her life wanting to celebrate her own renewal of a year of sobriety, to take place at Tara’s shop. Veronica hires Tara to find the perfect gifts to make amends to seven people she wronged during her alcoholic days. Tara becomes a prime suspect in the death of Veronica who was killed by an antique Tara Brooch which Tara had admired when Veronica visited her store. And who gave each person, including Tara, the book “Palaces to see in Ireland before you Die”. Was this a threat, or something else? Tara moves forward in finding the perfect amends gifts that Veronica would have wanted, still to be given to each of the seven, and is drawn into their relationship with Veronica.
There are many twists and turns in solving the case and I really had not expected who did it in the end. Of course, there is a little romance in the novel, which is always a good thing. The details of the locations: the town of Clifden Connemara, Clifden Castle, Connemara National Park, and Ballynahinch Castle, showed how much Carlene loved the area she visited with her father for research on her book. I can hardly wait for the third book to come out that she is writing in this series.
If you love Irish country sides, history, and castles, tied to a murder mystery. This book is for you.
May 8, 2021
Murder in Connemara by Carlene O’Connor is an excellent cozy mystery that is the second book in the amazing Home to Ireland Mystery series. I really liked this one.
I have been a fan of Ms. O’Connor for a while now and her Irish Village Mystery series is one of my favorite series ever so I have been so excited to be able to enjoy this newer series. This one should be just as great as her first!
I loved this first book introducing us to Tara Meehan, the NYC native transplanted back into her mother’s childhood home town of Galway. The first book gave us a glimpse of the conflicted past that Tara is escaping from, and the family past that she is longing to find. This book picks up where the first left off. Tara is busy trying to open up her new shop, run the warehouse, figure out her complicated relationship with the confusing but dashing Danny, and trying to become one of the locals. Of course she ends up embroiled into a fabulous murder/mystery, and it is there where we get to see the complex, wonderful, and intriguing character that Tara truly is.
This is an amazing murder/mystery plot that involves a questionable heiress, multiple suspects, a treasure hunt of clues so to speak, plenty of twists, turns, and surprises. I was on my toes the whole time, and I honestly did not know who the culprit was until the bitter end. What a ride!
I loved the addition of Danny, Rose, Uncle Johnny, and some of the residents. There is so much material that could easily be sourced for future books.
The narrative was charming, cheeky, modern, appropriately paced, and perfect. The character cast is well-developed and excellent. I loved this book and cannot recommend it enough. This is what a cozy mystery should be. Spot on!
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and Kensington for this awesome arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication.
I have been a fan of Ms. O’Connor for a while now and her Irish Village Mystery series is one of my favorite series ever so I have been so excited to be able to enjoy this newer series. This one should be just as great as her first!
I loved this first book introducing us to Tara Meehan, the NYC native transplanted back into her mother’s childhood home town of Galway. The first book gave us a glimpse of the conflicted past that Tara is escaping from, and the family past that she is longing to find. This book picks up where the first left off. Tara is busy trying to open up her new shop, run the warehouse, figure out her complicated relationship with the confusing but dashing Danny, and trying to become one of the locals. Of course she ends up embroiled into a fabulous murder/mystery, and it is there where we get to see the complex, wonderful, and intriguing character that Tara truly is.
This is an amazing murder/mystery plot that involves a questionable heiress, multiple suspects, a treasure hunt of clues so to speak, plenty of twists, turns, and surprises. I was on my toes the whole time, and I honestly did not know who the culprit was until the bitter end. What a ride!
I loved the addition of Danny, Rose, Uncle Johnny, and some of the residents. There is so much material that could easily be sourced for future books.
The narrative was charming, cheeky, modern, appropriately paced, and perfect. The character cast is well-developed and excellent. I loved this book and cannot recommend it enough. This is what a cozy mystery should be. Spot on!
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and Kensington for this awesome arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication.
August 2, 2021
This is the second in series and a fun cozy mystery read. I enjoyed the first in series. Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley.
Tara Meehan has relocated from New York City to Galway, Ireland. She is opening a salvage shop with her uncle. A newly sober women with amends to make hires Tara to host a amends event at her shop. The event will include gifts to all that attend. Many people she harmed while drinking will attend. Veronica is soon murdered and with her enemies gathered Tara has her hands full investigating whodunit and piecing together clues. The police are convinced someone at the event is guilty including Tara.
Tara is a good amature sleuth. She is savvy and good at getting people to talk. I like her as a protagnist. The setting of Ireland is always fun to read and enjoyable. The sleuth was well crafted to conclusion. I look forward to the next in series and returning to Galway Ireland even if only fictional it is charming .
Tara Meehan has relocated from New York City to Galway, Ireland. She is opening a salvage shop with her uncle. A newly sober women with amends to make hires Tara to host a amends event at her shop. The event will include gifts to all that attend. Many people she harmed while drinking will attend. Veronica is soon murdered and with her enemies gathered Tara has her hands full investigating whodunit and piecing together clues. The police are convinced someone at the event is guilty including Tara.
Tara is a good amature sleuth. She is savvy and good at getting people to talk. I like her as a protagnist. The setting of Ireland is always fun to read and enjoyable. The sleuth was well crafted to conclusion. I look forward to the next in series and returning to Galway Ireland even if only fictional it is charming .
August 19, 2021
I love the setting of these books, Ireland, but this series is definitely missing that little extra something that makes her other series so good. Tara is a decent character but there's nothing special about her. At times, she seems assertive and I think the story is going to pick up but then she seconds guesses herself and becomes meek, which makes it a little annoying. I also can't figure out why anyone would confide in her while she investigates. The mystery itself was also not that intriguing. I will continue with the series but hope it gets better.
I received a copy from #NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy from #NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 25, 2021
3.5 stars. There were a lot of characters in this book, so it was hard to keep track of them. I like the Ireland setting in Ms O'Connor's books, and she makes me want to visit the country. I liked the character of Tara Meehan a little better here than in book 1. I'll likely continue with the series, but I still prefer the Irish Village books.
July 26, 2022
This is a fun cozy mystery about an interior designer with an Irish mother who moves from the States to Ireland to start a business with her uncle. She is approached by a woman who wants to celebrate her first year of sobriety by making amends to several friends with presents found by our main character. But then she turns up dead, and all her guests are suspects. It's a fun setting complete with Irish castles.
January 16, 2023
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My Review: This author is usually great, but this story was a bit weak to me. Not much happening in the middle.
My Review: This author is usually great, but this story was a bit weak to me. Not much happening in the middle.
November 4, 2023
The plot for this one and the unfolding of the murder was good!
April 1, 2024
This was a twisty murder mystery. She kept throwing out clues and then taking them away again. There was an interesting list of suspects and each with their own motive. It kept you intrigued all the way through. A good read.
July 27, 2025
Great character development and plot twist. Although I had an idea that person was hiding something.
I would recommend.
I would recommend.
August 3, 2023
A good read !
February 22, 2021
Loved this one! One of my new favorite cozy mysteries author.
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