The Parting Glass

Cold Case Investigation #5

by Lissa Marie Redmond

While on Injured on Duty status, Lauren Riley's hired as a private investigator to travel to rural Ireland in search of a Picasso painting stolen twenty years earlier in this nerve-shredding thriller.

An old wound forces Cold Case Detective Lauren Riley onto Injured on Duty leave. Unless she rests she faces the threat of early retirement. However, dreading the prospect of doing nothing for six months, Lauren renews her private investigator license.

She's soon contacted by Sharon Whitney, the ex-wife of wealthy Buffalo resident - and suspected mob boss - Howard Whitney. During their bitter divorce twenty years earlier a Picasso painting was stolen from their home and never recovered. After the main suspect passes away from ill health in Ireland, Sharon to hires Lauren to locate the painting - before her ex-husband does.

Lauren expects a low-stress, fact-finding trip yet arrives in Ireland to discover suspicions around the suspect's death and his home ransacked. With the clock ticking, uncovering the truth behind the painting's disappearance may be far more dangerous than Lauren imagined.

Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Book Club, Fiction

240 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 2021

About the author

Lissa Marie Redmond is the author of the Cold Case Investigation series. She lives in western New York with her family.

Reviews

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cold Cases involve heavy lifting.

Light on evidence, but abundant in weightiness in accumulated dead ends.

Homicide Detective Lauren Riley and her partner, Shane Reese, have been sifting through case files together for over six years. They've ratcheted up quite the reputation in the Homicide Department of the Buffalo, New York police department. Both detectives are easily recognized on the nightly news.

But when Riley is forced into a follow-up medical evaluation, things are going to take a drastic turn. Riley had been stabbed over a year ago during an ambush. The doctor refuses to give her the green light as her lung has not healed properly. Captain Carey puts her on an administrative leave. Personal anger can heat up a room in seconds.

With no other recourse, Riley renews her private detective license. Perhaps a little surveillance work will keep her engaged while the lung heals. Bed rest is out of the question. So Riley sets up a website with all her info. It's not long before she's contacted by Sharon Whitney, a well-to-do art collector, formerly from Long Island. She's heard of Riley's reputation and hires her on the spot.

It turns out that Ms. Whitney had an original Picasso stolen from her some time ago. The painting was a wedding gift from her ex-husband, grain baron Howard Whitney. Back then, it was worth $3 million. Now it's a staggering $20 million. Small sidebar: Both individuals accuse each other of a set-up robbery. Sharon believes that it was taken by the grounds keeper who absconded with the small 14x9 inch painting. He was living in County Kerry, Ireland. After word was received of his death, Sharon bought up his small cottage there.

Next destination: Ireland on the evening flight. Additional side bar: Riley cons Reese into taking two weeks vacation and accompanying her on this case. After they arrive, they find that James Patrick Breen's death was no accident. There aren't a thousand Irish welcomes awaiting them. Someone is acting as a trip wire to divert them from solving this case as the body count rises.

The Parting Glass is a well written and creative investigation. Riley and Reese are quite the dynamic duo with their playful dialogue and sharp-ended banter. Reese's good looks turn every lady's head, but Riley keeps it on a professional basis. I wasn't aware that this is the fifth edition in this series, since Lissa Marie Redmond fills in any gaps and we're off and running. To kick it up a notch, Redmond is a former cold case detective herself. She knows her stuff and turns out a solid mystery that entertains and intrigues. Keep an eye out for this one. Bravo, Ms. Redmond.

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Severn House and to Lissa Marie Redmond for the opportunity.

[8stitches 9lives · Rating 4 out of 5]

The fifth instalment in the Cold Case Investigations series is a cleverly woven and deeply compulsive addition to the series with an enthralling mystery at its heart and is resplendent with wicked twists and turns, a well executed plot, a strongly developed cast of characters, both recurring and not, and the glorious setting and always stunning scenery of the Emerald Isle - Ireland, with its down to earth inhabitants who are always up for the craic. A richly described, atmospheric and absorbing historical mystery. Highly recommended.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though The Parting Glass is the fifth in the Cold Case Investigation series, this is my first experience reading Lisa Marie Redmond. It will not be the last. Lauren Riley and Shane Reese are partners in the cold case unit in Buffalo, New York and are quite good at what they do. Occasionally Riley has ruffled feathers but for the most part, she is appreciated for her skills and success. Reese, the junior partner, works the same way.

In this outing, Riley, who was injured in a past major case, stabbed in the side with a resulting lung injury, has been told she needs medical clearance to continue working. And she doesn’t get it. A mandatory six month medical leave is forced on her to rest and further rehabilitate her body. Not one to take to a quiet hobby, Lauren renews her private investigator license. The first serious case that she will consider involves locating a small painting by Picasso stolen some 20 years ago. And, oh, it’s likely in Ireland.

This novel is well written, moves along smartly, with a complicated but not unreal plot. I enjoyed the culture “shock” of the Buffalo detectives working as PIs in rural Ireland, learning about how the Garda work and other facts of Irish life. I’m also looking forward to reading past and future episodes as I have really come to like Riley and Reese a lot after reading this one book.

A copy of this book was provided by Severn House Publishers through NetGalley in return for an honest review.

[Heather~ Nature.books.and.coffee · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐ Lauren is on "injured on duty" leave and she doesn't want to just sit around and do nothing, so she renews her private investigator license. She is hired by Sharon Whitney. Sharon and her ex-husband, Howard are wealthy Buffalo residents, and he is a suspected Mob boss. She wants Lauren to find a Picasso painting that was stolen from their home 20 years ago while they were going through their divorce. Riley and Reese must travel to Ireland to solve this case. This one has a bunch of new characters, and I loved reading about their experiences of being in Ireland.

I love books like this. Cold Cases are always so Interesting. I love the clues, and twists these books had. I cannot wait to read more books from this series and I'm happy I found a new to me, local Buffalo author. Such great books!!

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the fifth book in the Cold Case Investigation series. I loved A Full Cold Moon, the book that comes right before this one, but haven't read the ones before that. This book starts with Lauren Riley, a cold case detective in Buffalo, New York, failing her department physical because of an on-the-job injury. She decides to renew her private investigator’s license and is quickly hired by a wealthy woman who wants a Picasso painting back that she is sure was taken by her equally wealthy ex-husband. Lauren convinces her colleague and good friend Shane Reese to travel to Ireland with her to do some digging, but the case becomes more dangerous than either imagined - physically and emotionally!

I enjoyed the book, especially the working relationship and growing friendship between Lauren and Shane. The case itself starts out very intriguing as Lauren and Shane try to figure out who can be trusted in the small Irish town where they are staying. When the investigation starts going in circles, the pace of the book really slows. It gets on track again for me towards the end and I like the way the case is resolved, with the exception of an ominous conversation Lauren has with one of the parties involved in the case at the end. On the personal side, I had high hopes for a different outcome for Lauren. I don’t want to give anything away, but I am interested to see what happens for Lauren in both her career and her personal life.

I received this ebook from NetGalley through the courtesy of Severn House. An advance copy was provided to me at no cost, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.

[Bob Lingle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some of Lissa's best work yet. 5 books in to the Cold Case series, and I never want them to end.

[Hannelore Cheney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley and Severn House/Canongate Books for the eARC.
Cold Case Detective Lauren Riley is put on Injured On Duty status, much to her dismay, so she decides to reinstate her PI status. There's no way she can while away 6 months ... she would go nuts! She gets a job that sounds simple: go to a cottage in Ireland and find a painting. For that she will get an enormous paycheck! She talks her partner into coming with her and instead of the easy job they expected, end up with two murders to solve as well as find the painting.
I loved Lauren and the relationship she has with her partner. I also liked reading about Buffalo, never having been there, and Ireland, where I have family.
A good, solid read with a very personable protagonist, The little dog was a nice addition too. Definitely recommended!

[Amy Warren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great cold case investigation with Lauren Riley and her partner Reese..this time they're in Ireland hunting down a Picasso painting stolen during a home invasion. Lauren was forced to take time off due to her health, so this is part of her private detective business. Terrific job with suspense and sharp writing.

[Kate Baxter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This, apparently, fifth installment in the, "Cold Case Mystery" series featured Buffalo, NY detective, Lauren Riley and her ever so handsome partner, Shane Reese. At no point did it feel as though pieces of the story were missing. Enough background material came into play throughout the story to assist the reader in catching on, no matter at what point they enter this series.

The writing is solid and the characters are interesting in their ongoing development. The mystery's supporting evidence may be considered a bit light but it's still an engaging and adventurous police procedural replete with bucolic country and oceanside scenes of Ireland.

Detective Riley has been placed on, "Injured On Duty" status for six months with the recommendation that she rest and build up her pulmonary strength (after having punctured a lung in the line of duty). Not being one to sit idlely by, she renews her private investigor's license and is soon hired to procure a Picasso painting, stolen twenty years previously. Well, she's the queen of cold case work. So how hard could it be? Plus, she gets a free trip to Ireland with a lovely stay at a cottage B&B. Of course, Detective Reese has plenty of banked vacation time and rides shotgun alongside Lauren. It doesn't take long for the bodies to begin piling up. As they have no jurisdiction, Riley and Reese are cautioned to stay out of the matter. Yet, the homicides appear to be instrinsically connected to the theft. Such a conundrum and Lauren is rather known for not taking instruction terribly well.

The mystery had a number of red herrings, charming characters for the most part and beautiful Irish country scenery to enjoy throughout the story. This was certainly a lovely diversion for a hot summer's day.

[Tessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first experience with the Cold Case Investigation series, and I look forward to reading more about Riley and Reese. Lissa Marie Redmond's THE PARTING GLASS is a fast-paced international mystery that finds cold case detectives Lauren Riley and Shane Reese donning PI hats to locate a stolen Picasso in the Irish countryside. Redmond's own cold case experience gives this book added authenticity, and the lively dynamic between Riley and Reese make it a highly entertaining read. THE PARTING GLASS is perfect for fans of Ann Cleeves and Sophie Hannah, and I can’t recommend it enough.

[Aristotle · Rating 4 out of 5]

The search for a twenty million dollar Picasso painting stolen twenty years ago takes Detective Lauren Riley and her partner Shane Reese to Keelnamara, Ireland a small town with one church and one pub.

Robber's pub where everybody knows your name and they're always glad you came, unless you're looking for a stolen twenty million dollar Picasso, the kind of money people get killed over.

A well told story. Always nice reconnecting with Lauren. I look forward to seeing her again.

[Kath · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book five of the Cold Case series featuring Laure Riley and, as always, it's best to start from book one and read in order. That said, the main story is self-contained so, at a push, it can be read as stand alone but it does refer back to incidents in previous books so be aware of that. There's also the development of the two lead characters and their relationship to follow.
Lauren is ordered to attend her medical and is horrified to find herself suspended on Injured on Duty status. Told to rest and then, hopefully, eventually, she can return to duty in six months. Told to rest - yeah right, as if she's going to do that. Not with a PI license that only needs renewing. She's not one to stand idle and she has no interest in gardening or needlework! And then, just as she has refreshed her professional website, she gets a call with a summons to meet a prospective client. Her interest piqued so she accepts, and the case is a right doozy. 20 years ago, a Picasso painting was stolen from a warring couple in the middle of a bitter divorce. It has never been recovered. It seems likely that it was taken by an employee who returned home soon after the event and it is his death that has sparked renewed interest. It's the ex-wife that is the client and the "home" the employee returned to is a small town in rural Ireland. Lauren takes the case, does a bit of due diligence and, with trust sidekick, Shane Reese, who has found himself at a loose end by her side, ups sticks and planes it over to the Emerald Isle.
But it'd be a short boring book if it was as plain sailing as Lauren initially thinks. It'd also be completely out of character if there was no danger to be faced but I am going to leave all that to you to discover as the author intends. No spoilers here. Suffice to say that what follows is exciting, thrilling and rather well plotted & executed. Starring a wonderful, eclectic mix of colourful characters, the extras all as well drawn as the leads. Lauren and Shane have the added disadvantage of not being there on official police business, rather just as private citizens and so certain things are not available to them. Instead they have to rely on other methods to get what they need. I loved this element of things.
All in all, a cracking addition to an already impressive, well established series. Roll on next time. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

An atmospheric, gripping and well written mystery that kept me turning pages.
This is the second i read in this series and want to read the others.
Great characters, solid mystery, a vivid and fascinating setting.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

[Ray Moon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even On Injured Duty Status Can Stop Det. Riley

Buffalo Police Cold Case detective Lauren Riley and her partner, Shane Reese, are celebrating the sentencing of their latest cold case conviction. The next day, her Captain orders her to see the departmental doctor. She tries to blow him off, but her Captain tells her that she has an appointment for 1 pm that day. A year and a half ago, Lauren was stabbed and almost died. She really hasn’t taken it easy since, and her physical therapy was very infrequent. The doctor stated her options were six months Injured on Duty or Unfit for Duty and being pensioned out. The doctor told Lauren to take a vacation, take up gardening, or painting. It is not a spoiler that this was not going to happen! Lauren renews her private investigator license. A wealthy woman contacts her to recover a Picasso stolen 20 years ago. The prime suspect just died in Ireland, and she wants to seize the painting before her ex-husband does. All expenses paid trip to Ireland looks good. Lauren convinces Shane to accompany her. The novel takes off from here.

The main storyline is quite unique for this author. Lauren and Shane are in a foreign country as private citizens. When Lauren was in Iceland in the last novel, she was there officially with the cooperation of the local authorities. That is not the case now. The main storyline becomes quite complex as all the locals know about the missing Picasso, and there are local and agents for the ex-husband trying the find the picture. Some locals are quite hostile. Some locals are friendly and helpful, but do they have their own agenda? Then, the prime suspects accidental death now appears to be a murder. There are plenty twists, turns and what I call literary grenades that forces Lauren, Shane and the reader to reconsider what is happening. My interest was quickly captured and maintain all the way to the end. What I particularly liked was that even though this is the fifth novel in this series, the main storyline is still quite fresh and intriguing.

The B-storyline also is quite interesting. There are two major threads here. The first is the ongoing maturing of Lauren’s and Shane’s relationship. If you have read the previous novels in this series, this could be viewed as a C-storyline in seeing how their relationship is changing. This enriched my enjoyment in reading this novel. The second major thread is how Lauren and Shane worked without any official authority and persuaded local cooperation, civilians and the authorities. Shane really excels at this. Again, this aspect was a reading enjoyment enhancer for me.

I believe even a very sensitive reader to language and intimate scenes will not find much unacceptable with this novel. I rate this novel almost a pure green in these aspects. Most of the violence is described in the less edgy after the fact. Since most of the action occurs in rural Ireland, some local words are used. While in some cases, I had to use the Internet to determine the exact meaning. For me, it made the novel more authentic for me. Lastly, this novel is the fifth novel in the series. While reading the previously novels help the reader to see a forming C-storyline, I did not find any references in this novel that were not adequately backfilled so this can be the first read of this series.

I really did not find any aspects of this novel that bothered me. Of entire series, this was the quickest read for me. Part of the reason was the quick capturing of my interest. I wanted and did read late into the evenings. At the end of this novel, there were not any loose ends. I really liked on bit of local color; when you read it, look up Shark Girl Buffalo. For all of these reasons, I rate this novel with five stars. I really enjoyed reading this novel, and if you have read my review to this point, I believe that you will also enjoy reading it.

I received a free e-book version of this novel through NetGalley from Severn House with an expectation for an honest, unbiased review. I wish to thank Severn House for the opportunity to read and review this novel early.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Detective Lauren Riley’s fifth cold case investigation is well done. I always look forward to more!

[Kathleen Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lauren might not be working as a police detective but she's up for private investigation. A request by Sharon Whitney to travel to Ireland to retrieve a Picasso stolen 20 years ago turns up more than either Lauren or Sharon expected. Jimmy, the handyman who was suspected of the theft, is dead but there's some big dark secrets no one is willing to spill. At the same time, Sharon's ex, a crime boss, has hired people to keep an eye on Lauren and her partner Shane. I liked that this took Lauren out of the US and into new territory- it freshened the series, which is, btw, well worth reading, although this will be fine as a standalone. I like that Lauren is more mature than similar characters (she has a big backstory with kids, an ex and so on). Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Good dialogue and twisty situations make this a good read.

[Jean-Luc · Rating 5 out of 5]

A worthy addition to the Cold case investigations, the parting glass is a very entertaining and cleverly plotted whodunit involving the theft of a much valued Picasso over 20 years ago and the acrimonious fight between a rich & divorced American couple to find the painting today and their individual & fiendish determination to claim its ownership at all cost... Forced to take a leave of absence after being seriously wounded during her last case investigation for the Buffalo Police Department, inspector Laura Riley and her partner Shane Reese will decide to fly as private investigators to a desolate area of contemporary Ireland and take the reader into a dangerous and murderous treasure hunt as they painstakingly and brilliantly untangle all the twisty paths leading to the purloined masterpiece. A solid and captivating novel full of unforgettable Irish characters and a refreshing dive into the windswept beauties of coastal Ireland. A delicious & memorable murder mystery to be enjoyed without moderation!! Many thanks to Netgalley and Canongate/Severn House for this terrific ARC

Don't forget! Come back to your Review on the pub date, 6 Jul 2021, to post to these retailers.

[Dsbook · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love that part of this book is set in Ireland and that the descriptions of the Irish countryside makes you feel like you are actually there. This is wonderful mystery with plenty of twists and turns. I really enjoyed this book

[Marilyn Riotto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Looking forward to more books in this series.

[Katreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE PARTING GLASS by Lissa Marie Redmond
The Fifth Cold Case Homicide Mystery

Lauren Riley is not one to sit still and relax, so when the cold case homicide detective is placed on medical leave she quickly renews her private investigator’s license. Lauren’s interest is eventually piqued when a wealthy woman asks her to go to Ireland to find a painting. Remembering the headlines when the Picasso was originally stolen Lauren accepts the case, figuring it for an easy job. After all, it’s practically a vacation with her partner, Shane, along to assist. However, nothing is ever easy for Lauren. Soon the search for a missing painting turns into a murder investigation. Off duty, with no authority, and way out of their jurisdiction, Lauren and Shane leave the murder to the locals, however, the Buffalo pair find themselves embroiled in the case. Will they find the painting or a killer?

As much as I love Buffalo, I enjoyed seeing Lauren and Shane out of their element, exploring a bit of Ireland. I appreciate their witty banter and how their different styles not only complement each other, but bring out the best in one another. The vivid descriptions of this small Irish town made me feel as if I was driving down those winding roads with them, steeped in a sea of green, eager to have a pint, although I'm partial to lager, not Guinness.

THE PARTING GLASS is a unique mystery that constantly evolves, tricking readers as well as Lauren. What should be simple isn't and nothing is ever cut and dry. A variety of interesting characters inhabit the pages. Some capture the warmth of Irish hospitality, some are more distant, while others are unscrupulous and greedy blackguards. All prove to be an integral component of the story.

THE PARTING GLASS is a riveting mystery filled with emotional pitfalls. Friendships and family are tested, and not all are able to be saved.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the whole series!

The glimpse into Ireland was entertaining and I always love the Buffalo references. The story was great, kept me interested and anxious to read on. Her characters are easy to like and interesting. I have enjoyed all the books in the series!

[Grace Koshida · Rating 4 out of 5]

A failed medical exam and complications from an old wound forces Buffalo Cold Case Detective Lauren Riley onto Injured on Duty leave status for 6 months. Lauren renews her PI license and is soon contacted by Sharon Whitney, the ex-wife of Howard Whitney. During their bitter divorce twenty years ago, a Picasso painting was stolen from their home and never found. After learning that the main suspect in the theft, Jimmy Breen, dies in Ireland, Sharon hires Lauren to find the Picasso. Enlisting the help of her Cold Case partner Reese, the duo expect to enjoy their time at a idyllic B&B in rural Ireland. But they quickly learn that Jimmy may have been murdered and that his shabby junk-filled shack has been ransacked. It also becomes clear that others are in search of the Picasso and are watching Lauren and Reese's every move. When the local barkeep is found tortured and beaten to death in his pub, it becomes clear that the multi-million dollar painting is worth killing for.

Once Lauren figures out Jimmy's secret, and the Whitney's secrets, it's a race against time to return to Jimmy's house to get the Picasso. A bombshell phone call from Buffalo changes Reese's future and the fate of their burgeoning romantic relationship.

This was another thrilling read in the Cold Case investigations series.
I received a digital ARC from Netgalley and Severn House with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and provided this review.

[Jim Toner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great mystery featuring cold-case detective Lauren Riley. This time she is on medical leave and has doubts about returning to the Buffalo Police Department. She goes with her partner on the department Shane Reece to Ireland for find a valuable painting. The book depicts realistic details of the Irish National Police. Two murders take place. Others make Lauren and Shane feel unwelcome in Ireland. The book contains many twists and turns. I hope to read still more books with these detectives.

[Melissa Ammons · Rating 4 out of 5]

Publishing July 6, 2021.

I received a gifted copy and am providing a review.

If you like a story about a policewoman turned private investigator, I suspect you will enjoy this story. Lauren finds herself on medical leave due to some injuries she sustained while working a case in Iceland, so she decides to put her private investigator license to good use. She gets a call from Mrs. Whitney who is seeking her services to locate a missing Picasso that she claims is hers by rights and not the property of her ex-husband, Mr. Whitney. This tale takes Lauren and her partner, Reese (she had convinced him to take some time off work to help her out), to Ireland in search of said painting. While there, they encounter the Garda who are and are not happy to have a couple PIs on their turf. As it turns out, Lauren and Reese get more than they bargained for and find out some truths. As the story unfolds, secrets are revealed about the man hiding the painting. An innocent man, Robber Shea, ends up in the wrong place at the wrong time. Another private investigator assigned to watch out for the painting for the past twenty years comes into play.

I believe that Ms. Redmond’s career as a detective gives her an inside look, so to speak, at how crimes are committed and how crimes are solved when lend to a bit of realism in her storytelling. Ms. Redmond also throws in a couple of twists that one would not expect. There is also animosity between Mrs. Whitney and Mr. Whitney, two shady characters for sure. There is even a hint of romance that gets blindsided by some unexpected news. As well, the seemingly minor characters help to make this story complete.

[Mary Ellen Wagner · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a solid addition to the series, but it didn't grab me the way the previous books had. I hope Lauren stays stateside for her next case, and I really hope the series doesn't turn into a will they or won't they kind of story.

[Missy Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read all of the books in the series and this may be my favorite! So suspenseful and exciting. I could not put this down night after night! You won’t regret this one!

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Buffalo cold case detective, Lauren Riley, has been put on medical leave so that she can heal from work-related injuries. However, not one to sit idle, Lauren renews her private investigator’s license and accepts a job from the ex-wife of a wealthy local businessman. Twenty years ago, during their acrimonious divorce, a valuable painting was stolen. Since the main suspect has just died in his native Ireland, Lauren’s new client wants her to go to Ireland to track down the painting before her ex-husband does. With her colleague and friend, Shane Reese, in tow Lauren assumes it will be a low-key investigation with maybe even some sightseeing thrown in for good measure.

Once again Lissa Marie Redmond has written an entertaining novel with great characters, a good plot, and enough suspense to make it a good read. I enjoyed The Parting Glass and recommend the series to anyone who likes a well-written police procedural/investigation.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a copy of this book for review.

[Susan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cold case investigator Lauren Riley is on medical leave, but she can't sit idle. She reinstates her private investigator's license and is hired to find a long-missing Picasso, a casualty of an ugly divorce between two wealthy, stubborn people. The main suspect in the theft has just died in Ireland, and--persuading her long-time partner and housemate Reese to use his vacation time to join her--they head off to Ireland, on what should be a relaxing time, if it weren't for the constant rain. And, oh, yes, the murders. There are cooperative and uncooperative police and neighbors and relatives of the dead man. Lauren's superior police work produces some positive results, but neither the job nor her personal life concludes as she would have hoped. Nothing wrong with it, really; just the wrong book for the wrong mood, I guess.

[T · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really like this series but was disappointed in the fifth installment. Detective Lauren Riley fails her yearly physical and is told to take six month vacation so she renews her PI license. A wealthy woman hires her to go to Ireland and retrieve a priceless painting stolen twenty years ago. I lost interest in the storyline, then skipped to the end to see where the relationship stands between her and partner Shane Reese because I’m still going to read the sixth book.

[A · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Lauren and Reese. I feel like I know them because of how clearly I can picture what they look like and everything they do in the series. I liked Ireland as the setting. I also loved the end where they “almost” crossed the line with one another. In the end, I’m glad they didn’t (at least yet!) and I thought the twist of Reese having an unplanned baby on the way was perfect.