Irish Lace

Nuala Anne McGrail #2

by Andrew M. Greeley

The beautiful and fey--as they say in the Old Country--Nuala Anne McGrail uses her psychic abilities to help solve mysteries. But even she will admit with a smile that she couldn't do it without Dermot Michael Coyne, her devoted admirer and self-proclaimed "spear carrier."

Now both living in Chicago, their unique courtship is once again interrupted by one of Nuala's "spells." On a quiet street on the South Shore, she is overwhelmed by the screaming of thousands of dying men--Confederate soldiers held as prisoners of war.

Soon the pair are caught up in a Civil War controversy, and an all-too-present-day mystery involving a sophisticated gang of art thieves, corrupt politicians, and international terrorists. But Dermot is cheerfully resigned, for as he well knows, life with Nuala will never be simple. After all, she's like Irish lace--"thin and delicate and pretty, and just a little bit complicated."

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Romance, Ireland, Irish Literature, Cozy Mystery, Contemporary

352 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1996

About the author

Andrew Greeley was a Roman Catholic priest, sociologist, journalist, and author of 50 best-selling novels and more than 100 works of nonfiction. For decades, Greeley entertained readers with such popular characters as the mystery-solving priest Blackie Ryan and the fey, amateur sleuth Nuala Anne McGrail. His books typically center on Irish-American Roman Catholics living or working in Chicago.

http://us.macmillan.com/author/andrew...

Reviews

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like all the "Irish" Greeley books. The Nuala Anne McGrail Series is my favorite.

[Linda Montgomery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reliving my Irish Love

My wonderful Irish husband died in November, 2016. I miss him terribly and will until we're together, God willing, again. I first started reading Andrew Bradley's books in about 1998 and have now read everything (I think) he has written. I read mostly E books now and noticed just recently that the Greeley books are there. If I have time in my life, I will re-read every one. They remind me of the man I love, always.

[Gloria · Rating 4 out of 5]

The beautiful and fey--as they say in the Old Country--Nuala Anne McGrail uses her psychic abilities to help solve mysteries. But even she will admit with a smile that she couldn't do it without Dermot Michael Coyne, her devoted admirer and self-proclaimed "spear carrier."Now both living in Chicago, their unique courtship is once again interrupted by one of Nuala's "spells." On a quiet street on the South Shore, she is overwhelmed by the screaming of thousands of dying men--Confederate soldiers held as prisoners of war.Soon the pair are caught up in a Civil War controversy, and an all-too-present-day mystery involving a sophisticated gang of art thieves, corrupt politicians, and international terrorists. But Dermot is cheerfully resigned, for as he well knows, life with Nuala will never be simple. After all, she's like Irish lace--"thin and delicate and pretty, and just a little bit complicated."

It was a great step back in history and Chicago/Irish roots.

[Robyn Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not much into romance novels, however .. that being said.. there was a lot more to this book then just the romance. I found the historical aspects of this story to be interesting, although I am not sure how accurate. I enjoyed the many conspiracies the main character had to work through, and the "Irish brogue" made for interesting reading. There was a fair amount of politics in the story, but I felt that it couldn't have been written any other way considering the characters and the history. The love story was tasteful.. over all it was an entertaining read. I look forward to reading the other "Irish" books.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay, so this book sounds even MORE like a bodice-ripper than "Irish Gold" but it's not, I swear. The main characters and their relationship are still a lot of fun, and I learned about the part that Chicago played in the Civil War (a topic completely new to me). Be forewarned: Members of one political party are consistently the bad guys, and the author makes no apology for this. The blatant political leaning is unnecessary and gets tiresome.

[Paigersoccerfan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finished this book in 4 days! I liked it almost as much as Irish Gold. It was charmingly written, great characters, a good bit of history and mystery and romance. My only criticism is that there was a little too much political rhetoric in this book to suit my tastes. I love the characters, however, so I'll keep reading. I have to know what happens next, don't I?

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

Greeley was one of my favorite authors in the 80's early 90's. This one felt a little ridiculous. The historical element ( something I do not remember from my earlier reads) was an interesting element but it was just historical research and reciting of a memoir rather than a participation or mystery. The many faces of Nuala were quite amusing from naive irish greenhorn, to sultry singer, to matriarch in training. It was sad that she felt she had to dress dowdy to go to work to be taken seriously- especially in the mid 90's. The character of Dermot had no purpose in life he just happened to have all the money in the world ( he made one trade by accident - ended up making millions and then decided to have someone else do his money management???!!!) Supposedly a handsome young man who constantly complained he was old, had little to no self confidence in his writing, relationship with Nuala ( I applaud his kindness and wanting to give her space but he came off with no backbone like a lost puppy and overly protective- although hiring the body guards was probably not unwarranted but for months???!!) The current day mystery was more of an after thought. The immigration issues were probably the most poignant. While I understand the deportation of the illegal immigrants -even though they were picked up for something they had no involvement , the fact they could pick up someone off the street for no legal reason, strip their legal visa and deport them within hours is just terrifying. Then it took almost 2 months to get any justice to get her visa back and come back. She was a beautiful white girl with a rich boyfriend with a family of high powered lawyers, priests and PR execs. If she was of hispanic, asian or african ancestry without the high powered fighters she would have been lost in the system and this was written in 1995 before 9/11 or the eejit of a president we currently have.

[Patrick Barry · Rating 3 out of 5]

The second in the mystery series featuring Dermot Michael Coyne and Nuala Anne McGrail. A new mystery and the courtship continues in its unique way.Now it seems Nuuala is fey, she can see the past and hears screams. It turns out they are near the site of a Union prison camp of the Civil War - Camp Douglas. Dermot discovers records that tell of a plot to free Confederate prisoners from Camp Douglas and burn Chicago to the ground. Given their history it is no surprise that this information leads to trouble in the present. But, thankfully Fr. Greeley is in the business of happy endings so all's well in the end. A decent read.

[Avid Series Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

Irish Lace by Andrew M. Greeley is the second book of the Nuala Anne McGrail mystery series set in modern-day and Civil War era Chicago. Nuala Anne McGrail is effortlessly charming everyone she meets in her new life in America. By day an accountant for a prestigious firm, by night she sings and plays the harp at a neighborhood Irish pub. Dermot Michael Coyne is helplessly, hopelessly in love with Nuala. His family welcomes her with open arms, eagerly awaits their marriage. Dermot holds back, telling himself Nuala is too young and he's too old. He wants her to enjoy her freedom before making a permanent commitment.

As in the first book, Irish Gold, Dermot and Nuala together solve mysteries in both past and present. The Civil War mystery is "The Great Camp Douglas Conspiracy" and a buried treasure. The mystery in the present is a series of robberies from art galleries, and a gang of violent thugs.

In both past and present, the politicians were/are corrupt. Nuala and her roommates are falsely arrested and illegally deported by a politician seeking media glory by fanning the flames of xenophobia. Dermot's sister Cindy, a sharp-witted and equally sharp-tongued lawyer, does ferocious legal battle on Nuala's behalf, quoting Gladstone "justice delayed is justice denied".

[Karen L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick re-read to refresh my memory before moving on to the next book in the series. Nuala Anne McGrail is straight from Ireland but currently residing in Chicago, working as an accountant. She has visions sometimes that lead her and Dermot Michael Coyne into detective mode to solve the mystery. The story is told from Dermot’s point of view. He is currently a writer, made it big on Wall Street by accident and then got out. This particular story has them dealing with a conspiracy from the Civil War period and weaves through multiple threads during a time which art is being stolen and politics, government organizations, and prejudicial proceedings still thrived.

[Dawnrenae · Rating 5 out of 5]

There isn't one Andrew M. Greeley novel that I haven't loved. the Nuala McGrail novels, are by far my all time favorite books!

'Tis my 3rd time reading the series, and now am buying each one for my shelves.

Irish Lace, another brilliant myster,taking place during the Civil War. A gripping tale of the betrayal of the United States Government, and true, lasting love.

The characters in this series are, while maybe a little fantasized, fun, easy to love, and absolutely remarkable.

[Howard Boswell · Rating 4 out of 5]

After I read the first book in this series, Irish Gold, I wanted to read the next. Irish Lace did not disappoint. It’s part history, part romance, part mystery, and part supernatural. The late Andrew Greeley gave us two great characters in Nuala and Dermot. His attention to detail was wonderful. His insights into society, history, politics, and the Irish experience we’re surprising. I can hardly wait to read the third book, Irish Whiskey.

[Tim Boone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy reading romance and engaging mystery!

Well, I love the Irish brogue! Reminds me of wonderful times in Ireland. The story is intimate and real. It moves quickly but it’s hard to put down. What’s going to happen next. Greely is a wonderful seanachie.

[NK · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honestly, I was prepared to give this book up as I am unable to relate to the characters. I like books with Chicago references and stuck with it. I liked the last third of the book and will read the next in series, since I already have it.

[Kaili · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was better than the first book, in my opinion. When it started out, there was some information (such as Nuala's visions) that came out of nowhere because it wasn't mentioned in the first book. Still good characters and a great story!

[Russ Cross · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the book and the characters. Nual Anne is charming. The mysteries are fascinating. I need to find more of this series.

[Frances · Rating 1 out of 5]

Awful book. Very slow. Hoping it would get better, it did not.

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liked the Civil War angle.

[Wendy French · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick read, interesting things about Chicago.

[Robin Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

for a book written in the 1990s, I should good insight into the xenophobia and anti- immigration policies of today.

[Robyn Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/14449874

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thought I’d try this series – especially since I remembered enjoying Father (a Catholic Priest) Andrew Greeley’s books in the past.

I did enjoy this. However, I did forget how sincere, passionate and interminably focused Greeley could be on the Celtic/Irish race, heritage, folklore, etc., etc. I do have small stake in this – for some odd known reason I have been drawn to the Celtic heritage/race and have married a man of Irish descent. However, why I seem to understand and resonate with this heritage, though it is so different than my own, I do not know. Be that as it may, this focus on Irish/Celtic heritage does become tedious at times.

I truly am drawn to Nuala Anne McGrail’s fey, or psychic abilities, in “American” terms. While her “visions, impressions and/or feelings” lead her to help solve mysteries of the past, she can’t see to do this on her own, and needs the help of her “soul mate” and partner, Dermot Michael Coyne. I enjoyed this enough to want to explore the development of Dermot and Nuala’s relationship.

I will go on to read more in this series, even though the focus on the Celtic/Irish heritage can be a bit overbearing.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although it won't be the most memorable book, still a good read. When I picked it up, seeing that it was published by Tor. Tor specializes im Fantasy/ Science fiction Books. I said to Myself, This should be interesting, Andrew Greeley Writing a novel in this vein. And about a psychic at that.

But to my dissapppointment it was a typical Mystery Novel. But a good portion of the Book, described the Civil War as it Played out in the Chicago area, so i was pleasantly suprised by that fact, since i am a Historical Novel fan.

I also noted that there are a whole series of these books, the Nuala Anne McGrail Series.
Am i considering reading more Novels in this series?

U Betcha ;)

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've truly liked the books of this series. There are some mystical elements that are a bit strange, but the characters are interesting and have mostly good morals. All in all, these are good mysteries. They are written well also although I was surprised at the level of eroticism considering the series is by a priest.
In each book,the couple solves at least one older often ancient mystery and a current-time mystery that are slightly connected as well as work through a crisis in their relationship or,in the later novels,family life.

[Robin · Rating 1 out of 5]

This one had been sitting on my shelf for years. I have no recollection as to when or why I bought it. Maybe during my Nora Roberts Irish phase? I dunno. Well. It was a long, trudging journey. I kept expecting (hoping!) it would somehow get better, the narrator less annoying and cloying, the "mystery" (frankly, there wasn't much of one) more gripping, the preachiness less grating... but no. It didn't. At least I finished it. Though I kind of wonder why.

[Thomas S · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maybe 2 and 1/2 stars. The sequel to Irish Gold and not as compelling. Set in Chicago as opposed to Ireland, the dynamic Irish duo this time set out to investigate a mystery surrounding a Union POW Camp on the shores of Lake Michigan during the Civil War. A quick, easy read but I wasn't sorry to finish.

[Suzanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

The main character came over from Ireland & had a view of how the Americans live. Got a glimpse of how the Irish speak & what they wear. A fiction book with lots of history. Very nice love story.

[Beth · Rating 1 out of 5]

I couldn't get started. I read the first 30 pages two or three times and gave up. I guess that doesn't really count as reading....

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another good Greely book of Irish America but is it becoming a wee bit political?

[Jayne · Rating 2 out of 5]

Recommended by my dad, it was okay. Too disjointed and too much political rhetoric