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Movie Club Mysteries #1.5
To Hatch a Thief
An Irish cozy mystery featuring mystery, mayhem, and…chickens?
When a valuable diamond necklace is stolen, former American cop and classic movie buff, Maggie Doyle's, peaceful vacation on a remote Irish island comes to an abrupt end.
An island lawyer hires Maggie to find the necklace before its owner realizes it's missing. With a ticking clock and ten fractious hens to look after, Maggie and her UFO-enthusiast friend go in search of the thief before they strike again.
When a valuable diamond necklace is stolen, former American cop and classic movie buff, Maggie Doyle's, peaceful vacation on a remote Irish island comes to an abrupt end.
An island lawyer hires Maggie to find the necklace before its owner realizes it's missing. With a ticking clock and ten fractious hens to look after, Maggie and her UFO-enthusiast friend go in search of the thief before they strike again.
ebook
First published July 23, 2017
143 people are currently reading
389 people want to read
About the author
Zara Keane
42 books987 followersZara Keane is a USA Today bestselling author of Irish cozy mysteries and romantic comedies.
Zara grew up in Dublin, Ireland, but spent her summers in a small town very similar to the fictitious Ballybeg and Smuggler's Cove.
She currently lives in Switzerland with her family. When she’s not writing, Zara loves knitting, running, unplugged gaming, and adding to her insanely large lipstick collection.
Don't miss a new story! For news, giveaways, and TWO free stories, sign up for Zara's Mailing List at https://zarakeane.com/newsletter/
Zara can also be found in her Facebook Reader Group, the Mystery Mavens.
Zara grew up in Dublin, Ireland, but spent her summers in a small town very similar to the fictitious Ballybeg and Smuggler's Cove.
She currently lives in Switzerland with her family. When she’s not writing, Zara loves knitting, running, unplugged gaming, and adding to her insanely large lipstick collection.
Don't miss a new story! For news, giveaways, and TWO free stories, sign up for Zara's Mailing List at https://zarakeane.com/newsletter/
Zara can also be found in her Facebook Reader Group, the Mystery Mavens.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
March 5, 2018
Maggie Doyle, ex San Francisco cop was on the Irish Whisper Island on vacation to visit her Aunt Noreen. She had recently solved a murder (Dial P For Poison) - and was now down with the flu. But on learning of a very valuable necklace which had been stolen, and the apprehension of a friend of Maggie's for the theft of same, Maggie was determined - flu or not - to prove her friend's innocence.
The Movie Theatre night; the Golf Club's annual chicken event; the Valentine Dance - and of course the obnoxious Sergeant O'Shea and delectable Sergeant Reynolds - all played a part as Maggie searched for answers.
To Hatch a Thief by Zara Keane is the second I've read by this author - and #1.5 in the Movie Club Mystery series - and again, it's fast paced, fun and entertaining. Maggie is an excellent character, as are the majority of the support cast. An excellent cosy mystery, and I'll be reading the next soon. Highly recommended.
The Movie Theatre night; the Golf Club's annual chicken event; the Valentine Dance - and of course the obnoxious Sergeant O'Shea and delectable Sergeant Reynolds - all played a part as Maggie searched for answers.
To Hatch a Thief by Zara Keane is the second I've read by this author - and #1.5 in the Movie Club Mystery series - and again, it's fast paced, fun and entertaining. Maggie is an excellent character, as are the majority of the support cast. An excellent cosy mystery, and I'll be reading the next soon. Highly recommended.
September 28, 2025
A very short and fast installment that takes place approximately two weeks after the events of the first book. I recommend reading this series in order to understand how Maggie went from being a police officer in San Francisco to moving to Whisper Island, Ireland, where her father is from.
The interesting thing about this story is that there are no dead bodies, no murderous shadows stalking the innocent, no blood or bludgeoning, just good old-fashioned larceny.
It was nice to catch up with Maggie, Liam and the rest of the residents on the very delightful Whisper Island. This story provided some fun moments involving dancing chickens as well. I am looking forward to spending more time with Maggie and I am hoping that the camaraderie she shares with Liam evolves into something meaningful.
My Final Verdict: Overall, this was a good installment to this series, but I would rather there be more murder and mayhem, which I am sure this series will provide. Zara Keane is a fantastic author who also writes romance novels for those seeking less murder and more warm fuzzies. I recommend this story to fans of cozy mysteries and charming Irish locales.
Thank you to the author, Zara Keane, for the invitation to read and review this book.
The interesting thing about this story is that there are no dead bodies, no murderous shadows stalking the innocent, no blood or bludgeoning, just good old-fashioned larceny.
It was nice to catch up with Maggie, Liam and the rest of the residents on the very delightful Whisper Island. This story provided some fun moments involving dancing chickens as well. I am looking forward to spending more time with Maggie and I am hoping that the camaraderie she shares with Liam evolves into something meaningful.
My Final Verdict: Overall, this was a good installment to this series, but I would rather there be more murder and mayhem, which I am sure this series will provide. Zara Keane is a fantastic author who also writes romance novels for those seeking less murder and more warm fuzzies. I recommend this story to fans of cozy mysteries and charming Irish locales.
Thank you to the author, Zara Keane, for the invitation to read and review this book.
April 23, 2018
A fun cozy set on a small Irish island.
A valuable diamond necklace is stolen, and the sleuth's good friend is the primary suspect. Aided by her family, the usual supercop boyfriend, and a flock of dancing chickens, the case is solved.
Breezy, but entertaining.
A valuable diamond necklace is stolen, and the sleuth's good friend is the primary suspect. Aided by her family, the usual supercop boyfriend, and a flock of dancing chickens, the case is solved.
Breezy, but entertaining.
February 13, 2021
freebie for joining the author's mailing list. The opinions expressed in this review are all my own and not affected by the giveaway.
Maggie is recovering from a bad case of the flu, but eager to help Aunt Noreen with her Movie Theater Café. Maggie is barely out of bed when she learns Jennifer, the village solicitor, wants to speak with her. By the time Maggie is able to leave her sick bed, Jennifer has been arrested. Sergeant O’Shea is still too lazy to do his job properly but perhaps Maggie can ferret out some information from the hottie Garda Sergeant Reynolds. He reveals Jennifer is charged with stealing a valuable diamond necklace from the late poker player Matt Malone. Everyone knows she's too uptight to do anything illegal and Maggie feels it's up to her to solve the mystery, even though Sergeant Reynolds swears he has it covered. With the Valentine's Day dance coming up, a big storm brewing, a golf club event and still learning how not to burn scones, Maggie has her hands full.
I didn't enjoy this short story as much as Book 1. There's no real reason for Maggie to investigate. Why would Jennifer even ask her to? Maggie acknowledges she isn't licensed to practice law in Ireland and isn't a P.I. Sergeant Reynolds appears to be on the job but then he agrees to let Maggie help. She knows more about the islanders than he does and they're more willing to trust her with information. I loved the local color even more than in the first book though. I was DYING of laughter (inside) at the crazy stuff the locals get up to. There's the annual Valentine's Day dance where old farmers forced to dance with young women. Poor Maggie gets stuck with Paddy! Then there's the chicken leprechaun dance at the golf club. Um what? Given a choice, I'd rather do the Valentine's Day dance! That scene is hysterical though. I'd love to see this series adapted on the Hallmark Channel, just for that one event!
We meet more of the locals in this book. Aaron Nesbitt, Jennifer's boss, is loyal to the core. He knows his employee is honest and doesn't ever suspect otherwise. He insists he's on the up and up but could there be an off chance he stole the necklace? Who else could it be because no one knew the combination to the safe except Aaron and Jennifer! What about Mary Driscoll, Aaron's receptionist? She went to school with Maggie's dad and the Malone brothers. She seems nice enough but she has secrets in her past that might motivate her to steal the necklace. Mamie Byrne, the proprietor of Apple Tree Lodge Bed and Breakfast, is an eccentric older lady. She loves to eavesdrop and gossip with her guests. At first it doesn't seem like she's involved in the mystery but she withholds information from Maggie and Lenny that could have led her to commit a crime. I think she could easily have done it. She may have stopped in to gossip with Mary and overheard something about the necklaces. Niall, the manager and odd-job man at the golf club seems rather uptight about a missing chicken. He helps Maggie search and then something happens that leads me to suspect Niall may not be as dorky and innocent as he seems. However, he gets stressed out just organizing events. I can't see him committing the original theft but perhaps he accidentally found the necklace and took it?
The Malone heirs are a shady lot of annoying rich people. There are two daughters who don't figure into the story and two sons. Enda from Australia and Mick. They're both in the technology business but it seems like Enda has been more successful. He's more flashy and boastful anyway. Enda and Mick had a misspent youth on Whisper Island but nothing was every proven. The brothers bring their sons to Whisper Island. Mick's son Brendan is a pro golfer. He's rude and snobby. If he wanted to date Maggie, he burned his bridges by calling her aunt an "old bat." Rob Malone is more flirtatious and also egotistical. He's a bore. His brother Darren is also incredibly rude by insulting everything about the Movie Club. I do hope one of them is the thief. It would make the most sense but seems too easy. Sgt. O'Shea seems to think they're innocent because he's known them for years. More likely because their father is a big mucky muck in the golf club and Brendan is a pro golfer. That's all O'Shea cares about: golf. Sgt. Reynolds, on the other hand, has some dirt on Darren. Darren seems to give himself away but that's too obvious, right? Still, I hope he gets charged with SOMETHING because he's so rude and nasty.
Once again Lenny accompanies Maggie on her investigation and provides a lot of the comic relief. He's cute, in a weird, stoner nerd kind of way. He's loyal to his friends and neighbors. Günter Hauptmann, the weird dude who lives on a houseboat, is the only young person to voluntarily attend the Valentine's Day dance. He kind of creeps Maggie out but it sure seems like Julie has a thing for him. They bicker a lot so I don't see any romance there. He's kind of crazy but I don't blame him for doing what he did. I probably would have done the same thing.
I was kind of surprised to conclude this mystery with no murder. I didn't guess who stole the necklace or why. The story needs some more information on how Maggie came by the evidence to crack the case.
I hope to read more about Whisper Island in the future.
Quotes:
My friend tugged at his scraggly goatee and groaned. “You’re right. There are only nine chickens on stage. It looks like Dooley is missing.”
I lost my battle against laughter. “Dooley?” I asked between heaves. “The chickens have names?”
Lenny looked indignant. “Of course they do. These are the Chicken Night dancers. Granddad gives them special treatment.”
“In other words, they’re not destined to end up in a stew?”
One of the chickens let out a loud squawk. If I hadn’t known better, I’d have sworn it was glaring at me.
“You’ve gone and upset Raggles, Maggie. He’s the temperamental one, but a talented dancer.”
Lenny’s serious tone and expression made me laugh all the louder.
The runaway chicken perched on a woman’s lap, wings flapping. The cacophony drew squawks of sympathy from the chickens on stage. When Dooley chose this moment to deposit a large quantity of droppings on the woman’s dress, the noise rose to a crescendo.
Maggie is recovering from a bad case of the flu, but eager to help Aunt Noreen with her Movie Theater Café. Maggie is barely out of bed when she learns Jennifer, the village solicitor, wants to speak with her. By the time Maggie is able to leave her sick bed, Jennifer has been arrested. Sergeant O’Shea is still too lazy to do his job properly but perhaps Maggie can ferret out some information from the hottie Garda Sergeant Reynolds. He reveals Jennifer is charged with stealing a valuable diamond necklace from the late poker player Matt Malone. Everyone knows she's too uptight to do anything illegal and Maggie feels it's up to her to solve the mystery, even though Sergeant Reynolds swears he has it covered. With the Valentine's Day dance coming up, a big storm brewing, a golf club event and still learning how not to burn scones, Maggie has her hands full.
I didn't enjoy this short story as much as Book 1. There's no real reason for Maggie to investigate. Why would Jennifer even ask her to? Maggie acknowledges she isn't licensed to practice law in Ireland and isn't a P.I. Sergeant Reynolds appears to be on the job but then he agrees to let Maggie help. She knows more about the islanders than he does and they're more willing to trust her with information. I loved the local color even more than in the first book though. I was DYING of laughter (inside) at the crazy stuff the locals get up to. There's the annual Valentine's Day dance where old farmers forced to dance with young women. Poor Maggie gets stuck with Paddy! Then there's the chicken leprechaun dance at the golf club. Um what? Given a choice, I'd rather do the Valentine's Day dance! That scene is hysterical though. I'd love to see this series adapted on the Hallmark Channel, just for that one event!
We meet more of the locals in this book. Aaron Nesbitt, Jennifer's boss, is loyal to the core. He knows his employee is honest and doesn't ever suspect otherwise. He insists he's on the up and up but could there be an off chance he stole the necklace? Who else could it be because no one knew the combination to the safe except Aaron and Jennifer! What about Mary Driscoll, Aaron's receptionist? She went to school with Maggie's dad and the Malone brothers. She seems nice enough but she has secrets in her past that might motivate her to steal the necklace. Mamie Byrne, the proprietor of Apple Tree Lodge Bed and Breakfast, is an eccentric older lady. She loves to eavesdrop and gossip with her guests. At first it doesn't seem like she's involved in the mystery but she withholds information from Maggie and Lenny that could have led her to commit a crime. I think she could easily have done it. She may have stopped in to gossip with Mary and overheard something about the necklaces. Niall, the manager and odd-job man at the golf club seems rather uptight about a missing chicken. He helps Maggie search and then something happens that leads me to suspect Niall may not be as dorky and innocent as he seems. However, he gets stressed out just organizing events. I can't see him committing the original theft but perhaps he accidentally found the necklace and took it?
The Malone heirs are a shady lot of annoying rich people. There are two daughters who don't figure into the story and two sons. Enda from Australia and Mick. They're both in the technology business but it seems like Enda has been more successful. He's more flashy and boastful anyway. Enda and Mick had a misspent youth on Whisper Island but nothing was every proven. The brothers bring their sons to Whisper Island. Mick's son Brendan is a pro golfer. He's rude and snobby. If he wanted to date Maggie, he burned his bridges by calling her aunt an "old bat." Rob Malone is more flirtatious and also egotistical. He's a bore. His brother Darren is also incredibly rude by insulting everything about the Movie Club. I do hope one of them is the thief. It would make the most sense but seems too easy. Sgt. O'Shea seems to think they're innocent because he's known them for years. More likely because their father is a big mucky muck in the golf club and Brendan is a pro golfer. That's all O'Shea cares about: golf. Sgt. Reynolds, on the other hand, has some dirt on Darren. Darren seems to give himself away but that's too obvious, right? Still, I hope he gets charged with SOMETHING because he's so rude and nasty.
Once again Lenny accompanies Maggie on her investigation and provides a lot of the comic relief. He's cute, in a weird, stoner nerd kind of way. He's loyal to his friends and neighbors. Günter Hauptmann, the weird dude who lives on a houseboat, is the only young person to voluntarily attend the Valentine's Day dance. He kind of creeps Maggie out but it sure seems like Julie has a thing for him. They bicker a lot so I don't see any romance there. He's kind of crazy but I don't blame him for doing what he did. I probably would have done the same thing.
I was kind of surprised to conclude this mystery with no murder. I didn't guess who stole the necklace or why. The story needs some more information on how Maggie came by the evidence to crack the case.
I hope to read more about Whisper Island in the future.
Quotes:
My friend tugged at his scraggly goatee and groaned. “You’re right. There are only nine chickens on stage. It looks like Dooley is missing.”
I lost my battle against laughter. “Dooley?” I asked between heaves. “The chickens have names?”
Lenny looked indignant. “Of course they do. These are the Chicken Night dancers. Granddad gives them special treatment.”
“In other words, they’re not destined to end up in a stew?”
One of the chickens let out a loud squawk. If I hadn’t known better, I’d have sworn it was glaring at me.
“You’ve gone and upset Raggles, Maggie. He’s the temperamental one, but a talented dancer.”
Lenny’s serious tone and expression made me laugh all the louder.
The runaway chicken perched on a woman’s lap, wings flapping. The cacophony drew squawks of sympathy from the chickens on stage. When Dooley chose this moment to deposit a large quantity of droppings on the woman’s dress, the noise rose to a crescendo.
June 23, 2018
Another delightful gem from Zara Keane! I love Whisper Island, Ireland--where else would the county club want chickens dressed like leprechauns to dance for them on Valentine's Day??? What a hoot!
Of course there has to be a mystery--how about a missing diamond necklace? And you will NEVER GUESS where it's finally found!
Great characters--great mysteries--great fun!
This is just a novella, but a delightful one!
Of course there has to be a mystery--how about a missing diamond necklace? And you will NEVER GUESS where it's finally found!
Great characters--great mysteries--great fun!
This is just a novella, but a delightful one!
September 17, 2020
3.5 stars
Maggie is asked by Jennifer, the island solicitor, to "unofficially" look for a missing diamond necklace of a client. This is a quite a fun novella, set up between Dial P For Poison and The Postman Always Dies Twice. Yes, fun because again, there's so much into Whisper Island citizens and traditions that I am happily informed about. Like a chicken dance at a gold club 😂.
Anyway, I like the mystery, but similar to my experience with book one, I thought the author didn't really lay down the "path to conclusion" really nicely. I feel like Maggie arrived at the conclusion with a HUGE jump from the clues being laid out at her, and I still wonder how she came up with that idea.
Nonetheless, I'm ready for more Maggie Doyle adventure at Whisper Island. Plus, the titles of these books are pretty cool
Maggie is asked by Jennifer, the island solicitor, to "unofficially" look for a missing diamond necklace of a client. This is a quite a fun novella, set up between Dial P For Poison and The Postman Always Dies Twice. Yes, fun because again, there's so much into Whisper Island citizens and traditions that I am happily informed about. Like a chicken dance at a gold club 😂.
Anyway, I like the mystery, but similar to my experience with book one, I thought the author didn't really lay down the "path to conclusion" really nicely. I feel like Maggie arrived at the conclusion with a HUGE jump from the clues being laid out at her, and I still wonder how she came up with that idea.
Nonetheless, I'm ready for more Maggie Doyle adventure at Whisper Island. Plus, the titles of these books are pretty cool
August 11, 2017
I am loving this series. I had started reading book two, The Postman Always Dies Twice, when I discovered this one, a longish novella set between the first ( Dial P for Poison) and second novels. So I switched over to read this one first. To Hatch a Thief involves stolen diamonds and dancing chickens (in leprechaun costumes!), not to mention the intriguing Sergeant Reynolds. I've already downloaded #3 (How To Murder a Millionaire), and #4 (The Thirty-Nine Cupcakes) is due out next month.
August 20, 2017
Wonderful
I'm so glad I found the Movie Club ?Mysteries series. Each book - in this case short story / novella - gets better and better!
I'm so glad I found the Movie Club ?Mysteries series. Each book - in this case short story / novella - gets better and better!
April 16, 2018
A great Novella in this series.
January 9, 2022
This most enjoyable and engaging series set in Ireland, features a divorced and disgraced cop from San Francisco who is rethinking her life. Maggie feels compelled to use her skills to solve crimes.
September 20, 2022
Maggie’s friend asks her to help clear her name after
she is accused of stealing a diamond necklace. Since
there were four necklaces in the safe one would wonder why she wouldn’t take all four instead of one if she was guilty?
Maggie gets delayed in helping Jennifer because of the flu and then is roped into doing two things she doesn’t want to do but in the end prove immensely important in breaking the case and proving Jennifer’s
innocence. A certain fowl also plays a big part in this fun cozy mystery set against the backdrop of a big storm descending on Whisper Island!
This is a fun cozy with laughs, suspense, adventure and mystery abounding in it which exposes old secrets long kept hidden as well. I enjoyed it and recommend you get started on the series after reading this book so you get better acquainted with Maggie, Lenny and the other inhabitants on Whisper Island! You’ll have a page turning good time as you read these stories and enjoy the adventures and misadventures of one Maggie Doyle who has left San Francisco for the Emerald Isle!
These stories will help you forget the problems in our world for a little while by providing a much needed escape from reality! Here the bad guys are caught and not let off as is common in our cities now. It’s refreshing to read about it and I wish it would happen in real life as it does in novels!
Treat yourself to a quick book that you’ll enjoy and be
glad you picked up and then join the rest of us who are now fans of Maggie, Lenny and the gang on Whisper Island!
she is accused of stealing a diamond necklace. Since
there were four necklaces in the safe one would wonder why she wouldn’t take all four instead of one if she was guilty?
Maggie gets delayed in helping Jennifer because of the flu and then is roped into doing two things she doesn’t want to do but in the end prove immensely important in breaking the case and proving Jennifer’s
innocence. A certain fowl also plays a big part in this fun cozy mystery set against the backdrop of a big storm descending on Whisper Island!
This is a fun cozy with laughs, suspense, adventure and mystery abounding in it which exposes old secrets long kept hidden as well. I enjoyed it and recommend you get started on the series after reading this book so you get better acquainted with Maggie, Lenny and the other inhabitants on Whisper Island! You’ll have a page turning good time as you read these stories and enjoy the adventures and misadventures of one Maggie Doyle who has left San Francisco for the Emerald Isle!
These stories will help you forget the problems in our world for a little while by providing a much needed escape from reality! Here the bad guys are caught and not let off as is common in our cities now. It’s refreshing to read about it and I wish it would happen in real life as it does in novels!
Treat yourself to a quick book that you’ll enjoy and be
glad you picked up and then join the rest of us who are now fans of Maggie, Lenny and the gang on Whisper Island!
July 2, 2022
This is the story of one generation of Malones ( Matt Malone) making his wealth from being a good poker player, as he did not trust banks, he hid his wealth underneath the floorboards of his house. He also had four diamond necklaces locked at his solicitors' office. Anyhow, when he died the siblings and cousins and grandchildren were fighting for their shares. One of the four necklaces was stolen and Maggie Doyle was asked to try and solved the who and why? By the book's end, we come to know that Brendan and Mick Malone were the guilty ones. Read it for yourself to find out about the shenanigans with the chickens, with Lenny Logan, Noreen, Julie, and Gunther, and yes that run-away chicken name Dooley who ended up sitting on top of the stolen necklace in his cage. Lots of humor in this read.
---------------
I received this book as part of a series of this author's E-books give away. It has been nice to get to know the characters of Whisper Island and to experience their joys and sorrows and to finding out how Maggie Doyle's love to solve puzzles and the fact is that she doesn’t like innocent people being accused of stuff they didn’t do. Thank you for these reads.
---------------
I received this book as part of a series of this author's E-books give away. It has been nice to get to know the characters of Whisper Island and to experience their joys and sorrows and to finding out how Maggie Doyle's love to solve puzzles and the fact is that she doesn’t like innocent people being accused of stuff they didn’t do. Thank you for these reads.
November 3, 2022
I do enjoy this author's cozy mysteries especially the Travel PI series. I'd only read #1 in the Movie Club series years ago when I got #1.5 as part of the cozy mystery book club and enjoyed it very much.
Maggie Doyle is a San Francisco detective whose career went on hold after she arrested her ex, another cop on the force. She took an extended vacation to Whisper Island off the coast of Ireland to stay with her Aunt Noreen and help her run the Movie Club held in her aunt's restaurant and hijinx ensue!
Maggie steps in to help investigate the theft of a diamond necklace from the safe of the island's only law firm. When attorney Jennifer is arrested by an incompetent policeman (garda), Maggie is positive she is innocent and begins exploring other possible suspects including the heirs of the man whose estate included the necklace. Many of the escapades had me laughing out loud including Maggie helping with the golf club's annual chicken dance (with live chickens!) in the middle of a huge storm.
I loved the characters, the story, and the solution of the mystery and recommend the book to those who enjoy a light cozy with no murder.
Maggie Doyle is a San Francisco detective whose career went on hold after she arrested her ex, another cop on the force. She took an extended vacation to Whisper Island off the coast of Ireland to stay with her Aunt Noreen and help her run the Movie Club held in her aunt's restaurant and hijinx ensue!
Maggie steps in to help investigate the theft of a diamond necklace from the safe of the island's only law firm. When attorney Jennifer is arrested by an incompetent policeman (garda), Maggie is positive she is innocent and begins exploring other possible suspects including the heirs of the man whose estate included the necklace. Many of the escapades had me laughing out loud including Maggie helping with the golf club's annual chicken dance (with live chickens!) in the middle of a huge storm.
I loved the characters, the story, and the solution of the mystery and recommend the book to those who enjoy a light cozy with no murder.
May 4, 2022
After solving a murder on Whisper Islamd during her vacation, Maggie has gained a reputation for her brains and skill in detecting. That’s why a Whisper Island resident solicitor asks for her help in discovering what became of an expensive diamond necklace that she has been accused of stealing. Can Maggie discover who stole the necklace, or will her new friend be framed for theft? And why, oh why, are there chickens involved?!
This is a nice novella that keeps the characters you met in the first book fresh in your mind while also introducing new ways to see them. With the same fun and flair as Dial P for Poison, To Hatch a Thief will make you laugh and wonder just who stole the diamond necklace and what their motive was. If you enjoyed the first book, this novella will keep you interested in the characters and add to the universe that Keane has constructed.
This is a nice novella that keeps the characters you met in the first book fresh in your mind while also introducing new ways to see them. With the same fun and flair as Dial P for Poison, To Hatch a Thief will make you laugh and wonder just who stole the diamond necklace and what their motive was. If you enjoyed the first book, this novella will keep you interested in the characters and add to the universe that Keane has constructed.
January 2, 2021
This is a novella that sits between books 1 & 2 in the “Whisper Island” series.
Maggie has returned to her native Ireland after several years in the USA and finds herself trying to solve the mystery of a stolen necklace.
We have a number of family members, a storm, the inevitable incompetance from the police & some chickens - but no dead bodies this time! It's not a literary masterpiece but it is a delightful cosy mystery that is recommended to any fans of the genre & a nice introduction to the series if you haven't read any of the other books.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book free from the author. Whilst thanks go to her for the opportunity to read it, all opinions are my own.
#ZaraKeane #BookReview
Maggie has returned to her native Ireland after several years in the USA and finds herself trying to solve the mystery of a stolen necklace.
We have a number of family members, a storm, the inevitable incompetance from the police & some chickens - but no dead bodies this time! It's not a literary masterpiece but it is a delightful cosy mystery that is recommended to any fans of the genre & a nice introduction to the series if you haven't read any of the other books.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book free from the author. Whilst thanks go to her for the opportunity to read it, all opinions are my own.
#ZaraKeane #BookReview
May 27, 2020
Diamonds and chickens?
This was a fun read with Zara Keene’s zany town of characters from the first book. A grandfather dies and leaves his inheritance to his heirs. The problem is that he didn’t believe in banks and has a ridiculously large amount of cash, which his local lawyers refuse to be responsible for. So he invests it in 4 diamond necklaces, one for each heir. Until someone manages to steal one of the necklaces. Of course, the local Gendarme, who mainly likes to play golf - not work- has it in for one of the solicitors and accuses her of the theft. So, Maggie and her cohorts are once again on the job!
This was a fun read with Zara Keene’s zany town of characters from the first book. A grandfather dies and leaves his inheritance to his heirs. The problem is that he didn’t believe in banks and has a ridiculously large amount of cash, which his local lawyers refuse to be responsible for. So he invests it in 4 diamond necklaces, one for each heir. Until someone manages to steal one of the necklaces. Of course, the local Gendarme, who mainly likes to play golf - not work- has it in for one of the solicitors and accuses her of the theft. So, Maggie and her cohorts are once again on the job!
August 17, 2017
Maggie gets a text from Jennifer, (one of Whisper Island's only two lawyers) to come see her as soon as possible. They had four diamond necklaces in the office safe, the property of one of their clients estates that was to be held until the probate was over. One of the necklaces was stolen and Jennifer was accused of taking it. Maggie has a growing list of suspects including the heirs, their children, and the son and his mother of one of the heirs who had left the island many years before.
Even though this is technically the fourth book in the series, the story falls between books one and two. This is another great addition to the Movie Club Mysteries. Zara Keane's since of humor and knack for details make this a great read that you won't want to put down.
Even though this is technically the fourth book in the series, the story falls between books one and two. This is another great addition to the Movie Club Mysteries. Zara Keane's since of humor and knack for details make this a great read that you won't want to put down.
December 13, 2017
Maggie left the force and her cop parents behind in California after her disastrous divorce and came to stay for a time with her aunt and her business on Whisper Island in Ireland. But you can't take the investigator out of the hurt woman. There are lots of friendly people who know everybody's business, and when a local uptight solicitor is accused of a major theft, Maggie works to help find the real culprit even if it means wearing a leprechaun costume and assisting with costumed dancing chickens! There are plenty of laughs, in this well done cosy mystery as well!
March 18, 2023
A fun novella length follow-up to Dial P For Poison. I'm really starting to like these characters, and look forward to reading more about them in the next novel, The Postman Always Dies Twice. Also, kudos for the mystery not being a murder.
October 1, 2025
The second book in this series, although it's book 1.5, probably because it is shorter. Even though it is a shorter book, the details are well described and it doesn't feel like a novella to me.
I like Maggie's character and the relationships she is building with the island inhabitants. I feel there is a bit more humour/snark in this one and I love it.
The thought pattern Maggie is using to get to the culprit is a bit unclear, that could have been presented a bit more detailed. But overall, I like this series and will be reading more of it.
I like Maggie's character and the relationships she is building with the island inhabitants. I feel there is a bit more humour/snark in this one and I love it.
The thought pattern Maggie is using to get to the culprit is a bit unclear, that could have been presented a bit more detailed. But overall, I like this series and will be reading more of it.
September 7, 2017
My fourth read from author Zara Keane, set between books #1 & #2. Each book has been better than the last. A fast-paced, enjoyable, well-written book with well-developed characters, a captivating storyline and an island whose inhabitants grow on you with every word written. A bargain buy at $.99! Since I own a dozen of her books it won't be my last! I look forward to the next book in this series and I’m sure there will be a next one.
October 2, 2017
This is the first time reading this author but not the last. The main character is Maggie who is visiting family on Whisper Island. She is a former cop from San Francisco and she was asked to help figure out who stole a diamond necklace from a lawyer's safe. She has good investigative skills and with a little help from her friends, she does figure it out and how they did it.
From the first page this book had me hooked. Look forward to reading more by this author.
From the first page this book had me hooked. Look forward to reading more by this author.
January 4, 2018
Cute but probably only for anyone familiar with the characters from the series. Very short filler between full-length books. The mystery wasn’t much, but then again, there wasn’t time for much since it was so short. I got a free copy for signing up for the author’s newsletter and it was worth reading since I had it. Not sure if it would be worth paying for, though, unless you are a huge fan of the series.
February 4, 2023
I received this as a freebie in return for an honest opinion of the story.
I have to say that the setting for this story sounds like somewhere I'd love to live - a small, quaint island. Sounds idyllic to me. I did enjoy reading this story, and it's great that it could be read in one sitting, I wasn't up all night saying 'just one more page'. Cozy mysteries are so much fun, I'm so glad I discovered them.
I have to say that the setting for this story sounds like somewhere I'd love to live - a small, quaint island. Sounds idyllic to me. I did enjoy reading this story, and it's great that it could be read in one sitting, I wasn't up all night saying 'just one more page'. Cozy mysteries are so much fun, I'm so glad I discovered them.
August 26, 2017
To Hatch S Thief is a good book and has lots of fun people to deal with too.
I very much like the character of Maggie. I'm looking forward to read more books by Zara Keane . I like the fact that Maggie is drawn to Officer Liam Reynolds and I hope the relationship leads to something more. Loved the book and recomend you will too..
I very much like the character of Maggie. I'm looking forward to read more books by Zara Keane . I like the fact that Maggie is drawn to Officer Liam Reynolds and I hope the relationship leads to something more. Loved the book and recomend you will too..
April 7, 2018
"A Whisper Island Theft Mystery"
Former cop in the USA, Maggie Doyle, is vacationing on a remote Irish island. But her enjoyment and relaxation comes to an abrupt end. A valuable diamond necklace has been stolen and a local lawyer hires Maggie to find it. This is a story of mystery, mayhem, and lots of chickens. A fun short story to read.
Former cop in the USA, Maggie Doyle, is vacationing on a remote Irish island. But her enjoyment and relaxation comes to an abrupt end. A valuable diamond necklace has been stolen and a local lawyer hires Maggie to find it. This is a story of mystery, mayhem, and lots of chickens. A fun short story to read.
March 19, 2021
The MC returns to a place she loves to regroup from personal and professional turmoil and quickly is pulled into a mystery. The supporting characters are quirky individualists, so it will be interesting to learn more about their lives in upcoming books.
Although it was my pleasure to receive this free book from the author, it was completely my choice to share my honest review.
Although it was my pleasure to receive this free book from the author, it was completely my choice to share my honest review.
July 12, 2023
Another mystery on Whisper Island and once again Maggie Doyle solves the case. An expensive necklace disappears from the safe of the local attorneys’ offices and one of the attorneys is accused of the theft. But Maggie with the help of her friends and relatives figures out the case. Looking forward to seeing what happens next.
June 20, 2024
This one is just as funny as the first book! Shorter, which made it a “read all day” book for me. You still get Maggie solving a mystery, but this time it’s not a murder! You might laugh at the antics in here more than in the first book, but I feel like that will probably be expected when Maggie interacts with certain characters. Doing my best not to spoil anything here, but I promise it is just as good as the first, and it fills in some of the empty space between books 1 and 2!
July 31, 2017
Fun
A nice fun story to cover developments between books 1 and 2. Interesting plot and entertaining characters make for a good read. This series will make a lot more sense read in order, though.
A nice fun story to cover developments between books 1 and 2. Interesting plot and entertaining characters make for a good read. This series will make a lot more sense read in order, though.
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