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Movie Club Mysteries #5
Rebel Without a Claus
Makeup. Mannequins. Murder.
When ex-cop-turned-P.I. Maggie Doyle scores a lucrative undercover job at the makeup counter at a fashionable Galway department store, she expects discounted lipstick and an easy paycheck.
After an altercation with a customer leads to a dead body in Maggie’s bathtub, she and her assistant realize there’s more to the department store case than missing cash. Can they catch the killer before the holidays? Or will the festive season end in an explosion of tinsel and turmoil?
When ex-cop-turned-P.I. Maggie Doyle scores a lucrative undercover job at the makeup counter at a fashionable Galway department store, she expects discounted lipstick and an easy paycheck.
After an altercation with a customer leads to a dead body in Maggie’s bathtub, she and her assistant realize there’s more to the department store case than missing cash. Can they catch the killer before the holidays? Or will the festive season end in an explosion of tinsel and turmoil?
362 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 4, 2017
404 people are currently reading
655 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 139 reviews
January 22, 2021
Once again Maggie Doyle, PI and ex-cop, becomes embroiled in murder. Firstly in Galway where she and Lenny, her assistant, were working undercover, then back home on Whisper Island in the midst of the annual festival. In the lead up to Christmas there were more people on the island than usual which made things a challenge. Sergeant Liam Reynolds, Maggie’s boyfriend and cop on Whisper Island was kept on his toes, while the inclusion of Beth, Maggie’s estranged sister kept things interesting.
Laugh out loud funny in places, Rebel Without a Claus by Zara Keane – 5th in the Movie Club Mysteries – was fabulous! Fun and entertaining with plenty of action, bad guys dressed as Santa, bodies and bullets. And a nicely developing relationship between Liam and Maggie. His eight-year-old daughter Hannah is a sweetheart. Highly recommended.
Laugh out loud funny in places, Rebel Without a Claus by Zara Keane – 5th in the Movie Club Mysteries – was fabulous! Fun and entertaining with plenty of action, bad guys dressed as Santa, bodies and bullets. And a nicely developing relationship between Liam and Maggie. His eight-year-old daughter Hannah is a sweetheart. Highly recommended.
October 3, 2020
This is fifth in a mystery series that has built relationships and some plot elements over time so I recommend reading these in order.
By now, you know what you're getting and I mean that in the best way. The mystery in this one is slightly better with less of a reliance on coincidence. Or, at least, the coincidences in this one arose from having things that were connected be connected.
Enhancing this one was getting to meet Maggie's sister, Beth. I loved that she was given some depth and that we were along to see Maggie get to know her better and outside of the rivalry that had soured their relationship.
The biggest downside remains O'Shea, but in this one, it looks like he might have (finally) gone too far. Let's just say that if he's still around next time, I'll be deeply disappointed. At any rate, he drops my rating half a star to 4½ but not so badly that I'll round down.
A note about Chaste: There are some great relationship developments (mainly Maggie acknowledging to herself that this is something she values, treasures, and is worth working on), but still no mention of sex. I'm assuming that they're doing it because of how long they've been together. But that's all assumption and I kind of like it that way.
By now, you know what you're getting and I mean that in the best way. The mystery in this one is slightly better with less of a reliance on coincidence. Or, at least, the coincidences in this one arose from having things that were connected be connected.
Enhancing this one was getting to meet Maggie's sister, Beth. I loved that she was given some depth and that we were along to see Maggie get to know her better and outside of the rivalry that had soured their relationship.
The biggest downside remains O'Shea, but in this one, it looks like he might have (finally) gone too far. Let's just say that if he's still around next time, I'll be deeply disappointed. At any rate, he drops my rating half a star to 4½ but not so badly that I'll round down.
A note about Chaste: There are some great relationship developments (mainly Maggie acknowledging to herself that this is something she values, treasures, and is worth working on), but still no mention of sex. I'm assuming that they're doing it because of how long they've been together. But that's all assumption and I kind of like it that way.
December 6, 2017
Maggie Doyle and her friend Lenny are in Galway, each working on their own investigation. Since the last book, Lenny has become a full-fledged private investigator and Maggie was able to hire him full time. Everything seems to be going just fine until (big surprise!) a dead body is found in the bathtub of the flat belonging to Lenny's brother that they're sharing for the job duration.
Maggie and Lenny are of course the prime suspects due to the place the body was found but they're at least cleared to go back to Whisper Island where they try to find out what connection that murder has to do with either of their investigations, if any. To make matters even worse, Maggie finds out her sister Beth is coming to the island for Christmas. Liam has some issues going on of his own so he has his daughter Hannah with him.
Zara Keane did not disappoint in this installment! It was just as fun and hilarious as the other books in this series. I was happy to find out that she and Liam and definitely still together and doing well. Hannah being on Whisper Island wasn't quite the problem it was in the last book. Hannah actually kind of likes Maggie now but she also has a little friend to hang out with.
I was pretty determined I wasn't going to like Maggie's sister Beth and at first that was the case but as the story went on, she and Maggie were kind of forced together due to circumstances. I was warming up to her a little since she actually was helpful with the investigation and Liam didn't mind taking her into their confidence.
There were some really good twists so of course I had no idea who the main brains of the operation was. I didn't guess anything and had a lot of fun reading it. The take down was especially funny and enjoyable, pretty much laugh out loud. I'm always anxious to see what Ms. Keane will come up with for the next in the series! It was a quick read but I really didn't want to put it down anyway!
Maggie and Lenny are of course the prime suspects due to the place the body was found but they're at least cleared to go back to Whisper Island where they try to find out what connection that murder has to do with either of their investigations, if any. To make matters even worse, Maggie finds out her sister Beth is coming to the island for Christmas. Liam has some issues going on of his own so he has his daughter Hannah with him.
Zara Keane did not disappoint in this installment! It was just as fun and hilarious as the other books in this series. I was happy to find out that she and Liam and definitely still together and doing well. Hannah being on Whisper Island wasn't quite the problem it was in the last book. Hannah actually kind of likes Maggie now but she also has a little friend to hang out with.
I was pretty determined I wasn't going to like Maggie's sister Beth and at first that was the case but as the story went on, she and Maggie were kind of forced together due to circumstances. I was warming up to her a little since she actually was helpful with the investigation and Liam didn't mind taking her into their confidence.
There were some really good twists so of course I had no idea who the main brains of the operation was. I didn't guess anything and had a lot of fun reading it. The take down was especially funny and enjoyable, pretty much laugh out loud. I'm always anxious to see what Ms. Keane will come up with for the next in the series! It was a quick read but I really didn't want to put it down anyway!
September 25, 2020
The fifth book in Zara Keane's Movie Club Mysteries series is meatier and more complicated from the previous books. It has quite a number of things going on.
First, the 'initial' cases that Maggie and Lenny take in Galway, which involves missing money and embezzlement. Then, there are murders. Finally, another crime () that happens at Whisper Island, after Maggie and Lenny wrap up their cases.
On top of that, Maggie's sister is coming to Whisper Island!
Despite that, I thought Keane was able to connect everything and fully entertained me. Yes, everything connected. It was awesome!
I love that Lenny is now a fully licensed investigator and can formally take case of his own, while still helping Maggie. His talent with computers and internet will not come to waste.
Also, I loved that Keane didn't make Beth (a.k.a. Maggie's younger sister) as a two-dimensional character. I mean, it's so easy to make us, as readers, fully take Maggie's side and hate Beth on sight... because we only get the story from Maggie (since these books are written in 1st person style). I'm glad that it's not the case.
I'm seriously having a blast with this series. And there's only one book left! I'm sad...
First, the 'initial' cases that Maggie and Lenny take in Galway, which involves missing money and embezzlement. Then, there are murders. Finally, another crime () that happens at Whisper Island, after Maggie and Lenny wrap up their cases.
On top of that, Maggie's sister is coming to Whisper Island!
Despite that, I thought Keane was able to connect everything and fully entertained me. Yes, everything connected. It was awesome!
I love that Lenny is now a fully licensed investigator and can formally take case of his own, while still helping Maggie. His talent with computers and internet will not come to waste.
Also, I loved that Keane didn't make Beth (a.k.a. Maggie's younger sister) as a two-dimensional character. I mean, it's so easy to make us, as readers, fully take Maggie's side and hate Beth on sight... because we only get the story from Maggie (since these books are written in 1st person style). I'm glad that it's not the case.
I'm seriously having a blast with this series. And there's only one book left! I'm sad...
August 15, 2021
more than 3 stars, a little less than 4
Maggie and Lenny are on the mainland working on some big cases. While Lenny works on a case for a costume company, Maggie is undercover working at a fancy department store during the busiest shopping days of the year just before Christmas. The owner wants Maggie to find out who is stealing from the cash registers. It should be simple but Maggie's list of suspects is a mile long and she is not very good as customer service. When an irate customer accuses Maggie of selling her facial hair cream instead of cream for sensitive areas (aka "butt bleach"), sparks fly. The altercation ends with Maggie on the verge of being fired. Fortunately, the owner and his son, the manager, know Maggie is under cover and her job is safe -for now. With a gang of unruly Santas running loose and Maggie's beauty blogger sister back in Ireland, she has enough to worry about but when she discovers the irate customer strangled in her bathtub, Maggie freaks. The Inspector in Gallway suspects Maggie and confiscates their electronics. Maggie is furious. She thinks there was something fishy about the customer's tantrum and thinks it may have something to do with her case. When her suspect turns up dead in the Santa pavilion, Maggie suspects they may have been part of a larger crime ring. That's not HER problem so Maggie and Lenny return to Whisper Island in time for the Our Lady of Tears festival. Just when they think the case is closed, it seems to follow them back home. When more crimes are committed, Maggie knows there's a connection but getting Sgt. O'Shea to answer her calls proves to be the most difficult task of all. Can she do this one on her own with just Lenny? Meanwhile, Liam brushes off a date night with Maggie in Gallaway and she's hurt and confused, even after learning the reason why. With Hannah back on the island and criminals to catch, there's not much time for talking and reflection. Will their relationship survive- IF Maggie survives catching a killer?
This is a well-written mystery but grim. It's the darkest so far. I'm confused about the switch from Whisper Island and the Movie Club to the mainland. Isn't the series supposed to be Movie Club? I love Whisper Island and the eccentric people who live there. I love the cafe and the farms too. The movies are fun and the cocktails almost make me want to try them. This mystery had me reading late into the night and guessing what was going on. I was really surprised at the reveal. The villain is TOTALLY bat guano crazy and one scary person. The humor is very funny, of course, thank you to Lenny. Hannah is back adding a bit of lightness to the plot. I also like the subplot about sisters and families. You don't always have to like your sister. I appreciated the brief conversation between Liam and Maggie about her feelings and her place in his family. I don't like that he has a kid because it makes it complicated but I appreciate the adult conversation and also Maggie beings to think about her sister in an adult way too. Most of all, I love Whisper Island and the Our Lady of Tears festival. That's so bizarre and such a Catholic thing. I'm surprised so many people flock to see the Virgin Mary weep in a cave in IRELAND where it's freezing in December. The festival sounds like fun and is probably the last hurrah before the winter really sets in. There were a few typos. The name of the store is Denneheys after the family. The father and son can be referred to as the Denneheys but not the Dennehey's.
Maggie is really fierce here. She fails customer service and she's sassy and smart mouthed to the cops! If she spoke to the SFPD like that, it's no wonder she got kicked off the force. I appreciate how she stands up for herself and for justice but there's such a thing as tact and also defer to a manager if you can't keep your temper in check. Going undercover as a sales rep was a really BAD idea! Maggie is scarred from a childhood spent being compared to her younger sister. Beth aka Eliza Donati was always the beautiful one and whatever she did was all right with Maggie's parents whereas they held her to a different standard and expected her to follow in their footsteps in the SFPD and marry and have children. They don't approve of her choices in life and that's heartbreaking. While Maggie absolutely loved summers on Whisper Island, Beth hated them. She didn't like small island living or nature. The sisters have very different personalities and interests and reminded me SO much of my sister and me. I'm not as rude to my sister as she is but I always tell it like it is. Beth/Eliza can be selfish and annoying but at the end of the day, she's Maggie's sister and that's all that matters. I like Maggie's journey of self-discovery.
Lenny is a hoot. He's as crazy as ever and in his element investigating a case for a costume shop. His idea of fun is not mine. Liam is almost swoony. I love how he's able to function as an adult. He loves his daughter and would do anything for her but he doesn't completely spoil her. He's trying to learn how to balance fatherhood and work and I think he's doing a great job. Hannah is an old 8. I still think she's at least 10 because YouTube is HUGE with that age group and 8 is a little too young to be interested in makeup and beauty.
In Gallaway we are introduce to a whole bunch of new characters. Maggie's co-workers aren't all that wonderful. Tom Dennehy is the store manager and son of the owner. He's either not too bright or faking it because he's a thief. I strongly suspect he's involved in the money thefts. Nuala Kearns, head of Dennehey's cosmetics department, takes her job VERY seriously. She's snippy, sniffy and mean girlish. Not surprising, given the revelations about who she's related to. I suspect she's the thief because she's worked there 30 years and they trust her. She would know how much money they had, how to avoid cameras, etc. Tracey is a wannabe actress and director. She has a one track mind and keeps hoping to make it big some day. It doesn't sound like she has the talent or the means to make that happen and I feel kind of sorry for her. Siobahn works in the household appliances department so Maggie doesn't know her well. She's jealous Maggie didn't get fired and upset at being criticized for mistakes. Siobahn has a boyfriend who sounds like bad news. She's clearly not a good judge of character but Maggie wasn't either when she was younger. Jasper from the men's fashion department is a a weak and fussy man. He's the nervous type. I didn't like Barry, Maggie's only friend. He is too quick to gossip about co-workers with someone he only just met. Evan lives with his mother and is shamed for it. He's kind of a loner though. I don't suspect him of any wrongdoing. I don't want him to be involved. Poopy pants Santa is not Maggie's co-worker per se but he works in the store and has a terrible mishap that causes Maggie to suspect that something smelly is going on, in more ways than one.
Gavin Reynolds, Liam's brother, is on the police force in Gallaway. I like him because he has a sense of humor and knows how much his brother loves Maggie. His boss, Inspector Craddock is a jerk. He's power hungry like Sgt. O'Shea but has more brains. He's a bully and rude to Maggie and Lenny. Yet Maggie is out of line with him even though she knows she would suspect herself too if she were in his shoes.
The bad guys include customer Ms. Butt Bleach, a cranky lady who wouldn't say what she really wanted and didn't bother to read the package. While I agree with Maggie and think she's making a big stink for something that was her own fault, I've worked retail and Maggie doesn't know how to deal with this woman. Ms. BB is a piece of work and making trouble for no reason. Is she a criminal? Even so, she didn't deserve to die. Who are the bad Santas terrorizing the area? They are certainly really BAD dudes and hardened criminals. What they did was just horrible. They aren't too smart though.
Back on Whisper Island we learn more about Lenny's family and why he's so close to Granddad. I feel sorry for him because like Maggie's parents, his don't approve of his career choice. No wonder Maggie and Lenny get along so well. They're both misfits. Lucky Lenny to have his crazy Granddad and Maggie for having two loving aunts. Maggie's sister brings along her Hollywood entourage. Film director Con Ryder is making a modern rom com set in Ireland and he's thinking of casting Eliza/Beth as his star. He seems nice for a Hollywood director. He pushes the sisters to become closer, not being aware of their history. Luke Vaglietti is Eliza's bodyguard and man of the moment. She seems to genuinely like him even though he's a lowly bodyguard. Sile Conlan, the young police officer is fierce but fair. She's very intelligent and good at her job. She can handle O'Shea but he shows no signs of retiring.
I'm eager to see what happens in the next book. I already ready 6.5 so I except some major developments happening in book 6.
Maggie and Lenny are on the mainland working on some big cases. While Lenny works on a case for a costume company, Maggie is undercover working at a fancy department store during the busiest shopping days of the year just before Christmas. The owner wants Maggie to find out who is stealing from the cash registers. It should be simple but Maggie's list of suspects is a mile long and she is not very good as customer service. When an irate customer accuses Maggie of selling her facial hair cream instead of cream for sensitive areas (aka "butt bleach"), sparks fly. The altercation ends with Maggie on the verge of being fired. Fortunately, the owner and his son, the manager, know Maggie is under cover and her job is safe -for now. With a gang of unruly Santas running loose and Maggie's beauty blogger sister back in Ireland, she has enough to worry about but when she discovers the irate customer strangled in her bathtub, Maggie freaks. The Inspector in Gallway suspects Maggie and confiscates their electronics. Maggie is furious. She thinks there was something fishy about the customer's tantrum and thinks it may have something to do with her case. When her suspect turns up dead in the Santa pavilion, Maggie suspects they may have been part of a larger crime ring. That's not HER problem so Maggie and Lenny return to Whisper Island in time for the Our Lady of Tears festival. Just when they think the case is closed, it seems to follow them back home. When more crimes are committed, Maggie knows there's a connection but getting Sgt. O'Shea to answer her calls proves to be the most difficult task of all. Can she do this one on her own with just Lenny? Meanwhile, Liam brushes off a date night with Maggie in Gallaway and she's hurt and confused, even after learning the reason why. With Hannah back on the island and criminals to catch, there's not much time for talking and reflection. Will their relationship survive- IF Maggie survives catching a killer?
This is a well-written mystery but grim. It's the darkest so far. I'm confused about the switch from Whisper Island and the Movie Club to the mainland. Isn't the series supposed to be Movie Club? I love Whisper Island and the eccentric people who live there. I love the cafe and the farms too. The movies are fun and the cocktails almost make me want to try them. This mystery had me reading late into the night and guessing what was going on. I was really surprised at the reveal. The villain is TOTALLY bat guano crazy and one scary person. The humor is very funny, of course, thank you to Lenny. Hannah is back adding a bit of lightness to the plot. I also like the subplot about sisters and families. You don't always have to like your sister. I appreciated the brief conversation between Liam and Maggie about her feelings and her place in his family. I don't like that he has a kid because it makes it complicated but I appreciate the adult conversation and also Maggie beings to think about her sister in an adult way too. Most of all, I love Whisper Island and the Our Lady of Tears festival. That's so bizarre and such a Catholic thing. I'm surprised so many people flock to see the Virgin Mary weep in a cave in IRELAND where it's freezing in December. The festival sounds like fun and is probably the last hurrah before the winter really sets in. There were a few typos. The name of the store is Denneheys after the family. The father and son can be referred to as the Denneheys but not the Dennehey's.
Maggie is really fierce here. She fails customer service and she's sassy and smart mouthed to the cops! If she spoke to the SFPD like that, it's no wonder she got kicked off the force. I appreciate how she stands up for herself and for justice but there's such a thing as tact and also defer to a manager if you can't keep your temper in check. Going undercover as a sales rep was a really BAD idea! Maggie is scarred from a childhood spent being compared to her younger sister. Beth aka Eliza Donati was always the beautiful one and whatever she did was all right with Maggie's parents whereas they held her to a different standard and expected her to follow in their footsteps in the SFPD and marry and have children. They don't approve of her choices in life and that's heartbreaking. While Maggie absolutely loved summers on Whisper Island, Beth hated them. She didn't like small island living or nature. The sisters have very different personalities and interests and reminded me SO much of my sister and me. I'm not as rude to my sister as she is but I always tell it like it is. Beth/Eliza can be selfish and annoying but at the end of the day, she's Maggie's sister and that's all that matters. I like Maggie's journey of self-discovery.
Lenny is a hoot. He's as crazy as ever and in his element investigating a case for a costume shop. His idea of fun is not mine. Liam is almost swoony. I love how he's able to function as an adult. He loves his daughter and would do anything for her but he doesn't completely spoil her. He's trying to learn how to balance fatherhood and work and I think he's doing a great job. Hannah is an old 8. I still think she's at least 10 because YouTube is HUGE with that age group and 8 is a little too young to be interested in makeup and beauty.
In Gallaway we are introduce to a whole bunch of new characters. Maggie's co-workers aren't all that wonderful. Tom Dennehy is the store manager and son of the owner. He's either not too bright or faking it because he's a thief. I strongly suspect he's involved in the money thefts. Nuala Kearns, head of Dennehey's cosmetics department, takes her job VERY seriously. She's snippy, sniffy and mean girlish. Not surprising, given the revelations about who she's related to. I suspect she's the thief because she's worked there 30 years and they trust her. She would know how much money they had, how to avoid cameras, etc. Tracey is a wannabe actress and director. She has a one track mind and keeps hoping to make it big some day. It doesn't sound like she has the talent or the means to make that happen and I feel kind of sorry for her. Siobahn works in the household appliances department so Maggie doesn't know her well. She's jealous Maggie didn't get fired and upset at being criticized for mistakes. Siobahn has a boyfriend who sounds like bad news. She's clearly not a good judge of character but Maggie wasn't either when she was younger. Jasper from the men's fashion department is a a weak and fussy man. He's the nervous type. I didn't like Barry, Maggie's only friend. He is too quick to gossip about co-workers with someone he only just met. Evan lives with his mother and is shamed for it. He's kind of a loner though. I don't suspect him of any wrongdoing. I don't want him to be involved. Poopy pants Santa is not Maggie's co-worker per se but he works in the store and has a terrible mishap that causes Maggie to suspect that something smelly is going on, in more ways than one.
Gavin Reynolds, Liam's brother, is on the police force in Gallaway. I like him because he has a sense of humor and knows how much his brother loves Maggie. His boss, Inspector Craddock is a jerk. He's power hungry like Sgt. O'Shea but has more brains. He's a bully and rude to Maggie and Lenny. Yet Maggie is out of line with him even though she knows she would suspect herself too if she were in his shoes.
The bad guys include customer Ms. Butt Bleach, a cranky lady who wouldn't say what she really wanted and didn't bother to read the package. While I agree with Maggie and think she's making a big stink for something that was her own fault, I've worked retail and Maggie doesn't know how to deal with this woman. Ms. BB is a piece of work and making trouble for no reason. Is she a criminal? Even so, she didn't deserve to die. Who are the bad Santas terrorizing the area? They are certainly really BAD dudes and hardened criminals. What they did was just horrible. They aren't too smart though.
Back on Whisper Island we learn more about Lenny's family and why he's so close to Granddad. I feel sorry for him because like Maggie's parents, his don't approve of his career choice. No wonder Maggie and Lenny get along so well. They're both misfits. Lucky Lenny to have his crazy Granddad and Maggie for having two loving aunts. Maggie's sister brings along her Hollywood entourage. Film director Con Ryder is making a modern rom com set in Ireland and he's thinking of casting Eliza/Beth as his star. He seems nice for a Hollywood director. He pushes the sisters to become closer, not being aware of their history. Luke Vaglietti is Eliza's bodyguard and man of the moment. She seems to genuinely like him even though he's a lowly bodyguard. Sile Conlan, the young police officer is fierce but fair. She's very intelligent and good at her job. She can handle O'Shea but he shows no signs of retiring.
I'm eager to see what happens in the next book. I already ready 6.5 so I except some major developments happening in book 6.
January 13, 2018
Loved it!
I adore this series! The sister showing up was a bonus, and, as always, there is lots of great action with some funny moments, too. Treat yourself to these books!
I adore this series! The sister showing up was a bonus, and, as always, there is lots of great action with some funny moments, too. Treat yourself to these books!
December 7, 2017
ARC received from author for an honest review
And we are back on Whisper Island and another fantastic installment of the Murder Club Mystery series.
I love getting away with a little murder, mystery and intrigue. Though I am starting to suspect that Whisper Island is the new Midsomer, as murders abound there!
PI Maggie Doyle and her partner Lenny are in the thick of it - again! She is such a murder magnet, and you can't help but feel for her when she gets caught up in it all - again!
I adore Maggie. Can't help but love her and her ragtag bunch of family and friends. Lenny is just hilarious! And that Liam Reynolds fella - swoon!
Once again Ms Keane throws red herring after red herring at us, and it is not until the last minute that she let's us know whodunnit. I am usually pretty good at picking the culprit, but with hers I am never quite sure.
Rebel Without a Claus is a different kind of Christmas story - and it is one that I will read again before Santa comes to visit.
Fun and mysterious , I can't wait for the next Movie Club Mystery to hit my kindle.
And we are back on Whisper Island and another fantastic installment of the Murder Club Mystery series.
I love getting away with a little murder, mystery and intrigue. Though I am starting to suspect that Whisper Island is the new Midsomer, as murders abound there!
PI Maggie Doyle and her partner Lenny are in the thick of it - again! She is such a murder magnet, and you can't help but feel for her when she gets caught up in it all - again!
I adore Maggie. Can't help but love her and her ragtag bunch of family and friends. Lenny is just hilarious! And that Liam Reynolds fella - swoon!
Once again Ms Keane throws red herring after red herring at us, and it is not until the last minute that she let's us know whodunnit. I am usually pretty good at picking the culprit, but with hers I am never quite sure.
Rebel Without a Claus is a different kind of Christmas story - and it is one that I will read again before Santa comes to visit.
Fun and mysterious , I can't wait for the next Movie Club Mystery to hit my kindle.
December 20, 2021
It's Christmas time and Movie Reel Investigations has landed a couple of lucrative contracts off-island. Lenny, now a fully-fledged PI, is tracking down embezzlement at a costume company and Maggie is undercover at a high-end department store trying to solve a string of thefts. Their work comes to a stand-still when Maggie discovers a corpse in their bathroom and that's just the start of their problems.
Maggie's life at this point in time can be summed up in one word: exciting. It's a blessing and a curse. There really isn't anything running smoothly when we first meet up with Maggie in Rebel Without a Claus. Clearly, her professional life would lend chaos just by its very nature, but her personal life is also a bit of a mess. Maybe I'm a bit of a sadist because I really enjoyed seeing Maggie running around, putting out fires left and right. Or maybe it's just because the unflappable Maggie is so effective at doing so that I want to stand and applaud. Either way, this story was filled with the perfect amount of thrills balanced with interludes of warm family interactions.
This was the ideal Christmas cosy to finish off my seasonal reads. Such a treat. Recommended.
Maggie's life at this point in time can be summed up in one word: exciting. It's a blessing and a curse. There really isn't anything running smoothly when we first meet up with Maggie in Rebel Without a Claus. Clearly, her professional life would lend chaos just by its very nature, but her personal life is also a bit of a mess. Maybe I'm a bit of a sadist because I really enjoyed seeing Maggie running around, putting out fires left and right. Or maybe it's just because the unflappable Maggie is so effective at doing so that I want to stand and applaud. Either way, this story was filled with the perfect amount of thrills balanced with interludes of warm family interactions.
This was the ideal Christmas cosy to finish off my seasonal reads. Such a treat. Recommended.
August 29, 2023
Cute, very light, cozy mystery.
March 20, 2019
Fun series
I loved all of the books. The mystery in each one kept you guessing. Loved the characters so real. Made you want to hang out with them
I loved all of the books. The mystery in each one kept you guessing. Loved the characters so real. Made you want to hang out with them
December 29, 2017
Maggie Doyle is at it again. Working on a case for her Private Investigations business, Magie goes undercover to find who's been stealing from a department store in Galway and ends up with a dead body in her bathtub. Just a normal day for Maggie!
What comes next is a complicated series of interconnected crimes that don't really seem to be related to each other at first. But Maggie and her sidekick Lenny are up for the challenge to find out just what is going on and how it all follows them back to Whisper Island.
Complicating the crime investigation, at least at first is the unannounced arrival of Maggie's sister. Maggie isn't too thrilled about it, but she's a trooper and handles the inconvenience. I really did like this subplot with Maggie's sister and how their relationship changes over the course of the book. It was really sweet.
Things are also heating up for Maggie with Liam Reynolds, a local law enforcement agent. While this series is a mystery series, there is a touch of romance in each book between Maggie and Liam that always leaves me smiling.
In Rebel Without A Claus, Liam is struggling with a family situation that has him on edge when it comes to his daughter. I'm looking forward to more on this bit of mystery!
Zara Keane does a great job in this series of crafting an engaging mystery and crime for Maggie to solve. I've loved the progression in this series from Maggie coming back to Ireland after her failed marriage to building a business for herself. She's a strong character and I just love her. There's always a nice touch of humor too that always has me finding a place for Zara Keane's stories in my busy reading schedule.
If you like a tight mystery with a bit of humor, quirky local characters and a touch of romance, this might be the series for you.
What comes next is a complicated series of interconnected crimes that don't really seem to be related to each other at first. But Maggie and her sidekick Lenny are up for the challenge to find out just what is going on and how it all follows them back to Whisper Island.
Complicating the crime investigation, at least at first is the unannounced arrival of Maggie's sister. Maggie isn't too thrilled about it, but she's a trooper and handles the inconvenience. I really did like this subplot with Maggie's sister and how their relationship changes over the course of the book. It was really sweet.
Things are also heating up for Maggie with Liam Reynolds, a local law enforcement agent. While this series is a mystery series, there is a touch of romance in each book between Maggie and Liam that always leaves me smiling.
In Rebel Without A Claus, Liam is struggling with a family situation that has him on edge when it comes to his daughter. I'm looking forward to more on this bit of mystery!
Zara Keane does a great job in this series of crafting an engaging mystery and crime for Maggie to solve. I've loved the progression in this series from Maggie coming back to Ireland after her failed marriage to building a business for herself. She's a strong character and I just love her. There's always a nice touch of humor too that always has me finding a place for Zara Keane's stories in my busy reading schedule.
If you like a tight mystery with a bit of humor, quirky local characters and a touch of romance, this might be the series for you.
December 17, 2021
I loved this book, there is so much going on that I was hooked until the very end. I loved it because of the great characters. They are like able characters, very down to earth and often humours, especially the assistant Lenny with all his disguises. They make a great team with Maggie's knack of finding bodies and working clues to Lenny's enthusiasm and Tec skills. But it is not only the main characters that work because they are also supported by a number of friends and family, who are just as interesting. There is home life drama but rather than take over the story it helped enhance the mystery and I like the small town feel of the book. The mystery was good and took lots of different directions as it unfolded. It was a well thought out plot that worked and a book I will be adding to my audio book collection, I liked it that much.
It's a good job Maggie owns her own private investigation agency because she wouldn't last long in a department store. Especially when she sells the wrong item to a customer and the customer wants to complain. However, rather than get fired, she is told to work faster at finding out which employee is stealing from the company. The investigation hits a road block when the angry customer is found dead in the a apartment she is sharing with her assistant while they both work under cover cases. Does someone at the department store know she is investigating them? A late night stake out leads to clues and another dead body and the simple case get very complicated. With the police taking over the case, Maggie and Lenny are let go and they return to there home town Whisper island to join in with holiday celebrations. But trouble follows them and they get caught up in a bank heist. Are the two cases connected? Both involved Santa disguise. Maggie is determined to find out.
It's a good job Maggie owns her own private investigation agency because she wouldn't last long in a department store. Especially when she sells the wrong item to a customer and the customer wants to complain. However, rather than get fired, she is told to work faster at finding out which employee is stealing from the company. The investigation hits a road block when the angry customer is found dead in the a apartment she is sharing with her assistant while they both work under cover cases. Does someone at the department store know she is investigating them? A late night stake out leads to clues and another dead body and the simple case get very complicated. With the police taking over the case, Maggie and Lenny are let go and they return to there home town Whisper island to join in with holiday celebrations. But trouble follows them and they get caught up in a bank heist. Are the two cases connected? Both involved Santa disguise. Maggie is determined to find out.
January 15, 2022
This book is one that I had waited to read until December because it takes place in December at Christmas time. I decided that I had to read it at Christmas and I have to say it was WORTH the wait! This book is the fifth book in The Movie Club Mysteries, and I have yet to not like one of the books in the series. If you are looking for a well writen funny murder mystery that is set a Christmas time then this is the book for you, Zara Keane is quickly becoming a favorite of mine. She has a talent for making your blood race with adrenaline and at the same time making you laugh. One thing is for sure this book has more murder than most Christmas books that I have read, and I enjoyed this twist on the normal Christmas story. As like the other four books in this series the pepper rating is a Bell Pepper with a few kisses and not much else to the relationship in the series.
Set in Ireland like all the others, only this time in Galaway and not on the Whisper Island. It adds another dynamic to the series now that the series is not stuck on the island, that being said I loved how our heroine deals with the egotistical men in the Irish Guarda. The thing that drives me a little crazy is the lack of females in the Gaurda, and how the men in power are not willing to listen to an intelligent female because of what she doesn't have in-between her legs. But since I haven't dealt with the Guarda personally I can't guarantee how accurate the portrayal of the system actually is. I have to give this book a 4.5 out of 5 stars.
I would recommend this book to anyone that likes Cozy Mysteries that have humor along with a well written mystery.
I hope this helps you find your next Tantalizing Tome.
Set in Ireland like all the others, only this time in Galaway and not on the Whisper Island. It adds another dynamic to the series now that the series is not stuck on the island, that being said I loved how our heroine deals with the egotistical men in the Irish Guarda. The thing that drives me a little crazy is the lack of females in the Gaurda, and how the men in power are not willing to listen to an intelligent female because of what she doesn't have in-between her legs. But since I haven't dealt with the Guarda personally I can't guarantee how accurate the portrayal of the system actually is. I have to give this book a 4.5 out of 5 stars.
I would recommend this book to anyone that likes Cozy Mysteries that have humor along with a well written mystery.
I hope this helps you find your next Tantalizing Tome.
December 7, 2017
Movie Club Mysteries just keeps getting more outrageously entertaining with book 5, Rebel Without a Claus. Zara Keane has created a likable character with P.I. Maggie Doyle. She says what she thinks, filters nothing so anything can come out of her mouth, then she has a smart but comical costume wearing assistant, Lenny. It is her boyfriend that plays the straight sensible guy in the series but even he has his problems in this book.
No one can run across dead bodies like Maggie. I could hardly believe where this one was found. Still, I enjoyed the story immensely, mostly because of the “don’t take it too serious” attitude of Maggie along with her ability to solve the case. Of course, I appreciate her current taste in men.
This read well as a stand-alone, but one book of Maggie probable won’t be enough for any cozy mystery fan. I have read two other series by Zara Keane, both very different but with strong elements of suspense too. While the Ballybeg Series is still my all time favorite by her, the Movie Club Mysteries runs a close second.
4.5 Stars
The publisher/author gave me a complimentary ARC of the book.
December 9, 2017
In the 5th book of Zara Keane's Movie Club Mysteries, Maggie and her friend Lenny go undercover in Galway on two separate cases: Maggie in a department store to find out who is skimming money from the store and Lenny in a costume shop. Maggie's investigation into the money thefts indicates the theft of the money is the tip of the iceberg and more is at stake. When a body is found in the bathtub where Maggie is staying and is the body of the customer she had words with earlier that day, it is apparent that someone knows she is undercover and is setting her up to take the fall. When a second body turns up, she and her friend Lenny must find the killer before one of them becomes a victim.
This is another well written, entertaining cozy in this fabulous series. Lennie is hilarious using the costumes from the shop he was working at as disguises. This series never disappoints. It has great characters, humor, well plotted and best of all--it's set in Ireland! If you haven't read this series, you need to and if you have, Rebel Without a Claus is a great addition to this wonderful series. Note: I was given an advance copy by the author .
This is another well written, entertaining cozy in this fabulous series. Lennie is hilarious using the costumes from the shop he was working at as disguises. This series never disappoints. It has great characters, humor, well plotted and best of all--it's set in Ireland! If you haven't read this series, you need to and if you have, Rebel Without a Claus is a great addition to this wonderful series. Note: I was given an advance copy by the author .
February 1, 2019
Enjoyable holiday themed cozy
This fifth book in the series builds on what we’ve already come to know and love about our heroine Maggie and finally gives us some more background information. We get a bit more family information (evidently both her parents were cops in SF) when we meet her sister Beth who has come to Whisper Island.
We get a lot more Lenny and some hints that there may be something going on between Lenny and Sile, the new cop introduced in the last book. We also get more of Liam’s smart mouthed daughter who it appears may now be staying on the island. And hopefully the buffoon sergeant O’Shea has dug his grave deep enough to be done this time.
Not much of the other secondary characters we’ve come to enjoy but the storyline is entertaining. Once again the author does a great job with red herrings and clever clues. There is some great snark and there are some tender moments. Looking back after the final villain was revealed you can see the clues that were provided but they were cleverly disguised. Can’t wait for the next book in the series sometime later this year.
This fifth book in the series builds on what we’ve already come to know and love about our heroine Maggie and finally gives us some more background information. We get a bit more family information (evidently both her parents were cops in SF) when we meet her sister Beth who has come to Whisper Island.
We get a lot more Lenny and some hints that there may be something going on between Lenny and Sile, the new cop introduced in the last book. We also get more of Liam’s smart mouthed daughter who it appears may now be staying on the island. And hopefully the buffoon sergeant O’Shea has dug his grave deep enough to be done this time.
Not much of the other secondary characters we’ve come to enjoy but the storyline is entertaining. Once again the author does a great job with red herrings and clever clues. There is some great snark and there are some tender moments. Looking back after the final villain was revealed you can see the clues that were provided but they were cleverly disguised. Can’t wait for the next book in the series sometime later this year.
February 22, 2021
This is a fun cozy mystery book with a touch of romance. It has quirky characters and makes murder seem not only common place, but also not too much of a big deal. Obviously, a cozy mystery is not going to focus too much attention on the murdery aspect of the story, but I was surprised by the body count. One of the characters had a line that I’m hoping to remember for use in my own life: “You’ve got a face like a wet weekend.”
There was one scene in the book that I found difficult to follow and I think it probably needed to be worded better. Lenny pulled out a box of chocolates and everyone was eating them. Beth asked Maggie if she could give the dog a doggy biscuit. Maggie said okay, but just one. Then Beth reached for the box of chocolates and chose a coconut-covered truffle. I think it’s common knowledge that chocolate is toxic to dogs, but the way this was worded had me thinking the poor dog was about to get very sick. It didn’t say that she gave the truffle to the dog, but it didn’t say she gave the biscuit to him either. The fact that she reached for a chocolate after getting permission to give him a biscuit was odd. Overall, I enjoyed the book.
There was one scene in the book that I found difficult to follow and I think it probably needed to be worded better. Lenny pulled out a box of chocolates and everyone was eating them. Beth asked Maggie if she could give the dog a doggy biscuit. Maggie said okay, but just one. Then Beth reached for the box of chocolates and chose a coconut-covered truffle. I think it’s common knowledge that chocolate is toxic to dogs, but the way this was worded had me thinking the poor dog was about to get very sick. It didn’t say that she gave the truffle to the dog, but it didn’t say she gave the biscuit to him either. The fact that she reached for a chocolate after getting permission to give him a biscuit was odd. Overall, I enjoyed the book.
May 30, 2022
Maggie Doyle is back just in time for Christmas. Hired for an undercover job to ferret out a thief at a department store in Galway, Maggie finds herself at odds with her manager for an accidental miscommunication with a customer. Things are smoothed over, or they are until that customer winds up dead in the apartment Maggie and Lenny are staying in. Now suspects in a much larger case, the two private investigators are set back while the cops search their electronics.
After wrapping up their cases, it’s back to Whisper Island for the two PIs, and just in time for a festival that will boost the businesses of the Island in the winter months. But as Maggie settles back into the swing of things, the case that she solved keeps bothering her. And when the case that the Galway police are investigating comes way too close to home, Maggie knows she has to solve the case before anybody else winds up dead.
This book was so funny that I was crying. With some of the best humor in a series that has good humor in every book, this book had me in tears by the end. The same familiar characters are there to warm your heart like a stout Irish whiskey, and the new characters are interesting enough to keep you guessing all the way through. If you love the other Movie Club Mysteries, then Rebel Without a Clause will have you in stitches as you try to find out just whodunnit.
After wrapping up their cases, it’s back to Whisper Island for the two PIs, and just in time for a festival that will boost the businesses of the Island in the winter months. But as Maggie settles back into the swing of things, the case that she solved keeps bothering her. And when the case that the Galway police are investigating comes way too close to home, Maggie knows she has to solve the case before anybody else winds up dead.
This book was so funny that I was crying. With some of the best humor in a series that has good humor in every book, this book had me in tears by the end. The same familiar characters are there to warm your heart like a stout Irish whiskey, and the new characters are interesting enough to keep you guessing all the way through. If you love the other Movie Club Mysteries, then Rebel Without a Clause will have you in stitches as you try to find out just whodunnit.
January 2, 2021
The fifth in the “Whisper Island” series, and ex-cop-turned-Private-Investigator Maggie does seem to attract dead bodies! In many ways Whisper Island has a “Midsomer Murders” air, in that so many murders could not possibly occur on such a small island as Whisper Island, yet somehow it all makes sense for the story …
Like many books of the genre, there is one too many deaths, some unlikely situations and enough incompetent policing that allows the amateur sleuth to shine. Throw in some fancy dress costumes, a handful of “bad santas” and a famous beauty vlogger who just happens to be Maggie’s estranged sister & we have a slightly unbelievable plot that somehow works & keeps you engaged. The clues are there but they are mixed with just enough red herrings to keep you guessing!
This is a delightful cosy mystery that is recommended to any fans of the genre.
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
Like many books of the genre, there is one too many deaths, some unlikely situations and enough incompetent policing that allows the amateur sleuth to shine. Throw in some fancy dress costumes, a handful of “bad santas” and a famous beauty vlogger who just happens to be Maggie’s estranged sister & we have a slightly unbelievable plot that somehow works & keeps you engaged. The clues are there but they are mixed with just enough red herrings to keep you guessing!
This is a delightful cosy mystery that is recommended to any fans of the genre.
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
September 15, 2024
This kept me entertained and guessing the entire time. Every time I thought I figured out ‘whodunit’, author Zara Keane twisted my expectations. Maggie Doyle is a likable protagonist. I jumped into this series at book five but I didn't feel like I missed too much backstory. However, the author didn't bog down this story with a retelling of Maggie's past. The other characters were enjoyable as well. None of them were made into clichés. Even her goofy partner wasn't made to be too goofy. Her sister wasn't too dramatic or vindictive. Everyone felt realistic.
Maggie is undercover in a department store at Christmas time as a clerk. She is supposed to investigate how money is going missing, but she stumbles upon a much bigger crime. When a body is found in her apartment, I appreciated how the author didn’t make the police inept or too arrogant. Crime seems to find Maggie and she has a reputation for finding dead bodies, but that makes for a fun tale.
I recommend this to anyone who enjoyed Sue Grafton's "Alphabet" series and find Stephen Plum too silly.
Maggie is undercover in a department store at Christmas time as a clerk. She is supposed to investigate how money is going missing, but she stumbles upon a much bigger crime. When a body is found in her apartment, I appreciated how the author didn’t make the police inept or too arrogant. Crime seems to find Maggie and she has a reputation for finding dead bodies, but that makes for a fun tale.
I recommend this to anyone who enjoyed Sue Grafton's "Alphabet" series and find Stephen Plum too silly.
December 8, 2017
Maggie and Lenny are trying to expand their business on the mainland, Maggie is undercover at a high-end retail store that is hemorrhaging money, and Lenny is working at a costume shop.
Maggie is confronted by a woman at the makeup counter over a botched sale that caused some cosmetic damage, and about an hour later wound up dead in Maggie's bath tub.
As Maggie and Lenny are on stakeout in the store, they discover the thefts are a lot more complicated than originally thought. And the bodies start piling up, keeping her reputation as a dead body magnet in line.
The story gets quite a bit humorous, especially after Maggie's sister shows up on the island. It's a wonderful story, lots of humor, well developed characters and a fun Christmas theme filled with chaos. It was also fun to see Maggie and her sister, Beth, starting to build a relationship that can possibly turn into friendship.
Maggie is confronted by a woman at the makeup counter over a botched sale that caused some cosmetic damage, and about an hour later wound up dead in Maggie's bath tub.
As Maggie and Lenny are on stakeout in the store, they discover the thefts are a lot more complicated than originally thought. And the bodies start piling up, keeping her reputation as a dead body magnet in line.
The story gets quite a bit humorous, especially after Maggie's sister shows up on the island. It's a wonderful story, lots of humor, well developed characters and a fun Christmas theme filled with chaos. It was also fun to see Maggie and her sister, Beth, starting to build a relationship that can possibly turn into friendship.
December 9, 2017
Books in Movie Club Mysteries series by Zara Keane are always a delight to be read, and this one is no different.
Lenny had became fully legitimized PI, and worked together with Maggie. They worked on cases away from the island when a body was found in their shared flat. Surprise! Haha, well, not really. Maggie seemed to stumble on dead bodies on regular basis. Maggie, Liam, and Lenny tried to solve the mystery. There were some helps from unexpected sources, twists and turns that kept me wondering who the real culprit was.
As usual, this book was full of humour, from sarcasm to full laugh out loud. Enough mysteries and suspense to keep me hooked. Enough love and commitment to make my heart warmed. Books in this series always make me happy, left me satisfied and wanting for more. So… More, please!
I was provided a complementary copy by the author / publisher, but this in no way influenced my thoughts or opinions.
Lenny had became fully legitimized PI, and worked together with Maggie. They worked on cases away from the island when a body was found in their shared flat. Surprise! Haha, well, not really. Maggie seemed to stumble on dead bodies on regular basis. Maggie, Liam, and Lenny tried to solve the mystery. There were some helps from unexpected sources, twists and turns that kept me wondering who the real culprit was.
As usual, this book was full of humour, from sarcasm to full laugh out loud. Enough mysteries and suspense to keep me hooked. Enough love and commitment to make my heart warmed. Books in this series always make me happy, left me satisfied and wanting for more. So… More, please!
I was provided a complementary copy by the author / publisher, but this in no way influenced my thoughts or opinions.
December 30, 2017
This series is so much fun.
Rebel Without a Claus continues the adventures (and sometimes misadventures) of Maggie Doyle, an American ex-cop starting over on the little Irish Island where much of her father’s family lives. Maggie and her friend and assistant P.I Lenny are doing undercover work for their newly established Movie Reel Investigations when they find a body in a bathtub. And that’s not the last body Maggie, widely known as a corpse magnet, will find in the course of the book. Throw in a half dozen Bad Santas, some odd behavior on the part of Liam Reynolds, Maggie’s police officer boyfriend, and the unexpected arrival of Maggie’s estranged sister Beth, now a famous beauty vlogger, and you have the ingredients for another tale combining laughter and mayhem.
I’ve read the whole Movie Club Mysteries series this year and enjoyed it thoroughly. I’ll be watching for the next one, Some Like It Shot, due out in the spring.
Rebel Without a Claus continues the adventures (and sometimes misadventures) of Maggie Doyle, an American ex-cop starting over on the little Irish Island where much of her father’s family lives. Maggie and her friend and assistant P.I Lenny are doing undercover work for their newly established Movie Reel Investigations when they find a body in a bathtub. And that’s not the last body Maggie, widely known as a corpse magnet, will find in the course of the book. Throw in a half dozen Bad Santas, some odd behavior on the part of Liam Reynolds, Maggie’s police officer boyfriend, and the unexpected arrival of Maggie’s estranged sister Beth, now a famous beauty vlogger, and you have the ingredients for another tale combining laughter and mayhem.
I’ve read the whole Movie Club Mysteries series this year and enjoyed it thoroughly. I’ll be watching for the next one, Some Like It Shot, due out in the spring.
August 31, 2024
3.5
Love the Irish setting and Maggie is a wonderful mix of sarcastic and tenderhearted. She's a gutsy American ex-cop starting up a PI business on Ireland's west coast. The Irish island setting is a dream as are the eclectic mix of inhabitants who add a lot of colour to the story.
This is the fifth book in the Movie Club Mysteries series and I recommend reading them in order...or at least the first two...to get a better understanding of relationship dynamics an overall feel for the setting and Maggie's story.
The mystery takes on a few crazy spins, involving a lot of Santas which adds the perfect touch of holiday mayhem.
The only thing I really don't like in this series is the occasional use of what I think of as 'middle-grade boy humour'. Just not a fan and it detracts enough from my enjoyment that I'm not itching to get my hands on the next book. I like the characters enough that I'm invested in their lives, but this series is best served in small doses for me.
Love the Irish setting and Maggie is a wonderful mix of sarcastic and tenderhearted. She's a gutsy American ex-cop starting up a PI business on Ireland's west coast. The Irish island setting is a dream as are the eclectic mix of inhabitants who add a lot of colour to the story.
This is the fifth book in the Movie Club Mysteries series and I recommend reading them in order...or at least the first two...to get a better understanding of relationship dynamics an overall feel for the setting and Maggie's story.
The mystery takes on a few crazy spins, involving a lot of Santas which adds the perfect touch of holiday mayhem.
The only thing I really don't like in this series is the occasional use of what I think of as 'middle-grade boy humour'. Just not a fan and it detracts enough from my enjoyment that I'm not itching to get my hands on the next book. I like the characters enough that I'm invested in their lives, but this series is best served in small doses for me.
January 11, 2022
Another fun murder mystery starring Maggie and Lenny as they go undercover to solve some thefts but Maggie finds dead bodies everywhere to complicate the matter!
This is a great series of stand alone mysteries but I recommend you start with book one ( a very good place to start) and follow Maggie’s escapades as she follows the dead body trails to uncover whodunnit in her very first case when she moves to Ireland!
If you’re looking for fun experiences well here is a series that is made just for you! Maggie will soon be one of your favorite book characters but more than that she’ll also become your friend and you’ll be wanting to read about all her experiences as she captures the baddies as well as the heart of her boyfriend and yours as well!
Start the new year off with a bang and a new series I know you’ll love by starting this wonderful series!
This is a great series of stand alone mysteries but I recommend you start with book one ( a very good place to start) and follow Maggie’s escapades as she follows the dead body trails to uncover whodunnit in her very first case when she moves to Ireland!
If you’re looking for fun experiences well here is a series that is made just for you! Maggie will soon be one of your favorite book characters but more than that she’ll also become your friend and you’ll be wanting to read about all her experiences as she captures the baddies as well as the heart of her boyfriend and yours as well!
Start the new year off with a bang and a new series I know you’ll love by starting this wonderful series!
December 10, 2017
Rebel Without a Claus is another witty mystery in the Movie Club Mysteries series. I really enjoy Zara Keane's style of writing - she incorporates humor and some ridiculous scenes with the more serious mysteries where people are being murdered and there is risk and danger. The stories are intriguing and once I start reading I don't want to put the book down. Each story includes favorite characters like Maggie and Liam, Lenny, Noreen, Paddy, Philomena, Julie, Gunter and our favorite bungling Sergeant O'Shea, while introducing us to new and whacky ones, like butt bleach lady, and lots of Santas. There are scenes that had me laughing out loud!
December 11, 2017
This is book 5 of Zara Keane's Movie Club Mysteries.
PI Maggie Doyle and her now partner Lennie are in Galway each working on a case. Doesn't matter where she is, Maggie always seems to find a dead body.
Back on Whisper Island, you guessed it, she gets involved in another dead body and for a bonus a bank robbery.
Christmas, dead Santa, dead body in a bathtub, multiple Santas, - it just keeps getting better and better.
This series just gets more enjoyable each book that comes out. I highly recommend this series. Zara's writing has me just picturing what the characters look like while you are reading.
PI Maggie Doyle and her now partner Lennie are in Galway each working on a case. Doesn't matter where she is, Maggie always seems to find a dead body.
Back on Whisper Island, you guessed it, she gets involved in another dead body and for a bonus a bank robbery.
Christmas, dead Santa, dead body in a bathtub, multiple Santas, - it just keeps getting better and better.
This series just gets more enjoyable each book that comes out. I highly recommend this series. Zara's writing has me just picturing what the characters look like while you are reading.
January 19, 2018
5 Stars
Fun and Funny Cozy Mystery
I have read several books in this series- not in order. While each builds on the previous stories, each stands alone better than most. The series centers on a young ex-pat living in Ireland surrounded by extended family. The back-story is fresh and fun. The main plot is a cozy murder mystery. It is all very clean and not gruesome in any manner. This is a high quality story without any contrivance like anonymous notes that solve the mystery. It is basic police work, instincts and luck!
I received this book (ARC) at no cost and voluntarily chose to post my review.
Fun and Funny Cozy Mystery
I have read several books in this series- not in order. While each builds on the previous stories, each stands alone better than most. The series centers on a young ex-pat living in Ireland surrounded by extended family. The back-story is fresh and fun. The main plot is a cozy murder mystery. It is all very clean and not gruesome in any manner. This is a high quality story without any contrivance like anonymous notes that solve the mystery. It is basic police work, instincts and luck!
I received this book (ARC) at no cost and voluntarily chose to post my review.
June 25, 2018
A terrific romp that makes you fly through the pages.
Terrific romp. Two separate cases have taken our PI and her new hire to the big city. Deaths and stolen money follow them even when they wrap up the cases and return home. What does everything have in common - Santa! Wonderfully plotted and executed with some great humorous scenes and dialogue that will move you swiftly through the pages. The characters just get better and better and even though the plot could be termed "slightly unbelievable " it becomes so real as you devour the pages that you live it.
I received an ARC copy for a honest review.
Terrific romp. Two separate cases have taken our PI and her new hire to the big city. Deaths and stolen money follow them even when they wrap up the cases and return home. What does everything have in common - Santa! Wonderfully plotted and executed with some great humorous scenes and dialogue that will move you swiftly through the pages. The characters just get better and better and even though the plot could be termed "slightly unbelievable " it becomes so real as you devour the pages that you live it.
I received an ARC copy for a honest review.
July 7, 2023
In this 5th book of the series, Maggie and Lenny are on the mainland working on a few separate cases, of course there are a few dead bodies found, and they return home to Whisper Island, where Maggie deals with a visit from her "influencer" sister who is trying to land a role in a movie. It ends up that one of their investigations on the mainland has spilled over onto the Island. Not a bad book, but the sister was extremely annoying at times, and Maggie was ridiculously catty towards her as well. Sisters can be different and not hate each other. However, it all works out and they make up by the end.
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