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Irish Castle Mystery #1
Murder at an Irish Castle
Fans of Hannah Dennison and Carlene O’Connor’s mysteries are in for a treat with Ellie Brannigan’s captivating debut cozy mystery, complete with a sharp and endearing protagonist.
Rodeo Drive bridalwear designer Rayne McGrath expected her thirtieth birthday to start with a power lunch and end with champagne, lobster, and a diamond engagement ring from her fiancé. Instead, flat-broke and busted, she’s on a plane to Ireland where she discovers that she’s inherited a run-down family castle. Uncle Nevin’s will contains a few caveats—for example, if Rayne doesn’t turn McGrath Castle around within a year, the entire village will be financially destroyed.
With the fate of the town in her hands, and rumors that Rayne’s uncle’s death wasn’t actually an accident, she can’t possibly go back to her old life in L.A. As the devastating truth about her uncle dawns on Rayne, it’s not just her reputation that’s on the line, it’s her life.
Featuring a sharp and endearing protagonist, a colorful and quirky locale, and replete with twists and turns befitting an old Irish village, the first in Brannigan’s mystery series transports us to a milieu as romantic as it is deadly.
Rodeo Drive bridalwear designer Rayne McGrath expected her thirtieth birthday to start with a power lunch and end with champagne, lobster, and a diamond engagement ring from her fiancé. Instead, flat-broke and busted, she’s on a plane to Ireland where she discovers that she’s inherited a run-down family castle. Uncle Nevin’s will contains a few caveats—for example, if Rayne doesn’t turn McGrath Castle around within a year, the entire village will be financially destroyed.
With the fate of the town in her hands, and rumors that Rayne’s uncle’s death wasn’t actually an accident, she can’t possibly go back to her old life in L.A. As the devastating truth about her uncle dawns on Rayne, it’s not just her reputation that’s on the line, it’s her life.
Featuring a sharp and endearing protagonist, a colorful and quirky locale, and replete with twists and turns befitting an old Irish village, the first in Brannigan’s mystery series transports us to a milieu as romantic as it is deadly.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 7, 2023
130 people are currently reading
839 people want to read
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February 2, 2023
Rayne McGrath's thirtieth birthday had turned into a wash-out, then when she heard her Uncle Nevin from Ireland - her beloved dad's brother - had died and she was needed for the reading of the will, she was shattered. Arriving from Los Angeles to Dublin, Rayne was met by Ciara, a woman who turned out to be her cousin. The reading of the will was a shock to both as Rayne was left McGrath Castle, with Ciara to be her manager. And Rayne had to stay in Ireland, at the castle, for a year, or it would all be null and void. Ciara was furious - her Celtic temper flared. Rayne wasn't happy either as she thought she would return to LA and salvage her business.
Suspicions about Uncle Nevin's death were on Ciara's mind and the garda were looking into it. Would it be murder? And could they possibly discover who had disliked the Lord so much as to kill him? Would Rayne come up with a plan to save the castle and village? Blarney kept them all sane...
Murder at an Irish Castle is the 1st in the Irish Castle Mystery series by Ellie Brannigan and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Blarney was adorable (his picture is on the cover of the book), a red setter who was not much more than a mischievous pup. The characters are well-crafted and I had no idea who the culprit was. I'm looking forward to book 2 very much, and recommend this one highly.
With thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Suspicions about Uncle Nevin's death were on Ciara's mind and the garda were looking into it. Would it be murder? And could they possibly discover who had disliked the Lord so much as to kill him? Would Rayne come up with a plan to save the castle and village? Blarney kept them all sane...
Murder at an Irish Castle is the 1st in the Irish Castle Mystery series by Ellie Brannigan and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Blarney was adorable (his picture is on the cover of the book), a red setter who was not much more than a mischievous pup. The characters are well-crafted and I had no idea who the culprit was. I'm looking forward to book 2 very much, and recommend this one highly.
With thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
September 7, 2023
Actual Stars 2.5-2.75 Rounded up.
I’m still pretty new to the world of cozy mysteries but have found a few I really liked, so I was excited to try Ellie Brannigans debut. But it just didn’t have enough of a biting mystery to me. Die hard cozy mystery enthusiasts may love this but it was just lacking something for me.
Rayne’s home business of wedding dress design’s turned into a Rodeo Drive boutique are now becoming a big deal. She is ready to meet with a banking firm to prove that Modern Lace Bridal Boutique is worth the investment so she can take her business to the next level.
And to top it off Rayne is turning 30 and expects her birthday to end with not only a new business deal but with an engagement to her boyfriend Landon, who’s helping make her dream a reality.
Unfortunately for Rayne nothing goes according to plan and she ends up broke, without her dresses or Landon and to top it off she’s just found out her Uncle Nevin died. Rayne boards a flight to Ireland for the reading of his will to find she has inherited his run-down castle. In order to save the village where Nevin lived Rayne must turn McGrath Castle around in one year, otherwise she loses the family castle and the whole town will be in financial ruin. And there is one more stipulation , if Rayne doesn’t stay in the castle for the entire year then it will be sold and most of the villagers will be out of work.
Rayne can’t possibly stay in Ireland for a solid year, she has a dress business to fix! But how can she leave with all the town’s fate in her hands? Plus there are whispers that Nevin’s death might not have been an accident at all and someone may have actually murdered him. Rayne needs to choose between her Rodeo Drive dress dream and the town as well as possibly solving a murder that may have its own dire consequences if she gets to close to unveiling the killer.
I really wanted to like this book but it really didn’t work for me in any way. The characters were all unlikeable and I had no connection to any of them. But I especially disliked Rayne’s cousin Ciara who was impulsive, rude and had the worst temper tantrums just about every time she was mentioned. And this is a grown ass woman, it was just ridiculous.
The mystery was too drawn out and not enough of a decent build up. Honestly I didn’t care if Nevin had an accidental death or was actually murdered because his death felt like a minor back story instead of a major part of the plot like it should have. And the reason behind Nevins death just didn’t make sense to me when all was said and done.
I felt like this story had so much potential there’s an old Irish (possibly haunted) castle, fraud and embezzlement, a mystery to solve and a cute and adorable but a bit naughty dog to boot. But the execution just didn’t make the cut IMO.
I can’t say I won’t 100% not read the next book in the series because sometime series do get better as they progress. I also wouldn’t mind trying another book by Ellie Brannigan, because like I said Murder at an Irish Castle has potential, it just needed some tweaking with the plot and a better cast of characters.
I’m still pretty new to the world of cozy mysteries but have found a few I really liked, so I was excited to try Ellie Brannigans debut. But it just didn’t have enough of a biting mystery to me. Die hard cozy mystery enthusiasts may love this but it was just lacking something for me.
Rayne’s home business of wedding dress design’s turned into a Rodeo Drive boutique are now becoming a big deal. She is ready to meet with a banking firm to prove that Modern Lace Bridal Boutique is worth the investment so she can take her business to the next level.
And to top it off Rayne is turning 30 and expects her birthday to end with not only a new business deal but with an engagement to her boyfriend Landon, who’s helping make her dream a reality.
Unfortunately for Rayne nothing goes according to plan and she ends up broke, without her dresses or Landon and to top it off she’s just found out her Uncle Nevin died. Rayne boards a flight to Ireland for the reading of his will to find she has inherited his run-down castle. In order to save the village where Nevin lived Rayne must turn McGrath Castle around in one year, otherwise she loses the family castle and the whole town will be in financial ruin. And there is one more stipulation , if Rayne doesn’t stay in the castle for the entire year then it will be sold and most of the villagers will be out of work.
Rayne can’t possibly stay in Ireland for a solid year, she has a dress business to fix! But how can she leave with all the town’s fate in her hands? Plus there are whispers that Nevin’s death might not have been an accident at all and someone may have actually murdered him. Rayne needs to choose between her Rodeo Drive dress dream and the town as well as possibly solving a murder that may have its own dire consequences if she gets to close to unveiling the killer.
I really wanted to like this book but it really didn’t work for me in any way. The characters were all unlikeable and I had no connection to any of them. But I especially disliked Rayne’s cousin Ciara who was impulsive, rude and had the worst temper tantrums just about every time she was mentioned. And this is a grown ass woman, it was just ridiculous.
The mystery was too drawn out and not enough of a decent build up. Honestly I didn’t care if Nevin had an accidental death or was actually murdered because his death felt like a minor back story instead of a major part of the plot like it should have. And the reason behind Nevins death just didn’t make sense to me when all was said and done.
I felt like this story had so much potential there’s an old Irish (possibly haunted) castle, fraud and embezzlement, a mystery to solve and a cute and adorable but a bit naughty dog to boot. But the execution just didn’t make the cut IMO.
I can’t say I won’t 100% not read the next book in the series because sometime series do get better as they progress. I also wouldn’t mind trying another book by Ellie Brannigan, because like I said Murder at an Irish Castle has potential, it just needed some tweaking with the plot and a better cast of characters.
November 15, 2022
Review coming soon.
June 7, 2024
Sometimes fate throws you a spammer. I love a good story about a heroine who gets knocked down, picks herself up, dusts herself off and kicks fate in the butt. I loved Rayne, but I just didn't care for her cousin, Ciera, but Blarney, an exuberant Irish Setter puppy, stole my heart. The cast of Irish characters is wonderful, especially the Viking god, hottie Amos as a potential love interest for Rayne. Set in the lush Irish countryside, McGrath Castle is a beautiful location for this fish out of water cozy.
On her 30th birthday Rodeo Drive wedding dress designer Rayne McGrath's life is turned upside down. Her boyfriend disappeared with all her money and several thousands of dollars in custom wedding dresses designed and made by Rayne. Happy Birthday! Not. Then she is notified that her beloved Irish uncle had dies tragically and her presence was needed in Ireland where she learns she is heir to McGrath Castle, if she can make the castle and village profitable within one year. And she learns she has a cousin, Ciera, she knew nothing about. A very prickly cousin with a chip on her shoulder the size of a California redwood.
Ciera is convinced that her father Lord Nevin's death wasn't an accident. Rayne has her work cut out for her and with nothing to return to in LA, Rayne decided to stay and complete the modernization her uncle had started at the castle. And drag both the castle and village out of feudal times and into prosperity. At least that's the plan. And finding her uncle's killer along the way.
On her 30th birthday Rodeo Drive wedding dress designer Rayne McGrath's life is turned upside down. Her boyfriend disappeared with all her money and several thousands of dollars in custom wedding dresses designed and made by Rayne. Happy Birthday! Not. Then she is notified that her beloved Irish uncle had dies tragically and her presence was needed in Ireland where she learns she is heir to McGrath Castle, if she can make the castle and village profitable within one year. And she learns she has a cousin, Ciera, she knew nothing about. A very prickly cousin with a chip on her shoulder the size of a California redwood.
Ciera is convinced that her father Lord Nevin's death wasn't an accident. Rayne has her work cut out for her and with nothing to return to in LA, Rayne decided to stay and complete the modernization her uncle had started at the castle. And drag both the castle and village out of feudal times and into prosperity. At least that's the plan. And finding her uncle's killer along the way.
February 5, 2023
This sounded like the perfect mystery for me. Unfortunately, that was not the case. Not. At. ALL.
[Turns out that this is the pseudonym of another author I have read and disliked. I wish I had known this ahead of time. Sigh.]
1. The MC and the main secondary character are completely unlikeable. 100% unlikeable. Rayne [the American] is so out of touch it is unbelievable. I like nice things, but my whole life doesn't revolve around them; I only wish that was the case for Rayne - she loves an expensive label. WHO travels to Ireland and not check the weather [even if she is upset..I mean really]? She was there when she was 11 but didn't remember that IT. WAS. A. FARM?? So she brings white and cream and cashmere? Seriously? Google is a great thing; she should have utilized it [INSERT MASSIVE EYE ROLL]. Unfortunately, Ciara isn't much better; she is a whiny, entitled, obstinate, self-centered, judgmental, defensive, snarky, arrogant woman who was born out of wedlock and thinks the world owes her something because she was dealt a bad hand. PUH-leese [like she is the only woman who has ever been dealt a bad hand. She might have found a kindred spirit in Rayne had Rayne felt the need to SHARE ANY OF HER OWN LIFE, but I digress...]. Neither women even TRIES to understand where the other is coming from [it IS a bit outrageous to expect Rayne to drop her whole life and business to run the Castle; I have to admit that I was a bit baffled by this] and it is constant snipping and bashing and OH MY GOSH JUST SHUT UP ALREADY. And Rayne's entitlement is totally outrageous ["I MUST HAVE INTERNET. RIGHT NOW" <--insert eye rolling again]; like she is the only one who exists because she is from AMERICA .
2. There is really no mystery. I mean there is, but not really. It is just a lot of snarking between the women mixed with some other stuff. I was so not surprised at the ending/reveal. Meh.
3. Do I really need to know what the MC thinks of the thighs of a man she just met? Especially when she is supposedly devastated from her boyfriend absconding? I like a good looking man as much as anyone else, but this was written in such an EW way, that it felt skeevey and not admiring.
4. I am pretty sure the author has never stepped foot in Ireland and am totally unsure if she actually knows anyone who is from Ireland. There is so much stereotyping that more eye-rolling happened [I am pretty sure my eyes are now broken] - perhaps if there is another one, the editor or publisher should think about getting an Irish proofreader. Seriously. It is borderline offensive in parts.
5. That end. Seriously? I mean, ugh. NO. U G H. It is official, my eyes are completely broken from rolling so hard.
The best part of the book is the dog. He is fantastic. I loved him.
I had the opportunity to listen to the audiobook before publication and other than the dog in the book, this was the best part of the whole read. While I didn't love all of her "Irish" accents, I am not as put off by them as some of the other reviewers were. For the most part, I really enjoyed the narrator and how she told the [awful] story. My dislike of the book had absolutely nothing to do with the narration and I will look for her in other books that are on my list. I am glad that something decent came out of this awful read. ;-)
Thank you to NetGalley, Ellie Brannigan, Traci Odom - Narrator, Crooked Lane Books and Dreamscape Media for providing book and audiobook ARC's in exchange for an honest review.
[Turns out that this is the pseudonym of another author I have read and disliked. I wish I had known this ahead of time. Sigh.]
1. The MC and the main secondary character are completely unlikeable. 100% unlikeable. Rayne [the American] is so out of touch it is unbelievable. I like nice things, but my whole life doesn't revolve around them; I only wish that was the case for Rayne - she loves an expensive label. WHO travels to Ireland and not check the weather [even if she is upset..I mean really]? She was there when she was 11 but didn't remember that IT. WAS. A. FARM?? So she brings white and cream and cashmere? Seriously? Google is a great thing; she should have utilized it [INSERT MASSIVE EYE ROLL]. Unfortunately, Ciara isn't much better; she is a whiny, entitled, obstinate, self-centered, judgmental, defensive, snarky, arrogant woman who was born out of wedlock and thinks the world owes her something because she was dealt a bad hand. PUH-leese [like she is the only woman who has ever been dealt a bad hand. She might have found a kindred spirit in Rayne had Rayne felt the need to SHARE ANY OF HER OWN LIFE, but I digress...]. Neither women even TRIES to understand where the other is coming from [it IS a bit outrageous to expect Rayne to drop her whole life and business to run the Castle; I have to admit that I was a bit baffled by this] and it is constant snipping and bashing and OH MY GOSH JUST SHUT UP ALREADY. And Rayne's entitlement is totally outrageous ["I MUST HAVE INTERNET. RIGHT NOW" <--insert eye rolling again]; like she is the only one who exists because she is from AMERICA .
2. There is really no mystery. I mean there is, but not really. It is just a lot of snarking between the women mixed with some other stuff. I was so not surprised at the ending/reveal. Meh.
3. Do I really need to know what the MC thinks of the thighs of a man she just met? Especially when she is supposedly devastated from her boyfriend absconding? I like a good looking man as much as anyone else, but this was written in such an EW way, that it felt skeevey and not admiring.
4. I am pretty sure the author has never stepped foot in Ireland and am totally unsure if she actually knows anyone who is from Ireland. There is so much stereotyping that more eye-rolling happened [I am pretty sure my eyes are now broken] - perhaps if there is another one, the editor or publisher should think about getting an Irish proofreader. Seriously. It is borderline offensive in parts.
5. That end. Seriously? I mean, ugh. NO. U G H. It is official, my eyes are completely broken from rolling so hard.
The best part of the book is the dog. He is fantastic. I loved him.
I had the opportunity to listen to the audiobook before publication and other than the dog in the book, this was the best part of the whole read. While I didn't love all of her "Irish" accents, I am not as put off by them as some of the other reviewers were. For the most part, I really enjoyed the narrator and how she told the [awful] story. My dislike of the book had absolutely nothing to do with the narration and I will look for her in other books that are on my list. I am glad that something decent came out of this awful read. ;-)
Thank you to NetGalley, Ellie Brannigan, Traci Odom - Narrator, Crooked Lane Books and Dreamscape Media for providing book and audiobook ARC's in exchange for an honest review.
September 13, 2022
Murder at an Irish Castle is book one in the Irish Castle Mystery series by Ellie Brannigan. Rayne McGrath was happy that her wedding busy is grown from strength to strength, hoping to marry her boyfriend and business partner. However, Rayne's dreams on her birthday shattered when she realised her business partner had stolen everything from her. Rayne McGrath did not know what she would do until her mother told her that her beloved Uncle was dead and she needed to go to Ireland. The readers of Murder at an Irish Castle will continue to follow Rayne to find out what happens.
Murder at an Irish Castle is Ellie Brannigan's debut in the beautiful cozy mystery world. Wow, if Ellie Brannigan continues writing in the same way, she will go a long way in the cozy mystery world. I had to laugh at times with the actions of her characters. I love Ellie Brannigan's portrayal of her characters and the way they interact with each other throughout this book. Murder at an Irish Castle is well written and researched by Ellie Brannigan. I like Ellie Branningan's description of the settings of Murder at an Irish Castle, which allows me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The readers of Murder at an Irish Castle will learn about running a small estate in Ireland. Also, the readers of Murder at an Irish Castle will understand the consequences of embezzlement for everyone involved.
Thank you to NetGalley for the free ARC copy for an honest review. I recommend this book.
Murder at an Irish Castle is Ellie Brannigan's debut in the beautiful cozy mystery world. Wow, if Ellie Brannigan continues writing in the same way, she will go a long way in the cozy mystery world. I had to laugh at times with the actions of her characters. I love Ellie Brannigan's portrayal of her characters and the way they interact with each other throughout this book. Murder at an Irish Castle is well written and researched by Ellie Brannigan. I like Ellie Branningan's description of the settings of Murder at an Irish Castle, which allows me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The readers of Murder at an Irish Castle will learn about running a small estate in Ireland. Also, the readers of Murder at an Irish Castle will understand the consequences of embezzlement for everyone involved.
Thank you to NetGalley for the free ARC copy for an honest review. I recommend this book.
January 31, 2023
Much thanks to Ellie Brannigan, Dreamscape Media, and Netgalley for allowing me to listen to a free eaudiobook in exchange for an honest review.
Potential spoilers
If you're looking for a juicy mystery, you won't find it here. This is primarily a women's fiction story about a woman who not only loses everything but who also has to move to Ireland or she'll destroy hundreds of lives. I'm honestly impressed she was able to function; that kind of stress would have me in the psych ward gorked on tranqs.
There is a murder mystery, but you're not going to be on the edge of your seat chewing your nails down to the quick as the main character goes about sleuthing and flirting with danger. The little bit of sleuthing she does really doesn't even count because she needed to go over those accounts regardless. She spends far more time hanging with/arguing with her housemates---estatemates?---and figuring out how to get her wedding dress business up and running again than she does looking for clues or interviewing witnesses. Doesn't help that the primary witness is a dog.
I loved that dog, though. ;)
Even if viewed as women's fiction, the story meanders. MC goes on a "date," explores the culture, tours the estate, spends way too much time shopping for fabrics---skipped that---setting up a workspace---skipped that---and trying to find room for all her designer clothes---definitely skipped that. It almost felt like the author had an idea for a story---cliched as that idea may be---but didn't know how to execute it. Or didn't know how to reach the word quota and just started throwing in filler scenes. No tension, except when Keira and David were around being walking conflicts.
God, they were unlikeable, Keira especially. Whiny, entitled, obstinate, self-centered, judgmental, defensive, snarky, arrogant. Born out of wedlock and thinks the world owes her something because she was dealt a bad hand. I couldn't stand her. The MC was likeable and sympathetic, but I didn't relate to her much because she has a WAY different lifestyle and interests than me.
It didn't help that the narrator, Traci Odom, portrayed the Irish women with rather high-pitched tones. Keira's was the highest, and at times I actually physically cringed when she spoke. I really hated Keira scenes, and she was the foremost secondary character, so she was around a lot. And just to be clear, I blame the narrator's performance, not an Irish accent in general. Her Irish men's tones were fine and so was the MC's American accent. But for some reason the voices she gave the Irish women grated. Unfortunate.
I'm inclined to say that if this is any kind of mystery, it's more of a cozy, but I hesitate because I don't read many cozies. For all I know it's common in cozies for cops to be so inept that they don't investigate the victim's final days or question if the victim kept a journal until over a week after the homicide. Or if it's common in cozies for the MC to not have a relationship, friendly or romantic, with a cop or PI. Makes sleuthing a lot easier if they do.
Overall, this was not my kind of book. Couldn't relate to the MC, wasn't overly fond of any of the secondaries---except Blarney, such a sweetie pie---and was underwhelmed by the confused genre/plot.
Additional nitpick:
Potential spoilers
If you're looking for a juicy mystery, you won't find it here. This is primarily a women's fiction story about a woman who not only loses everything but who also has to move to Ireland or she'll destroy hundreds of lives. I'm honestly impressed she was able to function; that kind of stress would have me in the psych ward gorked on tranqs.
There is a murder mystery, but you're not going to be on the edge of your seat chewing your nails down to the quick as the main character goes about sleuthing and flirting with danger. The little bit of sleuthing she does really doesn't even count because she needed to go over those accounts regardless. She spends far more time hanging with/arguing with her housemates---estatemates?---and figuring out how to get her wedding dress business up and running again than she does looking for clues or interviewing witnesses. Doesn't help that the primary witness is a dog.
I loved that dog, though. ;)
Even if viewed as women's fiction, the story meanders. MC goes on a "date," explores the culture, tours the estate, spends way too much time shopping for fabrics---skipped that---setting up a workspace---skipped that---and trying to find room for all her designer clothes---definitely skipped that. It almost felt like the author had an idea for a story---cliched as that idea may be---but didn't know how to execute it. Or didn't know how to reach the word quota and just started throwing in filler scenes. No tension, except when Keira and David were around being walking conflicts.
God, they were unlikeable, Keira especially. Whiny, entitled, obstinate, self-centered, judgmental, defensive, snarky, arrogant. Born out of wedlock and thinks the world owes her something because she was dealt a bad hand. I couldn't stand her. The MC was likeable and sympathetic, but I didn't relate to her much because she has a WAY different lifestyle and interests than me.
It didn't help that the narrator, Traci Odom, portrayed the Irish women with rather high-pitched tones. Keira's was the highest, and at times I actually physically cringed when she spoke. I really hated Keira scenes, and she was the foremost secondary character, so she was around a lot. And just to be clear, I blame the narrator's performance, not an Irish accent in general. Her Irish men's tones were fine and so was the MC's American accent. But for some reason the voices she gave the Irish women grated. Unfortunate.
I'm inclined to say that if this is any kind of mystery, it's more of a cozy, but I hesitate because I don't read many cozies. For all I know it's common in cozies for cops to be so inept that they don't investigate the victim's final days or question if the victim kept a journal until over a week after the homicide. Or if it's common in cozies for the MC to not have a relationship, friendly or romantic, with a cop or PI. Makes sleuthing a lot easier if they do.
Overall, this was not my kind of book. Couldn't relate to the MC, wasn't overly fond of any of the secondaries---except Blarney, such a sweetie pie---and was underwhelmed by the confused genre/plot.
Additional nitpick:
March 5, 2023
Thanks to #NetGalley for a chance to listen to this book, I tried as hard as I could, but could not finish. It really sounded like it had a lot going for it, Irish Castle, the whole person out of their regular world, a cute dog but it just didn't work for me. The whole set up, Rayne is supposed to be smart but honestly, she is either incredibly naive or not too bright to be taken in so badly. Then the next day going to Ireland to inherit a castle, I don't know how her newly discovered cousin Ciara could be anymore rude and obnoxious. The snipping and arguing is never ending and why she decides to stay really makes no sense, even though her mother read " the cards". Just too much and over the top. Maybe a few of the Irish natives could save this story but they just don't get a chance with all the noise! Also not a hugh fan of the narrator.
February 18, 2023
Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for accepting my request to read and review Murder at an Irish Castle.
Published: 02/07/23
The cover is pretty.
I had the audiobook and liked the narrator. She was the best part for me.
The story is far-fetched. I had several issues: I didn't like the characters, not even a little bit. Then there is the issue of the murder. The characters were too simple for this tricky murder solution. Finally, the extreme condition applied to the main character to collect an inheritance was just ridiculous and cartoonish.
It took several days for me to finish. I was taken aback when an F bomb was dropped. (This is a new series, and some authors are bringing down the cozy safety of no swearing.)
Cozy mysteries are all over the board, what works for me, doesn't work for someone else. While this was a big miss for me, it could make your day.
Two stars -- based on the above, and I was bored throughout.
Published: 02/07/23
The cover is pretty.
I had the audiobook and liked the narrator. She was the best part for me.
The story is far-fetched. I had several issues: I didn't like the characters, not even a little bit. Then there is the issue of the murder. The characters were too simple for this tricky murder solution. Finally, the extreme condition applied to the main character to collect an inheritance was just ridiculous and cartoonish.
It took several days for me to finish. I was taken aback when an F bomb was dropped. (This is a new series, and some authors are bringing down the cozy safety of no swearing.)
Cozy mysteries are all over the board, what works for me, doesn't work for someone else. While this was a big miss for me, it could make your day.
Two stars -- based on the above, and I was bored throughout.
January 30, 2023
What a wonderful new series! The cast of characters is extremely well-developed with back stories that add depth to their characters that is usually not found until you are several books into a series. I am loving the characters and being set in an Irish castle is a delightful setting that really kicks the plot into high gear! The characters need to figure out if there was a murder and if so who committed the crime while trying to figure out how to relate to each other and how to live together. The plot is truly wonderful with so many layers that you will be wonderfully entertained for hours to come! I absolutely can not wait to read the next book in the series as there is so much more for these characters to figure out! The audio book is fantastic as the narrator really brings the book to life! This series is definitely going to be the newest on my "must listen" list!
February 3, 2023
My rating 4.5 stars
"Murder at an Irish Castle” the first instalment in An Irish Castle Mystery series by Ellie Brannigan (Traci Hall). What a great start to a new series, I absolutely loved it!
I loved this story right down to the small Irish village, the people, learning some Irish dialects and of course the puppy named Blarney which just made it all the more charming. Rayne seemed to have life by the hand but then one thing after the other derails her perfect life. Then her uncle Nevis passes away and she’s called to Ireland for the reading of the will. Enter her cousin Ciara, who thought she would inherit her fathers estate. I really enjoyed all the overall family dynamics and not all family is blood.
Overall I just loved how the story made me feel and by the end I was smiling, cheering on Rayne and wondering what life had in store for her next.
The mystery was more a sub plot to us learning about the characters which I found well developed. To me it was a story about loyalty, community and friendship with a murder to solve. Book one has set us up perfectly for book 2 and I can’t wait.
I highly recommend this book to all my cozy lover friends.
I requested and received an advance readers copy from Level Best Books and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
"Murder at an Irish Castle” the first instalment in An Irish Castle Mystery series by Ellie Brannigan (Traci Hall). What a great start to a new series, I absolutely loved it!
I loved this story right down to the small Irish village, the people, learning some Irish dialects and of course the puppy named Blarney which just made it all the more charming. Rayne seemed to have life by the hand but then one thing after the other derails her perfect life. Then her uncle Nevis passes away and she’s called to Ireland for the reading of the will. Enter her cousin Ciara, who thought she would inherit her fathers estate. I really enjoyed all the overall family dynamics and not all family is blood.
Overall I just loved how the story made me feel and by the end I was smiling, cheering on Rayne and wondering what life had in store for her next.
The mystery was more a sub plot to us learning about the characters which I found well developed. To me it was a story about loyalty, community and friendship with a murder to solve. Book one has set us up perfectly for book 2 and I can’t wait.
I highly recommend this book to all my cozy lover friends.
I requested and received an advance readers copy from Level Best Books and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 5, 2023
ARC audiobook provided in exchange for an honest review.
Traci Odom did a fantastic job with the narration of this book! She really set the mood of being in Ireland with her accents and I could imagine myself in the family castle! I might have to take another trip to Ireland soon as this book made me miss it so much! The story itself was a little on the predictable side for me and I didn’t really connect with or like the main character Rayne. The setting of the story and the people working the farm really made it enjoyable for me. It’s definitely the type of book to pick up on a rainy day and feel transported to a different world, especially being from California myself!
Traci Odom did a fantastic job with the narration of this book! She really set the mood of being in Ireland with her accents and I could imagine myself in the family castle! I might have to take another trip to Ireland soon as this book made me miss it so much! The story itself was a little on the predictable side for me and I didn’t really connect with or like the main character Rayne. The setting of the story and the people working the farm really made it enjoyable for me. It’s definitely the type of book to pick up on a rainy day and feel transported to a different world, especially being from California myself!
July 14, 2023
A cute cozy mystery. I enjoyed the setting and interaction between the characters, but felt the mystery could have been better developed.
September 1, 2023
I loved this one! The setting was fantastic – who doesn’t want to inherit a castle and why doesn’t this ever happen to me?!!! – but I think what I really enjoyed was getting to know Rayne McGrath and her cousin, Ciara, particularly their relationship and how it grows as the book goes on, as well as how Rayne changes as she spends more time with the residents of the castle. The writing flows so smoothly and I got so wrapped up in the story, I didn’t want it to end. I can’t wait to see what happens next and how Rayne can continue to grow her business from across the pond.
Narration was excellent, no issues.
I received a copy from #NetGalley and #DreamscapeMedia for an honest review.
Narration was excellent, no issues.
I received a copy from #NetGalley and #DreamscapeMedia for an honest review.
April 7, 2023
Murder at an Irish Castle is such a fun, cozy mystery! I hope we get more of the same from new author Ellie Brannigan.
Brannigan really sets the stage in this colorful tale. Between the historic castle and the charming rural folks, Rayne's penchant for fashion and personal grooming, and the tiff between Rayne and her cousin, I was charmed by the way this story unfolded.
Traci Odom delivers a wonderful performance in the audio edition of Murder at an Irish Castle. Flowing between all the different Irish accents as well as Rayne's American one, I was impressed with Odom's skill as a narrator. Nicely done.
an audiobook copy of Murder at an Irish Castle was provided by Dreamscape Media, via NetGalley, for the purpose of my honest review, all opinions are my own
Brannigan really sets the stage in this colorful tale. Between the historic castle and the charming rural folks, Rayne's penchant for fashion and personal grooming, and the tiff between Rayne and her cousin, I was charmed by the way this story unfolded.
Traci Odom delivers a wonderful performance in the audio edition of Murder at an Irish Castle. Flowing between all the different Irish accents as well as Rayne's American one, I was impressed with Odom's skill as a narrator. Nicely done.
an audiobook copy of Murder at an Irish Castle was provided by Dreamscape Media, via NetGalley, for the purpose of my honest review, all opinions are my own
August 5, 2022
OMG! I loved it and finished it in two days! The writing was awesome and the characters were sketched out so well, they were instantly easy to relate with. The author managed to keep the intrigue running with her unique and quirky characters and all the plots twists and turns.
Couldn't guess who done it, until the very end!
Great start for a new series, and I look forward to the others.
Couldn't guess who done it, until the very end!
Great start for a new series, and I look forward to the others.
February 16, 2023
Murder at an Irish Castle Earns 5/5 Furry Buddies…Engaging & Clever Gem!
Worst birthday ever! And to compound the horrors of her thirtieth birthday, her mother reveals her father’s older brother, Uncle Nevin, died in a tragic tractor accident. The lawyer, Owen Hughes, stressed how important it is for Rayne to be present at the reading of the will, but with her local mess, no funds, wedding gowns stolen, and clients wanting their dresses, how can she travel to Ireland? How could she not?
Arriving in Dublin after a long, long flight, a kind stranger and a rum & coke easing her apprehension, she’s met by Ciara Smith, a prickly young woman who tells Rayne their first stop has to be with the solicitor in Grathton, the small village where her father’s childhood home is located. She remembers some of the manor from her visits with her father years ago, and for an eleven year old, McGrath Castle was a monstrous place, grounds as big as any park, and from her father’s stories, very magical, but now, it’s hers … all hers … a personal dilemma the codicil of ownership makes worse. Rayne has twenty-four hours to accept or decline her inheritance. The illegitimate daughter of her Uncle Nevin, and her previously unknown cousin, Ciara, is understandably unhappy with her limited mention in the will, but the conundrum is real. Accept and leave behind her business, her life, her passion? Decline and destroy people’s livelihoods, destroy a village, destroy a family’s three-century legacy? And what would happen to Blarney, the Irish Setter puppy, that’s taken a shine to her and her to him? But, the greater question, and one Rayne finds compelling: was her uncle’s death really suspicious?
Ellie Brannigan has penned a delightful cozy mystery starring a young woman who learns she’s stronger and more capable to survive hardships than she thought. Rayne is confronted with an engaging dilemma about family, obligation, and consequences of one’s actions, and ultimately her decision could create irreparable harm. Of course, with her cousin taking every opportunity to criticize, condemn, and express contempt, the drama has a compelling dynamic to follow. The question about whether or not the uncle was murdered and suspicions about alibis of some close to the uncle ramp up the complexity of the story. The fraud and theft situation with Landon is peripheral, and yet important, it’s outside the case at hand. The details, though, provide insights into Rayne’s common ground she finds with others, explains her cautious attitude with a “single” heartthrob, and adds one more layer to her personality. Of course, the build up and the final arrest was truly a shocking surprise!
Ellie Brannigan’s writing style used a traditional cozy formula, but the investigation plays out differently. Rayne does not forsake her responsibilities to her friends and family, her business, or the mandates set out in the will to go off and investigate her uncle’s death. She, often not alone, goes about her daily work stumbling on clues or curious pieces of evidence that she then shares with the local garda; not to say she doesn’t take the opportunity to snoop, interrogate, and run afoul of the police. It is engaging as she finds ways to fulfill her business contracts and employ help from those near her along with learning the inner workings, profitability, and viable income streams for the manor and those who rely on it. Romance? There’s a hint, if Amos Lowell, the epitome of a Viking hero, is any indication. My one complaint, well, not really a complaint, more like a “who wouldn’t” observation, is … who wouldn’t relish wanting to be called “milady” or “Lady McGrath”? I sure would! Isn’t it every girl’s dream to be the Lady of the Manor wielding control over upstairs/downstairs? I know it’s mine.
Disclosure: I received an ARC from Crooked Lane Books thru NetGalley. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
Worst birthday ever! And to compound the horrors of her thirtieth birthday, her mother reveals her father’s older brother, Uncle Nevin, died in a tragic tractor accident. The lawyer, Owen Hughes, stressed how important it is for Rayne to be present at the reading of the will, but with her local mess, no funds, wedding gowns stolen, and clients wanting their dresses, how can she travel to Ireland? How could she not?
Arriving in Dublin after a long, long flight, a kind stranger and a rum & coke easing her apprehension, she’s met by Ciara Smith, a prickly young woman who tells Rayne their first stop has to be with the solicitor in Grathton, the small village where her father’s childhood home is located. She remembers some of the manor from her visits with her father years ago, and for an eleven year old, McGrath Castle was a monstrous place, grounds as big as any park, and from her father’s stories, very magical, but now, it’s hers … all hers … a personal dilemma the codicil of ownership makes worse. Rayne has twenty-four hours to accept or decline her inheritance. The illegitimate daughter of her Uncle Nevin, and her previously unknown cousin, Ciara, is understandably unhappy with her limited mention in the will, but the conundrum is real. Accept and leave behind her business, her life, her passion? Decline and destroy people’s livelihoods, destroy a village, destroy a family’s three-century legacy? And what would happen to Blarney, the Irish Setter puppy, that’s taken a shine to her and her to him? But, the greater question, and one Rayne finds compelling: was her uncle’s death really suspicious?
Ellie Brannigan has penned a delightful cozy mystery starring a young woman who learns she’s stronger and more capable to survive hardships than she thought. Rayne is confronted with an engaging dilemma about family, obligation, and consequences of one’s actions, and ultimately her decision could create irreparable harm. Of course, with her cousin taking every opportunity to criticize, condemn, and express contempt, the drama has a compelling dynamic to follow. The question about whether or not the uncle was murdered and suspicions about alibis of some close to the uncle ramp up the complexity of the story. The fraud and theft situation with Landon is peripheral, and yet important, it’s outside the case at hand. The details, though, provide insights into Rayne’s common ground she finds with others, explains her cautious attitude with a “single” heartthrob, and adds one more layer to her personality. Of course, the build up and the final arrest was truly a shocking surprise!
Ellie Brannigan’s writing style used a traditional cozy formula, but the investigation plays out differently. Rayne does not forsake her responsibilities to her friends and family, her business, or the mandates set out in the will to go off and investigate her uncle’s death. She, often not alone, goes about her daily work stumbling on clues or curious pieces of evidence that she then shares with the local garda; not to say she doesn’t take the opportunity to snoop, interrogate, and run afoul of the police. It is engaging as she finds ways to fulfill her business contracts and employ help from those near her along with learning the inner workings, profitability, and viable income streams for the manor and those who rely on it. Romance? There’s a hint, if Amos Lowell, the epitome of a Viking hero, is any indication. My one complaint, well, not really a complaint, more like a “who wouldn’t” observation, is … who wouldn’t relish wanting to be called “milady” or “Lady McGrath”? I sure would! Isn’t it every girl’s dream to be the Lady of the Manor wielding control over upstairs/downstairs? I know it’s mine.
Disclosure: I received an ARC from Crooked Lane Books thru NetGalley. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
October 12, 2022
Murder at an Irish Castle is the first book in a new cozy mystery series by Ellie Brannigan.
This is a fantastic mystery set in an Irish town. The descriptions of the town were atmospheric and left me feeling like I was right there.
The protagonist , Rayne has her life turned upside down when living in L.A. (where the book opens) and her partner/boyfriend steals all her money and runs off.
Rayne soon learns that she has inherited a castle in a small village in Ireland. So, she takes off to attend the reading of the will. She discovers the castle is not in ideal condition. Her uncle had stipulated that she needed to make the castle financially viable within one year. Not only to save the castle, but also the people in this Irish town.
The longer she is there, she discovers that her uncles death may not of been an accident.
I really loved this mystery. The characters are well crafted and interesting.
The location is described wish such wonderful detail.
They mystery is fantastic and kept me guessing until the end.
A fantastic debut!
I can't wait for the next book in this series!
This is a fantastic mystery set in an Irish town. The descriptions of the town were atmospheric and left me feeling like I was right there.
The protagonist , Rayne has her life turned upside down when living in L.A. (where the book opens) and her partner/boyfriend steals all her money and runs off.
Rayne soon learns that she has inherited a castle in a small village in Ireland. So, she takes off to attend the reading of the will. She discovers the castle is not in ideal condition. Her uncle had stipulated that she needed to make the castle financially viable within one year. Not only to save the castle, but also the people in this Irish town.
The longer she is there, she discovers that her uncles death may not of been an accident.
I really loved this mystery. The characters are well crafted and interesting.
The location is described wish such wonderful detail.
They mystery is fantastic and kept me guessing until the end.
A fantastic debut!
I can't wait for the next book in this series!
February 26, 2023
Rayne McGrath owns a wedding dress boutique in California on Rodeo Drive. It's her birthday and she plans to meet her business partner, Landon at the shop. When she gets there, she finds a screwdriver shoved in the lock. She tries calling Landon but it goes straight to voicemail. She drives to his home and finds it empty. She calls the police and Lauren, her mother. She finds out her business account is also empty. Her mother lets her know that her Uncle Nevin died. Rayne needs to go to Ireland to meet with the solicitor. She meets her cousin, Ciara at the airport and they go to the meeting. Ciara is kind of mean and annoying. Rayne inherits the castle and has to stay in Ireland for one year. Ciara is convinced her Da was killed. The police start to investigate.
I enjoyed this book and the main characters redeemed themselves in the end. I'm excited that this is a new series and I'm excited to see what happens next.
I enjoyed this book and the main characters redeemed themselves in the end. I'm excited that this is a new series and I'm excited to see what happens next.
February 15, 2023
I really enjoyed this cozy mystery set in an old castle in Ireland. The heroine of our story inherits an Irish castle unexpectedly, especially since there appears to be another heir living in Ireland already. I loved the setting, and the action was really good. I want to thank the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for giving me an advance copy of this audiobook, in return for an honest review.
February 4, 2023
4.5 stars! I wasn’t expecting much out of this book. A murder mystery set in Ireland, in a castle. What I got was a wonderful dynamic between the characters, set in a beautifully described country that I have always wanted to visit. I will definitely be continuing with this series whenever the next book comes out!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to rate and review an ARC of this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to rate and review an ARC of this book.
November 16, 2024
Very good, cozy mystery, and I am looking forward to the next book in the series!
August 22, 2022
Contrary cousins inherit a castle in this perfect escape to Ireland cozy. The story ticks all the cozy musts including a cute dog. It has a solid mystery and sympathetic characters. It felt modern with a nod to history. Ellie Brannigan knows what she is doing. This is sure to be a long series.
December 24, 2024
Needs More
And I can't wait to start book 2. When I finished book 1, I kept looking for more pages. The story starts with Rayne finding out the man she loved and trusted wasn't who she thought. Flying to Ireland for the reading of her uncle's will, wasn't as easy as she had anticipated.
The writer brings underlying humor to the story.
Can't wait to start the next book.
And I can't wait to start book 2. When I finished book 1, I kept looking for more pages. The story starts with Rayne finding out the man she loved and trusted wasn't who she thought. Flying to Ireland for the reading of her uncle's will, wasn't as easy as she had anticipated.
The writer brings underlying humor to the story.
Can't wait to start the next book.
January 31, 2023
Murder at an Irish Castle, a debut cozy mystery, features a resourceful main character, Rayne McGrath. She has the worst birthday ever, ruining both her personal life and professional career, and then receives news of her uncle’s demise. With significant help from her mother, Hollywood star of a long-running family show (I adored the homey “swearing”—please keep this if made into a series), Rayne leaves her home in LA and attempts to save the family castle that she unexpectedly inherits. However, some of the villagers are happy to see her while others are decidedly not. These characters were well drawn—both the likable and unlikable ones. I especially liked her cousin and the initial animosity between them as well as the endearing canine, Blarney. The Irish setting was a big win and I am certain this will be a draw for many, especially with this beautiful cover to highlight it. Who does not want to explore what owning a castle would be like? The writing style was easy to settle into and the story unfolds at a nice pace. While the plot was strong overall, the solving of the mystery was the weakest part—the ultimate “twist” felt like a stretch to me and I admit that I did not guess it. The found family element and learning about the culture in Ireland more than made up for any inadequacy in the plot. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and would read further into a series. I really believe there is room for these characters to grow and the estate to progress. The narrator was absolutely lovely and I felt the accents were especially well done. Thank you to NetGalley for an opportunity to read and review this book.
February 8, 2023
Murder At An Irish Castle is the first book in the An Irish Castle Mystery series by Ellie Brannigan.
Rayne McGrath was looking forward to her 30th birthday. She hoped to get an engagement ring from her boyfriend, Landon Short, and then a visit to their bank, where she hoped to get a business loan to expand their wedding dress business. When Rayne arrives at the shop, Rayne finds that all the dresses have been cleared out. A quick call to the bank reveals that their joint account has been cleared out, and Landon is nowhere to be found. Rayne heads to her mother, Lauren, a television actress, home and learns that she has purchased a plane ticket to Ireland for Rayne. Rayne’s uncle, Nevin McGrath, has died, and Rayne has to attend the reading of Uncle Nevin’s will. Arriving in Ireland, Rayne is picked up by Ciara. Rayne learns that Ciara is the illegitimate daughter of her Uncle Nevin and lives at Uncle Nevin’s castle. Rayne had no idea that she had a cousin.
At the lawyer's office, Rayne learns she inherited the castle based on Uncle Nevin’s will, updated just a month ago.
Ciara is distraught and feels cheated as she is blood-related. One stipulation expressed in the will is that Rayne must live in the castle for the next 365 days, manage the castle, and have it become profitable, thereby saving the nearby village and its residents.
Ciara starts out being snarky with Rayne, and all Rayne wants to do is worry about the wedding dresses that she has been commissioned to make. Ciara soon confides in Rayne that she doesn’t believe Uncle Nevin's death was an accident as the garda seems to think. Ciara and Rayne meet with the garda, and Rayne soon believes that the Garda might not be trying to solve Neevin’s death. Rayne and Ciara put their differences aside somewhat and will work together if Nevin was murdered,
In the beginning, I didn’t like either Rayne or Ciara and their constant bickering, but they could communicate better by the end. They may never be best friends, but they seem to tolerate each other better.
The book is well-written and plotted and has an enjoyable and exciting cast of characters. I particularly enjoyed the household staff, who all seemed to get along with Rayne and Ciara. There were enough red herrings that I kept guessing until the end and learned who the murderer was.
I’m looking forward to the next book in this exciting new series to see what changes occur at the castle.
Rayne McGrath was looking forward to her 30th birthday. She hoped to get an engagement ring from her boyfriend, Landon Short, and then a visit to their bank, where she hoped to get a business loan to expand their wedding dress business. When Rayne arrives at the shop, Rayne finds that all the dresses have been cleared out. A quick call to the bank reveals that their joint account has been cleared out, and Landon is nowhere to be found. Rayne heads to her mother, Lauren, a television actress, home and learns that she has purchased a plane ticket to Ireland for Rayne. Rayne’s uncle, Nevin McGrath, has died, and Rayne has to attend the reading of Uncle Nevin’s will. Arriving in Ireland, Rayne is picked up by Ciara. Rayne learns that Ciara is the illegitimate daughter of her Uncle Nevin and lives at Uncle Nevin’s castle. Rayne had no idea that she had a cousin.
At the lawyer's office, Rayne learns she inherited the castle based on Uncle Nevin’s will, updated just a month ago.
Ciara is distraught and feels cheated as she is blood-related. One stipulation expressed in the will is that Rayne must live in the castle for the next 365 days, manage the castle, and have it become profitable, thereby saving the nearby village and its residents.
Ciara starts out being snarky with Rayne, and all Rayne wants to do is worry about the wedding dresses that she has been commissioned to make. Ciara soon confides in Rayne that she doesn’t believe Uncle Nevin's death was an accident as the garda seems to think. Ciara and Rayne meet with the garda, and Rayne soon believes that the Garda might not be trying to solve Neevin’s death. Rayne and Ciara put their differences aside somewhat and will work together if Nevin was murdered,
In the beginning, I didn’t like either Rayne or Ciara and their constant bickering, but they could communicate better by the end. They may never be best friends, but they seem to tolerate each other better.
The book is well-written and plotted and has an enjoyable and exciting cast of characters. I particularly enjoyed the household staff, who all seemed to get along with Rayne and Ciara. There were enough red herrings that I kept guessing until the end and learned who the murderer was.
I’m looking forward to the next book in this exciting new series to see what changes occur at the castle.
November 3, 2022
Murder at an Irish Castle has a lot to recommend it. This book is the first in a new cozy mystery series. It is also the first book that I have read by Ellie Brannigan, who writes under several names. This cozy mystery is very readable, but I found the opening a bit difficult to get into, but once Rayne flies to Ireland for her uncle's funeral, the book evens out and becomes a better read. There is a rich assortments of characters, and Murder at an Irish Castle is plotted well enough that guessing the murderer takes a bit of work.
Some of the characters work better than others. Ciare Smith is Uncle Nevin’s daughter, the product of an affair while Nevin was temporarily separated from his wife. Ciare expected to inherit the castle and was perpetually irritated, angry, and nasty about having to make space for the American cousin, whose existence seemed to be a total surprise. But since Ciare had been living at his father Nevin's castle for nearly 10 years, why would this be such a surprise? Rayne's father was Nevin's younger brother. How big a surprise could it be that Nevin's niece would be asked to attend the reading of the will? Plus, Ciare hates Rayne from the moment she meets her at the airport, which is before the reading of the will. is this young woman perpetually angry at everyone? Ciare's nastiness gets tiring quickly. No one can be that irritating and irritable full-time. She has a fiancé, and so she must be nice at least occasionally! Most of the other characters are interesting and engaging. So while I was not 100% sold, Murder at an Irish Castle was a fun read most of the time.
Thank you to the author and Crooked Lane Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. And thank you to NetGalley for introducing me to so many new and interesting authors.
Some of the characters work better than others. Ciare Smith is Uncle Nevin’s daughter, the product of an affair while Nevin was temporarily separated from his wife. Ciare expected to inherit the castle and was perpetually irritated, angry, and nasty about having to make space for the American cousin, whose existence seemed to be a total surprise. But since Ciare had been living at his father Nevin's castle for nearly 10 years, why would this be such a surprise? Rayne's father was Nevin's younger brother. How big a surprise could it be that Nevin's niece would be asked to attend the reading of the will? Plus, Ciare hates Rayne from the moment she meets her at the airport, which is before the reading of the will. is this young woman perpetually angry at everyone? Ciare's nastiness gets tiring quickly. No one can be that irritating and irritable full-time. She has a fiancé, and so she must be nice at least occasionally! Most of the other characters are interesting and engaging. So while I was not 100% sold, Murder at an Irish Castle was a fun read most of the time.
Thank you to the author and Crooked Lane Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. And thank you to NetGalley for introducing me to so many new and interesting authors.
December 22, 2022
I tried to finish this, I really did, but I just couldn't, although given the other reviews on this book, this is probably a "me problem" rather than an everyone problem.
The opening of this book reads like a bad Hallmark movie. "Oh look, the heroine is so smart she can run her own business but so stupid that she lost it all and needs to go to the country to get her mojo back! Let's laugh at her stupidity because she didn't bother to Google the weather in Ireland before she packed and now she's shown up in snow white shoes to a farm!" and it doesn't get better from there. I even made a bet with myself that it would end in true Hallmark fashion, and then gave up and skipped to the end, and I was spot on in all the details. Obviously, this didn't bother most of the other reviewers as much as me, but I just couldn't take it anymore and stopped reading. It's a shame, because I was really looking forward to reading this.
The opening of this book reads like a bad Hallmark movie. "Oh look, the heroine is so smart she can run her own business but so stupid that she lost it all and needs to go to the country to get her mojo back! Let's laugh at her stupidity because she didn't bother to Google the weather in Ireland before she packed and now she's shown up in snow white shoes to a farm!" and it doesn't get better from there. I even made a bet with myself that it would end in true Hallmark fashion, and then gave up and skipped to the end, and I was spot on in all the details. Obviously, this didn't bother most of the other reviewers as much as me, but I just couldn't take it anymore and stopped reading. It's a shame, because I was really looking forward to reading this.
August 11, 2022
Thank you Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for allowing me to read Ellie Brannigan's Murder at an Irish Castle. This is a fun lightweight chic lit murder mystery.
Unfortunately being from Ireland it is very obvious that it's been written by an American. I would strongly advise it is proofread by an Irish person. (In Ireland a
Circle Road is a roundabout!
You put milk and sugar in tea/coffee not cream!) I think if I paid for this book I would not have finished it due to some of the stereotyping.
Unfortunately being from Ireland it is very obvious that it's been written by an American. I would strongly advise it is proofread by an Irish person. (In Ireland a
Circle Road is a roundabout!
You put milk and sugar in tea/coffee not cream!) I think if I paid for this book I would not have finished it due to some of the stereotyping.
February 23, 2023
I was hoping for a mystery like those by Tana French. This author seemed to be primarily concerned with women's fashion and wedding planning.
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