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DS Ryan McBride #1
A Nice Place to Die
The body of a young woman is found by a river outside Belfast and Detective Sergeant Ryan McBride makes a heart-wrenching discovery at the scene, a discovery he chooses to hide even though it could cost him the investigation -- and his career.
The victim was a loner but well-liked. Why would someone want to harm her? And is her murder connected to a rapist who's stalking the local pubs? As Ryan untangles a web of deception and lies, his suspects die one by one, leading him to a dangerous family secret and a murderer who will stop at nothing to keep it.
And still, he harbors his secret...
The victim was a loner but well-liked. Why would someone want to harm her? And is her murder connected to a rapist who's stalking the local pubs? As Ryan untangles a web of deception and lies, his suspects die one by one, leading him to a dangerous family secret and a murderer who will stop at nothing to keep it.
And still, he harbors his secret...
325 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 29, 2022
5 people are currently reading
121 people want to read
About the author
J. Woollcott
4 books17 followersJ. Woollcott is a Canadian writer born in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Her new novel, A Nice Place to Die, introduces Police Service of Northern Ireland detective DS Ryan McBride and his partner DS Billy Lamont.
In 2019, A Nice Place to Die won the RWA Daphne du Maurier Award, Unpublished, for Mainstream Mystery and Suspense. Her first novel, Abducted, was long-listed in the CWC Arthur Ellis Awards in 2018. Her second, A Nice Place to Die, was long-listed in 2019 and 2020 and in 2021 was short-listed in the Crime Writers of Canada Awards of Excellence.
She is a graduate of the Humber School for Writers and BCAD, University of Ulster. She is a member of Sisters in Crime, International Thriller Writers, Crime Writers of Canada and the Suncoast Writer’s Guild.
In 2019, A Nice Place to Die won the RWA Daphne du Maurier Award, Unpublished, for Mainstream Mystery and Suspense. Her first novel, Abducted, was long-listed in the CWC Arthur Ellis Awards in 2018. Her second, A Nice Place to Die, was long-listed in 2019 and 2020 and in 2021 was short-listed in the Crime Writers of Canada Awards of Excellence.
She is a graduate of the Humber School for Writers and BCAD, University of Ulster. She is a member of Sisters in Crime, International Thriller Writers, Crime Writers of Canada and the Suncoast Writer’s Guild.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
March 19, 2023
It is always so gratifying when you start a new series, and try a new author, and your efforts pay off. This was an engrossing novel, essentially a police procedural but it also contained elements of domestic thriller and had a little romance thrown in for good measure.
The setting was in and around Belfast, Northern Ireland and featured members of the PSNI (Police Service of Norther Ireland).
When DS Ryan McBride attends the scene of a murder, he quickly realizes that he knew the victim - had slept with her in fact. Should he confess his one night stand and be removed from the case??? He decides not to.
Later, he realizes that the victim had a twin sister, and he is also attracted to her, though he already has an 'on again, off again' relationship with his former girlfriend, Bridget. McBride is a diligent policeman who works long hours. He lives alone on a farm that he inherited from his grandfather. His only company is his faithful dog, Finn, a wired-haired fox terrier. He is quite close to his younger sister, Erin, a food blogger who often provides him with sustenance when he is too busy to cook for himself. He is somewhat estranged from his father, who is very disappointed in him. McBride holds an honours law degree and his father, a solicitor, assumed he would join his prestigious law firm. Instead, MacBride joined the PSNI.
His second in command, DS Billy Lamont is a family man. Married, with three little daughters that he is devoted to. Some of Lamont's attitudes and actions create a little levity during this very serious story.
DC Wylie, on the other hand, acts as McBride's nemesis. He is an odious man who just so happens to be the nephew of the Chief Inspector. He has a smug, entitled attitude, does little actual work, and has been fast-tracked for promotion...
The other members of McBride's team were all interesting to read about and added lots of interest to the novel. Hopefully they will have a more pertinent role in future books in the series.
Told essentially from McBride's point of view, we also hear from Kathleen McGuire, the murder victim. Her narrative takes place in the months leading up to her murder.
Kathleen found herself in a toxic relationship. Her lover was insanely jealous and controlling.
As her murder investigation continues, the body count rises. MacBride faces some personal and professional challenges. The skilled blend of these storylines was what I really enjoyed the most in this book. The author threw in a few plot twists that I had not anticipated, and ended the book with a scenario that left me with a smile on my face.
Highly recommended! I eagerly await the next title in this series "Blood Relations" which is due for publication next summer.
4.5 stars rounded up
The setting was in and around Belfast, Northern Ireland and featured members of the PSNI (Police Service of Norther Ireland).
When DS Ryan McBride attends the scene of a murder, he quickly realizes that he knew the victim - had slept with her in fact. Should he confess his one night stand and be removed from the case??? He decides not to.
Later, he realizes that the victim had a twin sister, and he is also attracted to her, though he already has an 'on again, off again' relationship with his former girlfriend, Bridget. McBride is a diligent policeman who works long hours. He lives alone on a farm that he inherited from his grandfather. His only company is his faithful dog, Finn, a wired-haired fox terrier. He is quite close to his younger sister, Erin, a food blogger who often provides him with sustenance when he is too busy to cook for himself. He is somewhat estranged from his father, who is very disappointed in him. McBride holds an honours law degree and his father, a solicitor, assumed he would join his prestigious law firm. Instead, MacBride joined the PSNI.
His second in command, DS Billy Lamont is a family man. Married, with three little daughters that he is devoted to. Some of Lamont's attitudes and actions create a little levity during this very serious story.
DC Wylie, on the other hand, acts as McBride's nemesis. He is an odious man who just so happens to be the nephew of the Chief Inspector. He has a smug, entitled attitude, does little actual work, and has been fast-tracked for promotion...
The other members of McBride's team were all interesting to read about and added lots of interest to the novel. Hopefully they will have a more pertinent role in future books in the series.
Told essentially from McBride's point of view, we also hear from Kathleen McGuire, the murder victim. Her narrative takes place in the months leading up to her murder.
Kathleen found herself in a toxic relationship. Her lover was insanely jealous and controlling.
As her murder investigation continues, the body count rises. MacBride faces some personal and professional challenges. The skilled blend of these storylines was what I really enjoyed the most in this book. The author threw in a few plot twists that I had not anticipated, and ended the book with a scenario that left me with a smile on my face.
Highly recommended! I eagerly await the next title in this series "Blood Relations" which is due for publication next summer.
4.5 stars rounded up
December 4, 2022
Many thanks to both Level Best Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of A Nice Place to Die.
DS Ryan McBride is engaged in a cover-up. He'd had a one-night stand with the murder victim, and now he is choosing not to disclose it. As his investigation proceeds, he meets the victim's twin sister and discovers he’s falling in love with her. Quite the case of the complex relationships that exist between career and private life!
I enjoyed the Belfast setting, and I found myself wishing I could live in McBride's farmhouse. I also loved the murdered woman's partner at the gallery where she worked. All in all, a lovely sense of place.
In my opinion, some parts of the book felt implausible. I struggled with McBride's choosing not to admit he'd had a one night's stand with the victim. It didn't feel like it was a big deal until he chose to make it into one. Also, I felt there might have been a few too many storylines going on.
On the positive side, I thought I knew who the murderer was, but I was wrong! That was definitely a surprising twist!!
All in all, I liked this one, although I didn't love it.
DS Ryan McBride is engaged in a cover-up. He'd had a one-night stand with the murder victim, and now he is choosing not to disclose it. As his investigation proceeds, he meets the victim's twin sister and discovers he’s falling in love with her. Quite the case of the complex relationships that exist between career and private life!
I enjoyed the Belfast setting, and I found myself wishing I could live in McBride's farmhouse. I also loved the murdered woman's partner at the gallery where she worked. All in all, a lovely sense of place.
In my opinion, some parts of the book felt implausible. I struggled with McBride's choosing not to admit he'd had a one night's stand with the victim. It didn't feel like it was a big deal until he chose to make it into one. Also, I felt there might have been a few too many storylines going on.
On the positive side, I thought I knew who the murderer was, but I was wrong! That was definitely a surprising twist!!
All in all, I liked this one, although I didn't love it.
February 5, 2023
This was an interesting spin on the murder mystery trope, connecting the detective with the crime. I was intrigued by the plot and was kept guessing until the end.
I did find some things a little too far fetched and hard to believe. I was also confused by some of the detectives choices.
I did find some things a little too far fetched and hard to believe. I was also confused by some of the detectives choices.
August 5, 2025
This was okay.
The MMC is kind of an idiot who makes horrible (& sometimes illegal) decisions. Since the MMC is a cop I found this frustrating and did not ingratiate him to me. While he acknowledges his hypocrisy, it was in a "but I know what I'm doing" white male of privilege way. So overall not gonna go over well.
The case itself was very interesting and had a lot of moving pieces so I didn't think all the side stories were necessary. Pulled too much focus.
Thank you NetGalley & Level Best Books for my ebook.
The MMC is kind of an idiot who makes horrible (& sometimes illegal) decisions. Since the MMC is a cop I found this frustrating and did not ingratiate him to me. While he acknowledges his hypocrisy, it was in a "but I know what I'm doing" white male of privilege way. So overall not gonna go over well.
The case itself was very interesting and had a lot of moving pieces so I didn't think all the side stories were necessary. Pulled too much focus.
Thank you NetGalley & Level Best Books for my ebook.
October 2, 2022
Thank you NetGalley and Level Best Books for the eARC.
This is the first book in the DS Ryan McBride series and is terrific, I loved it!
McBride is called to the scene of a woman's murder and is shocked to know her, but he doesn't let on. It's a tough case, but he's determined to find the killer.
I really liked him and the fact that he shares his dog with his neighbor so the poor dog isn't alone all day. He has a weakness for the opposite sex, but I didn't mind that. He also has a jealous
on-again, off-again girlfriend who has a surprise in store for him. The book tells the story from his pov, but also from the murdered woman's, which I found very effective.
The ending is a shocker, I never guessed it. I can't wait for the second in the series, I'm curious to see what happens next in Ryan's life and would love to revisit Belfast, which sounds like a beautiful city.
Highly recommended!
This is the first book in the DS Ryan McBride series and is terrific, I loved it!
McBride is called to the scene of a woman's murder and is shocked to know her, but he doesn't let on. It's a tough case, but he's determined to find the killer.
I really liked him and the fact that he shares his dog with his neighbor so the poor dog isn't alone all day. He has a weakness for the opposite sex, but I didn't mind that. He also has a jealous
on-again, off-again girlfriend who has a surprise in store for him. The book tells the story from his pov, but also from the murdered woman's, which I found very effective.
The ending is a shocker, I never guessed it. I can't wait for the second in the series, I'm curious to see what happens next in Ryan's life and would love to revisit Belfast, which sounds like a beautiful city.
Highly recommended!
September 23, 2022
This is an excellent police procedural, with a great setting in Northern Ireland and a wonderful ensemble cast of characters. It's the first of a series featuring Detective Sergeant Ryan McBride—a flawed but dedicated police officer whose heart may go astray but ends up in the right place after all. This book has lots of tension and suspense, and builds to a satisfying ending. I'm looking forward to the next one in the series!
January 21, 2023
I really really enjoyed this book. I love thrillers. The story was very well written and the characters in the were great too. The ending of the book was good. It took me by surprise
December 9, 2022
This book as all the twists and turns thriller lovers crave. We love to be surprised and I was surprised by this story. I didn't have a clue who the killer was and J Woollcott kept me guessing right up to the end. Over all I liked this book, however, at times it felt like there were too many plots going on. Everything started out flowing, until closer to the end when all the story lines were hanging. It felt like the author hurried at the end to tie it all up in a nice bow. Overall this is a good book and I do recommend reading it.
Thank you to J Woollcott, Netgalley and Level Best Books for a copy of "A Nice Place to Die" in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to J Woollcott, Netgalley and Level Best Books for a copy of "A Nice Place to Die" in exchange for an honest review.
November 2, 2022
This start to the series was WILD. DS Ryan is messy and real. Probably his messes will catch up with him at one point but his heart is thrown into his case regardless.
I loved not knowing who did it and the whole case of characters. I didn't suspect the murderer until all the pieces were clearly laid out.
Top notch police who done it for sure. Looking forward to the next in the series.
I loved not knowing who did it and the whole case of characters. I didn't suspect the murderer until all the pieces were clearly laid out.
Top notch police who done it for sure. Looking forward to the next in the series.
October 5, 2022
I received a free copy of, A Nice Place to Die, by J. Woollcott. , from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Detective Sergeant Ryan McBride, works in Ireland, he found a body outside Belfast. McBride has a murder to solve, but his suspects keep dying. This was an intense read, I did not like that Ryan was still keeping secrets, or I would of rated it higher.
March 11, 2024
A Nice Place To Die is not a nice but great book with a unique army of characters to keep you hooked till the very last page. Being based in Ireland, it took me some getting used to the lingo but the plot is compelling & makes you want to finish this book & hop onto the next one in the series. Even with his somewhat questionable attitude in a select few instances, I found his character quite appealing. The myriad of complex characters with equally interesting backstories also adds to the appeal to me. I enjoyed the plot & characters very much & can't wait to discover what lies ahead for the DS Ryan McBride.
Thank you NetGalley, Level Best Books & J. Woollcott for the arc!
Thank you NetGalley, Level Best Books & J. Woollcott for the arc!
March 11, 2024
A Nice Place To Die is not a nice but great book with a unique army of characters to keep you hooked till the very last page. Being based in Ireland, it took me some getting used to the lingo but the plot is compelling & makes you want to finish this book & hop onto the next one in the series. Even with his somewhat questionable attitude in a select few instances, I found his character quite appealing. The myriad of complex characters with equally interesting backstories also adds to the appeal to me. I enjoyed the plot & characters very much & can't wait to discover what lies ahead for the DS Ryan McBride.
Thank you NetGalley, Level Best Books & J. Woollcott for the arc!
Thank you NetGalley, Level Best Books & J. Woollcott for the arc!
November 6, 2022
WELL WRITTEN!
I received this book free from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
This story is set in Northern Ireland, also known as Ulster. Kathleen and Rose McGuire are identical twins who were born in Ulster but have mostly separated after growing up. Rose spends most of her life in England, while Kathleen has pretty much stayed in the Antrim district of Ulster, near Belfast. This is the first in a new series by author J Woollcott. It introduces us to Police Service of Northern Ireland officers Detective Sergeant (DS) Ryan McBride and his partner DS Billy Lamont. The two detectives work from the Antrim station, along with a group of detective constables who assist them in their investigations. Tension is created when Ed Wylie, the nephew of the Chief Inspector, arrives from another station to assist in the investigation. Little love is lost between McBride and Wylie. Thy have been rivals since the police academy.
The story begins with the discovery of Kathleen’s body near the River Bann. She has been murdered. Her car is found nearby with a flat tire and a tracking device installed underneath it. She has gunshot residue on her hands. But no gun is found. A Rolex watch is found on he ground nearby. Kathleen and Ryan had had a one night stand several months earlier, but he decides not to tell anybody about it because he would be removed from the case if his superiors knew. Ryan dearly wants to find the person who murdered Kathleen.
Kathleen had a secret boyfriend named Kevin Coulter, who appears to be a control freak and abuser. He is the head of security at the gallery where Kathleen works. Did he kill Kathleen? Could it have been one of the other men in her life? Perhaps it was somebody, a stranger, that she had met in a pub after an evening of partying. The plot is complex, and the Northern Irish mob is involved, along with some crooked cops at the Antrim police station. In the meantime, Ryan meets and woos Kathleen’s twin sister Rose. He has just broken up with his motorcycle-riding girlfriend Bridget, but she seems determined to get back together with Ryan.
There are no editing errors that I noticed. All of the characters are realistically portrayed, which made the novel more interesting to read. The dialog is natural and believable. The plot is credible. The plot moves quickly, and the story is entertaining. I liked this novel and I recommend it to followers of the genre. All in all, an excellent book. I think you’ll like it.
I received this book free from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
This story is set in Northern Ireland, also known as Ulster. Kathleen and Rose McGuire are identical twins who were born in Ulster but have mostly separated after growing up. Rose spends most of her life in England, while Kathleen has pretty much stayed in the Antrim district of Ulster, near Belfast. This is the first in a new series by author J Woollcott. It introduces us to Police Service of Northern Ireland officers Detective Sergeant (DS) Ryan McBride and his partner DS Billy Lamont. The two detectives work from the Antrim station, along with a group of detective constables who assist them in their investigations. Tension is created when Ed Wylie, the nephew of the Chief Inspector, arrives from another station to assist in the investigation. Little love is lost between McBride and Wylie. Thy have been rivals since the police academy.
The story begins with the discovery of Kathleen’s body near the River Bann. She has been murdered. Her car is found nearby with a flat tire and a tracking device installed underneath it. She has gunshot residue on her hands. But no gun is found. A Rolex watch is found on he ground nearby. Kathleen and Ryan had had a one night stand several months earlier, but he decides not to tell anybody about it because he would be removed from the case if his superiors knew. Ryan dearly wants to find the person who murdered Kathleen.
Kathleen had a secret boyfriend named Kevin Coulter, who appears to be a control freak and abuser. He is the head of security at the gallery where Kathleen works. Did he kill Kathleen? Could it have been one of the other men in her life? Perhaps it was somebody, a stranger, that she had met in a pub after an evening of partying. The plot is complex, and the Northern Irish mob is involved, along with some crooked cops at the Antrim police station. In the meantime, Ryan meets and woos Kathleen’s twin sister Rose. He has just broken up with his motorcycle-riding girlfriend Bridget, but she seems determined to get back together with Ryan.
There are no editing errors that I noticed. All of the characters are realistically portrayed, which made the novel more interesting to read. The dialog is natural and believable. The plot is credible. The plot moves quickly, and the story is entertaining. I liked this novel and I recommend it to followers of the genre. All in all, an excellent book. I think you’ll like it.
November 2, 2022
The murder of a beautiful, well liked, but girl no one knew all her secrets needs to be solved and DS Ryan is assigned to the case. Upon arrival, he discovers he knows the victim. And so it begins...
This start to the series was WILD. DS Ryan is messy and real. Probably his messes will catch up with him at one point but his heart is thrown into his case regardless.
I loved not knowing who did it and the whole case of characters. I didn't suspect the murderer until all the pieces were clearly laid out.
Top notch police who done it for sure. Looking forward to the next in the series.
This start to the series was WILD. DS Ryan is messy and real. Probably his messes will catch up with him at one point but his heart is thrown into his case regardless.
I loved not knowing who did it and the whole case of characters. I didn't suspect the murderer until all the pieces were clearly laid out.
Top notch police who done it for sure. Looking forward to the next in the series.
October 24, 2022
4.5 Stars
An entrancing police procedural murder mystery and great start to a new series. I was initially intrigued with the setting, it's what convinced me to try the book out, Pleasantly surprised at the quality of writing, research, and storyline, especially for a debut! The novel includes flawed but likable characters and is fast-paced. Looking forward to the next one.
Net Galley Feedback
An entrancing police procedural murder mystery and great start to a new series. I was initially intrigued with the setting, it's what convinced me to try the book out, Pleasantly surprised at the quality of writing, research, and storyline, especially for a debut! The novel includes flawed but likable characters and is fast-paced. Looking forward to the next one.
Net Galley Feedback
February 13, 2023
Mystery is not a genre I usually read, though after picking up this book, I wonder why. The characters are so alive (except for the dead one) you think you might know them. The plot is engaging and complex. I look forward to Woollcott's next book.
October 20, 2022
This book was a page turner, great writing and story.
October 10, 2022
DS Ryan McBride is investigating a murder. When he sees the victim, he realises that he knows her, but does not tell anyone, so he isn't taken off the case.
The victim's twin sister arrives, and he is drawn to her, but she doesn't want to compete with Ryan's on-again-off-again girlfriend.
The suspects in the murder case keep dying, and Ryan is kept on his toes trying to unravel the clues.
He also assists in a date rape case, in which he suspects a fellow colleague.
A very well plotted police procedural. A great debut for this author.
I really enjoyed the book and there was quite a twist at the end.
I liked Ryan, he seems like a caring guy who tries to do the right thing. He and his team seem to be a good match as well.
I am looking forward to the next book by this author.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
The victim's twin sister arrives, and he is drawn to her, but she doesn't want to compete with Ryan's on-again-off-again girlfriend.
The suspects in the murder case keep dying, and Ryan is kept on his toes trying to unravel the clues.
He also assists in a date rape case, in which he suspects a fellow colleague.
A very well plotted police procedural. A great debut for this author.
I really enjoyed the book and there was quite a twist at the end.
I liked Ryan, he seems like a caring guy who tries to do the right thing. He and his team seem to be a good match as well.
I am looking forward to the next book by this author.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 10, 2022
J. Woollcott has written a remarkable crime thriller novel for her debut. The protagonist Detective Sergeant Ryan McBride is portrayed as a great detective with conflicting relationships that could put his career in jeopardy. The investigation into the murder of a young woman has many twists and turns that lead to a very surprising ending. The details of Police procedures and the setting in Belfast are described brilliantly. Well worthy of five stars and now waiting for the second in the series.
July 27, 2023
I liked it! Interesting interactions within the police department. Seemed to follow gut instinct more often than I would expect. But in the end the guilty one was a surprise. I liked the twists and turns. I enjoyed the story.
March 27, 2023
Detective McBride and his team held me captive with this thrilling story. He finds himself in a tangle concerning his link with their victim. Although the Detective had a little issue with women, it in no way detracted from the story.
September 26, 2022
Fans of Tana French will enjoy this police procedural set in Ireland and written by award-winning author Joyce Woollcott. An interesting plot with believably complex characters, a few twists and turns, and a satisfying ending that ties up all the loose ends. A strong debut and a good start to a promising new series. Recommended.
December 26, 2022
This is the first book in the DS Ryan McBride series. When Ryan is called to the scene of a murder on the outskirts of Belfast, when he sees young woman his stomach lurches - he knows her. She is Kathleen, a woman he had a brief dalliance with not too long before. Ryan decides to keep this to himself, and solve her murder. Running parallel to the murder investigation his colleagues are trying to catch a multiple rapist, someone who sounds familiar to the team, is there a link between the two? When more bodies turn up, the case gets even more complicated for Ryan, and not only because of more murders. He is getting extremely close to Kathleen’s twin sister Rose. His life is about to get even more complex when his ex has some shocking news of her own to deliver. Can Ryan crack the case and keep his personal life intact?
This book has been clearly researched as the places written about are all very detailed and I recognised a few famous places! I really enjoyed meeting Ryan and the rest of the team. He’s a complex character, and we learned more about him as the story unravelled. The plot was gripping and kept me guessing until the end - I had no idea who the murder was, or who was responsible for the rapes, the red herrings were a very good addition!!
Very good first book in the series, I can’t wait to see what happens next!
This book has been clearly researched as the places written about are all very detailed and I recognised a few famous places! I really enjoyed meeting Ryan and the rest of the team. He’s a complex character, and we learned more about him as the story unravelled. The plot was gripping and kept me guessing until the end - I had no idea who the murder was, or who was responsible for the rapes, the red herrings were a very good addition!!
Very good first book in the series, I can’t wait to see what happens next!
November 17, 2022
A well constructed police procedural set around Belfast. The beginning is explosive and, although the pace slows in the middle sections, the ending is worth waiting for.
DS Ryan McBride is an experienced officer. His personal life is messy but he's always tried not to let this interfere with the job. McBride feels like a rounded character and makes a good protagonist, with plenty of scope for the series to develop.
McBride is called to a murder site. When he sees the body he immediately recognises the young woman: he'd had a one night stand with her a few months back. McBride doesn't report this, thinking it wasn't significant. But things get complicated when he has to interview her twin sister ...
We are introduced to McBride and his colleagues as they investigate the murder and also a series of rapes in the area. Both cases get more complex and the pressure builds. And the introduction of a new colleague, the entitled nephew of a senior officer, doesn't help. Can McBride stay focused and take the investigations to a positive conclusion?
A Nice Place To Die is a good opening to a new series. The characters are believable, the sense of place is strong and the plot contains a few good twists.
DS Ryan McBride is an experienced officer. His personal life is messy but he's always tried not to let this interfere with the job. McBride feels like a rounded character and makes a good protagonist, with plenty of scope for the series to develop.
McBride is called to a murder site. When he sees the body he immediately recognises the young woman: he'd had a one night stand with her a few months back. McBride doesn't report this, thinking it wasn't significant. But things get complicated when he has to interview her twin sister ...
We are introduced to McBride and his colleagues as they investigate the murder and also a series of rapes in the area. Both cases get more complex and the pressure builds. And the introduction of a new colleague, the entitled nephew of a senior officer, doesn't help. Can McBride stay focused and take the investigations to a positive conclusion?
A Nice Place To Die is a good opening to a new series. The characters are believable, the sense of place is strong and the plot contains a few good twists.
September 29, 2023
•Third Person
•Dual Timeline
•Murder Investigation
Setting:
•Belfast, Northern Island
•PSN1
Love the small details, observations, narration and the characters. The characters are both intriguing and mysterious. The book is written so well. It’s so gripping and unputdownable. The mystery is way too deep. Many unexpected things happens in the plot and there are unpredictable twists. There were many suspects but as the inevitable web of deception, secrets and lies breaks one by one with every piece of information the detective gets, they gets closer to the truth and somewhere the mystery seems to be connected with the family secrets. The book was brilliant and mind blowing.
A young woman was murdered and the family secrets were so heartbreaking. There were so many details and so many clues. There was a web of lies, secrets, toxic relationship, deception and mystery. That the Detective managed to break to get to the bottom of the mystery. While people also had facades and hidden secrets.
•Dual Timeline
•Murder Investigation
Setting:
•Belfast, Northern Island
•PSN1
Love the small details, observations, narration and the characters. The characters are both intriguing and mysterious. The book is written so well. It’s so gripping and unputdownable. The mystery is way too deep. Many unexpected things happens in the plot and there are unpredictable twists. There were many suspects but as the inevitable web of deception, secrets and lies breaks one by one with every piece of information the detective gets, they gets closer to the truth and somewhere the mystery seems to be connected with the family secrets. The book was brilliant and mind blowing.
A young woman was murdered and the family secrets were so heartbreaking. There were so many details and so many clues. There was a web of lies, secrets, toxic relationship, deception and mystery. That the Detective managed to break to get to the bottom of the mystery. While people also had facades and hidden secrets.
January 9, 2023
Yet another great debut novel! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
DS Ryan McBride is starting another Murder scene investigation when he realizes he knew the victim, well he had had a one night stand with her anyways. But when her twin sister comes to ID the body, Ryan realizes he may have bit off more than he can chew. Ryan has to dissect his emotions as well as the twists and turns in the case to figure out the murder and his life.
I loved the setting and characters in this book. Without being overly wordy and obnoxious, the setting is described so well and really adds depth to the story. The story goes back and forth on time to Kathleen’s present (through to murder) and Ryan’s present (investigating after the fact). I was slighted by some of the twists in this story, I would think I had it figured out and then bam, turned around on itself while still being plausible. Overall, a great read that I would recommend!
#murdermystery #northernirelandcoast #momswhoread #bookish #bookreview #netgalley
DS Ryan McBride is starting another Murder scene investigation when he realizes he knew the victim, well he had had a one night stand with her anyways. But when her twin sister comes to ID the body, Ryan realizes he may have bit off more than he can chew. Ryan has to dissect his emotions as well as the twists and turns in the case to figure out the murder and his life.
I loved the setting and characters in this book. Without being overly wordy and obnoxious, the setting is described so well and really adds depth to the story. The story goes back and forth on time to Kathleen’s present (through to murder) and Ryan’s present (investigating after the fact). I was slighted by some of the twists in this story, I would think I had it figured out and then bam, turned around on itself while still being plausible. Overall, a great read that I would recommend!
#murdermystery #northernirelandcoast #momswhoread #bookish #bookreview #netgalley
November 7, 2022
" ...that scent of an Irish autumn, damp leaves and woodsmoke, hung in the air, while crows, black and boisterous, flapped and cawed in the dark trees." SOOOO well done, #ANicePlacetoDie" is a terrific read. I could've done with a little less of McBride's messy love life, but did appreciate how it added to the complexity of the investigation. Woollcott creates a nice sense of place, with lots of red herrings and a tightly constructed plot. Highly recommend.
P.S. Thanks to #netgalley for the ARC.
P.S. Thanks to #netgalley for the ARC.
February 25, 2023
A great start to a new series where the main character is a flawed character like many of those people he captures and who are on the other side of the law. He is conflicted between his personal life and feelings and his professional life and a DS. I kept on reading and guessing who was the culprit, but the author kept me imagining things till the end. A Nice Place to Die has a good plot, is well-written, and provides good entertainment!
I thank the author, her publisher, and NetGalley for this book.
I thank the author, her publisher, and NetGalley for this book.
January 1, 2023
This is the first book in the DS Ryan McBride series, Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to review this book.
DS Ryan McBride is called to a murder scene on a cold morning in Belfast. A young woman has been killed.
and Ryan knows the victim. Will it harm the case not admitting it? Will it ruin his career?
Lots of twists and turns before we find the murderer.
I enjoyed
4 stars
DS Ryan McBride is called to a murder scene on a cold morning in Belfast. A young woman has been killed.
and Ryan knows the victim. Will it harm the case not admitting it? Will it ruin his career?
Lots of twists and turns before we find the murderer.
I enjoyed
4 stars
October 27, 2022
This is a new author and I love the book from the very beginning. A nice place to die is intriguing and surprisingly interesting from the first chapter. The story develop nicely and I love the style of writing. I also enjoyed that the the story was set in Northern Ireland. Will definitely love to read more from the author.
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