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The Key to Kells
DISCOVERY UPENDS EVERYTHING WE KNOW ABOUT MEMORY AND GENETICS. IT MIGHT COST KEY MURPHY HIS LIFE.
Key Murphy is a freak, a prodigy. He has visions so real he’s diagnosed with PTSD. Key learns that his visions might be caused by a mutated gene which allows him to experience the memories of an ancestor.
Key also has a family link to The Book of Kells. Pages from the book were stolen in Ireland in the distant past. Those pages are believed to contain a fundamental secret of Christendom.
Padraig Collins is one of the wealthiest men in Europe. He was an undercover operative for the IRA. He amassed a fortune. He wants those pages. His soul depends on them. He will do whatever it takes to possess them.
The race is on.
Key Murphy is a freak, a prodigy. He has visions so real he’s diagnosed with PTSD. Key learns that his visions might be caused by a mutated gene which allows him to experience the memories of an ancestor.
Key also has a family link to The Book of Kells. Pages from the book were stolen in Ireland in the distant past. Those pages are believed to contain a fundamental secret of Christendom.
Padraig Collins is one of the wealthiest men in Europe. He was an undercover operative for the IRA. He amassed a fortune. He wants those pages. His soul depends on them. He will do whatever it takes to possess them.
The race is on.
468 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 23, 2022
285 people are currently reading
2111 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
October 25, 2022
This was a very pleasant surprise. I'm always on the lookout for books that have a mash-up of different genres. Most of the time I end up disappointed as it's a difficult thing to do. Key to Kells does it brilliantly. It's a great blend of fantasy, sci-fi, history, thriller, and action. It feels very natural, each genre earns its place in the book. Nothing has been thrown in unnecessarily for the sake of it. You can feel that the author knows this subject inside out and has done their diligence. I look forward to the next one.
June 28, 2023
I just could not stop reading this book, it has action, history, romance, and sci-fi. The story has a good plot, it's well-written and provides great entertainment! Highly recommended!
September 28, 2023
This thriller/mystery is pretty much in the style of The DaVinci code: a secret, a race to get an ancient artifact, while running away from the "bad guys"... on top of that you add a sprinkle of politics, the ability to "see" the memories of the mc ancestors and you get a fun and entertaining read. Fast paced and with a pretty straight plot (even with the flashbacks), it's a quick read, entertaining enough to keep you hooked. No idea if the flashbacks of the protagonist are based on some real investigation, but I can see how it was thought out enough to make it plausible. The romance aspect was not my favorite since it felt a bit superficial, but the mystery was interesting and allowed me to learn a bit of Ireland history. So, if you like Dan Brown books, you'll probably like this one.
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October 24, 2022Although I am not an avid reader of suspense novels, this one really kept my attention. The new idea of the memory gene really gives the plot a lot of life, and I was completely mesmerized by some of the action. Kevin O'Connor has a real gift for bringing the characters to life, and one feels that they are part of the action. The Key to Kells was thrilling, it was well-researched, and felt very real. If you like books by authors such as Dan Brown, then The Key to Kells is a must-read!
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October 12, 2023THE KEY TO KELLS by Kevin Barry O’Connor pulses with action and international conspiracy, while also granting readers a fantastically vivid glimpse of an ancient past!
Read the full review on BookTrib.com
Read the full review on BookTrib.com
September 22, 2023
An Irish Jamaican history mystery
I loved this intriguing novel as it brings So many revelations about the famous Artifact, The Book of Kells, along with convoluted story line, characters and DNA.
The love story embellished with danger manipulation, and family history, kept me reading wanting more, so happy there's more to come!
I loved this intriguing novel as it brings So many revelations about the famous Artifact, The Book of Kells, along with convoluted story line, characters and DNA.
The love story embellished with danger manipulation, and family history, kept me reading wanting more, so happy there's more to come!
July 20, 2023
I loved this book, it is probably my favorite book in the thriller genre I have ever read, it combined so many interesting and unusual elements from other genres of books in a way that I really enjoyed.
I want the ancestral memory gene! The main character, Key, is able to see memories from his ancestor due to a newly discovered gene mutation, and he uses these memories to find treasure and solve mysteries. The book goes on to say that this gene mutation is present in many Irish people / throughout the Celtic bloodline. Since I have Irish heritage, I spent much of the book imagining that this would happen to me and what I would do with my newfound abilities.
I found the characters to be diverse, complex, yet all likeable in their own ways. The protagonist of Key feels like someone you want to have your back in any situation. Key makes a great and relatable leading man. I was rooting for him the whole time, but also felt like I could imagine myself in Key's shoes. Arin is a fantastic leading lady and a perfect balance to Key.
In addition to being a great page turner mystery, I was pleasantly surprised to learn so much about the Celtic diaspora. I love learning while being entertained, this book introduced a lot of ideas, facts, and questions while throwing a lot of intense action into the mix.
I read it as fast as I could, as each chapter ended in a twist or cliffhanger. At several points throughout this book, I thought the crisis was over. It was, until the next page. The Key to Kells was thrilling, it was well-researched, and felt very real. It is the definition of a must-read.
I want the ancestral memory gene! The main character, Key, is able to see memories from his ancestor due to a newly discovered gene mutation, and he uses these memories to find treasure and solve mysteries. The book goes on to say that this gene mutation is present in many Irish people / throughout the Celtic bloodline. Since I have Irish heritage, I spent much of the book imagining that this would happen to me and what I would do with my newfound abilities.
I found the characters to be diverse, complex, yet all likeable in their own ways. The protagonist of Key feels like someone you want to have your back in any situation. Key makes a great and relatable leading man. I was rooting for him the whole time, but also felt like I could imagine myself in Key's shoes. Arin is a fantastic leading lady and a perfect balance to Key.
In addition to being a great page turner mystery, I was pleasantly surprised to learn so much about the Celtic diaspora. I love learning while being entertained, this book introduced a lot of ideas, facts, and questions while throwing a lot of intense action into the mix.
I read it as fast as I could, as each chapter ended in a twist or cliffhanger. At several points throughout this book, I thought the crisis was over. It was, until the next page. The Key to Kells was thrilling, it was well-researched, and felt very real. It is the definition of a must-read.
September 1, 2023
Riveting
Very interesting and.. The book of Kells is still a mysterious historical document which has fascinated people for centuries the story was very interesting and I enjoyed it immensely.
Very interesting and.. The book of Kells is still a mysterious historical document which has fascinated people for centuries the story was very interesting and I enjoyed it immensely.
June 24, 2023
I've never read any book quite like this one. It crosses many genre without losing it's own story while still holding the reader captive to the past, present and future of Key Murphy. His connections to his ancestors is an original plot line....or original to me.....and adds a dimension missing in many stories I have read. Kevin Barry O'Connor has done an excellent job of building this cast of characters and the communities that hold them in history. He has woven the past and present so tightly that I had to research some of the back story after finishing the book. The story has it's own pace, slowing and speeding up as the tension builds. Where will Key find himself in the near future? Read on and find out.
June 4, 2023
What a wild ride. This is an adventure story like no other. Cian and Arin are fated to meet as determined by their ancestors centuries ago. Cian has memories of his ancestor who protected artefacts that could bring Ireland and possibly the world together again in hope and faith. This story takes you from Philly where Cian is a detective to Jamaica, Ireland and beyond. It is a fast paced story and will be hard to put down.
December 1, 2022
Great Read!
I love history. Always have. Add mythology and I'm there. There's so much that came before that we're not taught in school. This story covers the raids from the Norsemen in Ireland and spins a convincing yarn. We know so little of what the mind is capable of. Take a look and see a fascinating possibility!
I love history. Always have. Add mythology and I'm there. There's so much that came before that we're not taught in school. This story covers the raids from the Norsemen in Ireland and spins a convincing yarn. We know so little of what the mind is capable of. Take a look and see a fascinating possibility!
May 15, 2023
Not really sure how to classify this book; it’s a mashup or fusion of genres, taking the best of mystery, adventure, and thriller while adding in a dose of fantasy to deliver what is a very enjoyable read that is even uplifting in its overall effect. I really an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher and voluntarily provided an honest review.
June 26, 2023
The Key to Kells by Kevin Barry O’Connor is a mixed genre book: science fiction, history, religion, romance, politics, and thriller. Probably more. The story opens with Key Murphy, police consultant, with a gun to his head, about to die. Not tonight, he vowed. The police made it in time. It was all about his friend, Buck’s, little sister, Tanya McCoy, who had been his best friend. She died of an overdose but as far as he was concerned it was murder. This all sifted rapidly when he used his talent to put together some numbers they had found in a newspaper in her room, and tracked the drug gang and her killers. But now, he was having visions, from long ago Ireland. He was going crazy. He went home, to his folks and found out he wasn’t crazy. HIs father had similar visions, as had his great-grandfather. From there things moved quickly. Before he knew it he was on a plane to Jamaica to meet a distant cousin and learn more about this whole story. It was a wild ride, for Key, and for the reader.
Key was in interesting character: his whole life was full of questions. How he could be genius level on a topic one day and back to being human the next. It happened often. Then there was Tomas, his “imaginary” friend when he was five, then he was gone. HIs father gave him a binder full of notes from his life and from that of Key’s great-grandfather. They had inherited a gift. Key had it too, but wasn’t quite there yet. In Jamaica he met Arin, a college professor/anthropologist whose father had had the same gift and a ggg grandfather who had left notes. He’d had the gift. She was half Irish, half Jamaican black. She was beautiful and encouraging. These and the others were well-written characters. The plot was intricate, moving from time-to-time, but exciting, all revolving around the Book of Kells, another treasure, and reunification of Ireland. It was a terrific plot which one had to pay attention to or lose the string. Other people wanted these treasures as well but seemed to stop at murder to get them. Similar to Dan Brown in many ways. Good book. I am looking forward to more in this series.
I was invited to read a free e-ARC of The Key to Kells by the Book Whisperer, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #TheBookWhisperer #KevinBarryOConnor #TheKeyToKells
Key was in interesting character: his whole life was full of questions. How he could be genius level on a topic one day and back to being human the next. It happened often. Then there was Tomas, his “imaginary” friend when he was five, then he was gone. HIs father gave him a binder full of notes from his life and from that of Key’s great-grandfather. They had inherited a gift. Key had it too, but wasn’t quite there yet. In Jamaica he met Arin, a college professor/anthropologist whose father had had the same gift and a ggg grandfather who had left notes. He’d had the gift. She was half Irish, half Jamaican black. She was beautiful and encouraging. These and the others were well-written characters. The plot was intricate, moving from time-to-time, but exciting, all revolving around the Book of Kells, another treasure, and reunification of Ireland. It was a terrific plot which one had to pay attention to or lose the string. Other people wanted these treasures as well but seemed to stop at murder to get them. Similar to Dan Brown in many ways. Good book. I am looking forward to more in this series.
I was invited to read a free e-ARC of The Key to Kells by the Book Whisperer, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #TheBookWhisperer #KevinBarryOConnor #TheKeyToKells
July 28, 2023
At the start of The Key to Kells, protagonist Key Murphy has recently begun having intense visions that seem to be of events from the distant past. He soon discovers that he has a fairly rare gene that allows him to connect with his ancestors' memories, living through them as if they were his own. His family had kept this possibility a secret from him until now, but now that this gift has emerged, they want him to use his memories to find Ireland's greatest lost treasure, the cover and missing pages of The Book of Kells. A Murphy ancestor had hidden this treasure to keep it safe from invaders, intending to bring it home when it was safe to do so. Centuries later, it is still missing, and would be worth a pretty penny. Now it is up to Key and his newly discovered distant relative Arin to find the treasure and return it to Ireland before others, with more nefarious purposes, do.
This story has an intriguing premise. How cool would it be if there was a genetic way to connect with your ancestors? What amazing insights could be found? I also liked the view into historical Ireland and Jamaica that this thriller provided. Key works well as a protagonist, he's just a good guy who you want to succeed. I would have liked to see more of Arin's character come through though. The romance was fine, although even though their relation is so distant, it still feels a bit strange for them to get together. The mystery was compelling, with some high stakes sequences, and the story leaves you with a nice little sting, urging you to pick up the next book in the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This story has an intriguing premise. How cool would it be if there was a genetic way to connect with your ancestors? What amazing insights could be found? I also liked the view into historical Ireland and Jamaica that this thriller provided. Key works well as a protagonist, he's just a good guy who you want to succeed. I would have liked to see more of Arin's character come through though. The romance was fine, although even though their relation is so distant, it still feels a bit strange for them to get together. The mystery was compelling, with some high stakes sequences, and the story leaves you with a nice little sting, urging you to pick up the next book in the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
November 16, 2024
Rating: 3* of five
The Publisher Says: DISCOVERY UPENDS EVERYTHING WE KNOW ABOUT MEMORY AND GENETICS. IT MIGHT COST KEY MURPHY HIS LIFE.
Key Murphy is a freak, a prodigy. He has visions so real he’s diagnosed with PTSD. Key learns that his visions might be caused by a mutated gene which allows him to experience the memories of an ancestor.
Key also has a family link to The Book of Kells. Pages from the book were stolen in Ireland in the distant past. Those pages are believed to contain a fundamental secret of Christendom.
Padraig Collins is one of the wealthiest men in Europe. He was an undercover operative for the IRA. He amassed a fortune. He wants those pages. His soul depends on them. He will do whatever it takes to possess them.
I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA NETGALLEY. THANK YOU.
My Review: Irish take on The DaVinci Code, plus psychometry. The pace is good, the story's as believable as any thriller is, the visions tormenting the MC are suitably weird so we empathize with his PTSD. The hetero romance was easy enough to ignore.
It's got the OTTness of thrillers, the religious tinge of a bad man's desire for redemption is (intentionally?) a piss-take, and I'm not mad that I read it.
The Publisher Says: DISCOVERY UPENDS EVERYTHING WE KNOW ABOUT MEMORY AND GENETICS. IT MIGHT COST KEY MURPHY HIS LIFE.
Key Murphy is a freak, a prodigy. He has visions so real he’s diagnosed with PTSD. Key learns that his visions might be caused by a mutated gene which allows him to experience the memories of an ancestor.
Key also has a family link to The Book of Kells. Pages from the book were stolen in Ireland in the distant past. Those pages are believed to contain a fundamental secret of Christendom.
Padraig Collins is one of the wealthiest men in Europe. He was an undercover operative for the IRA. He amassed a fortune. He wants those pages. His soul depends on them. He will do whatever it takes to possess them.
I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA NETGALLEY. THANK YOU.
My Review: Irish take on The DaVinci Code, plus psychometry. The pace is good, the story's as believable as any thriller is, the visions tormenting the MC are suitably weird so we empathize with his PTSD. The hetero romance was easy enough to ignore.
It's got the OTTness of thrillers, the religious tinge of a bad man's desire for redemption is (intentionally?) a piss-take, and I'm not mad that I read it.
September 13, 2023
I enjoyed this book, but have some reservations. I loved the characters of Key and Arin and I really loved the historical connection to Irish history and the Book of Kells. The settings in both Jamaica and Ireland really sucked me in. The idea of genetic memory is intriguing and so is the plotline about uniting Ireland. The plot is tight and the action swift. While the flashbacks sometimes confused the issue, the story came together nicely. But...
While I knew this was "book 1" in a series, I expected more of a solution to the storyline. This book leaves the readers hanging. The main plotline of looking for the missing piece of the Book of Kells is resolved, but so much is left undone. I'm sure this was planned, and I will likely read book 2, but I looked for more of a resolution. I expected this to be a series with a continuing character (like so many other detective/mystery books). I guess it's just book 1 of a duology. Perhaps I would feel differently had I realized that from the beginning.
While I knew this was "book 1" in a series, I expected more of a solution to the storyline. This book leaves the readers hanging. The main plotline of looking for the missing piece of the Book of Kells is resolved, but so much is left undone. I'm sure this was planned, and I will likely read book 2, but I looked for more of a resolution. I expected this to be a series with a continuing character (like so many other detective/mystery books). I guess it's just book 1 of a duology. Perhaps I would feel differently had I realized that from the beginning.
October 9, 2025
I honestly didn’t expect to love The Key to Kells this much! I saw someone recommend it on Reddit, and the way they described it made me instantly want to read it and it did not disappoint! It’s such a perfect mix of history, mystery, sci-fi, and a bit of romance... and somehow it all feels effortless. The whole idea of an ancestral memory gene really hooked me, it’s one of those concepts that makes you think, “what if this was real?”. For a moment, I wanted to experience how it feels to have those!
The story is fast-paced and full of twists, with just the right balance of action and emotion. I also really liked Key and Arin, they felt real and easy to root for. And the way the book ties in Irish history and culture made everything even more fascinating.
If you’re into thrillers that keep you turning the pages while also making you feel something, this one’s definitely worth reading!! This deserves more love and attention!
The story is fast-paced and full of twists, with just the right balance of action and emotion. I also really liked Key and Arin, they felt real and easy to root for. And the way the book ties in Irish history and culture made everything even more fascinating.
If you’re into thrillers that keep you turning the pages while also making you feel something, this one’s definitely worth reading!! This deserves more love and attention!
June 21, 2023
This book is a mixture of genres, part thriller, romance, supernatural and historical. Because of this mix, it took me a while to get into the book. At times wordy, at times US cop story , for me in places, it tried to be too much. The characters were ok, fairly typical Irish and or Jamaican. The plot perhaps a little too far fetched and everything went a little too well. As it progressed, I started to like it more, though the private jetting around the world was irritating and stretched the bounds of credibility a little too far. Saying that, I am iterested to read more about Key Murphy , the book has piqued my curiosity. Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. I am not raving about this one, but don't want to write it off either
June 9, 2023
The Key to Kells is the first book in a series and it ends with a twist that makes you want to grab the 2nd in the series right away. Intrigue, mystery, mysticism, and a little bit of romance make this book an interesting read that will be sure to capture your attention as it did mine. The main character, Key, discovers there is a ‘gift’ that runs in his family. It is an anomaly in the DNA that gives a predisposition to having the memories of his ancestors. As he navigates this newly discovered experience he embarks on a quest to finish a task that an ancestor began many centuries earlier.
#TheKeyToKells #netgalley
#TheKeyToKells #netgalley
July 25, 2025
A book that comes from the same genre as the likes of the Da Vinci code and the games Assassin’s Creed. A tale of a man who can see his ancestors memories that lead him on a chase through America to Jamaica to Ireland to discover a lost relic that will unite Ireland. Are the bad guys really the bad guys? Who knew the history of Ireland and Jamaica were linked? I didn’t. This book is very engaging, beautifully incorporates adventure, history and romance. The reason for the 3 stars. The ending felt rushed and open ended. I have however loved it as a read and have downloaded the other two books.
June 1, 2023
The Key to Kelly’s by Kevin Barry O’Connor tells the story of Key Murphy who has a gene mutation which allows him to see visions of his ancestors that were ordered to guard the Book of Kells. It starts in Philadelphia so it was fun to run through the city. Of course we then head to Ireland. A bit thriller, romance, crime and sci fi. The second book is due out at the end of June. Anxiously awaiting since there were a lot of questions that need answers. I recommend this book. Thank you NetGalley for letting me review this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 21, 2023
An interesting concept of a man being able to access memories of his ancestors makes for a compelling beginning to this thriller series. Almost like a Dan Brown type of action adventure romp through history with real world intrigue and consequences, but set up more as a cop drama and definitely less preachy than Dan Brown. Interesting cast of characters and a fast paced plot driven story made this a very enjoyable read and am looking forward to further stories in the series. Thank you NetGalley and Book Whisperer for the arc.
November 3, 2023
Wonderful 1st in Series!
The Key to Kells, written by Kevin Barry O'Connor, is the first book in his A Key Murphy Thriller series. This is the first book I have read by this author, but it won't be the last. From the descriptive world building, interesting story line and the wonderful characters, this book held me captive from the first to the last page. This book is well written, fast paced, has mysteries, adventure, exploration, danger, drama, friendships, family, love and some spice. I am excited to read the next book in this series!
The Key to Kells, written by Kevin Barry O'Connor, is the first book in his A Key Murphy Thriller series. This is the first book I have read by this author, but it won't be the last. From the descriptive world building, interesting story line and the wonderful characters, this book held me captive from the first to the last page. This book is well written, fast paced, has mysteries, adventure, exploration, danger, drama, friendships, family, love and some spice. I am excited to read the next book in this series!
November 1, 2025
Decent book; enjoyable enough that I finished it, but I probably won't continue the series.
Interesting idea, but the execution was lacking. Fairly two-dimensional characters, corny dialogue, and unclear action abound. It often feels like the characters are off doing something with no explanation, and multiple times the characters mention conversations that never actually happened.
The romance also came off as sophomoric and lurid.
Still, it's a fun and unique idea, and I think O'Connor has a lot of potential.
Interesting idea, but the execution was lacking. Fairly two-dimensional characters, corny dialogue, and unclear action abound. It often feels like the characters are off doing something with no explanation, and multiple times the characters mention conversations that never actually happened.
The romance also came off as sophomoric and lurid.
Still, it's a fun and unique idea, and I think O'Connor has a lot of potential.
December 8, 2025
While not my typical read, I was intrigued by the mashup of genres: a thrilling artifact hunt blended with sci-fi elements and a bit of magic. There are crime bosses, international intrigue, a romance, and a charming and earnest main character. I was a bit confused by all the characters (some in the present, others in the past as the current characters experience their ancestors' memories), and that might have been easier as an eye-read, BUT the incredible range of accents in the audiobook performance was exceptional.
June 3, 2023
What a wild ride. This is an adventure story like no other. Cian and Arin are fated to meet as determined by their ancestors centuries ago. Cian has memories of his ancestor who protected artefacts that could bring Ireland and possibly the world together again in hope and faith. This story takes you from Philly where Cian is a detective to Jamaica, Ireland and beyond. It is a fast paced story and will be hard to put down.
June 24, 2023
When Key Murphy begins to have the same memories of his Irish ancestors had, it begins an incredibly convoluted journey to find the missing cover of an ancient book. He meets part of the Murphy clan who lives in Jamaica. Who can he trust? Who is telling the truth? The Key to Kelly’s, by Kevin Barry O’Connor, is both science fiction and thriller that will keep the reader on the edge of his seat. I was able to read an ARC on #NetGalley.
January 24, 2025
Murphy's Law
Being a part of the Murphy clan I was raised in Catholic traditions and folklore. One thing I learned was that if anything can go wrong it will at the worst possible time. Our hero Key is experiencing flashbacks from a relative who was entrusted to keep the stolen page from book of Kells and cup safe from Viking invasions. Key travels to Ireland and goes on hunt to locate the hidden artifacts and return them to make the Kells book whole again.
Being a part of the Murphy clan I was raised in Catholic traditions and folklore. One thing I learned was that if anything can go wrong it will at the worst possible time. Our hero Key is experiencing flashbacks from a relative who was entrusted to keep the stolen page from book of Kells and cup safe from Viking invasions. Key travels to Ireland and goes on hunt to locate the hidden artifacts and return them to make the Kells book whole again.
May 17, 2023
Fascinating book! As a former tourist to Ireland this book peaked my curiosity. I missed seeing the Book of kells, however, next time I visit Ireland I will make a point to visit. The story is well written and you fall in love with the characters Key and Arin. I like the history this book envies and the people it introduces to the reader.
June 30, 2023
I loved the spiritual ‘ supernatural angle which was brought to what otherwise looked like a fairly standard thriller. It really added a unique direction and did it in a credible way, making to truly part of the book and not an “add on.” The author has a lovely turn of phrase, too, which suits this almost mystical touch. Really interesting and a bit unusual.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews