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Irish Village Mystery #6
Murder at an Irish Christmas
"This December in Kilbane, if you're planning to warm up with a cuppa tea at Naomi's Bistro, you may have a bit of a wait--the entire O'Sullivan brood has gone off to West Cork to spend the holidays with brother James's fiancâee Elise's family, includingher grandfather, the famous orchestral conductor Enda Elliot. Siobhâan is so happy for James and Elise but also quietly disappointed that she must put her own wedding to fellow garda Macdara Flannery on hold. Mac will have to join them later, so he can spend part of the holidays with his mam. When the O'Sullivans learn everyone will choose a name from a hat to buy a music-related Christmas gift for someone else at the gathering, it seems like their greatest concern--until the cantankerous conductor is discovered crushed under a ninety-pound harp in a local concert hall. With the extended family--including Enda's much-younger new wife Leah, a virtuoso violinist--suspected in his murder, it's up to Siobhâan to ensure the guilty party faces the music beforethe killer orchestrates another untimely demise"--
495 pages, Library Binding
First published October 27, 2020
2594 people are currently reading
4173 people want to read
About the author
Carlene O'Connor
35 books2,584 followersCarlene O’Connor is the USA Today Bestselling author of The Irish Village Mystery Series, The Home to Ireland Series and the County Kerry Mystery series. The first in the County Kerry Series, NO STRANGERS HERE received a starred review from Kirkus and was the Mystery Pick of the Month at Barnes and Noble in September of 2023. Of all the places across the pond she’s wandered, she fell most in love with a walled town in County Limerick and was inspired to create the town of Kilbane, County Cork. She currently lives in New Mexico.
https://carleneoconnor.net/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 641 reviews
August 12, 2024
This is a cozy mystery, and it is the 7th book in the Irish Village Mystery series. I really enjoyed this book, and it pulled me for the beginning. There is a lot about music. I really enjoyed the mystery part of this book, but I really enjoyed the characters. The characters where fun and felt real to me. This is a fast-paced cozy mystery with wonderful characters. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Kensington Publishing Corporation) or author (Carlene O'Connor) via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review about how I feel about this book, and I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
December 13, 2020
Let me begin by stating for the record that Murder at an Irish Christmas was about what I'd expect .
You get a twisty, fast paced cozy mystery with some humor, warm family fuzzies and a little tension to keep you invested.
You also get a nice surprise at the end, one I don't mind sharing, as it's more Christmas gift than plot spoiler.
Long-time fans of this series know all about the village's obsession with Siobhán's brown bread.
I've included the recipe here for anyone who hasn't yet gotten to this one but still wants to enjoy a bit of holiday cheer, O'Sullivan style.
"Ingredients:
2 and ½ cups stone-ground whole-wheat flour.
1 and ½ cups white flour (King Arthur).
½ cup rolled oats.
1 and ½ tsp salt.
1 tsp baking soda.
1 and ¾ cup buttermilk.
2 tbsps. molasses.
Instructions:
In a large bowl, combine dry ingredients.
In a separate bowl, Wisk together buttermilk and molasses.
Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients; pore in buttermilk mixture.
Add a drop of Guinness for luck.
Stir mixture with a fork until combined.
Cover your hands with flour and knead the dough into a ball.
Place the dough ball on a lined cookie sheet, pressing it flat until it is a few inches thick.
Carve a cross into the center.
Bake at 450 for 15 minutes.
Reduce oven temp to 400 and bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes or until the bottom of the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
Note:
For a soft bread, try baking at 180 degrees for one hour."
My Note:
Tried this one and found it to be a complete bust.
Either I'm a crap baker or something with the recipe is off.
In any case, bake at your own risk.
You get a twisty, fast paced cozy mystery with some humor, warm family fuzzies and a little tension to keep you invested.
You also get a nice surprise at the end, one I don't mind sharing, as it's more Christmas gift than plot spoiler.
Long-time fans of this series know all about the village's obsession with Siobhán's brown bread.
I've included the recipe here for anyone who hasn't yet gotten to this one but still wants to enjoy a bit of holiday cheer, O'Sullivan style.
"Ingredients:
2 and ½ cups stone-ground whole-wheat flour.
1 and ½ cups white flour (King Arthur).
½ cup rolled oats.
1 and ½ tsp salt.
1 tsp baking soda.
1 and ¾ cup buttermilk.
2 tbsps. molasses.
Instructions:
In a large bowl, combine dry ingredients.
In a separate bowl, Wisk together buttermilk and molasses.
Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients; pore in buttermilk mixture.
Add a drop of Guinness for luck.
Stir mixture with a fork until combined.
Cover your hands with flour and knead the dough into a ball.
Place the dough ball on a lined cookie sheet, pressing it flat until it is a few inches thick.
Carve a cross into the center.
Bake at 450 for 15 minutes.
Reduce oven temp to 400 and bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes or until the bottom of the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
Note:
For a soft bread, try baking at 180 degrees for one hour."
My Note:
Tried this one and found it to be a complete bust.
Either I'm a crap baker or something with the recipe is off.
In any case, bake at your own risk.
December 12, 2020
2.5 STARS ★★✬✩✩
⤐ Overall.
I keep saying the same thing when I review crime novels: I am easily bored by crime novels and thus have set a high bar for crime novels to convince me. Now to the fun part; How much convincing do you think happened in this book? I reckon you guessed right:
Not even reviews of trusted fellow Goodreaders can help; I tend to be disappointed most of the time and regret having even spent time on the book.
Less than a week since I finished Murder at an Irish Christmas and I've already forgotten most of the characters and the plot. That honestly says it all. I was initially rating this 3 stars simply because I liked the Irish part of the book but in the end not even my favourite dialect in the whole wide world could fix my feelings towards this book.
The mystery was boring, I did not connect to any of the characters and couldn't care less for the investigation. 'Nuff said, right?
⤐ What’s happening.
Two families meet on a secluded island to celebrate Christmas together. Not a lot of celebrating will be going on with the infamous head of the hosting family, a conductor, crushed by a ninety-pound harp. And murders are never fun.
_____________________
3 STARS. Decent read that I have neither strongly positive nor negative feelings about. Some things irked me and thus it does not qualify as exceptional.
2 STARS. Definitely a disappointment. It might not even have been worth finishing for a variety of reasons.
This book is … neither particularily mysterious nor does it carry a lot of Christmas vibes. I cannot recommend this without breaking the inofficial oath reviewers take: always speak your heartfelt truth.
⤐ Overall.
I keep saying the same thing when I review crime novels: I am easily bored by crime novels and thus have set a high bar for crime novels to convince me. Now to the fun part; How much convincing do you think happened in this book? I reckon you guessed right:
Not even reviews of trusted fellow Goodreaders can help; I tend to be disappointed most of the time and regret having even spent time on the book.
Less than a week since I finished Murder at an Irish Christmas and I've already forgotten most of the characters and the plot. That honestly says it all. I was initially rating this 3 stars simply because I liked the Irish part of the book but in the end not even my favourite dialect in the whole wide world could fix my feelings towards this book.
The mystery was boring, I did not connect to any of the characters and couldn't care less for the investigation. 'Nuff said, right?
⤐ What’s happening.
Two families meet on a secluded island to celebrate Christmas together. Not a lot of celebrating will be going on with the infamous head of the hosting family, a conductor, crushed by a ninety-pound harp. And murders are never fun.
_____________________
3 STARS. Decent read that I have neither strongly positive nor negative feelings about. Some things irked me and thus it does not qualify as exceptional.
2 STARS. Definitely a disappointment. It might not even have been worth finishing for a variety of reasons.
January 24, 2021
This sixth book in Carlene O'Connor's, "An Irish Village Mystery" series, is as charming a mystery as they get. Ms. O'Connor weaves the old Irish folk ways into her current day Irish tales. This time it's an extended-family holiday gathering and the O'Sullivan clan is making a holiday of it. That is until one of the family members winds up dead under an orchestral harp. Even on vacation, Garda Siobhán O'Sullivan can't seem to help herself and has soon insinuated into helping on the investigation.
What adds to the fun of this book are all the blatant holiday puns sprinkled throughout. Don't get me wrong. There is nothing humorous about murder or death, but poke fun at the human condition, add a few puns and you have a few hours of delightful escapism.
The writing is good. The scene settings are rich with generous description. The dialogue among O'Sullivan siblings is spirited yet full of love. There's a long list of potential murder suspects which eventually gets whittled down and the perpetrator unveiled just at the peak of tension. All in all, this was a most enjoyable cozy mystery and a perfect holiday read.
What adds to the fun of this book are all the blatant holiday puns sprinkled throughout. Don't get me wrong. There is nothing humorous about murder or death, but poke fun at the human condition, add a few puns and you have a few hours of delightful escapism.
The writing is good. The scene settings are rich with generous description. The dialogue among O'Sullivan siblings is spirited yet full of love. There's a long list of potential murder suspects which eventually gets whittled down and the perpetrator unveiled just at the peak of tension. All in all, this was a most enjoyable cozy mystery and a perfect holiday read.
July 29, 2021
Great Series
I love this series of books. I love them being set in Ireland where my great great Grandfather is from. The O'Sullivan six are awesome and fun characters. I picture Siobhan as Maureen O'Hara from the movie The Quiet Man. Then there's always a cast of great characters who are associated with the movie and best of all Macdara., Siobhan's love interest. This book was set at Christmas where you learn some Irish Christmas traditions and solve a murder.
I love this series of books. I love them being set in Ireland where my great great Grandfather is from. The O'Sullivan six are awesome and fun characters. I picture Siobhan as Maureen O'Hara from the movie The Quiet Man. Then there's always a cast of great characters who are associated with the movie and best of all Macdara., Siobhan's love interest. This book was set at Christmas where you learn some Irish Christmas traditions and solve a murder.
December 7, 2020
I am only giving this 2 stars because I finished it. I had to finish because the author named so many suspects - just about everyone except the murder victim, the Garda/Guards or police, and the actual murderer. This was so annoying. It is set in Ireland but the only details that the novel includes is that the whiskey mill makes a horrible Irish Cream alcoholic drink, and people gossip a lot. I had to google "whiskey mill" because I'd never heard the phrase. I've visited whiskey distilleries but whiskey mill??? I looked up the phrase and only found a restaurant in North Carolina.
I am a reader who dislikes almost all novels written by Americans that are set in Ireland. Although this author doesn't share her nationality on her Goodreads profile (this is typical of American writers posing as Irish), googling her shows that she lives in Chicago. I read novels set in Ireland in order to soak up genuine cultural details, speech patterns, history and all of the kinds of flavor that so many readers hope to get when reading a book set in a foreign place. There are loads of Americans looking for a piece of the Emerald Isle, though this book offers almost none. I borrowed this from Hoopla through my library so my only investment was time. Thank goodness or I'd be really grumpy about spending money on it.
p.s. I listened at 1.5 speed just to get through it
I am a reader who dislikes almost all novels written by Americans that are set in Ireland. Although this author doesn't share her nationality on her Goodreads profile (this is typical of American writers posing as Irish), googling her shows that she lives in Chicago. I read novels set in Ireland in order to soak up genuine cultural details, speech patterns, history and all of the kinds of flavor that so many readers hope to get when reading a book set in a foreign place. There are loads of Americans looking for a piece of the Emerald Isle, though this book offers almost none. I borrowed this from Hoopla through my library so my only investment was time. Thank goodness or I'd be really grumpy about spending money on it.
p.s. I listened at 1.5 speed just to get through it
August 13, 2020
The O'Sullivan Clan are back in action and this time they've taken the mystery on the road for Christmas! It's hard enough to meet future in-laws, but finding them over a dead body and then having to suspect one of them as the murderer definitely takes things to a new level. Especially when you already have a strained relationship with your brother's future wife to be! This is an intriguing mystery as it takes the locked room type mystery and puts into a real life scenario. It's fun to attempt to unwind the mystery along with the guarda! As always the characters are at once loveable, frustrating, funny and annoying just as they are written to be! I absolutely have fallen in love with this series and look forward to reading more in the future!
December 16, 2020
A murder investigation in a posh Irish home in the middle of a raging snowstorm.
O'Connor weaves an entertaining holiday mystery with a charming protagonist and plenty of twists.
A well-conceived 'locked room' mystery.
O'Connor weaves an entertaining holiday mystery with a charming protagonist and plenty of twists.
A well-conceived 'locked room' mystery.
November 18, 2024
EXCERPT: Siobhán was headed for the entrance once more when a woman's scream rang out. the next thing she knew, the crowd had shifted directions, voices raised in panic. 'Call the guards,' she heard a voice shout. 'Call an ambulance.'
'I'm a guard,' Siobhán said, moving sideways to get clear of the stampede, getting jostled left and right. When she finally stumbled her way into the building, she encountered a large open space with a timber floor and stone walls. A second-floor gallery with a railing was situated just above their heads, and a spotlight shone on the space below. Harry, Moira and Leah were huddled in the area near the center that was lit by the spotlight. Siobhán followed their gaze to a broken railing above, then to the felled ebony harp below. Why were they all so panicked about a harp? Was it that valuable? A harp doesn't need an ambulance. It took another second to see that the harp had a pair of wellies sticking out from its base.
ABOUT 'MURDER AT AN IRISH CHRISTMAS': Garda Siobhán O'Sullivan's holiday plans hit a sour note when murder rearranges the Yuletide carols into unexpected eulogies...
This December in Kilbane, if you're planning to warm up with a cuppa tea at Naomi's Bistro, you may have a bit of a wait--the entire O'Sullivan brood has gone off to West Cork to spend the holidays with brother James' fiancée Elise's family, including her grandfather, the famous orchestral conductor Enda Elliot. Siobhán is so happy for James and Elise but also quietly disappointed that she must put her own wedding to fellow garda Macdara Flannery on hold. Mac will have to join them later, so he can spend part of the holidays with his mam.
When the O'Sullivans learn everyone will choose a name from a hat to buy a music-related Christmas gift for someone else at the gathering, it seems like their greatest concern--until the cantankerous conductor is discovered crushed under a ninety-pound harp in a local concert hall.
With the extended family--including Enda's much-younger new wife Leah, a virtuoso violinist--suspected in his murder, it's up to Siobhán to ensure the guilty party faces the music. But as a snowstorm strands both families in a lavish farmhouse on a cliff, Siobhán had better pick up the tempo--before the killer orchestrates another untimely demise...
MY THOUGHTS: It is always a pleasure to catch up with the O'Sullivan family. They are a joy to behold, as entertaining that they are. It really won't matter if you haven't read any of the earlier books as there is enough information provided so that you'll easily know who is who to whom.
The characters are fun and easily recognisable. The younger siblings must get frustrated that every time they set off on a family holiday, Siobhán ends up entangled in an investigation. However, in this case, they have Christmas shopping and plenty of crisps and chocolate to keep them entertained. Apparently it's not Christmas without crisps and chocolate!
Siobhán is an excellent guard. She has excellent powers of observation and listens to her intuition. Her fiancé, Guarda McDara Flannery, calls her 'Boss'. Together they make a great team.
I really enjoyed the mystery in Murder at an Irish Christmas. Enda kept his family close, including his ex-wife and their children who live alongside Enda and his new wife. There's a wide pool of suspects and a lot of lies told and secrets revealed. And there may be a wee conflict of interest: Siobhán's brother James is engaged to the dead man's granddaughter.
I had fun trying to solve this. I never believed that the main suspect was the murderer, although my certainty did waver towards the end. I'd had another suspect in mind. Was I correct? You'll need to read Murder at an Irish Christmas for yourself to find out.
The motive is as interesting as it is ingenuous.
I enjoyed this read and look forward to connecting with the Sullivan clan again.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
#MurderatanIrishChristmas #NetGalley
MEET THE AUTHOR: Born into a long line of Irish storytellers, Carlene O'Connor's great-grandmother emigrated from Ireland filled with tales in 1897 and the stories have been flowing ever since. Of all the places she’s wandered across the pond, she fell most in love with a walled town in County Limerick and was inspired to create the town of Kilbane, County Cork, the setting of her Irish Village Mystery series.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Kensington Books via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of Murder at an Irish Christmas by Carlene O'Connor. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
I combined reading Murder at an Irish Christmas written by Carlene O'Connor with listening to the audiobook beautifully narrated by Caroline Lennon. I enjoyed both formats.
Murder at an Irish Christmas by Carlene O'Connor was published October 27, 2020.
'I'm a guard,' Siobhán said, moving sideways to get clear of the stampede, getting jostled left and right. When she finally stumbled her way into the building, she encountered a large open space with a timber floor and stone walls. A second-floor gallery with a railing was situated just above their heads, and a spotlight shone on the space below. Harry, Moira and Leah were huddled in the area near the center that was lit by the spotlight. Siobhán followed their gaze to a broken railing above, then to the felled ebony harp below. Why were they all so panicked about a harp? Was it that valuable? A harp doesn't need an ambulance. It took another second to see that the harp had a pair of wellies sticking out from its base.
ABOUT 'MURDER AT AN IRISH CHRISTMAS': Garda Siobhán O'Sullivan's holiday plans hit a sour note when murder rearranges the Yuletide carols into unexpected eulogies...
This December in Kilbane, if you're planning to warm up with a cuppa tea at Naomi's Bistro, you may have a bit of a wait--the entire O'Sullivan brood has gone off to West Cork to spend the holidays with brother James' fiancée Elise's family, including her grandfather, the famous orchestral conductor Enda Elliot. Siobhán is so happy for James and Elise but also quietly disappointed that she must put her own wedding to fellow garda Macdara Flannery on hold. Mac will have to join them later, so he can spend part of the holidays with his mam.
When the O'Sullivans learn everyone will choose a name from a hat to buy a music-related Christmas gift for someone else at the gathering, it seems like their greatest concern--until the cantankerous conductor is discovered crushed under a ninety-pound harp in a local concert hall.
With the extended family--including Enda's much-younger new wife Leah, a virtuoso violinist--suspected in his murder, it's up to Siobhán to ensure the guilty party faces the music. But as a snowstorm strands both families in a lavish farmhouse on a cliff, Siobhán had better pick up the tempo--before the killer orchestrates another untimely demise...
MY THOUGHTS: It is always a pleasure to catch up with the O'Sullivan family. They are a joy to behold, as entertaining that they are. It really won't matter if you haven't read any of the earlier books as there is enough information provided so that you'll easily know who is who to whom.
The characters are fun and easily recognisable. The younger siblings must get frustrated that every time they set off on a family holiday, Siobhán ends up entangled in an investigation. However, in this case, they have Christmas shopping and plenty of crisps and chocolate to keep them entertained. Apparently it's not Christmas without crisps and chocolate!
Siobhán is an excellent guard. She has excellent powers of observation and listens to her intuition. Her fiancé, Guarda McDara Flannery, calls her 'Boss'. Together they make a great team.
I really enjoyed the mystery in Murder at an Irish Christmas. Enda kept his family close, including his ex-wife and their children who live alongside Enda and his new wife. There's a wide pool of suspects and a lot of lies told and secrets revealed. And there may be a wee conflict of interest: Siobhán's brother James is engaged to the dead man's granddaughter.
I had fun trying to solve this. I never believed that the main suspect was the murderer, although my certainty did waver towards the end. I'd had another suspect in mind. Was I correct? You'll need to read Murder at an Irish Christmas for yourself to find out.
The motive is as interesting as it is ingenuous.
I enjoyed this read and look forward to connecting with the Sullivan clan again.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
#MurderatanIrishChristmas #NetGalley
MEET THE AUTHOR: Born into a long line of Irish storytellers, Carlene O'Connor's great-grandmother emigrated from Ireland filled with tales in 1897 and the stories have been flowing ever since. Of all the places she’s wandered across the pond, she fell most in love with a walled town in County Limerick and was inspired to create the town of Kilbane, County Cork, the setting of her Irish Village Mystery series.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Kensington Books via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of Murder at an Irish Christmas by Carlene O'Connor. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
I combined reading Murder at an Irish Christmas written by Carlene O'Connor with listening to the audiobook beautifully narrated by Caroline Lennon. I enjoyed both formats.
Murder at an Irish Christmas by Carlene O'Connor was published October 27, 2020.
September 12, 2020
Over the years, this series has become one of my favorite cozy mystery series and I look forward to each new book. I love the O'Sullivan siblings and it has been so entertaining watching them each grow into who they will be as an adult. Siobhan has taken on a lot of responsibility in raising her siblings after her parent's death, but she is starting to make a life separate for herself. I wasn't sure at first if I would like her becoming a member of the Garda, but I think she has a strong sense of deductive reasoning and she sees things that others miss or may disregard. I think her relationship with Macdara Flannery is progressing nicely and that he treats her as an equal when they are on the case, valuing her thoughts and input.
This mystery is centered around the murder of Elise's grandfather at Christmas time. There is a lot going on in this book and the author does a good job of trying to convince the reader that the killer is a specific character. However, readers need to look beyond the red herrings laid down in the story to the clues sprinkled throughout. I was surprised by the reveal but thought it was well done and made a lot of sense.
I will definitely be returning for more books in the future. I voluntarily read a digital advanced reader copy provided to me by the publisher, Kensington, through Netgalley.
This mystery is centered around the murder of Elise's grandfather at Christmas time. There is a lot going on in this book and the author does a good job of trying to convince the reader that the killer is a specific character. However, readers need to look beyond the red herrings laid down in the story to the clues sprinkled throughout. I was surprised by the reveal but thought it was well done and made a lot of sense.
I will definitely be returning for more books in the future. I voluntarily read a digital advanced reader copy provided to me by the publisher, Kensington, through Netgalley.
October 21, 2022
4.5 stars. This is a really well written mystery. I read the first book in this series but none of the others in between that and this one (#6). But, I had no trouble getting caught up. Siobhan and her brood head to a family Christmas celebration with brother James' fiance Elise, and her family. When Elise's grandfather is found dead, Garda Siobhan steps in to help in the investigation, even though it's not her jurisdiction. It's a good thing since the local authorities seem to want to rush the investigation and possibly arrest the wrong person. The mystery is intriguing and kept me guessing to the end.
I like Siobhan very much. Her family and fiance Macdara are also wonderful characters. The future inlaws will take some getting used to- if James does marry Elise in a future book. I'm looking forward to finding out. I'm also going to read the books that I missed in this-so far- very enjoyable series.
I like Siobhan very much. Her family and fiance Macdara are also wonderful characters. The future inlaws will take some getting used to- if James does marry Elise in a future book. I'm looking forward to finding out. I'm also going to read the books that I missed in this-so far- very enjoyable series.
December 20, 2021
This was an ok book .. But it was a bit challenging for me to keep up with all of the characters that I wasn't able to have any suspicions about anyone. And I wish the book had more holiday vibes into it. However, this book could be a good movie or a mini series.
December 16, 2023
I seriously had to power through this one.
FIRST: authors, for the love of God and all that is holy, please, label the blanking cover that this is a freakin series!!!! I bought this at a bookshop (it is fun to go out with my introvert self and try to support brick-and-mortar). No where does it mention this is book #6 (obviously on goodreads it does but again I bought it out and about). There is a tiny insert on the front that says "An Irish Village Mystery" but no mention of a series or that this is book #6 in said series. This is the second time this year I have been scammed by this.
SECOND: Too many frickin characters in a soap operatic drama of fiancé and angry relatives and in-laws and other crap that is super ridiculous and distracting. Because this is book six and I have not read the first five I don't know anyone, yes the author introduces them but with such rapidity and scant information I literally created a vin diagram in the back of the book with all the characters including the six Sullivan siblings and all the intricate connections that take up the first 1/3 of the book. There is no way someone should start with this book as there is obviously a ton that has happened before with this family and you will be lost.
THIRD: the writing is insanely sophomoric and banal. I was literally cringing through a lot of the choppy, short sentences, and inane writing. Page 9 "The keys continued to jingle like Santa's sleigh." What? When the he11 does Santa jingle keys or are you trying to compare keys to bells because they don't sound alike, at all. The writing feels broken up into tiny pieces and is annoying. Page 13 "But that was one Christmas miracle even Santa and his sleigh couldn't deliver." Sorry…just threw up in my mouth a bit at how absurd the writing is.
FOURTH: don't tell me this is a Christmas novel when the only Christmas is family drama and the vacuous Christmas lines (see "THIRD" above). There is no Christmas feel and not a cozy mystery but more of a drama show on late night streaming.
FIVE: There are errors all over this risible stream of consciousness without editing writing. Page 21 "Siobhán laughed, but soon WISH she hadn't." (caps added by me). There are a lot of others but I feel like the Grinch wrote this and do not want to give more of my life force or time to this book.
FIRST: authors, for the love of God and all that is holy, please, label the blanking cover that this is a freakin series!!!! I bought this at a bookshop (it is fun to go out with my introvert self and try to support brick-and-mortar). No where does it mention this is book #6 (obviously on goodreads it does but again I bought it out and about). There is a tiny insert on the front that says "An Irish Village Mystery" but no mention of a series or that this is book #6 in said series. This is the second time this year I have been scammed by this.
SECOND: Too many frickin characters in a soap operatic drama of fiancé and angry relatives and in-laws and other crap that is super ridiculous and distracting. Because this is book six and I have not read the first five I don't know anyone, yes the author introduces them but with such rapidity and scant information I literally created a vin diagram in the back of the book with all the characters including the six Sullivan siblings and all the intricate connections that take up the first 1/3 of the book. There is no way someone should start with this book as there is obviously a ton that has happened before with this family and you will be lost.
THIRD: the writing is insanely sophomoric and banal. I was literally cringing through a lot of the choppy, short sentences, and inane writing. Page 9 "The keys continued to jingle like Santa's sleigh." What? When the he11 does Santa jingle keys or are you trying to compare keys to bells because they don't sound alike, at all. The writing feels broken up into tiny pieces and is annoying. Page 13 "But that was one Christmas miracle even Santa and his sleigh couldn't deliver." Sorry…just threw up in my mouth a bit at how absurd the writing is.
FOURTH: don't tell me this is a Christmas novel when the only Christmas is family drama and the vacuous Christmas lines (see "THIRD" above). There is no Christmas feel and not a cozy mystery but more of a drama show on late night streaming.
FIVE: There are errors all over this risible stream of consciousness without editing writing. Page 21 "Siobhán laughed, but soon WISH she hadn't." (caps added by me). There are a lot of others but I feel like the Grinch wrote this and do not want to give more of my life force or time to this book.
November 16, 2020
The O'Sullivan Clan are back in the sixth edition of an Irish Village Mystery. This time they've left Kilbane and headed off to West Cork for Christmas with James' fiancée's family. Of course, murder seems to follow them, and shortly after arriving, they find the patriarch of the Elliot family, dead on the floor of the Old Mill where a Christmas Eve Concert is supposed to take place. At first it is ruled an accident, but as clues and facts are uncovered, it is obvious, that it was a murder. Siobhán puts on her Garda cap and offers to help in the investigation.
I really like the O'Sullivans. The younger siblings are lovable, but frustrating. They are bored and just want to celebrate Christmas. Siobhán is amazing. Not only did she take on guardianship of her siblings when her parents were killed, but she is an excellent Garda with a great set of skills needed for her job. Her observation, intuition and ability to read people comes in handy. There was a glut of suspects in this one. Throw in an ex-wife who is in a wheelchair from an accident where Enda was driving, a son who is about to be cut off, a grandson who wants money for an endeavour that his grandfather doesn't support and a granddaughter who's access to tuition is going to end and there are numerous suspects just in the family alone. It was fun to try and solve this one along with Siobhán and the local Garda, who thought they had it all figured out. This is a well written mystery with some red herrings and great characters. I had no idea who the murderer was and was quite surprised and pleased with the reveal and the motive. I love this series and will continue to follow it. I was gifted a copy of this book upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.
I really like the O'Sullivans. The younger siblings are lovable, but frustrating. They are bored and just want to celebrate Christmas. Siobhán is amazing. Not only did she take on guardianship of her siblings when her parents were killed, but she is an excellent Garda with a great set of skills needed for her job. Her observation, intuition and ability to read people comes in handy. There was a glut of suspects in this one. Throw in an ex-wife who is in a wheelchair from an accident where Enda was driving, a son who is about to be cut off, a grandson who wants money for an endeavour that his grandfather doesn't support and a granddaughter who's access to tuition is going to end and there are numerous suspects just in the family alone. It was fun to try and solve this one along with Siobhán and the local Garda, who thought they had it all figured out. This is a well written mystery with some red herrings and great characters. I had no idea who the murderer was and was quite surprised and pleased with the reveal and the motive. I love this series and will continue to follow it. I was gifted a copy of this book upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.
October 26, 2020
Murder at an Irish Christmas
is the 6th book in the Irish Village Mystery series.
This was my 1st in this series. Although it was book six, I had no difficulties keeping up with characters and events and it worked for me as an individual story. Protagonist Garda Siobhán O'Sullivan was a great character who I liked immensely from the first chapters. She was smart and fiery and had sound reasoning for her thoughts and actions which not all main characters of cosy mysteries possess!
The seaside setting in West Cork, Ireland was beautifully described by Carlene O'Connor with the craggy beach, gusting winds, and freezing snow and I could picture the homely Christmassy scene as a tree was decorated with sea glass, shells and driftwood. There was no shortage of engaging chapters so I was thoroughly invested in finding out what would happen next. The great cast of characters, especially the O'Sullivan clan, helped to zhoosh up this festive cozy. The author really impressed me with her fluid writing; the details of the plot were very well-executed, and the story was amusing and easy to follow. I was kept guessing until the very end and really enjoyed this Yuletide yarn. I am looking forward to reading book 7, Murder in an Irish Bookshop as well as the others from the series. If you adore a great Crimbo cozy mystery, locked room style, don't miss out on Murder at an Irish Christmas!
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Kensington Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
This was my 1st in this series. Although it was book six, I had no difficulties keeping up with characters and events and it worked for me as an individual story. Protagonist Garda Siobhán O'Sullivan was a great character who I liked immensely from the first chapters. She was smart and fiery and had sound reasoning for her thoughts and actions which not all main characters of cosy mysteries possess!
The seaside setting in West Cork, Ireland was beautifully described by Carlene O'Connor with the craggy beach, gusting winds, and freezing snow and I could picture the homely Christmassy scene as a tree was decorated with sea glass, shells and driftwood. There was no shortage of engaging chapters so I was thoroughly invested in finding out what would happen next. The great cast of characters, especially the O'Sullivan clan, helped to zhoosh up this festive cozy. The author really impressed me with her fluid writing; the details of the plot were very well-executed, and the story was amusing and easy to follow. I was kept guessing until the very end and really enjoyed this Yuletide yarn. I am looking forward to reading book 7, Murder in an Irish Bookshop as well as the others from the series. If you adore a great Crimbo cozy mystery, locked room style, don't miss out on Murder at an Irish Christmas!
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Kensington Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
July 28, 2020
Murder at an Irish Christmas by Carlene O’Connor is the 6th book in the amazing Irish Village Mystery series (not including a novella included in the equally amazing book containing a trio of novellas, Christmas Cocoa Murder 2019).
I have to admit that this is one of my favorite series, and I have read every book by Ms. O’Connor, so I was so delighted to know that I could visit the wonderful O’Sullivan six (but really is it six anymore with the wonderful additions to the family?) again in County Cork.
This time instead of the story being placed in their quaint, quirky, and endearing small village of Kilbane, this festive novel takes the family to the far west of Ireland to a remote, coastal villiage that is where Elise (James’s betrothed) and her family live. And boy does she have a family. Of course, it cannot be a simple Christmas gathering, family introductions, and a symphony of epic proportions, but a fabulous murder/mystery of Elise’s grandfather, a famous composer, and the whole complicated family is ensnared. There are suspects galore, everywhere a new twist pops up, everyone has a secret to hide, and it is up to Siobhan and her wonderful soon to be other half Detective Sergeant Macdara Flannery to infiltrate this mayhem and web of mystique to find who has been naughty and who has been nice.
I loved the new location, the entire character cter cast, the intricate and entertaining plot, the mysteries kept me guessing clear until the end, and I love, love, love Sionhan and Dara. They are great people and make a great team.
This is a great addition to one of my favorite series. I cannot wait to read what happens next.
5/5 stars
Thank you NetGalley and Kensington for this ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon and B&N accounts upon publication.
I have to admit that this is one of my favorite series, and I have read every book by Ms. O’Connor, so I was so delighted to know that I could visit the wonderful O’Sullivan six (but really is it six anymore with the wonderful additions to the family?) again in County Cork.
This time instead of the story being placed in their quaint, quirky, and endearing small village of Kilbane, this festive novel takes the family to the far west of Ireland to a remote, coastal villiage that is where Elise (James’s betrothed) and her family live. And boy does she have a family. Of course, it cannot be a simple Christmas gathering, family introductions, and a symphony of epic proportions, but a fabulous murder/mystery of Elise’s grandfather, a famous composer, and the whole complicated family is ensnared. There are suspects galore, everywhere a new twist pops up, everyone has a secret to hide, and it is up to Siobhan and her wonderful soon to be other half Detective Sergeant Macdara Flannery to infiltrate this mayhem and web of mystique to find who has been naughty and who has been nice.
I loved the new location, the entire character cter cast, the intricate and entertaining plot, the mysteries kept me guessing clear until the end, and I love, love, love Sionhan and Dara. They are great people and make a great team.
This is a great addition to one of my favorite series. I cannot wait to read what happens next.
5/5 stars
Thank you NetGalley and Kensington for this ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon and B&N accounts upon publication.
January 13, 2025
A famous music director is killed, just before his last concert before his retirement. The swan song was to be held in a former mill, just a short distance from the director's home. The concert was to be held on Christmas Eve and will now be dedicated to the famous director. Suspects abound, from his ex-wife to his children from his first marriage to his second ex-wife to his third wife's boyfriend....and now it's snowing.
December 18, 2020
Honestly I just don’t think this was for me. Like I got all the characters confused and I had no idea how they were related/connected. I also just found this really boring because like nothing happened. I just don’t think cozy mysteries are for me. I did listen to the audiobook and I loved the Irish accents.
November 15, 2020
"Murder at an Irish Christmas" is the 6th instalment in the Irish Village Mystery series by Carlene O’Connor. I love this series and was excited to be able to read an arc of it.
I really enjoyed this story, and it has made me want to catch up on the series. I have several of the earlier books in my TBR pile. I loved visiting West Cork and the remote coastal village where Elise grew up.
The mystery is interesting and well plotted, and I loved the characters which are well developed. Getting to know Elise’s family was a challenge as everyone had secrets but in the end you grow to like them.
I kept guessing and second-guessing myself on whodunnit right to the very end. I recommend this book to all my cozy lover friends.
I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from Kensington Books and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I really enjoyed this story, and it has made me want to catch up on the series. I have several of the earlier books in my TBR pile. I loved visiting West Cork and the remote coastal village where Elise grew up.
The mystery is interesting and well plotted, and I loved the characters which are well developed. Getting to know Elise’s family was a challenge as everyone had secrets but in the end you grow to like them.
I kept guessing and second-guessing myself on whodunnit right to the very end. I recommend this book to all my cozy lover friends.
I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from Kensington Books and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 31, 2022
Thank you Netgalley for providing a copy in exchange for a review.
A cozy Christmas murder mystery set in Ireland. For some reason I didn't seem to get really into it. I struggled with the many characters, all intertwined in some way. The plot itself picked up over halfway into the book. Before that it was a little slow for me.
A cozy Christmas murder mystery set in Ireland. For some reason I didn't seem to get really into it. I struggled with the many characters, all intertwined in some way. The plot itself picked up over halfway into the book. Before that it was a little slow for me.
December 23, 2024
Feeling ready for Christmas, really connected to my heritage, and also completely addicted to cozy murder mysteries and I’ll probably find myself starting back at book one just for the fun of getting to read “eejit” instead of idiot.
Murder > lies/good vibes > clues/silly jokes > dramatic point and GUILTY!! No need for anything else
Murder > lies/good vibes > clues/silly jokes > dramatic point and GUILTY!! No need for anything else
January 1, 2022
Un très décent whodunit de Noël, vraiment meilleur que ce à quoi je m’attendais. Une belle découverte, et je lirai assurément les autres de la série.
December 10, 2021
Absolute Rubbish
The literary equivalent of painting by numbers. I know that the Irish Tourist Board is turning the Irish Republic into some kind of Disney theme park, but this is ridiculous. In spite of the title, there is no resemblance to anything Irish here. The location is closer to some fantasy little corner somewhere on the East coast of the United States, North of New York. Flinging in a few Irish names, and phrases gleaned from a leprechaun fridge magnet, doesn't cut it as an " Irish Experience ".
The literary equivalent of painting by numbers. I know that the Irish Tourist Board is turning the Irish Republic into some kind of Disney theme park, but this is ridiculous. In spite of the title, there is no resemblance to anything Irish here. The location is closer to some fantasy little corner somewhere on the East coast of the United States, North of New York. Flinging in a few Irish names, and phrases gleaned from a leprechaun fridge magnet, doesn't cut it as an " Irish Experience ".
May 22, 2023
I normally save seasonally-themed reads (especially cozy mysteries) for that season, but this was the next in the Irish Village Mysteries currently downloaded on my Kindle. I needed something light to read, so this fit the bill.
Siobhán and her siblings are in Cork for the Christmas holiday season, in order to meet the oldest O'Sullivan child's (James) fiancée's family, many of whom are musicians. In fact, the fiancée's grandfather is a famous conductor -- who is found dead before the O'Sullivans have even entered their guest quarters! Was he squished by the harp landing on him as he fell from a balcony, or was he pushed? Siobhán takes control of the scene, as a good garda should, while the local gardas arrive. There are a LOT of family members, as the late conductor was on his third wife, and approximately the age of his grandchildren(!), so there are a LOT of suspects. Whodunnit?
There is the requisite misogyny in the local garda station against Siobhán; the vast array of suspects, considered then discarded; some scenes w/ Siobhán's family for color; Siobhán's fiance making an appearance to help her solve the crime; just a little bit of Christmas-y stuff to give some flavor; and the scene of danger for the heroine.
I'll give the book only 4 stars; I did not guess the identity of the murderer until told (good!), but I don't feel the character was written as to be the actual murderer(not good). Siobhán solved the case w/o many hints along the way, so I felt the plot ended rather clunkily. One does not have to read these mysteries in order, which is good, as I have skipped #'s 4 and 5 until they are cheaper to download.
Siobhán and her siblings are in Cork for the Christmas holiday season, in order to meet the oldest O'Sullivan child's (James) fiancée's family, many of whom are musicians. In fact, the fiancée's grandfather is a famous conductor -- who is found dead before the O'Sullivans have even entered their guest quarters! Was he squished by the harp landing on him as he fell from a balcony, or was he pushed? Siobhán takes control of the scene, as a good garda should, while the local gardas arrive. There are a LOT of family members, as the late conductor was on his third wife, and approximately the age of his grandchildren(!), so there are a LOT of suspects. Whodunnit?
There is the requisite misogyny in the local garda station against Siobhán; the vast array of suspects, considered then discarded; some scenes w/ Siobhán's family for color; Siobhán's fiance making an appearance to help her solve the crime; just a little bit of Christmas-y stuff to give some flavor; and the scene of danger for the heroine.
I'll give the book only 4 stars; I did not guess the identity of the murderer until told (good!), but I don't feel the character was written as to be the actual murderer(not good). Siobhán solved the case w/o many hints along the way, so I felt the plot ended rather clunkily. One does not have to read these mysteries in order, which is good, as I have skipped #'s 4 and 5 until they are cheaper to download.
December 10, 2020
This is the perfect holiday read. Wonderful character development, just enough red herrings, and great pacing.
December 21, 2024
Carlene is becoming a favorite author I think.. her books are super cozy mysteries and I love them!
June 14, 2024
This is a great story. I loved the characters and the twists in the story that make the culprit harder to figure out. Fantastic series.
September 6, 2020
The O'Sullivans are meeting the future in-laws for Christmas but a murder may put a damper on their plans as they try and solve the crime. I enjoyed this cozy mystery and if like ones set in Ireland you will enjoy this book.
September 29, 2020
Full review at Sam's Beach Reads.
What I Loved:
The Murder Mystery. I have a tremendous amount of love for Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot series, particularly the installations that feature country house mysteries. Here, while Irish Christmas did not take place literally in the country house, it had the same closed circle, dead patriarch setup. This is a favorite of mine because it dives deep into each family members’ psyche, motives, and desires, and exposes all sorts of secrets both related and unrelated to the murder. O’Connor set this book up much the same way, where each family member of the paternalistic and domineering patriarch has a motive and a web of lies. Siobhán is just the woman to sort through everything as both an outsider and professional policewoman. I love it when she makes people squirm.
The Setting. Ah, Ireland. While most of the Irish Village Mystery books take place in Siobhán’s village of Kilbane (central Co. Clare), this installation took place in West Cork on the seaside. Here, there is beautifully rugged beaches and high winds, snow on Christmas, and peat fires. I love scenes of decorating the Christmas tree with seashells and driftwood, and cliffside drama. Poor Kilbane didn’t stand a chance. Even Siobhán wants to move after her vacation.
The O’Sullivan Six. While in prior books, Siobhán and her pack of siblings have been a bit annoying, in this book, the family is endearing. It is Christmas time and they are in unfamiliar territory with a group of people that look down on them slightly, and the O’Sullivan clan come out swinging. It makes the reader want a lot of siblings to celebrate and mourn with at the holidays; people who will have your back no matter what.
What Didn’t Work as Well:
Elise and James. James is Siobhan’s older brother, the only sibling older than her, and he is a bit of a sod. His fiancée Elise is the one whose grandfather is killed, and she acts defiant and hardheaded throughout the entire investigation. Elise tries to make James lie for her as an alibi and expects him to break his own family traditions (such as buying presents among just the siblings) to only follow her own family’s. Siobhán doesn’t get their relationship, and frankly neither do I. James can do better, and while he does stand up to Elise once or twice, it is at the expense of his happiness.
Some Loose Plot Points. This may be an ARC problem, so I am not too concerned, but there were one or two points that kind of dissipated as unimportant but remained unsolved. Why did Enda buy the beautiful harp that contributed to his demise? Was he actually going senile, or was he just tying up loose ends? There are others that I cannot reveal due to spoilers, but needless to say, there are questions at the end of Irish Christmas that I wish were solved.
What I Loved:
The Murder Mystery. I have a tremendous amount of love for Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot series, particularly the installations that feature country house mysteries. Here, while Irish Christmas did not take place literally in the country house, it had the same closed circle, dead patriarch setup. This is a favorite of mine because it dives deep into each family members’ psyche, motives, and desires, and exposes all sorts of secrets both related and unrelated to the murder. O’Connor set this book up much the same way, where each family member of the paternalistic and domineering patriarch has a motive and a web of lies. Siobhán is just the woman to sort through everything as both an outsider and professional policewoman. I love it when she makes people squirm.
The Setting. Ah, Ireland. While most of the Irish Village Mystery books take place in Siobhán’s village of Kilbane (central Co. Clare), this installation took place in West Cork on the seaside. Here, there is beautifully rugged beaches and high winds, snow on Christmas, and peat fires. I love scenes of decorating the Christmas tree with seashells and driftwood, and cliffside drama. Poor Kilbane didn’t stand a chance. Even Siobhán wants to move after her vacation.
The O’Sullivan Six. While in prior books, Siobhán and her pack of siblings have been a bit annoying, in this book, the family is endearing. It is Christmas time and they are in unfamiliar territory with a group of people that look down on them slightly, and the O’Sullivan clan come out swinging. It makes the reader want a lot of siblings to celebrate and mourn with at the holidays; people who will have your back no matter what.
What Didn’t Work as Well:
Elise and James. James is Siobhan’s older brother, the only sibling older than her, and he is a bit of a sod. His fiancée Elise is the one whose grandfather is killed, and she acts defiant and hardheaded throughout the entire investigation. Elise tries to make James lie for her as an alibi and expects him to break his own family traditions (such as buying presents among just the siblings) to only follow her own family’s. Siobhán doesn’t get their relationship, and frankly neither do I. James can do better, and while he does stand up to Elise once or twice, it is at the expense of his happiness.
Some Loose Plot Points. This may be an ARC problem, so I am not too concerned, but there were one or two points that kind of dissipated as unimportant but remained unsolved. Why did Enda buy the beautiful harp that contributed to his demise? Was he actually going senile, or was he just tying up loose ends? There are others that I cannot reveal due to spoilers, but needless to say, there are questions at the end of Irish Christmas that I wish were solved.
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