“This third book in the Madame Tulip series is wonderful read, and David Ahern’s wry humour is a delight.” – whisperingstories “David Ahern never fails to bring laughter, intrigue and a kaleidoscope of colorful characters together.” – tometender A surprise role in a movie takes actress Derry O’Donnell to a romantic castle in the Scottish Highlands. But romance soon turns to fear and suspicion. … But romance soon turns to fear and suspicion. Someone means to kill, and Derry, moonlighting as celebrity fortune-teller Madam Tulip, is snared in a net of greed, conspiracy and betrayal.
A millionaire banker, a film producer with a mysterious past, a gun-loving wife, a PA with her eyes on Hollywood, a handsome and charming estate manager—each has a secret to share and a request for Madam Tulip.
As Derry and her friend Bruce race to prevent a murder, she learns to her dismay that the one future Tulip can’t predict is her own.
“I don’t hesitate to give five stars and say that I can’t wait for the next book.” – barbtaub
“David Ahern’s sense of humour blends cozy with sudden flare-up. His style is unusually entertaining.”– booktaste
“I don’t hesitate to give five stars and say that I can’t wait for the next book.” – barbtaub
“If you like your cozy mysteries with just enough of a mysteriously psychic spin to keep you on edge wondering what might be possible, then this is definitely a series you should check out!” – jillelizabeth
“This is the third Madam Tulip book, and my favourite so far!” – bookshineandreadbows
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This is such a fun series… I’ve read and reviewed the first two books in the series (reviews here and here), and when the author asked if I would be interested in the third, it was an easy and obvious yes. Derry O’Dell is a lovely character who finds herself in the most unusual circumstances. Said circumstances *should* by rights render the stories unbelievable. Derry has the most appalling luck, managing to stumble into violence, death, and mayhem more often than any regular human being should. Yet somehow, despite the exceptional events, the stories always feel genuine and manage to stay just this side of over-the-top in the final analysis, regardless of how many bizarre occurrences befell the crazy-fun cast along the way.
In this, the third installment, Derry once again finds herself at risk of being overshadowed by her Madam Tulip persona (the psychic character that Derry portrays for fun and remuneration, an more often than not the actual reason for the scary oddities that so often beset the actress). She also once again manages to balance herself and her alter ego, blending the skills of the two into a coherent, entertaining, problem-solving whole.
I must confess, while I think Derry is lovely and a charming protagonist, it is her parents – the indomitable Vanessa and the incomparable Jacko – who steal the show for me. It’s like Will and Grace – Derry may be the title character (well, Derry-as-Madam Tulip), but the “sidekicks” are the highlights because they are so extreme and so eccentric and so absolutely, delightfully, unfailingly sure of themselves no matter how insane their schemes or plotting. Derry is their straight-man foil, and her role as mediator is often a tap dance among landmines – and I do love to watch a good tap dance…
If you like your cozy mysteries with just enough of a mysteriously psychic spin to keep you on edge wondering what might be possible, then this is definitely a series you should check out!
My review copy was generously provided by the author. Once again, this provision did not color my review – the books are just that fun!
Psychics, scandals, and secrets. This was a real page turner for me. Not a word was wasted. The world building was well done, the story hooking me from the start. Our leading lady, Madam Tulip (aka, Derry) was as brilliant and courageous as always. I love this book series and would recommend it to lovers of crime, mystery, and thriller novels.
4.25 stars–MADAM TULIP AND THE BONES OF CHANCE is the third instalment in David Ahern’s contemporary, adult MADAM TULIP slightly paranormal, mystery series focusing on the adventures of Irish American actress and celebrity fortune-teller Derry O’Donnell aka Madam Tulip. MADAM TULIP AND THE BONES OF CHANCE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.
SOME BACKGROUND: Derry O’Donnell is the daughter of American-born mother PR representative Vanessa, and her Irish-born father, eccentric artist and gambling addict Jack O’Donnell but Derry is also an amateur detective with psychic powers and visions of the future she employs in her role as the celebrity fortune-teller Madam Tulip.
Told from third person perspective (Derry O’Donnell) MADAM TULIP AND THE BONES OF CHANCE follows actress Derry O’Donnell as she reluctantly accepts the role of a gypsy fortune-teller in a Scottish time-travel movie shooting in the Highlands of Scotland. Along with her best friend, fellow actor and former Navy SEAL Bruce, Derry embarks on a cross-country journey through Scotland where the sights and sounds hide centuries of secrets and sins. As the filming begins, Derry must come to terms with a group of obnoxious film professionals, a number who apparently, have something to hide. Several requests to ‘read’ the future find our heroine the target of a potential killer, a killer whose secrets do not want to be revealed.
MADAM TULIP AND THE BONES OF CHANCE is a slow building, detailed story line that takes the reader through Edinburg and Glasgow, and the rolling hills and crumbling castles of the Highlands of Scotland. Derry’s parents continue their slightly acrimonious relationship pulling our heroine into the middle of an uphill struggle with their own fortune and fame. The large ensemble cast of spirited secondary and supporting characters pushes the envelope of liability and collaboration as it pertains to the who-dunnit aspect of the mystery and suspense. The premise is entertaining and engaging-captivating the reader’s attention with the slow reveal of possibilities; the characters are animated and energetic. MADAM TULIP AND THE BONES OF CHANCE is a story of betrayal and vengeance; power and greed; with the added humor of the O’Donnell’s ongoing triumphs and failures.
I will add there are some Scottish/Irish expressions and words that may be unfamiliar to North American readers.