In a remote—and superstitious—village in County Cork, Ireland, Garda Siobhán O’Sullivan must solve a murder where the prime suspects are fairies . . . Family is everything to Siobhán: her five siblings; her dear departed mother for whom the family business, Naomi’s Bistro, is named; and now her fiancé, Macdara Flannery. So precious is her engagement that Siobhán wants to keep it just between the … just between the two of them for a little longer.
But Macdara is her family, which is why when his cousin Jane frantically calls for his help, Siobhán is at his side as the two garda rush from Kilbane to the rural village where Jane and her mother have recently moved. Unfortunately, tragedy awaits them. They find Jane, who is blind, outside the cottage, in a state. Inside, Aunt Ellen lies on her bed in a fancy red dress, no longer breathing. A pillow on the floor and a nearby teacup suggest the mode of death to their trained eyes: the woman has been poisoned and smothered. Someone wanted to make sure she was dead. But who?
Devout believers in Irish folklore, the villagers insist the cottage is cursed—built on a fairy path. It turns out Ellen Delaney was not the first to die mysteriously in this cottage. Although the townsfolk blame malevolent fairies, Siobhán and Macdara must follow the path of a murderer all too human—but just as evil . . .
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** 4.5 Stars Rounded Up **
I thoroughly enjoyed this excellent addition to the Irish Village Mystery series. In this series, we have watched Siobhan (shi-vawn) O’Sullivan grow from a harried caregiver for her five siblings after they were orphaned to a confident garda (police). She’s now engaged to fellow garda Macdara Flannery and the O’Sullivan Six, as they are known in their village of Kilbane, are finally settling and coming into their own. This book is well-written, well-paced and the mystery will keep you guessing right until the last.
Siobahn is on her summer leave and is looking forward to spending time with her siblings when her fiancée arrives at her bistro, Naomi’s, and asks her to accompany him to Ballysiogdun. He received a frantic call from his cousin, Jane, who wouldn’t tell him what was wrong – she only said he had to get there. When they arrive, it is to discover Macdara’s aunt dead in her cottage and Jane, who is blind, standing stoically in the front. Macdara and Siobhan quickly determine that it is murder. Since they probably won’t be able to officially work the case, they quickly take pictures of the scene and the inside of the cottage.
It seems that almost everyone in the village should be a suspect because neither Macdara’s aunt Ellen nor her daughter Jane is liked at all. You can’t find anyone who has a good word to say about them and several had a true dislike for them. Where can they begin when the case has been assigned to a sergeant from Cork and he doesn’t want their involvement?
In a village that is very insular, where most are holding secrets, and all believe in the Good People (fairies) it is almost impossible to get anyone to tell what they know. Working around the official garda investigation and managing to ferret out the information they need to solve the case is almost impossible. Siobhan is like a dog with a bone and just won’t let it go. She’s determined to find the real murderer and not let an innocent person be blamed just because they are an easy solution.
This was a great mystery with infidelity, fairies, greed, and malice aplenty. I’m not sure there was a good person in that entire village. The villain will surprise you and you’ll be on the edge of your seat the entire time you are reading.
You’ll love your visit to lush, green, beautiful Ireland and all of their lore. It is a fun read and a delight to watch Macdara and Siobhan progress in their relationship. I hope you will enjoy the book as much as I did.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I love this book. I’m honestly afraid I’m going to say to much so the review is going to be short. I adore Siobhán and her family. I was kept guessing until the reveal, changing my mind constantly over who. I was absolutely enchanted with the story and the location descriptions. This author is a recent discovery and I love how she is able to blend in me a longing to go to Ireland with the feeling that I am there while reading her books. I get totally immersed in the story with the people coming alive for me and the feeling of transportation. This author’s writing is magical. Go read this book and all the ones in the series.
Ireland, law-enforcement, cosy-mystery
It’s bad enough that the victim is family and the locals appear to believe that she was murdered by faeries, but finding the victim staged was really just the last straw. Although Siobhan and Dara are Garda, it happened in another district so they can’t officially be involved. All of the characters certainly are and that’s a good thing! The killer is devious and the whole story is filled with misdirections. Excellent!
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Kensington Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
Murder in an Irish Cottage by Carlene O’Connor is the 5th book in the Irish Village Mystery Series.
I honestly think that this series gets better with each book I read. I have to confess that I have read a few out of order, but honestly the reader can actually dive right in at any spot and still enjoy the book. I will be reading the 4th book next (as I have read 1-3 already). However I love this series so much, that I have purchased the first 4 books. (As of note, there is a novella that squeezes in between books by Ms O’Connor that is beyond excellent as part of the Christmas Cocoa Murder trio by Kensington that was out late last year and it should definitely be read.)
I love Siobhan and Dara. They have great chemistry and compliment each other well. I also like learning more about his family through this book and I feel even more invested into these characters now that I have been learning more of their backgrounds.
I enjoyed the murder/mystery component and actually did not know who did it until the end! It was complex with some nice puzzles and twists. I even liked the Irish lore and fairy aspect and it definitely gave the mystery an eerie vibe which was fantastic.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and cannot wait to read more!
5/5 stars.
O’Connor is in the tradition of Irish storytellers. And she does it well.
The family connections add extra depth.
The twists and turns are well done, too.
Another good story in the series.
Not at all what I was expecting when I started this book. The whole fairy rings and trees was interesting. Macdara’s mom’s reaction to the engagement was exactly what I figured it would be. The bombshell at the end… never saw it coming.
This book features two characters Edwina who is British and Beryl who is American. They team up to solve an old mystery as well as a new one. Will be following this team. Love English villages and civilians who are always wrapped up in local secrets and mysteries.
Murder in an Irish Cottage is the 5th instalment in the Irish Village Mysteries by Carlene O’Connor.
In a remote—and superstitious—village in County Cork, Ireland, Garda Siobhán O’Sullivan must solve a murder where the prime suspects are fairies . . .
Family is everything to Siobhán: her five siblings; her dear departed mother for whom the family business, Naomi’s Bistro, is named; and now her fiancé, Macdara Flannery. So precious is her engagement that Siobhán wants to keep it just between the two of them for a little longer.
But Macdara is her family, which is why when his cousin Jane frantically calls for his help, Siobhán is at his side as the two garda rush from Kilbane to the rural village where Jane and her mother have recently moved. Unfortunately, tragedy awaits them. They find Jane, who is blind, outside the cottage, in a state. Inside, Aunt Ellen lies on her bed in a fancy red dress, no longer breathing. A pillow on the floor and a nearby teacup suggest the mode of death to their trained eyes: the woman has been poisoned and smothered. Someone wanted to make sure she was dead. But who?
Devout believers in Irish folklore, the villagers insist the cottage is cursed—built on a fairy path. It turns out Ellen Delaney was not the first to die mysteriously in this cottage. Although the townsfolk blame malevolent fairies, Siobhán and Macdara must follow the path of a murderer all too human—but just as evil . . .
I really enjoy books set in Ireland and this doesn’t disappoint with the setting and descriptions drawing you in (making you want to fly off to the Emerald Isle). The story was well written and I really liked the main character, Siobhán. She’s smart, easy to relate to, and I enjoyed getting to know her and her siblings along with Dara and his family.
The mystery was entertaining with all the fairy lore and full of twists, turns and red herrings galore that I found I couldn’t put it down.
I highly recommend this series to all my friends who love cozies set in Ireland.
I requested and received an Advanced Readers Copy from Kensington Books and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
When Macdara gets a call from his cousin saying she and his aunt need help, he and Siobhan head to the town where they are. When they arrive, they find Macdara’s has died and the townsfolk are blaming it on the fairy-folk. Can Siobhan and Macdara weed through the untruths and the superstitions to get to the truth?
Love this series! Siobhan, Macdara, and all of Siobhan’s siblings make this a fun and entertaining cozy mystery series.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias or favor.
This is a series that has never let me down. Siobhan O’Sullivan has been head of her family since the loss of their parents and she also keeps things going with the family pub. While this entry works as a standalone, starting with the first book, Murder in a Irish Village, will show just how strong this young woman is. She has joined the Garda and is engaged to another Garda officer, Macdara flannery, a joy she keeps hidden so as not to spoil any of it. They will have to tell their superiors at the station and their families and then things become complicated. For now it’s their treasure to enjoy. One morning while getting her family sorted for the day and opening Naomi’s Bistro, named after their mother, Dara shows up and asks her to accompany him to a remote village. He has received a call from his cousin Jane who is legally blind and lives with her mother in a village cottage. As they make their way to find out what has happened and how his aunt has died, Dara fills her in on the odd ways of the locals – they believe in fairies and not the nice ones. These are the ones you would want to check under the bed and in the closet before going to bed. These fairies are none to happy that the cottage Dara’s aunt inhabits in on their fairy path. As soon as they arrive, Siobhan and Dara are met with a group of locals demanding that the cottage be bulldozed right this minute if not sooner. Which one of them took matters into their own hands and started the process by killing the inhabitant of said cottage?
Filled with fairy lore, I was enthralled from the very start. It sure did leave me with a new perspective of fairies. I’ll give them a very wide berth if I ever happen to encounter one. The mystery, the setting, twist, turns and red herrings and most of all the main characters along with learning something new to me left me with feeling that I was sorry it ended and I have to wait for the next visit with Siobhan and Dara. I know I will not be disappointed.
My thanks to the publisher Kensington and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
Murder in an Irish Cottage by Carlene O’Connor is the latest in the series of Irish mysteries featuring Siobhan O’Sullivan, Irish garda (police officer) and her fiancé Macdara Flannery, also a garda. They have yet to announce their engagement at Siobhan’s request. No one is really sure why, although she has her reasons. All of a sudden they are called to a nearby village. Dara’s aunt has been killed. It is not their jurisdiction, but it is family. They arrived to hear quite a story. It was fairies, they were told. The cottage she lived in was in the middle of a fairy path. The fairies had killed before, they said. Several times, they said. Now, Siobhan, being an Irish lass, gave the fairies their due, but she did not believe they had committed this crime. She could not investigate, officially, but she could not leave it alone. No one, not one, was telling the truth and it was making her nuts.
This is the best series, although this was not the best of the series. Siobhan is overly responsible, having raised her gang of siblings since her parents’ death. She is a bloodhound when it comes to hunting out the criminal. Dara’s mother who doesn’t see her as the perfect wife for her darling son frightens her. She is an interesting and valuable character. Dara is not as clearly written but we know he is more easy-going than Siobhan and he lets her go her way, respecting her abilities. He knows his mother is a handful but he thinks all will be well with her and his marriage. He does have a mild jealous streak where Siobhan is concerned, but manages it well, like everything else he does. This is a very character driven book with a decent mystery driving the plot. I enjoy reading about Ireland and so am drawn to it the Irish Village Mysteries. You will be, too. I recommend it.
I received a free ARC of Murder in an Irish Village from Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions and inferences contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #murderinanirishcottage
I just love the family and the setting of Ireland for these books. This story involves fairies so it was really interesting to see what happened. I can’t wait for the next one.
This is the first book in the series I’ve read but had no trouble following along, although understanding some of the family dynamics would be easier having read a previous book. I love books set in Ireland and this one didn’t disappoint, especially because some folklore was woven all through the story. The characters and how they interacted was interesting, particularly as it related to their beliefs regarding fairies. Siobhan is clever at putting disparate and seemingly insignificant clues together and seeing the overall picture and isn’t afraid to risk a friendship when she knows she’s right. I will have to start at the beginning now and catch up.
I received an advance copy via NetGalley and this is my honest review.
Murder in an Irish Cottage earns 5/5 Fairy Paths…Engaging Cozy!
The fairies did it! Charlene O’Connor once again has penned a marvelous, entertaining cozy mystery set on the Emerald Isle. Siobhán O’Sullivan is looking forward to a break from her garda duties, but obligations with family and the family’s bistro won’t make it much of a vacation. However, her fiancé Macdara Flannery has received a frantic call from his cousin. The two rush to the remote village of Ballysiogdun only to find his aunt murdered and his cousin, who is blind, standing nearby. They’re out of jurisdiction, but that doesn’t stop them from taking crime scene photos, gathering clues, and unofficially asking questions, but answers don’t come easy. The victim had her own issues, there seemed no love lost between the victim and the villagers, and sergeant in charge does not want their assistance. But of course, it doesn’t stop Siobhán. Greed. Infidelity. Malice. Murder. Fairies. Brilliant!
O’Connor’s writing style is entertaining, and I’m an eager fan of this Irish Village Mystery series. This fifth book may be my favorite. Using a third-person narrative to create the marvelous lush setting and likable, solemn, and suspicious characters with descriptive language and varies personalities and tone through expressive dialogue kept me entertained and totally engaged. Incorporating fascinating Irish folklore and legends about the fairies was unique and sent me exploring outside sources for more information. Lots of misdirection, twists, and dead ends challenged my ability to figure out the mystery, but the reveal, murderer, and motive made a satisfying conclusion. Siobhán and Dara continue their romance, slowly, but they do work well as a team. I loved it! No bonuses included in this cozy. No recipes sharing Irish cuisine or additional information on the folklore used in the mystery. However, it didn’t effect my total enjoyment!
This was a fun book to read. Learned a bit more about Irish folklore and living in a small Irish town. It also shows how somebody can get carried away when they are firm believers that the bad luck or deaths are to be blamed on fairies.
The mystery get solved near the end of the story. In the meanwhile you get to know a bit more about Siobhán and her five siblings. I highly recommend to anybody that likes a bit of folklore with their mystery.
This is the fifth book in the Irish Village Mystery series and I can say that I have enjoyed each one of them. Ms. O’Connor has done a wonderful job of creating the O’Sullivan siblings, led by Siobhan, who as readers will recall is now Garda O’Sullivan. This is a family of siblings that are well crafted, diverse and characters that readers can come to care about. Siobhan and Dara’s romance is progressing, albeit slowly, but for me that is okay. I don’t particularly want the romance in a cozy to overshadow the mystery. In this installment, Dara is called by his cousin in a panic and when he and Siobhan arrive at her home they discover his aunt has been murdered. While the murder occurs outside their jurisdiction, fans of this series know that that will not stop Siobhan.
I enjoyed the mystery. It is woven together with Irish folklore and legends about fairies and their ways. It was also interesting because as the story unfolded, Dara’s aunt Ellen becomes less of a sympathetic victim. However, by that point, I was hooked and wanted to unravel the riddles and follow the clues to uncover the identity of the victim. O’Connor does a nice job of distracting readers with irrelevant clues and tidbits and succeeded in misdirecting this reader. That said, I always love it when I can’t figure out the killer’s identity, or at least if I do not until the end.
This is a fun series for me. It has a cast of extremely likable characters in the O’Sullivan siblings and it is set in a quaint Irish village. The mysteries are engaging and make me think in a good way. I will definitely be back for more of this series.
I read a digital ARC of this book which was provided to me by the publisher through Netgalley. This book is scheduled for release at the end of February.