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A review by beate251
Death by the Book by Lucy Connelly
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC.
This is book two in a new cosy murder mystery series by Lucy Connelly. Mercy McCarthy, an American crime writer, and her twin sister Lizzie have recently inherited a cottage and bookshop in Ireland from a grandfather they never knew. Shamrock Cove, especially a posh housing estate called The Court, has a tight-knit community into which the sisters were warmly welcomed.
This time we are at the ten day Shamrock Cove Literary Festival in which both sisters are heavily involved. The first murder is author James Brandt, an arrogant diva not many people had a good word to say about, apart from his literary agent Sebrena. But then she is found murdered too. Who has an interest in seeing them both dead, and has it something to do with their past in Shamrock Cove and an old manuscript?
The author skilfully draws up an atmospheric literary setting, with the bookshop exhibiting secret doors and a fairy garden, plus there is a lot of mention of food!
The Americanisms in an Irish setting take some getting used to - there is definitely no sign of assimilation to Irish English yet but I've learned the word "hinky" for suspicious.
The mystery about their father and some letters continues, plus there is scope for a relationship between Kieran and Mercy, who still aren't dating but getting on very well, with Kieran allowing her some sleuthing under the proviso that she doesn't get herself in danger.
This can be read as a standalone as anything worth knowing will be seamlessly woven into Mercy's narrative, though Mercy's stalker way back in New York and Lizzie's traumas from the past really didn't need repeated airings, especially as they have nothing to do with the case.
I can't wait for the next installment, not for the murders so much as for the interaction between the quirky community members! They and dog Mr Pie really make the book.
This is a fast, easy, warm-hearted read that doesn't disappoint. The characters are interesting and the setting is beautiful. Who doesn't love an Irish community where even the police are called by their first name?
This is book two in a new cosy murder mystery series by Lucy Connelly. Mercy McCarthy, an American crime writer, and her twin sister Lizzie have recently inherited a cottage and bookshop in Ireland from a grandfather they never knew. Shamrock Cove, especially a posh housing estate called The Court, has a tight-knit community into which the sisters were warmly welcomed.
This time we are at the ten day Shamrock Cove Literary Festival in which both sisters are heavily involved. The first murder is author James Brandt, an arrogant diva not many people had a good word to say about, apart from his literary agent Sebrena. But then she is found murdered too. Who has an interest in seeing them both dead, and has it something to do with their past in Shamrock Cove and an old manuscript?
The author skilfully draws up an atmospheric literary setting, with the bookshop exhibiting secret doors and a fairy garden, plus there is a lot of mention of food!
The Americanisms in an Irish setting take some getting used to - there is definitely no sign of assimilation to Irish English yet but I've learned the word "hinky" for suspicious.
The mystery about their father and some letters continues, plus there is scope for a relationship between Kieran and Mercy, who still aren't dating but getting on very well, with Kieran allowing her some sleuthing under the proviso that she doesn't get herself in danger.
This can be read as a standalone as anything worth knowing will be seamlessly woven into Mercy's narrative, though Mercy's stalker way back in New York and Lizzie's traumas from the past really didn't need repeated airings, especially as they have nothing to do with the case.
I can't wait for the next installment, not for the murders so much as for the interaction between the quirky community members! They and dog Mr Pie really make the book.
This is a fast, easy, warm-hearted read that doesn't disappoint. The characters are interesting and the setting is beautiful. Who doesn't love an Irish community where even the police are called by their first name?