Road Trip, by Mary Kay Andrews

 

Publication June 2, 2026

If I had to summarize this book in one sentence, I'd say it's a book about connections, both with family and others. Maeve and Therese Dunigan may be sisters but they're nothing alike. Or, are they? Brought together again after their mother's death, they squabble but agree to their mother's last request, that they travel to Ireland to investigate their family heritage. There's also the question of an old, maybe valuable, maybe not, portrait of their supposed grandmother. One of the background stories involves their mother having squandered their inheritance, basically, to take out a second mortgage on their family home, the money going to a fast talking televangelist who solicited money constantly. There's also a sexy distiller at Tarrymore Mansion, which was their mother's childhood home until she mysteriously sailed to America. And, well, more, but those are the highlights of the sister's journey with them, first, learning to tolerate each other than, gradually, connect in more ways than they'd ever thought possible. 

I liked both sisters, to be honest, though probably related more to cautious, do-the-right-thing Maeve more than Theresa, the wild child of the two. A wannabe actress, she's rarely settled in one spot for long and lived, let's call it, life in the fast lane. Liam, the Irish romantic interest of Maeve, is substitute tour guide the day Maeve and Therese arrive and Maeve feels an immediate attraction, so you know this will be part of the big story. Even some of the characters that initially appear a bit, well, off-putting, turn out to be simply quirky and are ultimately relatively likable....sorta. Not saying more about that as you'll see how it plays into the plot. The plot flows fairly well, with interesting side trips to share the countryside with us or even offer a bit of insight into not just the current day but flashbacks to not just the sisters' mother's Irish life but her arrival at Ellis Island and how those coming through the island as immigrants were treated and the uncertainty of what lay before them. The former history major in me was intrigued, particularly knowing some of my own ancestors surely traveled those same walkways. Just as the two sisters are learning and reflecting on past events while trying to sort out their futures, readers may find such pertinent personal moments to also reflect upon. Oh, and there's a dog, too. Grin. 

Bottom line, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The sisters, while connected by blood didn't feel close but found out they had more in common than they knew. The bits of mystery connected to the portrait and what really happened to make their mother leave Ireland so suddenly were an intriguing part of the story, as were the point of view from their mother of her early days in America. It was fun to see both Maeve and Therese not just come together as sisters but find romance, too, Maeve, with her long tendency to play things safe, after a shove from Therese. Thanks #StMartin'sPress for introducing me to them and giving me an early peek into their lives via a fun, virtual trip to Ireland. Some of those pubs are wild! 

A Very Irish Mystery (A Lady Eleanor Swift Mystery #25), by Verity Bright

 

Publication April 10, 2026

As usual, it's the characters who keep drawing me back to this series over and over again. From the curious and unstoppable Lady Eleanor Swift, who wasn't raised to be a lady, to husband Hugh and butler/friend/master of....whatever is needed Clifford, they are a delight to spend time with. And, of course, I can't forget Gladstone, Eleanor's trusty canine. The frequently humorous give-and-take between Eleanor and Clifford has always been a highlight of the historical fiction series for me, so it was great to see it front and center. Hugh, as the Scotland Yard officer, has always seemed a bit left out of that fun but he seems to be slowly settling into his retired cop, now detective role and showing a bit more of his human side this go-round. As he notes at one point, probably a bit bemused, as a cop he used to be the one chasing the culprit but now seems to be running from the law as often as not in partnership with the often impulsive Eleanor and Clifford who always seems to have her back and know what she needs or wants before she does. Definitely an interesting trio of detectives.

In this go-round, they find themselves in Dublin. They're planning to connect with a man who claims to be able to tell her something about how long missing parents. Eleanor has never quite solved the one mystery of a personal nature, why her parents abandoned her the night of their disappearance two decades ago. Well, they do ultimately meet him but there's a whole other matter that draws them before, the murder of brewery owner Fergal Finnegan. Eleanor discovers the body, no shock to long time readers, but, oh, my, what a place to find it. Nope, not telling. You're going to have to read the book. It goes without saying that they become absorbed with this case after being hired by the brewery's suddenly new manager but, in the meantime, we meet up with suffragettes, tour some of the backstreets of the Dublin of the day, find out Hugh isn't much of a sailor, and learn a bit about, uh, the oldest profession. Again, nope, not telling, you'll just have to read the book. And what's with all the rival breweries? Could one of them have killed Finnegan? How about the women, yes, plural, in his life? Oh, what a twisted web our trio has to unravel. All while, of course, awaiting the delayed arrival of the mystery man who may know something about Eleanor's parent's fate. Let's just say, that wasn't how they expected that discussion to go.

But, more than enough teasers. Obviously, I adore this series. I like the characters and they seem to wind up in some of the most fascinating places. We also learn lots about the setting of each adventure, not to mention a great deal of the history of the time. Do be sure to read the Historical Notes at the end. they touch of that subject, adding more to the story.  Thanks #Bookouture and #NetGalley for letting me time travel backwards once again for an early peek at all that is going on in Lady Eleanor's life. I did miss "the ladies" this go round but, hey, one can't be unhappy with a cozy mystery that manages to work in a Machiavelli quote seamlessly. 

Murder on the Clock (A Mercy McCarthy Mystery Book 4), by Lucy Connelly

 

Publication Nov. 14, 2025

It took me awhile to get into this one but once I did, I enjoyed it. One of those that while it didn't wow me, it keep me entertained. Twins Lizzy and Mercy McCarthy inherited their grandfather's bookshop and cottage in Ireland and Mercy is trying to find just the right present for Lizzy. She settles on having their mother's old watch, a family keepsake, repaired and takes it to the local Clock & Jewelry store. Next thing you know, the repairman is found dead. Well, while it certainly isn't what Lizzy would have wanted but looks like she's getting a murder investigation for her birthday ... and not one mystery author Mercy wrote ... although Mercy tries mightily to keep it a secret from her that the watch went missing. And, the story is off.

I won't share any more of the plot but will say that despite the to mevslow acceleration of the story, it was nice to get to know the town of Shamrock Cove, Ireland, in the process. It's one of those typical mystery cozy towns where everyone knows each other, often better than some would want. As relative newcomers, Mercy and Lizzie are still feeling their way but have made progress becoming a part of the community. Heck, there even seems to be some s.l.o.w. progress in the relationship between Mercy and Detective Inspector Kiernan. Even better, a potential romance seems to have emerged for Lizzie although that's still a big unknown. Sounds promising, however. Overall, the cast of characters is quirky at times but likable and, hey, let's not forget Mr. Poe, Mercy's canine buddy. The town has secrets and long running feuds but did that lead to murder? Family Dramas? Romance gone wrong? Greed? 

Bottom line, if you like a bit of a slow build, this one will be a hit with you. The rest of us ultimately fell into line, too, as the characters took the spotlight. It's been fun to further differentiate Mercy and Lizzie, Mercy the more introverted writer type, while Lizzie is the more open, caring sort who knows just what to say to others.  It was also rather nice to see people who were willing to take the time and money to have old items repaired rather than simply trash them and buy new. I think I'd have enjoyed that clock shop. Thanks #Bookouture and #NetGalley for this virtual trip to Ireland. Looking forward to seeing more on the potential stalker matter next installment. It largely didn't seem to be an element this go-round.

An Irish Bookshop Murder (Mercy McCarthy Mystery #1), by Lucy Connelly

 

Publication August 22, 2024

Great start to a new series. I immediately fell into Mercy and Lizzie's inherited life as they explored their unexpected new world and got to know their neighbors. Of course, being accused of being a killer by a dying man wasn't exactly helpful. Nevertheless, they persevere, Lizzie being her charming, likable, more social self while Mercy is, well, likable, but direct and frequently comes across as prickly. As we learn their backstory, much of that is understandable, however. She's a successful, even famous mystery author who dealt with a stalker in New York. You'll like the tight, I-have-your-back relationship of mutual respect that the sisters have. For them, being twins, it's probably even tighter and Mercy is particularly protective of Lizzie given how fragile past tragedies have left her. Their move to Ireland after the surprise inheritance from their unknown-until-notification grandfather gave both a chance to start over and reclaim their lives.

And what an amazing inheritance. Not only do they inherit a home in an apparently rather exclusive neighborhood of Shamrock Cove, but a bookstore owned by their late grandfather. I won't detail the delights they discover as they explore their new surroundings other than to think what fun it'd be to explore. Well, if it weren't for that nasty murder hanging over their heads. Much to Mercy's surprise, not to mention my own, based on the stereotypical mistrust between the police and amateur sleuths in most cozy mysteries, she finds the local detective, Kieran, not just friendly and open but, well, downright handsome, too. Ah, one doesn't have to be a sleuth to see a romance coming as this series progresses. That said, remember, I said she could be prickly. And protective. Keep that in mind. Grin.

As this particular episode introduces us to Mercy, Lizzie, Keiran, and Keiran's grandmother Lottie, however, I couldn't help liking the supporting cast. Lottie, in particular, adds a new twist for me. Nope, not telling, but you'll find out early on. Neighbors Rob and Scott are rather prominent this go-round, too, and were quite likable, not only being personable and friendly but apparently the likely source of some great food chats in the future. Mercy does admit to being, well, let me rephrase that. NOT being a cook, although Lizzie seems to have that ability down. Mercy even shows some real people skills in her ability to help a young, reluctant reader find just the right book to spur his interest. That friendship leads to the addition of a new character at the end. Nope, quit asking. Not telling.

Bottom line, I thoroughly enjoy this debut series entry. The author's writing style was smooth and although some time was spent setting the delightful scene in Shamrock Cove -- seriously, we may all want to move there -- the plot moved along. Red herrings? Yep, bunches. Also multiple suspects, which was troubling as most seemed to be new neighbors. Uh, oh. I admit to not taking the time to research but the rules of their new neighborhood as far as inheritance were intriguing, too. Thanks #NetGalley and #Bookouture for the early introduction to Mercy and Lizzie. I can't wait to revisit Shamrock Cove. And, before I forget, readers, be sure to read the author and publisher's note at the end that notes some 7% of children do not have a book in their home. Having pictures of myself toddling along with a bottle and upside-down book, I always find this astonishing and depressing. There's a link there for readers to find a list of books to share with children that should appeal, all suggested by GoodReads readers, I believe.

Irish Milkshake Murder Carlene O'Connor , Petty Ehrhart, Liz Ireland

 Publication Dec. 5, 2023

This is a collection of three stories with different vibes all centered around St. Patrick's Day. The blurb does an excellent job introducing the stories, all by authors I'm familiar with. O'Conner's story was probably the darker toned of the three. That's odd because the characters are coming together to celebrate an upcoming wedding. Bride-to-be Tara isn't enthusiastic about the idea of a hen party, but agrees to go along with the idea. Good thing as everything has already been set up, including the tour boat to take them to a more isolated area. There's a storm coming, too. See where this one's going? Needless to say, things go wrong. A man, a twin Irish dancer, dies after drinking a special holiday milkshake. The guest are already rather, uh, tipsy. The boat captain goes missing, and they spend a great deal of time trudging through mud while getting drenched and blown about. I didn't have a clue who did it, to be honest, and found myself rather lost in the festivities, I guess, as this entry didn't quite grab my interest. That said, I did grin at the reference to television's "Dancing With the Stars".

The second story felt like I was back on solid, familiar turf, however. Peggy Ehrhart's knitting mysteries were one of my introductions to cozy mysteries, so I'm always glad to spend time hanging out with Pamela and her far more flashy reporter friend Bettina. In this case, they've stopped for something to eat when they experience, one, a sheep parade down the street past the restaurant, and, two, seeing a man at a nearby table die after drinking a green milkshake. Bettina takes the lead in their follow-up investigation but we get the cozy size of the mystery, too, as they knit, chat, and visit friends. And, regular readers, you'll be happy to see Pamela's romance is moving along nicely and it's always fun to imagine the fiber related articles she's okaying and editing. In any case, their lives are endangered, that's the nature of cozy mystery amateur sleuths, but, hey, there's a knitting pattern and recipes included with this one. This is the more leisurely of the trio of stories, so relax, have a snack (or shake) handy, and enjoy as they try to sort out who the murderer is and make all the seemingly unconnected clues some together.

Quite frankly, as a fan of Liz Ireland's Mrs. Claus series, I honestly think I asked to review this book  solely because I wanted to read Ireland's "Mrs. Claus and the Luckless Leprechaun". It's a fun, whimsical story that somehow manages to make talking reindeer, competitive elves, iceball season, building ice houses for living snowmen, ballooning, Santa Claus, and more seem to make perfect sense. It's spring, so the elves have more downtime and that seems to bring out the competitive, nasty side in some. An iceball (the elf version of hockey?) superstar is sidelined by an injury and winds up being conked in the head by an iceball. April Claus, Santa's wife, is determined that justice be done, all while dealing with an overly officious flying reindeer who also suffers panic attacks, playing in the Santaland band, and trying to find a way to help a quite unlikable elf be successful. Somehow I never quite envisioned Santa's homeland being so complicated but it's a heap of fun to drop in every time to see what's going on there. 

Thanks #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks - #KensingtonCozies for allowing me to spend some time getting my Irish on in three very different locations. I mean, I never quite expected to be virtually eating green ice cream in Santaland. Grin.

Murder in a Cup (A Crystals & CuriosiTEAS Mystery, #2), by Lauren Elliott

 Publication Nov. 28, 2023

First, check out the great cover. I loved the detail and color and how it perfectly fits the mystery. Kudos to the artist/designer.

There are so many things happening in this book that it's difficult to decide where to start. Oddly enough, what on the surface is a slow build initially is also tinged with an ominous sense of foreboding.  While feeding us lots of backstory via Shay's sort of meditation, it's preparing us for what was to come. Let's see, that includes deadly plants, Tassi, an uneasy teenager being pulled between parents, the father from h.... er, heck,confused identity, a wonderful dog, love on the rocks, family secrets, greed, new characters, and....well, much, much more. 

I won't even attempt to share the plot. The blurb does an excellent job. Oddly enough, although magical tales are hit or miss with me, I'm thoroughly invested in Shayleigh/Shay's story. It's very human. While we might fantasize that having magical powers would be wonderful, Shay's experiences have been far different and fraught with danger. Nope, no cute twitch of a nose a la Samantha on "Bewitched" here. Shay neither understands her powers fully nor is she sure she wants them. She isn't even sure if Spirit, her amazingly insightful dog is, well, a dog or her familiar, but has learned to trust his instincts, at least.

There are several side stories, with the focus of the mystery as who kills Jasmine, who happens to be the younger girlfriend of the father from...heck. His daughter, Tassi, works at Shay's shop and is accused of poisoning Jasmine with one of Shay's poisonous plants. BTW, do you know what eye of newt really is? We're all familiar with that term from Macbeth and have just taken it for granted that it's some potent and dangerous ingredient. Not exactly, we learn. Eye of newt is the old-world term for mustard seeds. Toe of frog is a buttercup. That's your vocabulary lesson for the day. I love it when an author teaches me something new, don't you?

So, who killed Jasmine if it wasn't Tassi? Could it be the father from heck, tired of her money-spending ways? One of the White Glove Ladies, who you'll meet at their daily gathering at Shay's shop? Why a restraining order? Why were so many determined Shay give a group reading? How does Granny know Shay's family? Is she there to stay? Will Shay's personal life ever take a positive turn? And, wait! Who is this mysterious Conor? Changlings? Who....oh, enough teasers. This is a book that is full of action and reveals with a touch of magic, often barely controlled. Shay is learning to trust her instincts as a seer but will she learn how to use them and the tools left to her in time? 

Thanks #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks - #KensingtonCozies for allowing me to revisit Shay's fascinating but occasionally uneasy magical world. Love the addition of Liam's Granny. And, give Spirit a steak for dinner.