Let’s face it. If the series says, “A Home To Ireland Mystery”, and the title is Murder in Galway, I’ll at least try the book. Carlene O’Connor doesn’t disappoint in this descriptive mystery that takes an American to Galway, Ireland.
Although Tara Meehan had never been there before, Galway feels like home when she arrives with her mother’s ashes and the intention to scatter them in Galway Bay. That plan doesn’t quite work out as she’d hoped, despite the fact that a handsome Irishman tried to save the box with the ashes. No one knew she was coming, but none of the residents seem happy she’s there once she says she ‘s related to Johnny Meehan. But, she’s determined. Her mother said, “Tell Johnny I’m sorry…Take me home.”
A friendly bartender draws her a map to Johnny’s business and cottage, but warns her his architectural salvage business, Irish Revivals, hasn’t been open for a week. So, when Tara finds a man’s body, she informs the Garda that her uncle was murdered. She’s not quite right. Emmet Walsh, Johnny’s wealthiest client, was murdered. The letters in his blood in the cottage say, “Tara”. And, Tara’s uncle, Johnny Meehan, is missing.
Everyone in town seems to assume Johnny killed the victim because Johnny hadn’t been right lately. Tara’s determined to find her uncle, with the help of Danny O’Donnell, Johnny’s former employee. She isn’t sure she can trust Danny, but she doesn’t really trust all the other people who blame Johnny either. And, the guards only seem to care about Johnny’s whereabouts. But, warnings, and even another body won’t prevent Tara from learning the truth.
I liked this American dropped into a crime scene. Even as she investigates, she feels a little guilty. “She had been dropped in the middle of all these lives, each brimming with drama, and she was stirring things up.” Tara is an amateur sleuth on a mission.
And, of course, I loved the setting in Galway. I’ve walked the touristy streets, and seen the Spanish Gate and Galway Bay. The mystery brings back wonderful memories. It’s an excellent beginning to the series. And, if you’ve been to Galway, that’s one more plus.
Carlene O’Connor’s website is https://www.carleneoconnor.net/
Murder In Galway by Carlene O’Connor. Kensington Books, 2019. ISBN 9781496724472 (paperback), 330p.
FTC Full Disclosure – I bought a copy of the book.
Would to visit there! We have a new problem here. No water. They are doing repairs and there is no clue of when we will get it back. Found out that there are large amounts of chromium 6 in our water and a herbicide. You cannot get it out with boiling, need to find out which kind of filter takes out. I have a hemo/onc appointment this afternoon.
That’s awful, Carolee, about the herbicide and chromium 6! Take care of yourself. You obviously are with a doctor’s appointment this afternoon. I hope everything is okay.
The author has also published as Mary Carter. (Underrated and her real name according to an interview)
You’re right, MM. I have a friend who knows her, and always refers to her as Mary.
Before commenting I checked to see if you reviewed her under that name. The search pulled up your Anne Cleeland review and it sure looked interesting.
Now I have a Carlene O’Connor and an Anne Cleeland in my TBR stack. What fun!
And, since everyone has different reading taste, MM, you’ll have to let us know some Thursday what you think of the books when you have a chance to read them. Enjoy!
Just placed a hold on it in two different county library systems. We’ll see who gets it to me faster.
Good luck!