| Title | : | Murder in an Irish Churchyard (Irish Village Mystery, #3) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Kindle Edition |
| Number of Pages | : | 304 |
| Publication | : | First published February 27, 2018 |
Siobhán O’Sullivan ermittelt wieder vor der idyllischen Kulisse Irlands Zwei Morde hat die junge Siobhán O'Sullivan im gemütlichen Dörfchen Kilbane in der Grafschaft Cork schon aufgeklärt. Es liegt also nicht fern, dass sie ihrer Berufung folgt und sich der irländischen Nationalpolizei anschließt. Auch wenn ihre fünf Geschwister und die Dorfbewohner nicht stolzer auf sie sein könnten, bleibt nicht viel Zeit zum Die frischgebackene Polizistin wird zu einem Fall gerufen. Der örtliche Pfarrer hat auf dem Friedhofsgelände die Leiche eines Mannes gefunden. Niemand kennt den Toten, doch er scheint ein amerikanischer Tourist auf der Suche nach seinen irischen Vorfahren zu sein. Als Siobhán beginnt, unter den knorrigen Wurzeln des Familienstammbaums des Opfers nach einem Motiv zu graben, muss sie dem Mörder zwei Schritte voraus sein, sonst steht sie selbst mit mehr als einem Fuß im Grab … Weitere Titel dieser Reihe
Mord verdirbt den Appetit ( 9783986375089)
Mord mit kalten Füßen ( 9783986375140)
Murder in an Irish Churchyard (Irish Village Mystery, #3) Reviews
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What a turn this series has taken! Books one and two were apolitical, fast paced mysteries with compelling characters and an interesting subplot.
This third installment is an anti-American screed cloaked in a cozy police procedural.
Now, it’s one thing to write in supporting characters with unsavory attitudes, but when the protagonist for whom we’re supposed to be rooting devolves into a fount of xenophobia, we’ve got a problem.
I’m not talking one instance, or even a dozen; I’m talking chapter after chapter of “Americans are always trying to appropriate or lay false claim to an Irish heritage,” “the only people who should be forced to deal with Americans are other Americans,” “Americans are uncultivated," “Americans are inherently rude," “Americans have little in which they should take pride," “Americans are loud and boorish," and, my personal favorite, “All Americans everywhere are easily manipulated because they think all Irish people everywhere are inherently cheerful, warm, friendly, leprechaun chasing, ruddy faced Liam or Siobhan O'Shamrocks.”
I understand the importance of distinguishing the contents of a book from its author. There are many, many rhetorical and literary reasons why an author would employ the repugnant as a plot device.
J. A. Konrath, Robert K Tanenbaum, and the ghostwriters of James Patterson’s Women’s Murder Club series (all favorites of mine) have churned out some extremely repugnant content. Thing is, not a single one of their hero’s or heroines gets behind these attitudes or behaviors.
This indicates, to me at least, that they understand the importance of audience awareness, even if they happen to harbor such attitudes (I’ve read nothing to suggest that this is the case) themselves.
Mark Twain penned what I’d argue to be one of the most powerful condemnations of American slavery, and the N word is woven all through the story.
In Carlene O’Connor’s case, the anti-American sentiments are clear, both in the problematic depictions of every single one of the American characters (and of course, they're all so jealous because Ireland, with its magestic castles and beautiful cemetaries, is so much prettier to look at than America) and in Siobhan’s failure to recognize and work to deal with her own xenophobia.
Maybe its just the paranoid reader/reflexive rhetorical analyst in me, but the Irish Village series (maybe it’s just this installment) doesn’t appear to have been written for an American audience.
All in all, if I do decide to give time to free (she gets not one more cent of my money) copies of the remaining books in the series, I won’t be recommending them to anyone or shelving them where they might encourage others to read them. -
I want to start by saying that I listened to this book and absolutely loved the narration. Hearing this story with an Irish lilt gave it a realistic feel, especially with the Irish sayings and slang. The narrator, Caroline Lennon, did a great job with expression, voices and the telling of the story. I would recommend that you try to listen to this one if you can get your hands on an audiobook.
Siobhán is now Garda O'Sullivan and is getting ready for her first day. When she is summoned in the wee hours of the morning by the local priest, Father Kearney, she heads off to the cemetery in the Churchyard to investigate a dead body above ground. With it being a murder, Sergeant Macdara Flannery, Siobhán's ex-boyfriend, is summoned from Dublin to head the case. The victim is an American in Ireland to make a documentary about his Irish roots and ancestors. As Siobhán and Macdara investigate the family and documentary makers, it seems there is more than one suspect, as well as an old lady that has been seen skulking around.
I really enjoy the character of Siobhán, a smart woman who uses her intuition and gut feelings to her advantage. She is a family woman, who takes care of her siblings and still makes the bread for the family bistro. She is hurting about the loss of her relationship of Macdara and I was happy to see that perhaps they might get back together. Technically, she is no longer an amateur sleuth, but I still consider this a cozy mystery. Her immediate supervisor, Garda O'Reilly, is not a very likeable character at all. He is constantly trying to get her in trouble and write her up, personally I think he is jealous of her success solving previous murders. The plot was well done with red herrings, clues sprinkled sporadically, some likeable characters, some not and a well paced storyline. I really enjoyed this story and figured out some things, but was still pleasantly surprised when the culprit and the motive were revealed in the story. I will definitely continue to read or listen to this wonderful series from Carlene O'Connor and recommend it to cozy mystery lovers or those who enjoy a nice visit to the countryside of Ireland. -
"In Ireland the inevitable never happens
and the unexpected constantly occurs" -Sir John Pentland Mahaffy
I have to say this quote struck me as almost perfect for describing the cozy mystery of Murder in an Irish Churchyard. I loved everything about this book, title, cover, and every word in the book. The lovely lilt of the Irish accent, sprinkled throughout the dialog enchants you as it dances in your mind and makes you wish it came out of your own mouth. A murder mystery about family, community, history, friendship, and the strength of integrity. Start to finish a very fine mystery indeed! This one is out in February 27th and is the third book in the series by Charlene O'Connor -
Solid mystery
Well now that it has turned itself into an actual mystery series this is really good. I enjoyed it and I can't read to read the next book in the series. Only reason for four stars is the book dragged a bit.
Full review:
Taking two years after the events in the last book, Murder in an Irish Churchyard now has Siobhan as a garda. Her and Macdara Flannery are no more since they broke up when she announced she wanted to join the garda. Awake waiting for her first day on the job, she's alerted to a dead body in a churchyard by the local priest. Not recognizing the man, she realizes it has to be a tourist. She quickly gets in trouble for not following protocol, but then is allowed to assist when Macdara Flannery is called into help from Dublin. Macdara is now a detective sergeant, and he wants to be all business with Siobhan.
So this was really good. O'Connor fleshes out Siobhan a lot more in the mystery side of the series. With Siobhan no longer an amateur sleuth, she can interrogate people and chase down leads. She's just trying to gain her footing to follow her training and try to get past being so close to Macdara. Also since it's two years later, one of her sisters is now living in America as a waitress (how she can afford to live where she does on a waitress salary is a question for the ages). Her brother James in a relationship, and she's trying to push her younger brothers and sisters into higher education. They all still support her, which was great to see.
I was surprised though to hear about two characters we never heard about in the other two books, supposed best friends of Siobhan. I see why they got introduced, but it felt like they came out of nowhere.
The solution to the murder was interesting, and I wonder how things are going to progress in the series. -
Murder in an Irish Churchyard by Carlene O'Connor is the third book in this series.
Siobhan is now a garda! I was so happy to see her grow and become a police officer.
It's the night before her first official work day, and we start off by experiencing some of her nervousness.
Just because she was able to solve some earlier investigations, she still questions her abilities.
A knock at her door in the early morning hours leaves Siobhan running through the cemetery, dodging the heavy snowflakes that will surely destroy any evidence of wrong doing.
Her discovery sets off an investigation so bizarre and also brings Macdara back into Siobhan's life.
The cast of characters in this story are over the top. They all have secrets and they all have motives.
Will Siobhan be able to suss out the truth?
Find out February 27th!
I voluntarily read an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley. -
#3 in the "Irish Village Mysteries" finds Siobhán a brand-new garda, w/ her on-again, off-again boyfriend, McDara, assigned to Dublin as a Detective Seargeant. It has been two years, and Siobhán is eager to start her first day in her new role. However, the night before, she can't sleep and on a stroll, is accosted by the local priest stammering and begging her to come: there is a dead body in the churchyard ... ABOVE the ground! Siobhán finds the man pointing at an old gravestone. Interesting, the dead man is an American, in Kilbane to film a documentary about his family's reason for moving to America in the 19th century -- the Great Famine.
Did the man die over a case of mistaken identity -- in the present or the past? Who killed the American? His very-young wife? His nurse? One of his two children along for the documentary? His brother? His documentarian? I honestly could not figure the identity of the murderer, which is the reason I gave this Irish-flavored cozy mystery 5 stars. -
I love this series, and I love the characters, but this one was ..... well..... let's just say it's not smart of an author who wants to make it to insult and criticize a huge population. The way Americans were portrayed was unacceptable. Since I'm not easily offended, I will move on from this and read the next installment.
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Siobhan is now a garda, aka police officer, after two years of schooling. The night before her first official day of work there is a knock on the door early in the morning. The village priest leads her to the cemetery, where she makes a gruesome discovery. Her former boyfriend, Detective Sergeant Macdara Flannery, is called in from Dublin, and together they investigate an American family researching their family's roots, as well as an overblown filmmaker who is documenting said research, plus a couple of villagers.
It was an enjoyable read with a very good mystery, though it felt a little busy at times. Let me tell you, though, the constant jabs at Americans became extremely tiresome. Because, you know, we're not all that bad. A disparaging remark here and there in keeping with the plot would have been more than enough. -
This third book in the series is quite possibly my favourite!
The Irish village and its inhabitants are a pleasure to read about.
The whodunit was well written and kept me guessing right until the reveal.
The relationship between Siobhan and her siblings and their personalities ring true to life for me.
I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more in the series.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. -
Another Great Irish Village Murder Mystery
This is my favorite so far off this series. I actually had an idea of who the murderer was this time. Great characters with great story lines and mysteries! -
"Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall." - Proverbs 16:18
Ahh, whoever said the Irish aren't proud, really do not know them well. You really can't fault them on that count as there's much of which to be proud. This holds true in the case of a wealthy American of Irish descent visiting the Green Isle while digging into his family history. That is until he winds up dead - above ground - in the local churchyard among those who went before.
Newly made Garda Siobhán O'Sullivan, is first official on scene at the local churchyard after being rousted by Father Kearney. She knows she should have called it in first, being that she's so new to the force. But Father Kearney is just a tad too insistent and who could argue with the good Father. Plus with the snow just starting and evidence soon to be obscured, time was of the essence.
This third book in series was my first foray into Carlene O'Connor's Irish Village Mystery series and what a delightful cozy mystery it turned out to be. Loved it enough to request from the local library the first two books of the series. Sláinte! -
Lovely scenic details of Ireland provide the background for a cozy murder mystery set in the country village of Kilbane.
Siobhan O'Sullivan has completed 2 years at Garda College and it's her first day on the job when Father Kearney convinces her to come with him to the cemetery instead of phoning in the body he has found. It's been a year since Macdara Flannery became an Detective Sergeant and moved to Dublin, the pain of loss love still lingers in Siobhan.
The dead man is American, Peter Mallon, here to document his family history on film. Peter's dysfunctional family, the filmmaker and local Kilbanites all come together to provide plot complications, and plot twists for Siobhan & Macdara to figure out, drawing their personal history into the present working investigation.
This third installment in the Irish Village mystery series is not a 'light' as the previous novels but was equally enjoyable. -
In this “Irish Village Mystery” young Siobhan O’Sullivan is on her first day as a guard in the small village and she already has a murder on her hands! This enchanting story is set in a charming Irish village with a cast of interesting characters. The author does a great job of capturing (and keeping) our attention from the first few pages where Father Kearney leads Siobhan through wintery snow inside the medieval stones gates of the local cemetery to where the mysterious body lay pointing to a tombstone. Together with her erstwhile boyfriend Detective Sergeant Macdara Flannery , Siobhan sifts through some puzzling clues and assorted suspects (a wealthy American family researching family roots, a filmmaker shooting a documentary about their genealogical search, and assorted local villagers including Siobhan’s large clan of siblings). A page turner!
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This had a delightful plot that kept me going as I wanted to know the ending. Listened to this on audiobook and I do have to say that by the 7 hr. mark I thought that the book was almost over, however there were a little over two hours left. I felt like everything could have been wrapped up a little sooner. Regardless, a pleasant book!
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The third book in Carlene O'Connor's Irish Village series jumps ahead 2 years from the end of the previous book.
Following the decision Siobhan O'Sullivan made at the end of Book 2, she's about to start her first day as a local Garda in her home village of Kilbane. It's been a hard two years that have seen a lot of changes and upheaval in her life.
Her younger siblings are growing up, with one just home for a visit now that she's living in New York City. Her older brother is running the family bistro and has a new girlfriend who has seemingly alienated everyone except the boyfriend. And one of Siobhan's best friends has moved back home after time at school.
More telling, her relationship with Macdara Flannery has ended. Her decision to join the Garda changed their relationship and he moved off to Dublin and a promotion.
But many things are about to change when the night before her first shift, the local priest shows up on Siobhan's doorstep claiming there is a dead body in the local cemetery. And this one is above ground.
While it makes no sense that the priest didn't report it to the actual cops on duty, Siobhan heads off to the cemetery to check out the story. Sure enough, there's a dead body and she calls it in.
Displeased that she didn't immediately call in the crime, Siobhan's superiors dress her down but soon she is immersed in the case. The past is prologue seems to a running theme in this book because the murder victim was an American on the hunt for his Irish roots. His family and a filmmaker making a documentary of the man's search are on hand and their constant backbiting and bickering lead them all to be considered suspects.
But it isn't just the past of the victim that comes calling. Who's sent to be in charge of the murder inquiry? None other than Macdara. While she ends up tasked to help him with the case, their shared recent past makes for an uncomfortable working relationship.
When circumstances conspire to reveal one new clue after another, the two put aside their differences in order to bring a killer to justice. But when Siobhan learns details of Macdara's new life in Dublin, she is inexplicably upset and more than a little jealous.
Of course, the whys and wherefores of finding out why the American victim was killed takes precedence and in that, the two make and excellent team. Siobhan's rookie enthusiasm tends to find her making mistakes with procedure but the duo invariably start to piece things together.
The one note about what I didn't think all that highly of was the seeming disdain that a number of the Irish characters held for the Americans. While those Americans were indeed rather odious to have to deal with, it didn't seem that the dislike was aimed solely towards them. One minor character went so far as to say that he just doesn't like any Americans. Is that true of the actual Irish people?
The mystery of the story spun out into a number of false leads but always kept me intrigued. I wanted to see where they were going with each clue that came to light. Given that my mother was also into genealogy, I could at least appreciate what the search was all about.
I also liked the way the subplots featuring the O'Sullivan children showed them growing up and not nearly as dependent on Siobhan as they once were. While Siobhan missed that connection somewhat, I also appreciated how she knew she had to let go and let her brothers and sisters find their own way.
I've been waiting a long time for this book to come out in paperback after its hardcover release last year and it was a story that was well worth the wait. With the fourth book due out in a few months, I can only say that Carlene O'Connor has me waiting with breathless anticipation for where she's going to take Siobhan and company next. -
In the Irish village of Kilbane, Siobhán O’Sullivan
is getting ready to start her first day as a Garda
after two years of schooling.
Father Kearney comes banging on her door. He has
found a body in the church yard. A dead body lying
above ground.
Off Siobhán goes into the St Mary’s churchyard to
where the body lies. It is an American and he is
pointing his finger at the headstone of his ancestor,
JOHN MALLON 1828–1903
Detective Sergeant Macdara Flannery who is
stationed in Dublin is sent down to lead
the investigation.
Lots of puzzling clues, an American family
researching their roots, each member with a
reason to do away with the deceased, a filmmaker
shooting documentary about their search and
findings, a nurse who turns out to be a fraud
plus the local villagers and Siobhán’s large
family running their own business keeps the
reader involved from the beginning right up
to the end.
So come take a quick trip to Kilbane, Ireland.
The author’s vivid, colorful and detailed description
will have you traveling from your chair to the
lush land of Ireland.
This is book # 3 in the Irish Village Mysteries series.
It presents the past with the present effortlessly. -
This third installment in the Irish Village Mystery series was a really enjoyable read. For me, I love the Irish setting and the way the author has weaved authentic dialect into the story. The characters are well written and I enjoy the growth we see in all the O'Sullivan siblings with each new book. There have been a lot of changes for the siblings, but most notable is that Siobhan is now part of the garda (Irish Police). This has also brought about changes in her relationship with Macdara Flannery. One of the things I enjoy is how the siblings tend to play a part in each mystery, even if a small one.
This third book had a stead plot that kept this reader turning pages. There are two mysteries inter-woven in this story - a historical mystery that has a bearing on the present day murder mystery. As Macdara and Siobhan work together while trying to keep their personal life separate, there are plenty of suspect, clues, twists and forks in the road while trying to uncover the true story and catch a killer.
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book provided to me by the publisher, Kensington, through Netgalley. -
4.5 stars
This was my favorite of the series so far! I often find myself in the mood for cozy mysteries but then struggle once I start because of the light, jokey nature of it or the suspension disbelief required. But what I love about this series is the way Siobhan's career takes all the natural steps. Rather than just being some local always happening on a murder she is the only one smart enough to solve. Instead, she grows and devlops and learns and follows a career path. And I love it. It's what I loved most about this book. Including the ways in which it has complicated her relationship with Macdara.
Also the O'Sullivan Six, particularly Ciarán, are just an utter delight adding to all the reasons I love this series. -
My bookgroup is reading this author this month. I started with #3 in this series Murder in an Irish Churchyard and loved it for all its Irishness. This is the most authentic voice I have read in Irish mysteries. The expressions and descriptions of food and people and weather all made me smile.
The mystery is quite good and is discovered through a genealogy search; the original mystery happened two generations back and the modern day murder is to both harm the benefitting heir and keep the secret from being exposed. There were lots of credible suspects and I really enjoyed the romantic tension between McDara and Siobhan. There was even an Aisling in book 3 so that was fun. A great series I will definitely continue! -
I enjoyed this installment in the series. My favorite part was seeing Siobhan working as a garda. At the same time, I felt almost like I had skipped a book. I felt a little lost with the time that had passed since the last book and the fact that MacDara had transferred and Siobhan hadn't seen him in a long period of time.
When she decided to become a garda, MacDara pretty well just dropped her. I was disappointed in him for that. I enjoyed catching up with Siobhan and all of her siblings. It was interesting to be amongst them again.
I liked the mystery storyline and the usual background of village and bistro. -
These books just keep getting better and better. This one was well plotted with many potential villains in the same family that keeps everyone on their toes and fingers being pointed in every which direction. The characters are well developed and enhance the story very well. Even better this book also was available on audio so you can read on the go!
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Sometimes the biggest mystery she faced was what to do with all the random thoughts ping-ponging through her mind.
This is easily my favorite book of the series! I admit to being somewhat sad over the 2 year time jump in between books 2 and 3, but it didn't take long to be completely on board. I adore Siobán and how she continues to develop as a character. I look forward to book 4. -
Around the World of Crime and Mystery
Cast - 2 stars: Stereotypes mostly. Lead Sioban O'Sullivan feels childish....intentionally?
Atmosphere - 3: Everything you'd expect (pubs, church burial ground, crypt, monastery ruins, etc.) but curried chips? Plus a comic book store with rooms to rent holds rather rotten American tourists. Bakeries everywhere! Lots of brown bread.
Crime -3: A man is shot in the burial grounds. His hand is pointing at...something! A grave, a priest, just a red herring?
Investigation - 1: Below Nancy Drew and Hardy Boy standards.
Resolution - 2: A decent trap is laid but still it all seemed a bit silly.
Summary - 2.2 stars. This just felt on the childish side to me. -
3.5. Good twist in this one
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First I would like to thank Netgalley and Kensington books for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Siobhán is now a Garda, and her first day on the job involves a murder. She is called to the churchyard in the middle of the night by the Father, even though she knows she should call it in first she can't help the allure of mystery and has to go check things out for herself. Needless to say when she does report the body she starts off in trouble with her supervisor. When Dublin sends down a detective inspector who else would it be but Macdara. Siobhán tries to be professional but her natural nosiness and ongoing attraction to Macdara make it hard for her to toe the line. I'm not going to give anything away but Siobhan is stubborn and continues to work the case until she solves it.
I love the way Ms. O'Connor describes the scenery, I can see the village, and the characters. The siblings are all growing up and I can see this while I read the story. I was fortunate to read the first 2 books in this series as audio books because the voice of Caroline Lennon rang in my head while reading this one I could hear the lovely Irish accent and actually knew how the names should be pronounced.
I highly recommend this latest installment in the Irish Village Mystery series and suggest that anyone who hasn't started this series to start from the beginning, it adds so much to the background of the characters. -
Murder in an Irish Churchyard is book three in Irish Village Mystery by Carlene O'Connor. When the local Priest found a body in the local churchyard, he summoned Siobhan O'Sullivan to look at the body. However, this act put Garda O'Sullivan in hot water with her Sergeant. Things could not get worse for Garda O'Sullivan when Detective Sergeant Macdara Flannery caught the case. The readers will follow Garda O'Sullivan and Detective Sergeant Macdara Flannery to find out what happens.
Murder in an Irish Churchyard is the third book I have read by Carlene O'Conner. Murder in an Irish Churchyard is an enjoyable cozy book to read. I had no trouble engaging with the characters and the story of Murder in an Irish Churchyard or the characters. While reading Murder in an Irish Churchyard, I had to laugh at the character's antics. I love Carlen O'Conner portrayal of the characters of Murder in an Irish Churchyard and the way they intertwine with each other throughout this book. Murder in an Irish Churchyard is well written and researched by Carlene O'Conner. I like Carlene O'Conner's description of the settings of Murder in an Irish Churchyard that allowed me to imagine being part of the plot of this book.
The readers of Murder in an Irish Churchyard will understand the importance of genealogical records for the community. Also, the readers of Murder in an Irish Churchyard will realise the importance of the honour of the family home.
I recommend this book. -
Is a book still in the genre of amateur sleuth/cozy if the main character has become a police officer? Is it now a mystery set in Ireland?
Whatever you want to call the it, this is a good book. It has intriguing characters, a great setting and an enticing mystery to draw the reader in.
Siobhan has taken her life into her own hands and forged her own path and become a garda, police officer in Ireland, as well as running the family bistro. It's meant moving on from the man she loves but he seems to have moved on as well. Siobhan's family makes me laugh. They are varied in personalities and they all love each other. I want to start at the beginning of this series and learn more about them.
The mystery is interwoven and really good. It begins from the first page and the book is off and running. It has a study of family history going on as much as the investigation. Kind of makes me want to go digging around in my family tree to see what shows up.
I can definitely recommend this book, author and series. -
I really enjoyed this cozy mystery. This was a very complicated and intricate mystery with many twist and turns that really kept me on the toes. I loved the whole genealogy aspect of the story that weaved the past and present together that lead to the mystery in this story. I loved how all the puzzle pieces together in order to solve the mystery. I even loved all the stuff that was going on with Siobhán between becoming a brand new police officer with this being her first official case and everything that was happening between her and Macdara. I was so invested in this romance. I was dreading that things would be resolved in the next book and not in this one. When they had the moment they finally came together it was just perfection. I just loved Siobhán and Macdara together. The only negative about this one was that it did drag a little bit in the middle. I wanted to things to pick up more a little bit sooner, but once things got going again it really just took off again. Overall it was a great reading experience.
