Lucy Connelly's An Irish Bookshop Murder is a delightful debut in the Mercy McCarthy Mystery series. Mercy McCarthy and her twin sister, Lizzie, find themselves in the idyllic Irish village of Shamrock Cove, running a charming antique bookshop they inherited. Their fresh start turns thrilling when they get embroiled in a murder mystery after a neighbor accuses Mercy of murder with his dying breath.

The characters in this book are wonderfully developed. Mercy, a famous crime author, makes for a brilliant sleuth, while Lizzie's journey through grief adds depth to the story. The introduction of the handsome detective Kieran adds a hint of romance, and his grandmother Lolly, with her narcolepsy, brings unexpected humor. The dynamic between Mercy and Kieran, filled with tension and chemistry, keeps you hooked.

The mystery itself is well-plotted, with plenty of suspects and red herrings. Connelly's storytelling is engaging, and I found myself glued to the book, eager to see how it unfolded. The killer's identity might not be a shock, but the motive certainly is, adding a satisfying twist. I am already a fan of this series and cannot wait for the next book!

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC.

This is a cozy murder mystery in a new series by Lucy Connelly.

Mercy McCarthy, an American crime writer, and her twin sister Lizzie inherit 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 are warmly welcomed. Only the Judge, a grumpy old man, doesn't seem to like them. But he doesn't seem to like anybody, so when he turns up dead, we have loads of suspects on tap.

The houses on The Court have some strange inheritance rules which stipulate that they can only be willed to family members or people already living there. I found that quite insular behaviour even though everyone living there seemed utterly lovely. Maybe it's a motive for murder though?

Mercy decides to investigate the murder because she thinks DI Kieran isn't getting there on his own, and he also seems to suspect her, and she can't have that. Sister Lizzie vacillates between supporting her and not wanting her to get into danger. There have been personal tragedies in her life, and all she wants is peace and quiet. Then another person drops dead. Could it be the same killer?

The author skilfully draws up an atmospheric setting, with the bookshop exhibiting secret doors and a fairy garden, plus there is a lot of mention of food! In all honesty, the beautiful cover reminiscent of women's fiction drew me in, and I chose to read it like that, with a little murder thrown in. I love bookshops in a book, especially old ones with nooks and crannies, and reluctant little kids learning to read for fun.

The Americanisms in an Irish setting took some getting used to - Mercy and Izzie talk about stoves, backyards, bookstores, flashlights and lasagna with an a, and even an Irish member of the community said "gotten" once. Let's see whether those two get assimilated in further books!

Not everything is tied up at the end - the lost letters still haven't been found, plus there is scope for a relationship between Kieran and Mercy. I can't wait for the next installment, not for the murders so much as for the interaction between the quirky community members!

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?

3.5 stars

Good-natured cozy series debut with Irish theme. Twin sisters Mercy and Lizzie have ended up in a small Irish village after receiving a surprise inheritance of a bookshop and cottage. They have recently undergone personal and family sorrow and are ready for a fresh start. Sister Lizzie is emotionally fragile but warm-hearted and excited about the prospect of running a bookstore. Mercy is a successful mystery author who wants to help her sister heal and welcomes a change from New York City.

They get a warm welcome from their unique little neighborhood - except for one old old curmudgeon. Naturally he is found dead under suspicious circumstances not long after.

The sisters' bond is interesting and the characters and background of their neighbors are varied. The plot is a bit jumpy and abrupt at times, especially the ending, but this is quite readable. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.