An Irish Bookshop Murder (Mercy McCarthy Mystery #1) & Death by the Book (Mercy McCarthy Mystery #2) by Lucy Connelly

An Irish Bookshop Murder and Death by the Book, the first and second books in the Mercy McCarthy Mystery series by Lucy Connelly have set a pretty high bar for future stories in the series.

With captivating and realistic characters, unique mysteries, and the setting of a small Ireland seaside community the stories draw you in and keep you engaged and speculating to each story’s conclusion. As the very well crafted clues are gathered and unraveled, the stories become more and more intriguing. Both Mercy and her twin sister Lizzie are fully relatable and believable…thereby keeping both stories effectively flowing from beginning to end. The secondary characters are equally engaging and easy to form an attachment to.

All in all, I find this series one that I will keep on my “Watch List” for additional stories about Mercy et al.

This ARC book was complimentary…provided by the Publisher and NetGalley. I am voluntarily offering my honest review.

A great start to a new cozy mystery series by Connelly. The setting in Ireland is lush. The characters are provocative. I'm excited to read more in this series.

“An Irish Bookshop Murder is the nicely done first book in Lucy Connelly’s Mercy McCarthy’s cozy mystery series. This book introduces us to Mercy, a successful mystery author, and her twin sister Lizzie who move to Ireland after inheriting a bookstore from their grandfather whom they never met. Both sisters need a fresh start after some recent tragedies and are hoping that the village of Shamrock Cove in Ireland will give them the change that they need. Unfortunately, a real-life murder gets in their way and Mercy finds herself investigating as the police seem to think she is the killer. The setting is a great one – not only Shamrock Cove but the house the sisters inherit and the bookstore. All are full of puzzles – some solved in this book and others (presumably) to be solved in future books in the series. The characters in the book are equally as colorful, starting with the sisters who love and care for each other but are totally different and include the residents of Shamrock Cove – even the murder victim whom we get to know through the other characters. The mystery is well done with just the right number of suspects and tension – I was surprised at some of the events in the book and had a hard time figuring out who the killer was (and the motive). While the main mystery was solved, there are a few smaller mysteries left unsolved and I look forward to finding out more in future books in the series. All in all, a nice start to what looks to be a great series.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley.

This is the first installment of the Mercy McCarthy mystery series. Mercy and her twin sister Lizzie have just moved to Shamrock Cove Ireland from Texas and New York. Mercy is a successful mystery writer and her sister Lizzie has a success lavender farm but they have recently lost their mother and Lizzie’s fiancé and daughter have been killed in a car accident. They both desperately need a change of scenery so when they are notified of their inheritance they go for it. Upon their arrival, friends of their grandfathers throw a party for them at the bookstore. Everyone appears to be happy they arrived with the exception of his friend the Judge. Mercy and Lizzie on their way home from the party, find the Judge in his home struggling to breathe and Mercy tries to save his life but he still dies. They soon are shocked when Detective Kieran O’Malley seems to focus his questions on them and makes them suspects. Mercy believes she must try and solve the case herself to help her sister avoid any more drama in their lives. This was a good solid mystery with an enjoyable cast of characters and the twist of the attraction with the detective and with him potentially being their new neighbors. I really enjoyed this story and loved the characters and the mystery. Highly recommend and looking forward to the next installment.

🩸I'm a big fan of murder mysteries, and seeing this book made me interested right away.
📚Mercy and her twin sister Lizzie inherit their grandfather's house and bookshop in Ireland. Considering that they knew nothing about him or their father, they were quite surprised.
🏘️After the stress of the last six months, a fresh start is exactly what both sisters need. Just as they arrive, a neighbour dies in suspicious circumstances. ✍️As a murder mystery writer, Mercy becomes immersed in a real-life investigation.
🔪The murder mystery is well-crafted, with enough twists and turns to keep the reader guessing.
🍷The author's ability to capture the essence of village life, where everyone knows each other’s secrets but guards their own.
🩸I adored every cozy detail about the cottage, the village atmosphere, and the bookstore.The author's ability to capture the essence of small-town life, where everyone knows each other’s secrets but guards their own.
🏘️I adored every cozy detail about the cottage, the small-town life, and the bookstore.

eBook - 3 Stars
I didn't love this, nor did I hate it. It was just a very average read for me. Which is surprising as I have absolutely loved her Scottish mystery series.

The premise [which was a new one for me] for this series is a really great here [though my dislike of HOA's - American *OR* Irish - just increased with this read], and I really feel you cannot go wrong with a bookshop [though we don't spend nearly enough time there IMO]. Add in an interesting group of characters, a twisty unexpected [but not unwelcome to the locals it would seem] murder, and you should have a really great read. Alas...

For me, a lot of the problem lies with Mercy and her almost insufferable snotty attitude [even though the initial accusations would put anyone off {and had me rolling my eyes and muttering "you MUST be kidding me"}, her continued aggressive, combative attitude was extremely off-putting and showed why so many Europeans dislike Americans], her constant threats of using her solicitor to induce firing [to. the. police. W T H??] and also as "blackmail", and is so overbearing in her belief that only SHE can solve this mystery [simply because she is a mystery writer], and her disregard of EVERYONE'S genuine concern for her safety, and, and, and...I honestly think she is the main reason I really struggled with this whole book as I truly enjoyed everyone else, PLUS, there is a huge private library in the house they have inherited [as well as many, many hidden doors], which made me slightly green with envy, and neighbors who are truly caring [and one that cooks like a dream and made me want to SNACK all through whole book], and this realization makes me hope that if there is a book two, some of Mercy's off-putting attitude and snotty behavior [look, I will say here there are glimmers of her being a really decent person - her exchange at the bookstore with little Liam absolutely melted my heart and her willingness to try and save someone that had been very rude to her shows that she CAN be a decent human being and her love for her sister is completely enviable] is gone; it would be a real shame if she continues with the same behaviors as she has the potential to be one of my favorite characters. I guess all we can do is wait and see.

Audiobook - 4 Stars
The narrator [Kimberly M. Wetherell] is already a favorite as she narrates the other series by this author and so I knew I was in for some excellent narration and I was not wrong. She does a fantastic job with the Irish and I like the voices that she picked for Mercy and her sister [she does snotty REALLLLLY well LOL]. I highly recommend this audiobook for those looking to listen to this book.

Thank you to NetGalley, Lucy Connelly, Kimberly M. Wetherell - Narrator, Bookouture, and Bookouture Audio for providing the eBook and audiobook ARC's in exchange for an honest review.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, cozy mysteries are my thing. They are my comfort read. And now I have a new favourite to add to my list.
I loved this book. The characters were great, the storyline was great, and the writing style was great. A neighbour with narcolepsy, a business owner who wants to paint the shops pastel, a crotchety old judge, a police detective who goes by the book, and two sisters who inherit a book shop and house from a grandfather they didn’t know they had. I couldn’t figure out who was the culprit at all. Plus now I want to move to Ireland and run an old book shop!
I will be reading more as the series continues. The characters will be in my head for a while.

Well, that was fun! A great new series to sink your teeth into!

This one starts with twin sisters (Mercy and Lizzie) who never knew their grandfather but who inherit a house from him--a beautiful cottage in the village of Shamrock Cove. Almost immediately upon their arrival, a murder takes place. Because Mercy is crime writer who handles lots of research in order to create her tales, she is well-suited as the perfect Nancy Drew to figure out this mystery--especially as she needs to clear her own name in the process.

Well-written, great characters, a fun mystery to solve--I thought this was a lot of fun and I'm looking forward to the next entry in the series!

I love this author and her cozy mysteries so I was looking forward to her new series. First of all the cover is gorgeous. It follows twin sisters Mercy and Lizzie who run a local bookshop. When a murder happens in their small town, they work together to find a killer. Set in a little town called Shamrock Cove. you will fall in love with the sisters and small town living.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

3.75

If you read this book (or even a few chapters) and haven’t looked up Airbnb’s in small Irish towns or perused Ireland’s immigration requirements, you are either dead inside or already live in Ireland.

This is the first in a new cozy mystery series about twin sisters who have had a rough time lately and move to Ireland for a fresh start after inheriting a house and bookshop from a grandfather they never knew. It’s a cute story and I enjoyed the twins and their dynamic. I can’t say that it was the best mystery I’ve ever read and it really does go back-and-forth a lot with the murder suspects, but the setting, supporting characters, and twins’ back story and relationship are good distractions.

I haven’t read any of Lucie Connolly‘s other books, but I do know that the first in a series is usually rated lower and reviewed less positively than the ensuing books. We already know that there will be at least another adventure for Mercy and Lizzie and I plan to read it. I’ve also already downloaded the first book in her Scottish mystery series!

Thank you to the author Lucy Connelly, NetGalley, and Bookouture for providing me with a free advanced copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased review.

American twins Marcy & Lizzie inherit a house & a bookshop in Shamrock Cove. They never knew about their Irish Grandfather but the inheritance came at a good time for them. Lizzie is still reeling from the loss of her fiancé & his daughter & being an author Marcy can work anywhere. The house is in a very select community. Not long after they arrive their next door neighbour, the Judge, collapses & although Marcy tries to help he dies- accusing her of murder.

I loved the cover, loved the premise -I should have enjoyed this more, but somehow it missed being a particularly good read. There were too many things that jarred, the dialogue of the Irish characters, looking for a spoon to put in the judge's mouth, the setting being that bit overly 'Irish seaside'. The characters took a long while to gel with me. It kept me interested to the end but I'm not sure if I'd read a sequel. Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book.

An Irish Bookshop Murder is a fun start to a new cozy mystery series by Lucy Connelly. I really enjoyed her Scottish Isle series so was excited to read this one as soon as I heard she had a new series coming out. It was entertaining to watch Mercy and her twin sister Lizzie work to figure out who was the murderer in their new little town and butt heads with the local handsome police chief. And who can resist a book that has a bookshop in it?! It was a perfect book to listen to as I traveled to the Cliffs of Moher with my family. I could just imagine the sweet little town of Shamrock Cove and would totally love to visit there!

I read/listened to the audio book which I really enjoyed. Kimberley Wetherell did a wonderful job narrating.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review. All opinions are my own.

Publication date: 22 August 2024

I have read this ARC with a view to providing a review
All opinions and thoughts are my own

I read this over a Covid week ! was feeling particularly sorry for myself
A lovely cosy read - loved it

Meet Ireland’s newest daring detective: she’s a bookstore owner, a coffee lover, and a crime writer. Now Mercy McCarthy needs a little Irish luck as she takes on her first case!”
I enjoyed this mystery. Sisters Mercy and Lizzie did not know they had any grandparent let alone a book selling grandfather but they arrive in his Irish home ready to start afresh.
A settled community and some nasty murders mean that crime writer Mercy needs to help the police solve the mystery.
Clever, not easy to solve.

Fast paced cozy that's well written. Will keep you guessing. Great setting. Awesome characters. You will devour this read! Thanks#Netgalley and #Bookouture for the eARC in exchange for a honest review. All opinions are mine.

I thought this read was great, it was a nice cozy mystery that made you wonder and think, and I was pretty surprised at the end. I've always liked mysteries, and I for sure liked this one it was a wonderful pallet cleanser between all the fantasy I've been reading recently, it was fast-paced, well written, and an unpredictable read
the writing was very intriguing and kept you guessing with the twists and turns throughout.
if you like a cozy and quick murder mystery definitely grab this one

⭐⭐⭐⭐

#netgalley #anirishbookshopmurder #reading #books #bookreview

Twin sisters Mercy and Lizzie are shocked to learn that their grandfather, who they never met, has left them a bookshop in the village of Shamrock Cove, Ireland. Not long after they arrive, one of their neighbors dies of a heart attack, or does he? As the death becomes more and more suspicious, Mercy, a mystery writer, begins to investigate. But do the police suspect her?

This is a captivating mystery with a great cast of characters and a wonderful setting. The residents of Shamrock Cove are intriguing, and everyone seems to be a suspect. There are plenty of twists and turns, and the town itself is delightful. I feel that the author went a little bit overboard making the victim unlikeable, but this was still an entertaining story. Fans of cozy mysteries will love this one.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.

This is a charming debut in the new cozy series "Mercy McCarthy Mystery series" by cozy author Lucy Connelly. This is one of my top five favorite reads of 2024. I was turning page after page reading from start to finish it is so engaging to the reader and the characters so richly created and fun. The author has all the perfect elements of a outstanding cozy series that readers will love.

Thank you to Net Galley and to the publisher and author for the opportunity. My review opinions are my own.

Mercy McCarthy is a famous mystery writer who was in need of a life change. When she began to be stalked she knew she needed a change right away. Her twin sister Lizzie also needed a major life change after losing her boyfriend and his daughter in a car crash. Lizzie had suffered through a terrible depression and her sister wished to help her regain her life. The twins find out they have been left a house and business in Ireland in a small village by a relative they never knew. They decide embrace their new life and find they love the village, the people and the bookstore they discovered is now theirs.
When a mysterious murder occurs Mercy is on the case as a mystery writer who is determined to find the clues to solve the crime. The supporting characters are vividly richly written with humor and kindness. The Irish village is perfectly atmospheric. The mystery is multi layered and has a surprising conclusion. I loved everything about this book and look forward to the next in series. Well done to the author.

Such a great read! Highly recommend this one.

Many thanks to the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

A brand new cosy mystery series!! With a cover that screams read me, I was smitten as soon as I saw said cover.

Introducing twins Mercy and Lizzie. Americans who have discovered they had a grandfather. He has left them his home in Ireland along with his bookshop! They decide to make a fresh start and go to Ireland. Lizzie running the book store and Mercy writing her book.

Everything is just what they want, until Mercy find their next-door neighbour dying in the garden and, horror of horror's, becomes the main suspect! Mercy writes mysteries, so she decides she has the skill set to crack on with her own investigation in order to clear her own name!

A cosy mystery novel that incorporates characters who you feel you want to be friends with and a well written plot. Mercy and Lizzie are a set of twins I found so interesting. Then there are the towns' residents, who are all under suspicion at one point or another. I was so engrossed in who it could be and got so carried away with the investigation myself!

The setting is so vivid and described with such depth that I felt welcome myself. I couldn't help but keep turning those pages instead of going to bed. Lucy Connolly has woven an amazing first book of the series, and I am curious to see what Mercy ends up facing next time.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for.the widget to write my review.