Oooh, I love this new series! I'm a sucker for an Irish setting, first off, and this book contains a bookshop, a writer, sisters, a sort of "locked room" neighborhood, a cast of memorable characters, humor, and a heartbreaking tragic backstory (but not one that's melodramatic and overdone). Those are some of my favorite cozy elements, and the author uses them to great effect.

Mercy and Lizzie's relationship is one of the best things about this book. It feels deep and abiding and real. I also like how Mercy is introspective, but not in a long-passages-all-about-me-me-me way. But she thinks about things.

The only thing I don't love is the resolution. I'm not quite convinced by the reasoning for the second murder and how drastically the murderer becomes a totally different person. Usually that ruins a book for me, but I'm juuussst convinced enough that it doesn't, in this case. I'd give this book 4-1/2 out of 5 stars, and I'm excited to read the next one.

Review copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

An Irish Bookshop Murder was the perfect cozy mystery read.

I absolutely loved Shamrock Cove - I now want to visit a seaside town in Ireland for my next holiday. Connelly paints a beautiful picture of the cottages on the court, their lovely gardens, the serene beach, and the cozy library.
I especially enjoyed the relationship between twins Mercy and Lizzie - they are best friends and fiercely protective of one another. The dialogue between them was always a fun read.
My favourite character was Lizzie, she had gone through so much but was so resilient. The relationship between Mercy and detective Kieran was also entertaining, seeing them work together but also playfully tease each other was a lot of fun. I look forward to reading the coming Mercy McCarthy mystery series.

Thank you NetGalley and Boukouture for my ARC!
PS. when can I move to Shamrock Cove?

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read "An Irish Bookshop Murder" in exchange for my honest opinion.

This is the first book in the Mercy McCarthy Mystery series and what an exciting new series this looks to be. The first book hooked me from page one and I couldn't wait to see what happened. Mercy McCarthy and her twin sister Lizzie have moved to Shamrock Cove, Ireland from the United States. Mercy is a published author and lived in Manhattan and Lizzie ran a lavender farm in Texas. After suffering a personal tragedy Lizzie fell apart. When they learned that their grandfather (whom they had not known about) left them a house and bookshop, they decided it was time to start over in Ireland. As soon as they arrive they find a woman on the floor of their house. Mrs. Lolly O'Malley had a spell - she suffers from narcolepsy they learn and tends to fall asleep at odd times. She was a friend of their grandfather and wanted to welcome them. Their other neighbour "the judge" - Michael Pierce finds the inheritance suspicious and wants to look into it. However before he can do anything, he claims that Mercy murdered him and promptly dies.

We meet Detective Kieran O'Malley who arrests Mercy several times. They learn that he is Lolly O'Malley's grandson. Mercy feels that someone is watching her. She thinks it might be her imagination but back in Manhattan strange things happened to her. Items went missing, random photos were mailed to her, and she always felt that someone was watching her.

When there is another death in town at the wake for the judge, Lizzie tries to convince Mercy to stop sleuthing. Especially after Mercy is attacked several times, and someone breaks into their home and steals files. The culprit turns out to be someone that the reader might not even have considered and the reason why is even more surprising.

There were some loose ends left which hopefully means that there will be another book soon. I know I will be eagerly awaiting it. Five stars plus for this brilliant new series!!

grieving, depression, mental-health-issues, coping-mechanisms, twins, relocating, inheritance, adjustment, bookseller, writers, local-gossip, local-law-enforcement, small-town, small-business, neighbors, framed, fragile-personalities, new-series, first-in-series, Ireland, unpleasant-neighbors, unpleasant-police-officer, unpleasant-victims, amateur-sleuth, cozy-mystery*****

Mercy McCarthy went from Texas to NYC bigtime mystery writer to an inheritance in Ireland from a grandfather she never knew. Her twin sister Lizzie went from Texas to deep depression after sequential tragedies, to Ireland with her sister for the healing of change. The first shock was finding a woman on the floor of their cottage, but it was only narcolepsy and a helpful neighbor. But the man bellowing and having a heart attack in the garden was not so simple and was shown to be murder. Mercy is a due diligence sort of author so she applies much of what she's learned to investigating the crime despite the objections of the local police detective. Great addictive read!
I requested and received a free temporary uncorrected e-book proof from Bookouture via NetGalley. Thank you! Pub Date Aug 22, 2024
#MercyMcCarthyMysteriesBk1

An Irish Bookshop Murder by Lucy Connelly

I really enjoyed this book by Lucy Connelly. I am a big fan of her Scottish mysteries and was happy to find out she is writing a new series. In this series, twin sisters inherit a bookshop and home in Ireland from a grandfather they never met. For a variety of reasons, they move to Ireland from Texas to see if they want to live there. Of course, there is a murder and a bunch of new friends who are also suspects. I enjoyed the town and characters created for this series, they are just the kind of people I would love for new Irish neighbors. The well developed characters are very likable and I look forward to reading more about them in future books. I was surprised by the ending and had not guessed who the murderer was. I also liked that the book ended up with a promise of more mysteries and a fun addition to the neighborhood!

I received a copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

I had the pleasure of reading this delightful cozy mystery in one sitting. "An Irish Bookshop Murder" is an incredibly engaging and fast-paced whodunnit that sweeps readers away to the charming village of Shamrock Cove. Lucy Connelly’s storytelling captures the beauty and quaintness of the Irish countryside, making for an immersive reading experience.

The characters are wonderfully crafted, each with their own unique flaws and charms. I particularly enjoyed the dynamic between the twin sisters, Mercy and Lizzie. Their imperfections made them relatable and endearing, enhancing the overall appeal of the story. As the series progresses, I look forward to getting to know these characters even better.

The plot is reminiscent of Agatha Christie novels and the TV show Father Brown, filled with twists and turns that keep you guessing until the very end. The concept of inheriting a cozy home in an Irish cul de sac and being thrust into the middle of a mystery is both intriguing and enchanting. Connelly’s vivid descriptions made me wish I could inherit a home like Mercy and Lizzie's.

I also appreciated the hints of deeper family history and secrets, which I hope will be explored further in future books in this series. The mystery of what truly happened with Mercy and Lizzie’s father and the potential discovery of even more secret entrances in their inherited home add layers of intrigue to the series.

I highly recommend "An Irish Bookshop Murder" to anyone who loves cozy mysteries that are true page-turners. I eagerly anticipate the next book in the series, hoping it will delve further into the history of Mercy and Lizzie’s family while delivering another captivating mystery!

Thank you, NetGalley, Lucy Connelly, and Bookouture for this eARC!

#AnIrishBookshopMurder #NetGalley #Bookouture #CozyMystery #Bookish

**Charming Cozy Mystery with an Irish Twist**

In this delightful debut of a cozy mystery series, twin sisters Mercy and Lizzie find themselves embarking on a new chapter of their lives in a quaint Irish village. Following a surprising inheritance of a bookshop and a cottage, the sisters—both in need of a fresh start after personal losses—hope to rebuild and heal.

Lizzie, the more emotionally delicate of the two, is both hopeful and enthusiastic about the bookstore, eager to leave behind past sorrows. Mercy, a successful mystery novelist, is looking forward to the slower pace of village life as a means to support her sister and escape the hustle of New York City.

Their new community greets them with warmth, save for one irascible old resident who, unsurprisingly, turns up dead under suspicious circumstances shortly after their arrival.

The novel shines in its portrayal of the sisters' relationship and the diverse cast of quirky neighbors. While the plot occasionally feels uneven and the ending somewhat abrupt, the story remains engaging and enjoyable.

An Irish Bookshop Murder is the first novel a new series by Lucy Connelly. This cozy mystery is a quick fun read that begins with two young women, who have inherited a home and bookshop in Shamrock Cove, a small village in Ireland. Although the twin sisters have different careers and have lived in different places in the states, with the inheritance of a home and business, Lizzy and Mercy now have an opportunity to live together as adults and more closely share their lives. This inheritance from a grandfather they never knew existed also allows the twins an opportunity to start over. Lizzy and Mercy have recently lost their mother, and Lizzy, who has also recently lost her fiancee and his young daughter, are ready to start over in a new location. Mercy is now available to help her twin deal with grief from these losses.

This new cozy mystery series provides many opportunities for readers to get to know Lizzy, who is a professional gardener, and Mercy, who is a detective mystery writer. The twins are presented with a murder almost immediately. Before the book is over, there is a second murder. These are a number of interesting characters, although none of them are quite weird enough for a small Irish village cozy mystery. Perhaps, Connelly will increase the character weirdness in subsequent novels in this series. There are also many mysteries to solve, besides the two murders in book one. Many of these mysteries will no doubt be presented and solved in forthcoming books in this series. Where is the secret door? Why are there no photos of the grandfather or his son? Where is the father and why is his loss such a mystery? This last item is briefly discussed but not really solved. Were father and grandfather estranged? Why? Why didn't the twins even know they had a grandfather? Why did the grandfather feel an heir search might provide him with heir(s)? Lots of mysteries abound.

Perhaps now that An Irish Bookshop Murder is being published, in subsequent novels, Connelly can provide fewer times for Mercy to ask Lizzy if they should move back to the states.. I know this question did not appear in every chapter, but it did happen too many times..

Thank you to author, publisher Bookouture, and NetGalley for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my honest review. An Irish Bookshop Murder was a quick easy read, which will please readers who enjoy the copy mystery genre.

Hey cozy mystery lovers! 📚 Looking for a light and captivating read to unwind after a long day? "An Irish Bookshop Murder" is the perfect choice! Join Mercy and Lizzie McCarthy as they navigate through a new adventure in Shamrock Cove, Ireland, filled with intriguing characters and unexpected twists. You won't be able to put this page-turner down!

Escape into the world of Mercy and Lizzie as they unravel the mysteries of their past and navigate the challenges of running a bookstore in a quaint Irish village. Cozy mysteries are the perfect way to relax and enjoy a quick read, and this book is no exception. Grab a cup of tea and settle in for a captivating journey with "An Irish Bookshop Murder." 🍀 #CozyMystery #BookwormLife 📖✨

An Irish Bookshop Murder by Lucy Connelly is the perfect cozy mystery for fans of the genre.
Mercy Mccarthy and her twin sister Lizzie move to Ireland after inheriting property from their grandfather they never knew. Soon after arriving, a local is found dead, and the mystery kicks off.
I was in a horrible reading slump, and this novel helped me to turn that around. This was enjoyable, and I'm ready for the next installment! 5 out of 5!!!

The definitive cozy mystery, An Irish Bookshop Murder was a delightful read!
Twin sisters, Mercy and Lizzie, have just moved to Shamrock Cove. They were given a cottage and village bookshop from a grandfather that died before they could meet him.
Once there, chaos ensues, as within a day there's a murder that sisters--especially murder mystery author, Mercy--need to help solve.

There are quirky villagers, handsome village detective, and new friends that just add so much charm to this story!

After reading, I can't wait to know and read more about Shamrock Cove and it's charming inhabitants!

An Irish Bookshop Murder is a fun cozy mystery. The kind of book you read after you read a very intense book. I love cozy mysteries because you can read them in one day and they are usually in a series which I enjoy.

Mercy and Lizzie McCarthy are twin sisters who have gone through some hard times in the past year. First their mother who had raised them as a single parent died. Then Lizzie's fiance and daughter die in a car accident that left her feeling guilty and devastated. Mercy who is a mystery writer living in New York had a run in with a stalker which left her scared and wanting to run back home. Then out of no where they are left a bookstore by a grandfather they never knew existed, it's in Ireland in the village of Shamrock Cove. So off they go to Shamrock Cove to find out about the grandfather they never new and this new business they were left. Upon their arrival they start meeting many of their new neighbors and start falling in love with the their new surroundings. As their day is coming to an end and they are leaving their neighbors gathering, Mercy stumbles upon one of the guests. The one guest that seemed to not be so welcoming to Mercy and Lizzie. The Judge a pillar of the community and the man who lives next door to them is at his front door lying there. As Mercy tries to help him he accuses her of murder. How can that be she just arrived that morning.

Enter the police and things go from bad to worst for the McCarthy sisters especially Mercy who is eventually arrested . Yet is this the only murder that will occur in this quaint town? According to everyone there was never any crimes committed until the McCarthy sisters arrived. Was the Judge onto something or was he hiding something. Will the sisters help the police and clear their names while they are trying to find out why they never knew of this grandfather and maybe find out who their father was.

I really enjoyed this book. I pictured being in Ireland with their beautiful beaches, quaint towns, beautiful gardens and people with secrets. Friendship and family is also a big part of this book. The new found love between the two sisters. How they overcame their troubles and came together to start new lives in a totally different country. The friendships they made with this new group of people who some just took under their wing to help the girls figure out these murders.Lolly was one of my favorites because she was the one you turned to for help and answers even though her grandson was the chief detective on the murder cases. It was a very enjoyable read which I truly loved.

Thank you NetGalley and Bookoture for the ARC. To the author Lucy Connelly I truly look forward to the next adventure with the McCarthy sisters. I can see them getting into more trouble in this little village called Shamrock Cove. Can there also be a love connection between Mercy and Kiernan the detective. Cannot wait to read about it.
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What would you do if a sudden inheritance landed on your door, right when your sister's life had fallen to pieces, and she begged you to take the chance and see what it could offer? For Mercy, who can write her detective books anywhere, the decision is easy- pick up her NY life and go to Ireland with her sister. Maybe they'll get a nice vacation out of it, her sister will get better and they can come back home after dealing with the inheritance. Well, that was the idea....but instead they both fall in love with the bookshop he has left them, as well as his house on a private court of homes, with a supportive tight knit community. Or are they? Suddenly they seem to be dropped into one of Mercy's mysteries and the more they try to figure out what happen, the more they seem to be implicated in the murder. It will take both sisters working together to help the handsome detective get to the bottom of what is happening on the court! A fun, quick read, this looks like another winning series from Lucy!

Twins Mercy and Lizzie moved to Ireland to have a fresh start. But the day of their arrival Mercy becomes a murder suspect. I just loved this book. It’s an interesting story, entertaining, with nice characters. It’s a page turner that keeps you guessing until the end. I’m looking forward to reading more about the sisters and the people of Shamrock Cove.
I received an advance review copy for free via Netgalley and Bookouture and I’m leaving a voluntary and honest review.

Literary British Cozy Mystery about an American crime writer, who's recently inherited an Irish bookshop with her twin sister, as she turns sleuth after a neighbor dies suspiciously.

4/5 stars: This is the first entry in Connelly's Mercy McCarthy Mystery series which is a Literary British Cozy Mystery set in Ireland and features an American crime writer who with her twin sister has recently inherited their grandfather's Irish antique bookshop and cottage. Unfortunately, on their first night in Ireland a crotchety neighbor drops dead and with his final words accuses her of murder. Determined to clear her name, she sets out to investigate and uncover the killer hiding in her new charming Irish village. Connelly has deftly crafted a mystery that balances the suspects, clues and red herrings and will leave you pondering the whodunit until the final reveal. Also the inclusion of Mercy's stalker adds an interesting element. Additionally, Connelly's writing and character work are excellent; the characters are well-rounded and complex while remaining incredibly likable. Mercy's a tough lady and I really love how she and her sister Lizzie take care of each other. The two are grieving the loss of their mother and Lizzie is also dealing with the deaths of her fiance and his child. I really appreciate how Connelly handles Lizzie's and other character's mental health. And I very much enjoy the diverse townsfolk of Shamrock Cove and their neighbors on the court. Connelly touches on some sensitive topics, so take care and the CWs. An interesting start to a new series, I look forward to reading more.

I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.

Ιт dιdn'т тooĸ мe a ѕecond тнoυgнт wнιle reqυeѕтιng ғor тнιѕ вooĸ dυe тo ιт'ѕ caтcнy тιтle & тнe deѕcrιpтιon. Ι lιĸe тнe cover oғ тнe вooĸ тoo нowever тнe ѕтory dιdn'т тυrn oυт тoo good.

An Ιrιѕн Вooĸѕнop мυrder ιѕ a cozy мυrder мyѕтery ғollowιng тнe υnĸnown ιnнerιтence oғ a lovely нoυѕe & a вooĸѕнop ғroм тнeιr υnĸnown grandғaтнer вy тwιnѕ- Мercy & Lιzzιe. Aғтer тнeιr мoтнer dιeѕ, тнey нave тo coмe тo Ѕнaмrocĸ Cave тo a properтy тнaт тнeιr grandғaтнer leғт ғor тнeм.

Тнe ѕтory qυιcĸly тaĸeѕ paceѕ ιn тнe ѕтarт wнen тwιnѕ ғιnd a мυrder oғ a jυdge on тнe day oғ тнeιr arrιval. Нe poιnтѕ тoward Мercy вeғore dyιng wнιcн мaĸeѕ нer тнe prιмe ѕυѕpecт. Тнe ѕтory тнen dragѕ on and тнen тнere ιѕ anoтнer мυrder.

Тнere are a loт oғ cнaracтerѕ тнaт Ι нad тo ĸeep a noтe oғ & Ι waѕ eхpecтιng ιт тo вe a page-тυrner, нowever тнe ѕтory нad вeen dragged a loт wнιcн тυrned тo вe вorιng aт ѕoмe poιnт.

If you are new to the cosy mystery genre, then this is a great place to start. Lucy Connelly’s "An Irish Bookshop Murder" is the perfect first instalment of the new Mercy McCarthy mystery series. Set in the idyllic Irish town of Shamrock Cove, Mercy and her sister Lizzie become part of the close-knit community from the moment they arrive.

In this charming and suspenseful tale, you’ll find yourself transported to a picturesque village where secrets abound and every character has a story to tell. With its intriguing plot, delightful characters, and a setting that feels like home, "An Irish Bookshop Murder" is a must-read for anyone looking to dive into the world of cosy mysteries.

Mercy and Lizzie, sisters from Texas looking for a new start after inheriting a cottage and bookstore from their estranged grandfather, are a charming duo. Coming from an incredibly different background and having suffered great loss, they make an immediate good impression on the community at Shamrock Cove and instantly become friends with their new neighbours. After being in Ireland for less than 24 hours, they are faced with a death and soon become murder suspects.

Mercy, a famous crime author, cannot resist her own investigation into the murder she is suspected of being part of. Getting to know the members of the community, she builds a list of who the murderer might be. Only one snag: the local detective isn’t so keen on her making her own assumptions! There are some wonderful characters in this book, all of whom bring their own charm to the story. I personally connected with all of them and was excited to learn more about each of their stories and place in the mystery. It really did make me wish that I lived in a friendly community with neighbours that took care of each other.

I spend a lot of time trying to work out the plot when I read a book, and this one I really didn’t see coming. I didn’t love the ending as much as I would have liked, but this didn’t detract from the fact that I’m looking forward to reading more of the series and finding out more about all of the characters.

Any Irish Bookshop Murder was a fun book to read. It is the first in A Mercy McCarthy mystery series. It takes place in Shamrock, Ireland. Mercy and her twin sister, Lizzie, are both from the U.S. and have come to Ireland as they have inherited a cottage and bookshop from their grandfather, Driscold O'Heyne who they have never met. The house is No. 3 Hidden Way in a small area that is called the court.

In the U.S. Lizzie who lived in Texas had lost her fiance and his daughter from a car crash. Mercy lived in NY and went to Texas to help her adjust to the situation as Lizzie was very depressed.. They had lost their mother also. They wanted a change of scenery when they were notified by a lawyer of their inheritance.

When they go into the cottage they find Mrs. O'Mallory (Lolly) on their floor. She has narolesy and has fallen asleep. She was a friend of their grandfather and lives in No. 6, Bernard is her irish woofhound. She told them to come to their bookstore called Books and Antiquities at 6 o'clock. The neighbors were throwing a party in their honor. At the party they meet Rob an his partner, Scott who live in No. 2; Judge Michael Pierce, lives in No.5. He is very rude to them; Linda and Dave O'Brian that live in No.1; Linda owns a quilting and sewing shop. Brenna Sullivan No. 4; She is a photographer who travels quite a bit. Michael is a barista and works at the Crown and Clover Pub. Lizzie will be running the bookstore and Mercy is an author of mystery books and she will finish writing her book.l

After meeting everyone they go home and figuring out how to get back into the court they hear a groan. It is the judge that is having a seizure and dies. Before he dies he points his finger at Mercy and says murderer. Mercy tries to save him. Detective Kiernan O'Mallory who is Lolly's grandson arrives at the scene and questions them. Mercy is afraid that the village will think she killed him.

Lizzie is at the bookstore going over everything. She asks Mercy to come and help her. She realizes that there had to be a secret way to get into the basement. Finding it they find a letter from their grandfather to them. They take the letter home with them to read. it mentions their father and also a treasure as well as his journals. Mercy and Lizzie realize there are two things they will have to figure out.

This is where the story picks up and is too much to put on paper. I will leave it to the reader to enjoy to the surprising end of who and why the judge and later David O'Brian were killed. The author gives many reasons to suspect each character and keeps the reader on their toes to the very end. I look forward to the next book in the series.

Thank you NetGalley and Bookcouture for this ARC.

Loved this book! Cozy murder mystery all in one. I loved Mercy’s and Lizzie’s relationship and I really loved the coves dynamics. I can’t wait for more books!

I loved this cosy crime murder mystery, it was entertaining, warm and the perfect weekend read! Thank you to the publishers and Netgalley for my ARC