An entertaining little cozy mystery set in Ireland. Recommend as a beach read, or while on vacation. ( )

Maura Donovan is a young American woman who inherits an Irish pub and a cottage in County Cork. This is the 6th book in the series, and the first one I've read, but the author skillfully brings readers along so there is no feeling of having missed something from an earlier book.

There were many things I liked about this book that set it a couple of notches above the usual cozy: the Irish setting, the authentic-sounding rhythm and word choice of the dialogue, the main characters and their relationships, and the set-up for the mystery. What was especially engaging were the personal issues of the main character. In addition to trying to solve the murder, Maura is surprised by the arrival of her mother, whom she hasn't seen in 20 years. Maura is also dealing with a possible romance (of course), as well as the responsibilities of being a business owner.

I really enjoyed this book, and thank the publisher for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review. ( )

This is the sixth book in the County Cork Mystery series and Maura is still trying to figure out if she wants to stay in Ireland and run the pub. Is she going to update and serve food, does she need an internet presence and what about Mick? In this story, a large company has bought the local hotel and is trying to get local businesses on board as other experiences for their guests. Maura is not sure about whether she wants to do this as they are trying to change them. She does not really like the man who is representing the company. When he ends up dead at the bottom of a cliff, the local guarda first have to determine if this was a murder, then who did it. When they are getting ready to question a woman who also works for the same company, she requests to talk to Maura first. Why? Who is this person and what does she want with Maura?

Sheila Connolly is a great writer and her books flow very nicely, however, I found this book very slow. It was very descriptive and I love learning about the area and the people, but it seemed the book was more about the characters than the mystery. Maura has also gotten a bit annoying to me. She needs to make up her mind and stop dithering about. She is a nice person for the most part, but some of the things she did and said in this book were a bit harsh. It was also nice getting to know more about Mick and his backstory. I still enjoy Billy and his crew at the pub. I love their betting pool and how they came around to help someone who needed it, even if Maura had to threaten them a bit. There was a new guarda in this story who came from a large city and he was not very likeable, but he also comes around in the end. I recommend this book to those who like cozy mysteries that are more character driven than totally about the mystery. ( )

The mother who abandoned Maura as a 2 yr old with her paternal grandmother has returned to her life. Her mother is working for a man who has purchased a mansion near Maura's pub and is converting it into an upscale hotel. He's murdered and Helen is the leading suspect. They work to build a relationship while Maura helps the police solve the murder. Meanwhile there's lots of locals and Gillian has her baby amid a house that needs lots of work and Maura organizes help for that.

Great read leading up to St Patrick's day. ( )

I have been enjoying this mystery series where the protagonist, Maura, from South Boston, MA who inherits a pub in West Cork, Ireland. I began reading the series as it takes place where my Irish ancestors emigrated from to the United States but now I have plans to visit the area in August. Now the series has become a travel guide.

Enjoy this quick read with mystery and love in all types of relationships. ( )