Death At Inishmore Castle: A Mercy McCarthy Mystery Book 3 by Lucy Connelly

(Thank you Bookouture for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

about book:

A grand castle, a glass of Irish whiskey, a good book by the fire… and a rather mysterious murder?

Historic Inishmore Castle is opening its doors for the first time, hosting a charming weekend of whiskey tasting and soda bread baking. Sisters Mercy and Lizzie McCarthy are badly in need of a break, but their relaxing trip takes a decidedly unrestful turn when Mercy finds fellow guest Father Brennen slumped over the desk in the library… Did he have one glass too many or did someone want him dead? 

Even more curiously, Mercy swiftly learns that the priest was no priest at all. So why was he searching through dusty old journals? Can the legend of Inishmore’s lost treasure possibly be true?

Mercy’s suspicions of foul play are confirmed when another of their party is found drowned in the lake at the edge of the manor’s estate. It can’t be a coincidence! Someone in this idyllic Irish castle is up to no good and Mercy is determined to find out who’s behind it, accompanied by her reluctant fellow sleuth and beloved dog Mr. Poe.

With a host of frightened guests and worried staff, and a storm closing in, Mercy soon has more suspects than bedrooms in the castle. Could it be the unconvincing nun, the busybody birdwatcher, or are the owners hiding something sinister? When Mercy realises there are secret passages in the walls, she thinks she might have cracked the case… but will she track the killer down, or will Inishmore be her resting place forever more? 

A completely delightful Irish cozy mystery, full of warmth and wit. Fans of Agatha Christie, Carlene O’Connor and Faith Martin will love Mercy McCarthy! 

my thoughts:

Love, love, love! I am a huge fan of cozy mysteries and Lucy Connelly's A Mercy McCarthy Mystery series is one of my favorites. So, you can imagine my joy when I received the third book - Death At Inishmore Castle. Hurrah! Another fantastic story to get wrapped up in - murder, mystery, Ireland, and the McCarthy sisters - what more could I want? 

This time round, Mercy and Lizzie, along with a few of their neighbors from Shamrock Cove head to nearby Inishmore Castle for a whiskey tasting weekend. The two sisters are in need of a break and have plans to relax, relax, relax. Except, that their idea of a fun getaway takes a turn when a dead body is found in the library. Yep, murder has arrived at Inishmore Castle and it looks like Mercy is on the case. Especially as another body is found in the lake. Yikes! An old castle, stormy weather, and bodies piling up - talk about a weekend gone wrong. And that's all I'll share about this captivating mystery - it's one you won't want to miss out on. Make sure to grab a copy ASAP! 

I'm happy to recommend Connelly's wonderful series - A Mercy McCarthy Mystery. The stories are so much fun to read. The characters are a treat to get to know. Ireland is the perfect setting to fall in love with. And, the whodunits are such great mysteries to solve. All in all, this series is top notch and not to be missed!

Thank you to Bookouture for my copy of this book!

Death By The Book: A Mercy McCarthy Mystery Book 2 by Lucy Connelly

(Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

about book: (summary from Goodreads)

Irish scones, shamrock shortbread, a local literary festival… and a rather dead author? Join Mercy McCarthy on her next case! 

Mercy and Lizzie McCarthy are settling in to the charming seaside village of Shamrock Cove on the west coast of Ireland. Lizzie throws herself into organizing a book festival and mystery writer Mercy even agrees to come out of her bookish hidey-hole to get involved. But then the star author for the event is found dead. James Brandt was killed by a falling bookshelf in his own cottage… 

The local detective is not convinced by Mercy’s suspicion of murder but when someone else turns up dead, the police cannot ignore it. There’s just one problem: Mercy and Lizzie’s beloved dog Mr. Poe sniffs out the second body in the storeroom of their own bookstore. And now all of the gossips seem determined to pin the murder on Mercy!

Convinced the police are focusing on a red herring in this real-life case, Mercy needs to act fast to clear her name. A meddling mayor, a cheerful chef and a bashful botanist make her suspect list, but it’s not until Mercy discovers a tatty old photograph in the local library archive that she is onto the killer’s trail.

With the police keen to shut her out of the murder investigation, can Mercy play this case by the book, or will she be the next to fall off the shelf…? 

A totally gripping and twisty cozy crime novel, perfect for readers who love Agatha Christie, Carlene O’Connor or Faith Martin! This incredibly fast-paced and fun murder mystery will whisk you off to Ireland and won’t let you go until the final page! 

my thoughts:

I am LOVING the Mercy McCarthy Mystery series to bits! Written by Lucy Connelly, Death By The Book, is the second book in her popular cozy mystery series and it is FANTASTIC! The writing is top notch, the characters are familiar and unforgettable, and the story itself is unputdownable. I am hooked on these stories and can't wait for the next book in the series. They are just so much fun to read. Make sure to grab a copy ASAP - you are going to fall in deep with this story and the series. 

Set in Ireland, we get to armchair travel to the beautiful seaside village of Shamrock Cove. Mercy and her twin sister, Lizzie, are adjusting to village life and settling in to their new surroundings. The town's annual literary festival is in full planning mode and Lizzie has thrown herself her and her bookshop into it all. Plus, Mercy, has decided to join in as a panelist and one of the authors - she's a famous mystery writer with a looming deadline. Of course, nothing goes as planned when the headlining author is found dead in his cottage thanks to a falling bookshelf. Whoa! Talk about a bookish nightmare. Except, Mercy is convinced the author was killed and that it wasn't an accident. The police don't agree with Mercy until another her body is found. The only problem is that all eyes are on Mercy as the culprit - Yikes! So, what's a mystery writer to do...sleuth it up and solve the murders FAST! 

Connelly has created something special with, A Mercy McCarthy Mystery series, and I am here for it. I am really enjoying getting to know Mercy and Lizzie (even more), along with the townsfolk of Shamrock Cove. And, Ireland is just so gorgeous, that getting to read about it makes for a fun time. Plus, the mystery itself is always full of shocking twists and turns, which makes the story thrilling and exciting. I love getting caught up in the drama and sleuthing - makes me eager to finger out whodunit before the big reveal. This series is truly a treat to read. 

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book!

The Summer Reunion by Leah Mercer

(Thank you to Bookouture Publishingf or providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

about book: (summary from Goodreads)

Six friends on holiday. A secret worth dying for.

In a gorgeous French stone villa, a group of friends reunite for a weekend of reminiscing and laughter. But as glasses of wine are poured, they find they aren’t alone. 

Standing at the door is a man the friends thought they’d never see again. With a ferocious storm raging and roads closed, they have no choice but to let him in. Instantly the dream weekend takes a dark turn.

Because someone invited him here.

Because someone has been living a lie.

And someone wants revenge.

But when the truth is revealed, will anyone make it out alive?

A totally addictive psychological suspense thriller that fans of Lucy Foley, Adele Parks and Sally Hepworth will absolutely love.

my thoughts:

Love, love, loved this book! It was such a fun and thrilling story! I found myself hooked right from the start. Leah Mercer's novel, The Summer Reunion was chock full of drama, dysfunctional relationships, shocking secrets, and unbearable truths. What a humdinger of a book!

Okay, so what's this exciting story about? Well, it's about old college friends vacationing together. Except, this group of six aren't exactly besties. Plus, they all have one too many secrets they are keeping - all of which could make or break their lives. Oh, plus, their kids are also joining in on the trip - so, that adds another layer of familial tension. And, did I mention there is a thunderous and rainy storm brewing and everyone in town has been warned to stay indoors? Yep, the whole weekend is a recipe for disaster. And, I loved reading all about it!

I'm not going to share what happened, because it is too damn good to miss out on. You have to read it for yourself. Plus, there are so many people and storylines to parse through - I wouldn't want to ruin any of it for you. The fun was in keeping up with what was happening to who and when - it was all thrilling to read about. The Summer Reunion by Leah Mercer is a definite must-read! Make sure to grab a copy and dive right in  - you are going to LOVE it!

Thank you to Bookouture Publishing for providing me with a book!

An Irish Bookshop Murder: A Mercy McCarthy Mystery Book 1 by Lucy Connelly

 

about book: (summary from Goodreads)

An utterly gripping cozy crime murder mystery

Meet Ireland’s newest daring 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! 

After receiving unexpected inheritance from her grandfather, Mercy and her twin sister Lizzie are now the proud owners of a charming antique bookshop in the tiny Irish village of Shamrock Cove. But before they can take in the beautiful view of the sea, one of their neighbors drops dead! 

Mercy finds the Judge, a well-respected man who lives next door, dying on his own doorstep. She rushes to help, but with his final words, he accuses Mercy of murder! Most of their new neighbors hear his words and, with suspicion pointing at Mercy, she decides to investigate the case to clear her name.

Searching amongst the Judge’s old books, Mercy uncovers letters proving several of the townsfolk had reason to dislike the judge—but was it the local pub landlord, the kindly cook or neighborly knitter who killed him? 

Then Mercy’s chief suspect turns up dead and she receives a threatening note, typed on paper from her own bookstore… Ireland was supposed to be a fresh start for Mercy and Lizzie, but dead bodies keep turning up.

Does Mercy have what it takes to nail the culprit or will the killer close the book on her time in this charming Irish village?

my thoughts:

Love, love, loved the first book, An Irish Bookshop Murder, in the new series, A Mercy McCarthy Mystery Book by Lucy Connelly. It reminded me of a Hallmark Mystery movie, which I LOVED - those are some of my favorites! This book was a cozy mystery through and through, which is my favorite genre lately. We have twin sisters Mercy and Lizzie - Mercy writes mystery novels and Lizzie runs a lavender ranch. Both have just had their lives upended. So, upon inheriting a cottage and antique bookshop from their grandfather, the sisters find themselves eager for a fresh start. Relocating to Shamrock Cove, Ireland is just the ticket. They soon find themselves in a beautiful new place being welcomed by their grandfather's friends and neighbors. Life is looking up for both sisters until the Judge, their ornery neighbor dies on his front porch. Unfortunately, right before he dies he accuses Mercy of murder. Say what? Yep, Mercy is now involved in quite the conundrum. Being a mystery writer, she is determined to solve the Judge's murder and his suspicions of her. The only question is, will she be able to clear her name and figure out who is the murder before her and Lizzie get hurt, or worse? Yikes! And, woo hoo! This book was such a treat to read! I really enjoyed getting to know Mercy and Lizzie, along with their new neighbors and friends. Plus, trying to figure out whodunnit was such a fun puzzle. Connelly has created a terrific new series that I can't wait to read more of. 

I would happily recommend An Irish Bookshop Murder to anyone and everyone looking for a new cozy mystery to fall in love with - you are going to devour this first book with gusto! It is perfect for the upcoming fall season - snuggled up with a cuppa and this book, you won't want for anything else. Well, maybe a sweet treat. Seriously though, you are going to really enjoy Connelly's writing, characters, and mystery - they all come together to make an amazing story that you won't be able to put down until you turn that last page.  Make sure to check out An Irish Bookshop Murder ASAP! I know I can't wait to get my hands on book 2. 

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book!

The Flatshare: A Novel by Beth O'Leary

(Thank you to Flatiron Books for providing me with a copy of this book!)

about book:

What if your roommate is your soul mate? A joyful, quirky romantic comedy, Beth O'Leary's The Flatshare is a feel-good novel about finding love in the most unexpected of ways.

Tiffy and Leon share an apartment. Tiffy and Leon have never met.

After a bad breakup, Tiffy Moore needs a place to live. Fast. And cheap. But the apartments in her budget have her wondering if astonishingly colored mold on the walls counts as art.

Desperation makes her open minded, so she answers an ad for a flatshare. Leon, a night shift worker, will take the apartment during the day, and Tiffy can have it nights and weekends. He’ll only ever be there when she’s at the office. In fact, they’ll never even have to meet.

Tiffy and Leon start writing each other notes – first about what day is garbage day, and politely establishing what leftovers are up for grabs, and the evergreen question of whether the toilet seat should stay up or down. Even though they are opposites, they soon become friends. And then maybe more.

But falling in love with your roommate is probably a terrible idea…especially if you've never met.

my thoughts:

Love, love, love! What a fun and sweet story! Imagine falling in love with someone you have never met? Well, you know them through the notes that you leave one another about roommate issues. Yep, you are roommates who have never met. How crazy, right? Except, you work during the day and he works nights, so your paths never seem to cross. So, when would you have time to meet? See, its not that crazy.

The Flatshare is Beth O'Leary's debut novel and it is fantastic! Tiffy (a name that just annoys me) and Leon (I couldn't help but think of Kings of Leon when I read the name) decide to share a flat.  She will be in the flat at night and on weekends, whilst he will be in the flat during the day.  Sounds perfect, right? A flat all to yourself basically for half the rent. What more could Tiffy or Leon want? So, they become roommates and as roommates sometimes have questions for each other, they decide to leave each other notes to communicate with one another.  At first the notes are just about garbage or leftover food, and then they begin to evolve into more personal messages - sharing bits and bobs about each other.  As the two get to know one another, their feelings begin to shift from platonic to romantic. And the more we get to know these two, the more we learn about their struggles and the issues they are dealing with.  Talk about romantic fiction at its best!

A lovely story with a bit of depth and a lot of heart - what more could I want?! I absolutely enjoyed every second I spent with The Flatshare. I would definitely recommend it to anyone and everyone looking for their next great read - you won't want to miss this one!!



Thank you to Flatiron Books for providing me with a copy of this book!!

GIVEAWAY & REVIEW of The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill by Julie Klassen

about book:

The lifeblood of the village of Ivy Hill is its coaching inn, The Bell. When the innkeeper dies suddenly, his genteel wife, Jane Bell, becomes the reluctant landlady. Jane has no idea how to manage a business, but with the town's livelihood at stake and a large loan due, she must quickly find a way to save the inn.

Despite their strained relationship, Jane turns to her resentful mother-in-law, Thora, for help. Formerly mistress of The Bell, Thora is struggling to overcome her losses and find purpose for the future. As she works with Jane, two men from her past vie for her attention, but Thora has promised herself never to marry again. Will one of them convince her to embrace a second chance at love?

As pressure mounts from the bank, Jane employs new methods, and puzzles over the intentions of several men who seem to have a vested interest in the place, including a mysterious newcomer with secret plans of his own. With the help of friends old and new, can Jane restore life to the inn, and to her empty heart as well?

Visit talesfromivyhill.com to find a map of the village, character profiles, a book giveaway, and more!

my thoughts:

As a huge fan of The Secret of Pembrooke Park, I was delighted to review Klassen's latest novel, The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill - the first in a new series titled, Tales From Ivy Hill.  How exciting! I just knew that I would be in for quite a treat.  And how right I was!  I absolutely LOVED The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill!!  It was the perfect book to settle down with this holiday season - heartwarming with a bit of mystery, which I just love. And the writing was top notch, filled with rich and vivid details that bring the village of Ivy Hill to life.  Oh, and the characters - I couldn't help but fall in love with them. Seriously, this book is amazing! 

So what exactly is The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill about?  Set during the Regency era, this novel tells the story of Jane Bell and the village of Ivy Hill.  Jane was married to John who ran the inn, The Bell.  After he suddenly passes away it is up to her to take over and become the new innkeeper - a job that she is not prepared for.  Jane is not a business woman in the least and finds herself struggling to figure out how to keep the inn running and pay off the huge loan her husband had taken out before he died.  A loan that no one knew anything about and where exactly did the money go?  Hmm...John had some secrets after all.  Of course, as Jane is trying to figure things out, her mother-in-law Thora makes things more complicated. She has no confidence in Jane and sees her more as a trophy wife than an innkeeper.  The Bell is important to Thora and the village and she hates the idea that Jane is now running it - what if she lets it fall to ruin (which is exactly what Thora is sure will happen)?  Talk about stress for Jane - not only does she have to learn the ins and outs of running an inn and pay off her husband's loan, but she has to contend with her prickly and resentful mother-in-law. Ack! What a nightmare!  Will Jane be able to get Thora off her back?  Will she be able to pay off that loan and figure out what it was for?  What about The Bell, will she be successful or run it to the ground?  

Let me just say that The Bell will thrive - thanks to Jane, Thora, family and friends from Ivy Hill.  This book is all about community and what we make of it.  With the help of those around her, Jane will indeed manage to figure things out.  Of course, it won't be easy and along the way there will be some mysteries to figure out - such as that loan (what was it for?)  Is Patrick Bell truly trying to help the Inn or not? And who exactly is Gabriel Locke?  Along with these mysteries, we get to know some of the women of Ivy Hill through their knitting group where they discuss matters of the heart and matters of business.  We learn about property laws and how women were never given credit for their hard work.  It helps in understanding why Thora was so resentful of Jane.  And it shows us how Jane finally realizes that she too wasn't as open-minded when it came to the fairer sex.  Talking with these women helps to open Jane's eyes to so much and I just loved it.  As for Thora, she begins to understand where Jane is coming from and watches as her daughter-in-law grows into a businesswoman.  Oh, and she also manages to capture the attention of two suitors along the way.  And that is all I will say about this fantastic novel.  I think I've shared more than enough details about the story, now its time for you to read it for yourself and find out the rest. Believe me, you will LOVE The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill.  There is mystery, drama, and a spot of romance - all the right ingredients for an unputdownable story.  I absolutely enjoyed it to bits and can't wait for the next one in the series.

I would happily recommend The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill to fans of Klassen's books and anyone looking for a new great read - you will LOVE getting lost in Julie Klassen's words and world!  In fact check out the details below regarding Klassen's amazing giveaway!! You may just be lucky enough to win a copy of this book and more.  Good luck!!!

GIVEAWAY:
Be sure to enter the giveaway before you leave - the winner will receive a $20 Teavana gift card and a package of four inspirational British romances from four different eras (The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill by Julie Klassen, A Haven on Orchard Lane by Lawana Blackwell, The Lost Heiress by Roseanna M. White, Not by Sight by Kate Breslin).  The winner will notified on December 22.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

GIVEAWAY & REVIEW: The Secret of Pembrooke Park by Julie Klassen

about book:

Abigail Foster is the practical daughter.  She fears she will end up a spinster, especially as she has little dowry, and the one man she thought might marry her seems to have fallen for her younger, prettier sister.

Facing financial ruin, Abigail and her father search for more affordable lodgings, until a strange solicitor arrives with an outstanding offer: the use of a distant manor house abandoned  for eighteen years.  The Fosters journey to imposing Pembrooke Park and are startled to find it entombed as it was abruptly left: tea cups encrusted with dry tea, moth-eaten clothes in wardrobes, a doll's house left mid-play...

The handsome local curate welcomes them, but though he and his family seem acquainted with the manor's past, the only information they offer is a stern warning: Beware trespassers drawn by rumors that Pembrooke Park contains a secret room filled with treasure.

This catches Abigail's attention.  Hoping to restore her family's finances - and her dowry - Abigail looks for this supposed treasure.  But eerie sounds at night and footprints in the dust reveal she isn't the only one secretly searching the house.

Then Abigail begins receiving anonymous letters, containing clues about the hidden room and startling discoveries about the past.

As old friends and new foes come calling at Pembrooke Park, secrets come to light.  Will Abigail find the treasure and love she seeks...or very real danger?

my thoughts:

Pembrooke Park is the place to be!  If you want mystery, suspense, and romance all rolled up into one fantastic story, then you need to read The Secret of Pembrooke Park by Julie Klassen.  This is one Gothic Regency romance you won't want to miss!

Abigail Foster believes that she is to blame for her family's recent financial ruin.  She urged her father to invest in her uncle's bank and now they are in the poorhouse.  Well, poor in the sense that her sister will still be able to enjoy the season (husband hunting society style) and they will have to downsize their staff to only five.  Of course, house hunting on a budget is not easy, so when they are introduced to a solicitor who is keen on providing them with accommodation they are bit skeptical.  Turns out Abby's father's distant relative has a manor that they would like the Fosters to let for twelvemonth at a pittance of price.  Insecure about her financial savvy after her last epic fail, Abby feels she must prove herself once again to her father.  She decides that this too-good-to-true offer is a must and urges her father to agree to it.  She even sacrifices her dowry so that her sister can buy new dresses for the season.  Abby just wants the best for her family and believes that Pembrooke Park is the answer.  So, she heads to their new digs to get it all in order for her family's arrival.  The house has been abandoned for nearly twenty years, so it is in quite a state.  Under Abby's management, the staff brings the house up to snuff and soon she is enjoying walks around the estate, meeting her neighbors, and developing a new crush.  Life is looking up for the Fosters.

Except, Abby's heart still beats for her childhood friend, Gilbert.  Only he's been making the rounds with her sister during the season, so he is no longer an option.  And then there is the biggest problem of all - the rumors swirling around Pembrooke Park.  Seems that it houses a hidden treasure so valuable, people are willing to lie, cheat, steal and even die for it.  Abby asks her neighbors and staff about the house's and Pembrooke family's history, but no one will tell her anything.  They are all afraid to talk about the past.  As for Abby, she is lonely in that big house.  It makes too many unusual noises late at night.  She finds footsteps in dusty hallways and doors left ajar (when they should have been shut).  And she keeps receiving old journal entries in the mail with notes attached from someone purporting to be a Pembrooke relative.  There are so many unsettling events, that Abby is eager for her father to arrive at the house.  Unfortunately, his arrival also brings an unexpected guest - someone Abby was warned to keep out of Pembrooke Park.  Talk about drama!! And I haven't even mentioned Abby's crush - Will Chapman.  He's the local curate who lives right next door to Abby and she is rather keen on him.  The only problem is that she's not so sure how he feels about her.  Then again as the story progresses, Abby finds herself admired by more than one suitor.  Hmm...looks like Pembrooke Park just might be the ticket after all.  If only, the house would quiet down, along with all those unseemly rumors.

And that is all I shall write about this wonderful book.  If you want to find out what the mystery is surrounding Pembrooke Park and whether or not Abby winds up married, then you must pick up a copy of The Secret of Pembrooke Park and read it ASAP!  You will love getting lost in Julie Klassen's words and world!  In fact check out the details below regarding Klassen's amazing giveaway!!  You may just be lucky enough to win a copy of this book.  Good luck!!

GIVEAWAY:

GRAND GIVEAWAY CONTEST

WIN ONE OF FOUR FABULOUS PRIZES

In celebration of the release of The Secret of Pembrooke Park, four chances to win copies of Julie's books and other Jane Austen-inspired items are being offered.

Three lucky winners will receive one trade paperback or eBook copy of The Secret of Pembrooke Park, and one grand prize winner will receive one copy of all eight of Julie's novels: Lady of Milkweed Manor, The Apothecary's Daughter, The Silent Governess, The Girl in the Gatehouse, The Maid of Fairbourne Hall, The Tutor's Daughter, The Dancing Master, and The Secret of Pembrooke Park, one DVD of Northanger Abbey (2007) and a Jane Austen Action figure.

To enter the giveaway contest, simply leave a comment on any or all of the blog stops on The Secret of Pembrooke Park Blog Tour starting February 16, 2015 through 11:59 pm PT, March 9, 2015.  Winners will be drawn at random from all of the comments and announced on Julie Klassen's website on March 16, 2015.  Winners will have until March 22, 2015 to claim their prize.  The giveaway contest is open to residents of the US, UK, and Canada.  Digital books will be sent through Amazon or Barnes & Noble.  Good luck to all!

How awesome is that?  So, don't forget to leave a comment!  Here's the schedule for the tour of: The Secret of Pembrooke Park  Check it out!!