An American woman, Althea Melville, comes into the pub early in the week, and from her clothes and her demanding tone, Maura concludes that she is probably from Manhattan. Soon Althea’s interest is revealed, and despite the entitled way she goes about making requests, Maura finds herself helping the woman, who is looking for a painting. A famous one, at that, and she immediately realizes that it might be at Mycroft House, where the Townsends live. In fact, Eveline Townsend, an elderly woman is the only one in residence now, except for her caretakers, Tom and Florence O’Brien, and a gardener named Seamus Daly.
Harry Townsend, her nephew, comes down regularly, though, to check up on her. An artist, who also spends summers in the village, Gillian Callanan, joins the group that has been drawn into the mystery of the painting.
On the same night that Althea arrives, Seamus Daly is killed and found dead the next morning. Sean Murphy, a detective, begins investigating, and in the ensuing pages, we learn a lot more about the inhabitants of this small village, and more about the art world.
I loved how the author’s descriptions of the characters, the village, and how things are done in Ireland seemed to wrap themselves around the reader and kept me intrigued throughout. Solving a murder mystery and an art mystery as well was an engaging way to capture this reader. 4.5 stars.
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I read the first one in this series and have this one coming up (hopefully) very soon. Connolly is one of my favorite cozy authors and I can’t resist an Irish setting! Glad you enjoyed this one!
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I also loved the first book, and really enjoy revisiting the Irish settings and the characters. Thanks for stopping by, Katherine, and I hope you enjoy this one, too.
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It sounds as if this is modelled on what I tend to describe as ‘inclusive’ writing which seems to define novels set in Ireland particularly. Like you I like good descriptions of characters and customs!
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I think so, too, Cleo, and I loved that about it. Thanks for stopping by.
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I think this sounds really interesting, and am now wondering “who dun it?”!! I guess this one falls into the cozy mystery realm, just looking at the cover.
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Thanks, Kathryn, and yes, it does have the earmarks of a cozy mystery, with a pub being central to much of the action.
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