This was the first book by Maggie McConnon that I had ever read, but it certainly won’t be the last. While this book is the third in the Bel McGrath, Irish-American culinary series, you don’t need to have read the previous two (although you will surely want to) as it is fine as a standalone.

The story surrounds an old friend of Bel’s, Amy Mitchell, whom she lost track of years prior. When she happens upon a newspaper left behind by visitors of Shamrock Manor featuring Amy’s photograph she becomes desperate to find out what happened surrounding the disappearance of her friend.

The book is highly entertaining, a quick read, and lots of fun. The characters are charming and delightful. It is a cozy mystery at its finest, with an interesting twist at the end.

A great book by a fantastic author. The writing is excellent and the mystery keeps you turning the pages. Characters are well developed. Highly recommend.

A really fun mystery including a chef but not one that gives you recipes!

I really enjoyed this mystery. Its main character is named Bel (short for Belfast) and she is a chef; come home to live with her parents after what to most would be called a culinary disaster. She is chief cook and bottle washer somewhat at Shamrock Manor. Shamrock Manor is their lovely old Irish home; one which has been restored to hold banquets and parties. I loved all of the cooking jokes and food preparation talk but this is not one of the trendy new mysteries that has a recipe at the end of every chapter; for that matter, it has no recipes at all.

What it does have is excellently described characters and a really good storyline. I would call this a cozy. I liked reading the interplay amongst the McGrath family, the few tussles and aggravations of living all together, with a healthy dose of genuine love mixed in. Definitely a storyline involved enough to make you think. I was surprised at the end just as we all want to be with a good mystery.

This is Book 3 and the series is called the “Bel McGrath Mysteries”. This third book can easily stand alone. I enjoyed it without ever feeling confused because of not having read the first two books. On the other hand, it did make me want to read Books 1 and 2.

"Maggie McConnon rings in Christmas in Bel, Book, and Scandal, the third adventure for everybody’s favorite Irish-American culinary artist turned amateur sleuth.

Bel McGrath tries her best to keep herself on the straight and narrow but she just has a taste for trouble. This time danger arrives in the form of a newspaper left behind by visitors to Shamrock Manor―and a photograph that jolts Bel out of the present and back into a dark chapter from her past. The person in the photo is Bel’s best friend Amy Mitchell, long gone from Foster’s Landing, at a commune in upstate New York shortly after her disappearance. The picture, and Bel’s burning desire to find out what happened to Amy―and whether she may still be alive―is the catalyst for a story in which old secrets are revealed, little by little…and certain characters are shown to not be as genuine as Bel once thought."

For a more holiday themed read, with murder of course.

So, I sort of jumped into this one at an odd spot—it’s the third book in the series and it happens to be the end of a mystery that’s arced across the series. Surprisingly, this one worked as a standalone.

Here’s what’s going on. When a potential client leaves behind a newspaper, Bel instantly recognizes Amy Mitchell, her best friend who has been missing and presumed dead since they were teens. Now Bel finds herself visiting an old commune in New York’s Hudson Valley and meeting a man who seems to be hiding more than he is willing to tell. As her search for Amy continues, Bel finds herself wading deeper and deeper into danger and questioning whether or not she wants to know the secret that drove Amy away.

I wasn’t really sure what to expect from this one, especially since I started in such a weird place in the series but I was hooked from the first chapter. The entire zany McGrath clan just drew me in and the mystery kept me turning the page.

Bel was a rather interesting and quirky chef-turned-amateur-sleuth. She’s a bit all over the place as she tries to uncover the truth about Amy’s disappearance, keep her nosy family at bay, work as chef at her family’s business, and deal with dating drama. She’s more than a bit harried from being pulled in so many different directions but she’s determined to discover the truth about what happened that night.

Bel’s brothers added so much entertainment and drama to the mix and it was fun seeing which one was going to come up with something outrageous to do. Although out of her four brothers, I liked seeing her relationship with Cargan. She knew he would always have her back and I liked the way he supported her.

The mystery was a bit different from the ones I’ve read before in cozy mysteries and I liked the change of pace. I also liked that I wasn’t really sure of what the outcome would be. I had an inkling and I was partly right but this one played out nicely.

Like most cozies there’s a bit of romance—or rather romantic drama—for Bel. Like the mystery, the romantic drama played out in the previous books so rather than witnessing it, this book dealt more with the fallout and the figuring out what to do next. While I thought it was handled well, the ending was a bit vague.

There were a few bumps in the road with this one. Bel was occasionally a bit over the top, there was a part of the book where she went on about how her cooking was so amazing one bite would make a suspect confess all he knew. The second was how abrupt a character who was helping Bel investigate Amy’s disappearance dropped out of the story. She brought a lot to the story as both a new friend for Bel and a sleuthing partner so when she was pulled out of the book it felt a little uneven. Also, the fact a character was named Tweed Blazer was a bit annoying. I’m just not a fan of weirdly named characters. While I did have a few problems, they didn’t pull me from the book.

Overall, this one kept me on my toes. The mystery was solid and the McGrath family was a riot. While I probably should have read the previous books to get the full flavor of this one, it wasn’t necessary.

I was intrigued when I received a digital copy of Bel, Book, and Scandal by Maggie McConnon for review. I’ve never read a cozy mystery before (to my knowledge) but I’ve always been curious about them. And I adore the covers with cozies. This particular story is the third installment in the Belfast McGrath Mystery Series but reads as a standalone, so I decided to take the plunge and give it a try, especially since it is set around the holidays. I’m glad I did because I genuinely loved it.

Bel McGrath works alongside her parents and brothers at the local inn that they own, Shamrock Manor. Bel is the Manor’s Chef and she also takes an active role in event planning. The McGrath family is Irish; they are a large, loud group, and I love them. They seem to be the type of family that love one another to pieces but also annoy one another more than anything else – figure this is partly because they live and work in such close proximity.

One day, a photo in the local newspaper catches Bel’s eye, and it flips her world upside down. Apparently one of the women in the picture bears a striking resemblance to Bel’s BFF, who went missing years ago. Bel takes it upon herself to investigate to see if the woman in the picture is indeed her friend. Over the course of the story, this mystery takes Bel all over the area as she seeks out the truth, and it brings forth several twists that I didn’t see coming.

Bel’s missing friend and also her relationship subplot appear to be part of a larger story arc that began in the first book in this series.

This is one of the many books that I’ve picked up since my Dad’s health has been in decline this fall and winter, since he has been in and out of hospitals and in intensive care over the past few months. I was looking for a book that would transport me, hold my attention, and make me smile, and that is exactly what happened with this mystery. The story is not heavy at all; it’s actually funny, particularly Bel’s family and their shenanigans. And Bel’s constant quest for answers kept me on my toes. I loved the convenience of the shorter chapters because they were easy to read between my activities with my own family and caring for my dad; this meant that I was able to stay invested and still multitask without forgetting details that I had just read.

The McGrath family is awesome. Like I said earlier, they’re loud and Irish, and they annoy the mess out of one another. There are a few non-family characters that I adored as well. I really didn’t know who did the things in question, and I did not figure out the mystery surrounding the picture in the newspaper until it was revealed. I was suspicious of pretty much everyone.

This was just a lot of fun for me to read. In fact, I’ve been actively seeking out cozy mysteries since I finished this one a few weeks ago. I really want to go back and read the first two book in this series so I can see all of the parts of this story from the beginning. I realize that this book reads just fine as a standalone, but there are quite a few references to things that have happened prior to the start of this story included in here for the readers that have been faithful the entire time, so I definitely want to go back and figure out what I’ve missed before I move any further with this series. I also want to read more cozies by other authors.

I love this series if books by Maggie McConnon. I did not want to put this book down I love that many of the mysteries that have gone on through the series were solved in this book. There were many twists and turns throughout this story. I loved the characters. I received a copy of this book from Minotaur books and Netgalley for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

Even though Bel, Book, and Scandal takes place in the US, you’ll think you are in Ireland while reading this cute cozy mystery. Maggie McConnon captures the mood and atmosphere of Ireland in the third installment of her Belfast McGrath Mystery series. After Bel meets with some prospective clients who are booking a wedding for their daughter, she notices that they left a newspaper with a small article about a commune that used to be located in upstate New York, near their Shamrock Manor in Foster’s Landing. There was a picture, and in this picture is Amy Mitchell, Bel’s best friend who disappeared many years ago and has never been heard from since. Bel, who is a chef and amateur sleuth, can’t let the matter go, and starts investigating. All this time she has believed that Amy was long dead, and when the nearby lake goes down to its lowest level in decades and a car with a body is discovered, it is thought that Amy has finally been found. During the investigation, Bel meets a new friend, and when Bel goes to meet him to get more information, she finds he has been stabbed and is unable to give her information while he is hanging on to life.

Cozies are always fun, and this series is no exception. The characters are well-developed (and very Irish), and seem like they could be real people. Most of the characters are also likeable (except the murderer of course). Foodies will enjoy this book because of the numerous mentions of mouthwatering dishes. However, the only negative about this book is that there are no recipes included. It seems a waste to have a seasoned chef as the protagonist and no recipes!

Anyone who enjoys mysteries, food, and fun characters will enjoy Bel, Book, and Scandal, and will want to pick up the two previous installments while waiting for number four.

Special thanks to NetGalley for supplying a review copy of this book.

Bel, Book, and Scandal by Maggie McConnon is the third book in the Belfast McGrath Mystery series. This is a delightful book of a Irish clan and a women named Belfast at the center of the family dynamics. The author has a marvelous sense of humor and reading her vivid descriptions places you right in the story of a Irish family.. She is the head chef at her parents business and being immersed in the family leads to daily escapes.
As Bel works on solving a mystery from long ago of disappearance of a friend,, her family entertains. the reader and I found myself laughing at several intervals. This is a fun read, a great mystery and the characters are done to perfection. I look forward to the next in series.
Thank you for the ARC which did not influence my review.

I wrote about this book here : http://www.bethfishreads.com/2017/12/11-christmas-themed-novels-to-read-this.html

Bel, Book, and Scandal by Maggie McConnon is the third book in the Belfast McGrath Mystery series. This is the first book in the series that I have read, but I had no trouble following the characters. Bel is forced back to the past when she sees a newspaper photo of her long missing high school friend. Bel must balance her cooking duties at her family's manor with searching for her friend. I loved the characters including Bel's mix of brothers. While the book contained several story lines, it flowed very well. I am looking forward to reading more from this series!

I raced through this book! I had not read the previous 2 books, but Maggie gives you enough background that you never feel lost. In fact, Bel alludes to 'issues' in her past and gives you the same info she'd give a friend, so you feel like you're part of the series! From start to finish, I could not put the book down, as the excerpt above shows, Bel is a very likable and relatable character. You'll feel like she's your best friend, and that helps to make you rapidly turn to pages to see what is going on and if Amy really is back, and where she has been all these years. And if she is back, how does that change the current situation? Bel is an intriguing lead- you want the best for her, understand how while she adores her family they can be stifling, and how she really needs to let go of the past and move on. In short, everything you want from a cosy chick lit fueled mystery, and one you'll devour too! If you are looking for a fun set of books to add to the ereader you're giving yourself, or your friend/family member this holiday season, be sure to add this series to it!

What a great mystery. I was pulled into the plot at once and could not put the book down. Loved the character Bel. I have not read previous books in this series but will be looking for them in the near future.

I have loved the series from the very beginning. The family is a hoot and being from an Irish family myself I get the dynamics. This story continues as a paper is left behind at Shamrock Manor (the family business) and Belfast swears in this picture is Amy the friend who disappeared years ago. Belfast has issues in her life like old boyfriend married the police chief's perfect daughter.. she broke up with her new boyfriend and is haunted by the missing person case of Amy. This has you guessing to the very end. Automatic buy this series is for me.

This is a great book with a wonderful story and well developed characters. The story flowed very well and was very enjoyable. This book will keep you reading long into the night and you will not want to put this book down until you finish. This was such a great read and full of surprises. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader’s copy of this book. The free book held no determination on my personal review.

I love a good quirky family in books and the McGrath clan has quirky in spades. And because they all work together at Shamrock Manor they see a lot of each other which means arguments and hi-jinks abound. The characters are really fun and I loved their interaction though if I was Bel I think I'd be looking for a job far far away.

In the previous book, the mystery of just what had happened to Bel's childhood friend Amy was an ever present mystery. When they were both 17 Amy had disappeared without a trace and while a discovery at the end book lent an ominous tone to whatever had happened nothing was ever really known until this book. I really enjoyed Bel's investigation though she does get a little impulsive at times (okay quite a bit) however, with her emotional involvement in the case it was easy to understand her reasoning.

This was a really fun read with quite a crazy cast of characters and a good mystery. I enjoyed finding out just what had happened and felt like I got to know Bel a bit better through the investigation.

This is a not only a new series to me, but a new author as well and I am glad that I was approached to read and review this book! I really enjoyed getting to know Belfast, she is a strong and determined character! It seems the mystery in this book has been haunting Bel for years, so I was so happy that I got to get in on the reveal of the mystery! It is a doozie, I'll tell you that! For those of you that are in the same boat as I am, this can be read as a standalone, but I think you would truly get more out of the series starting at book one. However starting in the middle of the series didn't change the fact that I completely enjoyed the book! The story is well written and fast-paced, especially the ending. I guarantee the ending of the book will hit you with a punch! I really wish we would have been treated to some of the recipes that Bel was dishing up...maybe in future books?

Bel, Book and Scandal may have been the third book in a series, but it was the perfect place for me to dive into the Cozy Mystery genre. I didn’t feel at all lost while reading this book, but I will say that Bel’s family and acquaintances are such a colorful cast of characters that I definitely want to go back and read the first few books. In this installment of the Belfast McGrath Mystery series, Bel’s past comes back to haunt her when she spies her long lost friend’s picture in the newspaper. Amy disappeared under mysterious circumstances, and as Bel was the last person to see her, suspicion has been a cloud over her since. I loved Bel’s character, especially how she struggles to keep her nosy family at arm’s length. There are times when they annoy the heck out of her, and that’s where I feel I am sometimes so it was easy to identify with her. I really liked Belfast’s relationship with her brother, Cargan. He was so good to her, and out of all her brothers, he was the quickest to be there when she needed him. Her odd relationships with her ex-boyfriends put her in the middle of some sometimes awkward, sometimes hilarious situations, and they were so much fun to read. As with any type of mystery, saying too much will spoil things, so I will say this: of course there are hijinks, Bel makes a new friend along the way, has a run in with some ex-boyfriends, and fences are mended. And of course, things are solved and an entire town finally finds closure. If you’re a fan of Cozy Mysteries, I think you’ll enjoy this one. And if, like me, you’re looking for a place to start, look no further! I can’t recommend Bel, Book and Scandal enough. It was such a fun read; I challenge you not to bust out laughing during the snoozy yoga scene!

Bel, Book and Scandal is another wonderful book in Maggie McConnon's Belfast McGrath Mystery Series.

Being the head chef at Shamrock Manor, owned by her parents, Bel is always busy. She does not have much of a social life to speak of and her love life is non-existent. When potential customers come to the Manor to explore the location for an upcoming summer wedding, the couple, whose daughter is getting married in May, remember Bel from the scandal at her last place of employment. Upon leaving the Manor, Alison accidentally leaves the newspaper behind that she had been using to track local antique stores. When Bel finds the paper she can hardly believe who is in the picture supporting an article about a local commune that was a bit north of Foster's Landing. Her long lost best friend Amy Mitchell stares out from an older photograph - and now Bel can't sit idly by not knowing whether her friend is actually still alive. Her sleuthing takes her to the place where the local commune used to be and few people in the town are happy to have the subject revisited. Some are even willing to lie to Bel about any knowledge regarding Amy.

When the pieces of this mystery are finally put together correctly, prepare to be shocked by the outcome. The author does a great job in all three books building up to what we receive in Bel, Book and Scandal. Between the anguish concerning the long standing mystery surrounding Amy as well as the new revelations, the book takes the reader through a myriad of emotions, actions, characters, and scenes.

As with the previous books, Bel, Book and Scandal isn't your typical light-hearted cozy mystery. There are some light and humorous moments but overall, the book has many serious overtones. The author does a great job taking multiple story lines and weaving them together into a fantastic and cohesive book of mysteries. There are many twists and turns that take the characters and the reader on a wild journey that doesn't just involve weddings and Amy's disappearance.

I enjoyed Bel, Book and Scandal as both the traditional cozy mystery but also as a more suspenseful book. The characters have their different quirks that add to overall tone of the book and each one is well developed. The story is well-told and full of twists and turns that keeps the reader guessing. The plot is pretty solid; I didn't read anything that didn't make sense or contradicted a previous statement or action.

I was engaged with this fast paced novel from the very beginning. I wasn't bogged down with useless or filler information about the characters, the location, or the backstories. The author did a great job with descriptions that were very vivid. The vividness allowed me to put together my own version of Shamrock Manor and the lives of those who dwell within. I look forward to going wherever the author takes us next with Bel - and I certainly hope she continues with this series.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC.

Belfast (Bel) McGrath, is a little impulsive. It’s gotten her into trouble in the past, and it’ll probably do so again in the future.

In Bel, Book, and Scandal: A Belfast McGrath Mystery (Bel McGrath Mysteries) Bel has returned to her hometown of Fosters Landing, to be the chef at her family’s Shamrock Manor. But it’s been a bit hard lately because she can’t put Amy out of her mind.

Ever since the drought, when the lake dried up enough to reveal the belongings of her best friend Amy at the bottom, she’s been thinking about what really happened so long ago.

They exchanged angry words after Bel found Amy kissing Bel’s boyfriend. That was the last time she saw Amy, 15 long years ago.

In the here and now, she is a talented chef, working in the family business the Shamrock Manor. After interviewing a couple who may want to use the Manor for his daughter‘s wedding, Bel notices a newspaper they leave behind.

Scanning through the paper, Bel notices a blurry picture that she is absolutely sure is Amy. The picture was said to have been taken at a local commune, called Love Canyon. Immediately Bel sets out to find it, maybe the commune will have some answers.

Impulsive, Independent and Insightful

I found myself completely taken with Bel’s impulsiveness, independence, and insight. I thoroughly enjoyed the way the author has brought her to life. It was impossible not to feel Bel’s compulsion to get to the bottom of the mysterious disappearance of her best friend.

The family too was fascinating with their quirks and unique personalities. They were all very real and so well written you might suspect the author knows them in real life.

This is not the first Belfast McGrath mystery, but it does work well as a standalone novel. I look forward to reading more from author Maggie McConnon.