Dollycas’s Thoughts

Beacon Harbor is going all out for St. Patrick’s Day. Lindsey Bakewell and her staff are pulling out all the stops filling the shelves at the Beacon Bakeshop but also making Guinness chocolate cupcakes with Bailey’s buttercream frosting, shamrock cupcakes and cookies, creme de menthe brownies, and a Bailey’s cheesecake for the grand opening of the Irish import gift shop and the Blarney Stone micropub. The new businesses are owned by Finnigan O’Connor, uncle of Lindsey’s boyfriend Rory who has moved to town straight from the Emerald Isle.

The celebration starts out with the annual grade school Leprechaun Parade with Uncle Finn, his daughter Colleen, and their gorgeous dog Bailey leading the way. Every student marching in the parade receives a free shamrock good luck charm from the Blarney Stone.

Uncle Finn is quite the storyteller, most get grander with each telling. The latest is that he stole a pot of gold from a real leprechaun on his way home. Not sure what to believe Rory and Lindsey know there is more to the story. Bad luck comes when a small man dressed like a leprechaun is killed, beaten to death with a shillelagh, that appears to belong to Uncle Finn. He is taken into custody and while he may have tricked the leprechaun out of his gold, he never would have killed him. Lindsey will need all the good luck she can get to bring the killer to justice and free Finn.

I am loving this series. In this 5th installment, it’s about St Patrick’s Day and all things Irish. With an Irish grandfather, I have a wee bit of the Irish in me so this story delighted me.

Lindsey and Rory’s relationship is growing so naturally. Tuck is a little broken-hearted because Kennedy left town, but she is back and she didn’t come alone. The staff at the Beacon Bakeshop are working together like a well-oiled machine and Lindsey knows she can count on them. Her parents leave Beacon Harbor for the colder months and are spending two weeks in Maui, but the local gossip mill works fine. They sometimes find out what’s going on before Lindsey. I was happy to see some of Rory’s relatives come to town. The introduction of Finn and Colleen gave the character of Rory more depth. All the core characters continue to develop and are always engaging. I was happy to see Kennedy back but she tested my patience a time or two. I am so excited to see Lindsey’s Newfoundland, Wellington has a new friend in Finn and Colleen’s Great Pyrenees Bailey.

This story is so well-plotted and executed. Finding the right connections between the victims and the suspects. Lindsey went above and beyond to follow the clues and find key pieces of evidence to move the investigation forward. Thinking she had it figured out but no, there was another twist. The pressure to move when time was of the essence. The scene witnessed followed the fabulous team takedown with a fantastic assist which was then followed by a funny situation while waiting for the killer to be taken away. This was all perfectly paced and my eyes were glued to the pages.

I love the detailed descriptions Ms. Hannah gave throughout the story. Truthfully with the lighthouse having a resident ghost, a leprechaun running around town peeking in windows, and hiding pots of gold was a true possibility. We learn in the acknowledgments that the author’s son gave her the inspiration for this story. Like his mother, he must have a keen imagination. It is what makes her stories so much fun to read.

Trust me, you will be craving St. Patrick’s Day treats. There are 5 tempting recipes following the story.

Murder at the Blarney Bash has extraordinary characters taking on a perplexing mystery with a side of leprechaun lore and a bunch of Blarney. I escaped right into the pages and was completely entertained. Next up Murder at the Lemonberry Tea. It has a November 26, 2024 release date.

I truly enjoyed Murder at the Blarney Bash. I have to admit that I was truly stumped with this mystery. I didn't figure it out until right before Lindsey and the other characters did. I was glad to see Kennedy back, but I hate she's not back together with Tuck. Hopefully that'll change in the next book. I'm not sure if I like Rory's Irish relatives... mostly because his cousin seems to have a thing for Tuck. I guess we'll see how future books progress to see what happens.

Murder at the Blarney Bash is a fun, easy to read cozy that hits all the marks. It has humor, romance a leprechaun, and the search for pot of gold. Of course, being set is a haunted bakery is a plus.

A great addition to an incredible series! Wonderful characters in an incredible setting. This book will keep you guessing until the end.

Lindsey Bakewell may very well need all the luck of the Irish when she has to clear her boyfriend’s uncle’s name of murder. She has her hands full preparing sweet treats for Beacon Harbor’s St. Patrick’s Day festivities when murder strikes the small lakeside town, and the victim appears to be a man dressed as a leprechaun. The long arm of the law is pointed at Uncle Finn, so Lindsey and friends, including her loveable pooch Wellington, are on the case.

It’s always a pleasure returning to the cozy town of Beacon Harbor, a place that the author has crafted so well I want to live there! Having been to Northern Michigan, I can vividly imagine what the town looks like, and it’s the perfect place to set a murder.

The characters have been so well-developed over time that in this fifth installment they feel as if they are friends of mine. The writing is seamless, and it feels as if I’m immersed in the story. I’ve read all the books in the series, and each one is excellent. I very much look forward to reading more from Darci Hannah!

Thank you to Kensington and NetGalley for the opportunity to read the book.

Darci Hannah invokes leprechauns and pots of gold to St. Patrick's Day celebrations in Beacon Harbor, Maine. The owner of the Beacon Bakeshop lives in a lighthouse with her dog Wellington. Neighbors are hosting a visiting relative who believes in leprechauns and he finds a pot of gold. However two murders happen in quick succession; the visitor is suspected of murder. whodunit? Locals? Visiting relatives or boyfriends. Is anything else going on. Read and find out.

This is book 5 in the Beacon Bakeshop series. I have not read any of the previous books but will fix that soon. Lucy and her Newfoundland, Wellington are baking up a storm for the St. Patrick's parade and festival which will end at the lighthouse where she lives. Rory's Uncle Finn, new arrived from Ireland finds a pot of gold and is accused in the murder of a leprechaun. Almost everyone in town has seen him and he was seen leaving the scene of a vicious attack on the town manager. Lucy decides to investigate since the only suspect is almost family. I love the presence of Wellington and it makes this interesting for cozy fans with dog characters as well as foodies.

Murder at the Blarney Bash is the fifth book in the Beacon Bakeshop Mystery series. The series is set in Beacon Harbor, Michigan and Lindsey Bakewell runs a bakery out of the old Beacon Lighthouse. It is almost St. Patrick's Day and the Bakery team are preparing cookies for the school children when they finish their parade. On her way to the bakery, Lindsey thinks she hits a child, but it is a small man dressed up as a leprechaun and he ran into her. He picks himself up and runs off. Lindsey isn't sure if she is seeing things. Rory's uncle, Finnigan O’Connor, and his cousin have recently relocated from the Emerald Isle and opened an Irish Gift Shop called the Blarney Stone. He believes in Leprechauns and is sure he also saw one in town. When he sets a leprechaun trap and follows the little man, he finds buried gold and this only confirms his belief. Unfortunately for Finnegan, the little man in his leprechaun outfit is found dead, bludgeoned by a shillelagh, and with Finnegan being the last person to see him alive, he is the main suspect. What is going on in Beacon Harbor? Who buried the gold and where did it come from?

This was a great addition to this series. I really enjoyed seeing how Lindsey puts together the clues and ignores the red herrings. She knows that Finnegan couldn't have killed anyone, so you have to follow the money. There was another murder before the leprechaun, a man who worked for the town, so trying to figure out why he was killed might be the key to solving both deaths. In the last book, Kennedy, Lindsey's BKK left town, but she is back and Linsey and her are a great team to bounce ideas off one another, but also to get into trouble while investigating. I really like the characters in this series from Lindsey, Kennedy, Rory, Tuck and of course Wellington, Lindsey's Newfoundlander, I would love to celebrate with them. I enjoyed the well-plotted mystery, and have to say, that I did not have the culprit on my radar at all. This was a great story and I can't wait to see what they all get up to next.

Thank You net Galley for this book "Murder at the Blarney Bash" I haven't read to many in this series. Every book I have read so far has been a fast-paced moving book. Characters are good whether we like their actions or not they have good intentions on how they react to what is happening in the story at the time. Lindsey Is an amazing character and does what she needs to get to the bottom of the matter, her boyfriend's uncle is in trouble, and she goes all the way to see that he is innocent. I enjoyed the book.

I wish this bakery was real! Darci Hannah does a fantastic job of creating a town that you want to visit and be a part of. This is my favorite book of this series so far!

This cozy mystery takes the reader on a delightful journey filled with Irish charm, quirky characters and mouthwatering baked goods. The mystery is engaging and I loved Wellington. This was a great addition to the series.
Many thanks to Kensington and to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

I have read almost all of the books in the Beacon Bakeshop series and will definitely go back and read the first one (the only one I have yet to read). I loved the St. Patrick’s Day focus and all of the delightful leprechaun and green St. Patty’s treats and decorations. The characters in Beacon Harbor, Michigan are becoming like family. From Lindsey Bakewell, the owner of the Beacon Bakeshop, to her significant other, Rory, and the other folks in town, you will find yourself drawn into the story. Lots of twists and turns will have you turning the pages quickly to see what surprises are in store and exactly who killed the leprechaun. You will be left guessing until the very end as clues are sprinkled like gold in the pot at the end of the rainbow throughout the story. I strongly encourage you to get lost in the books of the Beacon Bakeshop series. You will be in for a treat and a delightful trip through the pages.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Cozies for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

For more reviews, please visit my blog at: https://www.msladybugsbookreviews.com/. Over 1000 reviews posted!

Murder at the Blarney Bash is the 5th book in the Beacon Bakehouse series. I've read all books in the series, and have enjoyed them. However, I didn't find this one to be as good. It seemed like things kept being repeated through most of the book. It felt like the book could have been half the length based on what material there was. I never thought that way about the previous books in the series. I hope the next in the series has more to it because the series is good. Kennedy is my favorite character. I wish she got more respect.

Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Books/Cozies for this ARC. I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion. I am posting this review to my blog, Goodreads, Bookbub, & Amazon accounts.

I love holiday themed books and I love reading them during the holiday! Could the title be anymore appropriate for St. Patrick’s day?

St. Patrick’s days celebrations are taking place and it just so happens that Rory’s family has moved from Ireland and is (literally) setting up shop in town. Once again the green light of the lighthouse shines and not in honor of the festivities. A local is found murdered and a leprechaun with treasure is on the loose. What a great story! I enjoyed the treasure hunt and the introduction to Rory’s family. A very cozy feel, despite the murder. Once again the character of Kennedy spoils an otherwise lovely story. I try. I really do. But I find no redeeming qualities in her, even after her trip abroad. So I choose to ignore her. Unfortunately that does cause me to drop the rating a bit. Solid 3.5 stars (more if Kennedy was canceled!) I do think this can be read as a standalone and I definitely recommend reading it. (Just ignore Kennedy).

Thank you Netgalley and #Kensington for the eARC of Murder at the Blarney Bash in exchange for an honest review.

Do you like to read books that are set during holiday seasons? I love holiday themed books!

It’s St. Patrick’s Day in the small town of Beacon Harbor, Michigan that is located on the shores of Lake Michigan. Lindsey Bakewell, amateur sleuth, and baker, is cooking up all sorts of St. Patrick’s day delights to celebrate the opening of the Blarney Stone, a new Irish import store. It’s a dangerous time in Beacon Harbor during the holidays. When a leprechaun is murdered, Lindsey is on the case.

My thoughts:
• I love the holiday theme to this book; I haven’t read that many St. Patrick’s Day books.

• The quant setting in a small Lake Michigan town is a lot of fun. I also enjoy all of the characters.

• This is the fifth book in the Beacon Bakeshop mystery. I have read the fourth book and this one. You can read them as stand-alone novels, but it is nice to get to know the characters. I need to go back and read the first three books!

• I love that this book is self-aware.

o “‘We’ve been known to investigate murders before around here.’’And are there many murders?’ she asked, looking rather frightened at this. ‘I was under the impression that this was a friendly village.’”

o “What was I doing? Was I really hosting a town hall meeting over possible sightings of a man dressed as s leprechaun...who’d been brutally murdered . . . possibly by Rory’s uncle? Was I insane? Had I reached rock bottom? Is this what living in a small village on the frozen shores of Lake Michigan did to people?”

o Moments like these made me laugh out loud.

• The story did move a bit slowly for me.

• I love how food was discussed throughout the stories and there were tasty looking recipes at the end.

Overall, Murder at the Blarney Bash was a fun holiday themed cozy mystery.

Book Source: Review copy from NetGalley. Thank-you! Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This was a great addition to the beacon bakeshop mystery series, but it can be read as standalone. This is the perfect cozy mystery to read for st. patrick's day.

I have been reading this series from the start and it just keeps getting better. The plot and the characters are great. Also, I really love the author’s writing style.

I had a long bonus layover tonight, so I decided to read this book, which is the perfect St Patrick's Day read. This is my 4th book to read in the series. It has everything festive - sightings of a leprechaun, rainbows, gold and green goodies to eat.

Four months ago, the tragic events of a Halloween gone awry caused baker and amateur sleuth Lindsey Bakewell’s best friend, Kennedy Kapoor, to leave their small town of Beacon Harbor, Michigan. Kennedy had needed to lick her wounds back in her hometown of London, England, and had regretfully broken up with her boyfriend, Beacon Harbor’s own Officer Tuck McAllister, in the process. Now she’s back with a new boyfriend in tow, just in time for the village’s St Patrick’s Day celebrations.

Tuck has also seemingly moved on. He’s begun dating Colleen O’Connor, the cousin of Lindsey’s boyfriend Rory Campbell. Colleen and her father Finn have only recently arrived in America, having decided to leave a string of bad luck behind them in Ireland to open a new gift shop and pub in Beacon Harbor instead. Finn has already charmed plenty of the locals with his good looks and ability to spin a tall tale. In fact, he’ll tell anyone who will listen that his bad luck in Ireland was a direct result of having run afoul of a leprechaun.

Ordinarily, Lindsey and Rory would consider this a bit of harmless blarney… except for the fact that a strange small man dressed as a leprechaun has been frightening folks in Beacon Harbor all St Patrick’s Day. Worse, he appears to have been the person behind the near-fatal attack on harmless Fred Landry, one of their village officers. When Mr Leprechaun is found dead the next morning, and Finn miraculously turns up with a pot of actual gold, all eyes turn to Finn as prime suspect in the green-clad man’s murder.

Trouble is, though, no one has any idea who Mr Leprechaun might actually be. Finn swears that he never harmed the fellow, only tricked him into revealing where he’d hidden his pot of gold. Rory is convinced of his uncle’s innocence, and soon enough, he, Lindsey, Kennedy and Tuck are investigating what happened. Because surely leprechauns aren’t real, and there must be a completely logical reason for all the strange things happening in Beacon Harbor?

It’s certainly an eventful return for Kennedy, who is one of my favorite characters in this series alongside Lindsey herself. I was genuinely scared at the end of the previous book, <a href=”https://www.criminalelement.com/cooking-books-murder-pumpkin-pageant-darci-hannah/”>Murder At The Pumpkin Pageant</a>, that we might never see her again. I’m so glad she’s back, even if I do find the dynamic between herself and Rory occasionally tiresome. Lindsey, fortunately, does her best to run interference and make sure that they’re all on the same team when capturing crooks.

There were five delicious recipes included here, all of dishes wonderfully described in the novel. I decided to try out this one:

QUOTE
Colleen’s Famous Irish Soda Bread

4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
⅓ cup melted butter
1 ⅓ cup buttermilk
1 egg
1 cup raisins

Preheat oven to 350°. This recipe works great in a cast-iron skillet. If you don’t have one, line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, or the bowl of an electric mixer, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. On low speed, stir in the melted butter, the buttermilk, the egg and the raisins. Mix just until a soft dough forms. Don’t overmix the dough. It’s going to be a little sticky. Using your hands, form the dough into a large ball. Place the shaped dough into the iron skillet or on the prepared baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, cut an X into the top of the dough. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until the bread has a nice golden-brown crust. Enjoy!
END QUOTE

I decided to omit using raisins in this recipe, as I’m not the hugest fan of them but really wanted to bake a soda bread. In fairness, raisins aren’t truly traditional so I didn’t feel bad not adding them here. That said, I do recommend using a very level amount of both baking soda and baking powder in this: I’ve grown a bit sensitive to the taste of both and found that my heavy hand when measuring out ingredients meant that I occasionally got a metallic taste when enjoying this otherwise terrific bread. The Irish soda bread is especially good slathered with butter, and contrasts deliciously as an accompaniment to savory dishes.

Next week, we make another Irish-inspired dish while celebrating more spring holidays with several very different sleuths. Do join me!

Thank you to Netgally, the publishers, and Darci Hannah

When I requested this book I was unaware that it was apart of a series, one that requires you to read the previous books for this one to make sense. I am unable to read all the previous books along with this one before the publish date. Therefore, I will rate this a fair 3/5 stars and will adjust the rating and review when I am able to read all the books in the series along with this one.