fun, funny cozy Irish mystery with cool ideas, and i loved all the little subplots like the sister trying to handle irish dance in honor of her dead friend. tysm for the arc.

I would like to thank NetGalley for granting access to an advanced copy of Lisa Q. Mathews' debut cozy mystery, "The Jig is Up", the first book in the Irish Bed & Breakfast Mystery series. With a background in editing Nancy Drew books and contributing to popular kids' series such as Mary-Kate and Ashley, Sweet Dreams, and the Lizzie McGuire Mysteries, Mathews brings a wealth of storytelling experience to the realm of adult mysteries. Notably, she has already made her mark with mysteries for grown-ups in the Ladies Smythe & Westin series, showcasing her prowess in crafting intriguing tales with strong female sleuths and intricate family dynamics. Now, with "The Jig is Up," Mathews introduces readers to a new mystery series, promising an Irish-themed narrative brimming with charm and familial bonds.

The narrative revolves around Kate Buckley, a single mother and the police chief's daughter, who rushes to her Irish-themed hometown of Shamrock, Massachusetts, after an urgent message from her sister, Colleen. The plot takes a twist when her sister's best friend, a dance show star named Deirdre, is found dead. As Colleen becomes a suspect, Kate embarks on a quest to clear her sister's name amid the St. Patrick's Week festivities.

While the book boasts all the essential elements of a good cozy mystery, there seems to be a missing link in the overall execution. The lead character, Kate Buckley, is a single mother with two endearing daughters. However, there were instances where the elder daughter seemed to possess more determination than the parent. The delicate balance between curiosity and deduction was not entirely achieved, as Kate occasionally came across as an overthinker, missing the crux of the matter. Toning down this tendency would have enhanced the overall reading experience. The constant urge to tell Kate to refrain from overanalyzing became a distracting aspect, diminishing the enjoyment of the narrative.

Despite this, "The Jig is Up" holds appeal for readers seeking a clean, no-swearing, and no-sex cozy mystery. Lisa Q. Mathews successfully delivers a tale woven with Irish charm and familial bonds, providing a suitable option for those who prefer a gentler mystery narrative. As the St. Patrick's Week festivities unfold, the race to catch the killer keeps the reader engaged, even if the protagonist's tendencies may require a moment of patience.

#TheJigIsUp #NetGalley is a new book featuring sisters Kate and Colleen Buckley.
Kate and her daughters arrive in Shamrock after receiving an odd message from her sister Colleen.
When the sisters head out to meet up with Irish step dancer Deirdre, they make a gruesome discovery, which soon involves them in a murder investigation.
The quaint New England town of Shamrock holds plenty of secrets, including one between the two sisters.
I found myself immediately connected to all the characters and the story kept me engaged from beginning to end.
I'm looking forward to reading more in this series.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of the book.