An Irish Bookshop Murder is a wonderful start and introduction to the Mercy McCarthy Mysteries. Mercy and her sister move to Ireland after inheriting a cottage and a bookstore from a grandfather they never met. This cozy mystery has a great cast of characters that we are sure to see again in the series.

The mystery was clever and fun to read. I enjoyed the relationship and banter between Mercy and the detective. I was left wondering about the missing letters and door, but expect that those questions may be answered in a future book.

The story was a little predictable, I did not mind. It was an enjoyable read. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

Let me start by saying I loved this book. I love the characters, the setting (Ireland...who doesn't love that) and a bookstore. The characters have depth and I came to care for them. I hope this will be the first installment in a series that has great promise. It definitely reminded me of an Agatha Christie classic

What's better than a new cozy series? A series that features two strong female characters who are sisters that have inherited a cozy home and bookstore in Ireland. The sisters --one a successful author and the other a woman who has suffered a horrible loss and is in recovery, are determined to be good neighbors in this closed knit community. Soon, murders are happening in their neighborhood and someone is watching their moves. Why did their grandfather, whom they never knew existed, leave them this home and who wants them to leave this ideal spot? Good beginning to a new series and looking forward to the next entry. Thanks to Net Galley for the arc.

Twin sisters Mercy and Lizzie have moved to Ireland after inheriting a charming cottage and bookshop. Mercy, a mystery writer, attempts to save a neighbor, the Judge, as he lays dying. The sisters are immediately swept up in this mystery of whether the Judge was actually murdered, as they struggle to adapt to their new home. Being a cozy mystery, there are many quirky characters, neighbors and shops. The setting and characters will draw you in as you try to solve the mystery. A nice beginning to a new series. With thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for this ARC. My opinions are my own.

Great start to a new series. I immediately fell into Mercy and Lizzie's inherited life as they explored their unexpected new world and got to know their neighbors. Of course, being accused of being a killer by a dying man wasn't exactly helpful. Nevertheless, they persevere, Lizzie being her charming, likable, more social self while Mercy is, well, likable, but direct and frequently comes across as prickly. As we learn their backstory, much of that is understandable, however. She's a successful, even famous mystery author who dealt with a stalker in New York. You'll like the tight, I-have-your-back relationship of mutual respect that the sisters have. For them, being twins, it's probably even tighter and Mercy is particularly protective of Lizzie given how fragile past tragedies have left her. Their move to Ireland after the surprise inheritance from their unknown-until-notification grandfather gave both a chance to start over and reclaim their lives.

And what an amazing inheritance. Not only do they inherit a home in an apparently rather exclusive neighborhood of Shamrock Cove, but a bookstore owned by their late grandfather. I won't detail the delights they discover as they explore their new surroundings other than to think what fun it'd be to explore. Well, if it weren't for that nasty murder hanging over their heads. Much to Mercy's surprise, not to mention my own, based on the stereotypical mistrust between the police and amateur sleuths in most cozy mysteries, she finds the local detective, Kieran, not just friendly and open but, well, downright handsome, too. Ah, one doesn't have to be a sleuth to see a romance coming as this series progresses. That said, remember, I said she could be prickly. And protective. Keep that in mind. Grin.

As this particular episode introduces us to Mercy, Lizzie, Keiran, and Keiran's grandmother Lottie, however, I couldn't help liking the supporting cast. Lottie, in particular, adds a new twist for me. Nope, not telling, but you'll find out early on. Neighbors Rob and Scott are rather prominent this go-round, too, and were quite likable, not only being personable and friendly but apparently the likely source of some great food chats in the future. Mercy does admit to being, well, let me rephrase that. NOT being a cook, although Lizzie seems to have that ability down. Mercy even shows some real people skills in her ability to help a young, reluctant reader find just the right book to spur his interest. That friendship leads to the addition of a new character at the end. Nope, quit asking. Not telling.

Bottom line, I thoroughly enjoy this debut series entry. The author's writing style was smooth and although some time was spent setting the delightful scene in Shamrock Cove -- seriously, we may all want to move there -- the plot moved along. Red herrings? Yep, bunches. Also multiple suspects, which was troubling as most seemed to be new neighbors. Uh, oh. I admit to not taking the time to research but the rules of their new neighborhood as far as inheritance were intriguing, too. Thanks #NetGalley and #Bookouture for the early introduction to Mercy and Lizzie. I can't wait to revisit Shamrock Cove. And, before I forget, readers, be sure to read the author and publisher's note at the end that notes some 7% of children do not have a book in their home. Having pictures of myself toddling along with a bottle and upside-down book, I always find this astonishing and depressing. There's a link there for readers to find a list of books to share with children that should appeal, all suggested by GoodReads readers, I believe.

When you step into the pages of an #AnIrishBookshopMurder #NetGalley, you will immediately meet twin sisters, Mercy and Lizzie McCarthy, who have suffered tragic losses and are trying to make a fresh start.
When the sisters find out they've inherited a bookshop and house in Shamrock Cove, Ireland, the girls are sure it's a sign, and travel abroad, ready to start over.
Things aren't as easy as they hoped, especially when a well known resident dies their first night there.
Suspicion of the sisters is expected, but Mercy, a best selling mystery author, is determined to find the truth.

I loved this first in a new series, it has everything I love in a good cozy mystery.
I'm looking forward to reading more.

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

Mercy and her twin Lizzy needed a new start. A grandfather they had never met left them a house and bookstore in a cozy Irish village. Perfect timing - that is until a murder occurs and suspicion falls on Mercy. A wonderful new series with lots of great characters, a wonderful setting and secrets still to be explored

Mercy and her twin sister have inherited a home and bookstore in Ireland from a grandfather they never met. With a terrible and tragic year behind them, the sisters are ready for a new start. They are entranced by the storybook charm of the town and their new home, but a murder on their first day mars the perfection.
I was caught up with the story from the very beginning and loved the setting and the characters. This is a fun cozy mystery with an intriguing mystery as Mercy tries to track down the killer.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the ARC.

The idea of a cosy murder mystery set in a bookshop ticks all of the boxes for me. I absolutely love the sound of this story. But sadly for me, there is a gap between the idea and the execution: I can overlook the "twee" nature of the storyline, such as the name of the village being Shamrock Cove, secret garden and fairy doors, after all these elements all add to the fun of the story. However, I really struggled with the language used by the characters - it's natural for the American characters to use terms such as "cell phone", "cookies" and "cops" but not for characters based in Ireland. The terms here are far more likely to be "mobile phone", "biscuits" and either "guards" or "police" but never "cops". And when there is an aspect of a story that constantly irritates you, it is difficult to enjoy the story.
I'm sure that this story will be loved by many readers, especially cosy mystery fans, but sadly it's not one for me.

Lucy Connelly's An Irish Bookshop Murder is a delightful debut in the Mercy McCarthy Mystery series. Mercy McCarthy and her twin sister, Lizzie, find themselves in the idyllic Irish village of Shamrock Cove, running a charming antique bookshop they inherited. Their fresh start turns thrilling when they get embroiled in a murder mystery after a neighbor accuses Mercy of murder with his dying breath.

The characters in this book are wonderfully developed. Mercy, a famous crime author, makes for a brilliant sleuth, while Lizzie's journey through grief adds depth to the story. The introduction of the handsome detective Kieran adds a hint of romance, and his grandmother Lolly, with her narcolepsy, brings unexpected humor. The dynamic between Mercy and Kieran, filled with tension and chemistry, keeps you hooked.

The mystery itself is well-plotted, with plenty of suspects and red herrings. Connelly's storytelling is engaging, and I found myself glued to the book, eager to see how it unfolded. The killer's identity might not be a shock, but the motive certainly is, adding a satisfying twist. I am already a fan of this series and cannot wait for the next book!

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC.

This is a cozy murder mystery in a new series by Lucy Connelly.

Mercy McCarthy, an American crime writer, and her twin sister Lizzie inherit a cottage and bookshop in Ireland from a grandfather they never knew. Shamrock Cove, especially a posh housing estate called The Court, has a tight -knit community into which the sisters are warmly welcomed. Only the Judge, a grumpy old man, doesn't seem to like them. But he doesn't seem to like anybody, so when he turns up dead, we have loads of suspects on tap.

The houses on The Court have some strange inheritance rules which stipulate that they can only be willed to family members or people already living there. I found that quite insular behaviour even though everyone living there seemed utterly lovely. Maybe it's a motive for murder though?

Mercy decides to investigate the murder because she thinks DI Kieran isn't getting there on his own, and he also seems to suspect her, and she can't have that. Sister Lizzie vacillates between supporting her and not wanting her to get into danger. There have been personal tragedies in her life, and all she wants is peace and quiet. Then another person drops dead. Could it be the same killer?

The author skilfully draws up an atmospheric setting, with the bookshop exhibiting secret doors and a fairy garden, plus there is a lot of mention of food! In all honesty, the beautiful cover reminiscent of women's fiction drew me in, and I chose to read it like that, with a little murder thrown in. I love bookshops in a book, especially old ones with nooks and crannies, and reluctant little kids learning to read for fun.

The Americanisms in an Irish setting took some getting used to - Mercy and Izzie talk about stoves, backyards, bookstores, flashlights and lasagna with an a, and even an Irish member of the community said "gotten" once. Let's see whether those two get assimilated in further books!

Not everything is tied up at the end - the lost letters still haven't been found, plus there is scope for a relationship between Kieran and Mercy. I can't wait for the next installment, not for the murders so much as for the interaction between the quirky community members!

This is a fast, easy, warm-hearted read that doesn't disappoint. The characters are interesting and the setting is beautiful. Who doesn't love an Irish community where even the police are called by their first name?

3.5 stars

Good-natured cozy series debut with Irish theme. Twin sisters Mercy and Lizzie have ended up in a small Irish village after receiving a surprise inheritance of a bookshop and cottage. They have recently undergone personal and family sorrow and are ready for a fresh start. Sister Lizzie is emotionally fragile but warm-hearted and excited about the prospect of running a bookstore. Mercy is a successful mystery author who wants to help her sister heal and welcomes a change from New York City.

They get a warm welcome from their unique little neighborhood - except for one old old curmudgeon. Naturally he is found dead under suspicious circumstances not long after.

The sisters' bond is interesting and the characters and background of their neighbors are varied. The plot is a bit jumpy and abrupt at times, especially the ending, but this is quite readable. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.