Round up to 3⭐

While I usually enjoy a good cozy murder mystery, this one fell short for me. Despite all the things happening to Mercy and Lizzy, the story still felt dull. The pacing was off, and it wasn’t until I was 95% through the book that the murderer was suddenly revealed, making the ending feel rushed and abrupt. As for the motive—it just didn’t add up. I found myself questioning if that was really enough to justify the murder. Overall, it left me disappointed.
I appreciate getting an ARC from NetGalley but I'm gonna have to pass on future books from this series.

Book: An Irish Bookshop Murder
Author: Lucy Connelly
Format: Audiobook
Genre: Fiction, Cozy Mystery, Crime/Mystery
Places Featured: Shamrock Cove, Ireland (a fictional town)
Review Score: ⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2 (rounded down)
Review: Mercy, a writer, and her twin sister Lizzie have inherited a bookshop in Shamrock Cove, Ireland, so the two make the big decision to move there and settle in. Their transition doesn't start off well, though, when one of their neighbors (with whom they just fought) is found murdered and it looks like one of their nice new neighbors might be responsible. To clear their names, the sisters do what they can to help find the real killer. Although the narrator was fine, the characters were a little bit hard to keep track of, the story was qutie hard to believe (or care about), and there was a bit of a darker tone to the story then some other cozy mysteries. I will never say no to a book shop in Ireland, though!

Set in an idyllic town in Ireland, this murder mystery was engaging and kept me listening. The narrator did a wonderful job with the voices for all of the characters. I loved trying to solve the mystery and was even a little surprised at the end of it. It’s a great read and I think audio only enhances the enjoyment of the book.

I love Ireland: the myths, the lore, the timeless panorama, and the contrast between the high-tech industry and the countryside. A complex and intriguing country that has captured a piece of my heart.
I think that almost everyone dreams of inheriting a shop in a lovely postcard picture village.
So suspend your disbelief and be ready to travel to rural Ireland, meet the residents, and see how Mercy and Lizzie, true New Yorkers, are adapting to the idea of a previously unknown grandfather and a different way of living. They also have to find the culprit of a murder, as Mercy is the main suspect.
I had fun and enjoyed this immersive experience as I read and listened to the audiobook. The voices added layers and made the characters three-dimensional and relatable.
It’s the first in a series, and I’m curious about the next instalment.
The mystery is well done and never takes a backseat: there are no plot holes, and there are enough surprising twists to keep your attention alive. The solution was unexpected and satisfying.
Entertaining and compelling, recommended.
Many thanks to Bookouture for this digital copy and audiobook, all opinions are mine.

This was a lovely cosy murder mystery

Set in Shamrock Cove, Ireland. We meet Mercy and Liz twin sisters, from America, who have recently discovered they inherited a cottage and bookshop in the small Irish town of Shamrock Cove. Following the death of their mother and Lizzie’s fiancé and young daughter, they decide to relocate to their new home.

They know nothing about their Grandfather and are keen to explore, find out more about him and settle in to their new life. However things don’t run smoothly. On the night of their arrival one of their new neighbours, The Judge collapses and dies, his final words as he points to Mercy were “You Killed Me”

The sisters soon find themselves caught up in the hunt for the killer and more things happening, which make them look suspicious and also suspicious of their own new neighbours.
Can Mercy find the killer and prove herself innocent?

I actually enjoyed this book, it was a fun story, with several twists. I feel the ending has been left for future books as lots of unanswered threads. So looking forward to reading more.

I listened to the audio book and the terrible Irish accents aside it was easy to listen to.

I admire Ms. Connelly's conceit in having one of the main characters in this novel be a highly successful writer of murder mysteries, selling millions of copies! It is possible that Lucy Connelly is a pen name and the writer has indeed such a following. It just struck me as humorous with this being the first in this series and the earliest book listed for her in GR was published in April 2023.
Anyway, this is a mystery about two sisters who inherit a cottage in a walled community in idyllic Shamrock Cove. Mercey is the writer. Her twin sister, Lizzie, is still recovering from a traumatic event. If anything, Mercey's concern is a bit over-the-top, as are the protestations of their neighbors that the community is very, very safe. After all, they just arrived in town and now one of their neighbors is dead. It's a cozy, silly, and melodramatic mystery novel with secret doorways and only a hint of Irishness. My favorite part was how the sisters connected with a young boy who didn't want to read (but whose mother insisted) and managed to turn him into a voracious reader by matching their book recommendations with what they could glean about him. The novel otherwise masquerades as an advertisement for an espresso machine. Cute, but too much repetition. It may have been written by AI.
My thanks to the author-bot, publisher, producer, and #NetGalley for access to the audiobook for review purposes.

Omg who doesn’t t love this new Lucy Connelly Cozy Mystery! She is on of my favorite now.. Love this. Will give a better review at a later date but definitely 4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️s.. thank you NetGalley for this opportunity. And Lucy Connelly for writing a fabulous book

"Irish Bookshop Murder" by Lucy Connelly is a delightful cozy mystery that gradually unfolds into a captivating read. While the story starts off at a more leisurely pace, it quickly draws the reader in with its charming setting and engaging characters. Connelly's depiction of the quaint Irish bookshop adds a unique and endearing backdrop to the mystery. As the plot thickens, the narrative becomes increasingly engrossing, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. The blend of suspense and warmth makes it a perfect choice for fans of cozy mysteries. Overall, this book proves to be a satisfying and enjoyable read that is well worth sticking with until the end.

4.5 ⭐Rating

An Irish Bookshop Murder by Lucy Connelly is an utterly charming and engaging cozy mystery that transports listeners to the quaint Irish village of Shamrock Cove. After unexpectedly inheriting a delightful antique bookshop from their grandfather, twins Mercy and Lizzie adjust to their new lives in this picturesque seaside town. However, their peaceful new beginning is quickly disrupted when one of their neighbours suddenly drops dead, setting off a chain of murder and mayhem that the sisters can't resist trying to solve.

I absolutely adored this audiobook! The setting of a small Irish town, combined with a gripping murder mystery, made for a thoroughly enjoyable listen. The characters were delightful, and I found myself thoroughly engaged with Mercy and Lizzie's amateur sleuthing adventures. The story's mix of suspense and charm left me eagerly anticipating the next instalment in this promising series.

Listening to the audiobook, narrated by the talented Kimberly Wetherell, was a real treat. Wetherell's voice was pleasing and perfectly suited to the story, delivering a well-paced and emotionally resonant performance. Her narration added an extra layer of enjoyment, making the characters and the quaint village come to life in a way that kept me wanting more.

Overall, An Irish Bookshop Murder has everything you could possibly want from a cozy mystery—a charming setting, engaging characters, and a mystery that keeps you guessing. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a delightful and satisfying listen.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for giving me an audio ARC of An Irish Bookshop Murder in exchange for my honest review.

An Irish Bookshop Murder by Lucy Connelly

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Bookouture and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

After receiving unexpected inheritance from her grandfather, Mercy and her twin sister Lizzie are now the proud owners of a charming antique bookshop in the tiny Irish village of Shamrock Cove. But before they can take in the beautiful view of the sea, one of their neighbors drops dead!

Mercy finds the Judge, a well-respected man who lives next door, dying on his own doorstep. She rushes to help, but with his final words, he accuses Mercy of murder! Most of their new neighbors hear his words and, with suspicion pointing at Mercy, she decides to investigate the case to clear her name.

Searching amongst the Judge’s old books, Mercy uncovers letters proving several of the townsfolk had reason to dislike the judge—but was it the local pub landlord, the kindly cook or neighborly knitter who killed him?

My Opinion

Mercy and her twin sister Lizzie have inherited a bookshop from a grandfather they have never met. Mercy is an author of mystery novels so when there are a few crimes in the area she feels able to investigate.

An Irish Bookshop Murder is the first book in a new series, and with some great characters it is definitely a series I will be reading. For me this was a nice, easy read that I was able to read over a day. If you are looking for a nice small town mystery then add this to your want to read list.

Rating 4/5

I have only recently started to crave more murder, mystery, and intrigue in my novel reading. I admit this hit all those and a bit more.

Thank you to the author, NetGalley, and Bookouture Audio for the audioARC! All thoughts are my own.

I am a HUGE lover of all things Irish and have been since I was a wee one. I am also a writer, avid reader, and a librarian. So, when I read the description and these twin sisters were moving to a small quaint Irish village after a grandfather they never knew bequeathed them his cottage and book store, I was already hooked. Then come to find out the MC was also a writer...no brainer, I had to read it. The murder and mystery and growing enemies to lovers relationship between the MC and the investigator of the murder was a happy and masterfully done afterthought.
I will say, I didn't exactly put the who done it together (which I am decent at doing) since the author kept swinging back to a stalker Mercy had in NYC, but I always had a feeling the murderer was who it was (no spoilers). I was confused as to motive, which was revealed at the end, but there was no way to have seen that one coming. I will say, I wish the person who committed the murders was a bit more exciting. Although, I do realize this wasn't the true focus of the novel. Regardless, I really enjoyed the entire book!

No Regrets!!!!
4/5 stars

Run, don't walk, to get this book! Buy it, borrow it, read it, listen to it... whatever your choice is, it will be worth it. I wasn't more than a chapter or two in and I knew this book was one to recommend. The story has everything, an adorable Irish cottage in a close-knit community, a bookshop, hidden doors and rooms, beautiful gardens, family secrets, and of course a mysterious death that weaves a story full of intrigue with a loveable, quirky set of characters you'd want to know in real life. I absolutely enjoyed it and immediately went to find more books by Lucy Connelly.

I did have an issue with the title kicking me out of it at chapter 13. After multiple tries, I gave it a few hours and tried again and everything worked smoothly. I'm not sure what happened or why, but I was very glad it worked itself out!

I really enjoyed this absolutely delightful cozy mystery. It has all my favorite elements, a wonderful Irish small town, filled with quirky villagers. A bookstore in the lovely village, plus an author of mysteries trying to solve the case. Add in a handsome detective and you have hit the jackpot.

Twin sisters Mercy and Lizzie have have received an inheritance from their Irish grandfather they never knew, including his cottage and bookstore. After losing their mother they decide to move to Ireland for a fresh start. Upon arrival, the neighbors throw them a welcome party, when their cranky neighbor drops dead and points to Mercy saying you killed me before he dies. Mystery writer Mercy is on the case, trying to figure out if this was murder, and if so who the culprit was.

Thank you the NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for the advanced listener copy. The narrator was Kimberley Wetherell was an outstanding. She could do wonderful Irish accents, and was a pleasure to listen to. I highly recommend this book, and look forward to the next book in this series.

An Irish Bookshop Murder AUDIO by Lucy Connelly is the first in a new series featuring two sisters, Lizzie and Mercy. They have had a rough few months. Mercy, a successful author living in New York City, has been plagued by a stalker. Lizzie lost her fiance and his daughter in a car wreck. They both lost their mother to cancer. Then, they were notified of a grandfather they never knew existed who had left them a house and a bookshop in Ireland. Now, here they were. And there was a murder. Mercy cannot leave it alone despite Lizzie and the very attractive Kieran, the guarda detective both asking her to back off. They are settling nicely. The first half of Mercy’s new book has been sent off and they love it and Lizzie is enthralled by the bookshop, believing she’s found her happy place. But, things keep happening. It’s almost like the stalker. Then Mercy gets shoved into a tree by someone running past her in the dark of night. Things are escalating when there is a second murder.

These two lead characters are both well-rounded and inspiring. Mercy is grounded, stubborn, and focused. Lizzie is is much calmer, kinder, and more gentle. They make a good duo. They house is on a court and there are rules about who can move into a house. They were good because they inherited theirs but they still had no clue about their grandfather or their father. The other inhabitants of the court were friendly and interesting. The last remaining elder was Lolly, who turned out to be Kieran’s grandmother. There was also the judge, now dead, a gay couple, a lovely single woman, and a married couple. The mystery was a good one. Who killed the judge? Despite how crabby he was, the people who spoke at his wake had great affection and respect for him. Why was he dead then? Well written and engaging story with excellent characters. I look forward to more in this series.

The narrator was Kimberly Wetherell who did an excellent job with the characters and the accents. She brought the characters to life, especially Mercy and Lizzie and I look forward to more from her.

I was invited to listen to An Irish Bookshop Murder by Bookoutre Audio and to read by Bookoutre. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #BookoutreAudio #Bookoutre #LucyConnelly #KimberlyWetherell #AnIrishBookshopMurder

This is such a cute cozy mystery. I dont usually read cozy mysteries (unless theres a cat) but this one checks a few boxes for me. Its set in a gorgeous Ireland setting, in a quaint little town AND the main characters are twins! Very engaging for a cozy.

Mercy McCarthy, a mystery author, and her twin sister Lizzie move to Ireland after they inherit a bookstore and a cottage from a grandfather they never knew. They aren't even there a day when someone is murdered, and they are suspects. Mercy's curiosity drives her to try to figure out the killer, much to the dismay of police detective Kieran. This cozy mystery was fun to listen to and the characters within are diverse and interesting. The narrator does a great job of integrating proper accents to the characters and describing the setting. I can see hints of things to come in future episodes of this new series. I really enjoyed listening to this book and can't wait for the next one!

Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for providing an advance review copy of this audiobook. My opinions are my own.

I read a lot of cozy mysteries…A. Lot. And I have some fave tropes and settings but I go hyper crazy for two. Ireland and bookstores and, eeeeepppp, this first Mercy McCarthy novel features both! Plus, Mercy is a mystery author too! I’m gobsmacked and silly-giddy and super excited because this series is off to a great start!

There’s a wee bit of an edge to this cozy mystery, with the sisters’ backstories adding a somber note through layers of grief and overcoming. The author still delivers all the beloved elements of a cozy mystery though. The quaint Irish village, quirky neighbours and just the right amount of captivating descriptions so that I could picture myself right there with Mercy and Lizzie.

There’s the classic cozy mystery murder along with a host of potential suspects to keep things interesting and it’s complicated enough to give my sleuthing armchair a fair workout. Mercy is an avid investigator, though clumsy at times. What she lacks in finesse, she makes up for in determination and grit. Much to the chagrin of a certain detective (I’m experiencing heart palpitations at the potential romance vibes.) In fact, I might be a tad obsessed with these characters now. Hoping we won’t have long to wait for the second ‘Mercy McCarthy Mystery‘ to release! Love when I get invested in a story like I did with this one!

I listened to the brilliant audio edition of ‘An Irish Bookshop Murder’ narrated by Kimberly Wetherell who did such a wonderful job with the Irish accents and had me thinking in lilts the whole time I was listening to this book. Loved it soooo much and would highly recommend the audio.

My thanks to Bookouture Audio and Net Galley for providing me with an audio copy of this book.

Mercy and Lizzie have been left a house and a bookshop in Shamrock Cove by a grandfather they never met. Place seems idyllic until a neighbour dies. Mercy will investigate and their lives become very complicated. Who would want to commit murder and why?

Enjoyed this well written and well narrated novel (I listened to the audiobook). Plenty of good characters in this well paced, twisting novel. Shamrock Cove was supposed to be a very safe place so what has gone wrong?

An Irish Bookshop Mystery by Lucy Connelly
Mercy McCarthy mystery series #1.
With the gift of an unexpected inheritance, sisters Mercy and Lizzie McCarthy move to Shamrock Cove, Ireland where their grandfather left them a house and a bookstore. Lizzy will run the bookstore while Mercy, as a mystery writer will be able to write from her new home office.
As soon as they get to their new home, they find a woman on the floor. Fortunately she’s just sleeping but the next man down is shouting “you’re murders” and promptly dies with Mercy over him trying to save his life. As a mystery writer, Mercy feels like she has the ability to investigate. The police chief disagrees and the two have several run-ins as Mercy uncovers clues and basically gets in his way. Of corse, she doesn’t see it that way! She’s just trying to clear her name.

🎧 I listened to an audiobook performed by Kimberly Wetherell who did an absolutely phenomenal job with voice changes and variations. From a U.S. accent, to an Irish Ireland accent, woman, to an old man, you’d think it was at least two people if not more. The rhythm timing kept my interest and the emotions of anger, fear and others came through clearly.
Yes, I listened at my usual 1.5 to match my reading and talking speed, and ended up thoroughly enjoying this cozy mystery.

An Irish book lovers mystery and a series I will definitely follow. Amusing, with twists and murder and dead end clues that may just make you start the book over again as soon as you finish. I loved the narration by Kimberly Weyherell. Definitely recommend that method if you like audiobooks.

I received a copy of this from NetGalley.

* Twins are an interesting angle to a standard trope
* Audio is good
* Writer about writing is always a solid approach
* Intriguing community
* Great character development for a first book in a series
* I don’t buy the way the MC gets some of her info
* The craft shop seems a bit off. Usually the shops are yarn or fabric, not both, in my experience.
* “Do you want to go home” becomes repetitive
* Audio is quite good

I received an ARC of this title from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.