As always, I want to start by thanking the author @lucyconnellybooks the publishers @bookouture and @netgalley for allowing me to read an arc of this book. Even if my review is a little late.

Not only is this my first book by Lucy, it's also my first cozy mystery. The book starts well for me set in a pretty cove, a bookshop and cute dog called Mr Poe. Thankfully, it continues being just as good all the way to the end.

The story contains both lovely characters like the twin sisters Mercy and Lizzie and some not as nice like the murder victim. I'm not surprised some 'offed' him, i'm just surprised it hadn't happened sooner.

There are lots of twists and turns all the way through the story and although I thought I knew who the culprit was several times, I was never quite sure. Oh, and I was never right!

#DeathByTheBook #lucyconnellybooks #amercymccarthymystery #cozymystery #bookouture #NetGalley #arc #bookreview #ebook

Thank you to Sarah Hardy and the publisher for issuing me with my review copy of the book and for inviting me to take part on the blog tour.

Death by the Book (case!) is the second in the wonderful series featuring Mercy and Lizzie McCarthy who relocated to the charming town of Shamrock Cove in Ireland from America after discovering they had inherited a bookshop and house from their grandfather. They have settled well into the cosy village with Lizzie running the bookshop and Mercy continuing with her writing and are hosting a book festival, when an author is discovered dead, apparently crushed by a falling bookcase in his rental cottage. Unfortunately as before, Mercy and Lizzie are the ones to discover him! Although James Brandt wasn't the friendliest of people, he grew up in Shamrock Cove and once Mercy starts investigating, she discovers that he definitely had his fair share of enemies.

Despite the police not too convinced by Mercy thinking it was actually murder, when another body is discovered in the bookshop (by the wonderful Mr Poe), they start to think maybe there is some truth in what Mercy is trying to tell them. So much so that Kieran, the local Detective Inspector, asks Mercy to help with the investigation, although they may also be something to do with their promising will they/won't they romance and despite constantly telling her to be careful, he knows that it is just a lost cause - clearly the mystery writer in her!

Death by the Book was a fantastic follow up to the first book and I didn't have a clue about who the culprit was. The added plot with the potential murder from the past which involved quite a few prominent members of the community was a brilliant addition to the storyline that had me second guessing all the characters.

I was also delighted that Mr Poe played an integral part in the story, I always love a dog in a book and he played his part perfectly!

I'm already looking forward to the next book where I hope we can learn a bit more about their grandfather..

I've been on plenty of blogtours in November 2024 and read plenty of cozy mystery. There was a variety of theme, settings, and main characters.
I travelled to different places and this time I'm back in Shamrock Cove and catching up with Mercy and Lizzie McCarthy, and being a bit green with envy for their bookstore.
This is the right time to read cozy mystery like this one: a good mystery, entertaining plot, and likeable characters.
The mystery surprised me and kept me guessing. I enjoyed the story and had a good time in reading it
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to Bookouture for this ARC, all opinions are mine

I really enjoyed this cosy read over the autumn. I love a mystery rather than a thriller and it delivered . It was an easy read with lots of twists and clues would definitely recommend and will be looking at the others in the series

Once again, readers, we are back in Shamrock Cove with Mercy McCarthy and her sister, Lizzie. This time, there’s a book festival going on, and a homecoming of a famous author spells murder.

I found that in parts, this book kept me awake, turning the pages to find out what was happening next. The plot was more focused around the bookstore this time, which made for an enjoyable read, and the murder method was intriguing. I did think that Mercy might have guessed what the murder method was earlier with her background in mystery writing. Mercy did some good, if at times clumsy sleuthing. I didn’t mind that she kept putting her foot in it when it came to interviewing suspects, after all it’s one thing to write about an amateur sleuth’s investigation technique than it is to actually do it.

The plot was deeply rooted with the residents/previous residents of the town, which made it more exciting to read. The ending let this down slightly with not all aspects of the case being fully explored. Mercy stumbled upon the killer, but I prefer it when the ameteur sleuth seeks out or traps the killer into a confession.

I felt that there was some stereotyping when it came to the use of the Irish dialect. The town sounded lovely, but I would have liked more sensory detail so I could really picture myself in the local pub or on a walk by the cliffs. I think this might have helped readers who hadn’t read the first book. Overall, this writer gets better with each book and offers the reader some light-hearted escapism. Oh, and did I mention the adorable Mr Poe? He had plenty of dogatude!

I received a complimentary ARC copy of Death by the Book (Mercy McCarthy Mysteries #2) by Lucy Connelly from NetGalley and Bookouture in order to read and give an honest review.

The second entry in the Mercy McCarthy series takes us back to the small town of Shamrock Cove, this time Mercy is helping her sister Lizzie at the Cove’s annual Literary Festival.

After their individual tragedies, Mercy and her sister Lizzie are settling in and thriving in their new home in Ireland, a home and a bookshop they inherited from a grandfather they had never met. As they settle in they slowly learn more about their grandfather and estranged father. Their Grandfather was well respected in the town, and they learn more of their family history from their neighbours in Shamrock Cove.

While Lizzie is swamped with the festival, Mercy, a best-selling mystery writer, is under a deadline with her newest book. When the body of the famous and difficult author who is set to speak at the festival, James Brandt, is found by Lizzie and Mercy, Mercy can’t help but put her sleuthing skills to work and her book on the backburner.

Although made to look like an accident, Mercy notices James’ lips are blue and there were two manuscripts lying open on the table in the room where he was found. After the fiasco she narrowly escaped last time, police detective and romantic interest Kieran asks for her assistance rather than watch her watch her put herself in harm’s way again.

The further Mercy digs the more she learns about an exclusive group of townsfolk who were part of an infamous clique in school and learns that someone might be trying to hide something that goes back to a crime decades before.

This book is a total page-turner! It’s got everything you could want in a cozy mystery: a well-written and perplexing whodunit, filled with quirky characters, and a slow-burn romance that’ll make your heart flutter. The author does a fantastic job of keeping you guessing right to th chilling end.

I loved the bond twin sisters, Mercy and Lizzie have. Both intelligent, resilient, and relatable, but they’re also totally unique. Their bond is undeniable, and it’s heartwarming to see them thrive in their new hometown. The supporting characters are also a lot of fun, and their friendships feel genuine.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to see what happens next in Shamrock Cove. If you’re looking for a fun and cozy mystery, I highly recommend this one!

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this awesome book

it was great to be back in shamrock cove with mercy and her sister and our favourite bookstore

loving the fact that a murder happens yet again and our two sisters find the body.... though this time they arent under suspicion...

even though this is a murder mystery this has a very chilled vibe a sunday book feel about it... with a cozy fire going in winter... i am looking forward to reading more from this author and this series and seeing how the characters develop towards each other....

Mercy and Lizzy are settling into the way of life in their Irish home and bookshop, left to them after their grandfather dies, a man that they had never met!

Shamrock Cove is celebrating the yearly literary festival when a famous local writer has arrived to be a part of the festivities. He is not a well liked man and when is body is found, once again by the McCarthy twins, secrets and lies emerge from a long time ago, involving not only the writer, but the mayor and the famous chef who has returned also for the festival.

The second book is a great read also and I look forward to reading the third!

Two things first: This book is the second in the Mercy McCarthy mystery series, but can read as a standalone. There’s not really any spoilers for the first book, but trust me, you’re going to want to read the first one after reading this one, so take that as you will.

Second, if you’ve ever had fantasies of running away to a beautiful, quaint Irish/Scottish/insert-country-here village to start over and just enjoy a wonderful new life, this book will only exacerbate your condition. You will be booking the next flight to Dublin before you finish it.

The atmosphere of this book is simply amazing. Shamrock Cove and its warm characters and absolutely charming details will simply cart you away as you dig in to the book and just escape to the Irish coast and join the “Court” gang as they get together, enjoy lunches, or, in this book, enjoy a literary festival (seriously?! Where do I sign up for this thing?!).

Plus, the author actually crafts a really good mystery. Some cozy series rely a lot on the atmosphere to carry them through, and don’t worry too much about the actual mystery. But this mystery kept me guessing until the end. It had multiple suspects, several twists, some good motives - there was plenty going on to keep our heroine busy and really wondering what was going on until the reveal. And yeah, I didn’t quite pick up on it either.

I was impressed. This series doesn’t rest on its laurels!

I can’t wait to see more from these characters - this is one series every Cosby mystery fan should be reading, no doubt!

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read "Death By The Book" in exchange for my honest opinion.

This was the second book in the Mercy McCarthy series set in Shamrock Cove, Ireland. Mercy and her twin sister Lizzie moved to Ireland after tragedies to make a fresh start. They live in the court of a castle where there are 6 thatched cottages with luscious gardens and a private wall that separates them from the town. Lizzie has an emotional support black & white puppy named Mr. Poe who is incredibly intuitive as to when there is danger near. They have good neighbours/friends in Scott & Rob who are always ready to help or to feed them. Lolly is DI Kieran O'Malley's grandmother and another good neighbour and friend.

There is a literary festival in town. Mercy and her twin sister Lizzie are busy at their bookstore. Author James Brandt an obnoxious, egotistical, self-important, narcissist is their main speaker. When he doesn't show for a signing, his agent (who is as rude as he is) insists that Mercy and Lizzie go fetch him. As expected they find a body. Mercy can't let it rest even though Kieran warns her over and over of the danger that she is putting herself and her sister in.

Before they even have a chance to figure out what happened to Brandt, Mr. Poe finds another body in the secret room under the stairs at the bookstore. What do childhood friends have to do with these murders? Another one of the group has a very close call. Stolen manuscripts, disappearances, secrets and lies all have to be unravelled before they figure out who has it in for this group of old "friends". Kieran has learned that it's best to let Mercy help, than to have her go rogue on him.

Continuing from the first book, Mercy still feels that she is being watched and maybe her stalker from New York has followed her to Ireland. Looking forward to the next adventure that Mercy and Lizzie get themselves into in this fantastic new series.

Mercy is back for more book adjacent murder!  She and Lizzie finally feel that they are home and love their new friends and neighbours.  The bookshop is doing well and is part of the local literary festival.  Sadly one of the authors is less than personable and is putting the backs up of many - including Lizzie and Mercy!

Once again the wonder twins come upon the deceased and the local DI, and also their neighbour (and potential romantic interest of Mercy), is not exactly happy at their involvement.

You really do feel for Kieran.  He thought he was going to have an easy time with small town policing.  Not so with the McCarthy's around. The bookish humour and a small glimpse into the world of authors and publishers are wonderful. The case of supporting characters are diverse and colourful and really give off found family vibes. And of course, Mr Poe is also the star of the show.

There is still family secrets to dig up and I eagerly await our next adventure.

Death by the Book is the second installment in the Mercy McCarthy Mystery series. We are back following Mercy and her twin sister Lizzie as they settle into their new life in Shamrock Cove, Ireland. Lizzie is helping to put on the yearly literary festival and run their inherited bookshop, while Mercy is working on her latest mystery novel and appearing as on of the festivals main author speakers.
One of the biggest draws for the festival is a hometown mystery author who has returned to do the event for the first time. He isn't making many friends with his rude demeanor and that makes for many suspects when he turns up dead.

Local detective, Kieran lets Mercy in on some of the investigation and she delves into investigating. I love the town setting and the secondary characters in this series, They really add to the mystery plot and make you want to spend more time in Shamrock Cove. There's also the secondary mysteries that run throughout the series to add more depth to each novel. We still don't know who is stalking Mercy and if they will find their way to Ireland and we are still discovering more about the twin's father and grandfather.

I really enjoy the writing and world of this series and I can't wait to read the next one!

These books are so incredibly addicting! I love Mercy and her sister Lizzy and the little life they’re created in Ireland. The book settings are so cozy and they always seem to get themselves into the thick of trouble! Mercy is such a fun character and curious to a fault! But you can tell it’s what makes her a phenomenal writer. I love how in this book her and Kieran work so closely together, I’m just waiting for that storyline to happen! This is the definition of cozy murder mystery and I couldn’t put it down! Such a wonderful book and I can’t wait for more Mercy McCarthy books!

Mercy McCarthy mysteries are quickly becoming favorites for me. The setting in Shamrock Cove Ireland draws me in and makes me want to move to a place like this. The cottage on the court and the bookstore are also places I’d like to live and visit. Lucy Connelly does a beautiful job in creating the place for this series.
Mercy and Lizzie are twins who are alike but also quite different. The townspeople and those on the court are people I would like to know.
The mystery is well plotted and provided lots of opportunities for Mercy to research and contemplate motives and reasons.
The literary festival is a theme that is popping up quite a bit this year in cozy mysteries. I enjoyed reading about how this one was done.
I highly recommend Death by the book and the Mercy McCarthy mysteries in general. This is cozy mystery reading at its best.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read this book.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Lucy Connelly for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Death by the Book coming out November 12, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I really love this series! Cozy mysteries are so fun for me! I’m obsessed with the setting in Ireland. It’s such a beautiful country! Mercy and Lizzie are a fun duo who are getting good at solving mysteries. I love the cast of characters and the bookstore setting. The book festival was perfect. I would definitely read more books by this author!

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cozy Irish mysteries!

Loving this cosy murder mystery series! Clever plotlines, interesting characters and you won't guess whodunnit! Second in the latest series from Lucy Connelly, it is every bit as good as the first. Looking forward to #3!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC!

(4.25 stars)
With this second book in the series, I am now positive that I’ve found a new favorite cozy mystery series! Death By The Book takes us back to the small town of Shamrock Cove, Ireland for another adventure.

Mercy and her sister Lizzie are settling in to their new life in Ireland. They inherited a home and a bookshop from a grandfather they’d never known or even heard of. Lizzie runs the bookshop with some help from Mercy, but Mercy is a best-selling mystery writer and is often under deadlines, so needs to concentrate more on her writing than on the shop. The town hosts a literary festival every year and so Lizzie is quite involved in it this time. And of course she has recruited Mercy to be on panels, do book signings, and so forth. One of the authors who is a big draw is very rude and when he turns up dead, there are a lot of possible suspects, even though it looks at first like an accident.

Mercy once again puts her sleuthing skills to work, this time with the semi-blessing of the local detective, Kieran. The mystery is pretty complex and hard to figure out. Over the course of the book, we find out a lot about the dead author’s background, which includes the fact that he grew up in Shamrock Cove.

There is a lot to like in this book. One of the really fun things is the back-and-forth between Mercy and her editor, Carrie, about deadlines. Mercy tends to get really lost in her writing or her research. She needs to set alarms or she misses appointments because she loses track of time. She has been known to actually fall asleep at her computer. She and Lizzie have become great friends with their neighbors, a delightful and diverse group of people. There are a lot of delicious-sounding meals in this book! Their pup, Mr. Poe, is adorable and his alertness becomes important to the story.

I’m looking forward to more books in the series, especially since there’s information about their grandfather and father that they still have not discovered.

NOTE: I think you would be fine reading this as a standalone, but you’d miss the fun of meeting all the series regular in book one.

Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Death by the Book brings us back to Shamrock Cove, Ireland with the McCarthy twins, Mercy and Lizzie. We first met them in An Irish Bookshop Murder. Once again they become involved in a murder(s). Why do they always seem to come across dead bodies? The people in town are wondering this very thought.
Lizzie wants Mercy to stay away from investigating. But, as usual, Mercy just can’t stop asking questions.
Overall, a fun, cozy mystery suspense read with engaging characters.

Thank you NetGalley, Bookouture and the author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

After reading Death by the Book this series has quickly become a new favorite. I love our main character Mercy and her sister Lizzie. Their little town is super adorable, and the mystery always keeps me guessing.

Mercy and Lizzie have done it again and find themselves in the middle of a murder investigation when they find the body of a famous author. Well, mostly Mercy as Lizzie is busy running the bookstore, and the festival in town. I love that when Mercy is investigating, she gathers clues from things she has observed and asks questions. And in this installment, she gets to work with our hunky detective and not do investigating behind his back... well mostly.

This series is so much fun, I can't wait to see what is going to happen next!!!

‘What did you do this time?’

As welcoming as Shamrock Cove, Ireland has been for twins, Mercy and Lizzie McCarthy, it’s far from idyllic. Now with tourist season upon them and a ten day book festival in full swing and a deadline looming the last thing Mercy needed was to deal with a rude keynote local bad boy done good...and then he turns up dead and she thinks the scene looks fishy. As it turns out there are plenty of red herrings in this engrossing cozy with load of loose threads and mysteries for the author to follow in later books. What a treat!