This is the 3rd book in the Irish Castle Mysteries. I am always rooting for Rayne and her cousin, Ciara, to figure out a way to make their inherited castle profitable and get the townspeople on board. It is clear that the cousins have built a strong relationship, which is a far cry from where they started. I struggled to follow everything happening in this book as the pacing was so fast and almost felt like a stream of consciousness. There were also a lot of families and characters introduced in the beginning that were hard to keep track of. I do like where Ciara’s storyline seems to be going, as she navigates what she really wants for her future. Having Rayne’s mother and friend join for Christmas will certainly be interesting.

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

It took me awhile to sort out the many characters in 'Death at an Irish Village'. This is listed as third in An Irish Castle Mystery series and I was very confused about the plethora of characters and how they all fit into the storyline. As I progressed in the book I became more engrossed in the engaging mystery and Rayne and Ciara's attempts to solve it. I enjoy the technique of this author in providing enough conclusion to the current story while adding not a cliffhanger but rather a curiosity for more to come. I look forward to it immensely.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

The series is based on cousins Rayne (from the US) and Ciara (completely local) who must spend a year restoring and improving the family "castle" in Ireland while bringing it into profit according to the inheritance. There is a small but expensive destination wedding happening shortly, a mischievous setter who chews and hides things, costume gems found in the family cemetery, irate neighbors, a murder or two, and a mysterious letter found in an old trunk. There's a lot more to add to the suspense and surprising interactions between the regulars and some of the more interesting adversaries. Excellent read!
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected e-galley from Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley. Pub Date Aug 26, 2025
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This is the third book in this engaging series which is set in a small village in Ireland. I'm glad I read the previous books in this series which made it easier to keep up with the subplots and the many characters. Cousins Rayne and Ciera find an old trunk in the attic that holds an old photo and journals from the past which may be connected to the present. A man is murdered at the local cemetery, Rayne's former boyfriend escapes prison and may be in Ireland, her Mom is due to visit, and the castle is hosting a small wedding which the cousins hope is a success so they can bring in much needed revenue. This is a nicely paced book with mystery, intrigue, a little romance, and multiple red herrings. I loved the ending and can't wait to read the next book in this series.

A nice cozy mystery. This is the first I read in the series so took a while to understand relationships between characters. Characters are likeable.

Death at an Irish Village by Ellie Brannigan

Death at an Irish Village is the latest Irish Castle mystery by Ellie Brannigan. I have enjoyed the previous books in this series and other books written by Ellie Brannigan/Traci Hall, but I didn’t feel like this book was as good. I think there was just too much going on in this book. There were so many storylines, so many characters and so much happening that it felt rushed and underdeveloped. I would have rather had one good storyline than so many many storylines that did not get enough time and attention. I hope that since several storylines wrapped up in this book that the next one will get on track and be as enjoyable as previous books.

Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to review this book. All opinions are my own.

:: Death at an Irish Village
By Ellie Brannigan
Chapter 5 Page 63
4.5 🌟🌟🌟🌟💫

{ Ciara exited and parked in a multistory garage near Oasis Fabrics. They walked down the street and arrived at nine-forty, entering the fabric shop. Vibrant colours stacked on shelves beckoned Rayne, but her gaze was drawn to the manager.
Nolan Rourke was tall, thin and had gorgeous, flowing rockstar hair. He took one look at Ciara and put his hands to his heart.
“Just as beautiful as our Rayne. I love your hair,” Nolan said. Ciara had added gel, so it was shiny and curly.
“I love yours too,” Ciara said.
“How have you been, my sweets?” Nolan ushered them past the centre aisles toward his back office. 
“We could be better,” Rayne said with a hitch in her chest. }

Life for Rayne was like one of her mothers sitcom shows. Between her partner leaving, and making headlines, allowing the world to take a glimpse of her life and then there was her uncle who died and left her a castle - McGrath Castle to be precise, in his will. 
Well, it could be her castle if she can bring the magical life back to it and more custom to the quaint little town that is attached to it.

Oh, and it also came with a cousin she didn't know she had, as well as a hands-on staff, which helped to keep the uptake of the castle in their appointed roles. Including a very talented chef and handsome groundsman along with the village -Grathton Village.

The villagers themselves were trying to get used to her American ways, just like her cousin. Her uncle, who had died (her cousin Ciara suspected foul play) had left a weird set of instructions with his will. Luckily, Ciara quickly thawed to Rayne, and they became firm friends, the villagers eventually followed, which is how we meet the two girls. Searching for a needle in a haystack in an attempt to win over the loyalty of the locals, Rayne signed up to help clean the cemetery that is part of the church in Grathon Village.. and that is where it all starts to go wrong..

I found Rayne to be headstrong, smart, and interesting, but Ciara was my favourite with her quick temper and funny remarks. I have to admit I was confused when the book ended because we didn't find out what happened to the rest of the characters. Is everyone ok? Does Freda still want to rule the world? 

I really liked Beetle, and Cormac was another favourite of mine. The way her family rallied her around her was heartwarming. Landon.. I was shocked when I found out what he had been up to. It was a unique idea, and that's why I liked it so much. But it did make me laugh a little!

I saw such a lovely spark between Rayne and Amos, I want to see more between them, maybe a flirty night together! 

Please write a second book. I need to know what happens next, especially about Rayne's quest researching the Cavalier Clovers, Ciara and who she chooses, and what reviews the wedding guests provide??? I need more McGrath, please 😍😍😍😍

A huge thank you to Ellie Brannigan, Crooked Lane Books, and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and relay my honest feedback. ::|

Death at an Irish Village is the 3rd book in the Irish Castle Mystery. It takes place in the town of Grathton Village, Ireland. Rayne McGrath is the main character who has inherited McGrath castle from her uncle Nevin who was murdered. She is a successful bridal wear designer. Her boyfriend, Landon Short robbed her of all her fiances and was sent to prison. He has excaped and is out to get her. He is somewhere in Ireland. Ciara Smith is her cousin. She is the illegitimate daughter of Nevin. There is a stipulation to the will that Rayne inherits the castle and Ciara manages the property and receives a stipend at the end of 12 months, If the castle and surroundings was not brought back to the black it was to be sold. Rayne and Ciara coud split what was left over. They have six months to the deadline of June 1st. They are to revive the dying Grathton Village but not all are aboard. The people who live at the castle are Cormac and Maeve Lloyd who help with the inside of the castle. Aine is their daughter, Amos Lowell is the grounds manager, Richard Forrest is the handyman and Dafydd Norman is the shepard on the property taking care of the sheep. He is also Ciara's fiance. Frances Coplan is the cook. Blarney is Rayne's irish setter dog. He had been Uncle Nevin's dog. Sinead and Liam Walsh own the Coco Bean Cafe. Father Patrick O'Murphy who comes once a month for Sunday for lunch. The people who work at the castle have their family meals together. The three men live in the three cottages and the other three are rentals. Everyone who lives at the castle are invested in the success of the castle or all will lose their homes. Beetle Randell is the bartender at the Sheep's Head pub.

Rayne and Ciara are going to work at the cemetary clearing out the weeds. Bobby Firzroy who owns Fitzroy's construction is there with his truck with garden tools. He is the head of the work. He also helps Rayne with the work on her buildings. Other people in town are there to volunteer in the cleaning. Some of the old family members are there to help with the cleaning, Dorothy and Sheff McElroy and their grandson, Don, Shaluna Dennehy and her grandson, Aiden. They are divided up as teams. Richard, leader of the group, and Amos are with Rayne and Ciara's team. While cleaning the headstones they find a headstone with the name of Thomas McGrath. Why was he there and not in the family plot? Everyone goes to the Sheep's Head pub for a thank you drink. A fight erupts between Beetle and Aiden Dennehy. He has brought his girlfriend, Treasa. He had flirted with Beetle's sister, Colleen telling her that he was single. Broke her heart when they broke up. Beetle told Aiden that he was banned from the bar forever and threw him out.

The next day Rayne and Ciara arrive at the church early and see Treasa's car there. They wanted to speak to her aboaut a new solicitor. Blarney runs into the cemetary through the open gate. Rayne runs after him and comes to Thomas's grave. Blarney is digging at the base of the headstone and Rayne's red Jimmy Cho shoe is there. One of Rayne's Jimmy Cho shoes is there with crystals. They see Aiden lying against the headstone dead with a partially buried garden shears with Fitzroy Construction written on it. Ciara calls the Garda Station. Father Patrick comes because he hears Blarney's howling and saw the body. Went back to the church to keep people away. Rayne and Ciara stay with the body. Garda Dominac Williams and Kaitlen Lee arrive. Don arrives and says that Treasa's car is there but she isn't. Garda Williams tells everyone to go back to the church. He and Ciara had been an item at one time. Treasa arrives at the church angry because Aiden took her car and she had to go by bus to work. Beetle is the prime suspect.

At the castle Rayne and Ciara go into the attic and find an old trunk they want to use in the smallest cottage they are getting ready for guests. They bring it down and find lots of pictures of men from the Irish Wars.

Before their meeting with their management company they stop at the Dublin Castle for a tour which they both enjoy. Rayne and Ciara go to meet with their management company to find out who owns the village and what their commitment is. Haley McGavin meets with them and tells them they own the castle and most of the property as well as the town. Rayne is the sole owner. They also tell her they need a new solicitor as they no longer what to use Owen Hughes who is the crooked solicitor who wrote up Uncle Nevin's will. She gives them the name of Fionagh Quinn. They tell her about Freda Beven who wants the whole town to become part of Cotter Village and tear down the village and build a mall. Ciara said she woud help Rayne.

This is where the story takes off. There is so much to tell to put all on paper. I will leave it to the reader to enjoy with all the twists and turns to the exciting and surprising ending. The story ends with Rayne and Ciara leaving the lawyers office. There is so much left that needs to be answered. Next book?

Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane for this ARC.

When her business partner/boyfriend Landon Short stole everything she owned, and her bank account, too, it seemed fortuitous that her late Uncle Nevin in Ireland would leave her everything he owned. Especially when she discovered that Nevin had an illegitimate daughter, Ciara Smith. What's worse, she and Ciara, who were left to manage everything, need to work together to save the village of Grafton and Grafton Castle in one year, or they are to dispose of everything and split what is left, if anything remains.

At first Rayne decided to do just that, since Ciara didn't seem to like her at all. But then, Rayne chose to stay and try to make it work; first by working on Modern Lace, her business, from the castle. Then to host weddings there as a venue, and hope that it will bring in enough to save them. If not, she can always sell her designer handbags, right?

But the first wedding didn't go off as planned, nor the second. This next wedding is her last hope for salvation, and they both plan to do anything to make it work. Plus, they have to gain the trust of the village, by helping them as well. That includes cleaning the cemetery for Father Patrick. The first day all goes well, with many volunteers; most of them are seniors, but they do the job and never complain.

However, the next day when Rayne and Ciara arrive, there is a body by one of the gravestones. It is of a local, and the stone he's propped up against is one of their ancestors. They wonder why the man wasn't buried in the McGrath plot, as he should have been.

But there's more going on here -- Ciara is having doubts about her future marriage; Rayne knows that Landon has escaped from jail but not where he is; an old trunk is holding a century of secrets; a neighboring village wants to swallow them up -- and will, if they can't make this work.

Finding a killer is the main thing, but not the only one. They also are trying to keep the information from their wedding guests, because they want this to go off without a hitch. But how can it, when a killer is on the loose, and one of their friends is a prime suspect? Saving the village is important, but saving their friend even more so...

I have read the other two books in the series, and they just keep getting better. I'm becoming attached to the residents of Grafton Village, and I want the best for them. The book is full of action, surprises, and intrigue; the two women aren't the only ones who are hiding a secret, and one of them may lead to clues to find the murderer. We learn more about others who work on the grounds, and even some history of their own Irish ancestors. I love the fact that both Rayne and Ciara are growing and realize that they need each other, in their own way.

I loved how everything came together; the struggles, and the realism of the characters and the village. It makes me want to visit. That's the best compliment I can give. The book does tell a wonderful tale, and I heartily look forward to the next one. Highly recommended.

I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley, but this in no way influenced my review.

I have to say I enjoyed this book. Book three is my favorite in this series so far. Well, maybe a tie for book one. Rayne and Ciana are still trying to meet the will requirements and bring the population of the little village and some much-needed businesses to the village.. Once again they have a wedding at the castle and Rayne has a wedding dress to complete but the focus of this book is much more on the village and the needs there. I think my favorite part of the book is how Ellie Brannigan ends the book with a look to the future for the village and for Rayne and Cianna. I can't wait to read book four.
Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this ARC. Thank you to Ellie Brannigan for this fun and different Irish cozy mystery series. This review is all my own opinion.

Rayne and her cousin Ciara are at it again trying to solve another murder mystery. Like this one, but must admit I am pleased I read others in the series before this one. Helps to have background. Would recommend.

These books are wonderful, all three of them! Brannigan does the Irish cozy mystery as well if not better as the best of them!

#DeathatanIrishVillage #NetGalley is the third book about cousins Rayne and Ciara, who work together to save their inheritance.
The cousins are preparing for another wedding at their castle, and while getting ready, they are also trying to prove their good intentions to their community.
Things take a bad turn when a local winds up dead, and a friend is the most likely suspect.
Rayne and Ciara are also dealing with their own personal struggles which really rounds out the story.
I enjoyed this addition to this series and I'm looking forward to seeing how they bring change to their small town.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.

⭐ Rating: 4/5
📖 Genre: Cozy Mystery
📅 Publication Date: August 26, 2025

🕵️‍♀️ Summary:
Rayne McGrath is finally settling into her new life in Ireland. What started as an unexpected inheritance of a rundown castle has now become a thriving bridal venue, a venture she runs with her cousin, Ciara. The two women have poured their hearts into making the business a success while slowly integrating into the local village.

To further build community ties, Rayne and Ciara team up with Father Patrick to organize a volunteer effort to clean up the cemetery behind the church. It’s supposed to be a goodwill initiative—until the discovery of an unburied body shatters their plans. Suddenly, Rayne finds herself tangled in another mystery, one that unearths old secrets and places her at the heart of danger once more.

🖋️ My Thoughts:
Ellie Brannigan does a wonderful job balancing mystery, atmosphere, and character development in this installment of the Irish Castle Mystery series. The cozy charm of an Irish village blends seamlessly with the eerie tension of a whodunit, making for an engaging read.

🔎 What I Loved:

✔ Rayne as a Protagonist: Rayne is the kind of heroine I love in a cozy mystery—intelligent, determined, and a bit out of her element but refusing to back down. Her bond with Ciara adds warmth to the story, making their dynamic feel natural and engaging.

✔ A Vivid Irish Setting: Brannigan paints a beautiful picture of the Irish countryside and village life. From the cozy local pub to the winding roads and ancient cemeteries, the setting feels immersive and adds a unique charm to the story.

✔ A Well-Plotted Mystery: The discovery of the body is just the beginning. The book unfolds at a steady pace, with well-placed clues, twists, and red herrings. Brannigan keeps you guessing, dropping hints and misdirections while maintaining intrigue until the very end.

✔ A Strong Sense of Community: I enjoyed how the book captures the essence of small-town relationships—everyone knows everyone, secrets don’t stay buried for long (literally, in this case), and there’s a mix of camaraderie and gossip that adds authenticity to the story.

🔸 A Few Minor Drawbacks:

▫ Pacing Issues: While the mystery itself is intriguing, there are moments where the pacing slows down, especially with some subplots that don’t feel as necessary.

▫ Secondary Characters Could Shine More: While Rayne and Ciara are well-developed, some of the supporting cast could have been fleshed out further to add more depth to the mystery.

✨ Final Verdict:
If you enjoy cozy mysteries with a strong female lead, an immersive setting, and a well-constructed puzzle to solve, Death at an Irish Village is a fantastic pick. The mix of murder, small-town charm, and Irish culture makes for a delightful read. While the pacing lags in parts, the compelling mystery and likable characters more than make up for it.

📌 Recommended For:
✔ Fans of cozy mysteries with atmospheric settings
✔ Readers who love strong female sleuths
✔ Anyone looking for an engaging, lighthearted whodunit with a touch of Irish charm

Will Rayne be able to solve the mystery before more secrets come to light? Pick up Death at an Irish Village to find out! 📖🍀

This was a quick cozy read and the plot was engaging enough. I loved the atmosphere and I would recommend for anyone looking for a fast paced read

I absolutely love Cozy Murder mystery books. I wasn't certain about this one though because I was on the fence about it Definitely worth the read