Murder in an Irish Village

January 18, 2016
Siobhán O’Sullivan, the feisty 22-year-old heroine of O’Connor’s lively debut set in Kilbane, County Cork, Ireland, has been running the family bistro while taking care of her five siblings, who range in age from 10 to 24, since their parents died in a car crash. As the first anniversary of the fatal accident approaches, the family suffers another shock with the discovery of a dead man in their dining room, a pair of scissors jutting from his chest. James, the eldest brother, turns up later, battered and bloody, with no recollection of the previous night’s events. When James becomes the prime suspect, Siobhán determines to clear his name, but she must stay one step ahead of a murderer who also calls Kilbane home. The cheeky and close-knit repartee among the O’Sullivans goes on too long at times, but their antics are sure to appeal to cozy fans, who will also appreciate the warmth and spirit of the people of Kilbane. Agent: Evan Marshall, Evan Marshall Agency.

March 1, 2016

After their parents were killed by a drunk driver, the O'Sullivan Six--Siobhan, James, Ciaran, Eoin, Ann, and Craic--were left to run Naomi's Bistro in tiny Kilbane, County Cork. Niall, the driver's older brother, soon returns from Dublin to blackmail Siobhan in regards to a secret about her parents' deaths. No one is terribly upset when Niall is discovered dead in the bistro until James is charged with his murder and another body turns up. The headstrong Siobhan decides to investigate, even though Macdara Flannery, the handsome Garda sergeant, tells her to keep out of it. VERDICT This entertaining combination of Maeve Binchy's old-world Irish charm and Janet Evanovich's roguish humor is a smart, fast-paced read. The complex Siobhan is a singular character who struggles with her new role as guardian to her younger siblings. The Irish dialect feels authentic, and a handy glossary is useful for learning the local lingo. Devotees of the Hibernian mysteries of Dicey Deere and M.C. Beaton will toast this debut with a pint of Guinness. Slainte!

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