(reviewed by Ann Onymous )
“It always amazes me how any version of the same story can circulate in a small town.”
If you love an Irish mystery – and who doesn’t? You’ll enjoy this story given to us from across the Isle.
Our local solicitor, Sarah Benedicta “Ben” O’Keeffe is trying to keep her budding romance with Garda Sargent Molloy hidden in the tight-knit community. Who does she think she’s fooling? Everyone suspects but nothing is confirmed.
Ben is running away from her past. She moved to the small town to start anew. Can she reinvent herself? Can anyone? Her sister was murdered ten years earlier by Luke Kirby, found guilty of manslaughter, and just released from prison. Is he nearby? Can she feel him?
A fire burns the heart of the town, the local pub called THE OAK, down to the ground. We are guessing who the arsonist is. Carole, the barmaid left in charge that night, has gone missing and the chiller begins. She’s left her husband and two young sons alone. Could she have set the building ablaze but where is she now?
Arson Suspects? Murder Suspects? Many possibilities slosh around this burg:
George, the husband, (always look at the husband first).
Tony, the widower, who owns THE OAK.
Stan, the renter who lived above the pub and complained about the noise.
Eddie, the brother of Carole. Surely, he wouldn’t have harmed his own sister?
Abby, Roisin, Emma, Pat, Dominic, Ronan, Ian?
The full range of small-town characters compete with the challenging weather conditions to create a swirling, intriguing, engaging whodunit. A cat named Guinness and a border collie named Fred add to the long list of two-legged villagers. Maeve, the area veterinarian, and Phyllis Kettles, owner of the local bookstore, are Ben’s closest confidantes. Raise a glass with good mates and enjoy.
This Irish community keeps the pages turning…who is the guilty party? The title suggests the weather may be a bit chilly in this haven so best take a warm sweater, Wellies and a slicker!
