MoonglotexasKel’s Review
Deciding to visit her Irish castle for the first time, Eleanor hasn’t even made it to the doors before finding a body! “Murder in an Irish Castle” by Verity Bright is a continuation of a series I thoroughly enjoy! Set at Christmas, I was sad we don’t get to enjoy the full cast of characters as only Eleanor, bulldog Gladstone and butler Clifford make the trip.
The townsfolk add colour and mystery as Eleanor tries to unravel what is really going on whilst enduring “accidents” which feel more like attacks and danger is never far from our leading lady.
I didn’t find this mystery quite as hard to fathom as previous ones but I read murder mysteries non-stop so am perhaps a little too able to spot a troupe. Still, well-written, it is a four out of five on the enJOYment scale.
Ka’s Review
Lots of intrigue and red herrings to boot.
We’re in yet another new environment, with Eleanor, her inimitable Clifford, and her delightful bulldog, Gladstone, responding to an invitation to visit her estate (in a small village) in Ireland! Their arrival causes quite a stir and their accommodation is not quite what they had in mind. . Things are not what they seem. Once again we see how past behaviours have a direct impact on their present.
The author, once again, portrays the close relationships that get this trio through some tight situations and their determination to do the best they can, despite challenging circumstances, beautifully. However, I find I am missing the broader cast of characters and hope for a cozy mystery closer to home with Seldon making more of an appearance and the village folk! The broader cast adds a great deal to the pleasure of the read, for me.
Having said that I find this series most enjoyable and I highly recommend this book and the series. It’s 4 out of 5 for me!
We received complimentary copies of the book from Bookouture through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in these reviews are completely our own.
From the back cover:
Irish whiskey, rolling green hills, a traditional Christmas feast and… a murder? Lady Swift will need the luck of the Irish to survive this holiday season!
Christmas, 1923. Lady Eleanor Swift has received a rather unexpected invitation to the village Christmas party in the tiny, rural hamlet of Derrydee in the west of Ireland. Eleanor is thrilled about exploring her ancestral roots at her late uncle’s estate and spending the festive season in a castle. Packing Gladstone the bulldog’s coziest Christmas jumper, they set off to the Emerald Isle with her butler Clifford in tow.
Arriving late at night, Eleanor and Clifford are shocked when they find a body sprawled in the snow on the winding country lane outside the estate. The local constable is immediately suspicious and all but accuses the pair of murder. This isn’t the warm Irish welcome Eleanor imagined!
Clifford is certain he recognises the poor fellow from the funeral of Eleanor’s uncle – but what was their connection? Undeterred by the villagers’ lack of gossip on the matter, Eleanor is determined to get justice for the victim. The man’s pockets are suspiciously empty of personal effects, but closer inspection reveals an old key hidden in the heel of his boot. Could this unlock more than one mystery for Eleanor?
But when a fire breaks out at the castle on Christmas Eve, an even bigger question looms: is someone out to ensure the family line dies with Lady Swift? And will Eleanor’s first Irish Christmas be her last?
An utterly addictive festive whodunnit set in Ireland, brimming with mystery, intrigue and wit. Sure to delight fans of T E Kinsey, Agatha Christie and Rhys Bowen.
