Early Book Review: Death of an Irish Mummy (Dublin Driver) by Catie Murphy

Death of an Irish Mummy is the third book in the Dublin Driver series by Catie Murphy, and is currently scheduled for release on June 29 2021. While it is very helpful to have read the previous books to understand Megan and her relationships with some of the secondary characters, newcomers will still be able to enjoy the mystery.

American-born Cherise Williams believes herself to be heir to an old Irish earldom, and she's come to Dublin to claim her heritage. Under the circumstances, Megan's boss Olga at Leprechaun Limos has no qualms about overcharging the brash Texas transplant for their services. Megan chauffeurs Cherise to the ancient St. Michan's Church, where the woman intends to get a wee little DNA sample from the mummified earls--much to the horror of the priest. But before she can desecrate the dead, Cherise Williams is murdered--just as her three daughters arrive to also claim their birthright. With rumors of famine-era treasure on the lands owned by the old Williams family and the promise of riches for the heirs, greed seems a likely motive. But when Olga surprisingly becomes the Garda's prime suspect, Megan attempts to steer the investigation away from her boss and solve the murder with the help of the dashing Detective Bourke. With a killer who's not wrapped too tight, she'll need to proceed with caution--or she could go from driving a limo to riding in a hearse. 

Death of an Irish Mummy is a book that had high and low points for me. I enjoyed the characters, and the work that goes into making main and secondary characters so layered and complex. Even the less important players in the story had personality and moments that made them real. I thought the plot was well thought out, and the story and locations well researched. I still like Megan- and enjoy having a main character that is not super young and magically rich, but while unreal things keep happening around her still feels grounded and real. I only wish the nudges about romance would stop. It is okay for a woman to have fantastic friends, a career, and be happy without a romantic relationship. I will also say that I was pretty sure who the culprit was as soon as they came into the story, and called some of their actions and motives fairly quickly. However, the ride of Megan and the Williams sisters coming to the same conclusion was an interesting and entertaining ride. 

Death of an Irish Mummy is a good continuation of the story, and I look forward to continuing to follow Megan's adventures. 

Early Book Review: Death on the Green (Dublin Driver) by Catie Murphy

Death on the Green is the second book in the Dublin Driver series by Catie Murphy and is currently scheduled for release on September 29 2020. I have read (and enjoyed) the first book in the series, which gives a good character and situational understanding for readers. However, I think newcomers to the series would be able to catch on pretty quickly.

Life has been non-stop excitement for American Army veteran Megan Malone ever since she moved to Ireland and became a driver for Dublin’s Leprechaun Limousine Service. She’s solved a murder and adopted two lovable Jack Russell puppies. Currently, she’s driving world-class champion golfer Martin Walsh, and he’s invited her to join him while he plays in a tournament at a prestigious Irish locale. Unfortunately, there’s a surprise waiting for her on the course—a body floating in a water hazard. Everyone loved golfer Lou MacDonald, yet he clearly teed off someone enough to be murdered. Martin seems to be the only one with a motive. However, he also has an alibi: Megan and hundreds of his fans were watching him play. Now, with a clubhouse at a historical lodge full of secrets and a dashing Irish detective by her side, Megan must hurry to uncover the links to the truth before the real killer takes a swing at someone else.

Death on the Green is a solid mystery with twists that I did not expect and character development that kept me turning pages past my bedtime. Megan is quickly becoming my favorite protagonist in mysteries. She is smart, quick thinking, and curious without purposefully putting herself, or others, in danger. Whenever I read a mystery I am trying to decide who the most likely parties for the crime right from the very beginning. Usually I have it down pretty quickly, but this one had me guessing for quite awhile and surprised at a couple of the twists. I had a few of the pieces before they were revealed, but the bigger picture had more than I was expecting. I enjoyed getting to know the new characters, and was glad that Megan asked the questions I would have wanted to ask in her place. I also like that friendships are formed and develop, and there are mentions or suggestions of romantic feelings, but they are very much secondary to the rest of each character rather than what defines them. I also liked that I get to learn more about the area, and things like golf or other things irrelevant to my life but important to the story as I read. I am always happy to learn new things, and Megan's eagerness to do the same makes me happy. I was extremely invested in the story, and the little tease for the next installment included at the end of the book has me very interested in continuing the series.

Death on the Green is a fabulous follow up in this series. It had a satisfying conclusion, to an engaging mystery, ad still left me eager for more.

Early Book Review: Dead in Dublin (Dublin Driver Mystery) by Catie Murphy

Dead in Dublin is the first book in the Dublin Driver Mystery series by Catie Murphy. It is currently scheduled for release on December 31 2019.

Ferrying tourists around Dublin for the Leprechaun Limo Service makes quite a change after years in the military. Still, Megan Malone is enjoying her life in Ireland. She likes the scenery, the easy pace, the quirky, quick-witted locals. Everything—except having one of her clients drop dead at the statue of fabled fishmonger, Molly Malone. Most restaurant critics notch up their share of enemies. Elizabeth Darr, however, was a well-loved international star. She and her husband, Simon, had just had dinner when Elizabeth collapsed, and spoiled seafood is the first suspect. The restaurant’s owner, worried her business is doomed, begs Megan to look into it. Between her irate boss and a handsome Garda who’s both amused and annoyed by her persistence, Megan has her hands full even before she’s cajoled into taking care of two adorable Jack Russell puppies (which she is almost definitely not keeping). But if cockles and mussels aren’t to blame, can Megan find the real culprit . . .before another fishy death occurs?

Dead in Dublin is a great introduction to a series. I liked Megan's character, and the fact that she had friends and a community that felt real- and while there is much more background that could be explored for her and her friends, I felt like readers got just enough to hook them. I also liked that Megan was more mature that the typical twenty something that is found in current fiction. I could relate to her love of sleep, food, and routine more than I usually relate to lead characters.  I like that there were hints and bits about Megan's past and family that were revealed through the entire book, there was no huge information dump to overwhelm readers- which sometimes happens in first books of intended series. I loved getting to meet people right alongside Megan as she gets caught up in answering questions that Liz's death stirred up, and getting to know her circle of friends as well. I love that the group was eclectic in the way many of our chosen family are, and could only be envious of the friends that Megan has. The mystery was well plotted and paced, and I was thrilled to be surprised with the culprit, method, and motive of the murder.  The addition of a grumpy boss, super cute puppies, and the possibility of romance for friends kept the read even more interesting and enjoyable. I look forward to whatever comes next from Murphy.

Dead in Dublin is an engaging and entertaining read. This is a series that I look forward to following.