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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. 

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