Book Review: Irish Village Mysteries, Book 9 – Murder at an Irish Bakery

Calling all mystery lovers with a sweet tooth! The latest installment in Carlene O’Connor’s series set in County Cork, Ireland, is a treat you won’t want to miss. “Murder at the Mill” is a cozy, feel-good, and delicious whodunit that revolves around a reality TV baking contest that comes to the quaint town of Kilbane.

If you’ve read any of O’Connor’s previous books, you’ll know that she excels at creating a charming and quirky cast of characters, and this one is no exception. From the feisty but lovable Garda Siobhan O’Sullivan to the brash and ambitious TV producer Jane, each person in the story has their own distinct personality and backstory that makes them interesting and relatable.

The baking competition itself is a delight for anyone who appreciates the art and science of making pastries, cakes, and pies. O’Connor’s descriptions of the various recipes that the contestants whip up are mouth-watering, and you can almost smell the butter, cinnamon, and sugar wafting from the pages. Whether you’re a home baker or just someone who likes to indulge in a good dessert every now and then, you’ll find yourself rooting for your favorite contestant to win.

But of course, as the title suggests, there’s more to this story than baking and eating. When one of the contestants is found dead in the middle of the competition, Siobhan and her husband, Garda Macdara Flannery, must step in and start investigating. As they interview the other contestants, the judges, and the staff of the TV show, they uncover a web of secrets, lies, and hidden agendas that make this murder case anything but straightforward.

One of the strengths of “Murder at the Mill” is how O’Connor weaves together the mystery plot with the everyday life of Kilbane. The town itself becomes a character in the story, with its scenic landscapes, cozy pubs, and gossipy residents who all have their own opinions and theories about the murder. Siobhan, who is not only a garda but also a member of the O’Sullivan family, is torn between her duty to solve the crime and her loyalty to her loved ones and her community.

In addition to the mystery and the baking, there are also some romantic subplots that will appeal to readers who like a bit of swoon with their suspense. Siobhan and Macdara’s relationship is tested by the stresses of the investigation and their own personal issues, but they still manage to find time for some heartfelt moments and tender gestures. The other contestants, too, have their own romantic entanglements that add a bit of spice to the story.

Overall, “Murder at the Mill” is a delightful and well-crafted cozy mystery that will satisfy your craving for a good whodunit and a charming setting. Whether you’re a fan of Carlene O’Connor’s previous books or just looking for a new cozy series to sink your teeth into, this one is worth checking out. Just make sure you have some snacks on hand, because you’ll definitely get hungry reading it!
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(as of Mar 25, 2023 03:56:34 UTC – Details)

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