What do you think?
Rate this book
Old Sins
Battered by her archeologist lover’s betrayal, poet Maria Pell flees to an Irish village to study prehistoric people and write her next volume of poetry, but her sanctuary is invaded first by her moody cousin and then by her Togolese lover who unexpectedly show up on her doorstep. When the discovery of a girl’s body on a rocky shore reawakens Maria’s devastating childhood memory of finding a dead baby floating in a stream, her days become haunted by this child’s death. As teenage girls disappear, villagers are terrified that sex-traffickers are targeting their community. With crimes to be solved, both past and present, Maria risks her life to bring the perpetrators to justice.
310 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 23, 2022
About the author
Lynne Handy
8 books15 followersThe eldest child in a farm family, I grew up in western Indiana where the tall corn drove me inward to create fantasy worlds. Books were my salvation. I was drawn to poetry in the beginning. Wordsworth and other poets taught me that metaphor, sound, and cadence made a good poem. From authors like Dickens, I learned that rhythmic sentences advanced plot. Hemingway taught me about verbs. Upon graduating from library school, I worked as a librarian in Illinois, Texas, and Michigan. In retirement, I co-founded Open Sky Poets, a collaboration of poets in the western suburbs of Chicago, and published poems and short stories in literary journals. I self-published three novels—two are mysteries. Current projects involve a mystery series with author Jake Westin, who, like Christie’s Miss Marple, somehow lands in the middle of murder investigations. I live in a blue, yellow, and brown house with a yucca plant out front and two wonderful rescue dogs.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
October 27, 2022
I received an advance review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you Lynne Handy and Partners In Crime Tours. I'm excited to be a part of this tour.
In Old Sins we meet poet Maria Pell as she flees to an Irish Village to study prehistoric people and write her next volume of poetry. Her plans are thwarted when her moody cousin then Togolese lover show up on her doorstep. When a girl’s body washes ashore, Maria is reminded of a long buried traumatic childhood experience. In addition, teen girls disappear, and villagers are terrified they are being targeted. Maria risks her life to catch the perpetrators.
The plot and subplots of this book had me intrigued and engaged from start to finish. I literally could not put this book down. The cast of characters are brilliantly written, and the storylines are expertly interwoven creating one fluid thriller filled with suspense and tension. I’ve not been to Ireland but love reading books that take place there. The descriptions are vivid, and I could see it in my mind’s eye.
I loved that I could not figure this one out. It is unique and will stick with me for a while. I can’t wait to read more from this author!
I recommend this book to anyone who loves a good thriller with multiple storylines interwoven to create a uniquely twisty tale.
In Old Sins we meet poet Maria Pell as she flees to an Irish Village to study prehistoric people and write her next volume of poetry. Her plans are thwarted when her moody cousin then Togolese lover show up on her doorstep. When a girl’s body washes ashore, Maria is reminded of a long buried traumatic childhood experience. In addition, teen girls disappear, and villagers are terrified they are being targeted. Maria risks her life to catch the perpetrators.
The plot and subplots of this book had me intrigued and engaged from start to finish. I literally could not put this book down. The cast of characters are brilliantly written, and the storylines are expertly interwoven creating one fluid thriller filled with suspense and tension. I’ve not been to Ireland but love reading books that take place there. The descriptions are vivid, and I could see it in my mind’s eye.
I loved that I could not figure this one out. It is unique and will stick with me for a while. I can’t wait to read more from this author!
I recommend this book to anyone who loves a good thriller with multiple storylines interwoven to create a uniquely twisty tale.
October 18, 2022
This was a compelling read, that I found I did not want to put down! Great, multi-faceted characters. Very interesting plot. Vivid descriptions. Suspenseful and thrilling. I felt every emotion. Kept me intrigued from the first page to the last. Simply a GREAT read!
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
December 27, 2022
“Old Sins” is the third book in the Maria Pell Mystery Series by Lynne Handy. Maria Pell, a University teacher from Indiana, has gone through a lot in life. A lover of all things poetic and a writer of poems, it’s a huge part of her life – one might even say it is her life! After her long-time partner of 12 years was caught cheating with a colleague, she felt what was her worst fear – rejection! After feeling despondent and dejected she decided that a complete change of venue might be just what she needs in her life.
Maria accepted an invitation through a fellowship program to spend 18 months in Ireland to study Celtic history. Not only would this provide an opportunity to heal from her bad relationship, she would be afforded the chance to visit a different country studying something she’s always loved. She eventually moved to the quaint and rustic town of Coomara, Ireland, to begin a new chapter in her life.
After moving there, a friend of hers was found naked and murdered on the rock cliffs of the sea! Later, other strange deaths seem relatable in this small town, which previously enjoyed no murders! Who was doing such a mad thing? Was it one perpetrator or a group? Maria was now forced to become a crime sleuth to help solve the mysteries! And later others learn she possessed a certain skill to solve the mysteries? What is that skill?
“Old Sins” by Lynne Handy is one of those what I call “old time mysteries” meaning that the actual suspense begins right off the bat from the very beginning, and it’s an exciting way to engage readers immediately. This book does that exceptionally well. I also enjoyed the way the author used a quaint, old-fashioned locale to bring the characters to life. Readers need and should feel the story, as if it’s applicable to them; sort of inserting yourself as the criminal, victim, investigator, etc., and I was able to feel like a participant in the drama.
In addition, the main characters are brilliantly displayed in their respective roles, and the story also has a lot of twist and turns; enough to really be interesting, but not so many that it’s boring. The actual settings are what stands out the most to me, though. There’s some interesting Celtic/Irish folklore involved, along with archaeology and ancient religions. Vivid descriptions of the landscape and fauna tie everything together. Word usage was really something I appreciated with this book as well, as I’ve found that mysteries don’t read well with “big words” causing one to consult a dictionary frequently! The ending threw me for a twist, a very intriguing ending. Beautifully written mystery! ….5 stars
Maria accepted an invitation through a fellowship program to spend 18 months in Ireland to study Celtic history. Not only would this provide an opportunity to heal from her bad relationship, she would be afforded the chance to visit a different country studying something she’s always loved. She eventually moved to the quaint and rustic town of Coomara, Ireland, to begin a new chapter in her life.
After moving there, a friend of hers was found naked and murdered on the rock cliffs of the sea! Later, other strange deaths seem relatable in this small town, which previously enjoyed no murders! Who was doing such a mad thing? Was it one perpetrator or a group? Maria was now forced to become a crime sleuth to help solve the mysteries! And later others learn she possessed a certain skill to solve the mysteries? What is that skill?
“Old Sins” by Lynne Handy is one of those what I call “old time mysteries” meaning that the actual suspense begins right off the bat from the very beginning, and it’s an exciting way to engage readers immediately. This book does that exceptionally well. I also enjoyed the way the author used a quaint, old-fashioned locale to bring the characters to life. Readers need and should feel the story, as if it’s applicable to them; sort of inserting yourself as the criminal, victim, investigator, etc., and I was able to feel like a participant in the drama.
In addition, the main characters are brilliantly displayed in their respective roles, and the story also has a lot of twist and turns; enough to really be interesting, but not so many that it’s boring. The actual settings are what stands out the most to me, though. There’s some interesting Celtic/Irish folklore involved, along with archaeology and ancient religions. Vivid descriptions of the landscape and fauna tie everything together. Word usage was really something I appreciated with this book as well, as I’ve found that mysteries don’t read well with “big words” causing one to consult a dictionary frequently! The ending threw me for a twist, a very intriguing ending. Beautifully written mystery! ….5 stars
September 30, 2022
So I don't normally read a lot of mystery or thriller books but this one sparked my interest. The cover is what initially drew me in and I have to admit I was curious about the connections between a childhood murder, present day murder and a sex trafficking ring. Let me just say this book did not disappoint. I finished it in ONE day!
Maria is a poetry writer and teacher who is currently on sabbatical in Ireland, where she is also working on research for a new poetry book. While there a young girl is brutally murdered and before the police have chance to solve that crime more girls start to go missing. Maria soon finds herself working with the detectives to discover who could have murdered the girl she was close to and who is responsible for the girls that keep disappearing. Are the two crimes connected? Are larger forces at work? Will they find the girls before more people die?
Old Sins is a standalone novel in the Maria Pell mysteries series. Lynne Handy gives the reader enough information that you don't miss anything by not reading any of the others within the series. Though not a huge fan of mysteries because I find most of them predictable I loved this book. Lynne Handy's writing is beautiful, enthralling and even enlightening. She paints a picture that easily transports the reader into the novel. It does have some highly sensitive content with a 13 year old being murdered and references to dead infants and a sex trafficking ring. Yet the book is a page turner from the beginning. I will say that it seemed to lose some zest towards the end (like the last 2 chapters) but other than that the novel was an engrossing read which I truly struggled to put down. I truly enjoyed it and would recommend it to those who love a good Thriller.
Maria is a poetry writer and teacher who is currently on sabbatical in Ireland, where she is also working on research for a new poetry book. While there a young girl is brutally murdered and before the police have chance to solve that crime more girls start to go missing. Maria soon finds herself working with the detectives to discover who could have murdered the girl she was close to and who is responsible for the girls that keep disappearing. Are the two crimes connected? Are larger forces at work? Will they find the girls before more people die?
Old Sins is a standalone novel in the Maria Pell mysteries series. Lynne Handy gives the reader enough information that you don't miss anything by not reading any of the others within the series. Though not a huge fan of mysteries because I find most of them predictable I loved this book. Lynne Handy's writing is beautiful, enthralling and even enlightening. She paints a picture that easily transports the reader into the novel. It does have some highly sensitive content with a 13 year old being murdered and references to dead infants and a sex trafficking ring. Yet the book is a page turner from the beginning. I will say that it seemed to lose some zest towards the end (like the last 2 chapters) but other than that the novel was an engrossing read which I truly struggled to put down. I truly enjoyed it and would recommend it to those who love a good Thriller.
October 28, 2022
Old Sins by Lynne Handy is a story set in Ireland, in the quaint village of Coomara. Maria Pell is on a sabbatical from Indiana, with the goal to write poetry. Even though this is #3 in the Maria Pell Mystery Series, it is definitely a standalone novel.
Maria is able to 'see ' things that are quite recent but even further back in time. She is currently living in a cottage with her cousin, who over time starts to act strange, especially when Maria brings up a baby she found as a child floating dead in a river. Maria was quite young at the time but still has disturbing memories of the incident.
Her ex, who had cheated on her is also there, he is an archaeologist who wants to get back together with her, but she is reluctant as he hurt her with his cheating. A young girl's body is found, and Maria feels compelled to find out who murdered the girl. The police inspector would rather she keep out of it, for her own safety, but Maria insists.
Then girls are abducted, and it is found that there is a slave trade going on off the coast. Maria is determined to find the girls and again almost loses her life in a scary scenario. Old sins come into play once she finds out what is going on.
I loved the fact that this novel takes place in Ireland, my favorite place to be. There is mystery and magical elements at play. The history of the town and local legends abound. Written with the knowledge that only someone who does their research knows, this is a mystery story that will keep you reading.
I definitely want to read more by this author! I give it 5 stars!
Maria is able to 'see ' things that are quite recent but even further back in time. She is currently living in a cottage with her cousin, who over time starts to act strange, especially when Maria brings up a baby she found as a child floating dead in a river. Maria was quite young at the time but still has disturbing memories of the incident.
Her ex, who had cheated on her is also there, he is an archaeologist who wants to get back together with her, but she is reluctant as he hurt her with his cheating. A young girl's body is found, and Maria feels compelled to find out who murdered the girl. The police inspector would rather she keep out of it, for her own safety, but Maria insists.
Then girls are abducted, and it is found that there is a slave trade going on off the coast. Maria is determined to find the girls and again almost loses her life in a scary scenario. Old sins come into play once she finds out what is going on.
I loved the fact that this novel takes place in Ireland, my favorite place to be. There is mystery and magical elements at play. The history of the town and local legends abound. Written with the knowledge that only someone who does their research knows, this is a mystery story that will keep you reading.
I definitely want to read more by this author! I give it 5 stars!
August 26, 2022
If you love a story that ties up all the loose ends, then Old Sins is perfect for you. This great mystery by Lynne Handy is rich with detail, plots and subplots, and it doesn’t let a single thread go untrimmed.
Poet Maria Pell is on sabbatical in the Irish village of Coomara, researching old myths and legends that might inform her own writing. At the same time she seeks solace in the mists of the Irish coast, from her own broken love affair and traumatic memories from her childhood. Her personal issues are sidelined, though, when a young girl from the village is murdered, and others are kidnapped. Maria’s special empathy and second sight draw her into the mysteries. Are the girls the victim of an international sex slave ring, or can the crimes be traced back to some “old sins” of a more personal nature?
It's no easy puzzle to solve, involving plenty of likely suspects and colorful characters, with complications from one end to the other of this picturesque Irish village. Vivid description of the brooding Gael scenery, lively action, gripping suspense, and deep mystery all make for a great read.
Poet Maria Pell is on sabbatical in the Irish village of Coomara, researching old myths and legends that might inform her own writing. At the same time she seeks solace in the mists of the Irish coast, from her own broken love affair and traumatic memories from her childhood. Her personal issues are sidelined, though, when a young girl from the village is murdered, and others are kidnapped. Maria’s special empathy and second sight draw her into the mysteries. Are the girls the victim of an international sex slave ring, or can the crimes be traced back to some “old sins” of a more personal nature?
It's no easy puzzle to solve, involving plenty of likely suspects and colorful characters, with complications from one end to the other of this picturesque Irish village. Vivid description of the brooding Gael scenery, lively action, gripping suspense, and deep mystery all make for a great read.
September 18, 2022
Maria moves to a village in hopes of a better future and a series of events upend her life. She discovers a mystery of missing girls and talks of human trafficking. This mystery brings up memories from her past that makes her relive a horrid event. This story was an exciting thrill ride. The suspense builds up nicely and delivers a great plot.
Disclaimer: Thank you to NetGalley and BookGoSocial for this book, I received a copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Disclaimer: Thank you to NetGalley and BookGoSocial for this book, I received a copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 3, 2022
A fantastic standalone sequel in the Maria Pell Mystery series!
Old Sins is the fantastic third book in author Lynne Handy’s Maria Pell Mystery series, but it is easily read and enjoyed as a standalone novel. Frankly, I’d forgotten it was part of a series until I reached the end of the book and discovered the titles of the previous books.
Maria is a strong and intelligent protagonist. She’s interesting, well-spoken, and clear-thinking as she investigates the terrifying happenings in Coomara. She also has the patience of a saint to deal with her cousin and former lover showing up uninvited. Elizabeth has enmeshed herself in the life of the local Catholic Church in the short time she’s been there. She seems to dither and waffle at first, but slowly these characteristics change to irritability and self-righteousness and a gradual descent into something much darker, which provides a significant plot twist in Maria Pell’s backstory. Inspector Flint is suitably stand-offish as the detective in charge of the cases and is appropriately reluctant to share information with Maria until he discovers she has the second sight. I loved his ready acceptance of this, as he’s got relatives with the same gift.Bridget’s baffling murder and the girls going missing are frightening; their resolutions are difficult going for Flint and Maria. There are a lot of possible suspects, even when it looks like someone they know in the village is orchestrating the kidnappings. You could feel the rising panic and loss of control, that feeling of no safe space, escalating as each incident with a girl occurs, especially when there are botched attempts at snatching new victims. The author ups the atmospheric feeling of the whole with the constant fog and mist and the arrival of a torrential storm that hits in the middle of the terror. The unrelenting wind puts the characters and the reader on edge.
With its moody coastal setting, chilling weather, and baffling investigation, I recommend OLD SINS to mystery readers who enjoy strong female characters, exciting, fear-inducing plotlines, and an atmospheric Irish countryside.I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from the author through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours.
October 24, 2022
What an interesting mystery. It is the first novel I have read by Handy and I liked it. There were several aspects of the novel I found were done particularly well. One was the setting. The novel contains a great deal about Irish history, culture and myths. There were also good descriptions of the landscape and places, such as an old abbey. Another aspect of the novel done well was the variety of spiritual beliefs and experiences. It included everything from druids to Catholics. The information was included in the narrative through both Maria's experiences and archaeological discoveries.
Perhaps the best aspect of the novel was the character of Maria. She's a good amateur sleuth but very different in that she is a poet and a sensitive. She can see auras and sense events from the past. Her character brought a different level of feeling to the horrible events happening in the village.
This is a good mystery with an interesting setting, an unusual amateur sleuth and a good exploration of how decisions long ago, old sins not forgotten, have deadly ramifications in the present. I like Handy's writing style and will be looking for more by her.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
Perhaps the best aspect of the novel was the character of Maria. She's a good amateur sleuth but very different in that she is a poet and a sensitive. She can see auras and sense events from the past. Her character brought a different level of feeling to the horrible events happening in the village.
This is a good mystery with an interesting setting, an unusual amateur sleuth and a good exploration of how decisions long ago, old sins not forgotten, have deadly ramifications in the present. I like Handy's writing style and will be looking for more by her.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
September 30, 2022
I love books with a great setting and what could be better than an Irish village? I was hooked immediately. The premise of this thriller is equally as interesting and intriguing as the setting and made for a highly original and compelling read.
enjoyed many things about this book. The character of Maria is plucky and relatable and I found myself rooting for her throughout. And once again I will mention the setting. The author imbues it with life, history and atmosphere by weaving in details of Celtic myths and civilization and I absolutely adored that element of the book. And if that isn’t enough, a really good thriller is at the centerpiece of this book. Handy is dealing with some dark and disturbing subject matter but handles it well. The novel has the effective twists and turns necessary in a good thriller and I found myself surprised on time and again. This book has all the things that I love - a great setting rooted in the past and the present, lots of atmosphere, and a dark and disturbing mystery with great elements of surprise. This one was a win for me.
enjoyed many things about this book. The character of Maria is plucky and relatable and I found myself rooting for her throughout. And once again I will mention the setting. The author imbues it with life, history and atmosphere by weaving in details of Celtic myths and civilization and I absolutely adored that element of the book. And if that isn’t enough, a really good thriller is at the centerpiece of this book. Handy is dealing with some dark and disturbing subject matter but handles it well. The novel has the effective twists and turns necessary in a good thriller and I found myself surprised on time and again. This book has all the things that I love - a great setting rooted in the past and the present, lots of atmosphere, and a dark and disturbing mystery with great elements of surprise. This one was a win for me.
November 9, 2022
The mind is a curious place- it stores what we don't understand, and tries to make meaning from it. If it can't, then it uses what definition it has, but still keeps the imprint. And somewhere as we age, that imprint is still there, randomly coming back when info is obtained that might be a better match. But it never comes simply, it roars and screams to be understood. In this Irish book, perfect for Halloween reading! The past haunts Maria and when she seeks to leave it behind while getting the change to write her poetry in Ireland, she doesn't realize our minds are always with us, and so is our past. While the reader might think they know what Maria saw in the past, there is still a mystery to it, and then the modern disappearances trigger her back to that time, when questions weren't answered. Only this time she seems to hold the answer to the mystery. Will she be able to unearth it in time to save the missing girls? This is a roller coaster read, full of psychological twists and selight of hand, it will have you wanting to go back and read the first 2 books in the series!
November 4, 2022
Old Sins by Lynne Handy is an engaging mystery from the start. I kept finding myself deeply wondering what is going to happen next and why the events occurred as they did. Lynne Handy is a new writer to me. Her writing is phenomenal. The book held my full attention. There is plenty of action, intrigue and the whodunnit and why vibe hanging onto every page. It reminds me of some of my all-time favorite writers such as Sandra Brown, Anthony Horowitz, and Heather Graham. Lynne Handy is the new queen of suspense and mystery! I loved the characters. The heroine is strong and keeps searching until she had the answers. Once she has them, she handles it very professionally. The family drama and secrecy are done just right. It made for a more realistic telling. Overall, this novel is well-written with characters that drive my curiosity further. I cannot wait to read more books by Lynne Handy.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
October 26, 2022
Maria is spending time in Ireland doing research for her poetry. Her quiet life is disturbed when her cousin, Elizabeth, drops in for an extended visit.
Unfortunately, she also keeps getting interrupted by the children. You know, the ones dying and/or getting kidnapped. And then there’s that baby she found floating in the stream years ago.
The police inspector wants her to quit poking her nose into the mysteries, but Maria just cannot leave them alone. Not even when her life is in danger.
The question now – will she actually be a help or just get in the way?
Thank you, Ms Handy. I enjoyed getting to know Maria Pell. I eagerly await her next mystery.
***Book provided without charge by PICT.***
Unfortunately, she also keeps getting interrupted by the children. You know, the ones dying and/or getting kidnapped. And then there’s that baby she found floating in the stream years ago.
The police inspector wants her to quit poking her nose into the mysteries, but Maria just cannot leave them alone. Not even when her life is in danger.
The question now – will she actually be a help or just get in the way?
Thank you, Ms Handy. I enjoyed getting to know Maria Pell. I eagerly await her next mystery.
***Book provided without charge by PICT.***
September 29, 2022
This was a great mystery, with plenty of tension and underlying storylines that wove together. There was a slight paranormal element, with Maria's ability to read auras. The disappearances and deaths build up the tension in the story nicely, and you can't help but wonder what will happen next. The story itself starts a little slowly, but once it gets going, moves along at a nice pace. Handy has a unique voice that really shines through in this book, and her vivid descriptions really bring the story to life. A great mystery overall.
September 27, 2022
I really like this one! It was not easy to figure out which is always a plus. There are a few suspects and plenty of twists that will have you second guessing. There's a creative cast of characters and the descriptions of the setting are wonderful! I liked that there were no unanswered questions at the end. Everything comes together nicely. It was an entertaining story! Thank you R&R Book Tours and Lynne Handy for sharing this book with me!
November 8, 2022
Poet Maria Bell is on sabbatical in a small town in Ireland. The mystery unfolds with both an old and new death. The opening scene with the baby is particularly gripping. I liked how Handy wove the historical element along with a touch of the paranormal. This is the first book I’ve read by Lynne Handy, but the third book in the Maria Pell Mystery Series. That being said, I didn’t feel like I was behind on details. I really like the idea of a poet who sees auras as the sleuth.
November 1, 2022
Old Suns... New Lies...
Oh my... Suspense and intrigue that doesn't quit! Thoroughly enjoyed this book! It will keep you guessing until the very end!
Oh my... Suspense and intrigue that doesn't quit! Thoroughly enjoyed this book! It will keep you guessing until the very end!
November 9, 2022
Old Sins is a mystery novel that will grab you from the beginning and keep you coming back to find out what happens next. The start of this book is shocking and revealing at the same time. Then you're pushed to go deeper with Maria. What Maria experienced as a child has molded her into the individual that she is in the story.
The twisted nature of the mystery in this book will have you page-turning as more girls go missing. With the appearance of Maria's "estranged beau" new information gets brought to light. While there might be tension and drama between them, he definitely brings a fresh set of eyes to the situation at hand.
As this puzzle of a story begins to come together, pay close attention. The author is dropping clues here and there to lead you to who the culprit is. On one hand, I found it hard to believe, but on the other hand...my jaw was just on the floor. The title ties into the story beautifully.
I look forward to more of this author's work in the future. I'm choosing to rate this book 5 out of 5 stars.
The twisted nature of the mystery in this book will have you page-turning as more girls go missing. With the appearance of Maria's "estranged beau" new information gets brought to light. While there might be tension and drama between them, he definitely brings a fresh set of eyes to the situation at hand.
As this puzzle of a story begins to come together, pay close attention. The author is dropping clues here and there to lead you to who the culprit is. On one hand, I found it hard to believe, but on the other hand...my jaw was just on the floor. The title ties into the story beautifully.
I look forward to more of this author's work in the future. I'm choosing to rate this book 5 out of 5 stars.
October 17, 2022
"Old Sins," featuring poet and amateur sleuth Maria Pell, grabs you from the first page and doesn’t let go. Exceptionally well plotted, the book’s mysteries and crimes—both old and new—weave together in intricate and unexpected ways. The author builds a creative cast of characters that will have you guessing as to the real culprits as murder, kidnapping, sex-trafficking and more have the small Irish coastal town on high alert. This setting along with the influence of Celtic myth, archaeology, ancient religions, and Maria’s haunting memories provide a rich backdrop for her sleuthing activities and the danger she faces. A satisfying, well-written mystery you won’t be able to put down!
December 31, 2022
I enjoyed this mystery/thriller set in Ireland. This single POV features MC Maria, an American residing in Ireland. She is smart and perhaps a bit nosy. Inserting herself in the middle of a murder investigation of a young girl. The characters are well written and I enjoyed the storyline very much. Also enjoyable are the tidbits of Irish mythology strewn throughout the story. I will definitely read more Maria Pell mysteries.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews