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arthur_pendrgn's review against another edition
0.25
None of the three make any sense. Peggy Ehrhar's is the best of the three.
dgrstory's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
graciouswarriorprincess's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0
Three short cozy mystery stories in one book.
juliabressler's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
bookhussy's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
kimlb's review against another edition
3.0
These 3 novellas in one volume are a great way to introduce readers to a new author. I've found new authors this way too. I was disappointed this one didn't feature O'Connor's Irish Village series. The Peggy Earhart story was good.
kimdavishb's review against another edition
5.0
IRISH MILK SHAKE MURDER by Carlene O’Connor, Peggy Ehrhart, and Liz Ireland is a rollicking collection of three cozy mystery novellas that capture the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day. I can’t think of a better way to start the festivities than making an Irish milkshake (heavy on the Irish whiskey of course) and catching up with favorite characters or finding a new series to start if you’re not familiar with them. I’m always impressed that each author manages to fit in a full mystery, with enough intrigue, in such short stories!
The first story, Irish Milkshake Murder by Carlene O’Connor, finds protagonist Tara Meehan, taking a ferry trip to the Aran Islands with her fiancé and friends for a hen and bachelor party she was dead set against having. The mystery is like a “closed room” puzzle to solve, after one of the three passengers unknown to Tara dies after drinking a milkshake on board the ferry. Stranded on the island because of a massive storm, finding the killer becomes necessary before they can strike again. I love closed room mysteries, and Ms. O’Connor is an expert at writing those. There were plenty of twists and turns amongst the well-written atmospheric backdrop that kept me on my toes.
The second novella, Murder Most Irish by Peggy Ehrhart, is homey with a small-town vibe. Protagonist Pamela Paterson and her BFF, Bettina, witness the murder of a patron at their favorite diner after he drank a green Irish milkshake. I like that the two women are of a “certain” age and that they use that to their advantage to get gossip and dig up dirt on who might have wanted the man dead. This is a slower-paced read but still enjoyable, following along with Pamela and Bettina, and visiting with their Knit & Nibble’s knitting club. These are characters you’d like spending time with and calling friends. The author also includes a recipe.
The third book, Mrs. Claus and the Luckless Leprechaun by Liz Ireland, is my favorite by far. Her imaginative North Pole setting and humorous dialog, characters, and situations had me devouring the story. Ms. Ireland knows how to capture the spirit and the festivities of the holiday and this newest story has it in spades…err shamrocks. The introduction of Mrs. Claus’ new reindeer, Wobbler, had me in stitches, and I was delighted as his role in the story unfolded. The mystery and reveal were creative and kept me turning pages. Honestly, I’d love to see a Mrs. Claus set of novellas covering every single holiday of the year!
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The first story, Irish Milkshake Murder by Carlene O’Connor, finds protagonist Tara Meehan, taking a ferry trip to the Aran Islands with her fiancé and friends for a hen and bachelor party she was dead set against having. The mystery is like a “closed room” puzzle to solve, after one of the three passengers unknown to Tara dies after drinking a milkshake on board the ferry. Stranded on the island because of a massive storm, finding the killer becomes necessary before they can strike again. I love closed room mysteries, and Ms. O’Connor is an expert at writing those. There were plenty of twists and turns amongst the well-written atmospheric backdrop that kept me on my toes.
The second novella, Murder Most Irish by Peggy Ehrhart, is homey with a small-town vibe. Protagonist Pamela Paterson and her BFF, Bettina, witness the murder of a patron at their favorite diner after he drank a green Irish milkshake. I like that the two women are of a “certain” age and that they use that to their advantage to get gossip and dig up dirt on who might have wanted the man dead. This is a slower-paced read but still enjoyable, following along with Pamela and Bettina, and visiting with their Knit & Nibble’s knitting club. These are characters you’d like spending time with and calling friends. The author also includes a recipe.
The third book, Mrs. Claus and the Luckless Leprechaun by Liz Ireland, is my favorite by far. Her imaginative North Pole setting and humorous dialog, characters, and situations had me devouring the story. Ms. Ireland knows how to capture the spirit and the festivities of the holiday and this newest story has it in spades…err shamrocks. The introduction of Mrs. Claus’ new reindeer, Wobbler, had me in stitches, and I was delighted as his role in the story unfolded. The mystery and reveal were creative and kept me turning pages. Honestly, I’d love to see a Mrs. Claus set of novellas covering every single holiday of the year!
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
xandra_lyn's review
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Super fun st. Patrick's Day mysteries! I loved how they all had to do with milkshakes. I read it for Liz Ireland's "Mrs. Claus" story, but the others were pretty good too.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death