An Early Wake (A County Cork Mystery)

This book had me thinking about not only the storyline, but my own life as well. A very insightful look at how each person views their futures and desires. Publican Maura Donovan, owner of Sullivan's Pub in Leap, Ireland is concerned about the viability of the pub. She has only owned the pub a bit shy of six months and is worried about the financials. Maura does not have a sense of business record keeping nor does she feel at ease with Computers etc. In a way, Maura is perfect for living in this small bucolic village where the pace of life is slower and you can be more trusting of your neighbors and strangers. Crime is present but not overwhelming like in Boston (where she had lived before.) However, she is also worried about being accepted by the locals and making friends and relationships. Her best friend, so far, is octogenarian Bridget Nolan. Bridget is a wise woman who has filled the void left by Maura's grandmother's passing. One day a student from a Dublin University comes in to research the famous Sullivan Music. What? It appears that impromptu concerts (jam sessions) would pop up with famous and no-so famous musicians and people from all around would stop by for a pint or more just to listen. Maura, no a musical person, herself, doesn't understand the appeal, but with Old Billy Sheahan's help suddenly the pub is hopping with music, singing, and laughter, not to mention, Euros out the till! Life is looking up for Maura, that is until the next morning. Going into the back room (where the concert was held) Maura is shocked to find Aidan Crowley dead. How did he die? Was it natural, accidental, or foul play? How is this going to affect the pub. Then, the student gets physically attacked, and dumped out of a moving car in front of the pub, why? Then the student's room is destroyed and his car trashed. What is this person looking for? Maura I now not so sure about her plan to restart the music traditions. I just won't say more about this novel because saying too much will spoil the intrigue that Ms. Connolly has carefully woven about the tale. I truly enjoyed each page.

I have to say that, as I read this book I felt much more emotionally involved with this story than I had in Scandal. So from a story telling view point, this story really could stand alone without having to be part of a series. Nicely done. I found it very interesting that, in this book Connolly addressed several concerns I had while reading Scandal in Skibbereen; Maura realizing to herself that she hasn't made any effort to go anywhere else in Ireland since arriving, and also becoming concerned that others in Leap might start to consider her (Maura, that is) to be bad luck since so many issues have happened in town since she got there. It's going to be interesting to see how Connolly addresses these concerns. Maura will continue to be very 2 dimensional until she experiences more than the inside of her pub. The whole 'Sean vs Mick' thing needs to be pursued too. She can't help being 2 dimensional- she never does anything outside the pub. It'll be up to Connolly to reconcile how such a small town can realistically have so many unnatural deaths. Like I said before, this series should not become the literary version of Murder, She Wrote. Let's see how this is handled. That ongoing concern aside, I was very glad to see that these issues were addressed within this installment. An Early Wake was, for me, a welcome return to feeling emotionally invested in Maura et al. This was a very good story in its own right, and worth reading.

An Early Wake by Sheila Connolly brings music back to Sullivan's by way of Irish magic. At least, that's how it feels. Will Maura figure out what happened to Aidan before she worries Sullivan's out of business? In this third installment, we find Maura settling into County Cork more than she thought she would. A uni student shows up to discuss the music that was at Sullivan's in the 1990s. Yes, to those younger, it's ancient history, but to the patrons of Sullivan's, it's nice to reminisce about it. Maura isn't much for music, but if it's good for the pub, then she's on board. Especially when some of the musicians from Old Mick's time show up to do an impromptu jam session, word travels like wildfire, and the next thing they know, the place is packed. We have to add some mystery here so one of the musicians dies in the backroom, and the uni student has another reason for coming here. Throw in some drugs, beatdowns, a blossoming romance, and you have an excellent story. Maura Donovan Our sleuth, Maura, is a worry wart. Seriously, this woman picks at everything. But Maura gets up each day and heads to the pub no matter what thoughts kept her up all night. I like Maura, and I know she's had tremendous character growth, but she needs to get out of her head and live a little. I am glad that she has found her place in the world. She's lucky to have the friends that she does. Also, Maura needs to figure out her heart before she hurts either of the men in her life. Five Stars My rating for An Early Wake by Sheila Connolly is five stars. The mystery, setting, and characters are fantastic, but my favorite part is the music, especially when Maura hears the magical sounds for the first time. I highly recommend this series. Sheila Connolly was a magnificent author, and we all miss her. Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of An Early Wake by Sheila Connolly. Until the next time, ~Jen If you would like to see other reviews like this one, check out Baroness Book Trove.

It's a book.

REALLY ENJOYED THIS BOOK, HOPE THERE ARE SOME MORE IN THIS SERIES

Very Good Read !