This post contains affiliate links. If you buy something through the links in this post, I may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you.

It’s my stop today for the blog tour of Death at Inishmore Castle by Lucy Connelly.

Death at Inishmore Castle is the third book in Lucy Connelly’s Mercy McCarthy Mysteries.

The historic Inishmore Castle is opening its doors for the first time, hosting a weekend of whiskey tasting and soda bread baking. Twin sisters Mercy and Lizzie McCarthy, badly in need of a break, are looking forward to a relaxing trip. But their vacation takes an unexpected turn when Mercy discovers a fellow guest, Father Brennen, slumped over the desk in the library—with a knife sticking out of his chest.

The only bridge connecting the castle to the main town has been inundated by heavy rain and flooding. Now, the guests are trapped—with a killer among them. What’s more, Mercy quickly learns that the so-called priest was no priest at all—he was an imposter. So why was he searching through dusty old journals? Could the legend of Inishmore’s lost treasure actually be true?

Mercy’s suspicions of foul play are confirmed when another guest is found dead—this time in the lake at the edge of the manor. With a host of frightened guests, worried staff, and a relentless storm that refuses to let up, Mercy’s suspect list is longer than the number of bedrooms in the castle.

I was eagerly awaiting the latest installment of the Mercy McCarthy Mysteries, Death at Inishmore Castle. Set in a rustic and charming seaside town in Ireland, this series boasts sleuthing twins—one of whom is a famous mystery author—along with the age-old Irish charm, a setting where everyone knows everyone, and, of course, no cozy mystery is complete without a dash of romance and a murder (or two).

The story begins with Mercy and Lizzie wondering if they’ll even reach the castle in one piece. The famous Irish thunderclaps startle them, and the relentless rain pours in sheets. They arrive late and are soon introduced to the rest of the guests. Among them are a birdwatcher, a married couple from America, a priest, and a nun. Yes, a priest and a nun enter a whiskey-tasting competition… we all know how that joke ends, don’t we? Or… do we?

The storm and flooding set the perfect atmosphere for a locked-room-style mystery. The castle holds secrets—from long-lost treasure to hidden passageways—creating the perfect stage for murder and intrigue, keeping readers hooked.

Mercy is a likable character and a reliable narrator. While she’s great at writing and solving mysteries, her skills in the kitchen and crafting are abysmal. These shortcomings are mentioned a few too many times for my liking, but thankfully, the sleuthing takes precedence!

As for the murder mystery, there are plenty of red herrings. The hosts seem decent—but are they really? Then there’s the infamous Inishmore curse—could it be real? Could it be responsible for the deaths?

I was completely engrossed in this story and couldn’t put it down. I found myself staying up late, eager to know what happened next. Once again, Lucy Connelly’s writing prowess shines through in this latest installment of the Mercy McCarthy series. With excellent storytelling, strong character development, and an atmospheric denouement, Connelly delivers yet another gripping mystery. *thunderclap*

---

Other books in Mercy McCarthy series:

Books in An American in Scotland Series by Lucy Connelly

The Book Decoder