I can't get enough of this series! ( )

I have been enjoying this series and really looked forward to the 3rd novel in the series. However, I found this one a little less satisfying than previous novels in the series.

The highlight was learning that Ol' Mick (original owner of Sullivan’s Pub) was instrumental in bringing musicians together to play their music in the back room in a very informal setting and the timing of the musician gatherings occurring rather magically as it was before cell phones, social media and the like. What a treat to think of Sullivan's Pub as a hot spot for informal jam sessions by such a mixture of Irish musicians playing their music and enjoying themselves as much if not more than the audience who came to listen and drink a pint or two.

The difficult part of the storyline for me was trying to imagine Lena as she herself says, "isn't particularly interested in music" and has never attended a live concert. Particularly for a young woman with a work history as bartender and waitress from South Boston in multiple establishments, I feel like I would have looked as incredulous as I imagine Old Billy's expression as he says, "Yer not one for the music, are you, now?" If Lena pursues hosting more musical gatherings perhaps the bar revenues will enhance her love of the music itself. Until then...

This novel does introduce the idea of more than one man vying for Lena's heart so it will be interesting to read how this continues in the next novels in the series. I'm still a fan if not for Lena but who can resist Old Billy's charm in his seat by the fireplace at Sullivan's and the visits with Bridget, dearest old friend of Lena's grandmother and now Lena's neighbor. ( )

A light, fun mystery. I love the Irish setting, and being able to look up the real places mentioned in the book. Maura Donovan is a strong, courageous young woman. I like how she grows and develops over the series, and learns to accept help from neighbors and co-workers. ( )

Maura discovers the pub used to hold musician jam sessions. When she connects with Niall, one of the musicians who used to play there, other musicians show up so she decides to give it a try. One is discovered dead in the back room when Maura shows up the following morning. Since she is certain she locked up, she isn't really sure how he got in until she discovers the former owner gave all the regular musicians keys back in the old days. This installment is short on mystery and goes on too long once the guilty party is captured. I'll probably skip the remainder of the series unless I see others with better reviews. Life is too short to read disappointing books, even if the setting is desirable. ( )

Maura, trying to make a go of Sullivan’s Pub in Leap, County Cork, hosts an Irish music night with musicians showing up via word-of-mouth. The idea came about from a Trinity College student who had heard of “the old days” of Sullivan’s and was looking for information about the musicians. It’s a big success and Maura’s thrilled with pub’s take for the night but then the next morning she discovers the dead body of one of the musicians in the back room. Too many suspects, strange break-ins and lots of local gossip. Quick, fun read ( )