This week has been full of personal chaos (hence the Saturday review instead of my usual Thursday review), and I knew I needed a cozy escape, preferably in the form of a murder mystery set far, far away. Browsing through Kindle Unlimited, I was ecstatic to find Death by the Book by Lucy Connelly, the second installment in her Mercy McCarthy series.

I reviewed the first book, Murder in an Irish Bookshop, not too long ago, and what I love most about this series is its setting: the fictional Irish village of Shamrock Cove – a slightly corny name, but charming nonetheless. Mercy and her twin sister Lizzie inherited their grandfather’s house and moved to Ireland, where Lizzie now runs his old bookstore and Mercy continues her crime-writing career. For the second time, the sisters find themselves tangled up in a small-town murder investigation.

You don’t have to read the first book to enjoy this one – Connelly does a great job reintroducing the characters and their backstories. That said, I’d still recommend starting with book one to avoid any spoilers.

What makes Death by the Book stand out is the strength of its “whodunit” plot. There’s a full cast of suspects, each with believable motives and ties to the crime. While I did correctly guess the culprit this time, it was far from easy. The twists kept me guessing until that final big reveal.

This series is perfect for a sick day in bed or a rainy afternoon when you want to curl up with something fun and engaging. They’re quick reads you can finish in a single sitting, and they deliver both comfort and intrigue.

One of my favorite touches in this book was the sisters’ little dog, Mr. Poe. While reading at my in-laws’ house, I kept picturing my mother-in-law’s Yorkie, Corkey, as the story’s tiny sleuthing pup. I’m convinced he’d make a great detective himself.

If you’re craving a destination read that combines an atmospheric setting with a gripping mystery, the Mercy McCarthy series is a must. These books are cozy, clever, and guaranteed to keep you hooked.