Helpful Score: 2
I had a hard time getting into this book because I have no knowledge of Irish history. The beginning of the book is very heavy in explaining the basics. Once I figured out most of it, the book was really interesting. I love how the author's Irish voice got into my head while I was reading it and the love tension between Dermot and Nuala was very good too. Unfortunately for me, when I finished it I discovered a brief history timeline of the period the book discusses on the last two pages. I could have really used that at the beginning! So I would say if you are new to reading historical fiction from this period, flip to the back for timeline first, then read the story.
Helpful Score: 2
I just received this book from another PBS member on Thursday, and I finished it last night at 1:30 AM...it was so good I couldn't put it down! The characters are fabulous, the main character has the typical Irish family (which I can relate to) and the descriptions of the countryside and the people of Ireland and so accurate and so descriptive, I felt like I was back there all over again. Romance, action, intrigue, and a whole lot of Irish History (which makes for a slow chapter or two, no more than two) has made this a series I am hooked on officially. I already ordered the next book! Who would have thought such books could be written by a priest???
I am a fan of Greeley's work. This is a new series to me, and seemed too heavy on the history - but that may just be me.
Typical Greeley...with a fun twist...diary backgound to pull the story together.
A pleasant relaxing book. Mixture of romance mystery and history with Fr Greely's usual mastery of the Irish dialog.
I love the dual story in this series.
Great book. Well developed characters and a plot that is full of surprises.
On a benign quest, Dermot Michael Coyne travels to Dublin to investigate his grandparents' mysterious flight from Ireland to Chicago during the time of the "Troubles" in 1922. His initial foray produces life-threatening warnings intended to discourage him from delving into Liam and Nell O'Riada's past. In a local pub, Dermot reflects upon the horrifying prospect that Liam might have been a terrorist. Later, he is dazzled by the presence of a "Celtic goddess," Nuala McGrail. Thus begins Dermot and Nuala's passionate relationship. As translator of Nell's Irish diary chronicling the Troubles, Nuala subtly guides Dermot as he untangles a nefarious web of murder and intrigue. With a promise to continue the saga of Dermot and Nuala, priest and prolific novelist Greeley serves up piquant characters who are engulfed in delightful Irish mystery.
On a benign quest, Dermot Michael Coyne travels to Dublin to investigate his grandparents' mysterious flight from Ireland to Chicago during the time of the "Troubles" in 1922. His initial foray produces life-threatening warnings intended to discourage him from delving into Liam and Nell O'Riada's past. In a local pub, Dermot reflects upon the horrifying prospect that Liam might have been a terrorist. Later, he is dazzled by the presence of a "Celtic goddess," Nuala McGrail. Thus begins Dermot and Nuala's passionate relationship. As translator of Nell's Irish diary chronicling the Troubles, Nuala subtly guides Dermot as he untangles a nefarious web of murder and intrigue. With a promise to continue the saga of Dermot and Nuala, priest and prolific novelist Greeley serves up piquant characters who are engulfed in delightful Irish mystery. Recommended for popular fiction collections.
LIBRARY JOURNAL REVIEW
LIBRARY JOURNAL REVIEW
This was a book of the month club pick. A young man travels to Irland to find out why his greandparents fled there in the 1900's.
