Dead in Dublin: A Charming Irish Cozy Mystery

Dead in Dublin by Catie Murphy is the beginning of A Dublin Driver Mystery series. Megan Malone retired from the military after twenty years and relocated to Dublin, Ireland where she works as a driver for Leprechaun Limo Service. Megan is shocked when Elizabeth “Liz” Darr collapses at the base of the Molly Malone statue and passes away. Liz Darr was a renowned restaurant critic and food blogger who had been traveling for the last year around Europe with her husband Simon. Megan had been ferrying them around the last three months whenever they were in town. When food poisoning is suspected, Megan’s friend, Fionnuala Canan comes under suspicion as the chef from Canan’s where Liz had her last meal. Both Fionnuala and her boss, Orla Keegan ask (beg) Megan to investigate. Detective Paul Bourke admires Megan’s tenacity, but he would rather she keep her nose out of the investigation and stick to driving. Megan has no intention of giving up especially after the victim’s parents also ask her to get them answers. Megan has her hands full between her driving duties, sleuthing and taking care of a Jack Russell terrier along with her two pups that were discovered in the kitchen of Canan’s. When another death occurs at Canan’s, Megan is sure they are connected. Can Megan steer the investigation towards the killer? Dead in Dublin takes readers to Dublin, Ireland with her vivid descriptions of this charming city. Megan lives just outside Dublin in an apartment in Rathmines where she must make sure her landlord and boss, Orla does not discover the mama dog and her two puppies (which Megan keeps saying she has no intention of keeping). I appreciated the pronunciation guide at the beginning of the book for the various characters names (Niamh is pronounced Neev). It was very helpful. Megan is a Houston native who wanted a fresh start after retiring from a twenty year career in the military. She enjoys ferrying people around the city, though, she is not fond of her boss, Orla Keegan. I like that Megan is intelligent as well as friendly with a unique profession for a cozy mystery. Detective Paul Bourke is in charge of the case, and he likes that Megan is determined (though he does wish she will quit meddling). There is definite chemistry between them. There are a variety of eccentric characters from Niamh O’Sullivan who is an actress and activist to Megan’s Uncle Rabbie with his varied connections. The mystery was multifaceted and suited the Irish setting. We follow Megan as she questions various people searching for answers. I believe readers will enjoy this challenging whodunit. I was surprised by the foul language present in Dead in Dublin since it is not normal for it to be present in cozy mysteries. Dead in Dublin is a stimulating new cozy mystery with darling dogs, ineffable Irish charm, a dashing detective, a rash of rumors, and one determined driver.