Rayne and her cousin Ciara are at it again trying to solve another murder mystery. Like this one, but must admit I am pleased I read others in the series before this one. Helps to have background. Would recommend.

These books are wonderful, all three of them! Brannigan does the Irish cozy mystery as well if not better as the best of them!

#DeathatanIrishVillage #NetGalley is the third book about cousins Rayne and Ciara, who work together to save their inheritance.
The cousins are preparing for another wedding at their castle, and while getting ready, they are also trying to prove their good intentions to their community.
Things take a bad turn when a local winds up dead, and a friend is the most likely suspect.
Rayne and Ciara are also dealing with their own personal struggles which really rounds out the story.
I enjoyed this addition to this series and I'm looking forward to seeing how they bring change to their small town.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.

⭐ Rating: 4/5
📖 Genre: Cozy Mystery
📅 Publication Date: August 26, 2025

🕵️‍♀️ Summary:
Rayne McGrath is finally settling into her new life in Ireland. What started as an unexpected inheritance of a rundown castle has now become a thriving bridal venue, a venture she runs with her cousin, Ciara. The two women have poured their hearts into making the business a success while slowly integrating into the local village.

To further build community ties, Rayne and Ciara team up with Father Patrick to organize a volunteer effort to clean up the cemetery behind the church. It’s supposed to be a goodwill initiative—until the discovery of an unburied body shatters their plans. Suddenly, Rayne finds herself tangled in another mystery, one that unearths old secrets and places her at the heart of danger once more.

🖋️ My Thoughts:
Ellie Brannigan does a wonderful job balancing mystery, atmosphere, and character development in this installment of the Irish Castle Mystery series. The cozy charm of an Irish village blends seamlessly with the eerie tension of a whodunit, making for an engaging read.

🔎 What I Loved:

✔ Rayne as a Protagonist: Rayne is the kind of heroine I love in a cozy mystery—intelligent, determined, and a bit out of her element but refusing to back down. Her bond with Ciara adds warmth to the story, making their dynamic feel natural and engaging.

✔ A Vivid Irish Setting: Brannigan paints a beautiful picture of the Irish countryside and village life. From the cozy local pub to the winding roads and ancient cemeteries, the setting feels immersive and adds a unique charm to the story.

✔ A Well-Plotted Mystery: The discovery of the body is just the beginning. The book unfolds at a steady pace, with well-placed clues, twists, and red herrings. Brannigan keeps you guessing, dropping hints and misdirections while maintaining intrigue until the very end.

✔ A Strong Sense of Community: I enjoyed how the book captures the essence of small-town relationships—everyone knows everyone, secrets don’t stay buried for long (literally, in this case), and there’s a mix of camaraderie and gossip that adds authenticity to the story.

🔸 A Few Minor Drawbacks:

▫ Pacing Issues: While the mystery itself is intriguing, there are moments where the pacing slows down, especially with some subplots that don’t feel as necessary.

▫ Secondary Characters Could Shine More: While Rayne and Ciara are well-developed, some of the supporting cast could have been fleshed out further to add more depth to the mystery.

✨ Final Verdict:
If you enjoy cozy mysteries with a strong female lead, an immersive setting, and a well-constructed puzzle to solve, Death at an Irish Village is a fantastic pick. The mix of murder, small-town charm, and Irish culture makes for a delightful read. While the pacing lags in parts, the compelling mystery and likable characters more than make up for it.

📌 Recommended For:
✔ Fans of cozy mysteries with atmospheric settings
✔ Readers who love strong female sleuths
✔ Anyone looking for an engaging, lighthearted whodunit with a touch of Irish charm

Will Rayne be able to solve the mystery before more secrets come to light? Pick up Death at an Irish Village to find out! 📖🍀

This was a quick cozy read and the plot was engaging enough. I loved the atmosphere and I would recommend for anyone looking for a fast paced read

I absolutely love Cozy Murder mystery books. I wasn't certain about this one though because I was on the fence about it Definitely worth the read