What do you think?
Rate this book
Irish Bed & Breakfast Mystery #1
The Jig Is Up
Irish step dance takes a deadly turn in this Celtic cozy series debut, perfect for fans of Carlene O’Connor and Paige Shelton. Single-mom and police chief’s daughter Kate Buckley is all about family. After she receives an urgent text from her younger sister Colleen, she puts her life on hold and rushes to her Irish-themed hometown of Shamrock, Massachusetts. With her two daughters in tow, she’s ready to fight if it means she can help her charming but hapless sibling. When they arrive, Colleen claims it was all a misunderstanding. But everything changes in an Irish minute when Colleen’s best friend Deirdre, a dance show star, is found dead in the parish hall. With the discovery of a possible witness, a chilling motive, and a wee bit of incriminating evidence Colleen quickly becomes a person of interest in Deirdre’s murder. Convinced her sister isn't a killer, Kate is determined to clear Colleen’s name. As Kate investigates, Colleen takes charge of Shamrock’s popular Irish dance show in honor of her late friend–with disastrous results. With the St. Patrick’s Week festivities in full swing, Kate must catch the killer before the celebrations are ruined and her sister’s Irish luck runs out.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published August 6, 2024
27 people are currently reading
3139 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Q. Mathews
6 books473 followersLisa Q. Mathews began her publishing career as a Nancy Drew book editor. She also wrote for popular kids’ series such as Mary-Kate and Ashley, Sweet Dreams, and the Lizzie McGuire Mysteries, and became an executive editor at Random House.
After her years in New York, Lisa returned home to New England to write mysteries for adults. Her books in the Irish Bed & Breakfast Mysteries and the Ladies Smythe & Westin series feature strong female sleuths and plenty of family. Lisa’s short story “Fly Me to the Morgue” was an Agatha Award finalist.
A fan of stone walls, the Red Sox and Dunks iced tea, Lisa lives in New Hampshire with her family, including a crazy golden retriever and a highly pampered black cat. The “Q” in her name stands for “Quinn.”
After her years in New York, Lisa returned home to New England to write mysteries for adults. Her books in the Irish Bed & Breakfast Mysteries and the Ladies Smythe & Westin series feature strong female sleuths and plenty of family. Lisa’s short story “Fly Me to the Morgue” was an Agatha Award finalist.
A fan of stone walls, the Red Sox and Dunks iced tea, Lisa lives in New Hampshire with her family, including a crazy golden retriever and a highly pampered black cat. The “Q” in her name stands for “Quinn.”
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
February 15, 2024
Following Kate Buckley’s journey to solve the murder of an Irish dancer in her quirky hometown of Shamrock, Massachusetts was so engaging it made me want to lace up a pair of ghillies and join the search. Mathews’ writing is crisp and witty and there’s a gasp-worthy twist at book’s end. The setting, a town devoted to all things Irish, is so delightful you’ll find yourself hoping Shamrock really exists. I can’t wait for another visit to the Buckley family's unique Irish-themed Bed and Breakfast. Slainte!
May 26, 2024
2.5 stars rounded up to 3. Ok, I really wanted to like this book. An "Irish" town set up in Western Massachusetts, a charming B & B, an Irish step dancing school, and an extended family. Unfortunately, what I found was a really cheesey town, with a slimey mayor, folks who were more interested in fame and status than helping a neighbor and a family that was crazily dysfunctional. When Kate drags her daughters up with her from New York city to answer her sister's frantic call for help she shows up to find her sister saying it's nothing major and then to be dragged into a murder scene within an hour of her arrival. She gets no clues from the rest of her family, and her sister is the prime suspect in her best friend's murder. Her father is a retired police chief, retired for injury in the line, and seems to be calling the shots from his home. A neighboring B & B, is casting shade, a competitor tries to open a dancing school in competition to the victim's school before there is even a cause of death and Kate's family wants her to solve all their problems without telling her what's actually going on. This was just too convoluted for me, I couldn't warm up to any of the characters, and the "reveal" was crazy. Unfortunately, I will pass on this series. Thanks to #NetGalley and #CrookedLaneBooks for the opportunity to read.
March 6, 2024
Absolutely enchanting! The Jig Is Up will have you seeing shamrocks. Settle in with a mug of Irish coffee and your favorite green blanket, because it's gonna take more than the luck o' the Irish to solve Lisa Q. Mathews's delightful mystery. This whodunit hits all the right steps - I give it five pots of gold stars!
September 20, 2024
Dollycas's Thoughts
As expected Shamrock, Massachusetts celebrates St Patrick's Day in a big way with a whole week of festivities. Single-mom and ex-police chief’s daughter Kate Buckley didn't plan to be home for all the events but when she gets an urgent text from her younger sister Colleen she packs up her 14-year-old daughter Maeve and her 7-year old daughter Mary Elizabeth "Bliz" and hits the road. They arrive in Shamrock right in the middle of a huge thunderstorm and to Colleen saying the text was a misunderstanding. Well, they are there now and may as well stick around.
It's a good thing Kate came to town because Colleen's best friend, Deirdre, was murdered and Kate, Maeve, and Colleen find her body in the parish hall where she was rehearsing for an Irish Dance Show that was to be part of the St. Patty's Week events. Soon the police have evidence that may link Colleen to the dance show star's death.
Kate will do anything to prove Colleen's innocence while Colleen agrees to honor Deirdre by taking control of the Irish dance show. It may take the luck of the Irish to complete both tasks but with their dad, the ex-police chief in their corner they may just pull it off.
______
Ms. Mathews has introduced an interesting set of characters in this first Irish Bed & Breakfast Mystery. The Buckley family owns a small B&B, and Colleen and her mother run the place. The Chief is the ex-chief of police who was left without the use of his legs when a guy he sent to prison walked into the police department and shot him. You can take the Chief out of his office but not out of a job he held and loved for three decades. He sits in his wheelchair with a scanner turned up to blast by his side. He freely calls the officers to give his opinions and "orders". The Buckleys also have a son, Frank. He is a police officer but truthfully he seems like a big teenager. Kate left Shamrock and went to New York City with the dream of being a professional musician. She married an Irish musician but he is now back in Dublin and she is working as an accountant and raising her girls Marve and Bliz. We also met a variety of Shamrock residents.
I feel like we got to know the Chief, better than the rest. The patriarch of this family is strong, and opinionated, loves his family and his community, and will do anything to keep them safe. He reminded me a lot of my dad who wasn't paralyzed in any way, that's me, but he was the fire chief of our small town and we had many people we all considered family even though not related by blood in any way. He cared for them all until the day he died.
Shamrock is a town that has been "revamped" to play up its early Celtic history and is filled with shops, restaurants, and other businesses, to draw in tourists, crafters, and St. Patty's fans so that the town and its residents could make "pots of gold". The center of the town was designed as a "charming village in Ireland" although the Chief claims it looks nothing like anything he has seen in the Emerald Isle. I enjoyed traveling around with Kate and Colleen but I think there is much more of Shamrock left to see.
I liked the Irish Dance theme and how Kate's girls jumped right in to learn. All the events celebrating St. Patrick's Day sounded fun.
The murder mystery was captivating and for a reason I can't actually pin down something about the guilty party caught my attention early. I didn't waiver in my theory either. I did have fun following around with Kate as she tried to find clues and put them together in a way that made sense. Then she did something I hate by putting herself in danger with no real backup. Nonetheless, I give her props for what she did, and agreeing with me that it was a "stupid idea", but the showdown was exciting. There was another surprise reveal in the story that I didn't see coming but it made perfect sense, the clues were all there.
The Jig Is Up has laid an excellent foundation for this series to build on. I want to get to know the Buckley family better. I already have a soft spot in my heart for Chief. I am looking forward to returning to Shamrock to see what shenanigans Ms. Mathews has in store for its residents next.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to the Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
As expected Shamrock, Massachusetts celebrates St Patrick's Day in a big way with a whole week of festivities. Single-mom and ex-police chief’s daughter Kate Buckley didn't plan to be home for all the events but when she gets an urgent text from her younger sister Colleen she packs up her 14-year-old daughter Maeve and her 7-year old daughter Mary Elizabeth "Bliz" and hits the road. They arrive in Shamrock right in the middle of a huge thunderstorm and to Colleen saying the text was a misunderstanding. Well, they are there now and may as well stick around.
It's a good thing Kate came to town because Colleen's best friend, Deirdre, was murdered and Kate, Maeve, and Colleen find her body in the parish hall where she was rehearsing for an Irish Dance Show that was to be part of the St. Patty's Week events. Soon the police have evidence that may link Colleen to the dance show star's death.
Kate will do anything to prove Colleen's innocence while Colleen agrees to honor Deirdre by taking control of the Irish dance show. It may take the luck of the Irish to complete both tasks but with their dad, the ex-police chief in their corner they may just pull it off.
______
Ms. Mathews has introduced an interesting set of characters in this first Irish Bed & Breakfast Mystery. The Buckley family owns a small B&B, and Colleen and her mother run the place. The Chief is the ex-chief of police who was left without the use of his legs when a guy he sent to prison walked into the police department and shot him. You can take the Chief out of his office but not out of a job he held and loved for three decades. He sits in his wheelchair with a scanner turned up to blast by his side. He freely calls the officers to give his opinions and "orders". The Buckleys also have a son, Frank. He is a police officer but truthfully he seems like a big teenager. Kate left Shamrock and went to New York City with the dream of being a professional musician. She married an Irish musician but he is now back in Dublin and she is working as an accountant and raising her girls Marve and Bliz. We also met a variety of Shamrock residents.
I feel like we got to know the Chief, better than the rest. The patriarch of this family is strong, and opinionated, loves his family and his community, and will do anything to keep them safe. He reminded me a lot of my dad who wasn't paralyzed in any way, that's me, but he was the fire chief of our small town and we had many people we all considered family even though not related by blood in any way. He cared for them all until the day he died.
Shamrock is a town that has been "revamped" to play up its early Celtic history and is filled with shops, restaurants, and other businesses, to draw in tourists, crafters, and St. Patty's fans so that the town and its residents could make "pots of gold". The center of the town was designed as a "charming village in Ireland" although the Chief claims it looks nothing like anything he has seen in the Emerald Isle. I enjoyed traveling around with Kate and Colleen but I think there is much more of Shamrock left to see.
I liked the Irish Dance theme and how Kate's girls jumped right in to learn. All the events celebrating St. Patrick's Day sounded fun.
The murder mystery was captivating and for a reason I can't actually pin down something about the guilty party caught my attention early. I didn't waiver in my theory either. I did have fun following around with Kate as she tried to find clues and put them together in a way that made sense. Then she did something I hate by putting herself in danger with no real backup. Nonetheless, I give her props for what she did, and agreeing with me that it was a "stupid idea", but the showdown was exciting. There was another surprise reveal in the story that I didn't see coming but it made perfect sense, the clues were all there.
The Jig Is Up has laid an excellent foundation for this series to build on. I want to get to know the Buckley family better. I already have a soft spot in my heart for Chief. I am looking forward to returning to Shamrock to see what shenanigans Ms. Mathews has in store for its residents next.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to the Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
August 22, 2024
4.25⭐
Fresh setting for a cozy mystery in a small town capitalizing on its Irish heritage to revitalize and focus on tourism. Learned so much about Irish dance while enjoying this story packed with interesting characters and old secrets. Well-paced with some good twists. Thanks to netgalley and Crooked Lane for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Fresh setting for a cozy mystery in a small town capitalizing on its Irish heritage to revitalize and focus on tourism. Learned so much about Irish dance while enjoying this story packed with interesting characters and old secrets. Well-paced with some good twists. Thanks to netgalley and Crooked Lane for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 10, 2024
This debut cozy mystery has good bones but didn’t quite reach its potential in my opinion. I liked the setting and having the mystery surrounding an Irish Dance school was unique. Where the story failed to create a connection for me was in the main characters. Kate is the mother of two girls and is a bit older than many cozy main characters, but she often comes across as rather immature, indecisive and her behavior is inconsistent - being assertive at times and then panicking at others. Kate’s sister Coleen is secretive and refuses to discuss the reason she sent Kate an urgent request to come home and that’s just accepted. This is one of those series introductions that seems to be having some growing pains. We didn’t learn enough about the main characters to form that bond that cozy readers look for. There were also unanswered questions that left a feeling of dissatisfaction.
January 26, 2024
#TheJigIsUp #NetGalley is a new book featuring sisters Kate and Colleen Buckley.
Kate and her daughters arrive in Shamrock after receiving an odd message from her sister Colleen.
When the sisters head out to meet up with Irish step dancer Deirdre, they make a gruesome discovery, which soon involves them in a murder investigation.
The quaint New England town of Shamrock holds plenty of secrets, including one between the two sisters.
I found myself immediately connected to all the characters and the story kept me engaged from beginning to end.
I'm looking forward to reading more in this series.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of the book.
Kate and her daughters arrive in Shamrock after receiving an odd message from her sister Colleen.
When the sisters head out to meet up with Irish step dancer Deirdre, they make a gruesome discovery, which soon involves them in a murder investigation.
The quaint New England town of Shamrock holds plenty of secrets, including one between the two sisters.
I found myself immediately connected to all the characters and the story kept me engaged from beginning to end.
I'm looking forward to reading more in this series.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of the book.
July 23, 2024
Kate Buckley comes home to her hometown of Shamrock, Massachusetts, after receiving a panicked call from her sister Colleen. When Kate arrives with her two daughters - fourteen-year-old Maeve and seven-year-old Bliz, she finds Colleen doing anything she can to avoid telling Kate what is wrong.
The ultimate distraction occurs when they stumble upon the body of Colleen's best friend Deidre in the backstage area where she had been preparing for the St. Patrick's Day step dancing festival. A recent fight with Deidre makes Colleen the prime suspect for the murder.
Kate is determined to prove her sister innocent and find the real killer. There are quite a few suspects from a frenemy who wants to set up a competing dance studio to Deidre's old dance partner who resented her for leaving the dance troupe.
As Colleen takes over preparing the young dancers for the St. Patrick's Day performance, Kate investigates suspects often running afoul of her old boyfriend turned police detective and her own brother who is also a police officer.
This was an engaging cozy mystery in a nice small-town setting. I liked the way Kate figures out what is going on both in regard to the murder and in regard to her sister Colleen's secrets.
The ultimate distraction occurs when they stumble upon the body of Colleen's best friend Deidre in the backstage area where she had been preparing for the St. Patrick's Day step dancing festival. A recent fight with Deidre makes Colleen the prime suspect for the murder.
Kate is determined to prove her sister innocent and find the real killer. There are quite a few suspects from a frenemy who wants to set up a competing dance studio to Deidre's old dance partner who resented her for leaving the dance troupe.
As Colleen takes over preparing the young dancers for the St. Patrick's Day performance, Kate investigates suspects often running afoul of her old boyfriend turned police detective and her own brother who is also a police officer.
This was an engaging cozy mystery in a nice small-town setting. I liked the way Kate figures out what is going on both in regard to the murder and in regard to her sister Colleen's secrets.
July 25, 2024
This was such a fun cozy mystery! I loved the Irish Bed & Breakfast theme and the mystery itself was really engaging. The characters really drew me in and had me invested in the outcome of the story. The pace moved along nicely and kept my attention until the very last twist.
This is the first book in An Irish Bed & Breakfast Mystery series. In this book single mom Kate rushes to her hometown after receiving an urgent text from her sister. Soon after arriving her sister’s best friend is discovered dead and she ends up being a person of interest. Kate is determined to clear her sister’s name.
Read this if you like:
→ Whodunit
→ Small town setting
→ Family focus
→ Fast- paced
If you are looking for a fun new cozy series, definitely give this one a try.
Thank you @crookedlanebooks for sending me a #gifted copy of the book.
This is the first book in An Irish Bed & Breakfast Mystery series. In this book single mom Kate rushes to her hometown after receiving an urgent text from her sister. Soon after arriving her sister’s best friend is discovered dead and she ends up being a person of interest. Kate is determined to clear her sister’s name.
Read this if you like:
→ Whodunit
→ Small town setting
→ Family focus
→ Fast- paced
If you are looking for a fun new cozy series, definitely give this one a try.
Thank you @crookedlanebooks for sending me a #gifted copy of the book.
March 18, 2024
I gave five stars to The Jig is Up by Lisa Q. Mathews
Single-mom and police chief’s daughter Kate Buckley is all about family. After she receives an urgent text from her younger sister Colleen, she puts her life on hold and rushes to her Irish-themed hometown of Shamrock, Massachusetts. With her two daughters in tow, she’s ready to fight if it means she can help her charming but hapless sibling. When they arrive, Colleen claims it was all a misunderstanding. But everything changes in an Irish minute when Colleen’s best friend Deirdre, a dance show star, is found dead in the parish hall. With the discovery of a possible witness, a chilling motive, and a wee bit of incriminating evidence Colleen quickly becomes a person of interest in Deirdre’s murder. Convinced her sister isn't a killer, Kate is determined to clear Colleen’s name. As Kate investigates, Colleen takes charge of Shamrock’s popular Irish dance show in honor of her late friend–with disastrous results. With the St. Patrick’s Week festivities in full swing, Kate must catch the killer before the celebrations are ruined and her sister’s Irish luck runs out.
-------- REVIEW --------
A new Irish cozy mystery series perfect for St. Patrick's Day. I really enjoyed this read and liked that it focused so much on the family. Kate, along with her daughter, try to solve the murder and they really have such an amazing bond. I hope to find more cozy mysteries with a mother and daughter sleuthing team.
The mystery was also good and I had no idea whodunit. But what had me turning the pages were the well written characters and the Irish theme that is very apparent, even just by looking at the cover.
I will be picking up the next one, and recommend this to all cozy lovers.
This book comes out August 6.
Thank you, NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Single-mom and police chief’s daughter Kate Buckley is all about family. After she receives an urgent text from her younger sister Colleen, she puts her life on hold and rushes to her Irish-themed hometown of Shamrock, Massachusetts. With her two daughters in tow, she’s ready to fight if it means she can help her charming but hapless sibling. When they arrive, Colleen claims it was all a misunderstanding. But everything changes in an Irish minute when Colleen’s best friend Deirdre, a dance show star, is found dead in the parish hall. With the discovery of a possible witness, a chilling motive, and a wee bit of incriminating evidence Colleen quickly becomes a person of interest in Deirdre’s murder. Convinced her sister isn't a killer, Kate is determined to clear Colleen’s name. As Kate investigates, Colleen takes charge of Shamrock’s popular Irish dance show in honor of her late friend–with disastrous results. With the St. Patrick’s Week festivities in full swing, Kate must catch the killer before the celebrations are ruined and her sister’s Irish luck runs out.
-------- REVIEW --------
A new Irish cozy mystery series perfect for St. Patrick's Day. I really enjoyed this read and liked that it focused so much on the family. Kate, along with her daughter, try to solve the murder and they really have such an amazing bond. I hope to find more cozy mysteries with a mother and daughter sleuthing team.
The mystery was also good and I had no idea whodunit. But what had me turning the pages were the well written characters and the Irish theme that is very apparent, even just by looking at the cover.
I will be picking up the next one, and recommend this to all cozy lovers.
This book comes out August 6.
Thank you, NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
December 7, 2024
DNF ... too illogical from the start. Sorry, Ms Mathews
August 20, 2024
"The Jig Is Up (Irish Bed & Breakfast #1)" by Lisa Q. Mathews hit all the marks for a good classic cozy mystery. It has a woman old enough to have two kids, one a teenager. She's having/had relationship upheaval. Now, because of something potentially life changing, is returning to a place she calls home and is made an offer to stay there. Then, a murder occurs and just happens to involve someone she cares about (her sister). However, we don't know if she's going to permanently move back once her lease in her current apartment is up. I bet she does.
I wasn't all that surprised by the reveal of the culprit. I say this because I got a bit of a gut feeling at the beginning when this character was introduced. It may have come more from hoping they weren't going to be a reoccurring character. Either way, the build up of clues did lead to them but not so much as to point directly at them. The clues lead to 2-3 possible people.
I look forward to more books in this series. It is a great first book. Not only is it Irish themed, it starts off with the most Irish American holiday, St. Patrick's Day.
I wasn't all that surprised by the reveal of the culprit. I say this because I got a bit of a gut feeling at the beginning when this character was introduced. It may have come more from hoping they weren't going to be a reoccurring character. Either way, the build up of clues did lead to them but not so much as to point directly at them. The clues lead to 2-3 possible people.
I look forward to more books in this series. It is a great first book. Not only is it Irish themed, it starts off with the most Irish American holiday, St. Patrick's Day.
June 26, 2024
This book was a fun first in a new series!
The whole book is set in a small town called Shamrock and is appropriately everything Irish.
Kate comes home after an urgent text message from her sister, Colleen, but when she rushes from the big city back home Colleen doesn't want to talk about whatever "urgent" matter that prompted her to send the text.
Colleen and Kate, plus Kate's daughter, Maeve, are heading out to eat and stop along the way to pick up Colleen's best friend and Irish dance star, Dierdre. Instead, they stumble upon Dierdre's body and Colleen becomes a suspect.
Kate is on the case to clear her sister and find out what really happened to Dierdre.
There is a jaw-dropping bombshell secret that comes out about Kate's family and some other secrets from the town. This was well-written and a definite page-turner and well-worth adding it to your TBR list.
I received an advance copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
4.5*
The whole book is set in a small town called Shamrock and is appropriately everything Irish.
Kate comes home after an urgent text message from her sister, Colleen, but when she rushes from the big city back home Colleen doesn't want to talk about whatever "urgent" matter that prompted her to send the text.
Colleen and Kate, plus Kate's daughter, Maeve, are heading out to eat and stop along the way to pick up Colleen's best friend and Irish dance star, Dierdre. Instead, they stumble upon Dierdre's body and Colleen becomes a suspect.
Kate is on the case to clear her sister and find out what really happened to Dierdre.
There is a jaw-dropping bombshell secret that comes out about Kate's family and some other secrets from the town. This was well-written and a definite page-turner and well-worth adding it to your TBR list.
I received an advance copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
4.5*
December 31, 2024
A nice start to the series. I had a few hang ups with the main characters sister (I’m assuming that it’s supposed to be that way. 😅), but enjoyed the rest of the characters. The pacing was great with plenty of red herrings and ending with several twists and turns.
Thanks NetGalley, Crooked Lane Books, and Lisa Q. Mathew’s for the eARC. All opinions are my own.
Thanks NetGalley, Crooked Lane Books, and Lisa Q. Mathew’s for the eARC. All opinions are my own.
September 10, 2024
Lisa Mathews wrote the start of what I picture as a pretty good series.
Small town Massachusetts doesn’t show up too much, especially when the main character is a big city gal. So there’s a different aura going on around this sleuth, which makes it fun.
The characters are pretty fun to watch, and I hope a few more of Kate’s old friends make appearances in future books. I like that not only do we have the cops, but a retired cop is involved too. New take on law enforcement.
Love the setting. It is well developed and I just think a bit more visual is needed to get a good grasp. I can’t wait to see a bit more of the merchants.
The pace was good, and the action was the appropriate for a cozy mystery.
I felt the clues and red herrings were hidden a bit much for me. Not positive if it’s my lack of deductive reasoning or not. Which is good, because I sure didn’t guess the killer.
Definitely worth checking out the next installment.
Small town Massachusetts doesn’t show up too much, especially when the main character is a big city gal. So there’s a different aura going on around this sleuth, which makes it fun.
The characters are pretty fun to watch, and I hope a few more of Kate’s old friends make appearances in future books. I like that not only do we have the cops, but a retired cop is involved too. New take on law enforcement.
Love the setting. It is well developed and I just think a bit more visual is needed to get a good grasp. I can’t wait to see a bit more of the merchants.
The pace was good, and the action was the appropriate for a cozy mystery.
I felt the clues and red herrings were hidden a bit much for me. Not positive if it’s my lack of deductive reasoning or not. Which is good, because I sure didn’t guess the killer.
Definitely worth checking out the next installment.
September 6, 2024
I initially thought this was going to take place in Ireland, but I was mistaken. Overall there’s a lot going on throughout the book with quite a few characters and drama. Maybe the next book will step back and settle down a bit.
February 19, 2025
First in a series. 4/B
March 29, 2024
Thank you to Netgalley and the author for the chance to read this book!
I can’t resist the premise of a classic cozy, and this, the first in a new series has all the hallmark elements I’ve come to know and love about the genre. We have a female sleuth moving back to her her home town, an old flame waiting in the wings, an eccentric family and a few big secrets under wraps. We have a theme, that of Irish dancing and combined with small town rivalry in the air B&B business. Add in the mystery and murder, and the stage is set.
I will say there were a few times where I had to stretch the believability and convenience of the situation. I can’t help but feel the lead gives far too much leniency to her eldest daughter, although an end spoiler may account for that. I’d also like to see a bit more depth to some of the more stereotypical characters, like ex Chief of police dad and scattered never there mum.
All in all though it was a fun little jaunt into a new cozy series from an established author. Four stars.
I can’t resist the premise of a classic cozy, and this, the first in a new series has all the hallmark elements I’ve come to know and love about the genre. We have a female sleuth moving back to her her home town, an old flame waiting in the wings, an eccentric family and a few big secrets under wraps. We have a theme, that of Irish dancing and combined with small town rivalry in the air B&B business. Add in the mystery and murder, and the stage is set.
I will say there were a few times where I had to stretch the believability and convenience of the situation. I can’t help but feel the lead gives far too much leniency to her eldest daughter, although an end spoiler may account for that. I’d also like to see a bit more depth to some of the more stereotypical characters, like ex Chief of police dad and scattered never there mum.
All in all though it was a fun little jaunt into a new cozy series from an established author. Four stars.
May 16, 2024
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Jig Is Up by Lisa Q. Mathews showcases what family means to one another in this Irish cozy mystery, the beginning of a new series set in Massachusetts.
Can Kate clear Colleen's name before St Paddy's Day and the jig is up?
The Buckley Family
The Buckleys sure know how to get into trouble once they are all in town. This whole family is nuts, and I love it, though. It reminds me of my own family and how when we all get together, everyone has something going on. Either in our personal lives or at work. It's interesting to see what is happening in the Buckleys' lives. Family gatherings are the best, even if they don't always start off on the right foot. Like how Colleen got Kate and her daughters back to Shamrock real fast.
Kathleen and her girls
Kathleen Buckley, better known as Kate, is the eldest child of Shamrock's ex-police chief. He is retired now and runs their bed and breakfast with his wife and the help of Colleen. Being the oldest daughter comes with some hardships, as Kate tries to set a better example for her younger siblings. She is a wonderful mom to her two beautiful girls. Kate tries her best honestly and even more so to make sure that they keep safe. Since Kate's youngest is only seven and she mostly sticks at home, she is the easiest. It's her oldest that makes Kate worry since she is entering high school. Kate was going to be a professional dancer but gave it all up because she wanted to have a family instead.
Frank
Frank is the middle child and only boy. He thinks he has to be the one making sure that his two sisters don't get into too much trouble. That is honestly really hard when it comes to the Buckley girls, but everyone in town loves this family. Well, most people in the town do. He is a great character. Frank is on the police force as well and is one of many police officers that Kathleen knows. Meaning, she can probably use him later if this sleuthing thing keeps going. Out of all the siblings, Frank still eats like he is a teenager. He enjoys popping by the bed and breakfast for a meal or to do a bit of laundry.
Colleen
The youngest child is Colleen. Colleen means well, but at the age of twenty-four, she thinks that she knows everything. She still lives at home, helping her parents with the bed and breakfast. You see, sometimes Colleen has a hard time keeping money and staying out of trouble. Colleen is meant to take over the family business, but I don't honestly see that happening. She really enjoys helping out at the dance school, as she was a dancer when she was a teenager. The youngest daughter was the most shocking character of them all. I loved Colleen, honestly.
Their Parents
Their mom is their rock. She had to be the disciplinary parent and the one that was always there. Everyone still calls their dad Chief, even though he is retired and hasn't been on the force in many years. He still has his fingers dipped into the police force and offers them his services if they need him to. Mom doesn't seem to like that very much since she wants him safe at home and resting. Except this is what he does best and is what he wants to do. The police force still listens to him. No one wants to hurt the Chief's feelings.
The Mystery
Kate, Colleen, and Kate's oldest daughter went off to grab Deirdre from the hall where Deirdre was having practice that night for her dance school. They were going to meet at the local pub, but Colleen got sidetracked by Kathleen showing up, and then Deirdre was running late, too. Deirdre was a famous Irish step dancer, and she came from a long line of champion Irish step dancers. She was one of them.
The three Buckley girls found Deirdre's dead body, and they thought that they could save her. I felt so bad for everything that was happening in this story for Colleen and Kate and their little family. Honestly, Ms. Mathews had me guessing who the murderer was throughout the entire story. I thought I had someone, but I got the red herring instead. Also, my supposed motive wasn't the right one. I mean, it kind of was, but it really wasn't. Ms. Mathews did a fantastic job of making the reader go around in circles trying to figure out whodunit.
Five Stars for The Jig Is Up by Lisa Q. Mathews
My rating for The Jig Is Up by Lisa Q. Mathews is five stars, and I'm recommending it to anyone who needs a new cozy mystery series to sink your teeth into. Ms. Mathews did a fabulous job of bringing me to Shamrock, Massachusetts, and making me feel like I'm part of the Buckley family. Kate is our point-of-view character, and it was nice to see things through her eyes and how she fits into her family. I honestly love the Buckley family, and I can't wait to see what other shenanigans they get into in the next book. Ms. Mathews has a brilliant series on her hands.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of The Jig Is Up by Lisa Q. Mathews.
Until the next time,
Happy Reading!This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove
The Jig Is Up by Lisa Q. Mathews showcases what family means to one another in this Irish cozy mystery, the beginning of a new series set in Massachusetts.
Can Kate clear Colleen's name before St Paddy's Day and the jig is up?
The Buckley Family
The Buckleys sure know how to get into trouble once they are all in town. This whole family is nuts, and I love it, though. It reminds me of my own family and how when we all get together, everyone has something going on. Either in our personal lives or at work. It's interesting to see what is happening in the Buckleys' lives. Family gatherings are the best, even if they don't always start off on the right foot. Like how Colleen got Kate and her daughters back to Shamrock real fast.
Kathleen and her girls
Kathleen Buckley, better known as Kate, is the eldest child of Shamrock's ex-police chief. He is retired now and runs their bed and breakfast with his wife and the help of Colleen. Being the oldest daughter comes with some hardships, as Kate tries to set a better example for her younger siblings. She is a wonderful mom to her two beautiful girls. Kate tries her best honestly and even more so to make sure that they keep safe. Since Kate's youngest is only seven and she mostly sticks at home, she is the easiest. It's her oldest that makes Kate worry since she is entering high school. Kate was going to be a professional dancer but gave it all up because she wanted to have a family instead.
Frank
Frank is the middle child and only boy. He thinks he has to be the one making sure that his two sisters don't get into too much trouble. That is honestly really hard when it comes to the Buckley girls, but everyone in town loves this family. Well, most people in the town do. He is a great character. Frank is on the police force as well and is one of many police officers that Kathleen knows. Meaning, she can probably use him later if this sleuthing thing keeps going. Out of all the siblings, Frank still eats like he is a teenager. He enjoys popping by the bed and breakfast for a meal or to do a bit of laundry.
Colleen
The youngest child is Colleen. Colleen means well, but at the age of twenty-four, she thinks that she knows everything. She still lives at home, helping her parents with the bed and breakfast. You see, sometimes Colleen has a hard time keeping money and staying out of trouble. Colleen is meant to take over the family business, but I don't honestly see that happening. She really enjoys helping out at the dance school, as she was a dancer when she was a teenager. The youngest daughter was the most shocking character of them all. I loved Colleen, honestly.
Their Parents
Their mom is their rock. She had to be the disciplinary parent and the one that was always there. Everyone still calls their dad Chief, even though he is retired and hasn't been on the force in many years. He still has his fingers dipped into the police force and offers them his services if they need him to. Mom doesn't seem to like that very much since she wants him safe at home and resting. Except this is what he does best and is what he wants to do. The police force still listens to him. No one wants to hurt the Chief's feelings.
The Mystery
Kate, Colleen, and Kate's oldest daughter went off to grab Deirdre from the hall where Deirdre was having practice that night for her dance school. They were going to meet at the local pub, but Colleen got sidetracked by Kathleen showing up, and then Deirdre was running late, too. Deirdre was a famous Irish step dancer, and she came from a long line of champion Irish step dancers. She was one of them.
The three Buckley girls found Deirdre's dead body, and they thought that they could save her. I felt so bad for everything that was happening in this story for Colleen and Kate and their little family. Honestly, Ms. Mathews had me guessing who the murderer was throughout the entire story. I thought I had someone, but I got the red herring instead. Also, my supposed motive wasn't the right one. I mean, it kind of was, but it really wasn't. Ms. Mathews did a fantastic job of making the reader go around in circles trying to figure out whodunit.
Five Stars for The Jig Is Up by Lisa Q. Mathews
My rating for The Jig Is Up by Lisa Q. Mathews is five stars, and I'm recommending it to anyone who needs a new cozy mystery series to sink your teeth into. Ms. Mathews did a fabulous job of bringing me to Shamrock, Massachusetts, and making me feel like I'm part of the Buckley family. Kate is our point-of-view character, and it was nice to see things through her eyes and how she fits into her family. I honestly love the Buckley family, and I can't wait to see what other shenanigans they get into in the next book. Ms. Mathews has a brilliant series on her hands.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of The Jig Is Up by Lisa Q. Mathews.
Until the next time,
Happy Reading!This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove
May 28, 2024
Kate packs up her daughters and heads back home after getting a message from her sister Colleen. Home is Shamrock, Massachusetts. Colleen waves away her message, however, refusing to explain why she sent it. Not long after, Kate finds herself immersed in a murder. The main suspect? Colleen, the victim's best friend. Although she's with Kate when they discover the body, there's lots of evidence that points to Colleen, a talented Irish dancer. Heck, given the secretive nature of not just Colleen, who goes out of her way to avoid discussion with Kate, but others who are just as secretive, Kate even wonders if it's possible her sister did kill her friend.
As the first of a new series, there is a lot of background info worked into the plot as well as introductions to the probable recurring characters. To be honest, I never really warmed up to either Kate or Colleen, the latter being downright annoying much of the time. Kate is a chronic over-thinker, her mind seeming to whirl rapidly at almost every moment expecting the worst and she tended to wear me out. To be honest, I'm not sure I felt drawn to any of the characters. Maybe Garrett, former boyfriend, now cop, someone who seems to pop up unexpectedly and frequently. Kate's oldest daughter Maeve shows promise but, typical child, seemed to blow hot and cold. Kate's parents aren't well fleshed out and I was left wondering what the logic was behind her father being the former chief of police who was shot on the job and now in a wheelchair. Perhaps that will be made clearer as the series progresses. Oh, an Kate freezing up at playing the piano again sort of made sense but that's probably another thread for future books.
As for the murder, Kate arrived home just in time to go to the dance rehearsal with Colleen where they stumble across the dead body of Deirdre. Young Maeve and flighty Colleen handle it better than Kate, go figure. Could Colleen have murdered Deirdre? Why is there a trail of blood? Is it sheer coincidence that Moira McShane almost immediately tries to take advantage of Deirdre's death by advertising her soon-to-be-open new dance school? Where's the no-show pianist? Could the long-winded mayor somehow be involved? How about Conor, who works scooping ice cream, or maybe ambitious, organized Zoe? What secrets are being kept? Even Kate has secrets, of course. Bottom line, while I wasn't quite taken with this book (3.5 rounded to 4) and I'm also not quite sure how she figured out whodunit at the end, that may just be me. I am interested enough to say I'll definitely check out the next book in the series, however. There's promise here and still much, much more to be discovered about the characters and relationships/connections between them. Thanks #NetGalley and #CrookedLaneBooks for introducing me to Kate's grand debut as an amateur sleuth. The twist/reveal at the end definitely makes me curious.
As the first of a new series, there is a lot of background info worked into the plot as well as introductions to the probable recurring characters. To be honest, I never really warmed up to either Kate or Colleen, the latter being downright annoying much of the time. Kate is a chronic over-thinker, her mind seeming to whirl rapidly at almost every moment expecting the worst and she tended to wear me out. To be honest, I'm not sure I felt drawn to any of the characters. Maybe Garrett, former boyfriend, now cop, someone who seems to pop up unexpectedly and frequently. Kate's oldest daughter Maeve shows promise but, typical child, seemed to blow hot and cold. Kate's parents aren't well fleshed out and I was left wondering what the logic was behind her father being the former chief of police who was shot on the job and now in a wheelchair. Perhaps that will be made clearer as the series progresses. Oh, an Kate freezing up at playing the piano again sort of made sense but that's probably another thread for future books.
As for the murder, Kate arrived home just in time to go to the dance rehearsal with Colleen where they stumble across the dead body of Deirdre. Young Maeve and flighty Colleen handle it better than Kate, go figure. Could Colleen have murdered Deirdre? Why is there a trail of blood? Is it sheer coincidence that Moira McShane almost immediately tries to take advantage of Deirdre's death by advertising her soon-to-be-open new dance school? Where's the no-show pianist? Could the long-winded mayor somehow be involved? How about Conor, who works scooping ice cream, or maybe ambitious, organized Zoe? What secrets are being kept? Even Kate has secrets, of course. Bottom line, while I wasn't quite taken with this book (3.5 rounded to 4) and I'm also not quite sure how she figured out whodunit at the end, that may just be me. I am interested enough to say I'll definitely check out the next book in the series, however. There's promise here and still much, much more to be discovered about the characters and relationships/connections between them. Thanks #NetGalley and #CrookedLaneBooks for introducing me to Kate's grand debut as an amateur sleuth. The twist/reveal at the end definitely makes me curious.
February 2, 2024
I would like to thank NetGalley for granting access to an advanced copy of Lisa Q. Mathews' debut cozy mystery, "The Jig is Up", the first book in the Irish Bed & Breakfast Mystery series. With a background in editing Nancy Drew books and contributing to popular kids' series such as Mary-Kate and Ashley, Sweet Dreams, and the Lizzie McGuire Mysteries, Mathews brings a wealth of storytelling experience to the realm of adult mysteries. Notably, she has already made her mark with mysteries for grown-ups in the Ladies Smythe & Westin series, showcasing her prowess in crafting intriguing tales with strong female sleuths and intricate family dynamics. Now, with "The Jig is Up," Mathews introduces readers to a new mystery series, promising an Irish-themed narrative brimming with charm and familial bonds.
The narrative revolves around Kate Buckley, a single mother and the police chief's daughter, who rushes to her Irish-themed hometown of Shamrock, Massachusetts, after an urgent message from her sister, Colleen. The plot takes a twist when her sister's best friend, a dance show star named Deirdre, is found dead. As Colleen becomes a suspect, Kate embarks on a quest to clear her sister's name amid the St. Patrick's Week festivities.
While the book boasts all the essential elements of a good cozy mystery, there seems to be a missing link in the overall execution. The lead character, Kate Buckley, is a single mother with two endearing daughters. However, there were instances where the elder daughter seemed to possess more determination than the parent. The delicate balance between curiosity and deduction was not entirely achieved, as Kate occasionally came across as an overthinker, missing the crux of the matter. Toning down this tendency would have enhanced the overall reading experience. The constant urge to tell Kate to refrain from overanalyzing became a distracting aspect, diminishing the enjoyment of the narrative.
Despite this, "The Jig is Up" holds appeal for readers seeking a clean, no-swearing, and no-sex cozy mystery. Lisa Q. Mathews successfully delivers a tale woven with Irish charm and familial bonds, providing a suitable option for those who prefer a gentler mystery narrative. As the St. Patrick's Week festivities unfold, the race to catch the killer keeps the reader engaged, even if the protagonist's tendencies may require a moment of patience.
The narrative revolves around Kate Buckley, a single mother and the police chief's daughter, who rushes to her Irish-themed hometown of Shamrock, Massachusetts, after an urgent message from her sister, Colleen. The plot takes a twist when her sister's best friend, a dance show star named Deirdre, is found dead. As Colleen becomes a suspect, Kate embarks on a quest to clear her sister's name amid the St. Patrick's Week festivities.
While the book boasts all the essential elements of a good cozy mystery, there seems to be a missing link in the overall execution. The lead character, Kate Buckley, is a single mother with two endearing daughters. However, there were instances where the elder daughter seemed to possess more determination than the parent. The delicate balance between curiosity and deduction was not entirely achieved, as Kate occasionally came across as an overthinker, missing the crux of the matter. Toning down this tendency would have enhanced the overall reading experience. The constant urge to tell Kate to refrain from overanalyzing became a distracting aspect, diminishing the enjoyment of the narrative.
Despite this, "The Jig is Up" holds appeal for readers seeking a clean, no-swearing, and no-sex cozy mystery. Lisa Q. Mathews successfully delivers a tale woven with Irish charm and familial bonds, providing a suitable option for those who prefer a gentler mystery narrative. As the St. Patrick's Week festivities unfold, the race to catch the killer keeps the reader engaged, even if the protagonist's tendencies may require a moment of patience.
February 22, 2024
Rating: 3.5 rolled up to 4
The death of a beloved teacher, missing money and family drama all while getting ready for St. Patrick’s Day festivities.
You know things are going to get worse when before you even make it to the front door, things are creepy. Dark and stormy with the neighborhood odd aunts startling as you get your bearings on the side of the road.
Kate and her girls Maeve and Blitz head home to Shamrock thinking something is wrong after receiving a text from Colleen, Kate’s younger sister. Perhaps it is a testament to the the author’s skill that I disliked Colleen from the beginning and continued to dislike her through the end. After the first few chapters, the Colleen-Kate relationship puts me in mind of the sister characters Kat (Debra Messing) and Amy (Amy Adams) in the movie The Wedding Date (released in 2005). Continuing on this theme, Garrett reminds me of Nick (Dermot Mulroney) by attitude not profession. If you’re wondering, no, didn’t just watch the movie or anything.
Initially some of the background detail seemed inconsistent but later make sense. The dance scenes were well written and left me with visions of the Irish dancers I’ve seen perform on tv.
I struggled a bit with Kate’s motivation to investigate. Yes, her sister Colleen is a person of interest and has not been totally forthcoming but also didn’t seem to be a ‘real’ suspect.
Lots of root planting (not referring to plants) to begin the series with multiple possibilities for directions which I like. I think I need a Zoe
I came away feeling sorta bad for Kate. She felt the least developed, the most put-upon and getting the raw end of the deal. The bad guy’s backstory was more ‘vivid’. That being said, gives room to ‘grow’ Kate in future stories. The same for the Chief, Mom, and Garrett.
I felt like a recap of ‘the why and why-for’ should have been done since it was revealed where it was just Kate and the bad guy.
While I didn’t really care for the Colleen character, I did like many of the others. I wanna see if my guess pan out on the direction for the characters, so I am looking forward to Book 2!
Thank you to #NetGalley for the opportunity to do an early read and share my thoughts on the story.
Happy Reading!
The death of a beloved teacher, missing money and family drama all while getting ready for St. Patrick’s Day festivities.
You know things are going to get worse when before you even make it to the front door, things are creepy. Dark and stormy with the neighborhood odd aunts startling as you get your bearings on the side of the road.
Kate and her girls Maeve and Blitz head home to Shamrock thinking something is wrong after receiving a text from Colleen, Kate’s younger sister. Perhaps it is a testament to the the author’s skill that I disliked Colleen from the beginning and continued to dislike her through the end. After the first few chapters, the Colleen-Kate relationship puts me in mind of the sister characters Kat (Debra Messing) and Amy (Amy Adams) in the movie The Wedding Date (released in 2005). Continuing on this theme, Garrett reminds me of Nick (Dermot Mulroney) by attitude not profession. If you’re wondering, no, didn’t just watch the movie or anything.
Initially some of the background detail seemed inconsistent but later make sense. The dance scenes were well written and left me with visions of the Irish dancers I’ve seen perform on tv.
I struggled a bit with Kate’s motivation to investigate. Yes, her sister Colleen is a person of interest and has not been totally forthcoming but also didn’t seem to be a ‘real’ suspect.
Lots of root planting (not referring to plants) to begin the series with multiple possibilities for directions which I like. I think I need a Zoe
I came away feeling sorta bad for Kate. She felt the least developed, the most put-upon and getting the raw end of the deal. The bad guy’s backstory was more ‘vivid’. That being said, gives room to ‘grow’ Kate in future stories. The same for the Chief, Mom, and Garrett.
I felt like a recap of ‘the why and why-for’ should have been done since it was revealed where it was just Kate and the bad guy.
While I didn’t really care for the Colleen character, I did like many of the others. I wanna see if my guess pan out on the direction for the characters, so I am looking forward to Book 2!
Thank you to #NetGalley for the opportunity to do an early read and share my thoughts on the story.
Happy Reading!
April 14, 2024
The Jig is Up is a debut cozy mystery in the Irish Bed & Breakfast Mystery series with likeable characters and a lot of family. Kate Buckley is an Accountant in New York City and is asked by her sister to come home to.Shamrock, MA. Kate has two daughters, Maeve and Bliz. It is often difficult adding kids to mysteries. They are either left home most of the time or help solve the mystery neither of which is ideal if they are young. In this book it works really well and the kids add to the.story and present opportunities for Kate to ask questions and snoop. There is some family drama to.add to the.story as well. Kate has a sister Colleen who seems to be secretive and a bit unreliable. I wasn't sure I liked her at first but I did eventually. Kate and Colleen's parents run a B&B but are getting older and Colleen helps them. Colleen is hoping Kate and the.girls will move back. It is near St Patrick's Day and there are a lot of activities including an Irish Dance Show. Colleen's best friend.Deirdre runs the dance company and is in charge of the show until she ends up dead. An Irish dance star, Aidan is in town for the parade and activities. The.cozy mystery was decent but there are some slow points and it seemed too overrun with details at times. The mystery competes with the family drama at times but it works and keeps the story interesting. Overall a good beginning to a new.series. I received an advance copy from NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for free and I voluntarily leave this review. #TheJigIsUp. #IrishBed&breakfast mystery. #NetGalley. #CrookedLaneBooks
April 29, 2024
I received this book courtesy of the Goodreads First Reads program, for the purpose of a fair and honest review.
Overview: Kate Buckley is in a rush to get back home to Shamrock, Massachusetts. Her younger sister, Colleen, has sent her a 'get home, quick' message, then went silent. Before they can talk however, Colleen's best friend Deidre is found dead. Who's going to run the St. Patrick's Day dance show now? And why is Colleen a person of interest?
Dislikes: Colleen's friend, and Deidre's former partner, Aiden strikes me as someone who is attempting to capitalize on Colleen's wish to spend more time with Bliz and Maeve. I hope she doesn't get hurt in the long run.
And then we have the pitfalls of life in a small town. If there is a feud it echoes even in the business portions of town. Everything is both personal and professional in these places.
Likes: The Chief is quite the character. He was paralyzed in 'The Accident,' yet he has still found a way to keep the anger, depression, and boredom from destroying his life.
Kate and Colleen have a strong relationship. They try to do the best they can, when they can. Kate pushes Colleen to focus. And Colleen encourages Kate to keep her skills up.
Plus there's the bar scene and walk home with Garrett that was fun to read.
Conclusion: This was a fun novel. I couldn't put it down, with the exception of necessary tasks. Enjoy the read yourself, and find your favorite characters in Shamrock.
Overview: Kate Buckley is in a rush to get back home to Shamrock, Massachusetts. Her younger sister, Colleen, has sent her a 'get home, quick' message, then went silent. Before they can talk however, Colleen's best friend Deidre is found dead. Who's going to run the St. Patrick's Day dance show now? And why is Colleen a person of interest?
Dislikes: Colleen's friend, and Deidre's former partner, Aiden strikes me as someone who is attempting to capitalize on Colleen's wish to spend more time with Bliz and Maeve. I hope she doesn't get hurt in the long run.
And then we have the pitfalls of life in a small town. If there is a feud it echoes even in the business portions of town. Everything is both personal and professional in these places.
Likes: The Chief is quite the character. He was paralyzed in 'The Accident,' yet he has still found a way to keep the anger, depression, and boredom from destroying his life.
Kate and Colleen have a strong relationship. They try to do the best they can, when they can. Kate pushes Colleen to focus. And Colleen encourages Kate to keep her skills up.
Plus there's the bar scene and walk home with Garrett that was fun to read.
Conclusion: This was a fun novel. I couldn't put it down, with the exception of necessary tasks. Enjoy the read yourself, and find your favorite characters in Shamrock.
April 26, 2024
THE JIG IS UP is the first book in the brand-new Irish Bed & Breakfast Mysteries by Lisa Q. Matthews. With the darling cover inviting a reader in and conflict and action that starts quickly, the book captured my attention and held it throughout. The protagonist, Kate Buckley, is a single mom of two girls, one a young teen. I like that she’s older and has had some life experiences that have shaped her. Arriving back at her hometown of Shamrock, MA, after an urgent message from her sister, Colleen, Kate is met with drama and a tragedy. It brings family to the foreground and how the sisters relate to each other as they navigate a murder. The author’s way with words paints vivid visuals, bringing the Irish-themed town to life, as well as the characters. She writes with a subtle humor that gave me a few chuckles and added to the appeal of the fast-paced plot. The mystery itself was well-thought out and oh my, several twists and curveballs I didn’t see coming were thrown in, keeping me turning pages faster and faster. This is a terrific start to what I hope is a long-running series and I can’t wait to read book two!
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 1, 2025
Mom, daughter, sister, accountant Kate Buckley gets an SOS text from her sister Colleen that she is needed at home immediately. Kate packs up her two daughters and heads off from her NYC home to Shamrock, MA. When she arrives in the middle of a rainstorm, Colleen swears Kate misunderstood and should just go home, but Kate knows something is wrong and she's already here, so may as well stay the weekend. After all it's almost St. Patrick's Day in Shamrock! When Kate, Colleen and Kate's 14 year old daughter Maeve find Colleen's best friend, Dierdre dead in the parish hall, things really heat up. The sisters' father is the former chief of police and not quite as retired as his wife would like, so when Colleen comes under suspicion, the Chief and her sister spring into action.
I think this was a great start to a fun new series. After all we have a town named Shamrock, filled with folks of Irish ancestry, known for their Irish Step dancers, Irish food and Irish music. Family is at the heart of the series and most members play a key role in this book. I thought the plot moved right along and found myself a bit surprised when the killer was revealed. Not someone I had on my suspect list! Looking for the pot at the end of the rainbow, this series might just be it!
I think this was a great start to a fun new series. After all we have a town named Shamrock, filled with folks of Irish ancestry, known for their Irish Step dancers, Irish food and Irish music. Family is at the heart of the series and most members play a key role in this book. I thought the plot moved right along and found myself a bit surprised when the killer was revealed. Not someone I had on my suspect list! Looking for the pot at the end of the rainbow, this series might just be it!
March 16, 2024
I enjoyed this cozy mystery whose main character stands out from the crowd as a single mother of two who is an accountant by profession. Kate Buckley and her two daughters are visiting her hometown of Shamrock, Massachusetts, when one of the local dance instructors is found murdered in the community center. Kate's involvement begins when her sister, Colleen, a close friend of the victim, becomes a primary suspect. The Buckleys' family dynamics are realistic, with Colleen providing much of the drama with her duplicity and imprudent choices. You never know when she's telling the truth. There's always one in every family, isn't there? Kate's father is a former police chief who was disabled after being shot by a criminal he'd convicted. The Buckleys also own a struggling bed and breakfast, which is suffering through its own struggles. The mystery contains a few surprises, including the killer's identity.
This was a good book and a promising start to a new series.
Thank you to NetGalley, Crooked Lane Books, and author Lisa Q. Matthews for an advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
This was a good book and a promising start to a new series.
Thank you to NetGalley, Crooked Lane Books, and author Lisa Q. Matthews for an advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
July 28, 2024
First off, let me say that every so often, I search the web to see if there is a book out there in the world that someone wrote that revolved around Irish dancing. I've never had any luck, until I came across The Jig is Up! The book I have hoped for was finally here! I grew up Irish dancing and had always hoped for a book that included the crazy unique shenanigans of the Irish dance world such as a feis (an Irish dance competition), curly hair wigs, sock glue, poodle socks, accordions, and jigs and reels.
The Jig is Up is a cozy mystery, where the Irish dance teacher in a small town called Shamrock (located in Massachusetts), turns up dead. Kate, who returns home to her family's bed and breakfast at the call of her sister's urgent request (unrelated to the murder) tries to solve the mystery of the teacher, in what seemed to be a murder.
This isn't my usual type of read, but I enjoyed the cozy mystery that had my fill of Irish dancing that I was looking for. I can say I definitely didn't see the result of mystery, so that kept me guessing.
Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for an eARC of this book.
The Jig is Up is a cozy mystery, where the Irish dance teacher in a small town called Shamrock (located in Massachusetts), turns up dead. Kate, who returns home to her family's bed and breakfast at the call of her sister's urgent request (unrelated to the murder) tries to solve the mystery of the teacher, in what seemed to be a murder.
This isn't my usual type of read, but I enjoyed the cozy mystery that had my fill of Irish dancing that I was looking for. I can say I definitely didn't see the result of mystery, so that kept me guessing.
Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for an eARC of this book.
August 20, 2024
When Kate Buckley gets a text from her sister, Colleen, she packs up her daughters and heads home to Shamrock, a town that has become an Irish themed tourist destination. Before Kate can find out what is wrong with Colleen, the two find the dead body of Colleen’s best friend, Deirdre, who was a famous Irish dancer. Kate finds herself drawn into the mystery of what happened. Can she solve the case?
I’m a little surprised we haven’t seen an Irish touristy town as a series theme before now. While I did feel things and characters could have been a bit more fleshed out, I enjoyed what we got here. The theming is fun and made me smile multiple times. The characters are, likewise, charming, and I am looking forward to getting to know them better. The mystery got off to a strong start, and the book kept me engaged, even with some things that might have annoyed me in lesser hands. You’ll dance through this debut and be left anxious for the encore.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
I’m a little surprised we haven’t seen an Irish touristy town as a series theme before now. While I did feel things and characters could have been a bit more fleshed out, I enjoyed what we got here. The theming is fun and made me smile multiple times. The characters are, likewise, charming, and I am looking forward to getting to know them better. The mystery got off to a strong start, and the book kept me engaged, even with some things that might have annoyed me in lesser hands. You’ll dance through this debut and be left anxious for the encore.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
March 25, 2025
i liked the premise better than the execution but it shows potential. a town that needs to reinvent itself to survive is familiar in the pacific northwest as the logging industry was decimated but she never explains why Shamrock in Mass. had to; probably not logging. to be honest, the irish schtick is most of what drew me and, being a fan of dancing, especially tap, sealed the deal. the irish dance aspect was new, although there aren't many cozy mysteries featuring dancing of any sort so how could it not be? the daughters were very believable, especially maeve. there were some small things that bugged me, the biggest one being that her parents seemed to be struggling for money despite her father having been shot in the line of duty; police unions' take way better care of their people than that, especially since he had the time in to become chief. i'm not even sure he would've had to retire since that position is largely administrative anyways.
it was hard to sympathize much with kate as she was a bit annoying/overbearing. she seems to have a savior complex, and mentions her youngest being so sensitive but we never see evidence of that so i'm wondering if it's all in kate's head. not to mention she portrays her ex as though he ran out on her shortly after their marriage but then you realize bliz is six or so years younger than maeve so obviously he stuck around for a while. (at least by the end she is being more honest with herself/the readers in that regard.) colleeen acts like a child but what else does kate expect since everyone treats her that way? frank was the only one who really bothered me since he was such a stereotype, not sure why. and the fact that most of the town knows kate's big "secret" yet she thinks she can hide it from her kids. i could see the direction of the killer about half way through but couldn't narrow it down before the reveal. hopefully the next book will confirm my suspicions as to the remaining big secret.
it was hard to sympathize much with kate as she was a bit annoying/overbearing. she seems to have a savior complex, and mentions her youngest being so sensitive but we never see evidence of that so i'm wondering if it's all in kate's head. not to mention she portrays her ex as though he ran out on her shortly after their marriage but then you realize bliz is six or so years younger than maeve so obviously he stuck around for a while. (at least by the end she is being more honest with herself/the readers in that regard.) colleeen acts like a child but what else does kate expect since everyone treats her that way? frank was the only one who really bothered me since he was such a stereotype, not sure why. and the fact that most of the town knows kate's big "secret" yet she thinks she can hide it from her kids. i could see the direction of the killer about half way through but couldn't narrow it down before the reveal. hopefully the next book will confirm my suspicions as to the remaining big secret.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews