Secrets and Shamrocks

Almost could see the beautiful green of Ireland a very good mystery Inter gained in several ways had do many things going on at once plus the feeling of knowing everyone at the B and B. Would love to stay at Shepherds myself.

I enjoyed this story of Jordan and her uncle and their adventures in Ireland. Having a “tour” of some of the famous local attractions added so much to the story.

This time architect Jordan Mayfair’s travels have taken her to Ireland with her travel-writer uncle (last time around, the locale was Provence). A thoroughly entertaining and well-written cozy mystery. Can’t wait for the next one in this series.

I loved this book! I had read the first Jordan Mayfair mystery, "Pursuit in Provence," and as soon as I finished it, I wanted to read more! I read a lot of books in this genre, and with many of these books, it’s easy to spot "who done it" early on, which takes all the fun out of a mystery. With "Secrets and Shamrocks," the story was so well-written that I kept changing my opinion of "who done it" throughout the book. I also enjoyed learning about Irish history. Ms. Gobbell struck just the right balance between history and story, only including historical elements that advanced the plot or added to the background of Ireland. In other words, I did not find it necessary to skip large sections of boring history to get to the good parts; it was all good! I am very much looking forward to the next installment in Jordan’s travel adventures.

I loved this book! I read some of the other reviews and although I agreed with what most said, I think a couple gave away too much. Most of the fun in reading a mystery like this one is not knowing what happens next. I look forward to the next book in the series.

Author and professor Phyllis Gobbell has already exhibited the fine art of writing mysteries–both fictional and real life mysteries.  As an English professor and experienced writer, she creatively demonstrates the craft of mystery writing, bringing her characters to life with engaging dialogue and elegant, picturesque imagery. Secrets and Shamrocks demonstrates not only Gobbell’s skillful storytelling, but also her understanding of Irish life and culture, including religious doctrine and practice as well as the tumultuous Irish political history.  This story was a joy to read!  –Perry C. Cotham, Ph. D.

Once again, Phyllis Gobbell has spun a delightfully suspenseful tale which takes the reader on an artfully crafted journey. This time, Ms. Gobbell brings her readers to the Emerald Isle and treats all to breathtaking scenery that is shrouded in secrets. As we learned in Ms. Gobbell’s first book of the Jordan Mayfair Mystery Series, things are rarely as they seem and letting ones curiosity take the reins can be a precarious method of travel. Jordan’s curiosity led her down a dangerous path (down being the operative word) and into an old priest hole—a below the ground secret room where Catholic priests would be placed into hiding to avoid hanging. What happens in the priest hole will have you on the edge of your seat! This book is a perfect companion to curl up with on a rainy evening or enjoy by the water’s edge on a lazy afternoon. As always, Ms. Gobbell’s writing moves along at a comfortable pace, and her remarkable ability to ‘paint with words’ will leave you feeling as if you have just returned from Ireland, sans the jet lag!

A novel set in Tipperary Ireland. Take a trip to Ireland in this delightful novel, where drama unfolds, scenes transport you and a mystery unfolds. Based on an actual trip to Ireland and replicated beautifully, this novel will delight and capture your heart. Its a long way to Tipperary but not a long way to buying this book ….