Murder at an Irish Chipper

Garda Siobhán O’Sullivan’s active brain gets in the way of enjoying a family vacation that opens with a suspicious death. Though it’s not in her jurisdiction, her keen observational skills soon have the local detective sergeant asking for her assistance. The fact that Siobhán is so far from home makes this latest “Irish Village Mystery” (after Murder at an Irish Bakery) a good entry point for newbies. The cast is trimmed down from prior novels, and this village is as unfamiliar to Siobhán as it is to listeners. Caroline Lennon gives Siobhán a distinctively good-natured voice, as her underappreciated sense of humor hides her strength at making connections. Further, her family members—three brothers, two sisters, and a husband—each have distinctive voices, as does the large suspect pool. Each character is recognizable by voice without resorting to outlandish accents. While the cozy aspect of the mystery allows for lightness and humor, there are moments of true tension, particularly the prologue and a later murder attempt, which Lennon imbues with real menace.