The Shamrock Case

Which characteristic do you value most in a female protagonist? As I mentioned in a previous post, author Linda Weaver Clarke says that a cozy mystery "focuses on the plot and characters, and the main character is usually an intelligent woman".  Published in 2014, The Shamrock Case is the second book in the Amelia Moore Detective series, a cozy mystery series by Linda Weaver Clarke.  In this new mystery, private investigator Amelia Moore is determined to solve a puzzling mystery for a new client, eighteen-year-old Kate Clemmons, who has just learned that she was adopted.  Kate's birth parents were from Ireland, and died soon after coming to America.  Kate wants to answer some questions about her past, and to find her biological grandparents.  Amelia is eager to help Kate learn more about her ancestors, and she's excited about taking a trip to Ireland (which is on her bucket list).  Like in the first book in this series, The Bali Mystery, Amelia asks her attractive friend and new partner, Rick Bonito, to help her solve the case.

The Shamrock Case is an engaging cozy with twists and turns that captured and held my interest.  Once again, the author has done a wonderful job with the characters and setting.  Amelia is a smart, kind, and altogether admirable main character.  I continue to relish the relationship between Amelia and Rick, which is purposeful, but also fun and flirty.  I loved taking a virtual trip to colorful, vibrant Ireland, and could visualize the countryside, churches, inns, and famous attractions, like the Blarney Stone.  Before I read this book, I was interested in visiting Ireland, which I picture as very lush and green.  Now, I'm even more eager to travel to this gorgeous country, and to taste some of the delicious food featured in the book, like shepherd's pie.  In back of the book there's a short list of Irish terms, such as Blathering and Dia Duit, which are used in the book, which is a charming little touch.  I enjoyed this second mystery very much. The Shamrock Case is suitable for older children and adults.

Thanks to Linda Weaver Clarke for providing me with a complimentary copy of The Shamrock Case.  I look forward to reading the next book in the series, The Missing Heir, in which Amelia, Rick--and readers--will venture to Mexico.

Your comments are welcomed. 

Really Random Tuesday #81: Book Photos and a Book Winner

I hope all of my readers had a lovely Mother's Day.  This holiday made me think about my mother a lot, and I felt kind of pensive on Sunday.  I really miss being able to talk to her, and to joke around with her.  Her sense of humor was exceptional.  She passed away in June of 2011. 

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Do you also take photos with your phone while at bookstores (and other shops)?  I love the titles and covers and the way books (and other things) are arranged.  These photos are from a couple of bookstores I visited recently.  Having an iPhone makes it easy and fun to take pictures wherever you are.  I could have gone "hog-wild" but I only took a few photos this time.

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Please help me to congratulate the winner of  The Bali Mystery by Linda Weaver Clarke, Sharon Braswell.  Congratulations, Sharon!  I think you'll enjoy reading this cozy mystery.  The second book in the series, The Shamrock Case, will be available to the public next month.  I'm looking forward to reading that book soon.

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Appearing on random Tuesdays, Really Random Tuesday is a way to post odds and ends--announcements, musings, quotes, photos--any blogging and book-related things you can think of. I often announce my book giveaway winners in these posts. If you have miscellaneous book news to gather up and are inspired by this idea, "grab" the button for use on your own blog, and add your link to the "master" Mister Linky on the Really Random Tuesday page.

Thanks for reading!  As always, your comments are appreciated.