Bartholomew Gill: The Death Of An Irish Lover

If it were not for the label, 'A Peter McGarr Mystery', I would not have picked up this book. Maybe a more convincing argument would be the interesting storyline about the deaths of two Eels Division police officers set in the picteresque town of Leixleap, following the rampant eels poaching in the River Shannon.

Peter McGarr who heads the Murder Squad recieves a call from his childhood aquaintance and a school bully, Tim Tallon, now the owner of the Leixlap Inn, who calls to report the murder of a nude couple caught in a compromising position. Tallon is keen on keeping the issue under wraps, but McGarr could not care less. Investigations reveal a series of twists and turns, which is normally expected, and finally, McGarr cracks the case.

The book is a good pick for mystery lovers and arm-chair activists/travellers alike. There are a lot of characters involved each playing a significant role, which was a delight. Especially, McGarr's wife Noreen, who has a penchant for policework, comes in handy with her own investigation. The contrast of a deceptively beautiful town and the rampant crimes that abound Leixleap, have been portrayed well.

But I was mislead into thinking that the mystery revolved around the illicit eels poaching trade and the hostilty that ensues between two communities, the poachers and the good guys. Well, that was not the case. The deaths had more to do with personal grudges.

But I would like to remind the reader that this is my first Peter McGarr Mystery and I read elsewhere that it is a good idea to start with his earlier series, "Death of an Irish Politician", in order to better appreciate Gill's work. Nevertheless, the book makes for a good light reading.