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No Strangers Here. A County Kerry Novel Carlene O'Connor

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No Strangers Here is a crime fiction novel by Carlene O'Connor, the first in her A County Kerry Novel series, which follows a veterinarian who returns to her small Irish hometown to clear her fam ...

No Strangers Here is a crime fiction novel by Carlene O'Connor, the first in her A County Kerry Novel series, which follows a veterinarian who returns to her small Irish hometown to clear her family's name after a wealthy local is murdered. Published on October 25, 2022 (hardcover edition) and August 29, 2023 (paperback reissue), it is a departure from her cozier mysteries, offering a darker, more atmospheric police procedural.

Plot Summary

The story is set in the picturesque but secretive coastal town of Dingle, in the southwest of Ireland. The body of Johnny O'Reilly, a wealthy, 69-year-old racehorse owner, is discovered on a rocky beach, arranged in a deliberate display with black stones and a cryptic message, suggesting a personal, pre-meditated murder.

Veterinarian Dimpna Wilde, who hasn't been home in decades due to a traumatic past and her husband's recent suicide scandal, is forced to return to Dingle. She finds herself in a "triple bombshell" situation: her mother is rumored to have been in a relationship with O'Reilly, her father's dementia is worsening, and a vial of restricted veterinary euthanasia medication, accessible to her father's clinic, is found near the body.

Detective Inspector Cormac O'Brien, an outsider with no local ties, is dispatched to lead the murder inquiry. As Dimpna works to clear her family from suspicion and takes over the family's vet practice, she finds herself racing the detective to uncover decades-old family secrets, lies, and grudges that all point back to the O'Reilly family and the events that caused her to leave Dingle years ago.

Reviews

Reviewers praise the novel for its engaging characters, intricate plotting, and strong sense of atmosphere, while noting it is a significant shift in tone from O'Connor's other work.

Atmosphere and Setting: The Dingle Peninsula setting is vividly described, creating a moody and authentic backdrop for the mystery. Reviewers note the author's love for the area shines through.
Characters: The characters, particularly Dimpna Wilde and DI Cormac O'Brien, are described as complex, well-developed, and compelling. Dimpna's personal baggage and her interaction with the local community provide significant depth to the narrative.
Plotting and Suspense: The story is full of plot twists and red herrings that keep readers guessing. It is a darker, grittier police procedural/thriller rather than a cozy mystery, a fact noted by many who enjoyed the change.
Criticism: Some readers found the writing to be "American" in style and spelling despite the Irish setting, which detracted from the authenticity. A few expert reviewers also pointed out minor inaccuracies related to veterinary practices and Irish terminology.

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