The Jig Is Up
Irish Bed and Breakfast Mystery (Book 1)
A family-centric mystery in an Irish-themed New England town
The Jig Is Up
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Lisa Q Mathews
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Irish Bed and Breakfast Mystery Series
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Hardcover, ebook, audiobook
The Jig Is Up is the first book in the Irish Bed and Breakfast Mystery Series by Lisa Q. Mathews. The amateur sleuth is Kate (Katie) Buckley, a dedicated single mom and the daughter of a retired police chief. When Kate receives a cryptic message from her charismatic but flighty sister, Colleen, she drops everything, packs up her two girls, and heads back to their Irish-themed hometown of Shamrock, Massachusetts, where the Buckley family runs a well-loved bed and breakfast.
Before Kate can learn more about Colleen's urgent message, she stumbles upon the body of a celebrated Irish step dance star. The death of the beloved dancer shocks the town, which is preparing for a weeklong St. Patrick's celebration.
When suspicion falls on Colleen, who may or may not have had a hand in the dancer’s death, Kate jumps feet first into the swirling mystery, determined to clear her sister's name. But as she uncovers rivalries, resentments, and secrets that run deeper than she expected, Kate's sharp mind and fierce loyalty are put to the test.
Reasons to Read The Jig Is Up
The Jig Is Up by Lisa Q. Mathews is a well-plotted murder mystery that seamlessly blends suspense with themes of family loyalty and second chances. The result is a cozy story that's equal parts heart and high-stakes whodunit.
Amateur sleuth Kate Buckley is at the heart of the novel. She would do anything for her family—a fact that drives her choices and the story as she searches for clues to prove her sister's innocence. Kate's determination to protect her family increases the stakes of the investigation and makes it feel more intense and personal.
The investigation itself is satisfyingly twisty. Thoughtful placement of every clue makes the mystery fair but difficult to solve. A second mystery (on top of the clever whodunit) makes the book a page-turner with a gasp-worthy ending.
Author Lisa Q Mathews expertly balances the intensity throughout with a fun, festive St. Patrick's celebration and lots of Irish step-dancing. The latter element infuses the story with charm and energy and makes the town of Shamrock feel appropriately cozy.
The Jig Is Up is available in hardcover, ebook, and audiobook formats. The hardcover version is 304 pages. The audiobook is 9 hours and 45 minutes long and narrated by Rebecca Gallagher, a multi-Audie and SOVAS Nominated Narrator who has recorded over 100 titles.
What Readers Say About The Jig Is Up
“Everything about this book resonated with me! The characters are fabulous, the mystery compelling, and the town is a place I would love to live — except for the murders, of course. Cozy mystery readers will love this book. ”
“THE JIG IS UP is a charming and delightful cozy mystery that weaves festive flair with suspense. I adore Katie who is sharp, self-assured and inherits her detective instincts from her dad, tackling clues with wit and determination.”
“I really enjoyed the whole ambiance of Shamrock. Celtic flair brings an added dimension to the story and including details about Irish dance brought verisimilitude. Plus, I just found it interesting!”
“Matthews has a gift for creating a setting that feels inviting and full of secrets. The balance between small-town charm and intriguing mystery makes this book a true page-turner. MC Kate Buckley is smart and relatable, making it easy to root for her as she pieces together the clues.”
Interview with Author Lisa Q. Mathews
Read this Cozy Crime Reads interview with author Lisa Q Mathews to learn more about her books and mystery writing career. You can also learn more about Lisa on her website, lisaqmathews.com.
The Jig Is Up Reading Kit
If you're in a book club or if you just want to have some fun beyond the book, check out this free Reading Kit for The Jig Is Up. It contains reader questions, book club activities, an interview with author Lisa Q Mathews, a book-themed menu, and other activities to take you beyond the book.
Book Two In the Irish Bed and Breakfast Mystery Series
Buried in Shamrocks is the second book in the Irish Bed and Breakfast Mystery Series by Lisa Q Mathews. In this book, Kate Buckley returns to her Irish-themed hometown for the annual Great Shamrock Fair. When her ex-husband becomes a prime suspect in his fiancée’s murder, she must clear his name for the sake of their daughters. Read more about Buried in Shamrocks.
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