Book Review - Laced
The Latest Regan Reilly Mystery by Carol Higgins Clark
Regan Reilly finally marries the man of her dreams and takes off for an idyllic Irish honeymoon. However, the couple can't seem to leave crime at home.
Laced, the tenth installment in the Regan Reilly series, finds amateur sleuth Regan and her new husband Jack Reilly, the head of the major case division of the NYPD, in Ireland on their honeymoon. They are staying at the historic and gracious Hennessy Castle, in the west of Ireland, a structure rumored to be haunted by another "Reilly."
May Reilly
The story goes that May Reilly, a 19th century housekeeper at the castle, created a magnificent lace tablecloth for the establishment. Although the piece took hours of hard work, she was never paid extra for the creation. Presumably, Ms. Reilly haunts the castle looking for her due. Regan and Jack spot her gravestone in the local cemetery on their way into town and plan to investigate the story and any possible relationship she may have to their sides of the family. Regan also spies her outside her window later that night. Before Jack and Regan have a chance to learn more about May Reilly or view the tablecloth, it is stolen, after a kitchen fire is set to cause a distraction. Who would want to steal an heirloom tablecloth?
Chasing Jane and John Doe
As the local constabluary and the Reillys investigate the theft, they find an all too personal note from the illusive criminal duo who call themselves Jane and John Doe. Jack and Regan has encounted the Does before in New York City. They always leave a calling card addressed to the Reillys. It seems the pair has followed the Reillys to Ireland with the intent of disrupting their honeymoon. But how did they know that the couple were going to be at Hennessy Castle? Are the Does hiding out in the west of Ireland?
Laced is a fun and fast-paced novel, filled with scenes of the beautiful Irish Galway countryside, intriguing characters, and enough plot twists and turns to keep even a seasoned mystery reader interested. This cozy is enjoyable without being saccharine sweet.
About Carol Higgins Clark
Carol Higgins Clark is the author of nine previous Regan Reilly mysteries and the co-author of four Christmas-themed mystery novels with her mother, author Mary Higgins Clark. Also an actress, Ms. Clark starred in a television movie of her mother's book, A Cry in the Night. She has been nominated for an Agatha and an Anthony award. Carol Higgins Clark lives in New York City.
