Book Review: 'Absolution By Murder' by Peter Tremayne

✰✰✰✰ Sister Fidelma of Kildare has trained as an advocate of the courts. Her special skills are requested by the King of Northumbria to help decide the religious future of the people. However, before important decisions can be made, a leading Celtic speaker is found dead. Amid the chaos that ensues, Sister Fidelma must seek the truth and ferret out a killer before it happens again. With the help Brother Eadulf, Sister Fidelma deftly navigates the twists and turns of this skillfully written mystery. 

The Bottom Line: Over the years, I have read and enjoyed several of the short stories featuring Sister Fidelma. At a patron's insistence, I tracked down a copy of the first installment in the series, and I'm glad I did. Starting from the beginning has added a lot of information and enjoyment to my reading. Mystery fans interested in ancient Ireland and religious settings will find this enjoyable reading. There are currently 34 books in the series, and I am looking forward to reading book two. 

Details: Absolution by Murder (A Mystery of Ancient Ireland) (A Sister Fidelma Mystery) by Peter Tremayne. Paperback published by A Signet Book in 1997. 272 p. ISBN: 978-0-451-19299-8 

Book Review: 'The Last Snake in Ireland' by Sheila MacGill-Callahan

✰✰✰½ Soon-to-be saint Patrick had a problem on his hands. The snakes of Ireland were out of control and bothering everyone. So Patrick used his magic bell to summon all the snakes, and he sent them away to far off lands. Unfortunately, the oldest, most clever snake refused to go. The snake was everywhere Patrick went. Soon it was very clear, the snake must go. But how? Patrick comes up with a surprise plan to best the sneaky serpent. However, don't count the snake out too quickly. It seems the snake has a surprise for Patrick as well.

The Bottom Line: Author Sheila MacGill-Callahan cleverly weaves together two legends (see the Author's Note at the end of the book) to tell an old tale with surprise ending. Will Hillenbrand's colorful, mixed media illustrations in pastels, watercolors, and egg tempura will delight both children and adults alike. Recommended for story time for kids in grade school.

Details: The Last Snake in Ireland: A Story about St. Patrick written by Sheila MacGill-Callahan & illustrated by Will Hillenbrand. Hardcover picture book published by Holiday House in 1999. 32 p. ISBN: 0-8234-1425-6

Book Review: 'Fergus and the Night-Demon' by Jim Murphy

✰✰✰ Fergus O'Mara is a lazy young lad. All he wants is for his nagging mother to leave him alone so he can be off to Skibbereen to have some fun. Fergus is determined that nothing will get in his way, not even the fearful Night-Demon. After all, the apparition could simply be a figment of Fergus' imagination brought on by something he ate. The quick-witted young lad dodges the Night-Demon's every move. However, when Fergus is ordered to dig his own grave, he finally realizes that the Night-Demon is serious. Will Fergus end up the next victim of the Night-Demon or will his quick wits save him yet again? It seems the young Fergus is doomed, but you'll have to read the book to find out.

The Bottom Line: If you are looking for a scary ghost story with an Irish twist, this one is for you. Gouache and colored pencil illustrations by John Manders are dark and frightening adding to the evil character of the Night-Demon created by Jim Murphy. Fergus and the Night-Demon is somewhat reminiscent of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens as Fergus undergoes a transformation in character due to the haunting. Recommended for kids in grades 5 & 6, but don't read this to the little ones (it's too scary).

Details: Fergus and the Night-Demon: An Irish Ghost Story written by Jim Murphy and illustrated by John Manders. Hardcover picture book published by Clarion Books in 2006. 32 p. ISBN: 978-0-618-33955-6

Book Review: 'Too Many Leprechauns' by Stephen Krensky

✰✰✰✰ If you've ever wondered why there's a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, then this is the picture book for you and your little one. Returning home to Dingle after a long absence, Finn O'Finnegan notices that something seems to be a bit off. Leprechauns have taken over the town and no one can sleep. You see...the more fairy shoes the leprechauns make, the more gold they get. And so the tap-tap-tapping continues day and night.

Now everyone knows how crafty and stubborn leprechauns can be. It takes a smart person to outwit them, but Finn has some experience with leprechauns. Finn knows that in addition to being clever, leprechauns are also very prideful and sensitive. Fortunately for the town of Dingle, Finn has a plan, that with a little Irish luck, just may work. Will the leprechauns ever stop their "infernal tapping" or will the town of Dingle be stuck with them forever? Read Stephen Krensky's clever book and find out for yourself why there's a pot of gold at the end of every rainbow.

The Bottom Line: This is a fun tale for reading at St. Patrick's Day or any time of the year. Outwitting leprechauns is never an easy task; kids will enjoy Finn's patience and cleverness. Illustrator Dan Andreasen's charming oil paintings add wee a bit of whimsy that both kids and adults will enjoy. Recommended  springtime reading for kids ages 4 and up.

Details: Too Many Leprechauns: Or How That Pot o' Gold Got to the End of the Rainbow written by Stephen Krensky and illustrated by Dan Andreasen. Hardcover picture book published by Simon & Schuster Book for Young Readers in 2007. 32 p. ISBN: 978-0-689-85112-4

Cookbook Review: A Little Irish Cookbook by John Murphy

✰✰✰½ I found this little gem of a cookbook tucked away on the shelves of my local library. Don't let the tiny size fool you; it contains 50 classic Irish recipes including: Soda Bread, Boxty, Mutton Broth, Champ, and Corned Beef & Cabbage.

All recipes are very short and relatively simple to follow. However, a few of the recipes do assume some previous cooking and baking experience. Recipe instructions are in paragraph form rather than outline form. It also includes charming colored pencil drawings throughout and an index.

This book is part of the International Little Cookbooks series. If you like this one, check out the other titles including: A Little Caribbean Cookbook by Jill Hamilton, A Little Greek Cookbook by Rena Salaman & many more.

The Bottom Line: This is a fun little book to add to any cookbook collection (if you can still find a copy). While it is not a "comprehensive collection" of recipes, it does include an assortment of traditional Irish cuisine. Plus, it's perfect for choosing a dish to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. Recommended for everyone interested in cooking up a little taste of Ireland.

Details: A Little Irish Cookbook written by John Murphy & illustrated by Karen Bailey. Hardcover published by Chronicle Books in 1986. 60 p. ISBN: 0-87701-400-0

Book Review: The Leprechaun's Gold by Pamela Duncan Edwards

✰✰✰✰½ A long time ago in a faraway Irish village, there lived a harpist known as Old Pat. Another harpist, Young Tom, was given to bragging and charging great fees for his talents while humble Old Pat freely shared his gift with all. One day a royal harping contest was announced. Both Old Pat and Young Tom set off for the Royal Palace. That night while resting in the forest, wicked Young Tom sabotages Old Pat's harp.

As luck would have it Old Pat happens upon a leprechaun in distress. Now everyone knows the reputation leprechauns have for creating trouble by promising gold to unsuspecting people. Young Tom quickly flees, but Old Pat follows his heart and lends a helping hand. Old Pat soon falls into a deep slumber. Will the old man ever make it to the contest on time or will he succumb to the tricks of the leprechaun? Read The Leprechaun's Gold to find out.

The Bottom Line: A heartwarming tale for the young and young at heart, The Leprechaun's Gold teaches children the values of kindness and generosity. Filled with charming and colorful illustrations by Henry Cole, this book is perfect for St. Patrick's Day reading. Highly recommended for kids in grades K - 3.

Details: The Leprechaun's Gold written by Pamela Duncan Edwards & illustrated by Henry Cole. Hardcover picture book published by Katherine Tegan Books in 2004. 32 p. ISBN: 0-06-623974-5