Last Updated on May 7, 2025
Carlene O’Connor, a USA Today bestselling author, has captivated readers with her charming and suspenseful cozy mysteries set in Ireland. Descended from a long line of Irish storytellers, O’Connor draws inspiration from her great-grandmother’s tales and her love for a walled town in County Limerick, which inspired the fictional village of Kilbane in County Cork. Her three series—Irish Village Mysteries, Home to Ireland Mysteries, and County Kerry Mysteries—blend Irish culture, quirky characters, and clever whodunits. With 17 novels, several novellas, and a forthcoming book in 2025, O’Connor’s bibliography is a treasure trove for cozy mystery fans. This article lists all her books in publication order, with summaries, publication dates and reading guidance.
Why Read Carlene O’Connor’s Books?
O’Connor’s novels are quintessential cozy mysteries, offering lighthearted yet engaging plots, minimal violence, and a strong sense of place. Her Irish Village Mysteries, starring garda Siobhán O’Sullivan, are set in the warm, gossip-filled Kilbane, where Naomi’s Bistro serves tea and brown bread alongside local drama. The Home to Ireland Mysteries follow Tara Meehan’s adventures in Galway, while the County Kerry Mysteries feature veterinarian Dimpna Wilde tackling darker crimes in the rugged Dingle Peninsula. Each series is rich with Irish charm, from pub banter to cultural traditions, and O’Connor’s ability to stretch cozy mystery conventions keeps stories fresh. Her books, translated into multiple languages and optioned for television, appeal to fans of Louise Penny and M.C. Beaton.
Carlene O’Connor’s Books in Publication Order
Below is the complete list of O’Connor’s 17 novels, plus novellas and anthologies, in publication order, which matches chronological order for each series. All novels are published by Kensington Books unless noted.
Irish Village Mystery Series (2016–2025)
This flagship series follows Siobhán O’Sullivan, a redheaded garda in Kilbane, County Cork, as she solves murders while managing her family’s bistro and her romance with Detective Sergeant Macdara Flannery. Read in order for character development and ongoing arcs, like Siobhán’s engagement.
- Murder in an Irish Village (February 2016)
Siobhán and her five siblings run Naomi’s Bistro after their parents’ death. When a man is found dead at a table, the O’Sullivans are suspects. Siobhán investigates to clear their name, uncovering Kilbane’s secrets. A lively debut praised for its Irish charm. - Murder at an Irish Wedding (March 2017)
A celebrity wedding in Kilbane turns deadly when a guest is murdered. Siobhán navigates village gossip and high-profile suspects to find the killer, balancing her budding romance with Macdara. A festive yet suspenseful follow-up. - Murder in an Irish Churchyard (March 2018)
On Siobhán’s first day as a garda, a body is found in St. Mary’s churchyard. The victim, an American filmmaker, stirs old grudges. Siobhán’s sleuthing skills deepen, earning a starred Publishers Weekly review. - Murder in an Irish Pub (February 2019)
A poker player’s death in a Kilbane pub sparks suspicions of foul play. Siobhán, now a seasoned garda, uncovers gambling debts and hidden motives. Nominated for a 2019 Suspense Magazine Award. - Murder in an Irish Cottage (March 2020)
Siobhán investigates a woman’s death in a supposedly cursed cottage. Local superstitions and family secrets complicate the case, testing her instincts. A fan favorite for its eerie atmosphere. - Murder at an Irish Christmas (October 2020)
The O’Sullivans cater a Christmas concert, but a musician’s death halts the festivities. Siobhán digs into rivalries among the orchestra, blending holiday cheer with suspense. - Murder in an Irish Bookshop (March 2021)
A new bookstore’s author event ends in murder when Deirdre Walsh is found dead, pages from a rival’s book stuffed in her mouth. Siobhán untangles literary jealousy, earning Kirkus praise for its classic mystery clues. - Murder on an Irish Farm (February 2022)
Siobhán and Macdara’s wedding is interrupted by the discovery of a skeleton. The O’Sullivans’ farm becomes a crime scene, forcing Siobhán to solve a decades-old mystery. A poignant, high-stakes tale. - Murder at an Irish Bakery (February 2023)
A protester’s death outside Kilbane’s Pie Pie Love bakery during a baking competition points to poison. Siobhán investigates contestants and health fads, delivering a “delectable” whodunit (Publishers Weekly). - Murder at an Irish Chipper (February 2024)
Siobhán and Macdara’s belated honeymoon turns into a busman’s holiday when a body is found in a fish and chips shop. Siobhán’s sleuthing uncovers coastal secrets. The highest-rated book on BookNotification.com. - Murder in an Irish Garden (February 25, 2025)
A gardening competition in Kilbane blooms into murder. Siobhán investigates amid the O’Sullivan family’s excitement, unraveling motives tied to rivalry and pride. Pre-order available.
Home to Ireland Mystery Series (2020–2024)
This series follows Tara Meehan, a New Yorker, as she uncovers mysteries in Galway. Less cozy than Irish Village, it’s ideal for readers seeking standalone adventures. Read in order for Tara’s arc.
- Murder in Galway (April 2020)
Tara arrives in Galway to scatter her mother’s ashes and meet her uncle Johnny, only to find a dead man in his cottage. Suspecting Johnny, Tara investigates, revealing family secrets. A strong series opener. - Murder in Connemara (July 2021)
Tara, now a shop owner in Galway, is hired to deliver bequests for a wealthy woman, Veronica O’Farrell. When Veronica is murdered, Tara probes her eccentric circle, facing danger. A twisty, atmospheric mystery. - Murder on an Irish Beach (October 2024)
Tara investigates the death of Jimmy O’Reilly, found on a beach with a cryptic message in stones. A vial of veterinary medication hints at foul play, pulling Tara into a web of local intrigue.
County Kerry Mystery Series (2022–2024)
This darker, atmospheric series follows veterinarian Dimpna Wilde in the Dingle Peninsula. It’s less cozy, with complex family dynamics and rugged settings. Read in order for Dimpna’s story.
- No Strangers Here (October 2022)
Dimpna returns to Dingle after her father’s suicide attempt, finding a man’s body on a beach with a cryptic stone message. Her investigation stirs old wounds and local gossip. A somber, compelling launch. - Some of Us Are Looking (October 2023)
Dimpna probes a hit-and-run death during a meteor shower watch party. A blood-splattered caravan member, Brigid Sweeney, seeks her help, hinting at a deeper conspiracy. A chilling, layered mystery. - You Have Gone Too Far (October 22, 2024)
A violent cult leader’s return to Dingle coincides with a woman’s disappearance. Dimpna investigates, confronting her past and a town’s fear. O’Connor’s latest is praised for its moody prose.
Novellas and Anthologies (2019–2024)
O’Connor’s novellas, often holiday-themed, feature Siobhán O’Sullivan or other cozy heroines. These are standalone but may include minor spoilers for the Irish Village series.
- Christmas Cocoa Murder (September 2019, anthology)
In “Christmas Cocoa Murder,” Siobhán investigates a death during a Christmas-themed escape game at a bookstore café. Part of a three-novella collection with Maddie Day and Alex Erickson. - Christmas Scarf Murder (September 2022, anthology)
In “Christmas Scarf Murder,” Siobhán probes a murder at a nursing home involving a shamrock scarf, just before her holiday bash. Another three-novella anthology with Peggy Ehrhart and Maddie Day. - Irish Soda Bread Murder (January 2024, anthology)
In “Irish Soda Bread Murder,” Siobhán caters a St. Patrick’s Day event where a baker’s death points to poisoned bread. Includes novellas by Peggy Ehrhart and Liz Ireland. - Irish Milkshake Murder (December 2024, anthology)
In “Irish Milkshake Murder,” Siobhán and Macdara’s pre-wedding St. Patrick’s Day celebration is marred by a milkshake-related murder. Features novellas by Maddie Day and Elizabeth Penney.
Upcoming Release
- The Pub Across the Pond (December 2025)
Details are scarce, but this novel, likely part of the Irish Village Mysteries, promises another Kilbane adventure. Check carleneoconnor.net for updates.
Reading Carlene O’Connor’s Books: Tips and Guidance
- Series Order: Read each series in publication order to follow character arcs and avoid spoilers. For Irish Village Mysteries, Siobhán’s romance and garda career evolve significantly. Home to Ireland and County Kerry are shorter but build on prior events.
- Standalone Potential: Novellas and Home to Ireland novels can be read independently, though Irish Village references enhance enjoyment. County Kerry is darker and less cozy, better for fans of Tana French.
- Starting Point: Begin with Murder in an Irish Village for the quintessential O’Connor experience, or No Strangers Here for a grittier mystery.
- Content: Cozy mysteries feature minimal gore, focusing on puzzles and community. County Kerry includes darker themes like cults and suicide, suitable for mature readers.
- Anthologies: Holiday novellas are fun, quick reads but may spoil Irish Village character developments. Save them for after the main series.
Where to Find Carlene O’Connor’s Books
O’Connor’s books are available in hardcover, paperback, mass market paperback, e-book, audiobook (narrated by Caroline Lennon), and large print through:
- Retailers: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, Indigo, ThriftBooks.
- Libraries: Most libraries stock Irish Village Mysteries, especially Murder in an Irish Village.
- Digital Platforms: Kindle, Audible, Kobo, Chirp (discounted audiobooks).
- Official Website: carleneoconnor.net offers book details, a contact form, and newsletter sign-ups.
- Secondhand: ThriftBooks, World of Books for used copies.
Follow O’Connor on Facebook (@CarleneOConnorAuthor) or Goodreads for updates and reader Q&As.
Why Carlene O’Connor’s Books Resonate
O’Connor’s storytelling, rooted in her Irish heritage, brings authenticity to her vivid settings, from Kilbane’s bistro to Dingle’s windswept cliffs. Her Irish Village Mysteries, with 11 novels, are lauded for their “lively quirkiness” and Janet Evanovich-like humor, keeping readers hooked with unpredictable killers (Publishers Weekly). The County Kerry series, compared to Ann Cleeves, offers moodier, complex narratives. Fans on Goodreads (over 100,000 ratings for Murder in an Irish Village) and X praise her pacing and Irish culture, though some find later Irish Village plots formulaic. O’Connor’s love for real Irish towns and her acting background enrich her dialogue and character motivations, making her a cozy mystery standout.
Final Thoughts
Carlene O’Connor’s 17 novels and four novellas, from Murder in an Irish Village (2016) to You Have Gone Too Far (2024), offer a delightful blend of Irish charm, cozy mysteries, and atmospheric suspense. Start with Murder in an Irish Village for Siobhán’s Kilbane adventures, Murder in Galway for Tara’s Galway quests, or No Strangers Here for Dimpna’s darker Dingle cases. Reading in publication order ensures the best experience, especially for Irish Village fans tracking Siobhán’s journey. With The Pub Across the Pond due in December 2025, O’Connor’s Irish mysteries continue to enchant. Dive into Kilbane’s bistro or Dingle’s cliffs for a cozy, captivating escape.