Maura runs a pub called Sullivans and is debating about serving food or going to social media for promotion, but otherwise, her life is nicely quiet. She doesn't even have an internet connection, though most local folks do. That all changes when a deputation from a hospitality firm JBCo arrives. They have bought a local house for conversion to a hotel, and want the pub to provide an authentic music experience for their patrons. Maura isn't sure she wants to get involved, but on the other hand, she's open to improvements. Her place isn't a novelty any more, and she has competition in Skibbereen. Maybe the shakeup would be good for trade. Even after a light lunch at the hotel she can't decide.

Next day one of the business managers is found dead at the hotel. He might have slipped and fallen, but he was in good health and out on a hill at night. The Guards come to ask Maura if she noticed anything out of the ordinary. A female manager from JBCo would also like to speak with her... and Helen Jenkins turns out to have a personal revelation to make.

Much of the story is told through conversation, with some up to the minute references such as the uncertainty over Brexit. The emigration experience of past generations features, while close family ties in town, and willingness to aid neighbours, are demonstrated. As always with Sheila Connolly's works, the history and character of the community are strongly featured. Maura and her friends talk through their life experiences more than usual due to the stresses of the new baby and the police investigation, giving them depth and showing us why they react in certain ways.

Sheila Connolly, who was born in New York, has a few more mystery series on the go, including the Museum and Orchard series, so it must be fun for the author to jump between settings with her different amateur sleuths. If you have not read any of her books don't worry, you could appreciate MANY A TWIST without having read the earlier books. This is not the usual formula cozy so enjoy it for the setting and characterisation.

Book Summary