Sheila Connolly | Happy St. Patrick's Day

March 17, 2013

Lá Fhéile Pádraig s ona daoibh go léir!

Before you think I'm babbling, that means "Happy Saint Patrick's Day" in Irish.  The first book in my new County Cork Mysteries, BURIED IN A BOG, came out last month and I've been astounded by the response.  It debuted at #14 on the New York Times Paperback Bestseller list, which was great, but more important, I can't tell you how many people have written to say that they love the Ireland I describe and are ready to plan a trip there.

BURIED IN A BOG is about Maura Donovan's introduction to Ireland.  She was raised in Boston by her grandmother, and her Gran's last wish was that Maura visit the country Gran had left decades earlier.  Maura grudgingly goes to the small town of Leap on the south coast of Ireland, with no expectations—she plans a short trip before returning to Boston to figure out what she's going to do with her life.  Instead she finds a warm welcome from an extended family she never knew she had.  She's both an outsider and an insider; all the local people seem to know everything about her, but she knows little about them. And there are two murders, one old, one new—and both have a family connection, and Maura has a hand in solving them both.  It should be no surprise that Maura ends up staying in Ireland and running a pub.

This book had a long road to follow before it made it to print.  To go all the way back to the beginning, my father's parents were both born in Ireland, and met in New York.  My mother hated her in-laws (particularly after one of my father's aunt's told her they'd hoped their Johnny would become a priest), and they were none too fond of her, so I never knew them. It was only when I had a child of my own (and she was old enough to travel well) that I decided I should learn more about the Irish half of my heritage.

At the heart of BURIED IN A BOG is the second book I ever wrote, more than tens years ago, originally called Sullivan's Pub. Once I had found a publisher (for a different series), I pitched it to them, but they passed on it.  While publishing three other series over the years, I rewrote and rewrote my Irish series, changed the main characters and the plot—but never the place.  The pub, the small town, the Wild West of Cork, and of course, the people were always the most important elements, and they never changed. So I waited a few years and then I pitched it again—and this time the publisher took it.

I write cozy mysteries, and the great majority of cozies are set in small towns.  Ireland is like one giant small town, where everyone knows everyone else, and their grandparents, and the name of their dog.  With a total population of less than five million people, it's not as hard as you might think.  And a pub is the perfect place to solve mystery, because that's where information is shared.  Pubs aren't so much for the drinking ast for the talk and the companionship. (I should disclose that the town I write about, Leap in County Cork, actually has four pubs to serve its population of 200.)

I had to persuade my editor, who spent a year in Dublin, that rural Ireland is not like the city.  It's an interesting mix of the old and the new. And people still look out for each other.  Everybody is related to everybody else (something that I included in the book)—there are a lot of honorary "cousins" in any area, and I'm happy to be one of them. Yes, I have met relatives there, mostly by happy accident.

From the start I wanted more than anything to avoid making the story "cute." There are no leprechauns, and nobody lurches around saying "faith and begorrah" (unless there's a tourist in the room, and then it's said with a wink). Luckily people were more than willing to talk to me, even the police (gardaí).  How often do they get someone like me walking into the station and asking, "now, if you found a body on the lawn of the manor house, what would you do?"  By the way, the murder rate in County Cork is extremely low, and I apologized to the very helpful sergeant for doubling it in my series.  Most crimes there are solved because the gardaí usually know the suspect, his girlfriend, his parents...no need to look far.

I have been so pleased by the warmth of the response from readers.  One early reviewer said that my love for Ireland shines through.  It's true:  I fell in love with the place the first time I saw it, and I've been back four times since.  The people are welcoming, the scenery is beautiful, the weather...well, if it's raining, wait a few minutes, and you're pretty sure to get a rainbow, or two, or even three at once (I've seen it happen).  There are bookstores everywhere, even in the smallest villages, and the food is so much better than it used to be. 

Clearly I need to go back to do more research.  Often!

Photos from Ireland

Tell me if you've ever been to Ireland or County Cork or what you'd like to see if you went. One person will win a copy of BURIED IN A BOG

Comments

55 comments posted.

Re: Sheila Connolly | Happy St. Patrick's Day

Your comments are outstanding and you make Ireland sound like an especially-interesting place to visit. It is no wonder that your book is selling so well. Congratulations!
(Gladys Paradowski 1:15am March 17, 2013)

I have never been to Ireland but I grew up in an Irish neighborhood. I have been hoping to visit Ireland since I was six years old. Your blog stirred up some old memories.
(Kathleen Yohanna 1:22am March 17, 2013)

I have been to Ireland, and heard my ancestors singing to me.
Blessings,
Marjorie
(Marjorie Carmony 6:32am March 17, 2013)

I have never been to Ireland but would love to go someday. My parents went a couple of years ago and their pictures were so beautiful. Your books sound great!
(Renee Pajda 8:58am March 17, 2013)

My DH is Irish - I hope to visit Ireland with him. Oh, and yes, he does have green eyes :) Congrats on your book!
(Carla Carlson 9:37am March 17, 2013)

never been there,like to see rivers.
(Kent Cook 10:47am March 17, 2013)

I enjoyed your lovely post today. I have never visited
Ireland. What an experience it would be.
(Sharon Berger 10:57am March 17, 2013)

Awesome post Sheila :)
The pictures are so cool!
I've never been to Ireland but hope to visit once I retire (2 years!).
I like the blurb /background for the book, is it going to be part of a series?

Mindy :)
[email protected]

Tell me if you've ever been to Ireland or County Cork or what you'd like to see if you went. One person will win a copy of BURIED IN A BOG
(Mina Gerhart 12:11pm March 17, 2013)

I've not been to Ireland, but if I did I would find a bed and breakfast inn and take in all the sights. I would be in all the pubs and try their food customs.
(Rosemary Simm 12:29pm March 17, 2013)

I've been to Ireland, once, several years ago. Unfortunately, we didn't have time to see much of the famous countryside, and nothing at all on the Western half. Mostly, I want to go back and drive around and absorb the scenery!
(Kathleen Conner 2:00pm March 17, 2013)

I've never been but I'd love to go to a pub! I think this greatgrannie would be welcomed there!
(Karen Barnett 2:10pm March 17, 2013)

Thank you all for your comments. I first went to Ireland not knowing what to expect, looking mainly to see where my father's family had come from. And look what happened! I'll confess I've borrowed a lot of real details. The pub I called Sullivan's was actually Connolly's when I first saw it. Knockskagh is real, as is Bridget Nolan's house there. And Drombeg definitely is, and is mystical--I visit there every time I'm in West Cork, and it's always different. The Keohanes' house is based on the bed and breakfast where I stayed--where the landlady put me in touch with a second cousin (whose daughter's name is Grainne), who she claimed as a "cousin" too, not that she could explain how. The place continues to surprise me (and a lot of that ends up in the books!).
(Sheila Connolly 2:53pm March 17, 2013)

Sheila,
I've never been to Ireland or County Cork. It sounds like you've visited many times and learn more each time. What an adventure! The countryside always looks beautiful in photos, in books, and on TV. I worked with a friend who took a trip there, and kissed the "Blarney Stone" (for good luck, I believe). Everything is so green and gorgeous. It's great to write a book with the background information you've incorporated into it.
(Rich Cook 3:14pm March 17, 2013)

I've never been to Ireland but would love to go there someday.
Happy St Patrick's Day.
(Pam Howell 4:12pm March 17, 2013)

Happy St. Patrick's Day! I've never been to Ireland, but I would like visit Ireland through your lovely book.
(Bonnie H 5:42pm March 17, 2013)

I have not traveled out of the United States but if I ever get to Ireland I'd love to visit the Irish Pubs and Union Hall 1 and 2
(Shirley Younger 6:05pm March 17, 2013)

I have not been to either but I would surely love to kiss the Blarney Stone one day ~ a bucket list top ten for sure!
(Susan Coster 6:46pm March 17, 2013)

I would like to see the Giant's Causeway. Some of my relatives came over from Dublin a very long time ago.
(Connie Schultz 6:48pm March 17, 2013)

I have never been to Ireland, but going is definitely on my
bucket list. My maternal grandmother's maternal family was
from Ireland and we have story's that have been handed down
about them being run out of Ireland for being Catholic. The
family is no longer practicing Catholicism, but we still
practice our Irish heritage with Colcannon and Corned Beef &
Cabbage.
(Judith Cauthan 6:56pm March 17, 2013)

If I ever went to Ireland, I think that I would concentrate my travels to either the countryside, or to the castles. I heard that landscape is beautiful, and I've always had a fascination with castles. To date, I've only had the pleasure of going into one, and enjoyed it immensely!! I loved your posting, and am sure that I would love your book!! I have a friend who was able to spend part of his schooling in Ireland. When he returned, he was a slightly different person. It wasn't a bad change, but took a bit of getting used to, including his brogue!! I also love the artwork of the book cover!! It's a wonderful depiction of the area!! Congratulations!!
(Peggy Roberson 8:17pm March 17, 2013)

Hi Sheila, I have never had the pleasure of reading one of your books before, but after reading the excerpt above I would truly like to read "Buried In A Bog". I had an aunt & uncle that lived in Ireland but never got to visit. England was the closest we got. I am an avid reader of several genre and am always looking for great new books & authors to try!
(Karen Schmidt 8:49pm March 17, 2013)

I am partial to things Irish (since my name is Shannon and my eyes are green).
Happy St. Pats!
(Shannon Scott 8:56pm March 17, 2013)

the book sounds so interesting and would really love to win it and read it and share with my friends at the library...thanks
(Kimberly Hoefs 9:32pm March 17, 2013)

Book sounds interesting. Would love to win. I have't been to Irelend. Its on my bucket list. Thanks for a chance to win.
(Linda Hall 9:54pm March 17, 2013)

I forgot to mention that I have indeed kissed the Blarney Stone--I guess it worked!
(Sheila Connolly 10:05pm March 17, 2013)

I've never been, but I'd love to see all the historical sites.
(Mary Preston 11:16pm March 17, 2013)

I've never been to Ireland, but I definitely want to go there someday. The
pictures look so beautiful and green. The new book sounds great!
(Debbie Burdeen 11:33pm March 17, 2013)

You make Ireland seem like a great place to visit. When I was about 9 years old, I was part of a group who was taught to dance the Irish Jig so that we could perform it at thw Miller Memorial Theater in Hermann Park in Houston. I can still dance the Irish Jig and it definitely does set one's toes to tapping.
(Gladys Paradowski 12:13pm March 18, 2013)

I've never been to Ireland but my granfather's mother was Ellen O'Rourke
from County Cork!! I am so glad my cousin found her before my mom died.
She got such a kick out it. I would love to go and see if I can go back
further &/or find modern day relatives.
I have read several books set in Ireland, and I always want to go and
explore the places in the books. :)
(Penny Mettert 12:23pm March 18, 2013)

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!
(Vicki Hancock 12:53pm March 18, 2013)

I've never been to Ireland. Our church took a tour over there this fall. In college I was interested in taking a cooking course over in Ireland. I saw the book of prayers on line the other day.
(Laura Gullickson 5:41am March 18, 2013)

I have never been to Ireland, either, except with Rick Steves on PBS - LOL - can you say Armchair Traveller? How cool to learn more about this beautiful country through your book!
(Felicia Ciaudelli 9:00am March 18, 2013)

I have never been to Ireland but have read many books set there. It sounds like a beautiful place.
(Rita Wray 9:42am March 18, 2013)

I'd love to travel to Ireland--but probably will only ever go in books.
(Sue Farrell 9:57am March 18, 2013)

Cead mile failte!
A very appropriate book for the day that is in it.
I live in lovely Ireland and have visited Cork several times. Cork floods a lot as it is set on the River Lee where it enters the sea. A high tide and a lot of rain together floods out the city centre which is low-lying. Good luck with your books!
(Clare O'Beara 11:53am March 18, 2013)

I've never been to Ireland, but have formed a picture in my mind of a beautiful land. It's a place I would enjoy visiting, but so far, I've had to do it through books.
(Anna Speed 12:23pm March 18, 2013)

Happy St. Patrick's Day to you (a day late!) I recently read Buried in a Bog and really enjoyed it. I have never been to Ireland but when reading your book I felt like I was there. I will definitely continue reading this new series. I loved the characters!
(Mary Perry 1:56pm March 18, 2013)

Never been to Irland, but your blog made it sound very inviting. Love to read cozy mysteries.
(Sheila True 5:22pm March 18, 2013)

I have never visited Ireland but would love too! Reading Buried in a Bog sounds like a lovely way to armchair travel and enjoy a cozy mystery.
(Monica Vargo 6:16pm March 18, 2013)

love irish books, thanks. never been but want to go too
(Debbi Shaw 6:32pm March 18, 2013)

I've never visited Ireland, and I'm green with envy (LOL) for those that have and more than once! Perhaps reading your book Buried in a Bog will help me get there. Love reading cozy mysteries, and it sounds like this is a great one from a lovely land!
(Linda Luinstra 6:59pm March 18, 2013)

sheep! I want to go see the sheep, meet other knitters and buy at least three bags full of - yarn. I'd also like to walk along beaches, swim in the ocean and see the dolphins. So much of the world to see...
(Beth Fuller 7:44pm March 18, 2013)

Late getting mine in, but I'd love to live in Ireland!!!!!!
(Joanne Bozik 7:47pm March 18, 2013)

LOVE your pictures of Ireland and the blurg makes your book
sound fantastic! It is deffinately going on my must read
list...
(Sandie White 7:57pm March 18, 2013)

i have never been but my dad went years ago on a family retracing of his routes. He loved the trip. I fondly remember going over the pictures with him and the stories behind each picture. I fondly remember these times.
(Lisa Fitzgibbons 8:15pm March 18, 2013)

I have not had the pleasure of travelling to Ireland but my sister has - she did the "Pubs of Ireland" tour! Its the only thing she can really remember well about her trip. I would like to see Ulster- which is where two sides of our family are from.
(Janis Milford 8:26pm March 18, 2013)

I HAVE NEVER BEEN BUT I WOULD LOVE TO GO.I PUT YOUR BOOK ON MY LIST..
(Jennifer Beck 8:32pm March 18, 2013)

I would love to travel to Ireland. I like your cover on your book.
(Amy Milne 10:02pm March 18, 2013)

A co-worker went to Ireland. She said it is very green over there and there are a lot of sheep. I would love to go to Ireland for the myths and legend and the Book Kells.
(Kai Wong 10:53pm March 18, 2013)

Went to Ireland years ago and loved it. We had the funniest time in a pub out in
the middle of not much else :)
(Adriane Coros 11:21pm March 18, 2013)

I grew up in a tiny town, that celebrated it's Irish heritage. I dream of getting to visit there. I want to visit everything there.
(Debbie Penny 7:44am March 19, 2013)

I have never been to Ireland but would love to go!
(Susan Dyer 10:27am March 19, 2013)

I went to Ireland with my grandma, aunt, and two cousins. Had a blast!
(Kathy Sullivan 11:41am March 19, 2013)

I've never been to ireland.
(Sandy Giden 12:09pm March 19, 2013)

My husband and I visited Ireland together, a few years ago. It was the trip of a lifetime and they have fabulous memories!
Many thanks, Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com
(Cindi Hoppes 5:32pm March 19, 2013)

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