Ready for an exciting and wonderful escape? CRUEL WINTER whisks you off to Leap, in County Cork, Ireland. Maura Donovan lives in Boston with her grandmother, who came from Ireland. When her gran passes away, Maura discovers she left her a house in the hills in Leap and Sullivan's Pub. Her gran's last wish is that Maura visit there to say farewell to all her former friends. Maura arrives in Leap and nine months later she is still there. She likes being boss in the Pub and the local folks are welcoming. Mick, who worked for the former owner, is teaching Maura the ropes.

A snow storm is a rare thing on the Emerald Isle, but the one forecast will be a brutal one and is heading their way. Maura is unsure on how to prepare for it. She begins with getting food, and kerosene for the lamps in case of a power outage. Not even bringing a winter coat from Boston, Maura finds a warm winter coat and boots at the Thrift shop. The oil tank is half filled in the shed out back and there is a good supply of turf and coal for the fireplace. She is ready to face the storm and protect Sullivan's Pub. Sean Murphy, the local gardai, stops by to check on Maura and it is obvious he is smitten with her. A romance there, perhaps?

Sheila Connolly introduces colorful characters and sets the stage brilliantly. I felt like I was there in the dim, lamp-lighted room, as the wind howls and the snow begins to pile up. Old Billy is nestled in the old upholstered chair nearest the fireplace, where he sits every day and holds court with anyone who will listen to his stories. He knows everyone and everything about the area and was like a grandfather to Maura. Gillian, the local artist, now pregnant and becoming Maura's BFF, wants to stay and help Maura for the duration of the storm. Also Jimmy and his daughter, Rose, the usual staff at the pub, came in to help.

Liam and Donal, two musicians who are scheduled to play music on the weekend, arrive early and unpack their instruments and decide to stay. Four young lads, hung over from a wedding they attended that day arrive with Bart, a retired Garda. (police) Enter Diane Caldwell, accused 20 years ago of killing her neighbor, Sharon Morgan. Never tried because of lack of evidence, the murder was never solved, and is a cold murder case. Diane tells Maura she is innocent. During the long night, the group assembled in the pub become the jury as Diane tells her story. They come to a stark conclusion and together they figure out who the murderer is. What to do now?

CRUEL WINTER is a clever plot with the reader turning the pages faster and faster to reach the surprising finale. What a way to be snowbound for 24 hours. It is a great read and I give it 5 stars. Maura is a sweet, super sleuth and a charming heroine. I look forward to more from Sheila Connolly as this is her 5th in the County Cork Mystery Series. A winner, Begorrah!