Perhaps best known for his role as hapless Father Dougal Maguire in hit 90s sitcom Father Ted, Ardal O’Hanlon’s latest novel A Plot To Die For is the first in a new murder mystery series. Finn O’Leary, celebrity gardener and local hero returns to Abbeyford, his Irish hometown to care for his mother after a recent fall.
Arriving just as the fictional town ramps up activity ahead of the impending national Tidy Towns title, Finn is roped into helping the effort, using his horticultural skills. When a member of the community choir collapses and dies unexpectedly during a rehearsal, Finn and his old acquaintance Aoife transform into amateur detectives as they bid to solve the case and prevent any further disasters.
A feelgood, community-spirited story full of comedic anecdotes, there’s a unique depth to A Plot…’s characters and community descriptions, offering the perfect way to escape current world events – and, speaking as an avid Father Ted fan, anyone similarly inclined won’t be disappointed with the comedic elements in O’Hanlon’s story. A highly entertaining addition to the cosy crime genre, I’m anticipating the next instalment in this series – I can’t wait to follow this group of characters on their journey.
