Books
11 top crime novels set in Ireland
With its literary heritage, rich music scene, lyrical Celtic language and dark and troubled political history, the Emerald Isle has provided inspiration for many a gripping crime novel. From police procedurals to psychological thrillers, there’s a huge amount of choice when it comes to great mysteries set in Ireland. But where to start?
If you’re on the hunt for a good book to help immerse yourself in Ireland then look no further. With these unmissable crime and thriller reads you can pay a visit to Dublin with Liz Nugent, explore the rural west coast with Tana French and walk the streets of Cork with Catherine Kirwan.
Here’s our pick of the best mysteries set in Ireland.
The Hunter – Tana French by Tana French
The Hunter by Tana French – West of Ireland
Former police detective Cal Hooper was enjoying a peaceful retirement in the West of Ireland. He had fallen in love with a local woman and taken wild teenager Trey under his wing. But two newcomers hunting for gold throw Cal’s world into chaos, as one of them is Trey’s long-absent father. Cal wants to protect her, but she has her mind set on revenge… The Hunter crackles with tension and makes you question how far you would go to protect those you love.
Darkest Truth by Catherine Kirwan
Darkest Truth by Catherine Kirwan – Cork
Solicitor Finn Fitzpatrick is approached by a grieving father who asks her to investigate his daughter’s death. The police ruled it a suicide, but this man believes she died under suspicious circumstances. As Finn investigates, she is puzzled by the young girl’s relationship with one of the world’s most famous film directors and soon finds herself in danger. After all, these are powerful people she’s trying to expose – and they’ll go to extreme lengths to protect their reputations.
Strange Sally Diamond by Liz Nugent
Strange Sally Diamond by Liz Nugent – County Roscommon
Winner of the 2023 Crime Novel of the Year Award at the Irish Book Awards, Liz Nugent’s latest novel transports you to a small village, where the reclusive Sally has just disposed of her father’s remains in their home incinerator. She thought she was following orders (he had told her to put him out with the rubbish when he died) but her actions put her in the heart of a media storm. As Sally gradually learns about her past, and the reasons for her behaviour, can she learn to rejoin the outside world?
With Our Blessing by Jo Spain
With Our Blessing by Jo Spain – Dublin / Limerick
When an elderly woman is found murdered in a Dublin park, DI Tom Reynolds suspects a connection to historical events in the infamous Magdalene Laundries. His investigation takes him to an isolated convent in the Irish countryside. But once he and his team are inside, it becomes clear that a killer is in their midst – a killer pursuing their own unique brand of justice…
Come A Little Closer by Karen Perry
Come a Little Closer by Karen Perry – Dublin
Leah is new to Wyndham Park and feels lonely in her new surroundings. Then she strikes up a friendship with her upstairs neighbour Anton, who has recently returned to the street and shares her feelings of isolation. But Anton doesn’t reveal the real reason he’s been away for 19 years: he was in prison, found guilty of murdering his wife – a wife who looked a bit like Leah. Was he wrongly convicted all those years ago, or could Leah be in danger?
Dirty Laundry by Disha Bose
Dirty Laundry by Disha Bose – Cork
On the surface, Ciara has a perfect life: a happy marriage, well-behaved children, and gorgeous home. But when she is found murdered in her house, her well-kept secrets and betrayals gradually come to light… Everyone is a suspect in this domestic thriller that explores that dark side of suburbia, set in a town just outside Cork, and is perfect for fans of Big Little Lies, Ashley Audrain and Shari Lapena.
Can Anybody Help Me? by Sinead Crowley
Can Anybody Help Me? by Sinead Crowley – Dublin
Yvonne has recently moved to Dublin and is struggling with her new surroundings and baby. Desperate for support, she turns to an online support forum for mothers, forming friendships with women who are candid about their own lives. When one of these new friends abruptly goes offline, Yvonne fears something is wrong. And then the body of a young woman with striking similarities to her missing friend is discovered, leading Yvonne to the realisation that they’re all in danger. After all, how well can you really know someone you haven’t met in person?
Even the Dead by Benjamin Black
Even the Dead by Benjamin Black – Dublin
Quirke is a pathologist who works in a morgue in Dublin, watching over the city’s dead. The morgue’s latest addition was ruled as a suicide, but something doesn’t add up: the victim has a suspicious head wound, and the only witness to the death has vanished. As Quirke searches for the missing witness, he infiltrates the dark underbelly of Dublin, complete with secret societies, High Church politics and corrupt politicians. In doing so, he uncovers a long-buried conspiracy that involves his own family.
The Killer in Me by Olivia Kiernan
The Killer in Me by Olivia Kiernan – Dublin
Seventeen years ago, a boy was found guilty of killing his parents and attempting to murder his sister. Now, he’s out of prison and the subject of a new TV documentary which has divided public opinion on whether he was innocent. Meanwhile, two mutilated corpses have been discovered in a church in Clontarf. Could the two be linked? DCS Frankie Sheehan is on the case, and suspects a sadistic killer is trying to send a message.
Holding by Graham Norton
Holding by Graham Norton – Duneen
In the remote Irish village of Duneen, bumbling Sergeant PJ Collins is working his first real case: human remains have been discovered on an old farm, suspected to be that of local man Tommy Burke. Tommy was the former lover of both mother-of-two Brid Riordan, and elegant but melancholic Evelyn Ross. As Sergeant Collins investigates, the village’s history of betrayals, resentment and regrets come to light. Holding was the debut novel of popular TV presenter Graham Norton – an intricate mystery told with his trademark acerbic wit.
Lying in Wait by Liz Nugent
Lying in Wait by Liz Nugent – Dublin
It opens with one of the most iconic first lines in crime fiction: “My husband did not mean to kill Annie Doyle, but the lying tramp deserved it.” Lying in Wait tells the story of Lydia Fitzsimmons, who helps her husband cover up a murder and attempts to shield her son from learning the truth. But when Annie’s sister starts asking questions, and Lydia’s son grows increasingly restless, the secrets start to unravel… This addictive psychological thriller simmers with tension and builds to an explosive ending.
What are your favourite mysteries set in Ireland? Have we missed any of your favourite Irish crime writers? Let us know in the comments below!
Travel further afield with our recommended reads set in Scotland, Wales and England.
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Have to include Tadhg Coakley and his character Tim Collins – Corks very own Jack Reacher.
One of the passionate bloggers, dear Molly Odintz, has added a name to the list of noteworthy Irish Crime Fiction: Anjili Babbar, seems she is giving us all a sorta overview (on topic) in her book: Finders: Justice, Faith, and Identity in Irish Crime Fiction (Irish Studies)
The 20 book series by David Pearson, set in Connemara in the west of Ireland make very good cosy crime stories. Featuring DI Maureen Lyons and her team, the books are best read in the sequence they were published. Very entertaining. Good descriptions of the area, and not at all bloodthirsty.
You can’t beat the early Jack Taylor books by Ken Bruen. As noir as they get!
Claire Allan for sure, can’t put her books down, very gripping!
The Caimh McDonnell books are wonderful.
Andrea Mara
Distress Signals “ by Catherine Ryan Howard
Sam Blake’s Cat Connelly trilogy
Dervla Mc Tiernan, Patricia Gibney , Karen Perry all brilliant.
WHAT ABOUT PATRICA GIBNEY THE BEST
irish crime Try THE RUIN BY DERVLA McTIERNAN a future nova star
Kevin Doyle’s books set in Cork City – To keep A Bird Singing & A River Of Bodies. A great sense of place & well written characters
Gareth O Callaghan had a great book “The Keeper” bsck in tbe 90’s.
And how about “Divorcing Jack” by Colm Bateman?
The Lottie Parker series by Patricia Gibney. Set in the midlands. The first in the series is ‘The missing Ones
Patricia Gibney ia a very good Irish writer her books include,The Missing Ones, The Stolen Girls, The Lost Child, No Safe Place.
I wouldn’t disagree with any of the 13 books on the list (although I haven’t read all of them). For writers who are very good at creating a sense of place, and set their stories in Ireland, I would also recommend Brian McGilloway, Andrea Carter, Anthony Quinn and Claire McGowan.