Review of House of Eire
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SarahAnnHaywood
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Review of House of Eire
[Following is a volunteer review of "House of Eire" by June Gillam.]
June Gillam’s House of Eire is an entertaining mystery set mostly in idyllic Ireland. Hillary Broome, wife to Ed, mother to Claire, and caregiver of the adopted “Granny” Sarah takes a second honeymoon with her family to Galway in search of a relaxing vacation. She’s also interested in exploring more of her family heritage with the help of Bridget, formerly married to her late cousin Teddy. While Ed is frequently away in Dublin attending a conference with the police force, Hillary, Sarah, and Claire settle in at a B&B and begin to discover the Emerald Isle. Bridget has been involved as a potential investor with a theme park idea pursued by an American developer, Dermot; however, Bridget is also emotionally attached to the need for a more somber exhibit within the theme park that will illuminate the struggles and sacrifices of the Irish people over the past decades. Dermot is vehemently against this idea, and says so to his lackey Seamus, a real estate agent who has become romantically involved with Bridget. Dermot would like to eliminate all obstacles to his dream, and Seamus is caught between the money he’ll receive when the theme park goes through and the affection he feels for Bridget and her research into Irish history.
Hillary becomes fascinated with Bridget’s findings and her passion for the Irish people, as Hillary’s family has roots in Ireland. When it becomes clear to Hillary that Bridget is in danger, things take a turn for the worse and Hillary fears for the safety of her friend, her family, and herself. In addition to everyday business dealings, relationship issues, and historical facts and feelings, the novel is peppered with stories of ghosts, which only serves to enhance the sense of suspense.
Gillam’s book, one of a series of standalone novels featuring Hillary Broome, is fast-paced and keeps the reader moving right along. The history of the Irish is interesting, the main characters are likable, and the antagonists keep you wondering what’s going to happen next.
What I disliked about the book is that while the plot is exciting, the details seem far-fetched. For example, a murder occurs, and although the remaining characters are horrified, distraught, and worried about their own safety, they take very few measures to ensure that safety. In addition, the police are not highly involved in solving the mysterious murder case. I understand some things need to be overlooked for the sake of a story, but many of the details of this book seemed too unbelievable to me.
House of Eire is a great “quick read,” and it provides a captivating storyline that is entertaining and fun. I give this book a 4 out of 5 stars. It is suitable for adult readers only, as there is some profanity as well as suggestive sexual scenes.
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House of Eire
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
June Gillam’s House of Eire is an entertaining mystery set mostly in idyllic Ireland. Hillary Broome, wife to Ed, mother to Claire, and caregiver of the adopted “Granny” Sarah takes a second honeymoon with her family to Galway in search of a relaxing vacation. She’s also interested in exploring more of her family heritage with the help of Bridget, formerly married to her late cousin Teddy. While Ed is frequently away in Dublin attending a conference with the police force, Hillary, Sarah, and Claire settle in at a B&B and begin to discover the Emerald Isle. Bridget has been involved as a potential investor with a theme park idea pursued by an American developer, Dermot; however, Bridget is also emotionally attached to the need for a more somber exhibit within the theme park that will illuminate the struggles and sacrifices of the Irish people over the past decades. Dermot is vehemently against this idea, and says so to his lackey Seamus, a real estate agent who has become romantically involved with Bridget. Dermot would like to eliminate all obstacles to his dream, and Seamus is caught between the money he’ll receive when the theme park goes through and the affection he feels for Bridget and her research into Irish history.
Hillary becomes fascinated with Bridget’s findings and her passion for the Irish people, as Hillary’s family has roots in Ireland. When it becomes clear to Hillary that Bridget is in danger, things take a turn for the worse and Hillary fears for the safety of her friend, her family, and herself. In addition to everyday business dealings, relationship issues, and historical facts and feelings, the novel is peppered with stories of ghosts, which only serves to enhance the sense of suspense.
Gillam’s book, one of a series of standalone novels featuring Hillary Broome, is fast-paced and keeps the reader moving right along. The history of the Irish is interesting, the main characters are likable, and the antagonists keep you wondering what’s going to happen next.
What I disliked about the book is that while the plot is exciting, the details seem far-fetched. For example, a murder occurs, and although the remaining characters are horrified, distraught, and worried about their own safety, they take very few measures to ensure that safety. In addition, the police are not highly involved in solving the mysterious murder case. I understand some things need to be overlooked for the sake of a story, but many of the details of this book seemed too unbelievable to me.
House of Eire is a great “quick read,” and it provides a captivating storyline that is entertaining and fun. I give this book a 4 out of 5 stars. It is suitable for adult readers only, as there is some profanity as well as suggestive sexual scenes.
******
House of Eire
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Sent to Watch by David J. Lebenstein
