What do you think?
Rate this book
Sharpe & Donovan #3
Declan's Cross
An escape to an idyllic Irish seaside village is about to turn deadly in this riveting new novel by master of romantic suspense Carla Neggers
For marine biologist Julianne Maroney, two weeks in tiny Declan's Cross on the south Irish coast is a chance to heal her broken heart. She doesn't expect to attract the attention of FBI agents Emma Sharpe and Colin Donovan, who are in Ireland for their own personal retreat.
Ten years ago, art was stolen from a mansion in Declan's Cross, but it has never been recovered and the elusive thief never caught. Now, from the moment Julianne sets foot on Irish soil, everything goes wrong. The well-connected American diver who invited her to Ireland has disappeared. And now Emma and Colin are asking questions.
As a dark conspiracy unfolds amid the breathtaking scenery of Declan's Cross, the race is on to stop a ruthless killer…and the stakes have never been more personal for Emma and Colin.
For marine biologist Julianne Maroney, two weeks in tiny Declan's Cross on the south Irish coast is a chance to heal her broken heart. She doesn't expect to attract the attention of FBI agents Emma Sharpe and Colin Donovan, who are in Ireland for their own personal retreat.
Ten years ago, art was stolen from a mansion in Declan's Cross, but it has never been recovered and the elusive thief never caught. Now, from the moment Julianne sets foot on Irish soil, everything goes wrong. The well-connected American diver who invited her to Ireland has disappeared. And now Emma and Colin are asking questions.
As a dark conspiracy unfolds amid the breathtaking scenery of Declan's Cross, the race is on to stop a ruthless killer…and the stakes have never been more personal for Emma and Colin.
316 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2013
212 people are currently reading
1234 people want to read
About the author
Carla Neggers
143 books1,604 followersCarla Neggers is the New York Times bestselling author of the Sharpe & Donovan series featuring Boston-based FBI agents Emma Sharpe and Colin Donovan, and the popular Swift River Valley series set in the small, fictional New England town of Knights Bridge. With many bestsellers to her credit, Carla loves to write now as much as she did when she climbed a tree at age eleven with a pad and pen and spun stories perched on her favorite branch.
A native New Englander, Carla and her husband divide their time between their hilltop home in Vermont, a sofa bed at their kids' places in Boston and various inns, hotels and hideaways on their travels, frequently to Ireland.
Find out more and sign up for Carla's newsletter at CarlaNeggers.com.
A native New Englander, Carla and her husband divide their time between their hilltop home in Vermont, a sofa bed at their kids' places in Boston and various inns, hotels and hideaways on their travels, frequently to Ireland.
Find out more and sign up for Carla's newsletter at CarlaNeggers.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 169 reviews
March 19, 2016
This is one of those novels that make you want to go to Ireland. Neggers’ describes the countryside so vividly and eloquently that you’re just dying to be there. You can see and feel everything that happens. Everything flows so well that you are never caught off guard, even if the storyline does take a few twists and turns. I was quite intrigued by the way that the author played with the story’s pacing to match with the current events. The pace varied throughout, along with minute changes in the writing style to highlight various emotions and activities. I also appreciate the fact that this novel, although part of a series, can be read as a standalone without missing a great deal of detail. There are certain aspects that the author assumes the reader knows from past stories in the series, but it is quite easy to follow along in this one without having read them.
The characters in this novel are quite intriguing. You get to know each as an individual, a family member, and as part of a couple, however rocky the road they may be on. It’s quite an intriguing look at the inside of a close family when things are less than perfect on the outside. I also enjoyed how Neggers developed the characters. Everything was laid out so naturally. As a reader you never feel like she is throwing information at you just so that you have it. Each character is developed in the manner that you would get to know someone in person. The supporting cast is developed in the same manner. You get to know them in the aspects that are relevant to their role in the story.
This is an absolutely fantastic romantic suspense. It sets the bar for the genre. Each aspect is kept in proportion to the whole while creating a completely unforgettable whole. As a reader, you find yourself trying to put the puzzle pieces together, right alongside the characters. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to anyone.
Please note that I received this novel free of charge from the author/publisher/blog tour company in exchange for an honest review.
The characters in this novel are quite intriguing. You get to know each as an individual, a family member, and as part of a couple, however rocky the road they may be on. It’s quite an intriguing look at the inside of a close family when things are less than perfect on the outside. I also enjoyed how Neggers developed the characters. Everything was laid out so naturally. As a reader you never feel like she is throwing information at you just so that you have it. Each character is developed in the manner that you would get to know someone in person. The supporting cast is developed in the same manner. You get to know them in the aspects that are relevant to their role in the story.
This is an absolutely fantastic romantic suspense. It sets the bar for the genre. Each aspect is kept in proportion to the whole while creating a completely unforgettable whole. As a reader, you find yourself trying to put the puzzle pieces together, right alongside the characters. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to anyone.
Please note that I received this novel free of charge from the author/publisher/blog tour company in exchange for an honest review.
August 13, 2013
Declan's Cross is the third book in the Sharpe and Donovan series by Carla Neggers. While I haven't read the first two, I have read other books by the author in the past.
The good news is that you don't need to read the first books in the series but it might help with a little background information on the characters.
I wanted to like Declan's Cross. Set in Ireland with some mystery and some romance. Alas, it just didn't work for me. My two main issues were the details of the storyline and the pacing. The story is about a young woman who is found dead on the cliffs near the house where she was supposed to meet a friend. We all knew that she was murdered (how else would you have a story) but for the majority of the novel, it's still "probably an accident". I also felt that the continued forcing of a connection between current events and an art robbery that happened several years ago was unnecessary.
This goes to my issue with pacing. The story rehashed what we knew about this murder, what we knew about the art robbery and relationship issues between the major couples - OVER and OVER and OVER. I was sick of hearing about Andy not wanting to commit, Julianne feeling like she shouldn't have fallen for him, Colin not knowing what to do about his FBI future, Emma unsure about her long-term plans with Colin, Sean and Kitty. Blah, blah, blah. For page after page there was no forward movement with the story. I found myself just wanting it to end.
2/5 stars for a great description of the beauty of Ireland but a disappointing story.
Thank you to the publisher for providing an ARC through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The good news is that you don't need to read the first books in the series but it might help with a little background information on the characters.
I wanted to like Declan's Cross. Set in Ireland with some mystery and some romance. Alas, it just didn't work for me. My two main issues were the details of the storyline and the pacing. The story is about a young woman who is found dead on the cliffs near the house where she was supposed to meet a friend. We all knew that she was murdered (how else would you have a story) but for the majority of the novel, it's still "probably an accident". I also felt that the continued forcing of a connection between current events and an art robbery that happened several years ago was unnecessary.
This goes to my issue with pacing. The story rehashed what we knew about this murder, what we knew about the art robbery and relationship issues between the major couples - OVER and OVER and OVER. I was sick of hearing about Andy not wanting to commit, Julianne feeling like she shouldn't have fallen for him, Colin not knowing what to do about his FBI future, Emma unsure about her long-term plans with Colin, Sean and Kitty. Blah, blah, blah. For page after page there was no forward movement with the story. I found myself just wanting it to end.
2/5 stars for a great description of the beauty of Ireland but a disappointing story.
Thank you to the publisher for providing an ARC through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 30, 2024
Never heard of this author before, someone gave me this book to read. It's a murder mystery set in the fictional town of DeClans Cross in Ireland. In this small town ten years ago a big art theft took place. It seems it's happening again, but this time a murder is involved. The American girl Julianna is running from her brokenheart from her current break up. She finds herself knee deep in the center of a murder mystery, and now her job opportunity as well. When the killer comes after her next it puts the whole town in a head-spin. This book is very well written, exciting and you can't put it down. It's so good you don't want the book to end. Good thing it's part if a series so I can read more from this author. Give it a read, you won't be disappointed.
January 8, 2020
Declan’s Cross was another wonderful installment in the Sharpe & Donovan series with an intriguing plot and excellent development for the main characters.
FBI agents Emma Sharpe and Colin Donovan are enjoying a personal respite in Ireland when they hear one of Colin’s friends, marine biologist Julianne Maroney, is headed to Ireland. When they discover she’s headed to the small village of Declan’s Cross, the site of an unresolved art theft ten years ago investigated by the Sharpes, the pair decide to meet her there. But when the American diver who invited Julianne disappears, it’s clear that something more is going on. With the stakes more personal than ever, Emma and Colin are in a race to catch an elusive killer before they strike again.
The mystery in this book was a good one with the unresolved art theft influencing Emma and Colin’s investigation into the present day issues. I have to admit I found the art theft to be the more interesting of the two storylines and I enjoyed when the book focused on it. That’s not to say the current issues Julianne is experiencing weren’t well done, I just enjoyed the mystery of an elusive, uncaught thief who taunts the Sharpes with each new theft. But as for Julianne's troubles, it was interesting seeing Emma and Colin have to work a case from the sidelines as they have no jurisdiction in Ireland. I thought the ending of the book was well done and I found the culprit to be believable with a motive that made sense.
Emma and Colin’s relationship goes through a few ups and downs in this book, but I think ultimately they come out the better for it. With a case from her time with Sharpe Investigations coming back up, Emma isn’t able to clearly separate the two issues leading to some issues between her and Colin. My one complaint about the situation was how Emma kept refusing to tell Colin anything about the art theft despite how obvious it was that she would ultimately cave. I understand that the cases Emma worked were confidential, but I wish the situation had been handled differently. I was really happy with where the pair’s relationship stood at the end of the book and I’m looking forward to seeing how things develop further in future books.
Overall Declan’s Cross ended up being my favorite book in the series thus far and I’m looking forward to reading the next book, Harbor Island, soon.
FBI agents Emma Sharpe and Colin Donovan are enjoying a personal respite in Ireland when they hear one of Colin’s friends, marine biologist Julianne Maroney, is headed to Ireland. When they discover she’s headed to the small village of Declan’s Cross, the site of an unresolved art theft ten years ago investigated by the Sharpes, the pair decide to meet her there. But when the American diver who invited Julianne disappears, it’s clear that something more is going on. With the stakes more personal than ever, Emma and Colin are in a race to catch an elusive killer before they strike again.
The mystery in this book was a good one with the unresolved art theft influencing Emma and Colin’s investigation into the present day issues. I have to admit I found the art theft to be the more interesting of the two storylines and I enjoyed when the book focused on it. That’s not to say the current issues Julianne is experiencing weren’t well done, I just enjoyed the mystery of an elusive, uncaught thief who taunts the Sharpes with each new theft. But as for Julianne's troubles, it was interesting seeing Emma and Colin have to work a case from the sidelines as they have no jurisdiction in Ireland. I thought the ending of the book was well done and I found the culprit to be believable with a motive that made sense.
Emma and Colin’s relationship goes through a few ups and downs in this book, but I think ultimately they come out the better for it. With a case from her time with Sharpe Investigations coming back up, Emma isn’t able to clearly separate the two issues leading to some issues between her and Colin. My one complaint about the situation was how Emma kept refusing to tell Colin anything about the art theft despite how obvious it was that she would ultimately cave. I understand that the cases Emma worked were confidential, but I wish the situation had been handled differently. I was really happy with where the pair’s relationship stood at the end of the book and I’m looking forward to seeing how things develop further in future books.
Overall Declan’s Cross ended up being my favorite book in the series thus far and I’m looking forward to reading the next book, Harbor Island, soon.
August 23, 2013
Declan's Cross by Carla Neggers is a Harlequin MIRA publication due for release in August 2013.
This is the third installment of the Donovan/Sharpe series.
Set in Ireland, Colin and Emma are still looking into a decade old art theft, while being on a vacation of sorts.
Julianne and Andy Donovan, Colin's brother, went through a bad break-up. Now, Julianne is off to Ireland to Declan's Cross as well. She was to meet up with a new friend of hers named Lindsey, a fellow marine biologist enthusiast. But, when Julianne arrives in Ireland, Lindsey is MIA.
When Lindsey's body is found after what looked like a fall from a cliff, Julianne's plans are disrupted. Colin and Emma are there to help Julianne deal with the death of her friend, thank goodness, since it turns out that Lindsey may have been pushed off the cliff.
When Lindsey's father shows up, it's discovered that he may have had a connection to the stolen art that Colin and Emma are investigating.
Could Lindsey's death have a connection to the stolen art?
Meanwhile, there are several romantic entanglements going on. Colin and Emma are still trying to sort out the occupational roadblocks in their relationship, Julianne is suffering terribly from a broken heart, and Andy still loves her even if he thinks they are on two separate paths in life.
The owner of the Inn in Declan's cross, Kitty , and Sean, a local policeman and sheep farmer have a history together and may at last have found a way to be together.
I have enjoyed this series so far. This is one of Carla's better efforts. I love Ireland and the descriptions of area has me daydreaming of a romantic getaway.
Mysteries involving stolen art is also a favorite of mine, and so I was intrigued from the beginning of this one. The story moves at a good pace, no boring lulls. You may have the killer figured out, but you won't put the whole story together. The romance was more about healing broken relationships and making them work than about sexual content. There was a really nice HEA for everyone and the promise of more adventures in the future for the characters in this series. Thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin for the DRC of this novel.
Overall a B+
This is the third installment of the Donovan/Sharpe series.
Set in Ireland, Colin and Emma are still looking into a decade old art theft, while being on a vacation of sorts.
Julianne and Andy Donovan, Colin's brother, went through a bad break-up. Now, Julianne is off to Ireland to Declan's Cross as well. She was to meet up with a new friend of hers named Lindsey, a fellow marine biologist enthusiast. But, when Julianne arrives in Ireland, Lindsey is MIA.
When Lindsey's body is found after what looked like a fall from a cliff, Julianne's plans are disrupted. Colin and Emma are there to help Julianne deal with the death of her friend, thank goodness, since it turns out that Lindsey may have been pushed off the cliff.
When Lindsey's father shows up, it's discovered that he may have had a connection to the stolen art that Colin and Emma are investigating.
Could Lindsey's death have a connection to the stolen art?
Meanwhile, there are several romantic entanglements going on. Colin and Emma are still trying to sort out the occupational roadblocks in their relationship, Julianne is suffering terribly from a broken heart, and Andy still loves her even if he thinks they are on two separate paths in life.
The owner of the Inn in Declan's cross, Kitty , and Sean, a local policeman and sheep farmer have a history together and may at last have found a way to be together.
I have enjoyed this series so far. This is one of Carla's better efforts. I love Ireland and the descriptions of area has me daydreaming of a romantic getaway.
Mysteries involving stolen art is also a favorite of mine, and so I was intrigued from the beginning of this one. The story moves at a good pace, no boring lulls. You may have the killer figured out, but you won't put the whole story together. The romance was more about healing broken relationships and making them work than about sexual content. There was a really nice HEA for everyone and the promise of more adventures in the future for the characters in this series. Thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin for the DRC of this novel.
Overall a B+
August 8, 2016
Fair warning - you really need to read these books in order if you want the full story on these characters. Julianne was a waitress at Hurley's restaurant in Rock Point, Maine. She is a graduate student in Marine Biology on a trip to Declan's Cross, Ireland to try and heal her broken heart and decide how to live without Andy Donovan. When she arrives, she finds her ride from the airport a no show. Since Julianne doesn't know Lindsey Hargreaves well, in fact, Julianne has just met the woman, she is concerned when two days later she still has not shown up. Julianne takes a walk and find Lindsey dead on the rocks. Accident or foul play?
Emma Sharpe and Colin Donovan are in Declan's Cross, Ireland to try and repair their relationship and decide what their future holds. They were not there to solve a murder or a decade old art theft, but some things just don't go as planned.
Tough reading. A lot of rehash of the whole set up of the relationship of Emma and Colin. The mystery was very slow to take shape and the romance, well, not much of a romance, which was a real disappointment. 3 1/2 stars
Emma Sharpe and Colin Donovan are in Declan's Cross, Ireland to try and repair their relationship and decide what their future holds. They were not there to solve a murder or a decade old art theft, but some things just don't go as planned.
Tough reading. A lot of rehash of the whole set up of the relationship of Emma and Colin. The mystery was very slow to take shape and the romance, well, not much of a romance, which was a real disappointment. 3 1/2 stars
July 16, 2014
Declan's Cross is written in a style that assumes every reader has a memory disorder. Aside from the gorgeous descriptions of the lush Irish countryside and village, it's mostly dialogue in which the characters rehash the same information multiple times. Emma and Colin are referred to as FBI agents on practically every page.
An odd pattern of constantly referring to most characters by their first and last names (even when Emma is thinking about her own grandfather, with whom she's very close) combined with a strange emphasis on Sharpe Fine Art Recovery, and personality traits of the Sharpes versus the Donovans make this my least favorite in the series, which started strong.
Maybe reading the Rock Point e-short would have helped tie together what felt like a fantastical leap of logic about the art theft from a decade earlier and Julianne's trip to Ireland at the beginning of Declan's Cross.
My hope is that C.N. will return to her usual fast-paced, coherent thriller style in the next installment.
An odd pattern of constantly referring to most characters by their first and last names (even when Emma is thinking about her own grandfather, with whom she's very close) combined with a strange emphasis on Sharpe Fine Art Recovery, and personality traits of the Sharpes versus the Donovans make this my least favorite in the series, which started strong.
Maybe reading the Rock Point e-short would have helped tie together what felt like a fantastical leap of logic about the art theft from a decade earlier and Julianne's trip to Ireland at the beginning of Declan's Cross.
My hope is that C.N. will return to her usual fast-paced, coherent thriller style in the next installment.
March 18, 2014
Declan's Cross by Carla Neggers was a nice, relaxing read. First, I was transported off to a very green Ireland (as I look out at the snow-covered lawn), to the fictional town of Declan's Cross where the sheep outnumber the two legged inhabitants. The story revolves around an art theft that had taken place 10 years earlier. Everyone in the story seems to be attached to this art theft to some degree. The main characters are in US law enforcement. Emma Sharpe works for the FBI where her specialty is fine art thefts. Her love interest Colin Donovan in an undercover agent. They are in Ireland on a much needed romantic vacation which ends up being a murder investigation/art theft.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and literally devoured it over 2 nights. This is book 3 in a series and while I have not yet read the earlier books, I did not feel lost at all. I will be going back to read the earlier books.
*I won this book in a Goodreads First Reads giveaway.*
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and literally devoured it over 2 nights. This is book 3 in a series and while I have not yet read the earlier books, I did not feel lost at all. I will be going back to read the earlier books.
*I won this book in a Goodreads First Reads giveaway.*
December 27, 2019
An intriguing mystery that continues the Sharpe & Donovan series by Carla Neggers. The plot is complex with more than one mystery to unravel. A sweet ending for Emma and Colin.
August 11, 2016
I really felt I had to finish listening to this audiobook, because I'd listened to the other two. But it was not enjoyable at all, apart from some descriptions of Ireland.
The pace is SO slow, and the author feels obliged to repeat things several times but in dialogues between different people - just in case we didn't quite understand the first time.
The storyline is inadequate and even unlikely, especially the link between a 10-year-old art theft and a present day "probable accidental death". It just drags on and on... I thought this was a murder mystery, but it turns out to be "Romantic Suspense", a genre that I must try to avoid at all costs from now on.
The pace is SO slow, and the author feels obliged to repeat things several times but in dialogues between different people - just in case we didn't quite understand the first time.
The storyline is inadequate and even unlikely, especially the link between a 10-year-old art theft and a present day "probable accidental death". It just drags on and on... I thought this was a murder mystery, but it turns out to be "Romantic Suspense", a genre that I must try to avoid at all costs from now on.
March 22, 2018
I have been a fan of Carla Neggers' books from way back when, and after a few years' break happily jumped into this one. Unfortunately it didn't "sing" to me as I'd hoped it would. The great setting of a small seaside Irish village was a big plus for this one. A good mystery storyline was another. However, these were overshadowed by repetition, such as the gross overuse of "FBI agent", constant rehashing of the art theft stuff, and the rehashing of various relationship problems. Maybe this was an aberration, as I'm not quite ready to give up on this old favorite author. I have some older titles still to check out.
July 13, 2017
Declan’s Cross was somewhat repetitive and the book was stretched where it didn’t need to be. The mystery of the art thief is not resolved by the end, which was a bit frustrating. I liked the characters but the writing style and the plot development were not satisfying. I think another reader may enjoy it more than I did but it was a stretch for me.
September 10, 2021
I enjoyed DECLAN'S CROSS which was my first Sharpe & Donovan novel. I loved the Irish setting and was interested in both the current crime and the crime of ten years past that had not yet been solved.
Julianne Maroney, marine biologist, snapped at the chance to go to Declan's Cross to help set up a marine research station. She was eager to get away from Andy Donovan since their relationship broke up. She knew going into it that it was unlikely to succeed but that didn't stop her heart from breaking. She is supposed to meet chance-met acquaintance Lindsey Hargreaves at the airport. But when she arrives, Lindsey isn't there. She makes her way on her own to Declan's Cross where Lindsey's colleagues say that she is just that absent minded that she could have forgotten to pick Julianne up.
Meanwhile, Colin Donovan and Emma Sharpe, both FBI agents, are vacationing in Ireland too. Colin in trying to decide, after nearly being killed on his last undercover assignment, whether or not he wants to continue with the FBI. When they are informed that Julianne is coming and going to a village where their was a famous art theft that Emma's family had investigated, they decide to check out Declan's Cross and Julianne's situation.
Julianne is renting a cottage from Sean Murphy who is working on the farm for a while getting over injuries sustained when he encountered smugglers in his job as gardai. Colin and Emma are staying in the inn made from the house where the art theft occurred. The inn is now being run by the niece of the man who owned the missing art.
Things get even more twisty when Julianne's body turns up. Is her death linked to that long ago crime? Besides the two mysteries there are at least three relationships being worked on in this novel. I thought that the number of relationships and the number of crimes made the focus of the novel rather scattered. I didn't feel like I knew enough about each character to know who to care about. And I was disappointed that only one of the mystery plots was resolved in this story.
I will say that this book has really made me want to read the other books in the Sharpe & Donovan series so that I can fill in some of the backstory that I feel was missing for my complete enjoyment of this book. Fans of the series will want to read this title. New readers might want to start at the beginning.
Julianne Maroney, marine biologist, snapped at the chance to go to Declan's Cross to help set up a marine research station. She was eager to get away from Andy Donovan since their relationship broke up. She knew going into it that it was unlikely to succeed but that didn't stop her heart from breaking. She is supposed to meet chance-met acquaintance Lindsey Hargreaves at the airport. But when she arrives, Lindsey isn't there. She makes her way on her own to Declan's Cross where Lindsey's colleagues say that she is just that absent minded that she could have forgotten to pick Julianne up.
Meanwhile, Colin Donovan and Emma Sharpe, both FBI agents, are vacationing in Ireland too. Colin in trying to decide, after nearly being killed on his last undercover assignment, whether or not he wants to continue with the FBI. When they are informed that Julianne is coming and going to a village where their was a famous art theft that Emma's family had investigated, they decide to check out Declan's Cross and Julianne's situation.
Julianne is renting a cottage from Sean Murphy who is working on the farm for a while getting over injuries sustained when he encountered smugglers in his job as gardai. Colin and Emma are staying in the inn made from the house where the art theft occurred. The inn is now being run by the niece of the man who owned the missing art.
Things get even more twisty when Julianne's body turns up. Is her death linked to that long ago crime? Besides the two mysteries there are at least three relationships being worked on in this novel. I thought that the number of relationships and the number of crimes made the focus of the novel rather scattered. I didn't feel like I knew enough about each character to know who to care about. And I was disappointed that only one of the mystery plots was resolved in this story.
I will say that this book has really made me want to read the other books in the Sharpe & Donovan series so that I can fill in some of the backstory that I feel was missing for my complete enjoyment of this book. Fans of the series will want to read this title. New readers might want to start at the beginning.
October 27, 2013
In Declan's Cross, the latest Sharpe Donovan novel, Carla Neggers increases the mystery element of this romantic suspense series, when Lindsey Hargreaves, a marine biologist, disappears in this idyllic Ireland village.
Julianne Maroney has journeyed to Ireland to meet with Hargreaves and join her marine biology project and also to escape her latest misadventure in love with Colin Donovan's brother. But Hargreaves has disappeared.
Meanwhile, Emma Sharpe and Colin Donovan are in Ireland to try to re-kindle their relationship, which was strained in Heron's Cove. When Sharpe learns that Maroney is in Declan's Cross, the site of a mysterious art theft, she persuades Donovan to go with her to meet Maroney. What first seems like a chance to re-visit the site of a famous art theft and comfort a Donovan family friend soon turns into a murder investigation when the body of Hargreaves turns up.
Who would have killed the young marine biologist and why? Was it the thief from the prior art theft at Kitty O'Byrnes hotel who has returned to Declan's Cross to steal again? Was it Kitty O'Byrne's young son, who had a crush on Hargreaves? Or was it Hargreaves disengaged father, who refused to provide Hargreaves any more money for her marine biology project. There are other suspects that come up as well.
So while Sharpe and Donovan poke their way into the Irish investigation of Hargreaves death, Sharpe also investigates the past art theft at Kitty O' Byrnes hotel.
And not to leave out the romance, Maroney and Donovan do not seem through with each other. Sean Murphy, an Irish cop, who is on leave after suffering injuries in the line of duty, still hopes to find romance in his old flame, Kitty O'Byrne and Sharpe and Donovan have more than enough heat themselves.
Neggers keeps all of the investigations running apace, makes Julianne Murphy's struggles with her heart seem real, and keeps the Sharpe Donovan relationship at the romantic center. Their are red herrings a plenty, and the real villian is not so clear until the very last chapter.
Julianne Maroney has journeyed to Ireland to meet with Hargreaves and join her marine biology project and also to escape her latest misadventure in love with Colin Donovan's brother. But Hargreaves has disappeared.
Meanwhile, Emma Sharpe and Colin Donovan are in Ireland to try to re-kindle their relationship, which was strained in Heron's Cove. When Sharpe learns that Maroney is in Declan's Cross, the site of a mysterious art theft, she persuades Donovan to go with her to meet Maroney. What first seems like a chance to re-visit the site of a famous art theft and comfort a Donovan family friend soon turns into a murder investigation when the body of Hargreaves turns up.
Who would have killed the young marine biologist and why? Was it the thief from the prior art theft at Kitty O'Byrnes hotel who has returned to Declan's Cross to steal again? Was it Kitty O'Byrne's young son, who had a crush on Hargreaves? Or was it Hargreaves disengaged father, who refused to provide Hargreaves any more money for her marine biology project. There are other suspects that come up as well.
So while Sharpe and Donovan poke their way into the Irish investigation of Hargreaves death, Sharpe also investigates the past art theft at Kitty O' Byrnes hotel.
And not to leave out the romance, Maroney and Donovan do not seem through with each other. Sean Murphy, an Irish cop, who is on leave after suffering injuries in the line of duty, still hopes to find romance in his old flame, Kitty O'Byrne and Sharpe and Donovan have more than enough heat themselves.
Neggers keeps all of the investigations running apace, makes Julianne Murphy's struggles with her heart seem real, and keeps the Sharpe Donovan relationship at the romantic center. Their are red herrings a plenty, and the real villian is not so clear until the very last chapter.
September 24, 2013
3.5 stars.
The first thing I have to say about this novel….the author makes the assumption that you have read the other books in the series. There was a limited recap for new readers. For me, I really struggled with the first part of the book because I didn’t understand the dynamics of Emma and Colin’s relationship or any of the references to past books etc. I was a little lost, but that said the story was still engaging.
For me, not having the author fill in the gaps or at least give a little more of a recap was distracting. I spent too much time trying to figure out how things fit together so the first half of the book was slow and tedious for me. However once the actual story started to develop I was fully engaged in what was happening.
Neggers does a nice job with the complex story line. I wasn’t ever really sure where things were going and how everything was going to come together. I loved how thought out all the plots were. She obviously had a very detailed idea of where she wanted things to go and the execution of those ideas was spot on!
This novel was hard for me to rate. I don’t want to give the book a lower rating simply because I haven’t read the others in the series, but at the same time I struggled with the book because of that.
The writing and plot was well researched and solid but the pace was a little slow in spots and I really felt a little lost without having read the other books. I think it would have helped if the author provided a little more background for new readers of the series.
See my full review here
The first thing I have to say about this novel….the author makes the assumption that you have read the other books in the series. There was a limited recap for new readers. For me, I really struggled with the first part of the book because I didn’t understand the dynamics of Emma and Colin’s relationship or any of the references to past books etc. I was a little lost, but that said the story was still engaging.
For me, not having the author fill in the gaps or at least give a little more of a recap was distracting. I spent too much time trying to figure out how things fit together so the first half of the book was slow and tedious for me. However once the actual story started to develop I was fully engaged in what was happening.
Neggers does a nice job with the complex story line. I wasn’t ever really sure where things were going and how everything was going to come together. I loved how thought out all the plots were. She obviously had a very detailed idea of where she wanted things to go and the execution of those ideas was spot on!
This novel was hard for me to rate. I don’t want to give the book a lower rating simply because I haven’t read the others in the series, but at the same time I struggled with the book because of that.
The writing and plot was well researched and solid but the pace was a little slow in spots and I really felt a little lost without having read the other books. I think it would have helped if the author provided a little more background for new readers of the series.
See my full review here
December 15, 2013
I finished the book and said," ugh, finally". I think the plot was drawn out. There was mention of an art thief throughout the book. I thought they might catch the art thief by the end, but no. I guess that's how the author gets someone to read the other books in the series. This was my first book I read in the series and I don't think I will be reading books by her in the future.
July 20, 2015
Declan's Cross is a great read. Declan't Cross is a fictional town in Ireland. It is set near Artmore in the hills of Ireland. The book concerns art thieves, murderers, divers and many lovers. The plot is very stacked and fun to work out who done it.
If you look up "Declan's Cross" on youtube you will see some beautiful slides of the area of Ireland.
Enjoy and Be Blessed.
Diamond
If you look up "Declan's Cross" on youtube you will see some beautiful slides of the area of Ireland.
Enjoy and Be Blessed.
Diamond
October 31, 2016
Made it to page 160, and just could not finish. TOO repetitious and predictable. The book could be edited by a third, easily.
April 16, 2016
Too much time on the romance and too little on the mystery.
September 13, 2016
Two-haiku review:
Agents in Ireland
Supposed to be vacation
Then someone is dead
Multi-layered plot
Finally like characters
Only took three books
Agents in Ireland
Supposed to be vacation
Then someone is dead
Multi-layered plot
Finally like characters
Only took three books
October 25, 2013
Declan’s Cross: Carla Neggers
A chance meeting, a hidden secret, lies and two paths that cross begin the third in the Donovan/Sharp series titled Declan’s Cross. Lindsey Hargreaves and Julianne Donovan were about to start a business venture that would give Julianne the chance to use her skills as a marine biologist helping Lindsey set up her new field station in Ireland. But, there is much more to this story as we meet Colin Donovan and Emma Sharpe visiting Declan’s Cross hoping to finally uncover a stolen art thief that they have been investigating for quite some time. When Julianne arrives in Ireland she is disappointed that Lindsey is not there to meet her. Concerned as to her whereabouts she informs both Colin and Emma hoping that she might have reasons for not answering her calls, being at the airport of even following up on the plans for the field station.
While Julianne is concerned she still manages to get settled in and meets Sean Donovan who decides to investigate on his own, try to find Lindsey and hopefully the answer s to her whereabouts. Excited about her decision to join Lindsey, she begins to feel that she might have been too hasty and feels foolish about just leaving her job and taking off. But, things are about to change when the truth about her friend comes to light. A chance meeting, a spur of the moment decision and many lives are changed.
Enter in the Murphy family and one young man named Sean, a member of the Irish guardia, farmer and definitely interested in finding out what happened to Lindsey. We learn more about Julianne Maroney, her relationship with Andy Donovan and her link to an art theft that was never solved. As both Emma and Donovan take us inside the hotel where the theft occurred, explain what was stolen, who might be involved and the fact that what was stolen was not insured. They description of the method of theft is quite interesting and the fact that they are still hoping to find a precious cross and some paintings after ten years means there is much more to the theft. Almost a nun, Emma came to Ireland to work in her family’s art recovery business and is now an investigator in that field working for the FBI.
Finding Lindsey’s body at the bottom of a cliff shakes Julianne to the core. With the help of Sean Murphy and his uncle Paddy, they call for help, bring in both Emma and Donovan and the investigation begins to find out just what caused her death. Was she murdered or did she simply fall? What happens when her father shows up and what is his connection to the art theft that both Colin and Emma are still investigating after so many years? What about the secrets that are hidden beneath the cliff along with Lindsey that might illuminate the truth about the stolen art? The prologue is quite telling and the answers remain silent. Julianne and Emma talk about Lindsey, the field station and the art theft. Trying to feel out whether Julianne knew anything about it we learn that she did not. Three Irish landscapes and a very old Celtic Cross were stolen. Questioning whether Emma’s family investigated the theft brings to light why they Emma were alerted to Julianne’s presence in Declan’s Cross. Was her presence there innocent or was there some other reason? What would be the final outcome of the field station? There are many other characters within this intricate plot as we meet more of the Donovan clan, Brent Corwin and Eamon Carrick and of course the Sharpe family who run Sharpe Fine Art Recovery. Added in the author recounts how Julianne met Lindsey, her internship and her job working with her to develop the new field station.
Wendell Sharpe thinks that this thief has lot more to steal and is a serial thief. Was this the reason behind Lindsey’s death? Did she see someone on the cliffs? Why was she there? Listening to the different takes on what happened to Lindsey, learning about her relationship with her stepfather, we learn about her hopes for her future that was cut short. Intertwined are several relationships: one Colin and Emma and two Sean and Kitty as the author flashes back within the minds of these characters to the many obstacles and stumbling blocks that they still face. Kitty is the owner of the Inn where they are all staying; Sean is with the guarda and a sheep farmer.
The investigation takes on many different turns as author Carla Neggers brings to light the different relationships among several family members in both the Murphy and Sharpe families. Intertwining the plot by bringing many different threads to the forefront as we learn more about the serial art thief, the missing paintings that David Hargreaves claims are being appraised, his link to the Byrne family’s sister whose an up and coming artist leading readers to believe that somehow there must be more we need to learn. Could Lindsey have had something to do with the missing art? Why was she so bent on starting field station in Ireland and having Julianne work for her? What about her relationship with her stepfather? When some truths are revealed and several others decide to investigate on their own what we learn might surprise the reader.
Blackmail, deceit, lies, two thieves but which one gets caught and who is still out there to instill fear within a Donovan or Sharpe? Just who is this serial art thief that is taunting Emma and her grandfather? Who is sending them round sounds inscribed with a Celtic Cross? Who is watching Emma, Colin and the rest? What is next for everyone in Declan’s Cross? What about Kitty and Sean? Will they ever realize they belong together? What about her son Phillip? Will Colin remain in the FBI? Will Sean be reinstated in the Guardia? From Rocky Point, Boston, Ireland and Saint Declan’s cemetery that holds many secrets Declan’s Cross might hold some of the answers but author Carla Neggers is the only one that knows what comes next.
Characters that will keep you riveted to the printed page. Each one with their own personality, specific drive as Colin and Emma race the clock to find out who killed Lindsey before a killer strikes again and a thief gets away. A chance meeting and a wish for her future and some who decided that dreams do not always come true. A father who needed to have more faith in his daughter and a daughter who wanted to do it her way. Read Declan’s Cross to find out more.
Fran Lewis: reviewer
A chance meeting, a hidden secret, lies and two paths that cross begin the third in the Donovan/Sharp series titled Declan’s Cross. Lindsey Hargreaves and Julianne Donovan were about to start a business venture that would give Julianne the chance to use her skills as a marine biologist helping Lindsey set up her new field station in Ireland. But, there is much more to this story as we meet Colin Donovan and Emma Sharpe visiting Declan’s Cross hoping to finally uncover a stolen art thief that they have been investigating for quite some time. When Julianne arrives in Ireland she is disappointed that Lindsey is not there to meet her. Concerned as to her whereabouts she informs both Colin and Emma hoping that she might have reasons for not answering her calls, being at the airport of even following up on the plans for the field station.
While Julianne is concerned she still manages to get settled in and meets Sean Donovan who decides to investigate on his own, try to find Lindsey and hopefully the answer s to her whereabouts. Excited about her decision to join Lindsey, she begins to feel that she might have been too hasty and feels foolish about just leaving her job and taking off. But, things are about to change when the truth about her friend comes to light. A chance meeting, a spur of the moment decision and many lives are changed.
Enter in the Murphy family and one young man named Sean, a member of the Irish guardia, farmer and definitely interested in finding out what happened to Lindsey. We learn more about Julianne Maroney, her relationship with Andy Donovan and her link to an art theft that was never solved. As both Emma and Donovan take us inside the hotel where the theft occurred, explain what was stolen, who might be involved and the fact that what was stolen was not insured. They description of the method of theft is quite interesting and the fact that they are still hoping to find a precious cross and some paintings after ten years means there is much more to the theft. Almost a nun, Emma came to Ireland to work in her family’s art recovery business and is now an investigator in that field working for the FBI.
Finding Lindsey’s body at the bottom of a cliff shakes Julianne to the core. With the help of Sean Murphy and his uncle Paddy, they call for help, bring in both Emma and Donovan and the investigation begins to find out just what caused her death. Was she murdered or did she simply fall? What happens when her father shows up and what is his connection to the art theft that both Colin and Emma are still investigating after so many years? What about the secrets that are hidden beneath the cliff along with Lindsey that might illuminate the truth about the stolen art? The prologue is quite telling and the answers remain silent. Julianne and Emma talk about Lindsey, the field station and the art theft. Trying to feel out whether Julianne knew anything about it we learn that she did not. Three Irish landscapes and a very old Celtic Cross were stolen. Questioning whether Emma’s family investigated the theft brings to light why they Emma were alerted to Julianne’s presence in Declan’s Cross. Was her presence there innocent or was there some other reason? What would be the final outcome of the field station? There are many other characters within this intricate plot as we meet more of the Donovan clan, Brent Corwin and Eamon Carrick and of course the Sharpe family who run Sharpe Fine Art Recovery. Added in the author recounts how Julianne met Lindsey, her internship and her job working with her to develop the new field station.
Wendell Sharpe thinks that this thief has lot more to steal and is a serial thief. Was this the reason behind Lindsey’s death? Did she see someone on the cliffs? Why was she there? Listening to the different takes on what happened to Lindsey, learning about her relationship with her stepfather, we learn about her hopes for her future that was cut short. Intertwined are several relationships: one Colin and Emma and two Sean and Kitty as the author flashes back within the minds of these characters to the many obstacles and stumbling blocks that they still face. Kitty is the owner of the Inn where they are all staying; Sean is with the guarda and a sheep farmer.
The investigation takes on many different turns as author Carla Neggers brings to light the different relationships among several family members in both the Murphy and Sharpe families. Intertwining the plot by bringing many different threads to the forefront as we learn more about the serial art thief, the missing paintings that David Hargreaves claims are being appraised, his link to the Byrne family’s sister whose an up and coming artist leading readers to believe that somehow there must be more we need to learn. Could Lindsey have had something to do with the missing art? Why was she so bent on starting field station in Ireland and having Julianne work for her? What about her relationship with her stepfather? When some truths are revealed and several others decide to investigate on their own what we learn might surprise the reader.
Blackmail, deceit, lies, two thieves but which one gets caught and who is still out there to instill fear within a Donovan or Sharpe? Just who is this serial art thief that is taunting Emma and her grandfather? Who is sending them round sounds inscribed with a Celtic Cross? Who is watching Emma, Colin and the rest? What is next for everyone in Declan’s Cross? What about Kitty and Sean? Will they ever realize they belong together? What about her son Phillip? Will Colin remain in the FBI? Will Sean be reinstated in the Guardia? From Rocky Point, Boston, Ireland and Saint Declan’s cemetery that holds many secrets Declan’s Cross might hold some of the answers but author Carla Neggers is the only one that knows what comes next.
Characters that will keep you riveted to the printed page. Each one with their own personality, specific drive as Colin and Emma race the clock to find out who killed Lindsey before a killer strikes again and a thief gets away. A chance meeting and a wish for her future and some who decided that dreams do not always come true. A father who needed to have more faith in his daughter and a daughter who wanted to do it her way. Read Declan’s Cross to find out more.
Fran Lewis: reviewer
June 6, 2018
I am finding it hard to say anything about Carla's stories!
Each and every book she writes has its' own characters and characterization and eucnicue situation, criminal factors.
I love the Irish flavor she gives each book and I love the Sharpe & Donovan series with the familial flavor as well.
I will I think for ever and ever I read this author give a high star count the reason being is that I have read many of her books and have yet to find one that 'disagrees with my genre expectations'.
I highly recommend this series!!!
The only thing that I want to say about this is that Carla has finally given me my breath back by allowing to have the wedding and 'honeymoon' of Emma and Colin.
I want to see the gown that Emma wore the castle that they spent part of the honeymoon,
I had to 'snigger' because Oliver has once again shown up befor the end of the book after he has been absolved of any wrong doing after the drama is over.
5 stars sometimes is not enough for the reader to give the author.
Each and every book she writes has its' own characters and characterization and eucnicue situation, criminal factors.
I love the Irish flavor she gives each book and I love the Sharpe & Donovan series with the familial flavor as well.
I will I think for ever and ever I read this author give a high star count the reason being is that I have read many of her books and have yet to find one that 'disagrees with my genre expectations'.
I highly recommend this series!!!
The only thing that I want to say about this is that Carla has finally given me my breath back by allowing to have the wedding and 'honeymoon' of Emma and Colin.
I want to see the gown that Emma wore the castle that they spent part of the honeymoon,
I had to 'snigger' because Oliver has once again shown up befor the end of the book after he has been absolved of any wrong doing after the drama is over.
5 stars sometimes is not enough for the reader to give the author.
November 12, 2017
I really enjoyed the first book in this series, felt the second wasn't quite as good but would still recommend it, Declan's Cross on the other hand was so boring I had to force myself to finish it.
The first two books are mysteries with a touch of romance, this one is a slow paced romance novel with an unlikable leading man. Colin is rude, makes jokes when others are trying to be serious, keeps secrets (which is part of his job) but expects Emma and others to divulge all their secrets and basically is a jerk. Emma is a great character as is Father Bracken, the secondary characters are interesting too but not the Donovan brothers and especially not Colin.
My other issue with Declan's Cross is the repetition, not just repeating what happened in the first two books but repeating what's been said in previous chapters. From noting that Emma and Colin are FBI agents to the oh so special Bracken 15, the author keeps repeating herself.
The first two books are mysteries with a touch of romance, this one is a slow paced romance novel with an unlikable leading man. Colin is rude, makes jokes when others are trying to be serious, keeps secrets (which is part of his job) but expects Emma and others to divulge all their secrets and basically is a jerk. Emma is a great character as is Father Bracken, the secondary characters are interesting too but not the Donovan brothers and especially not Colin.
My other issue with Declan's Cross is the repetition, not just repeating what happened in the first two books but repeating what's been said in previous chapters. From noting that Emma and Colin are FBI agents to the oh so special Bracken 15, the author keeps repeating herself.
April 10, 2019
Make this 2.5 stars. I did not read the first two novels in the series and I don't think I missed anything. I give Declan's Cross high marks for setting. The descriptions of Ireland were spot-on and I fought hyperthermia with the characters as they stood in the cold mist.
However, I got it the first time I was told that Andy was a jerk, Julianne was head-strong, and Emma loved Colin. By the twentieth time, I wondered if the author was being paid by the word. (Was this really a novella that had to be stretched to novel length?)
I also felt gipped by the lack of resolution to the major subplot. Why spend all that time telling me about a serious crime that happened in the past and then not bring it to resolution? Obviously a set-up for the next book but I'm not sure that's fair to the reader.
However, I got it the first time I was told that Andy was a jerk, Julianne was head-strong, and Emma loved Colin. By the twentieth time, I wondered if the author was being paid by the word. (Was this really a novella that had to be stretched to novel length?)
I also felt gipped by the lack of resolution to the major subplot. Why spend all that time telling me about a serious crime that happened in the past and then not bring it to resolution? Obviously a set-up for the next book but I'm not sure that's fair to the reader.
February 23, 2022
Sharpe&Donovan3
It’s funny how easily the trivial points of life are glossed over here. Julianne Mahroney’s concerns about managing her money on this trip to Ireland, is the first reality check in these stories. Otherwise, people have endless resources available to accommodate whatever comes up. And a lot comes up.
A whirlwind called Lindsey Hargreaves sweeps through Rock Point, Maine, and pulls Julianne in her wake. They agree to meet in Declan’s Cross and consult about a marine exploration station Lindsey wants to establish there.
But things are off from the moment Julianne touches down on Irish soil. Lindsey fails to pick her up and doesn’t respond to texts or phone calls. And things spiral on from there.
Pace is picking up, and it wasn’t slow before.
It’s funny how easily the trivial points of life are glossed over here. Julianne Mahroney’s concerns about managing her money on this trip to Ireland, is the first reality check in these stories. Otherwise, people have endless resources available to accommodate whatever comes up. And a lot comes up.
A whirlwind called Lindsey Hargreaves sweeps through Rock Point, Maine, and pulls Julianne in her wake. They agree to meet in Declan’s Cross and consult about a marine exploration station Lindsey wants to establish there.
But things are off from the moment Julianne touches down on Irish soil. Lindsey fails to pick her up and doesn’t respond to texts or phone calls. And things spiral on from there.
Pace is picking up, and it wasn’t slow before.
October 4, 2024
Another great adventure with Donovan & Sharpe book 2 Declan's Cross
An introduction to more characters involved in the art thefts Emma and her family have been solving. Adventure involving Julianne Maroney, Andy Donovan's brother and Sean Murphy an injured Irish cop. Julianne comes to Declan's Cross to recover from a breakup with Andy and is pulled into a disappearing painting and a cross. Is this the long hunted thief that Emma and her family have dealt with over ten years? Read this fast moving story and see?
An introduction to more characters involved in the art thefts Emma and her family have been solving. Adventure involving Julianne Maroney, Andy Donovan's brother and Sean Murphy an injured Irish cop. Julianne comes to Declan's Cross to recover from a breakup with Andy and is pulled into a disappearing painting and a cross. Is this the long hunted thief that Emma and her family have dealt with over ten years? Read this fast moving story and see?
November 27, 2020
In this book, I think Ms. Neggers attempted to keep several things going at the same time, attempting to make the story more mysterious and suspenseful, but for me, it just made it too much like a "bridge" novel in the series. It left a lot unexplained so that you are pulled into reading the next book.
I might eventually, but right now I'm going to take a break from them. I just hope the next book is better, otherwise I will have to give up on this series and move on to something else.
I might eventually, but right now I'm going to take a break from them. I just hope the next book is better, otherwise I will have to give up on this series and move on to something else.
August 4, 2025
I give this book 4 1/2 stars only because it took me awhile to get into the story. It's probably because it is the third book in the Sharpe and Donovan series and I have yet to read the first two! For me this book got better after the first hundred pages. I liked the setting and I liked all the main characters--Julianne Maroney, Emma Sharpe, and Colin Donovan. The story was well written and had a good flow to it. I liked how the book ended with the promise of more adventures to come.
September 27, 2018
An interesting plot. I didn't catch on to the plan. There were lots of characters in this continuing story of FBI agents and their friends. Most of the story took place in Ireland, a favorite place of mine, and in Maine. The plot involved the theft of paintings, a murder, broken relationships and a budding one. A good book to read on the plane on a long flight!
June 29, 2018
My 2nd Sharpe & Donovan title. Enjoyable, but not extraordinary. If I came across another one, I’d probably read it, but these are characters that will just be acquaintances, not true imaginary friends.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 169 reviews