Buried in Shamrocks

Irish Bed & Breakfast Mystery #2

by Lisa Q. Mathews

Kate Buckley returns to her Irish-themed hometown for the summer, but when her ex becomes the prime suspect in his fiancée’s murder, she must clear his name for the sake of their daughters, perfect for fans of Elle Cosimano and Carlene O’Connor.

Kate and her daughters, Maeve and Bliz, are back in Shamrock, Massachusetts, and Kate faces a big Should they move back to their hometown for good? As she contemplates the idea, all the businesses in town, including her family’s B&B, the Buckley House, are busy preparing for the annual Great Shamrock Fair in hopes of luring back tourists after a murder during St. Patrick’s Week.

But when Kate’s ex, Ian, arrives in town from Ireland to perform with his band at the festival and his new fiancée, Fallon, is found dead at the fairgrounds, any chance of a fun and peaceful family summer goes up in green smoke. 

Much as she wants nothing to do with her ex, Kate knows Ian is innocent. Amid the swirl of activity in town and her sister Colleen’s determination to keep the annual Miss Shamrock contests alive, Kate enlists her devastated eldest daughter and her father, the former Shamrock police chief, to help her unwind the trail of evidence. 

With clues—and danger—piling up, can Kate find Fallon’s true killer and save her ex, before the Great Shamrock Fair and the town’s chances for a summer full of green go bust?

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Mystery

318 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 21, 2025

About the author

Lisa Q. Mathews began her publishing career as a Nancy Drew book editor. She also wrote for popular kids’ series such as Mary-Kate and Ashley, Sweet Dreams, and the Lizzie McGuire Mysteries, and became an executive editor at Random House.

After her years in New York, Lisa returned home to New England to write mysteries for adults. Her books in the Irish Bed & Breakfast Mysteries and the Ladies Smythe & Westin series feature strong female sleuths and plenty of family. Lisa’s short story “Fly Me to the Morgue” was an Agatha Award finalist.

A fan of stone walls, the Red Sox and Dunks iced tea, Lisa lives in New Hampshire with her family, including a crazy golden retriever and a highly pampered black cat. The “Q” in her name stands for “Quinn.”

Reviews

[Mark Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kate Buckley and her daughters are back in Shamrock for the summer. They’ve arrived just in time for the Great Shamrock Fair. But then Kate finds out her ex-husband is in town with his band to perform at the event. And his new fiancée is in town, too. But when she winds up dead, the pressure is on to find the killer before it dampens the fair. Can Kate keep her ex-husband out of jail?

I was glad we got a return visit. Once again, the town and characters are charming. And I enjoyed getting to see some of the characters and their relationships grow. The mystery does have some pacing issues, but it does reach a logical climax that I really enjoyed. A couple of the subplots felt like they could have given us a bit more here while still leaving things open for the next book. But the characters made the pages fly by all too quickly. You’ll find them charming as well.

NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.

Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.

[Tracy Condie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Welcome to the town of Shamrock, located in Massachusetts. This town is not only quaint and cozy, but also all things Irish. That`s right, this is a year-round Irish town and every holiday has an Irish angle to it. This is the second book in the Irish Bed and Breakfast Mystery series, so grab a Guinness and relax while you sip and enjoy this stand-alone cozy. Our sleuth, Kathleen/Katie/Kate Margaret Buckley, is a single mom to Mauve and Elizabeth/Blizzy, a daughter of retired police Chief Dermont Buckley who goes by the nickname Chief, sister to Frank a member of the Shamrock PD, and “not girlfriend” to Garrett McGavin also a member of the Shamrock PD. It makes a lot of sense that Kate would have a propensity for justice and an almost uncontrollable urge to be a sleuth, even if it is to seek out the person responsible for killing her ex-husband’s new and somewhat snobby fiancé.

Kate is a fun and relatable character who finds herself back home in Shamrock, to help at the family B&B for the summer season and possibly even longer. As with many cozies, the sleuth is also the first to find the body which can create a challenge, thankfully she isn’t a suspect or a person of interest, but her ex-husband, the father of her daughter Mauve, is on the top of the list. He isn’t alone, there is the angry artist Athena, next is Marty, one of the members of the Limerick Lads and a good friend of the Chief, plus Marty’s son Noel who was a good friend of Ian’s, even Kate’s old boss, Gabby, makes it on the suspect list. I had a few other people on my list, but the red herrings got me, and I did not figure this one out until Kate was putting the final pieces together. There are multiple secrets, some related to the mystery and some related to Kate’s family. I don’t want to give everything away, but rest assured, there is still a little bit of mystery involving Kate’s sister, Colleen.

The story moves along at a good pace and it almost tired me out to read about all of the places that Kate goes to hunt down clues. From dropping off pies at the fair to dropping off cookies at the hospital. Not to mention all the work that is involved with helping Blizzy to get ready for the Little Miss Shamrock contest. I appreciated that nothing of significance involving the series starter mystery is given away so I can go back and read book one.

[Devi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t read the first book in the Irish Bed and Breakfast Mystery series, but I had no trouble jumping right into Shamrock, Massachusetts. The world Lisa Q. Mathews builds feels instantly lived in. it was warm, quirky, and just Irish enough to give you those “wish I were there” vibes.

Buried in Shamrocks delivers a quintessential cozy mystery wrapped in community spirit and Irish charm. From the moment Kate rolled back into Shamrock, it felt like stepping into a warm, slightly chaotic family reunion. The Buckleys are nosy, funny, and all heart. They are the kind of crew I’d want to share tea and gossip with at the B&B.

The mystery unfolds slowly, sometimes too slowly, but the emotional undercurrent kept me anchored. Lisa Q. Mathews weaves in family tension, small-town quirks, and just a sprinkle of romance. Just enough to make the story feel human without overshadowing the whodunit. Kate’s dynamic with her ex and daughters adds depth amid the fairground festivities and shamrock-green mayhem.

This is the kind of cozy that pairs well with a rainy afternoon and a cup of tea. It’s steady, comforting, and tinged with that Irish charm that makes everything feel a bit magical.

Would I recommend it?
Absolutely. Even with its slower pacing, Buried in Shamrocks delivers what cozy mystery fans love, heart, humor, and just enough tension to keep you guessing. Add this one to your TBR when it drops in February.

Feeling Lucky in Shamrock? 🍀
Would you move back to your hometown if it meant stumbling into a murder mystery (and maybe a second chance at love)? Tell me in the comments. Would you brave the Irish charm and chaos of Shamrock, Massachusetts?

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kate brings her daughters back to Shamrock Cove for the summer where they are cozily (read crammed) ensconced in Buckley House B&B, Kate’s family home.
It’s time for the town’s summer festival. The summer has super hot temperatures. Bringing an older dog home for the girls, and Kate’s ex-husband Ian has come to town with his band Peat. There are several other interesting complications to life including a B&B packed with people some of whom are staying for free. That little nugget worries Kate’s accounting brain.
Let’s add a murder to that mix. Kate definitely has her hands full, because of course she feels she has to find the murderer.
Add in some questionable choices during the investigation, and you have a book that keeps you on your toes as things never stop going.
The mystery is good. There are a variety of good suspects. Kate is a determined sort. Remember the questionable choices? She does find the murderer.
I wasn’t so sure about the ending that comes after the murder is resolved. I’m not sure what I think about the choice of using a fairytale to reveal important information, but author’s prerogative.
I have a little discomfort with Kate as the main character because possibly I’m somewhat the same trying to fix others problems, and do we ever want to encounter ourselves in what we’re reading?Colleen didn’t bother me as much as in the first book because it looks like she is taking a little more responsibility, and honestly she wasn’t around as much causing difficulty in this book.
Thanks to Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for the opportunity to read this book.

[Cozy Reader Lady · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Buried in Shamrocks (An Irish Bed & Breakfast Mystery, Book 2)" by Lisa Q. Mathews has Kate and her daughters returning to Shamrock, Massachusetts for the summer. Not sure of if they'll stay at the end of the summer. They're back just in time for Bliz to enter the Little Miss Shamrock pageant and to help with a B&B full of Irish Musicians. One group ends up being Kate's ex-husband and his band.

Well, her ex-husband actually wasn't planning at staying with him. When his new fiancé's body is found they figure it may be best to keep him close. Kate ends up investigating with some help and prodding from her father, the ex-police chief. Honestly, I'm a tiny bit surprised he encourages her when his son/her brother is a police officer and she's not.

However, it may be distracting her from the uncomfortable conversation she really should have with her sister. Kate adopted her sister's daughter when the girl was a baby. Now they're all back together and her sister wants a relationship with her. However, it seems like she wants the fun parts of being a mom. Mommy and me dresses, performing and dressing up for Irish Dance performances and pageants, and doing fun activities. However, she doesn't seem aware of the harder parts or how this could become a problem down the road when they have to make a real parenting decision and it's going to have to be Kate that does it because she's been actual mom and the mom Bliz actually sees as mom. They should also just straight up talk to Bliz about the situation if they really want a two mom situation per the story at the end.

[K.A. Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

BURIED IN SHAMROCKS is the second book in the Irish Bed & Breakfast Mysteries by Lisa Q. Matthews. This charm-filled cozy mystery brings together a sweet cast of characters, featuring protagonist Kate along with her two daughters, her siblings, and their parents. I adored the close camaraderie the family had, even if they exhibited some of the bickering that can happen when family members live beneath the same roof. Kate and her children have returned to the quaint town of Shamrock, Massachusetts, for the summer to help with the family’s B&B, as well as take part in the town’s annual Great Shamrock Fair. The author immerses the reader in the Irish shamrock theme—so much fun! And her strong descriptive skills bring each scene to life.

Adding to the mix of family is Kate’s ex-husband, in from Ireland with his band to play during the festival. Unfortunately, Kate stumbles over the body of her ex’s new fiancé, apparently murdered and her dazzling engagement ring missing. Being the daughter of the former chief of police, the sister of a policeman, and the almost girlfriend to another policeman, Kate knows a thing or two about investigating. With a dram of drama, the luck of the Irish, and pure determination, protagonist Kate is a plucky amateur sleuth. The author does a fine job of weaving in sweet family relationships with the charming setting of the town of Shamrock, with an intriguing mystery that kept me guessing. The subplots and hints of what might come next only added to the delightful tale.

[Tari · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I read the first book back in October, I really took to these characters like they were old friends. It was great seeing them back in this second book and since there’s still a few little loose ends (nothing to do with the main mystery which was totally solved), I sure hope a third book’s in the works and maybe being planned for a summer release, but who knows.

Kate stumbled onto a murder and immediately hoped she wouldn’t be a suspect, but her ex was more of one than she was since he was engaged to the dead woman. There were some good things happening for Kate’s daughters. That little Bliz cracks me up! She’s so wise for her seven years sometimes, what a great kid! Maeve’s a good big sister to Bliz too. With the main mystery solved, there still were a few questions floating around, so I hope those get addressed in the next book.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Kensington Cozies via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.

[Agatha Marplewood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Buried by Shamrocks is delightfully fun cozy, and a satisfying read for anyone who loves family-centered mysteries.

The small town of Shamrock is dialed up to maximum Emerald Isle mode with Irish names, Irish streets, Irish everything, which, I have to admit, sometimes felt a bit over-the-top for me, but it never stopped me from enjoying the story overall.

What really won me over was the Buckley family. Their B&B, their banter, and the way they rally around each other give the book a lovely heart. The mystery itself is sprinkled with plenty of clues and red herrings, and I had fun trying to piece things together alongside Kate.

All in all, this is a positive, feel-good cozy: low on darkness, high on charm, and exactly the kind of book to curl up with when you want something light, engaging, and neatly wrapped up in the end.

[Kathy Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate Buckley and her two daughters have come home for the summer and maybe forever. It is time for the annual Great Shamrock Fair and things aren't going well. The man who usually does the butter sculpture has had an accident and his artist daughter is standing in. Kate's ex and his band are scheduled to play at the festival and stay at her parents' B&B. So is a rival group of elderly Itish musicians who are her father's friends.

Her ex, Ian, has also brought along a fiancée named Fallon who is the manager of the band. When Fallon is found dead, it is up to Kate to clear her name and Ian's name too. Of course, she also has to deal with her youngest who is a contestant for Little Miss Shamrock and her eldest who resents that Ian hasn't kept in touch with the family.

This was a fun cozy with an interesting setting and main character.

[April Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Buried in Shamrocks by Lisa Q. Mathews is a delightful cozy mystery set in the charming town of Shamrock, Massachusetts. Kate Buckley returns home with her daughter to help run her family’s B&B, stepping right back into the warmth of Buckley family life. This is my first book by this author but I had no trouble jumping into the story.

The family dynamics add heart and humor, while the small-town setting makes Shamrock feel like a character of its own. The mystery is well-paced and engaging, keeping me guessing until the end.

I truly enjoyed this book. It was a satisfying read with a very good mystery at its core.

Thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the chance to read this book and give my opinion.

[Martine · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Irish-themed town of Shamrock, Massachusetts, once again becomes the setting for a murder mystery. Katie, the main character, finds herself juggling her family responsibilities while trying to solve yet another crime. I really enjoyed the Irish atmosphere that runs throughout the story, the small-town charm and the little cultural touches that make Shamrock feel real and warm.
Overall, it’s an entertaining and cozy mystery that blends family drama with a good dose of intrigue.
I received an advance review copy via NetGalley/Crooked Lane Books and I'm leaving a voluntary and honest review.

[Tiffanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Buried in Shamrocks by Lisa Q. Mathews was a pleasant and cozy small-town mystery. The characters were likeable, and the charming setting added to the warm, hometown feel that cozy mystery readers often enjoy.

The story is a perfect example of the genre, with a light tone and an underlying mystery that was intriguing enough to keep me turning the pages without being overly obvious or predictable.

Overall, it was an enjoyable read and a solid cozy mystery, even if it didn’t completely blow me away. I’d recommend it to fans of small-town whodunits looking for something comforting and easy to follow.

[Shaina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Lisa Q. Mathews for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Buried in Shamrocks coming out February 24, 2026. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This is the first book I’ve read by this author. I need to read the first book in the series. I really love the Irish themed bed and breakfast. The setting was really fun. I enjoyed the characters. I would check out more books by this author.

[Lori Herbst · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to revisit Shamrock, Massachusetts, and the delightful Buckley family! This installment in the Irish Bed & Breakfast series was even better than the last book — which is saying a lot, since I adored book 1. The quirky, loving family has wormed their way into my heart. Each character (even Ian, whom I was prepared to hate) brings a joyful addition to the series. I was sad to finish the book because I know I'll have to wait for another visit.

[LaBibliodeCaro · Rating 3 out of 5]

Similarly to the first installment in the series, I enjoyed the Irish flavour of this cosy mystery. It is fun and entertaining, but the murder investigation took a bit too long to start, and despite its compelling moments, the pace was rather uneven. So, all in all, a nice reading experience, but it didn't fully reel me in.

[M.A. Monnin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this fun Irish-American mystery. Clues and red herrings galore!

[Regina Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

I absolutely enjoyed this second book in the series!