Madam Tulip and the Serpent's Tree

Madam Tulip #4

by David Ahern

Actress Derry O’Donnell, moonlighting as fortune-teller Madam Tulip, finds herself in a famous pop singer’s entourage.

But at the star’s glittering birthday party in the Dublin mountains, Derry finds a band riven by rivalries and feuds. Behind the trouble is a mysterious Russian guru, a shaman hated by everyone but the singer whose life she dominates.

When the shaman mysteriously disappears, suspicion threatens to tear the band apart. Was she victim or poisoner? Guilty or innocent? Dead or alive?

Two brilliant and beautiful musicians; an ambitious band manager with a shady past; a sax player entranced by Vikings—each has a secret to share and a request for Madam Tulip.

Madam Tulip and the Serpent’s Tree is fourth in the Madam Tulip mystery series, in which Derry O’Donnell, her sidekick Bruce and best friend Bella, play the most exciting and perilous roles of their acting lives.

Genres: Mystery

340 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 14, 2020

About the author

David Ahern grew up in a theatrical family in Ireland. He worked as a stagehand, a piano mover, a research psychologist and an IT guy before becoming a television writer, director and producer. He created international documentary series and won numerous awards, none of which got him free into nightclubs.

He played in great bands, all doomed to obscurity, and wrote equally obscure plays before taking to novel-writing. He now creates the Madam Tulip mysteries, mostly to make himself laugh and scratch his head. David Ahern loves pretending this is actual work.

David lives in the beautiful West of Ireland with his wife, a cat, a tame pheasant, a clan of badgers and a vegetable garden.

You can learn more about David Ahern and the Madam Tulip mysteries from his website davidahern.info
Connect with David Ahern on Facebook: facebook.com/davidahernauthor
and Twitter: twitter.com/daveahernwriter

Reviews

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Derry O’Donnell is back, still moonlighting as the fortune teller, Madam Tulip and still caught up in the comical antics of her quirky parents. This time out, a celebrity birthday party gig becomes a possible war zone between “friendly” rivals, and a missing Russian guru has a popular band pointing fingers at each other. Can no one be trusted? Whatever happened to the missing woman? Is foul play at work here? Are petty jealousies turning deadly? Why has Derry become the go-to confidant for this unusual group of people?

David Ahern’s Madam Tulip series is part humorous situations, and all cozy mystery with Derry caught up in the eye of every storm! MADAM TULIP AND THE SERPENT’S TREE could be my favorite tale yet! From page one, it is impossible not to be drawn in. The twists, the characters and the pace make for completely engaging reading!

Lots of wit, some pretty distinguished characters, some brilliantly entertaining scenes and a mystery that remains hidden until the end! I thoroughly enjoy David Ahern’s writing style, his ability to time scenes and events to keep his readers engaged and, well, Madam Tulip/Derry O’Donnell is an amazingly likable character!

I received a complimentary ARC edition from David Ahern! This is my honest and voluntary review.

Series: Madam Tulip - Book 4
Title: Madam Tulip and the Serpent's Tree
Publisher: Malin Press
Release Date: Paperback and eBook March 14 2020
Genre: Mystery/Thriller/Cozy
Length: 368 pp
Formats Available: Paperback, ebook
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084M6B48L
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com

[Hobart · Rating 4 out of 5]

This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
---

Derry frowned. ‘Why is everything so complicated?’

Bruce thought about that. He shrugged. ‘‘ Cos we’re not dead?’

This is a mystery novel that's hard to talk about—because for the longest time, it's not a mystery novel at all it's a novel about a couple of under-employed actors, their rising TV star friend, and an insecure pop star. I want to stress that this isn't a complaint, it's a description. By the point that it becomes a mystery novel*, you're already invested in all the characters and the situations so everything becomes heightened.

* Sure, we all knew it was going to become a mystery novel because that's what the Madam Tulip books are. But there were at least three ways it could've become one before the murder is discovered.

For those new to this series, Derry O'Donnell is a young Irish-American actress in Dublin. Her best friend, Bella, has got a new and regular gig on TV and her career seems to be going somewhere. Meanwhile, Derry and her pal Bruce are still looking for their big break. And Madam Tulip? Well...

Madam Tulip was her fortune-teller alter ego whom Derry had created as a means of making some cash on the side. A woman of indeterminate age and exotic dress, skilled in Tarot and card reading, Madam Tulip was the perfect act for celebrity events. She wasn’t even an imposter or any kind of fraud. Derry was, after all the daughter of a seventh son of a seventh son. But too often, Madam Tulip had led Derry into situations she would rather have avoided and the company of people best left to their own devious devices.

That last sentence is a very understated way of describing the series. Like Jessica Fletcher, dead bodies have a tendency to turn up when Madam Tulip is nearby. This time, thanks to some of Bella's machinations (as well as a favor from an old friend), Derry is going to be working at the birthday party of a pop star. Before the weekend is over, Derry finds herself as a confidante to the star and (separately) another member of the band. Their manager is trying to get Derry to be his informant, if he can't get her to influence (via Madam Tulip) the singer.

Derry's torn between wanting to help everyone but the manager (but she, Bella and Bruce need the manager for something they're trying) and wanting to leave them all to their own devices. because they're all a bit too much. But she really can't get away from it all—especially when a murder is discovered.

The mystery aside, the most intriguing part of this novel to me is the way that Derry thinks of Tulip—and how it changes from the beginning of the book to the end. I don't think I can discuss it without spoiling something, so I'll just say that I didn't see it coming, and really like the way that Ahern dealt with it.

There's a sweet little romantic story that gets just the right amount of attention and space. And I now realize that I don't have much else to say about it—I liked this guy for Derry.

Since Day One, I've thought that Derry's father, Jacko, could be the stand-out character of the series with the capability of stealing every scene he's in. It'd be really easy to overuse him. Ahern hasn't done that the way that I can imagine it'd be easy to do so far. In fact, I'd argue that he underused Jacko in this volume. He's decided it's time to publish his memoirs—which will include "a tell-all exposé" of the art world—an idea that terrifies Derry's mother (and makes for fun reading). He's even hired a ghostwriter and expects to publish soon. I liked his storyline, but thought it ended a bit abruptly. But that's really just me being disappointed that we didn't get more of Jacko—because it was executed just right.

Derry's pal Bruce, struggling actor, former SEAL, jack-of-all-trades (it seems) is (again) a real highlight of the book. He continues to be Ranger to Derry's Stephanie Plum—just without the money, the team or the flirtation (and the post-flirtation stuff). I really enjoy him as a character—not just when he's pulling Derry's bacon out of the fire, but for the nice, quiet moments of friendship and support. If Ahern decides to give Tulip a break and focus on Bruce for a book or two, I'd be in the front of the line for that.

This is the best one yet in this series—yeah, I said that in my post about #3, Madam Tulip and the Bones of Chance, too—it was true then and it's true now. There's more depth to the characters, more subtlety to the story—and even some of the story beats that should be expected by now (because Ahern's used them in every book) took me by surprise. It's just a pleasure to read one of these books—Madam Tulip and the Serpent’s Tree was a little oasis of enjoyment in the midst of a stressful week for me, and I relished retreating to it.

I'd been eagerly checking Ahern's website off and on for news about this release before he emailed me about it. I like this world, I look forward to spending time with these characters, and the Serpent's Tree not only solidified these feelings it intensified them. These are fun mysteries, and the little touch of the supernatural (which takes on different nuances in each book) helps keep them fresh. Would this work as a jumping-on point? Yup. Any of them would—take the plunge, you'll be glad you did.


Disclaimer: I received a copy of this novel from the author in exchange for my honest opinion, which is what you just read. The opinions expressed are my own.

[Cathy Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Derry O’ Donnell, a talented but at the moment jobless actress, along with her friends, rising TV star Bella and ex Navy SEAL Bruce, have secured a three week run for their fledgling theatre company. Pat Kelly, pub owner and band manager, has offered a room above the pub as a venue. But first Derry was required to grant a favour and become her alter ego, Madam Tulip, for a party. Pat Kelly manages pop group Maramar and is hosting a birthday bash for the lead singer, Aileen.

Madam Tulip was born as a means for Derry to make some cash when jobs were scarce. Not that she was a fraud, she was the daughter of a seventh son of a seventh son and was a skilled tarot and palm reader which she practices withy integrity. However, all too often her other persona had lead her into situations she would rather have avoided. But it seems without Madam Tulip the theatre company would be a no-go.

Almost as soon as she arrives at the retreat in the Dublin mountains, Derry is made aware Pat Kelly wants her to compromise her moral principles.

During the weekend Derry finds herself an unwitting confidante for Aileen’s insecurities which lead her further into the dramas and obsessions that seem inherent with the level of success achieved by Maramar. More problems and suspicions arise when Aileen’s shaman and therapist Kira, who is distrusted and disliked by most, disappears.

Madam Tulip and the Serpent’s Tree is told mainly from Derry’s third person perspective. It’s to David Ahern’s credit that the writing, engaging and enjoyable in itself, is also extremely visual and witty, with a smoothly flowing narrative. Diverse and colourful characters are fabulously realised. My favourites, Derry who is feeling conflicting emotions about her role as Madam Tulip and Bruce…who wouldn’t want a friend like Bruce.

Derry and Bruce are drawn into intrigue and much danger with a very atmospheric and dramatic conclusion that included two of my worst nightmares, fear of heights and claustrophobia, rising to to the surface. Those scenes might just have been described a little too vividly 😱 Offsetting the drama and adding a comedic element are Derry’s parents, Jacko and Venessa, who are in opposition over the book Jacko is supposedly writing.

An excellent addition to a series that includes mystery and suspense with a touch of romance, and one which I hope will carry on.

[Jessie Stevens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Welp, here we are, all pandemic-y together.

Many of us are practicing some form of isolation/shelter in place/ quarantine and there seem to be a lot of people touting that they are going to write/read/create out of paper mache an epic novel. Meanwhile I’m grateful to have far too much to do as well as three whole acres available when I’m trying to hide from my children but even with those blessings I am not in the mood for epic anything right now. Right now I’m more in the mood for something fun, easy, engaging, humorous and which involves not a single bit of hand washing. If you are feeling the same, I have got you covered – at least in the book department.

Would I recommend it?

Why yes, yes I would, but it is in fact book four of the Madam Tulip series and while it would stand alone just fine, I think it would be much more enjoyable if you started from the beginning.

The good news is that gives you four of just the right kind of books to read mid-pandemic before you think about doing something foolish like ripping the carpet off your stairs (P.S. Please someone stop me if I try to rip my old, dirty, ugly carpet off the stairs no matter what reasons I give you, now is not the time!).


I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I discovered this book because I’m a proud member of Rosie’s Book Review Team!

[Criticalmick · Rating 4 out of 5]

CLIMBING TOWARD STARDOM

For a big-time music producer, Pat Kelly's basement office was the very definition of a Northside rathole. Three different bands worked hard to batter through the practice rooms' soundproofing. It was enough to drive any man to distraction. Kelly tugged to button his taut shirt, which popped immediately open again. "Now," he had to raise his voice. "Who are you again?"

"I'm the professional book reviewer," I insisted above the din. "The one who dabbles in a bit of retro-techno?" I tapped an offbeat on the giant case at my side. "Remember February's seminar on the music industry? Over pints you agreed to be my agent and promoter, if I invested one thousand Euro cash right there and then as a demonstration that I was serious about getting my talent into the spotlight?"

"Oh, yes, yes, right," Kelly fiddled with his shirt buttons. "I represent Miramar! International sensation. Huge success! Hottest thing, Miramar."

"I'm confident you can so the same for me and The Count here." I stroked the case.

"You've some sort of Dracula gimmick?"

"Basie! Count Basie?" I placed all my hopes in Mr. Kelly, but made a mental note not to trust his memory. For six whole rounds we had discussed my aspirations. "I play the double bass while drones fly around, blinking hypnotic light displays? They'll connect to Bluetooth speakers, broadcasting drum machine, keyboards, tin whistle? Tin pans?"

"A flying band! Flying circus. You've all the chance of a flying... donut."

"Is that a saying in Rockstar circles? For something great!"

"Ah! Sure! It means you'll be grand, once you put your name to this contract to make it all legal, like."

The paperwork confused me. "What about the bar matt we signed that night? And you said that a man's handshake was all the bond needed, here in the shadow of Dublin’s Four Courts."

"This new contract is to rent a practice spot, here. I can't get you a gig in a reputable venue unless I can put me hand upon me heart and swear personally that you're all rehearsed and raring to go."

That explained what a big-time recording mogul was doing deep in a dimly-lit cellar. "You’ve got the integrity I need, Mr. Kelly! My friend David Ahern told me, this music biz is full of conniving backstabbers, drama queens, megalomaniacal posers, compulsive liars, and trendy parasites."

"You're guaranteed to run into a few charismatic scoundrels, too," Pat Kelly warned. "But stick with me. You'll be playing before a packed house yet, just as soon as you're ready."

"Oh boy! Thanks!"

"Just one thing, and it's something I insist of all my artists... I can call you an artist, right?"

"Oh yes! In my heart, that's all I have ever been, Mr. Kelly!"

"Call me Pat, lad. Now! I want you meet with a specialist I have on retainer. Not just any career consultant, no! They say this one has The Sight. Oh, she'll help you find that hidden path toward stardom, before you."

I paid the five hundred bucks.

"Grand, I'll see that she gets it," Kelly apologized about needing payment in advance. "Very hard to get a sitting. Few are so honoured, even in Dublin's exclusive circles. They call her... Madam Tulip."

# # #

One hundred and thirty-five euro! I asked Mr. Kelly’s taximan, do I look like a sucker? He argued that the lights of Dublin were long gone. I was lucky I had a driver that could find this exclusive mansion so deep in the Wicklow Mountains. Fuming, I tipped well. If I was going to be a drone-and-bass career celebrity I had best start living like a high-rolling millionaire. Within the extensive grounds of this baronial manor, Miramar and VIP entourage were hosting a post-tour carnival of pleasures. I walked toward the pulsing beats of celebration.

Eastern-European musclehead Stefan and his security goons declared that The Count and I didn’t look right, despite the authentic pass Mr. Pat Kelly had provided for me (damned €25 printing charge). When logic failed, I triggered the phone app and my drone sprayed tear gas down on those bozos. Crying losers! I lugged my bass case over their bodies and the party was mine.

“Excuse me,” I accosted the event’s greeter. “I’m a musician, trending hard in the right direction. I’m told Madam Tulip is here?”

“Oh! I’m kind of a musician, too. I sing! I’m Aileen.”

Scrumptious as a chocolate chip cookie! “Aileen! Oh boy!” I pulled her close for a quick selfie. “Now I’ll remember you, no matter how big a star I become.”

“You’re so sweet! Yes, Madam Tulip. Leave your instrument case in the pile over there. She’s the third yurt on the right.”

“Yurts” are apparently “posh festival tents.” Outside Madam Tulip’s, there was a queue. Mr. Kelly had not been lying that her Sight was in demand. I had not realized so many others were striving for stardom at the same time as me.

“Sorry,” said the bloke ahead of me. “Is that your drone, hovering overhead? Puffing out weak, tear-gassy fartballs?”

Some sort of Scandinavian, I gathered. (He pronounced ‘fartballs’ like a newly-fangled Ikea bookshelf.) “I am here at the insistence of my manager. Madam Tulip will tell me if I have a future filling arenas. With music stuff.”

“I’m Nils. Saxophone,” the Viking eyed my circling drone suspiciously. “Are you sure the music industry is for you? It may appear glamourous from the outside, but once drawn inside it’s a world of rivalry, passions, high drama... even murder!”

“Step aside!” I commanded the hunky blonde, as my drone could no longer clear the path. “Ambition is also a part of that story. I’m determined to succeed- no matter the price.”

“Ah! You remind me of this crazy character, endangering Miramar-”

“What-evah!”

Nils fell back. I was getting good at the haughty diva part of being a pop star.

# # #


“You have come seeking answers from Madam Tulip?”

With the last of its battery, my drone cast a spotlight into the yurt. Behind the table waited an enigmatic eccentric straight out of the nineteenth-century. Though her eyes glowed with mystery and wisdom, her lips hinted at a smile. I gave her the rock scoundrel grin I had been practicing. “What does a bloke have to do to be the next Miramar?”

The fortune teller shuffled her deck. “Your eyes gleam with wealth and fame. Do not be blinded to the danger. Remember! Just when lifted to great heights, Aileen found that the crutch she leant upon had vanished! Kira went missing without even taking the treasured picture of her daughter, a true mystery! Without her the band falters. Miramar may be a mirage that dissolves before the new album is recorded.”

“Oh wow! Millions of fans would hate that!”

“And Aileen’s bandmates. All but one.”

An interesting premise. The tension! “Madam Tulip, have you read all of their tea leaves?”

By the twinkle in her eye I knew she was up to her hat in secrets, with intriguing feathers sticking out the top. “These are confidences I cannot reveal. My role is merely to observe. Perhaps, help interpret.” With a flourish she laid down my first tarot card. “Egad! The Fool!”

I settled into the seat opposite. “I always suspected it was my destiny to play the lightener in such a drama. What do you say, Tulip? I bring flying robots!”

The psychic laid down another card. A Serpent Tree! “Sorry, the role of comic relief is already taken.”

# # #

Down in the mansion’s basement restaurant-cum-bar, thoughts whirled around my head like so many music-broadcasting, hypno-pulsing AI-powered toys. Miramar, seeming to be on top of the world- but truth was, the band’s very survival was in jeopardy. If it collapsed, Mr. Pat Kelly would be bankrupted- and my ambitions of droning on for hours to crowds would disappear, just like all the cash I had forked over to Kelly. And I really should worry about Aileen’s missing friend Kira. I had a suspicion she had been whacked while conveniently offstage.

“Here,” a pretty twenty-something detached from the trendy young revellers and set a steaming cup before me. “This will help you relax, and improve the quality of your slumber.”

The beverage tasted like what vegans would stuff into ravioli. “Gaak,” I mispronounced Thanks.

“It’s called ‘Borage tea,’” the cutie replied. “In the morning, you will know if a musical career is for you or not.”

“Sorry, how could you tell-? Do I know you-?” My mouth hung open before it could ask, “Are you psychic?”

“I’m Derry O’Donnell,” she smiled, then read my mind. “No, I am not a musician myself. I’m an actress. But I have been spending a great deal of time getting cosy with Miramar, lately.”

“Well, my little somewhat-familiar-looking player,” I inquired hopefully, “Do you have a love interest?”

“Sorry, that role is already taken.”

After the help from Mr. Pat Kelly, I had one penny left to my name. It almost dropped.

Derry O’Donnell chatted about interesting visits to Dublin’s less-well known corners, about her kooky friends and what it was like to stumble into the exciting world of amateur detective work. She listened patiently as I described my electroswing and book-reviewing aspirations, but of course the conversation came around to life, death, fate and the paranormal.

“Ghosts! They’re super-groovy, Derry.”

“Everyone believes in the supernatural, at least just a little.”

“Oh boy! A truth that’s great for Security work.”

“I’m confused. How so?”

“I’ve never made a cent from books or music,” I confessed. “I guard building sites. But I do it really cool! With drones!”

“Oh?”

“Sure! I dress them up in little hand-knitted ghost costumes. When gurriers break into the yards, in the dead of night to steal lumber, I fly up behind them, turn on the speakers and shriek BOO-OO-OOOOO!”

In my excitement I had climbed onto the table and shaken, shaken the way I dreamed of shaking up today’s music scene. The whole party fell completely silent. Aileen, Nils, and the rest of the rock world’s brightest stars gazed unbelieving at my interruption. Oh boy! “Boo” it was! Maybe even "Boo, hiss!"

“Well,” Derry helped me down and out into the night, toward the exit. Other than Madam Tulip, this actress was the one kind-hearted soul in all of show biz!

“Thank you, Derry. It was pleasant spending time in your world.”

“You’re pretty handy with technology. Have you ever thought, maybe leaving books and music alone and making your fortune with that?”

[Nada Sobhi · Rating 4 out of 5]

"In our futures, nothing is fixed. All your palm can tell us is what you bring to this life. So much of what may happen will be chance. Only you can decide how to meet whatever fortune brings. Often, the seeker finds not an answer but a question." >

Madam Tulip and the Serpent's Tree is the fourth book in the Madam Tulip mystery series by author David Ahern. The book is fun, fast-paced, and can be easily read as a standalone, which means you don't have to read other books in the series.

It's also my second read for Ahern and the series, having read book 1, Madam Tulip in March – but oh wow – 2018!

Unlike the first book, Madam Tulip and the Serpent's Tree doesn't quite involve a mystery but rather a missing person mystery. Also, the real action with regards to the mystery begins towards half the book. That said, I still enjoyed the setting and narration of the first 50% of the book.

"Tara clutched the phone like it would burst into tears and how like a baby if she dared put it down."

Irish-American actress Derry O'Donnell lives in Dublin and moonlights as Madam Tulip, a fortune teller who performs at parties and events. In this book, Derry's friend Bella, who has risen to some fame, offers Derry and their former Navy SEAL-turned-actor Bruce, the opportunity to do their own play before an audience. This is in collaboration with bar-owner Pat Kelly, who later turns out to be much more than just a bar-owner. Kelly agrees to Bella's proposal on condition that Derry do a Madam Tulip act at a popular singer's birthday party.

As Derry begins to meet and mingle with the music band's members and their entourage, she discovers that their main singer believed strongly in the words of a Shaman, a woman named Kira, while others feel distrustful of Kira. There is an overall sense of animosity towards Kira, who we never see in the book but get various viewpoints of from the different characters.

"So who hates Kira? Seems to me, everybody does."

One of the things I enjoy is Ahern's style. Madam Tulip and the Serpent's Tree is narrated in the third person but mainly from protagonist Derry O' Donnell's perspective. And Derry is super funny.

"Tara wore a dark pants suit of the kind worn by market researchers who stop you in the mall insisting you try a new kind of yoghurt guaranteed to make you lose weight and improve your dancing."

It's worth mentioning is the daughter of a seventh son so she may have a possible ability to see the future or at least read the tarot cards, which she does as Madam Tulip. So there's always this tiny paranormal aspect and feel to the Madam Tulip books.

I love how David Ahern's writing is so visual, in terms of imagery and similes. Not only visual, you can hear the characters, and feel all your senses working as you read.

"The silence was the silence of a crowd in the moments before a tennis player takes a match-winning serve, like a hundred people holding their breath."

Madam Tulip and the Serpent's Tree wasn't what I expected but it was an enjoyable read. Even when the plot itself isn't moving forward, there is lots of action taking place.

In addition to the mystery and Madam Tulip's role, we have Derry's father Jacko (which not surprisingly rhymes with wacko) and the constant family drama, the friendship between Derry and Bruce, and in this book the charismatic sax player Scandinavian Nils, whom Derry likes and the reader can't help but equally like. :)

I must also note that the final scenes in Madam Tulip and the Serpent's Tree where everything was happening in the dark, like in movies where you're struggling to see what the actors are doing, was a bit vague for me. I had difficulty imagining it; and not because it was dark but because a lot was happening and it just wasn't clear. Still I enjoyed the book.

Overall rating: 4.5 stars

Note: I received a free advanced reader's copy (ARC) of Madam Tulip and the Serpent's Tree from its author David Ahern in exchange for an honest review. This did not in any way affect my review.

[Steph Warren · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received a free ARC of this book, with thanks to the author. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*

Those familiar with Derry and Madam Tulip will already know the drill, but for anyone who hasn’t read the previous books, I would recommend starting with those first. In theory, the plot here can stand alone, but in reality, Jacko, Vanessa, Bruce, Bella and Madam Tulip herself are all so much better when you know their history!

The characters really are superb here. I particularly identify with main character, Derry (less so with her psychic alter-ego) and her worries about doing the right thing but also earning enough to pay her bills. Jacko, Vanessa and Bella do their usual stellar job of providing some comic relief to the storyline, whilst Bruce is coming more and more to the forefront as Derry’s partner in crime-solving and a bit of an all-round superhero!

The plot follows a now-familiar pattern, in which Derry sets out to simply earn a few pennies in her actress role and ends up embroiled in a mess of gangsters, liars and histrionic artistes. Luckily she has Madam Tulip’s skills to fall back on, as she tries to work out some petty squabbles between popstars and where the resident shaman has ‘poddled’ off to. Plus, there may just be a new romantic interest on the horizon… if Derry can eliminate him from her suspect pool first.

These cosy mysteries are really great fun, with a clever blend of psychic and mundane investigation, and plenty of exciting action. I can’t wait to find out what Derry – and Tulip – and co get up to next!



The sensation of becoming Madam Tulip was familiar but more intense than Derry had ever experienced. She had the strangest feeling that Derry O’Donnell, actress—the person whose body and brain she had inhabited all her life—had evaporated. The absurd idea flitted into her head that she might now be a ghost sitting placidly on the edge of her bed waiting for Madam Tulip to return and bring her back to life. Or was she neatly packed away, folded like a blouse in a drawer until Tulip should choose one day to take her out?
Derry smiled at the thought. But she was certain of one thing—Derry O’Donnell, hanger-on, notional member of a popstar’s entourage, was indeed no more. In her place was a woman who knew who she was and why she was here. Madam Tulip’s clients came because they needed something. Her happy vocation was to help them know what that thing might be.

– David Ahern, Madam Tulip and the Serpent’s Tree

Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...

[Jill Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a fun cozy series that I've enjoyed since the first book. By now, it feels like Old Home Week to dive back into Derry's world - Bruce never fails to amaze and astound with his mad Ex-Navy SEAL skills, Jacko offers a marvelous madcap trip through the looking glass, Vanessa's take - no - prisoners ice queen ruthlessness delights with its deviousness, and Madam Tulip's genteel facade of implacable grace provides a much - needed counter to the inanity that always seems to surround Derry... It's a fantastic blend of characters and they are definitely what drives my interest in this series.

The mysteries in each novel are entertaining, don't get me wrong - but it's the characters that keep me coming back for more. In this one, we got a little less focus on each than I've come to expect, and I found myself missing the extra tidbits that have been provided on the previous books. It's inevitable, I suppose, that by book four the characters would be so well fleshed out that the focus would shift like that, but I still found missing wanting to spend more time on each of their heads than this novel allowed.

What we did get a lot of in this one was the insanity that permeates the music business. I enjoyed that, and the way the egos and obsession with money and fame led to the drama that comprised the mystery(ies) at the heart of the book. As always, the action and drama were just this side of over the top - it's always a bit of a credibility stretch, but not in a bad way. It fits the cozy tone of the books just fine, and has become almost as comfortable a story element as the characters themselves.

The one place this one was decidedly NOT cozy was in the final action sequence, which features elements I had to read with one eye closed so as not to trigger all my own phobias... It's a marvelously horrible situation that the Dynamic Duo of Derry and Bruce handle with their particular brand of aplomb and mad skills and crazy luck, as always, and even though I knew it'd end well, I was still biting my nails throughout!

All in all this was a solid entry in the series. Perhaps not my very favorite, if only because I wanted so much more from Jacko (as I always do!), but still a fun and fast read.

Thanks to the author for my obligation - free review copy.

[Gordon Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the “Madame Tulip” universe, this story’s a winner. Ahern’s comedy writing is becoming more polished and creative. Not a hilarious, gut-wrenching-laugh-type comedy. Just a constant feeding of clever and original Irish-style wit, often tossed off as setting or character description, that adds to the entertainment of the read. The entertainment value of this writing depends on the quality of the humour, the number of jokes per page and the careful placing of the comedy so it never gets in the way of the suspense. Ahern has always been good at keeping his funny and serious material separated. “Serpent’s Tree” shows a definite increase in the use of this technique, and it’s hard to quantify, but it seems to be just plain funnier.

For example, he manages to make the opening scene descriptions interesting enough that we want to read them. Of course, he’s describing Dublin, so he has an edge on most writers. How does he do this? Well, he doesn’t just have an office door. He has an office door with a sign that reads, “Office. No Credit so F-off.” When have you ever heard a scene described as an “oddly careless archaeologist’s dig?” And then the crowning detail: a band called the “Dead Hamsters.”

Ahern also has the ability to make a point but not belabour it. He uses an actor’s precarious work situation as a driving factor in the plot without drowning us in angst about it. This is comedy, after all.

On the serious side, the inner conflict in the main character about her occult abilities takes a step further in this story, adding another level to the complexity of the situation and making us want to know what happens in the next installment.

Add to that an excruciating final conflict that will have claustrophobes writhing in nightmares for months, and you have a darned good read.

The best book in the series so far. Highly recommended.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

*This review was originally published on RachelPol.com

Plot

I was eager to jump back into this series again. It was refreshing to go on another adventure with Derry, also known as Madam Tulip.

While the plot of this was is unique from the others, there is a pattern with the books. Derry gets an acting job and something goes wrong and she finds herself deep inside a murder investigation. This isn’t a complaint. I think the overall structure of each book and therefore the series as a whole is well done.

Madam Tulip and the Serpent’s Tree has a lot of twist and turns within its pages. It keeps you guessing until the very end.

Characters

As always, this book has a great case of characters. Derry is a fun protagonist along with her friend Bruce and her parents popping in from time to time.

I even enjoyed the side characters and the antagonists in this one. They’re all unique from one another and from the books before it. The development is well done.

Writing Style

This book is written in the third person which is how I personally prefer mystery stories to be. The author’s writing is easy to follow along with a good amount of well-done descriptions and funny quips within the dialogue.

Favorite Quote

"The thing about issues is that as you get older, they become ever more dangerous." - David Ahern, Madam Tulip and the Serpent’s Tree

*I received a free ARC from the author. The decision to review and all opinions are my own.

[Carole Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Been excited to get started on this! I've enjoyed the first books in the series and I couldn't wait to start reading this!



The story continues to follow Derry and her pals. Derry lands herself and her character, Madam Tulip, in a famous singer's entourage when the former Russian guru disappears. Is the shaman a victim or the guilty? The world of the rich and famous are a dangerous road!



Awwww Derry I love you a lot! I love her and her friends. Especially Bruce. I will admit I have a small crush on him. HOW COULD YOU NOT? He is adorable and a former Navy Seal. I especially grew to like him more in this one. I feel like we got to see more of him and learn more about him and that made me happy. We did get a lot of character development not only for our main Derry, but for the side characters and even Derry's Madam Tulip.



The mystery was certainly a mystery indeed! I had my guesses. And there was ONE big clue that is easy to look over. I did make a note of it. It seemed important for some reason but I couldn't figure it out. WOWZER that certainly was a shocker. Loved it! Great twist!



I really enjoyed this one. I think this was my favorite of the series so far! I had no issues. I was absolutely hooked from page 1.



Overall, I loved this one. It was my favorite of the series so far! A great mystery that surprised me in the end, lots of character development, and fun humor. 5 stars for this one!

[Gayle B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another really good read with Madam Tulip again in the middle of things. Derry, Bella and Bruce have a chance at forming their own theatre company with the support of Pat Kelly who manages a well known band. Kelly invites Derry to be part of the entertainment at a party as Madam Tulip and provide readings for the guests. Kelly takes an interest in her abilities, not just providing readings of the future, but also her ability to make people feel comfortable, how they confide in her and share their feelings. He makes her a generous offer to be part of his "staff" while the band Maramar is working on their album, help keep things cool with the members who are sometimes at odds with each other. When Mia appears to have been poisoned, Derry's desire to solve problems kicks in. She again takes on more than she should and with her keen instincts, finds out some things she would be better off not knowing, resulting in being in a very dangerous predicament. Derry's father Jacko, adds a humorous twist at times, with his latest crazy ideas.
Fast paced and suspenseful.

I received a free copy and voluntarily provided this review.

[Catherine H Brennan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the last in the Madam Tulip series and in my opinion she should keep the costume in the closet. I don’t think her psychic abilities are lining up with those that actually have the ability to foresee the future. If you grew up with my grandmother you would get what I’m saying.

If the author wants to pursue this character, I suggest a bit of research by those who do have the sight. They can explain how it works and help Madam Tulip earn some cash.

[Courtney Giraldo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This read was provided to me for free in exchange for an honest review.

Derry O'Donnell, mostly struggling actress and sometimes fortune teller Madame Tulip, lands a gig with a budding and successful pop band to provide readings and general babysitting of its slightly unbalanced star. Basically a paid groupie, she gets a behind the scenes look at what appears on the outside as the picture of perfection. In reality, the group is riddled with jealousies and backstabbing. The groups paid shaman is missing and there is clearly a fear that she has been murdered. A member of the band may have also been poisoned and with so much invested in the groups success, it's manager is hoping Derry can smooth things over and keep the band together and productive. With so much drama and darkness hanging over the group, Derry once again finds herself embroiled in a mystery, one which will ultimately put her life in jeopardy.

This one is the fourth in the Madame Tulip Series and as always, Derry gets herself caught up in a mystery. I am confident at this point that if acting doesn't pan out, she has a great shot at becoming a successful PI. This book was once again filled with mystery, red herrings, deceit, and just a touch of her insane father Jacko O'Donnell for some comedic relief (seriously he is probably my favorite character in the series- I could read a book solely about him- or watch a reality show if he was real haha)

I enjoyed that Derry's friends and often sidekicks to her antics were back. Bella and Bruce are great secondary characters and I felt Bruce was really able to shine in this one. I love his ability to maintain complete composure even when faced with life threatening situations, I suppose its the Navy Seal in him. As I have come to expect, Derry winds up in heartstoppingly dangerous situations that you are SURE she won't be able to get out of which makes for some great reading.

Awesome read if you are a fan of cozy mysteries and one I would for sure recommend to you guys!

[Book Inspector · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to be honest, I miss these characters, they are so theatrical, pompous, but at the same time so realistic and cute. The protagonist of this story is Derry, and the book is told from her perspective. Derry has this “luck” to get herself into craziest situations, involving rich and famous, she knows most of their secrets, and always gets into trouble. I like Derry and her crazy parents, and I enjoy their craziness in every book, including this one.

I was very impressed with the plot of this book, it is funny and entertaining, but at the same time more serious and solid. I liked the way the author unravelled this mystery, it was interesting to read about the music band’s lifestyle, mysterious shaman, and plenty of interesting history of Dublin. The narrative starts quite slow, but it has enough action and intense moments as well. Even though this book is a part of the series, it can be easily read as a stand-alone.

I liked the setting of this novel, the author describes Dublin and surrounding areas very picturesquely and I really liked that. I enjoy David Ahern’s writing style, I think he improves with every single book. The chapters are quite short, so the book didn’t drag for me. I loved the ending of this book, I think it rounded this book really well.