Crowded House: The Definitive Story Behind the Gruesome Murder of Patricia O’Connor

by Frank Greaney

In June 2017, a woman out picnicking in the Wicklow Mountains stumbled upon something in a ditch that would set in motion a chain of events that horrified the nation. It was the first of fifteen dismembered body parts belonging to retired hospital worker Patricia O’Connor.

Kieran Greene, the father of three of Patricia’s grandchildren, later handed himself in, confessing to beating her to death in the home they shared in what he said was an act of self-defense. He also confessed to dismembering her and disposing of her remains but later changed his story, implicating several members of Patricia’s household, including her husband and daughter.

In this nuanced and meticulous account of a deeply disturbing crime, journalist Frank Greaney, who covered every day of the shocking trial and conducted exclusive follow-up interviews with other members of Patricia’s family, uncovers the story behind the gruesome murder of Patricia O’Connor, and looks at who Patricia really was.

Genres: Nonfiction, True Crime, Audiobook

320 pages, Paperback

Published March 23, 2021

Reviews

[Gvido Roze]

Due to the nature of the book and the gruesome details in it, saying that I “enjoyed” this book, would feel wrong. However, the mind-boggling events paired up with Frank Greaney’s good writing, it sums up to be a gripping true crime book.

[Sarah]

As a fan of true crime and a particular interest in those that are a little closer to home, I picked Crowded House up from my local Easons the moment I spotted it!
I devoured this book. Knowing some details of the case before reading it, this recounting of the gruesome murder and dismemberment of Patricia O'Connor filled in everything i hadn't known before amd gave a very sympathetic view of the late Mrs O'Connor which I hadn't heard before.
I sat and read this book in two sittings, which would have been one if i hadn't started so late in the evening, and found myself thinking about it for days afterwards.
The writing is gripping, making the case clear and concise while also having a human touch, even throughout the court proceedings when I think a lot of True crime can make jargon-filled and sometimes hard to follow.
If you are a fan of true crime then you should pick this up and read it. If you are Irish and a fan of True Crime then you've probably heard of the case already and you should definitely read this as it brings a certain personal element to the case.
The only reason i rated this four stars instead of five is because i would have liked even more of it.

[Minerva]

To be honest, I picked-up this book as it was close to home. I moved to Ireland in 2017 but managed to miss this highly publicised news then.

The story itself is already gripping but the way this was written and the way the story was told made me not put the book down at all — the writing is easy to follow, conversations flow naturally, and the details are clear and concise — it draws and hooks you in and I just found myself wanting to read it faster and faster to get to the end.

The author made you feel like you weren’t reading a stranger’s story at all. It felt personal, if that makes sense.

Technically, I think this is a very good read for fans of true crime or those who want to start getting into it as well.

[Don Dealga]

Exhaustive, comprehensive account of a brutal callous murder. The rigorous recounting of this awful crime is testimony to the journalistic skills of Frank Greaney. Greaney is at pains to avoid lurid sensationalism in his work to maintain respect for the feelings of the victim's family and to honour the dignity of the memory of Patricia O'Connor. Ultimately, the work left me feeling depressed at the moral depravity of the perpetrators and conspirators involved in this crime.

[Jonathan Elliott]

Shocking story

Frank Greaney is an excellent courts correspondent, I have always found his reports to be unbiased and informative, he is also very sympathetic to the victim and their relatives.
I found this book to be written in a similar style with great attention to detail and research.

[Maggie]

This was so horrific to read and to know that a mother could be living with her estranged husband, daughter and granddaughter whom she loved and they could be involved in her brutal murder and dismemberment with her body being discarded in the Wicklow mountains It certainly shocked me Well written and would highly recommend

[Hilary Montgomery]

Shocking murder

Well told account of an atrocious murder and cover up by Patricias immediate family. How could they do this and claim they knew nothing about it. Her poor son Richard and Patricia’s siblings having to listen to her terrible fate

[Conor Kelly]

Living in Dublin, this case somehow passed me by. It is an incredible read and for a true story to have as many twists and turns really made it into a real page turner. Flew through it in a few sittings. Very strong debut by the author.

[Kevin Kingston]

Live in this neighborhood in Dublin so was interested in the case. Had listened to a lot of Frank's reporting at the time but it was nice to have the time to do the deep dive in. I would say a very thorough look at the case and on Patricia's life and background.

[Shane]

Thr first 60% or so of the book is brilliant. Really interesting background and insight into the ruse. But from the trial onwards, you'd think the book was written by a different author. Becomes a struggle and alot of repetition and he said this in court, they said that.

[John Higgins]

Creepy bunch of lowlifes that killed and aided in their mums death,interesting but ultimately sad and depressing

[Anna]

Rounded up from 3.5.

[Barbara Rice]

Excellent book of terrible murder

Liked how author laid out the story. Not repetitive, page Turner with unseen ending. Authorities extensive research with pictures of participants.

[Philippa]

Written and narrated by a journalist following the 2017 case of the gruesome murder of a grandmother in Dublin.

[Claire Kane]

Extremely difficult read/listen, but one that does the story justice.