Ballyfortnum village – where something fishy is going on.
In the close-knit Irish village of Ballyfortnum, a careless fisherman could catch his death down by the river.
It’s not so peaceful on her riverside walk when aspiring sleuth Jess O’Malley stumbles across a dead fisherman bobbing in the water. As if that’s not enough, he’s not quite the stranger she thought he was. Nor is he the only dead body in Ballyfortnum this week.
Jess, aided by loyal sidekick Fletcher, her exuberant black Labrador, has uncovered another mystery to get her hook into but will her policeman friend Marcus believe her this time? As she fishes for clues, casting aspersions on friends and neighbours, can she reel in the culprit without becoming the killer’s next catch?
Jess O’Malley is back and there is more unpleasantness in Ballyfortnum village! When a local fisherman is found drowned in the river, Jess O’Malley senses something fishy is going on. Unconvinced by the consensus of accidental death, she sets out to discover exactly what happened to the unfortunate man but as she does so, she uncovers a far greater mystery – and another dead body! This, the second in Alexander’s Jess O’Malley series, is an incredibly satisfying read. With an up-to-date golden-age feel, the story capers along at a joyous pace with plenty of humorous touches thrown in, especially from well-meaning but disorganised Jess. The ending is especially delightful, giving the reader a neat and satisfying surprise. I look forward to reading many more in the series as it develops. Jess O’Malley is the perfect companion on a wintery evening with the curtains drawn and a steaming mug of hot chocolate! A frothy mystery sprinkled with just the right amount of intrigue and a healthy dollop of romance, what’s not to love?
A Hover of Trout by Jinny Alexander is an excellent second book in the Jess O’Malley Mystery series, in which we get to know the main character better while she once again gets embroiled in solving a murder mystery. The book is as well-written as the first, with intriguing characters, two seemingly unlinked murders, plenty of suspects, and some interesting character dynamics thrown into the mix. The descriptions of the setting are vivid without being overpowering of the plot, and there are plenty of canines in this one to satisfy the dog lovers out there. It's like travelling to Ireland without leaving your seat! I highly recommend it!
If you liked A Diet of Death, the first Jess O'Malley Mystery, you will love A Hover of Trout, Book #2 in this warm and cozy mystery series set in Ballyfortnum, Ireland. Jess and her trusty sidekick, Fletcher are back for another adventure, starting with the discovery of a dead fisherman along the side of River Tunny. Fabulous characters and witty dialogue as more mysteries are revealed and solved by Jinny Alexander. I guarantee you will go back and read Book #1 in this charming mystery series. Mike Martin Award Winning Author of the Best Selling Sgt. Windflower Mystery series
This was my second Jess O'Malley mystery (after "A Diet of Death" - also excellent). Jess is a splendid creation: always inquisitive, meticulous to the point of obsession, and with a pleasingly rich and varied love life. The way she pursues every clue and runs her own investigation parallel to the police and long-suffering top detective (and love interest) Marcus Woo, is addictive.
"A Hover of Trout" is a wonderful read and the setting in a quiet village in rural Ireland makes this all as cosy as cosy crime can be. Recommended.
Lyrical, atmospheric, Alexander’s words lure you alongside amateur sleuth Jess O’Malley into the tangled webs of Ballyfortnum village. Very soon, you’re too caught up to leave, nor do you want to. If you need a cosy weekend escape read, this is your ticket.