Death Before Coffee (Mike O'Shea Crime Fiction, #2)

by Desmond P Ryan

[zooloo1983]

Nailed it!! That’s what I think of the latest instalment of Mike O’Shea! When reading this I failed to notice at the date and didn’t realise there was a time jump from the first book!so 13 years later O’Shea is not in juvenile protection anymore he’s is now a district investigator in the 6th district.

What I like, no wait adore… no LOVE about this book is the wealth of experience that Mr Ryan has displayed from his background. This makes the book so enjoyable knowing that these things add to making the story a bit more believable.

I love Mike, so when we first meet with him years later I was surprised to how much of a shell he was, reliving every day Sals’ murder wondering what could he have done differently. A huge part of me though was glad that he was partnered up with Ron, who appeared in the first book, as the banter they had was enjoyable. It was a strength he needed. Plus his mother’s family dinner is always interesting to watch as a bystander!

Again, in Death before Coffee, we are only lucky to be in Mike’s world for a couple of days like in the previous book, and it is a darker affair. A crumbling marriage, a lack of ability to cope, a murder to solve and a past that still haunts him, these are just tidbits from this fascinating book.

I have to mention the cover because it’s perfect, and it’s a reminder of Sal with the pumpkin seeds, still not sure I will ever be over it! I have read The Funeral (review to come) and again the wealth of knowledge shines through.

I can never tire of Mr Ryan writing (good thing more books are on the way) because he draws you in and doesn’t want to let go. If I could have I would have read this in one sitting because I was worried about everyone when I shut the book. I was still thinking about everyone!

I have to say one thing when I saw the words Family Jewels in the book, I had to chuckle because that was a little bit of my input into the book after the most random and funny conversation I had with Mr Ryan on twitter!

I can not wait for the next adventure!!!