Customer Reviews

Irish Tiger: A Nuala Anne McGrail Novel (Nuala Anne McGrail Novels)

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Irish Tiger, the tenth novel in the Nuala Anne series, may be the best of the lot. The Nuala Anne stories all fit a pattern: Nuala works two mysteries, one from history, usually with the aid of papers and diaries written many years in the past, and the other set in the present. In this book Andrew Greeley breaks with tradition by setting most activities in the present.

The primary puzzle concerns a middle aged couple, a widow and a widower, who begin a relationship that angers their families. Can this couple approach the challenges and fight hate with love?

The couple, John Patrick Donlan and Maria Angelica Connors, experience a growing romance. Neither had a happy first marriage so they are both afraid of making a commitment. Can they have that model marriage where they emphasize giving to their partner, where they can emotionally release their honest feelings and emotions? To obtain the best union they need to give themselves completely to the other and achieve real happiness. Can love conquer the inertia of self-doubt and the agony of fear of commitment?

When John and Maria attempt to marry they encounter strong forces that wish to affect their bonding. Can the relationship endure such dramatic interference from outside forces? Who would disrupt a middle aged love? Is it the children who may hang on to the memories and influence of their missing parent? Is the problem in-laws who have resentments, colleagues who may be jealous, or business competitors who wish to distract the couple from their responsibilities? Nuala Anne must discover the answer.

As Nuala Anne becomes involved in this crises she faces severe opposition. Who is plotting against Nuala's solving the threats against the lovers? Will the perpetrators attack Nuala's family?

In Irish Tiger, Nuala Anne's family is shown as a significant factor in her life and work. The children sing with her at her special concerts. Socra Marie sings off key but willingly. Nelliecoyne provides "fey" insights to her mother and shepherds her younger siblings. Patjo charms all visitors. Husband Dermot is her "spear carrier".

The puzzle is involved. The enemy is determined, persistent, and evil. Nuala eventually solves the puzzle but only after severe opposition and much pain for those on her side.

I recommend this book. Andrew Greeley draws interesting characters and has a habit of having love shine in the actions of the major players. Good entertainment.

More, more, more! When's the next one? Whatever will our duo be involved with next? Don't their adventures not get stale, at all, at all? And aren't the children and the puppies growing up well? And doesn't Father Greeley continue to weave suspense, humor, solid family values and a sense of true community in this latest installment of our Nuala Anne and her family and friends? He does a superb job of incorporating characters from his other books (Blackie Ryan and his kin, Sean Cronin, Maggie Ward, Mike the Cop, The Kanes, the Murphy's, et al)in the Nuala McGrail series (as he does in other books) so that his Chicago world comes alive. They are our family & friends. We become a part of the Irish heart & spirit and Greeley's Chicago.

I have missed Nuala Anne and this is a wonderful book. Fast paced and keeps your interest. Very nice !

I agree with one of the prior reviewers that Father Greeley's formula is wearing a bit thin. This time out, Nuala and her husband Dermot have the usual court battle (this time over airing of her Christmas song special on television) and the usual troubled lovers to help (this time a contemporary couple in Chicago, not a pair long dead in old Ireland) and the usual nasty family members who try to harm the pair that Nuala and Dermot are supporting. Somehow, this one just seems less interesting than the other entries in the series, although it isn't terrible, at all, at all. But the bad guys are more evil than most, and their downfall is staged with less credibility than in the past novels. Any author as prolific as Greeley faces this problem: we know the continuing characters so well, and the prior plots, that predicting the outcome of each new book gets easier and easier. It happens with Robert B. Parker and most others who have 20-40 books to their credit. If you are already a fan of this series, you'll have to have this one, too. If you are new to the Nuala Anne McGrail mysteries, PLEASE start at the beginning and read them in sequence. It's the only right thing, at all, at all.

I used to be a great fan of Andrew Greeley's writing some 20 years ago, then moved on for no particular reason. This is the first of the Nuala Anne books I've read, and I enjoyed it. The story moves along, the main characters are consistent. I do notice, as I did years ago, that all the female leads are exceedingly beautiful, sexy and brilliant. The male leads are generally fairly humble and appreciative of the amazing women in their lives, just as they were decades ago. So I agree with a previous reviewer who said that if you like Andrew Greeley's style, you'll enjoy this one too.

LOVE NUALA ANNE McGRAIL NOVELS BY ANDREW M. GREELEY. I FEEL LIKE A LEARN A LITTLE HISTORY AND A LITTLE ABOUT MY IRISH HERITAGE. YOU WOULD NEVER KNOW THEY ARE WRITTEN BY A PRIEST.
E.McHENRY

Irish Tiger: A Nuala Anne McGrail Novel (Nuala Anne McGrail Novels)

Andrew Greeley is wonderful as always. Can't put the book down. Nuala is so great.

For those of you familiar with the Nuala Ann McGrail novels, this installment in the series is top notch. If you have never read any of the "Irish _____" series, don't hesitate to give this a read. It reads very quickly as you can not put it down. Father Greeley keeps you on the edge of your seat with twist after twist. Just when you think it is winding up another curve ball is pitched and you have to start your deductive powers anew. In addition to being a great detective adventure, you will be totally captivated by the Old Country Irish Charm of Nuala Ann and family. The comical asides and thoughts of each character will keep you in stitches. Each chapter presents a first person insight from one particular character's perspective. As you proceed through the story you find a much deeper understanding of the plot and how each character fits into it. A very unique presentation that I found to be a devastatingly clever way of keeping the reader glued to the book. This one is a keeper. Buy it and enjoy, you will not be disappointed.

Reading Andrew Greeley is a reliable pleasure. And the nice thing about Greeley is that he always has a positive outlook about life and faith that is life-affirming in every way.

Greeley has brought me back to my faith over the years and this is one Irishman from Chicago who is dependable joy!

To be short and sweet and to the point, if you like Greeley's style you'll enjoy this book. I haven't finished it yet, but so far I have found it a very enjoying read.