Customer Reviews

Lack of the Irish: A Mystery Set at the University of Notre Dame (Notre Dame Mysteries)

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A classic, though not complicated mystery (I did not solve it --prior to the solution being revealed--even though it was right there in front of my eyes).

Delightfully human (and sometimes hilarious) characters. A few malcontents you can love to hate, as well.

I have visited ND only once briefly, so I'm sure a few of the "in" jokes escaped me. I have enough Catholic friends and watch an occasional college football game, so much of the ND humor still was intelligible.

Incidentally, a serious look at some "ecumenical" religious topics.

A fun read that made me think a little, as well.

This is a very funny and interesting murder mystery that takes place at the U. of Notre Dame. There are a lot of "in-jokes" for those familiar with the ND campus and history.

As a recent alumn, I enjoyed reading Lack of the Irish for its constant, detailed reference to the campus, the student body, and the regular traditions of the place. That being said, if the story took place on any other campus (Georgetown, BC, St. Mary's, or Baylor) I would have been fairly bored.

The plot is basic, a classic murder-whodunit, with multiple suspects and self-righteous manipulators. I felt a little cheated at the reveal; the story did not seem to lead up to its end. Additionally, the side plot (about an overzealous preacher) took over the story and seemed more important than the murder (at least to Ralph McInerny) and I wish the book had focused more on the suspects and investigation.

Lack of the Irish is short and fun, and reads fairly quickly. While it's not Dan Brown-pulp, you will find yourself struggling to set it down. The drive to uncover the truth drives the book, unfortunately the novelty of ND and an eccentric side plot are crutches that are leaned on a bit too much.