I write the Star O'Brien amateur sleuth cozy mystery novels, set in County Mayo, Ireland. Star O'Brien is a strong, independent, and inquisitive personality who has had some losses in her life. Her losses have made her more independent than most; they've also made her a strong advocate for the dead, the missing, and the lost. I think you will like her. If you want to have a sneak peek at my writing, visit my website at www.martha-geaney.com and sign up for my email list. You will receive a free copy of a Star O'Brien short story.

I write serious stories to challenge the reader to solve the mystery through character analysis and recognition of red herrings. Although Star's search for her mother is a secondary plot line in the series each of the books contains a standalone mystery.

I set my novels in Ireland to share the beauty of Ireland with you. I’ve been going to Ireland since I was four years old. I’ve been to all the places/settings that are included in my books. Subscribers to my email list receive a free copy of a map to go alone with each of the books in the series.

I write because my soul needs to write. I write to share my love of Ireland. I write to share that love with readers who like Ireland and mysteries as much as I do. I love Star O’Brien and want to share her story – her search for her mother and to find love. I write because I love the creative world. And, I love putting the puzzle pieces in place. I love the words and phrases that I create, the research, and the feeling of accomplishment and challenge.

So, if you love to read serious mysteries and follow likeable characters, try my books. And if you want a sneak peek at my writing style, visit my website (www.martha-geaney.com) and sign up for my email list. You will receive a free Star O'Brien short story to read.

MARTHA M. GEANEY is the author of the Star O’Brien amateur sleuth mystery series which is set in County Mayo, Ireland.

My passion for Ireland grew out of love. My father was from County Cork; my mother is from County Mayo. I kissed the Blarney Stone when I was four years old and again when I was sixteen. Then, when I was sixteen, my parents sent me to St. Joseph’s Convent of Mercy boarding school in Castlebar, County Mayo. I fell in love with the people, especially all the cousins, my aunts and uncles, the lush and moody landscape, and the culture.

In the early 1980’s, my parents bought a cottage from one of my mother’s uncles in the Castlebar area. The cottage is real and is the inspiration for many of the scenes in the Star O'Brien series.

When I decided to develop myself as an Indie author, I knew I had to set this series in Ireland. It is my love for the people, the country, and all its beauty that inspired me to create a mystery series, set in Ireland, about an amateur detective, Star O’Brien, who is an American. Even my publishing imprint, Turlough, Nolan Publishing, is tied to my family history and ancestors. Turlough is a village in Mayo where my mother was born and where the Nolan branch of the family comes from.

Before turning to indie writing, I was a teacher, management consultant, university professor, and the dean of a business college.

I was born in New York City but lived in New Jersey beginning at the age of eight. In 2017, my partner, Bill, and I moved to Florida where I enjoy cooking, reading, swimming, and our Schipperke puppy, named Turlough.

I graduated with honors from William Paterson University (WPU) with a degree in English and certification as an English teacher. I was granted a fellowship from WPU during which time I earned my M.A. in English. In 2004, I earned an Interdisciplinary Doctorate of Philosophy (Ph.D.) from the The Union Institute and University.

I am a member of Sisters in Crime and the Alliance of Independent Authors. I’m currently working on my third Star O'Brien mystery.