Irish Tiger

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.

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.

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.

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.