***3,5***Over the years I've enjoyed the Callahan Garrity series and I’m a tiny bit sad that this is the last in the series. I heard that the author isn't planning on writing another one.What I like about this series is the contrast between the harsh, dark reality of the Atlanta streets and the lightness of the quirky characters. It’s actually a relief that Callahan and her entourage e.g. House Mouse Cleaning service bring some color to these gloomy stories. In this last entry, Callahan’s very good friend and old partner, Bucky Deavers gets gunned down in a liquor store. Callahan soon suspects that corrupt cops are behind this – cops that hide behind an Irish fraternity called the Shamrocks. They take security jobs on the side while robbing these places of business during their ATM deposits. When another police officer is shot, and then the only witness to Bucky’s assault disappears, Callahan understands this is way bigger than she thought and actually doesn't know whom she can trust within the police.I have to mention that the author’s attempts to raise awareness about the low income of cops and about how things are deteriorating in Atlanta don’t go unnoticed.I don’t know how to better describe it, but this book made me feel very melancholic. With Bucky being in a coma, and then being transported to a hospice (to die…), and Callahan being the only one at this bedside to read to him in his state of unconsciousness. It was all so bittersweet. I could just picture it.And IF Irish Eyes is the last book, then I think that Callahan is right where she should be. She has finally made the necessary compromises to be more happy in her personal life. She finally agreed into marrying Mac; I strongly believe that’ll give them both security and assurance of their commitment (and she can enjoy his great benefits). Mac will live mostly in Nashville because he works there and he’ll visit every other weekend. With Callahan being so fiercely independent and rooted in Atlanta, … yes indeed, this is the perfect ending.
Ex Atlanta Cop, Callahan Garrity, sometimes wonders why she gave it all up to be owner of the House Mouse, a house cleaning service to those with means in the Georgia area. Then, when she finds herself at the scene of a liquor store crime that involves the shooting of one of her dear friends who is also a cop… she remembers why…the job just isn’t worth your life.Yet, when Callahan does not see the police taking the direction they should in the case, Callahan can not help but let old instincts take over. As she puts her nose where it doesn’t belong, things get a little dangerous…This was my first Callahan Garrity book and probably won’t be my last. With a little whimsy of a cozy mystery (the House Mouse workers and Callahan’s own mother keep the book light and fun), and a small likelihood to Janet Evanovich, this book was a treat to read.One thing I liked about this protagonist is that she is tough, a little rough around the edges (she can drink with the best of the boys), and she doesn’t give up. She does not take on the ditzy female role that other books like it tend to and I appreciated that.A fun quick listen (I went for this one on audio!) that I thoroughly enjoyed enough to explore more of these books.
Do You like book Irish Eyes (2001)?
Sorry to see the Callahan Garrity Mystery series end (however, I jumped ahead and have two left to read --#5 Heart Trouble and #7 Midnight Clear). Irish Eyes was suspenseful and hard to put down as it continues to build during the entire book and keeps you guessing as who all is a part of the murder ring. As usual, Kathy Hogan Trocheck (Mary Kay Andrews) truly understands the south and knows Atlanta. It is always nice to catch up with the different spots in Atlanta, and visit the array of colorful, and humorous characters with lots of twists and turns. Without giving away the ending, was expecting something different; however, was an engaging mystery full of humor and southern sass. Highly recommend as Irish Eyes and Strange Brew were my favorites in the series. Looking forward to reading the ones I have missed. A big fan of Mary Kay, will continue to buy anything she writes as she never disappoints!
—Judy Collins
Thanks to a good friend who loaned them to me, I have now read every book in the Callahan Garrity series. Did it end the way I wanted it to? No! I fact, I really needed two rating scales so that I could grade high for the writing and grade really low for how I felt when I finished the book. Did Trochek intend for this to be the series finale or did she just...stop? I don't think it's the best send-off; in fact, the ending was a real downer. This story was much more about detecting and hardly anything about the House Mouse and its odd cast of employees. Therefore, very little if any humor could be found, and that also was a disappointment.I have enjoyed the couple of books I have read so far by this author writing under her Mary Kay Andrews pseudonym, and it has occurred to me that a crossover book including both her Atlanta and Savannah characters could be a lot of fun. Maybe Mac and Callahan could plan a long weekend and stop by Weezie's shop or stay in BeBe's motel...
—L8blmr
Callahan Garrity is an ex-cop who has opened a cleaning business, The House Mouse with her mother. She has found a great guy but they have kept their lives parallel rather than joining together their households. When her good friend and former partner, Bucky shows up on St. Patrick's Day Callahan is bullied into going to a big shindig with him put on by the newly formed Shamrock Society a fraternity of Irish police officers. When Bucky ends up shot in the head that evening, Callahan feels that something is not quite right so she begins her own investigation into the matter.I have read many of Mary Kay Andrew's books but I was not aware of her Callahan Garrity mystery series. The characters drew you into the story and she was able to keep you guessing about what really did happen that evening. I would certainly read another book in the series.
—Ruth
