ARC Review ❣️

A remote island, a murder mystery, and secrets waiting to be uncovered! 🌊🔎

The Folly Murders by Mike McConnell was a thoroughly enjoyable crime mystery. I loved the remote island setting, which adds an atmospheric touch to the investigation, and the historical twists made the mystery even more interesting. There's something about a small community where everyone seems to have a story of their own that makes you want to keep digging for the truth.

One thing I particularly appreciate in a crime mystery is a detective who feels human rather than invincible. The main character strikes that balance well, juggling his responsibilities as a single dad while solving murder cases. It adds a refreshing personal dimension to the investigation, and the supporting characters make the story feel more grounded. I also enjoyed the moments of humour and warmth sprinkled throughout the book; they provide a nice contrast to the darker elements without taking away from the mystery.

Overall, this was an engaging and well-written read with an intriguing setting, compelling characters, and enough twists to keep things interesting. I would have loved a little more depth in certain parts, but I enjoyed the journey and would happily read more of this series.

I enjoyed this mystery that was set on a remote island. A locked island mystery? Enjoyable characters and intrigue. I'm looking forward to more books in the series.

The Folly Murders by Mike McConnell was a very enjoyable read. This was well-written with plenty of twists to keep things interesting. There was a nice balance between home life and solving the case. I look forward to more of this series.

Set on a remote island off the English coast, this is an intricately plotted crime thriller, with a twist I never anticipated. I really enjoyed the storyline, a bit different and it held my attention. The characterisation was very good, especially Gabriel and his little daughter Holly, with a good mix of characters to get to know. It's well written, compelling and I do hope the start of a new series. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.

What a great start to a new series, and a fabulous debut novel.
Gabriel left his island home as soon as he could heading for the bright lights, now he’s back.
A DI in the Met, widowed and with a 3 year old daughter, can Swan slot back into island life.
It’s a great investigation with lots of twists and turns interspersed with personal glimpses of Swans private life.
I really enjoyed this book, and am already looking out for the next one.

#NetGalley #dpbooks #TheFollyMurders #MikeMcConnell #DIGabrielSwan

I always enjoy a good murder mystery, especially one that keeps me questioning everything as the story unfolds. *The Folly Murders* was an intriguing read that offered the kind of mystery I enjoy—one that invites you to look closely at the details and form your own suspicions.

What I appreciate most about a mystery is the opportunity to become invested in the investigation without having everything spelled out too early. I enjoy trying to piece together the clues, questioning characters' motives, and seeing whether my theories turn out to be correct.

For readers who enjoy murder mysteries and the challenge of unraveling secrets, this is certainly a title worth considering.

**Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.**

God’s Folly. A small island in the middle of the English Channel. An island with many long buried secrets. An island that was the childhood home of DI Gabriel Swan. His compassionate leave after the tragic death of his wife has ended and he is assigned to a case on God’s Folly. The harbormaster has been tortured, murdered and his body posed wearing a a winged helmet. Before he can discover its significance, there is another ritual murder. Swan is assisted by the only other police in the island - and older woman and her sergeant, Kate Vickers, his former girlfriend. If this isn’t complicated enough, he’s brought his three year old daughter with him to the island and she is staying with his foster parents. As he begins to unravel the secrets that have been hidden for decades, he realizes that he may be the next victim.

The Folly Murders is the first in the new DI Swan series. This series has it all - a convincing police procedural, small town gossip and well described characters, especially Gabe, Kate and Tommy. I can’t wait for what comes next! 5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley, dp books and Mike McConnell for this ARC.

I really enjoyed this debut novel from Mike McConnell, In the Folly Murders we get to meet DI Gabriel Swan, a talented detective who has recently lost his wife & is now a single dad to a precocious 3 year old daughter, since his wife died, Gabriel has struggled & misses the job he loves, so when a murder occurs on a little island called Gods Folly his boss feels it would be a great help if he investigates as it is somewhere he once lived & the islanders are not keen on outsiders.
The story is well written & engaging, the characters are interesting & likeable & the plot although implausible in places does not detract from the overall story & I will definitely look out for more from this author.