Book review #17: With Our Blessing

Book review: With Our Blessing by Jo Spain
Format: audiobook (from Audible) – narrated by Aoife McMahon
Rating:  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5 

This is the first of the ‘Inspector Tom Reynolds’ series and I’m hooked! I love how much this reminds me of Agatha Christie’s Poirot and has (my favourite!) BBC’s Line of Duty vibes. I really enjoyed getting a glimpse of each of the officers’ personal lives as we slowly uncover the murder. Usually I don’t care for too much background stories of the side characters but Spain clearly did a wonderful job, because they are so realistic and relatable – I wanted more! The murder and the mystery behind it was so gripping but also somehow, neatly organised (?). Like, I can feel the chaos and the calm – yes, weird indeed. I adore the short chapters that end on a torturous tantalising note that you can’t help but to listen ‘just a little bit more’.. This is the first thriller that kept me guessing until the very end and I was wrong! So, who did it?!

GR summary: 
The body of an elderly woman is found in a Dublin public park in the depths of winter.
Detective Inspector Tom Reynolds is on the case. He’s convinced the murder is linked to historical events that took place in the notorious Magdalene Laundries. Reynolds and his team follow the trail to an isolated convent in the Irish countryside. But once inside, it becomes disturbingly clear that the killer is amongst them and is determined to exact further vengeance for the sins of the past.

PS: 
Some parts of the story are based on the real-life accounts of women who were confined in institutions known as the Magdalene Laundries in Ireland (and other places). Listening to these horrific parts were hard as I didn’t know much of the details aside from the knowledge that such place existed in the past. Reading more around this lead me to a book called  Ireland and the Magdalene Laundries: A Campaign for Justice which ‘was written in response to Magdalene survivors’ appeal that the public know and learn from the abuses they experienced so that what happened to them can never be forgotten‘ (quoted). Find out more here: jfmresearch.com 

PSS: I am trying this after a friend’s recommendation, so bear with me! I’ve not made any money yet but I may one day earn a small commission through this affiliate link.. So if you would like to buy this book, kindly use this amazon link at no extra cost to you!