Castlefreke

Author interview: R.P. O’Donnell

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I absolutely loved R.P. O’Donnell’s first novel, No Comfort for the Dead, set in tiny Castlefreke, Ireland.  The book follows the journey of the town librarian, Emma, and it’s an evocative, beautifully written and felt novel.  This is a writer who is giving readers much to enjoy, and much to look forward to.  The lovely prose reminded me of Louise Penny.  This is not a book to be missed!  I was delighted when he agreed to answer a few questions.

Q: First of all, let me just say I loved the book.  One of the reasons was character, especially Emma.  Can you talk about how you developed your characters and populated the story? read more

R.P. O’Donnell: No Comfort for the Dead

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Castlefreke #1

Welcome to my first book crush of the new year.  It’s set in the late 80s, as tiny Castlefreke in County Cork, Ireland, experiences a shrinkage as jobs and inhabitants flee for bigger towns and more opportunity. Swimming against that tide is central character Emma, the town librarian, who has returned home to live with her dad, Sam, after her dream career in the Garda didn’t work out.  After one of Sam’s frequent nags about moving on, Emma takes off and ends up at the “Big House” in town. There she hears shots, witnesses a man fleeing, and finds the reclusive owner dead and another unknown man injured, then takes off to the town doctor to summon help. read more