Book Review: Madam Tulip and the Rainbow's End by David Ahern

Author: David Ahern

Title: Madam Tulip and the Rainbow's End

(Madam Tulip #5)

Genre: Cozy mystery, Humor

Format: ebook

Published: March 1st 2022

Where I Got It: My shelf (Given to me by the author/publisher for my honest and unbiased opinion)

Summary: 

On the private island of a wealthy banker, a young and talented stonemason falls from a cliff. A tragic accident? Or murder?

The dead man’s sister is obsessed with justice and will stop at nothing.

A glamorous French widow and her heart-throb son are certain they have been cheated of their legacy.

A daughter is bequeathed an island mansion beyond her means.

An enigmatic letter hints at a hidden fortune.

After the collapse of her theatrical tour, actress Derry O’Donnell must work to pay her way in a West of Ireland village. As Madam Tulip, she tells fortunes for a local charity only to be drawn into a maze of mystery and intrigue.

Madam Tulip and the Rainbow’s End is the fifth in the Madam Tulip series of mystery-adventures, in which out-of-luck actress Derry O’Donnell finds the promise at the End of the Rainbow may not be what it seems.

Review:

Yayy! I was so excited to hear this was coming out and then I was asked to read and review this! I adore this series so much. Always a blast. 

Derry and her alter ego, Madam Tulip, are at it again! Derry and her fellow actor find themselves stranded by the theatrical touring company. They are now without funds and a huge hotel/bar tab to pay. Derry finds herself dusting off her Madam Tulip's costume to do some fortune-telling at a charity event to get some money. However, she is dragged into a mystery...of course when a talented stonemason falls off a cliff...was it an accident? Or a murder? 

Now, this is book 5 and I highly recommend reading the other novels first. There are some references in this one. 

I love Derry! She is so much fun. Poor thing can't catch a break lol. She just wants to be an actress and get dragged into every mystery. 

Oooo Bruce is fun! I loved how involved he was this time around. He makes me laugh! 

Awwww and also the ongoing back-and-forth between Derry's parents made me laugh! They are soooooooo adorable. Love them.

I enjoyed the mystery quite a bit! I had my guesses but I wasn't sure until near the end. The twist was good. I wasn't sure how Derry was going to get out of the scrape she finds herself (no spoilers from me!!) I was on the edge of my seat for sure. Eeee I am struggling not to spoil anything here ;)  

Now, there was a mini lull that I struggled with about 25% in. Once a certain event happened though, I was hooked again.

Lots of humor, lots of fortune-telling, and lots of drama! Def recommend this series. 

In the end, this was good! Loved the mystery and I loved seeing our beloved characters again. There was a mini lull for me, but that was my only issue. Other than that I couldn't stop reading. I couldn't wait until the mystery was solved! Like I said earlier...I was on the edge of my seat especially near the end. Can't wait for book 6! I'll stamp this with 4 stars. 

Book Review: Madam Tulip and the Serpent's Tree by David Ahern

Author: David Ahern 
Title: Madam Tulip and the Serpent's Tree
(Madam Tulip #4)
Genre: Cozy Mystery, Humor
Format: ebook
Pages: 340  
Published: March 14th 2020
Where I Got It: My shelf (Given to me by the author/publisher for my honest and unbiased opinion)

Actress Derry O’Donnell, moonlighting as fortune-teller Madam Tulip, finds herself in a famous pop singer’s entourage.

But at the star’s glittering birthday party in the Dublin mountains, Derry finds a band riven by rivalries and feuds. Behind the trouble is a mysterious Russian guru, a shaman hated by everyone but the singer whose life she dominates.

When the shaman mysteriously disappears, suspicion threatens to tear the band apart. Was she victim or poisoner? Guilty or innocent? Dead or alive?

Two brilliant and beautiful musicians; an ambitious band manager with a shady past; a sax player entranced by Vikings—each has a secret to share and a request for Madam Tulip.

Madam Tulip and the Serpent’s Tree is fourth in the Madam Tulip mystery series, in which Derry O’Donnell, her sidekick Bruce and best friend Bella, play the most exciting and perilous roles of their acting lives. 

Been excited to get started on this! I've enjoyed the first books in the series and I couldn't wait to start reading this!

The story continues to follow Derry and her pals. Derry lands herself and her character, Madam Tulip, in a famous singer's entourage when the former Russian guru disappears. Is the shaman a victim or the guilty? The world of the rich and famous are a dangerous road!

Awwww Derry I love you a lot! I love her and her friends. Especially Bruce. I will admit I have a small crush on him. HOW COULD YOU NOT? He is adorable and a former Navy Seal. I especially grew to like him more in this one. I feel like we got to see more of him and learn more about him and that made me happy. We did get a lot of character development not only for our main Derry, but for the side characters and even Derry's Madam Tulip. 

The mystery was certainly a mystery indeed! I had my guesses. And there was ONE big clue that is easy to look over. I did make a note of it. It seemed important for some reason but I couldn't figure it out. WOWZER that certainly was a shocker. Loved it! Great twist!

I really enjoyed this one. I think this was my favorite of the series so far! I had no issues. I was absolutely hooked from page 1.

Overall, I loved this one. It was my favorite of the series so far! A great mystery that surprised me in the end, lots of character development, and fun humor. 5 stars for this one!

Book Review: Madam Tulip and the Bones of Chance by David Ahern

Author: David Ahern 
Title: Madam Tulip and the Bones of Chance (Madam Tulip #3)
Genre: Mystery
Pages: ebook
Published: April 12th 2018
Where I Got It: My shelf (Given to me by the author/publisher for my honest and unbiased opinion)



A surprise role in a movie takes actress Derry O’Donnell to a romantic castle in the Scottish Highlands. But romance soon turns to fear and suspicion. Someone means to kill, and Derry, moonlighting as celebrity fortune-teller Madam Tulip, is snared in a net of greed, conspiracy and betrayal.

A millionaire banker, a film producer with a mysterious past, a gun-loving wife, a PA with her eyes on Hollywood, a handsome and charming estate manager—each has a secret to share and a request for Madam Tulip. 

As Derry and her friend Bruce race to prevent a murder, she learns to her dismay that the one future Tulip can’t predict is her own.


This is the 3rd installment of the series. The first one was really good. The second one was okay. This one? Really good. In some ways, I enjoyed it more than the first book!

The story follows Derry and her pals are unknowingly going to be dragged into another adventure of the mystery kind. A surprising role comes out of the blue and it is suspicious. It drove me insane that Derry and her pals couldn't really see that. Derry, I think, was a hair suspicious, but her friends seemed a little oblivious. Well, Derry takes the roll and heads to the Scottish Highlands to film. Mystery, of course, pops its ugly, but a highly entertaining head. 

I adore Derry and her pals. I don't envy her life though. Well...a part of it. I would love to live over there, but I would want a boring desk job like what I have now. Get my money and then go have fun! Trying to be an actress seems like a rough journey. 

Anyways...

Yes, Derry will have her toughest gig yet! I would've taken the gig even if it was suspicious. Money is money I guess ;) 

I loved the fact we got a little closer to some sort of truth about Derry's "powers". It seems her powers are legit and blossoming more so, but super weak. In the other two you weren't really sure if she had legit "powers" or just a good sixth sense about some stuff. Maybe if she can strengthen this gift she can find more ways to get a steady income. Girl! I want you to be rich! Haha!

There were a couple slow spots, but overall, I could not put this down. I finished this in a couple of settings.

Both the ending of the mystery part of the story and the non-mystery part was good. I'm excited to see what is next for our lovable characters! Yes, they are all lovely especially Bruce. Still my favorite!

A cozy mystery for everyone. It could stand alone, but I think you should read the other ones in the series to get the full backstory. Totally worth it! I'll stamp this with 4 stars.  

Interview with David Ahern the author of Madam Tulip series

Today, we have a special guest on the blog! May we have a nice warm applause for David Ahern! He is the author of the Madam Tulip series! His new book to the series, Madam Tulip and the Bones of Chance, is out and available now on Amazon!

Besides for being an author, what are some are some hobbies or things you like? Do you like to dress up as a fortune-teller like Derry?

I play the double bass.  As Dorothy Sayers once said, that makes me 'a man permanently encumbered by luggage.' And also answers your second question. I can’t possibly cart around a vast costume bag as well.


What kinds of books do you read? Do you have a favorite genre or author?

I love comedy writers. Woodhouse, Thurber, our own Flann O’Brien, Terry Pratchett, Douglas Adams…  In other genres, I worship EF Benson (Mapp and Lucia) and Patrick O’Brien (Master and Commander).

Tell us more about Derry/Tulip. 

She’s an actress and moonlights as a fortune teller. She’s a teeny bit psychic, but when it comes to solving mysteries that’s no help at all. But the thing about fortune telling for the wealthy is that where there’s both money and secrets, you’ve got trouble.

What inspired you to write this series?

I wanted to have some fun, having written a bunch of serious books and plays. 

Which character in the series do you relate to the most and why?

Jacko! Derry’s reprobate father.  I may be heading that way.

How many more books do you plan on writing for the series?

As many as people want to read.  


If you don’t mind my asking, what are you currently working on now?

Madam Tulip book #4! I even know what it’s called, but I’m not telling.

Thank you again David! Here is the newest book in the series "Madam Tulip and the Bones of Chance"

  
Book description: 

Suspense, mystery, action, a little romance and lots of laughs 

A surprise role in a movie takes actress Derry O’Donnell to a romantic castle in the Scottish Highlands.  But romance soon turns to fear and suspicion.  Someone means to kill, and Derry, moonlighting as celebrity fortune-teller Madam Tulip, is snared in a net of greed, conspiracy and betrayal.

A millionaire banker, a film producer with a mysterious past, a gun-loving wife, a PA with her eyes on Hollywood, a handsome and charming estate manager—each has a secret to share and a request for Madam Tulip.    
As  Derry and her friend Bruce race to prevent a murder, she learns to her dismay that the one future Tulip can’t predict is her own.

Madame Tulip is the third in a series of thrilling and hilarious Tulip adventures in which Derry O’Donnell, celebrity fortune-teller and reluctant amateur detective, plays the most exciting and perilous roles of her acting life, drinks borage tea, and fails to understand her parents.

Social links

Website: www.davidahern.info

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/author/show/14661910.David_Ahern

Facebook: www.facebook.com/davidahernwriter

Twitter: www.twitter.com/daveahernwriter

Purchase links - AVAILABLE NOW! 

Amazon link: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/ TBC

AMAZON BOOKLINKER: getBook.at/ TBC

ISBN: (paperback) 978-0-9935448-5-9

ISBN (ePub): 978-0-9935448-4-2

Book Review: Madam Tulip and the Knave of Hearts by David Ahern

Author:  David Ahern
Title: Madam Tulip and the Knave of Hearts (Madam Tulip #2)
Genre: Mystery and Fiction
Pages: ebook
Published: Oct 2016
Where I Got It: My Shelf (Given to me by the author/publisher for my honest and unbiased opinion)

When out-of-work actress Derry O'Donnell moonlights as celebrity fortune-teller Madam Tulip in an English Stately home, she’s trying to make some cash. 
Instead, she is drawn into an alien world of wealth, titled privilege and family secrets. 

A countess once a chorus girl, a gambling earl and his daughters, a cultured and handsome art expert—all caught in a terrifying web of ghastly threats, murder and 
abduction. As an aristocratic engagement party turns into a nightmare, Derry and her friend Bruce face the prospect of a gruesome and infamous death. 

This is the second book of the Madam Tulip series. However, it could be read as a standalone if need be. I do encourage reading the first one first just to really get an understanding of Derry and her entourage. 

Again, poor Derry is out of work again as an actress. She really should hang up her acting career and focus on being Madam Tulip and work with the police force. Maybe she can do some undercover work? That takes acting skills! But yes...the stage and her are not meant to be. 

She is back at it again and this time there is a lot more mystery going on. I must admit I had no idea who was the baddie and I had no idea where the story was going to go. Kuddos to the author on this! 'Tis a hard feat to really throw me for a loop. 

Now, I must admit this was not as funny or action-packed as the last one. Sure there was a lot going on, but the pace seemed stretched out and not as well done as the last book. There were a few times it seemed to draaaaaaaaaaagggggggggg, but then an event would happen and I would be hooked again. As for the humor? There were some funny moments especially with Derry and her crazy parents, but it seemed very scarce compared to the last one where I was nonstop laughing. I blame the boring rich people...they are rarely fun. 

I must give a hand to the author for his writing style and his character development. He certainly knows how to bring the characters alive and make them feel real. I adore Derry, but she really needs a kick of reality that she is not meant for the stage anymore....solving crimes and future-reading is her trade. 

In the end, this was okay. Not as good as the first book in many ways, but it did have a better mystery than the first one. I am curious to see where and what Derry has in her future. I recommend this series to those who like a good mystery. I shall give this a 3. 

Book Review: Madam Tulip by David Ahern

Author: David Ahern
Title: Madam Tulip (Madam Tulip #1)
Genre: Mystery & Fiction
Pages: ebook
First Published: April 3rd 2016
Where I Got It: My Shelf (Given to me by the author/publisher for my honest opinion)

Out-of-work actress Derry O'Donnell is talented, professional, just a little psychic... and broke. Spurred on by an ultimatum from her awesomely high-achieving mother, Derry embarks on a part-time career as Madame Tulip, fortune teller to the rich and famous. But at her first fortune-telling gig - a celebrity charity weekend in a luxurious castle - a famous rap artist mysteriously dies.

As Derry is drawn deeper into a seedy world of fashion, millionaires, horses and cocaine, she must race to save her best friend from jail and a supermodel from being murdered. Her efforts threaten to destroy her friends, her ex-lover, her father and herself.


Ahhhh what a lot of fun that was! 

I simply adored Derry and her little trope. Her parents though were something special. She didn't stand much of a chance honestly. ;D But yes, Derry is a delight. 

Derry is an out-of-work actress who has a little bit of psychic ability. She decides the mix the two together that produces Madam Tulip. She quickly lands a gig, buuutttttt it will not be easy. She is thrown into the dark world of the rich and powerful that will take her on a crazy adventure. 

Did I mention how much I like Derry? I think I might've. But I also loved her friends especially Bruce. He was a cutie. They were all a hoot. They had me laughing! 

I think my only issue was how downplayed her powers were. There was a lot going on mystery-wise and drama-wise, and not a lot of her powers. Maybe there will be more in the next book? I hope so! I want to learn more about her abilities and maybe she'll get better in the next one. Her abilities are limited and not always clear until it really happens. Maybe she'll get less vague or more direct with her visions. We shall see. 

I am curious to see what is going to happen between her and her lover in the next book. He seems interesting but he wasn't a big part of this, which I am glad that the romance wasn't the main part of the story. Honestly, I hope he doesn't play huge roles in the future books either. Part of the charm is that even with the craziness and psychic abilities, it seemed very realistic.

This was a fun story and a fun set of characters. Certainly a good intro to the series! I am curious to see what is next for Derry/Tulip and her troupe. I do recommend this. It was light and fun. I do think there should've been more emphasis on her abilities. Out of five stars, I'll give this 4.