Order of Carlene O’Connor Books

Born and raised in the United States—but with deep Irish roots—Carlene O’Connor is an American author best known for crafting vividly atmospheric Irish cozy mysteries filled with wit, warmth, and just the right touch of murder. While the exact date of her birth has not been publicly disclosed, what we do know is this: she is very much alive, thriving, and sharpening her pen to bring us more tales from the emerald hills of Ireland. Her stories may begin with a crime, but they end up being so much more—layered tales of community, folklore, humor, and the enduring complexity of family.

O’Connor holds an MFA from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where she honed her literary voice before diving into the world of mystery fiction. She also spent time studying at the University of Limerick in Ireland—an experience that shaped her authentic depiction of Irish village life. This transatlantic education fuels the authenticity of her settings, from fog-draped graveyards to gossip-filled village pubs where secrets flow faster than the Guinness.

Before making her mark in publishing, O’Connor worked in advertising and as a ghostwriter—a career that sharpened her storytelling instincts and gave her the discipline to balance plot twists with emotional resonance. She didn’t just stumble into mystery writing; she arrived with the perfect combination of sharp observation, cultural insight, and a flair for creating heroines who are both tenacious and deeply relatable.

Her breakout came with the Irish Village Mystery series, which follows the indomitable Siobhán O'Sullivan—a red-haired, fiercely loyal amateur sleuth with a family-owned bistro and a knack for stumbling into murder. But Carlene didn’t stop there. She expanded her repertoire with the Home to Ireland Mystery series, and the County Kerry Mystery series, keeping readers hooked with her signature mix of heartfelt community and cleverly plotted crimes.

What sets O’Connor apart in the crowded world of cozy mysteries is her dedication to Irish authenticity—dialects, settings, and even Gaelic phrases pepper her pages. But beneath the charm lies a clever irony: her idyllic villages are often disturbed by gruesome murders, whispered betrayals, and long-held grudges. It's this contrast—between postcard-pretty Ireland and the lurking darkness beneath—that makes her work so addictively readable.

Despite her cozy genre, O’Connor is no stranger to deeper themes. Through her characters, she explores grief, identity, and justice in communities where everyone knows your name—and your secrets. Her heroines are never perfect; they’re spirited, flawed, and persistently human, mirroring the very readers who champion them.

Today, Carlene O’Connor continues to write from her home in the United States, with frequent visits to Ireland. She's a bestselling author under the Kensington Books banner and a proud member of Mystery Writers of America and Sisters in Crime. Her books have been translated into multiple languages and are often spotted in libraries, bookshops, and the kindles of readers who prefer their mysteries with a twist of Celtic charm.

And if you think her cozy worlds are all comfort and rainbows—be warned. In an O’Connor mystery, death always comes calling. The only question is: who’s next?