from: Tied Up with a Bow
series: The County Cork Mysteries
by: Sheila Connolly
website: www.sheilaconnolly.com
Every time I think I’ve figured out this running an Irish pub thing, something changes. Or maybe I was just too busy to notice this last year, because I was trying to learn everything at once.
So what’s new now? It’s the beginning of December, and the village of Leap, in County Cork, is putting up some kind of Christmas decorations. Not just tidy little strings of lights, or trees with ornaments, but something much bigger. It’s a thing (in fact, since somebody started putting it together, I’ve been calling it The Thing) that I can’t identify, and it’s right across the street from the pub. It’s not finished yet.
That got me thinking. Do other people know what it is, or will be when the guys building it get finished? So I decided to have a sort of raffle or contest, and let people pay a euro for an entry slip and try to guess what it’s supposed to be, before it’s unveiled on Sunday. Since now it’s winter, most of the farmers around Leap will have a little more free time on their hands (because the cows will be in their barns for the winter), and I figure it will bring some extra people into the pub, especially since it’s not expensive to enter. I’ll offer a pint, or even a round of pints, to the winner, and the cash from the entries will go to some worthy cause, although I’m not sure what yet. But, hey, this is supposed to be fun.
So Sunday, when church lets out, the builders will peel off what’s covering The Thing, and the winner will be whoever makes the best guess, and the Christmas season will be started. And I’ll bet that there will be a surprise or two.
Maura and The Thing will be appearing in my new novella (in e-book format), Tied Up with a Bow (from Beyond the Page Publishing), by the end of November. But if you want something in print, I’m happy to offer a copy of Cruel Winter, where Maura and her friends get snowed in at the pub and end up solving an old crime.
SEASON’S READINGS GIVEAWAY! Leave a comment here to enter a drawing for a free copy of Cruel Winter (and please leave your email address). What do you think The Thing will be? Hint: it’s about 20 feet high! Reply by November 28th.
Posts
I have read some of the previous Cork County mysteries and have enjoyed them very much. My guess for "the thing" is a 20 foot high Christmas tree but made of wood and metal and perhaps decorated with various things that could be found in the community. dbahn(at)iw(dot)net
ReplyWell, I am thinking it might be a Christmas pyramid of sorts, one resembling a Christmas tree, made out of sticks and what ever is at hand. Of course, there may or may not be a body found inside it! Hopefully, not Father Christmas!
ReplyThank you for giving away your book. I thoroughly enjoy them!
I wonder what the thing is. Must find out.
Replydebby236 at gmail dot com
Since the use of evergreen Christmas trees is a relatively new decoration in Ireland. I would say the "thing" is a tree made of holly and ivy which were commonly used to brighten up homes during the festive season in the past along with all sorts of wood gathered (maybe a piece from each resident to add to the tree like a communal tree). the more berries on the holly bush (with lots of berries which were said to bring good luck).
ReplyThank you for the wonderful opportunity to win a copy of "Cruel Winter". I would love to be able to read more about Maura, the small town of County Cork and all it's inhabitants, and see if I can help solve the mystery as I turn the pages.
2clowns at arkansas dot net
I haven't gotten to read any of these yet, but I guess I'll say Christmas tree too barbie17(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyI’ve never been to Ireland.
Replysgiden at verizon(.)net
thank you for the opportunity to win a copy - I would love to read it. [email protected]
ReplyA Christmas tree combining with great meaning and importance to the people and their community. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyThank you for this fascinating glimpse into this community which interests me as does the story. The mystery of a Christmas tree sounds enthralling. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com
ReplyI just love these posts, makes the books even fuller and more interesting. Could it be a tree, a sculpture? Sounds fascinating. Thanks for the giveaway.
Replysallycootie(at)gmail(dot)com
I think it's a replica of Santa's sleigh. Thanks for the chance to win! aut1063(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyHaving read Cruel Winter, I'd be delighted to get Tied Up In a Bow.
ReplyHm, 20 feet high? But how long and wide?
libbydodd at comcast dot net
I would guess a Christmas tree.
Replyjtcgc at yahoo dot com
This is a new series to me, so I would guess the "thing" would be something Christmas related.
Replydiannekc8(at)gmail(dot)com
Maybe it's some sort of Christmas themed statue/sculpture?
Replyturtle6422 at gmail dot com
Christmas tree thanks for the chance. Maceoindo(at)yahoo(dot)com
ReplyI don't know what the thing could be other than a Christmas tree or maybe a cross. [email protected]
ReplyI thought it might have something to do with Boxing day. So unless it's a 20 foot Wren I don't have a clue.
ReplyMaybe it's a giant wreath or a series of Christmas Balls. Thanks for the chance.
Replyematov (at) comcast (dot) net
My guess is something made of wood--like a tree maybe!
ReplyOr a cat,or dog....maybe a stuffed version...lol
ReplyOops..forgot the email! [email protected]
ReplyHas to be a tree.
Replymarypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
Christmas Tree
Replygibsonbk at hiwaay dot net
I am going to make a wild guess and say a sleigh with Santa in it...thanks for a chance at Tied Up with a Bow...
ReplyMarilyn [email protected]
Love this series. Thanks for the chance to win. I think The Thing will turn out to be a giant star. doward1952(at)yahoo(dot)com
ReplyI'm thinking the mystery item may be a church steeple or my second choice would be a huge evergreen tree.
ReplyThanks for the chance to win a copy of Sheila Connolly's book.. robeader53(at)yahoo(dot)com
Oh man, I can't wait for this new novella! I can't get enough of County Cork :) I'm guessing it's going to be something so unique that no one will be able to guess it! [email protected]
ReplyLove this series. I think the Thing may be a huge Christmas Tree, or a restored bell tower. Thanks for the chance to win! [email protected]
Reply20 feet high? It’s got to be a tree! Or a huge ficus!
ReplyI've not read this series..would love a Print book!..I'm guessing a 20ft tall Old Mick Sullivan, (I read an excerpt) with a giant bag full of toys (maybe a db and/or a murder weapon hidden inside) on the ground, to one side of him, since it's a Christmas theme? Otherwise.. Idk!!!
Replynani_geplcs(at)yahoo(dot)
I'm going to make my guess that the thing is a 20 foot carved cross.
Reply[email protected]
I have absolutely no idea! This sounds like a fun series.
Replymarthalawson8 at gmail dot com
No idea. Probably not a dinosaur!
Replycatbooks72(at)gmail(dot)com
Well, I like this series, but no idea what they're building. Maybe a giant tree, maybe giant bagpipes. Truly, no idea.
Replykaye,killgore(at)comcast.net