The Seance Society: A Mystery (O'nelligan and Plunkett)
Like chalk and cheese, insecure PI Lee Plunkett and scholarly Irishman Mr. O’Nelligan make an unusual pairing. Plunkett is plagued by never having gained his late father’s approval, and O’Nelligan is still haunted by ghosts from WWII. Speaking of ghosts, the pair’s first case together involves a wealthy spiritualist who died using his own “Spectricator.” Set in 1950s Connecticut, this clever series opener offers a mid-century take on the traditional drawing-room mystery. Suspects include the beautiful young wife, the brooding butler, a crooked business partner, an aging actress, and more. Plunkett is a wet-behind-the-ears detective, learning to balance tracking down leads against trusting his gut. O’Nelligan is a poetry-quoting retiree whose quick wit and thick brogue open many a door. There is a sweet charm to this mystery, ensuring that readers will want to see more from O’Nelligan and Plunkett. --Karen  Keefe