Love the series but not the best

I enjoyed the book and I love the series but overall but this installment was disappointing for several reasons. The series has been so enjoyable because of the quirkiness of the characters and the ability of Dr. O’Reilly to solve problems in a clever way. In this story, O’Reilly was mostly a bystander and not part of the story. There really was no conflict to be solved. The part about sectarian violence was awkward. I understand the author’s desire to include the unrest that existed in Northern Ireland during the time period in which the story takes place but it seems very forced. It is patently unbelievable that Bertie Bishop would turn so completely into a “perfect” person who so dearly loves his wife and has become so faultlessly generous. It is also unbelievable that Fitzpatrick would also turn completely into a kind person. It was nice to see the Donnelly’s featured so prominently, but Donal was portrayed as too sweet without the usual devilment he has demonstrated in the past and that has mad him so much fun. Overall, the whole story seems like Mr. Taylor “phoned it in.” He has done better. Perhaps it’s time to retire the series. Too bad. I’ve been a big fan.

4 people found this helpful

Not a lot of Doctoring but a lots of Polotics.

I don't know if the author is growing bored or just couldn't think of much but for a book about doctors, we don't get a lot of doctor work in this one. I think the biggest drawback is that the author introduces the a new doctor who's Catholic. Instead of spending time getting to know her, the author uses her religion as a vehicle to discuss the struggle between the loyalists and the non-loyalist factions.

What attracted to me to the earlier series was the cases the doctors has to solve. Yes there was drama but it was always secondary to the medical goings on. In this book it's reversed.

3 people found this helpful

Wonderful !

I love love this series!!! Funny, heartfelt characters! I'm always sad when it ends but left with knowing goodness is out there.

1 person found this helpful

Well, That Was Different

What I liked:
1. I liked learning about the Irish 'uprising' in the '60s and '70s. I was so busy going to school, working, and raising my own family that I never paid much attention to the causes. I saw information on the news, but since it was not really part of my immediate world, I gave it very little attention.
2. I liked that Dr. O'Reilly is no longer trying to personally solve all the village people's problems. His ego had been a bit overbearing in earlier novels.
3. As always, I enjoyed learning about Irish culture.
4. I enjoyed the story about Donald and his family (and, of course, little Tori).
5. I noted that a certain Dr. Patrick Taylor inserted his name as a doctor in the book. :)
6. I was glad no one died.
7. As usual, I enjoyed the whole book.

What I did not like:
1. There was an 18 months gap between the last story (book) and this one. I looked in my lists to determine if I had missed a book.
2.Being a woman, I would have enjoyed hearing about Dr. Laverty's wedding and honeymoon (if there was one). All of a sudden, he has been married for awhile.
3. I would also have enjoyed hearing about Julie's pregnancy with the twins. All of a sudden, there were twins.
4. I like a continuity between books that this one lacked.

Other than the above four dislikes, I loved the book and am longing for the next one.

1 person found this helpful

Flat

Does not compare with the earlier novels. The characters are flat, very much lacking their earlier color and personality. And too much on the emotional stress of desired pregnancy.

1 person found this helpful

Another wonderful story about Ballybucklebo!

What can I say, Patrick Taylor writes the most captivating stories about a little Northern Irish village of Ballybucklebo and it's inhabitants. Dr. Fingal Flaherty O'Reilly, Dr Barry Laverty, their wives and all the other inhabitants of the village. From the minute it starts you are enthralled, you never want it to stop. John Keating's fabulous voice fits perfectly for each character. When the story ended I was distressed, I wanted more!! #Irish, #family, #fun, #everydaylife, #tagsgiving, #sweepstake

1 person found this helpful

Irish Country Addiction

Patrick Taylor's new addition to his Irish Country series was a long awaited listen. #Delightful!! John Keating delivered the perfect performance again! #Dr. Fingal Flahertie O'Reilly #Ballybucklebo #Tagsgiving #Sweepstakes

1 person found this helpful

Starting to milk it now

I’d preface this review by saying I’ve love this series generally- lots of laugh out loud silly bits & some good plot lines. I’m finding by now between the constant repetition of full names, the back references to past story lines as character history, the reminiscing & the encyclopaedic information every time any noun is mentioned - be it place, person or thing, and the tedious detail of medical procedures there’s not much of a story in each new book. Needs a serious injection of NEW information, plot, theme, characters (excuse the pun)

My favorite

I love this whole series it I do think that this book was just the best of all. I love the characters and feel like I’m almost a part of the Ballybucklbo community .

By someone who obviously knows the background

A nice story, easy listen. Good narrator. includes some historical elements, both political and medical.