Mayo writer signs US book deal for debut crime novel

A writer with roots in Co Mayo has secured a major international publishing deal, with his debut novel set for release in the United States next month.

Tom McAndrew, originally from the village of Knocknalower in Kilcommin on the edge of the west of Ireland, has signed a three-book deal with US publisher Camel Press. His first novel, 'Doocey Half-Sees Whodunnit', will be published on May 12.

Now based in Dublin, where he lives with his wife and two children, McAndrew has drawn on his own experiences to create a unique and lighthearted take on the crime genre.

The novel introduces Shamie Doocey, an unconventional Irish detective who is grappling with deteriorating eyesight just as he is assigned his first major case — the disappearance of a crime writer’s wife.

Speaking about the inspiration behind the book, McAndrew said he wanted to create something different from traditional crime fiction.

“I wanted to write the type of book I love to read but that I found hard to find,” he said.

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Blending humour with mystery, the story offers what the author describes as an “uplifting” twist on the genre, focusing not only on solving a crime but also on resilience and personal growth.

McAndrew, who holds a Masters degree in media studies and also studied art at the National College of Art and Design, said his own experience with sight issues influenced both the character and the themes of the book.

“Sight has always fascinated me as a subject, and it’s something I can write about authentically,” he said.

A fan of cosy mysteries, particularly those with a comedic edge, he hopes readers will connect with Doocey’s underdog story and the novel’s mix of intrigue and humour.

The deal marks a significant milestone for the Mayo native, bringing his work to an international audience and shining a spotlight on writing talent from the west of Ireland.

With two more books already planned in the series, McAndrew’s quirky detective is set to return for further adventures, continuing a story that blends Irish wit with classic whodunnit storytelling.

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