How to Read C.S. O’Cinneide’s Books
For readers diving into the work of Edgar-nominated author C.S. O’Cinneide, you have two primary paths to choose from: a gritty, darkly humorous noir detective series, or haunting, atmospheric standalone thrillers. Since her standalone novels are entirely self-contained, and her detective series follows a clear chronological path, choosing where to start is straightforward.
The Candace Starr Series in Publication and Chronological Order
The Candace Starr series is best read in order of publication. The story follows a retired, six-foot-three former hitwoman who frequently finds herself dragged back into the dark underworld. Reading them in order allows you to follow the overarching character development and the consequences of her past assignments.
- The Starr Sting Scale (2020) – Introduces Candace Starr, a hard-drinking ex-assassin who is hired to find a missing girl in a small town, leading her into a web of local corruption.
- Starr Sign (2021) – Candace is back in Detroit, dealing with mob ties and a cold case. This installment earned an Edgar Award nomination for Best Paperback Original.
- Starr for Hire (2022) – After a stint in prison, Candace attempts a quiet retirement, only to be approached by a wealthy woman seeking to remove her daughter's teenage boyfriend, which spirals into a murder investigation.
C.S. O’Cinneide's Standalone Novels
If you prefer standalone psychological thrillers with supernatural and gothic undertones, these novels can be read in any order:
- Petra's Ghost (2019) – O’Cinneide’s debut novel. Set along the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route in Spain, it follows a grieving Irish expat carrying his wife's ashes who encounters supernatural dread and real-world mysteries. It was nominated for a Goodreads Choice Award.
- Eve's Rib (2022) – A dark domestic thriller about a mother who begins to suspect her teenage daughter might be harboring an ancient, sinister evil, blending black magic with family secrets.
What to Know Before You Start
C.S. O’Cinneide (the pen name of Carole Kennedy, pronounced oh-ki-nay-da) brings a distinct, sharp voice to her writing. Her works fall into two distinct styles:
- The Noir/Thriller Side: The Candace Starr series features a cynical, witty, and unapologetic female lead, defying traditional male-dominated hard-boiled detective tropes. Expect dark humor, sharp dialogue, and gritty urban backdrops.
- The Gothic/Supernatural Side: Standalones like Petra's Ghost and Eve's Rib focus heavily on grief, maternal anxiety, and unsettling atmospheres, incorporating supernatural elements into realistic settings.
If you love fast-paced crime fiction with a unique protagonist, start with The Starr Sting Scale. If you prefer slow-burn gothic mysteries, start with Petra's Ghost.