Foreword and original cover painting by Will Millar,
founder of the Irish Rovers

Set in Ireland in modern times, The Emerald Diaries tells the story of how Nora discovers an aged green box in the loft of her newly inherited family farm. Among other items, the box contains diaries written by her departed relatives.

The contents of these diaries carry the reader away on a wild Irish wind, revealing a history of intrigue focused around a powerful heirloom that has been passed down quietly and secretly by her female ancestors. Whilst most people might hope to inherit a house, or perhaps a piece of jewellery such as you might find at 77-Diamonds, Nora soon finds that she has been left a far more intriguing heirloom - and one that many other people are keen to get their hands on.

The main character, Nora, is a young writer who discovers surprising connections, relevant to her own life, as she learns about her family’s voyages back and forth to America, unscrupulous characters bent on stealing the heirloom and the drastic measures that her female ancestors went through to protect this device. Ultimately, Nora finds herself in search of the heirloom and the story goes on to tell how she needs this device to overcome family tragedy.

The story will appeal to all readers, including Irish history buffs, who will be intrigued by the ancient stories of this heirloom as well as more recent hardships of Irish Clans, including the potato famine in the 1800’s and Cromwell’s treatment of Irish peasants.Fiction, fantasy, romance, historic references, and impish flights of fancy all pleasurably collide in these pages to make for a startling and intoxicating read.

A clip from The Emerald Diaries

What People Are Saying About The Emerald Diaries

"As you journey into Mary Murphy’s new tale, you may just hear a faint cry of a fiddle on the sea wind. She weaves a tale with the same love and magic that generations of Seannachie (storytellers) used to cast spells over their hushed listeners."
— Will Millar, founder of The Irish Rovers

"The author’s talent as a songwriter is apparent throughout the novel as the style is lyrical at times, incorporating Celtic ballads and poetry within a few of the passages....While reading the book, it feels as if this kind of story is one that would be told around a hearth fire, in a cosy cottage in the dead of winter."
— Anne Sanders, The Celtic Connection (full article)

"…altogether engrossing. I was immediately transported to the crackling warmth of an Irish hearth fire and to the timeless stories one always finds there."
— Potpourri Book Club, Corpus Christi, USA

"…enchanting and filled with dreams. It is Mary’s way with words and charming turn of phrase that captivates the reader and compels us to turn the pages."
— Literary Review, Ireland

"Whether writing songs or books, Mary Murphy remains Irish through and through..."
— Mark Allan, Comox Valley Record (full article)

"Mary's stories of the countryside, the famine years and travel to and from the New World are some of the best I've ever read. Anyone who is interested in ancient or contemporary Ireland, the historic hardships, returning to one's roots or even ghost and faery tales, should read this book."
— David Ingram, Irish Genealogy Researcher, Canada

Events

Readings in Concert Mary will be reading from The Emerald Diaries during her up-coming concert appearances. Books will also be available for purchase. More information...

About Mary Murphy

Mary Murphy is an exciting and fascinating new author. She is better known to many folks as a gifted Irish singer, recording artist, composer and dancer (www.MaryMurphy.ca). Now, with the publication of her novel, The Emerald Diaries, Mary has demonstrated yet another amazing creative talent--the gift of the Seannachie (revered Irish storytellers).

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