Tom McAndrew launches debut mystery novel with sight-impaired Irish detective

By AI, Created 9:37 AM UTC, May 20, 2026, /AGP/ – Tom McAndrew’s debut novel, Doocey Half-Sees Whodunnit, introduces Shamie Doocey, a bumbling Western Irish detective whose failing eyesight does not stop him from chasing his first major case. Camel Press released the book on May 12, 2026, with early interest from film and TV producers and praise from Irish crime authors.

Why it matters: - The novel adds a new detective character to the cozy mystery field: a scruffy Irish sleuth whose vision loss becomes part of the story, not just a limitation. - The book also broadens the appeal with Irish culture, language and landscape woven into the case. - Camel Press says the title is available nationwide in the United States and globally through major booksellers and libraries.

What happened: - Camel Press published Tom McAndrew’s debut mystery, Doocey Half-Sees Whodunnit, on May 12, 2026. - The book follows Shamie Doocey, a detective from Western Ireland, as he investigates the disappearance of a troubled crime writer’s wife. - The character is presented as bumbling and scruffy, with failing eyesight but sharp observation. - Louise Phillips, winner of Best Irish Crime Novel of the Year and an Irish Times bestselling author, called the book “a page-turner that will keep you hooked. Funny and intriguing with a lead character like no other!” - Screenwriter and filmmaker Peter Salisbury said Tom McAndrew has “a lovely light-hearted style of writing that sparkles with engaging characters and entertaining plot lines.” - Tanya Farrelly, bestselling author of The Girl Behind the Lens and When Your Eyes Close, said McAndrew’s “dry wit and irreverent repartee” pull readers in quickly.

The details: - McAndrew describes the story as a light-hearted take on gritty crime drama. - The novel was inspired by Agatha Christie’s detective stories and the TV detective Columbo. - McAndrew chose the surname Doocey because it sounds like “Do See” and matches his mother’s maiden name. - The author says Doocey’s clownish behavior can fool suspects and superiors, but the detective has a “twenty-twenty mind’s eye” that misses nothing. - The book aims to blend twists, Irish drollness, courage, resilience and transformation in the face of adversity. - McAndrew says the book also highlights Irish vocabulary and expressions such as “banjaxed,” “eejit” and “Will you cop yourself on?” - The story draws on Irish landscape details, including boglands, rugged cliffs and dolmens. - McAndrew grew up in a small village on the edge of Western Ireland in the Wild Atlantic Way region, a coastal route that runs about 2,500 km, or 1,553 miles. - McAndrew has an MA in media studies, studied at the National College of Art, Ireland, and now lives in Dublin with his wife and two children. - The author says his own vision issues helped shape the book’s authentic and humorous treatment of sight impairment. - Camel Press is an imprint of Epicenter Press based in Kenmore, Washington, and publishes genre fiction including mysteries, cozy mysteries, romantic suspense, romance, westerns and selected historical fiction. - Camel Press books are offered in trade paperback and most eBook formats. - The publisher is approved by Mystery Writers of America, International Thriller Writers and Romance Writers of America. - Books are distributed by Ingram. - The title is sold through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop and Camel Press websites, and is also available at local bookstores and libraries. - McAndrew’s website is More information.

Between the lines: - The pitch is built to stand out in a crowded mystery market by pairing classic whodunit structure with a protagonist whose visual impairment changes how he detects clues. - The repeated emphasis on humor, Irish idiom and scenic detail suggests the book is being positioned as both a mystery and a cultural tour of Ireland. - Early screen interest signals that the story is being marketed as cinematic, not just literary.

What’s next: - The book will likely lean on word of mouth, cozy mystery readers and interest from Irish crime-fiction fans. - Any adaptation deal would expand the reach beyond print and eBook sales, but no production announcement has been made. - McAndrew’s three-book deal suggests Shamie Doocey may return in future installments.