Deadly Secrets at Ballyford Castle by Ellen Butler

This post contains Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Today we’re heading across the pond—virtually, at least! Grab your favorite cozy beverage and settle in as guest author Ellen Butler joins us to share a glimpse into Life in Ireland During the 1950s, the era that inspired her latest mystery, Deadly Secrets at Ballyford Castle.

Life in Ireland During the 1950s

By Ellen Butler

Deadly Secrets at Ballyford Castle is set in 1958 Ireland, not far from the dramatic Cliffs of Moher. The idea for the novel’s setting—and its murder—was sparked during my 2023 trip to Ireland. As part of crafting an Ariadne Winter mystery, I immersed myself in researching what life was like in Ireland during the 1950s.

The 1950s was a decade of transition for Ireland, marked by cultural tradition and a slow but steady shift toward modernity. Horse-drawn gypsy carts—often referred to as Traveller wagons or vardos—were still a familiar sight on Ireland’s rural roads. Travelling families moved from place to place, stopping at small towns to trade goods and sell handcrafted items such as tins, baskets, and ornaments. Though often remembered as a time of economic hardship and emigration, daily life in Ireland during this era was also deeply rooted in family, faith, and community. During our vacation, we found those values remain the same today.

Unfortunately, for many Irish families, the 1950s was defined by departure. Following WWII, economic stagnation and a lack of job opportunities drove thousands of young men and women to emigrate, in particular to Britain and the United States. Rural towns often felt the loss most acutely, as sons and daughters left the family farm for better prospects abroad. Letters home carried news of new lives, while monies sent back provided much-needed financial support to the family remaining on the home front.

In rural Ireland, agriculture was still the backbone of life. Many families lived on small farms—planting, harvesting, and tending livestock. Work was hard, often done by hand and horses, with limited modern machinery. In towns and cities, employment was scarcer. Small shops, textile mills, and construction provided some opportunities, but wages were often low. For women, choices were limited; many worked within the home or in domestic service if they needed income.

Homes in the 1950s were modest by today’s standards. Rural cottages often had no electricity or running water until the later part of the decade. Turf fires provided warmth, and cooking was done on simple ranges. Meals were often homegrown—potatoes, bread, and dairy products formed the core of most diets. Clothing was practical, frequently homemade or handed down through siblings. Despite material shortages, Irish households were known for their hospitality, offering tea and bread to any visitor.

Though the 1950s are often remembered as a time of struggle, they also laid the foundation for change. The government began to recognize the need for economic reform, and by the end of the decade, policies were being shaped to open Ireland to trade and investment. The 1950s sowed the seeds of modernization, setting the stage for the transformations of the 1960s. The decade may have been marked by scarcity and emigration, but it also preserved the warmth, humor, and solidarity that remain hallmarks of Irish identity today.

Deadly Secrets at Ballyford Castle: Ariadne Winter Mystery by Ellen Butler

About Deadly Secrets at Ballyford Castle

Deadly Secrets at Ballyford Castle: Ariadne Winter Mystery Historical Cozy Mystery 2nd in Series Setting – Ireland, near the Cliffs of Moher Publisher : Power to the Pen Publication date : October 1, 2025 Print length : 312 pages ISBN-13 : 978-1734365092 ASIN : B0FCSJ82CR

From Paris runways to country manors, danger is always in fashion.

When intrepid journalist Ariadne Winter leaves behind the glittering cafés and haute couture of 1958 Paris for the misty hills of rural Ireland, she expects champagne toasts and countryside charm at her cousin’s engagement celebration. But amidst party prep excitement the festive mood at Ballyford Manor is shattered when a body is discovered among the ruins of the ancient castle grounds.

The local inspector suspects an accident—but Ariadne knows better.

Armed with her sharp wit and a reporter’s determination, Ariadne peels back the polished façade of the O’Connell family, uncovering simmering tensions and long-held grudges that refuse to stay buried. As she navigates a world of crumbling aristocracy, whispered scandals, and dark family legacies, Ariadne realizes someone will do anything to keep the past hidden — even if it means making her the next victim.

Perfect for fans of Agatha Christie and Jacqueline Winspear, this stylish, atmospheric mystery captures the glamour and shadows of 1950s Ireland, blending intrigue, secrets, and a sleuth you won’t forget.

About Ellen Butler

Ellen Butler is the international bestselling author of the Karina Cardinal mystery series. Her experiences working on Capitol Hill and at a medical association in Washington, D.C. inspired the mystery-action series. Publishers Weekly called the Karina Cardinal mysteries, “intelligent escapism.” Butler also writes the Ariadne Winter historical mysteries as well as historical spy fiction. The Brass Compass has won multiple awards for historical fiction including: a Speak Up Talk Radio Firebird Book Award, Indie Reader Discovery Award, and a Readers’ Favorite Silver Medal. The second book in the duology, Operation Blackbird: A Cold War Spy Novel, is inspired by true events, and won a Next Generation Indie Book Award gold medal for historical fiction.

Author Links

Website ~ www.EllenButler.net
Facebook ~ www.facebook.com/EllenButlerBooks
Instagram ~ www.instagram.com/ebutlerbooks
BookBub ~ www.bookbub.com/profile/ellen-butler
Goodreads ~ www.goodreads.com/EllenButlerBooks

Purchase Links:
Amazon ~ B&N ~ Kobo ~ Apple

TOUR PARTICIPANTS

October 20 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT
October 20 – Christa Reads and Writes – REVIEW
October 21 – Elizabeth McKenna – Author – SPOTLIGHT
October 21 – Guatemala Paula Loves to Read – SPOTLIGHT
October 22 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
October 23 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
October 24 – Books1987 – SPOTLIGHT
October 25 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT
October 25 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – SPOTLIGHT
October 26 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST
October 27 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
October 28 – Salty Inspirations – AUTHOR GUEST POST
October 29 – Sarandipity’s – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
October 30 – Ascroft, eh? – CHARACTER INTERVIEW
October 31 – MJB Reviewers – SPOTLIGHT
November 1 – StoreyBook Reviews – AUTHOR GUEST POST
November 1 – Teatime and Books – SPOTLIGHT
November 2 – Boys’ Mom Reads! – REVIEW

Giveaway Here

Have you signed up to be a Tour Host? Click Here to Find Details and Sign Up Today! Want to Book a Tour? Click Here

Thank you, Ellen, for whisking us away to 1950s Ireland! I loved learning about the heart, history, and daily life that inspired your latest cozy mystery. What a treat to travel back to 1950s Ireland with Ellen!

Now don’t rush off, grab another cup of tea or coffee😉 and poke around the blog for more cozy fun, behind-the-scenes tidbits, and mystery-loving magic.

As always, thanks for stopping by for some Salty Inspirations!