Marie Cassidy became a forensic pathologist in 1985 following her training as a histopathologist. She worked in the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology in Glasgow investigating unnatural deaths and homicides, from gangland shootings and stabbings to drugs deaths, road traffic accidents and suicides.

In 1998 she moved to Ireland and later was appointed State Pathologist. Her name became synonymous with murder and tragedy. In over thirty years of practice, she has performed thousands of postmortems and dealt with hundreds of murders. She has witnessed the burgeoning role of forensic science and the impact that has had on investigations and the expectations of the public, while embracing new technology and welcoming the input of experts in the other sciences.

Her debut crime novel, Body of Truth, came out in 2023 and was one of the top ten highest selling novels in Ireland in 2023. Her latest novel Deadly Evidence was published in 2025. Dr. Terry O’Brien has just been appointed assistant state pathologist and the brutal killing of Detective Garda Martin Higgins in a gangland-style execution ensures that she is obliged to dive in at the deep end.

This promises to be a fascinating encounter as Marie will be in conversation with fellow crime novelist Catherine Kirwan, author of Cruel Deeds, The Darkest Truth & The Seventh Body.

**A light lunch is served. Please inform the Hotel directly of any dietary requirements.

This event is now sold out. 

Details of all events taking place at Festival 2026 can be viewed and booked here. While a number of events have already reached capacity, tickets remain available for a range of exciting events.

Kindly Supported by 

The Ennis Book Club Festival is supported by the Arts Council of Ireland.