3.5 Stars

Myrtle has her hands full with the Witch’s Retreat B&B, unpredictable magic, and constant pressure to lead a new-found coven with (over) enthusiastic members. She doesn’t even have the time to indulge in her budding romance with Chris, a software developer and witch hunter. 

As if things aren’t hard enough, a body turns up in the local pub, followed by another death. Sergeant Sarah Widdlethorpe is trying hard to structure the cases as her pig-headed boss complicates matters. Myrtle is happy to help, of course. 

However, it’s not long before Myrtle realizes something is terribly wrong, and magic is way too involved in the process. Can she get to the bottom of the truth without risking her neck? 

The story comes in Myrtle’s first-person POV. 

I read the first book in the series some 2.5 years ago. It was one of my first NetGalley ARCs. I lost track and worried I missed the subsequent books but turns out that the second book is here and releasing next month. 

Though I hardly remember anything, I could recollect a few bits and pieces as I continued with this one. It helped get into the plot. This one can still be read as a standalone, but only if you want to go with the flow instead of wondering what terms like skyelles mean. You’ll figure it out soon. 

The beginning is slow, and the first-person narration doesn’t help. Myrtle’s POV takes time to get used to (I remember struggling with it even in the first book). She is still not happy being a witch and having magic (duh, give it to me!). 

The second half is where many things happen, so the story does get better once we settle in. In fact, there’s some noteworthy character development in the climax, which makes me hopeful about book three (I’m sure there will be one, given how this ends). 

As a typical small-town cozy mystery, the book has enough characters that come and go. That’s not an issue. The problem lies with the lack of depth in the main characters. We don’t get much to connect with either of them (and Chris should have had a better role given his background). 

So what made the book better for me? Petty, of course! 

Petty is a magical primula (Primrose) Myrtle creates (or brings to life in book one). And guess what? Petty is a familiar… yep, we have cats, rabbits, and animals as familiars, but a plant is something new and super cool. Moreover, Petty is a treat to read about. I so wish she has a POV of her own. I loved all scenes involving this darling plant. There’s a pet cat, too, but almost overshadowed by Petty (can’t say I object). 

To summarize, Down the Hatch is a decent cozy mystery with some magic, murder, and mayhem during the summer solstice. Pick it up if want to meet an adorable plant familiar.  

There are bits of humor that keep the story lighthearted most of the time. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Literary Wanderlust, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#DowntheHatch #NetGalley 

*** 

 3.3 Stars 

Vaudeline D’Allaire is an acclaimed spiritualist known to conduct séances for murder victims and help find their killers. She is in Paris after escaping London due to unknown reasons. 

Lenna Wickes is her apprentice intent on learning more about the process to find her sister’s killer. She is also struggling to accept the existence of the paranormal since her logical mind refuses to believe in anything she cannot see. However, Evie, her sister, was a firm believer, and Lenna is willing to try anything to discover the truth. 

When Vaudeline is requested to visit London and help solve the crime of the founder of The London Séance Society, things turn dangerous quickly. Soon, the two ladies may have only each other and the paranormal to rely on if they want to stay alive. 

The story comes in the limited third-person POV of Lenna and the first-person POV of Mr. Morley. 

The beginning is a little slow but picks up pace in the second half (after a weak middle part). It’s easy to read and doesn’t require your grey cells to function. In fact, don’t let them be active. 

The séances are atmospheric. The book almost carries a dark moody vibe throughout. However, it doesn’t get heavy at any point. 

The seven-step process to conduct a séance is among the highlights of the book. I always enjoy such information. You never know when it may come in handy (shh!). 

The Victorian setting enhances the plot. The common bias against women and a man’s role in society comes across clearly. I have to mention the author’s notes at the end. Informative, interesting, and useful (it has recipes!). 

The climax begins on shaky ground but ends well. I like how it’s done. The epilogue is also well done. 

Well, I don’t think the combination of Lenna’s and Morley’s POVs did anything to enhance the plot. Morley is a weak character with a wobbly arc. I’m not sure if it is deliberate (makes sense in a way), but it should have been better established. 

Lenna… well… she started strong until she turned whiny, stupid, and silly as the story progressed. It’s only in the climax that she redeems herself. I can see the allure of having a logical character ace paranormal interaction. It could have been better, though. A character jumping to conclusions is hard to empathize with. 

Vaudeline is probably the most steady character in the book. However, not having her POV didn’t help the story. She should have been one of the narrators. In fact, if you think about it, Evie and other women are also intriguing (too bad they don’t get enough space).  

The dual POV also means that information is repeated in consecutive chapters. This makes the plot boring and slow. We don’t need to know the same thing from both POVs and go around in circles. 

A few developments don’t make sense, especially when they should. This is where you have to turn off your logical side and consider it an entertainer (or a Bwood film). If the issues were handled better, I think the plot would have been enriched with more drama and tension. A wasted chance, TBH. 

I don’t know if I should call this a romance. It’s supposed to be slow-burn (maybe) but doesn’t get enough space to grow organically. While I like the darkish touch to the track, I’m not happy with the overall development. It could have been achieved with some care. Removing the repeated content would have created space for this track. 

To summarize, The London Séance Society is an atmospheric entertainer and a light mystery with some good and not-so good points. Read it for fun and don't worry about things that don't make sense.

Thank you, NetGalley, Harlequin Australia, and HQ (Fiction, Non-Fiction, YA) & MIRA, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#TheLondonSéanceSociety #NetGalley 

*** 

This is a buddy read with Rosh. Despite our joint efforts, some issues remain unsolved. Check out her review to see how she feels about the book. Rosh is more particular about logic. ;) 

*** 

Confession: I rated the book 3.7 stars immediately after finishing it. I retained the rating even during my discussions with Rosh. After drafting the review, I brought it down to 3.3 stars. Somehow, I had more things I disliked despite enjoying the book. Sigh! 

 4.3 Stars

A Broken People’s Playlist is a collection of twelve short stories set in Port Harcourt. The stories deal with various life stages, situations, moments, memories, and more. The characters are varied (though a few appear in more than one story, which doesn’t affect the readability) in personalities, professions, and age groups. 

The common theme is that the stories are inspired by songs. I don’t know a single song mentioned in the book, but it didn’t make any difference. The stories are independent. Some have music as the central theme, while others don’t. 

An interesting point is that many stories come in the second-person POV and read very well (not an easy thing to achieve). That said, an anthology cannot have all hits, and this one is no exception. However, the quality of writing and execution is top-class. The character arcs are subtle yet perfect. It’s not common to have such layered characters in short stories. 

The setting is an integral part of all stories and just enough to visualize everything. There are a few native words that can make it a little difficult, but it’s easy to go with the flow (as always, I winged it). 

Here’s a list of stories in the book: 

Oh, my! The story starts out quite casually, but soon we see the layers peeling off, revealing the depth of emotions. The climax and the ending made me teary-eyed (not an easy task). The writing is almost off-handed and distanced, which is a perfect choice for the plotline. A solid start to the collection. 

A story about a boy growing up in a broken family and the role of music in his life. The story looks like it is limited to one phase of his life, but gives us the entire picture of the past and the future. The characterization is top-class. It’s not often that short stories have such strong characters. 

A dying man decides to arrange his funeral when he’s alive. The story isn’t about the funeral, though. It is about people, their actions, flaws, regrets, repentances, and more. The second-person POV is impactful in this one and hits the reader with strong emotions when you least expect it. Wonderful! 

Another story in the second person POV, and just as impactful as the previous one. How does a woman break the toxic cycles in her life? Can she even do it? The story goes back and forth, giving snippets of information to build her character arc. I love that this one has the kind of endings I enjoy. 

A policeman fighting demons, a drug peddler, and an innocent young man looking for a chance to get a decent job. How does a chase gone wrong change their lives? This theme is familiar to me (we have enough movies with it). The story is structured to continue the suspense, and the ending is blunt. However, I knew what would happen and didn’t feel as emotional as I thought I would. 

The title says it all! The lives of three friends are changing, and they can’t stop it. Given the tone of the stories until now, I didn’t expect something lighthearted and funny. This steals deals with toxic relationships, but the overall tone is a touch humorous and teasing. 

What breaks a broken man who can’t cry even though he wants to? The story is written in the second person POV and has a distanced narration to suit the character. It is compact and contained with just enough ease at the end. The ending rounds up the theme and offers a different perspective. 

What happens when a husband confesses to cheating on his wife, especially when he was considered the faithful kind? The story comes in the second-person POV of the husband and the first-person POV of the wife. Knowing both sides makes the ending even better. 

This is a story about an unlikely but strong friendship between two young boys and how their lives change when they join confra (something like a local rowdy gang). I can see why this is an important story, but somehow I couldn’t connect with the main character despite the story being in the second person POV. The ending is good, though. 

What happens when a young teenage boy with dreams about becoming a football star gets a chance of a lifetime? This one has great potential and almost hits the mark. However, the main plot is predictable, which dims the overall impact. Like the previous story, the ending is very good, in fact, just right for the main character. 

A womanizer tries to get his wife back and finds something more precious. Yet another story in the second person POV. It starts almost like every other piece, but the writing and character development are strong. The ending is half hopeful, though the readers can guess it could go either way. The relationship between the two is beautifully presented. 

Oh, my heart! This is such a tender and touching story. I don’t want to say anything except that it is the best of the collection. Stories with loving and bickering older couples are a favorite of mine. This one does full justice to the theme. 

To summarize, A Broken People’s Playlist is a bitter-sweet and heart-touching collection of stories about people we find around us. 

Don’t forget to read the author’s note. It’s heartfelt and informative. As a writer, I can understand the struggle with novels (one reason I prefer to write short stories). Nevertheless, I hope the author will not give up and finish his second novel. I sure want to read it. 

Thank you, NetGalley and HarperVia, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#NetGalley #ABrokenPeoplesPlaylist 

 3 Stars

Sloane Parker is a librarian in a small town and lives a simple life. She doesn’t have many friends despite being a friendly and kindhearted person. When Sloane meets Arthur McLachlan, an old and rude patron of the library, their sparing becomes the highlight of her day (and maybe even his). 

One day Arthur doesn’t turn up as usual. Days pass on, but he doesn’t visit the library. Sloane is worried and decides to visit him (ignoring her boss’ warnings). When she finds him ill but grudgingly happy to see her, Sloane knows she needs to help him. Maybe it’s her chance to help herself too. Arthur’s neighbor is only too delighted to pitch in. 

Soon, they start an odd book club that grows bigger, as more people with different personalities come together. Each of them needs to heal, and, as a group, they might make it happen. 

The story comes in the first person POV of the main characters- Sloane, Maisey, Mateo, Greg, and Arthur. 

What I Like: 

The premise is heartwarming. Imagine good-hearted people who suffer from loneliness due to various reasons come together to help and support each other. It’s a novel concept. 

Given the characters, there are enough references to other books and quotes from these. Though I’m not much of a highlighter myself, I know people who love to highlight bits that touch their hearts (or mind). 

Using the first-person POV for each of the main characters works to a good extent. I could get a glimpse into who they are and what holds them back. However… (more in the next section) 

The book also blends everyday issues and major life decisions to add depth to the characters. Some of it works well. 

There are bits and pieces of lighthearted scenes that make the book a little easy to read. Maisey sure brightens up the book club. 

The pacing is super slow. Moreover, this is the kind of book one cannot speed-read. A few things are stretched too much, and the ending is compressed. There isn’t an epilogue either (I deserve it after reading about so much heartache!). 

Maisey’s POV is probably the best. It’s not perfect, but I could feel for her and understand the situation with her teen daughter Bella. Greg’s POV is the second best. I thought Mateo’s would be just as great, but somehow, ended up liking Lincoln more. 

Now, Brett is Sloane’s fiancé and chiropractor. Going by the standard trope, he is initially presented as a snobbish guy with an overbearing family. And we have Sloane, who thinks they can give her the kind of comfort she wants. However, towards the end, Brett really isn’t a jerk. He is just another guy with some flaws. In fact, the climax puts him in a better light than Sloane. He handles it far better than she does. I’m not sure that’s what is supposed to happen.  

I went to skim through a few reviews after drafting mine and saw references to Ove. Well, for me, this is a half-successful attempt to create an Ove-like character in Arthur. With Arthur’s POV towards the end of the book, I expected something truly emotional. But let’s just say it was disappointing. The POV started strong, but soon I lost interest and wanted the book to be over. 

To summarize, The Lonely Hearts Book Club is a decent book dealing with topics like grief, loneliness, friendships, and finding your tribe. It could have been a lot better but ends up more as an average read. 

Thank you, NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#NetGalley 

 3.8 Stars

1921, Walden 

Local reporter Iris Woodmore is back in action, and this time she is intent on saving the beloved Waldenmare Lake from being destroyed in the name of progress. 

The war is over, and the British Army can no longer afford to maintain the convalescent home or the lake. The Walden City Council wants to buy it for rehabilitation, while the railway company wants to convert the location into a tourist spot. 

However, the old mansion on the site belongs to General Cheverton, who is determined not to leave him home. But when the General is found dead in his home, it becomes quite impossible for Iris to save the lake. But as new developments occur, Iris realizes that her fight isn’t limited to the land. There’s a lot more to uncover, and she needs to get to the bottom of it, come what may. 

The story comes in the limited third-person POV of Iris. 

My Thoughts: 

Though this is the second book in the series, it works well as a standalone. At the same time, series readers will enjoy the new developments for the main character Iris. 

The beginning is a little slow, but soon, the book picks up pace. It drags in the middle and goes in circles before finally moving ahead to the climax and reveal. 

I like Iris more in this one. Her character arc is growing steadily while also keeping things realistic to a good extent. George is an interesting character, and I wish there’s more of him in the coming books. 

The mystery is tied up well but takes time to unfold. Two tracks need to converge at a common point (the Waldenmere Lake), which meant the pacing is sacrificed. Some information is repeated multiple times in different conversations, further weighing down the narration. 

However, the mystery here has a greater emotional connection to the characters than we normally see in this genre. This makes the plot more personal instead of something that needs to be solved and settled. 

Though I like how Iris connects the dots, I wish the actual reveal was a little more detailed and came a bit sooner. That said, the red herrings were well done without going overboard. 

The setting and treatment of women from that era are seamlessly woven into the plot. The observations, the changes, the resistance, etc., become a part of the story rather than taking the focus away from it. 

I must admit that the author does endings very well. She somehow makes me enjoy the kind of endings I usually dislike. The same happened in book one too. I’m impressed! 

To summarize, Murder at Waldenmere Lake is a strong continuation of the series with interesting characters and an attractive setting. I’m excited about book three (the cover has been revealed). 

Thank you, NetGalley and Boldwood Books, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#NetGalley #MurderatWaldenmereLake 

 3.8 Stars

Maria Wallner has only one goal- to revive the lost glory of Hotel Wallner and make it the most successful establishment in Vienna once again. She is determined to not let anything come in the way of her plans, be it her dysfunctional family dynamics, the sudden attacks on her, and a handsome American agent with secrets of his own. 

Eli Whittaker doesn’t have time for anything except his job. He is in Vienna to find out who is selling the American codes. He just wants to uncover the truth and go back to Washington, DC. Of course, life has other plans for him. Eli may be annoyed by the night-long waltzes and dazzling attractions. But when he sees that Maria Wallner is somehow in the middle of chaos, he is determined to keep her safe and also find the culprit selling American codes, no matter what it takes. 

The story comes from the third-person POV of Maria and Eli. 

The book is set in Vienna, and though it doesn’t exactly explore the region, it gives enough details about the local culture, the people, etc. I could picturize the hotel, the waltzes, those lovely gowns, and yummy cakes. 

Maria is an interesting character, even if she needs Eli’s help a little too much. She is competent enough to handle her hotel (after all, she isn’t trained to deal with assassins) and knows when to put her foot down. 

Hannah is one of my favorite side characters. Her love for baking and creativity comes across very well throughout the book. I sure wouldn’t mind tasting her cakes and cookies. The almond cake seems to be a general favorite. 

The writing is easy to read once you get into the grove. It is lighthearted, a bit funny, quirky, and a touch sarcastic. Not something I expect in a historical mystery. But this one is a blend of genres (more in the next section), so the writing style keeps the plot light instead of weighing it down. It works for me as I don’t look for heavy plots. 

A few scenes are quite delightful and entertaining. Some of it is a little cringe, but it somehow fits the narration and makes it funny. I’m not sure if it was intended or if I’m the only one who found some steamy scenes a bit humorous. A little weird but fun too. 

I really like the reversal in how the FMC and MMC are portrayed. Let’s just say Maria has a lot more experience than Eli. ;) 

The other side characters have varying roles. Some, like Mac, have an extra space to grow while a few waltz in and out whenever required. 

I’m not sure how to categorize this book. It starts out as a spy-ish thriller with international mystery. The romance appears slow burn until around 50%. Then, the plot shifts genres, and we have romance at the forefront with steamy scenes. The mystery part weakens in the second half. 

Eli is supposed to be a grumpy and standoffish brooding hero with a tragic past. He is okay and has good qualities, but his career isn’t fully explored. This is disappointing, given the strong start. An epilogue set a year later would have sorted this and given a more rounded ending to the plot. 

Josephine, Maria’s grandmother, was a formidable character. I would have loved it with her in a greater role. Also, maybe more about her past would have been icing on the cake. The same goes for Adelaide. She has a limited role but aces it. I could visualize her with ease. 

The reveal and climax are dramatic but more in the family drama genre rather than that of a spy thriller. The tension and suspense aren’t enough. The ending also feels a little abrupt after reading 400-odd pages. 

To summarize, Hotel of Secrets is an entertaining historical novel that reads best as a drama with open-door romance and a bit of mystery. It’s lighthearted despite the heavy themes. 

Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin's Griffin, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#NetGalley 

*** 

P.S.: I love the cover! 

 3.7 Stars

Whitecliff is your typical seaside small town where everyone knows everyone and everything is everybody’s business. Millie Westlake volunteers at the local nursing home as a way to avoid her past and the suspicions that cling to her like a second skin. Her parents died a year ago, and people think she killed them. What’s more, Millie has to deal with personal issues too. 

However, when Ingrid, an old lady from the nursing home, tells Millie that she saw a young girl being pushed off a roof, Millie doesn’t know what to believe. Something urges her to find out more, and soon she comes across a few things that can be counted as evidence. 

This puts Millie in danger, and with most of the town against her, can she find the truth about the young girl on the roof? What about her past that she doesn’t want to think about? Is Millie strong enough to handle the truth? 

The story comes from Millie’s third-person POV. 

This is a slow-burn mystery with more focus on the central character. Mille is intriguing and complex, with flaws, vulnerabilities, and secrets. 

Gus is another interesting character. His passion to tell people’s stories and his complicated relationship with Millie and her parents makes him an almost secondary character in the book. 

The small town setting is darker and feels oppressive. It suits the plot and the characters. The underlying tension, the secrets, hints of violence, and the narrow-minded attitudes of people seamlessly oven into the narrative. 

The mystery itself is weak. It starts out strong, but the reveal and reasons aren’t emphatic. It doesn’t help that the characters themselves say things like it was a miracle so and so happened. It feels like taking an easy way out to deal with the mystery. 

However, the mystery also feels like a subplot, something to take the main story ahead and establish the character arcs. It helped to know that this is the first book in the series, and the next two are also available. I could readjust my expectations and read it more as an installment rather than a standalone. (It can be standalone, though my curious nose will never be satisfied unless I know more.) 

The supporting characters, especially Jack and Rish, are sweet and just as flawed. The other side characters aren’t fully developed yet but show promise. The pacing is decent; slowish in the first half but medium-to-fast in the second half. 

I like that there aren’t a bunch of suspects or the routine amateur sleuthing. Though Millie does get into trouble for being impulsive, it doesn’t happen until the climax. 

To summarize, The One Who Fell is a good start to a series, and I am curious to know more. It is a cozy mystery, albeit slightly dark. So dark cozy mystery, maybe? 

Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#NetGalley #TheOneWhoFell 

Vera Wong is a sixty-year-old self-proclaimed tea expert. Her tea shop is her pride, never mind that it barely has any customers now. However, Vera stumbles upon a dead body in her shop, and it gives her the best chance to put her detective skills to use. And not to mention, dole out advice to youngsters who may or may not need it. 

Knowing the police are likely to mess up, Vera is determined to get to the bottom of the case. If the man had to die in her tea shop, the least she could do is solve the case, isn’t it? Vera is having a time of her life, listing suspects and ordering them around like school kids. 

The story comes in a limited third-person POV of multiple characters. 

What I Like: 

The opening sets the tone for the rest of the book and pretty much sustains it throughout. The humor keeps things from going too deep. While this isn’t always a plus, it is a good move for the book (and the genre). 

Vera is such a delightful character. She is annoying and doesn’t have a sense of boundaries, but she is adorable, loving, and someone you want on your side (even if you plan to commit a murder). She is a mom first, and it is evident in her character arc. As an Asian (Indian), I think Vera has been crafted very well and acts much like a woman of her age.  

The book shows the lives of first-gen and second-gen immigrants with a light touch. The setting reminded me of Joy Luck Club, but this one is more lighthearted and easy on the reader. The pacing is steady in this one, so that’s another plus. 

There’s an Indian character and an Indonesian character, and both have solid roles in the plot. Finally, a book where I know the character is Indian but not way too stereotypical. Another bonus is that the book handles the Asian aspects well. 

There’s loads of food. Though I’m a vegetarian, and most dishes are meat-based, I do love it when food plays an integral part in the plot. It brings people together in different ways. 

The ending ties up things well. There may or may not be a sequel, though I won’t say no to one. Vera Wong is too big a character to be limited to a single book. 

What Could Have Been Better for Me: 

The mystery, as such, is a little weak. This is too cozy even for a cozy mystery. Of course, we have a dead body and Vera actively interfering with the lives of potential suspects. But the mystery is more of a tool to bring the characters together. Once I adjusted my expectations, I could enjoy the book a lot more. 

The reveal is a bit weak. It may or may not work, depending on what the readers prefer. For me, it is okay. I see the reasoning, but I want something a little more intense. 

Emma is an adorable two-year-old. However, sometimes, she seems more like a four-year-old. I’m not sure (haven’t been around kids of that age), but her character arc doesn’t seem smooth. The kid is a darling, though. 

To summarize, Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers is a fun book with plenty of laugh-out-loud and eye-roll moments. It is a lighthearted yet heartwarming read with a mystery thrown in. 

Thank you, NetGalley and HQ, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#NetGalley #VeraWongsUnsolicitedAdviceforMurderers 

4.2 Stars 

Travis comes home to find a surprise package addressed to him, and there begin his adventures. He makes new friends, learns about magic, forms a club with his human and animal friends, has adventures, and deals with a bad guy. 

The book has steady pacing throughout. As MG fiction, it deals with topics like school, bullying, making friends, etc. Bullying is dealt with well without being preachy or complex. We also see the range of emotions kids have when making major decisions. Neither of them is totally good or bad (even the bully). The characters are diverse, though it doesn’t actually play an active role in the plot. 

The writing is easy to read, with enough bits of humor, adventure, and reasoning to keep children hooked. The magic system doesn’t really provide answers but is truthful about the same. Whatever we see works to a great extent (suspension of belief is anyway necessary for fantasy). 

My only grouse is the lack of illustrations. I’d have liked at least a couple to see how the magic creatures look. 

To summarize, The Travelers Detective Club: An Origin Story is a short and quick read with many elements kids will like and enjoy. It’s a cool book for adults if you want a breather between heavy reads. 

 3.5 Stars

Susan loves living on the Isle of Wight with her darling dog, Rocco. She is a part of the local dog walkers group, a bunch of people who are different from each other but share a common love for dogs. Colette is a young girl and a new addition to the group. Susan takes her under her wing and into her home. 

However, when she digs into her gran’s past on the island, she creates unrest and uncertainties in their lives. When Colette dies under suspicious circumstances at Castle Cover, Susan is determined to get to the bottom of the truth, no matter how uncomfortable the situation is. 

With danger taking over her peaceful existence, can Susan fight for justice? 

The story comes from Susan’s third-person POV. 

I like mysteries set in small towns and islands with picturesque settings. This one has a beautiful backdrop used well throughout the book. 

Dog lovers are in for a treat as the book has many fur babies. All of them are darlings and hardly cause any trouble. 

The characters are all different and easy to identify and track. This makes it easier with the constant interactions between them. There’s no confusion about who is who. 

The case is well done. There are enough twists and develops to keep the pointer moving from one suspect to another. It drags a bit in the middle but manages to pull back in the last third. 

Susan is already going through a rough phase in her personal life but is determined to find out what happened to Colette. However, she is annoying at times. In the first half, she is reluctant to believe that someone she knows is the killer. Once she accepts it, she repeatedly puts herself in danger in the second half. 

Though I know Susan is no sleuth, she is supposed to be a smart and capable 62-year-old woman. Not someone jumping to conclusions and accusing/ confronting potential murderers. I was half-afraid she would end up with a broken neck. 

That said, I like how she puts her foot down when her people try to make decisions for her or pressurize her to do something she doesn’t want to. I like how she doesn’t hesitate to draw lines when necessary. If only she does the same when sharing information with others! 

Alice is an interesting character, and I hoped she would have a bigger role in the book. A little disappointed that she doesn’t appear often, but the scenes with her are vital and nudge Susan in the right direction. 

The epilogue ties up the loose ends and provides a satisfactory ending. The book is standalone, though I won’t be surprised if there’s a sequel. In fact, I would look forward to one as it appears that Susan will be in a better position to handle a case without risking her neck or making the same mistakes (or so I hope). 

To summarize, Death at Castle Cove is an intriguing cozy mystery set on a beautiful yet dangerous island. With past secrets and flawed characters, it is worth a read on a lazy afternoon. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Boldwood Books, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#NetGalley #DeathatCastleCove