Jane
Steward is the resort director of Storyton Hall, a resort
that caters to readers and lovers of books. Her Aunt Octavia
and Uncle Aloysius are the owners. The entire property needs
fixing and sprucing up. Jane gets her inspiration from the
books in the private library. She decides to hold a Mystery
and Mayhem week at Storyton Hall to raise money for repairs.
The guests would dress as their favorite detectives and participate
in themed events. Jane's aunt and uncle are just as enthusiastic.
They could have theme weeks throughout the year.
The hotel is fully
booked for Mystery and Mayhem week. The guests start arriving
– one is in character – dressed as Umberto Ferrari,
beloved character of author Adela Dundee. After the guests
have settled in their suites and had a delicious repast, they
are ready for the first event, a Scavenger Hunt. The guests
are all given clues and then they are off. There are helpers
around to make sure you find the correct answer to your clues.
Included are Jane's young twin sons, Fitz and Hem. There are
several guests that want to win at any cost. The prize is
a first edition book of the letters written by Adele Dundee
to her husband. Felix Hampden (he is dressed as Umberto Ferrari)
wins the contest. Several guests approach him with offers
to buy the book on his way to the Mystery Suite. The next
morning, one of the housekeepers alerts Jane that they have
a Rip Van Winkle in the Mystery Suite. This means a guest
has passed away. It does not look like a peaceful death. Jane
needs to summon her inner Agatha Christie in order to solve
this death. She had better be careful or she could end up
roomless.
Things to ponder:
Who is the lady on the runaway horse? Why do so many guests
want the prize for winning the scavenger hunt? Why does Aunt
Octavia want her book back? Was Felix murdered for the book
--- or had he already sold it to the highest bidder?
I love
finding a new cozy mystery series. It means new characters
to get to know and love including Muffet Cat. When the new
series is written by a favorite author, then I say Christmas
came early for me with a special treat. This delightfully
charming mystery is a well-written page turner that will be
enjoyed by cozy mystery fans. The clever plotting will hold
them until they find out whodunit. I loved the names the author
has thoughtfully assigned the characters and shops as well
as the suites in the Storyton Hall. I can't wait to read the
next in this captivating series. So, if you like a mystery
that revolves around books, then you should be reading Murder
in the Mystery Suite.
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