Review: Death in Castle Dark by Veronica Bond

About the Book

 

Genre

Cozy Mystery

Format

E-ARC

Publisher

Berkley

Release Date

August 3, 2021

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Actor Nora Blake finds her dream job when she is cast in a murder-mystery troupe that performs in an imposing but captivating old castle. When she stumbles upon a real murder, things take a nightmarish turn in this first book in an exciting new series.

Maybe it was too good to be true, but when Nora Blake accepted the job from Derek Corby, proprietor of Castle Dark, she could not see any downsides. She would sink her acting chops into the troupe's intricately staged murder-mystery shows, earn free room and board in the fairy tale-like castle, and make friends with her new roommates, which include some seriously adorable kittens.

But something sinister lurks behind the walls of Castle Dark. During Nora's second performance, one of her castmates plays the part of the victim a little too well. So well, in fact, that no one can revive him. He has been murdered. Not ready to give up her dream gig--or to be the next victim--Nora sets out to see which one of her fellow actors has taken the role of a murderous real-life villain.

My Review

Nora Blake is excited to start a new acting job set in Wood Glen, Illinois in an old castle called Castle Dark.  She would be part of a murder/mystery theater group.   It sounds both spooky and fun. When she arrives she meets her fellow actors and is quite happy with her decision to accept the job.

Then, tragedy strikes when fiction turns into reality.  One of her castmates ends up murdered.  Nora doesn’t want to be the next victim and, also, fears that one her new friends could be the killer.  She decides to do a bit of snooping to see if she can uncover the truth before another murder takes place.

This is the first book in a new series, “A Dinner and A Murder Mystery”.  As soon as I heard the premise of this book, I knew I had to read it.  I’ve always wanted to go to a murder mystery show, but I haven’t had the chance yet.  So, an armchair visit sounded like the best alternative.  I was right.  

I’ve always enjoyed gothic mysteries and this definitely fit that bill.  The setting put me right into the mood.  I found the cast of characters to be intriguing, quirky and a bit on the scary side.  Nora is the only one I trusted.  I suspected everyone and so did she.  

The author gave us a fast-paced mystery with numerous twists and turns along the way. I was truly captivated and  wasn’t prepared for the thrilling finale.  I didn’t see it coming and was quite surprised by how it all unraveled.   

I hope there will be more books in this riveting new mystery series.

For reading challenges:

Craving for the Cozies Reading Challenge 2021

NetGalley and Edelweiss Reading Challenge 2021

Cloak & Dagger Reading Challenge 2021

FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a free Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review.  All opinions expressed are my own.