Murder at Mistlethwaite Manor
Lady Emma Grace Hastings cannot believe her eyes—or her good luck. She has received one of only ten coveted invitations to the Christmas Party at Mistlethwaite Manor. Although a member of the aristocracy, she is still surprised to be invited to such a prominent event. At this exclusive party, she will have a chance to solve a puzzle and win 10,000 pounds. However, when she arrives, she learns that secrets are part of the game, and both her prospective fiancé and former fiancé have been invited. When the host is found dead and a storm has stranded all ten guests in the house, Emma Grace must figure out two things: Who has the greatest motive for murder, and who will be next?
I loved this cleverly written whodunit set in Victorian England. The book has a delightful anticipatory tone, and the vivid descriptions make the mysterious manor come alive. The riddle that accompanies the mystery is delightfully scandalous, and it makes everyone a suspect. Emma Grace feels tainted by the part of the riddle that she thinks may refer to her, and the author’s sublime writing expertly ties this to the house: “My lace flounce rustled against the marble steps, the black veining in the white stone reminding me of poison spreading through something pure. Much like the situation in which I currently found myself.” The mystery is full of twists, turns, and red herrings, and more than one of the guests carries a hint of scandal. The unexpected love triangle is a delightful twist. This book is fun, smart, and extremely entertaining. Highly recommended.
