Murder in the Mystery Suite

Title: Murder in the Mystery Suite Author: Ellery Adams Genre:  Mystery Length: 277 pages (paperback) Rating: 4 out of 5

Jane Steward manages Storyton Hall, a resort catering to book lovers in the rolling hills of western Virginia.  Jane needs to determine a way to drive additional funds as the staff roof needs repairs, the orchard needs pruning, and a variety of other items need attention.  After gaining inspiration from a book, she decides to host a Murder and Mayhem Week at the resort.  This will include a variety of events including a ball, role- playing and fantasy crime solving.

The event starts off with great success!  Guests arrive in full character.  They are actively participating from the moment they arrive.

Guests are excited to participate in the scavenger hunt.  Unknown to Jane, her twin sons are bribed by Felix Hampden to help him win the scavenger hunt.  When he wins a valuable book, several other guests approach him.  The next thing Jane knows, Felix is found dead and her week turns into a real mystery to solve!

This cozy mystery was a quick and easy read.  I was able to dive in right away and be brought into the story.  I appreciate that it didn't have lots of romance so that I could focus on the mystery myself.

This is the first book in a series.  I am sure some of my unanswered questions will be answered in the next few books.  However, unless I come across these books, I do not plan to actively search for them. 

Triangles of Black: Once in a Thousand Years

Title: Triangles of Black: Once  in a Thousand Years Author: Ilona Ciller Genre:  Science Fiction Length: 361 pages (paperback) Rating: 3 out of 5

I received a copy of Triangles of Black: Once in a Thousand Years in exchange for an honest review.

Sophie knows what she experienced.  She shares with Troy, her brother, who believes it is all in her mind.  He sets up an appointment with a counselor because he is concerned about her.  However, once Troy has his own experience, Sophie, Tracy (Sophie's friend) and Troy try to understand what is happening.

In the meantime, Troy finally lands a job as a farmhand.  Ironically, the Ministry of Power is interested in why the farm is not using electricity and how it is generating power.  This means Troy unexpectedly finds himself in the line of fire and must give up his job.

Troy, Sophie and Tracy are beginning to uncover a long forgotten world of magic.  They are being guided by three magical beings who are also trying to protect them as their lives are in increasing amounts of danger.

The story covers a variety of elements from magic, friendship, espionage, and corporate greed to name a few.  I found a few moments where I actually was laughing out loud.

The book itself would benefit from additional editing.  There were times when I found myself having to go back a few pages as the author had jumped scenes without a distinct break.  There were also times where the flow didn't make sense as sentences weren't complete.

Overall, I enjoyed the book and am looking forward to the next in the series.