A Fatal Booking: A Booklover’s B&B Mystery (BOOKLOVER’S B&B MYSTERY, A)

A book club retreat brings a little madness into Chapters with a fantasy and fairy tale theme which should have been an enchanting time. The retreat takes a turn when a busybody guest is murdered and Charlotte is spiraled into an investigation with the woman’s jewelry store at the center and possibly stolen merchandise. Teaming with her best friend Ellen, Charlotte shifts through the guests’ motives and works to uncover which secret could have led to the murder. The further she digs, the closer she comes to finding her own story having an abrupt ending.

The writing has a playful energy that immediately draws you in and creates a likable protagonist that is curious, funny, and strong-willed. A charming atmosphere is created through vivid descriptions such as porcelain skin, easily played the vamp in a silent movie, and trimmed down Santa Claus. The literature references are rampant throughout with a Mad Hatter tea party and a discussion on Hans Christian Anderson fairy tales. The book is derived from a passion for fairy tales and fantasy which are elements that create an enchanting backdrop for a mystery to transpire. A Fatal Booking is another win for the series by Gilbert with a mystery that strikes the perfect blend of sleuthing and charm.