A Midnight Puzzle - Cozy Mystery Review

Goodreads:  A Midnight Puzzle (A Secret Staircase Mystery #3) by Gigi Pandian

Rating: Really Liked It (4 Stars)
Source:   Publisher

Description:  Secret Staircase Construction is under attack, and Tempest Raj feels helpless. After former client Julian Rhodes tried to kill his wife, he blamed her "accident" on the home renovation company’s craftsmanship. Now the family business—known for bringing magic into homes through hidden doors, floating staircases, and architectural puzzle walls—is at a breaking point. No amount of Scottish and Indian meals from her grandfather can distract Tempest from the they’re being framed.

When Tempest receives an urgent midnight phone call from Julian, she decides to meet him at the historic Whispering Creek Theater—only to find his dead body, a sword through his chest. After a blade appears from thin air to claim another victim, Tempest is certain they’re dealing with a booby trap… something Secret Staircase Construction could easily build. Tempest refuses to wait for the investigation to turn to her or her loved ones. She knows the pieces of the puzzle are right in front of her, she just has to put them together correctly before more disaster strikes.

Genre: Mystery - Cozy

Why I Picked This Book:  I've really enjoyed the previous books in this series and other books by this author.  

My Impression: I've really enjoyed this series with its magical elements and dramatic characters.  Tempest is starting to enjoy her new life off stage and working with her family's construction business that focuses on architectural misdirection.  Unfortunately for her though, Tempest is Tempest and nothing can stay peaceful for long.  The family business becomes involved in a nasty lawsuit followed quickly by murder with a side of rumors and a dash of ghost.  Tempest with her mentor Nicky (aka Nicodemius the Necromancer) are pulled into a murder investigation that reaches into the past.

Tempest's home at Fiddler's Folly is a place I wish was real as I would love to explore all the secret passages and hidden nooks.  As well, I wish the construction company really did exist as I would love to have one of their creations.  This was quite the entertaining mystery with legends and stories and magic.  It kept me guessing as to how things would unravel and what was connected to what - and of course was anything like it seemed.  

My only complaint was the story went into the weeds a bit during the reveal as Tempest's performance got a bit long winded and a little confusing.  Things did get ironed out in a satisfying manner but it just seemed like I could have done with less performance.  Overall, this is a fun and unique mystery series with interesting characters and a bit of showmanship.

Would I Read More of this Series/Author? Of course!  This author has a unique voice and I've enjoyed every book I've read by this author.  

Would I Recommend this Book? If you enjoy mysteries this is a fun series though one best read in order.

* I received this book in exchange for an honest review.  As always my opinions and impressions are completely my own. *