Bodies and Battlements - Cozy Mystery Review

Goodreads:  Bodies and Battlements by Elizabeth Penney

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

Description:  The first in a new cozy mystery series by Elizabeth Penney investigates a suspicious murder in a haunted British castle-turned-bed and breakfast.

Herbalist Nora Asquith is delighted to welcome Ravensea Castle’s first guests to the picturesque village of Monkwell, Yorkshire. After a thousand years of ownership, her family has decided to convert the castle into a bed and breakfast. But when Hilda Dibble, a self-appointed local luminary, is found dead in the knot garden the next morning, Nora’s business is not only at risk—she’s a prime suspect.

Hilda had opposed the hotel plan every step of the way, and although she didn’t succeed in stopping the venture, her disagreements with Nora seem to only further her motive. One of Ravensea’s guests happens to be Detective Inspector Finlay Cole, who is new to the area and now finds himself with a murder case in his lap.

Nora and her actress sister Tamsyn decide to investigate for themselves. They look into the entangled dealings of their newly arrived guests, while also getting hints from Sir Percival, one of the castle ghosts. As they learn, Sir Percival’s tragic death centuries ago sheds light on present-day crimes. Surely they can get to the bottom of this mystery while keeping their new business afloat . . .

Genre: Mystery - Cozy

Why I Picked This Book:  I like other books I've read by this author and how could I resist that premise and that cover?

My Impression:  This was a fun read with a fantastic series premise.  I liked Nora and her family - especially as they figured out how everything would work now that they are in the middle of this new venture.  The body is discovered pretty early in the book and what was already a complicated situation for the Asquith family becomes absolutely dire.  

The small village around the castle is interesting and the guests were an interesting mix.  Everyone seems to be hiding something and it was a challenge figuring out just who was hiding a motive for murder.  I liked all the side quests with running the inn and Nora's herbalist business.  I really enjoyed watching the investigation progress and really had no clue who the bad guy was until shortly before Nora did.  

I'm excited to see where the series goes.  This was a great mystery with a spectacular setting and a great and likable group of characters.

Would I Read More of this Series/Author?  Absolutely!  I've enjoyed every cozy mystery I've read by this author.

Would I Recommend this Book?  If you're a cozy mystery fan I definitely recommend this book and this author.  

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