It’s a bit different from the cozy mysteries that I have read. The mystery itself is, for me, predictable and had too many elements. What is with all the secrecy? Were the Blackwoods descended from paranormal beings? Because it really started out like they were. The sisters seemed like they weren’t just eccentrics who are passionate about their chosen field of learning, it was insinuated that they have nonhuman ancestry. Then there was Noah. Why is he that way? There was a weird air of mystery that was somewhat not resolved until the end of the story. Timeline of the events is a bit confusing, especially when they switch back and forth from past to present. It was hard to focus there were so many aspects to the mystery.

What I like about the story is the whole Pelican Point universe. I love the way the author brings to life each character and the whole of Pelican Point. I can practically imagine the place and conjure the people like I know them in real life. And the tea in this small town is scalding hot!

I guess, yeah, I’m looking forward to the next book in the series. I wanna know what happens to some of the minor characters. I need some answers!

If you’re looking for a cute and cozy spooky mystery, this is it.

I loved the Nancy Drew references from the main character and how she worked to embody the character to try and save her aunts.

The Aunts and other people in the house are eccentric and it’s so endearing watching them do their best to create a spooky fun house and prevent murder.

And the cats… adorable. Mischievous.

The whole feel of the book is of a classic spooky house mystery with a dash of romance. Highly recommend adding this to you fall to be read pile!

This was a cute little story but I really hope it goes for another round of editing before publication. Words were missing from sentences in spots. The main character was… something. A “code” that I was able to read right away was a big mystery for her and the Nancy Drew stuff was a bit much. I’d probably give the second book in this series a chance to see if it improves.

Through NetGalley, I received a free copy of MURDER AT BLACKWOOD INN (Book 1 of the Haunted Dead and Breakfast mystery series) by Penny Warner in exchange for an honest review. Following her divorce, Carissa Blackwood moves to Pelican Point, California to manage her family’s new horror-themed “haunted” bed and breakfast run by her eccentric Aunts Runa and Hazel. Aunt Hazel, an herbalist with her own personal poison garden (just like the one in Nathaniel Hawthorne’s Rappaccini’s Daughter), becomes the primary suspect in the poisoning murder of a local woman, and Aunt Runa, who has an interest in the mystical properties of crystals, is a person of interest in the same homicide. Soon, all of their guests flee because, apparently, murder is bad business even for a spooky-themed B&B. In order to clear the aunts of murder, Carissa will need the aid of the handsome handyman, the assistance of a charming newspaperman, the representation of a lawyer-guest of the inn, the unveiling of community secrets, and the revelation of family history.

I liked the book. I recommend the book to fans of cozy murder mysteries featuring returns to family, eccentric relatives, inns/B&Bs, paranormal occurrences, mystical beliefs, and lots of cats.

#MurderatBlackwoodInn #NetGalley