Review: The Innkeeper’s Intrigue

Sometimes, you can judge a book by its cover. Especially when the cover art is a sumptuous as the one for Deb Marlowe’s The Innkeeper’s Intrigue, the second book in the Lockstone Hollow Mysteries series. I mean, just look at it!

Set in the Regency period, The Innkeeper’s Intrigue takes place in a small village in the Cotwalds. Lady Lisette Birtwhistle is still mourning the loss of her brother and dealing with the property in the village that he has left her. She and her friends are planning a garden contest when a body is found in the newly turned-over flower beds. Since the local constable was friends with the victim, he asks her to work with him on the case as an impartial witness to his investigation.

Even though this is the second book in the series, the author does a good job of letting the reader know (or reminding them) of events that may have happened in the first book. Good job passing the Grafton test!

I realized about half way through the book that the only other Regency-era books I can remember reading were by Jane Austen. This especially came to mind as several characters travel to Bath. Marlowe's descriptions of the settings and the characters were fully developed and detailed. I especially enjoyed the antics of the baby goat Swoon.

The only minor quibble I have is that there are so many characters I was a bit lost right before the big reveal as to who Lisette was referring to as the most likely killer. It may have just been me though since I’ve read so many cozy mysteries lately.

If you're a fan of Bridgerton and Miss Marple, check out this Regency cozy mystery for sure. Preferably with a cup of tea and some scones.

4 lattes out of 5

Disclaimer: This ARC was provided by Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op in exchange for an honest review.