The Innkeeper's Intrigue: Lockstone Hollow Mystery Book 2 Author Deb Marlowe
Book Review
5 out of 5 stars!
First and foremost! This is an interconnected series with progression of characters and situations. I recommend reading this series in order since we do get recaps of the previous book and some slight spoilers. Also, some of the humor won't hit as hard if you haven't read the first book!
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"Leaseholder, villager, now Pied Piper of Baby Goats." - Lisette
Miss Lisette Birtwhistle is a woman who's always donned many hats and enjoyed every moment of it. But she's learning that being a leaseholder comes with more responsibilities than she was aware of. She will take on this task with the utmost care to detail along with some friends. Keeping busy helps her to move forward from the tragedy of her ex. Wishing to continue her efforts with uniting the village and breathing new life into it!
What better way than to put in a public garden where many can leave their mark on the village. Why not also host a contest? Mrs. Bixby even approved so you know this will be a success! Until a body is found upon the fresh earth. . . The tables have turned this time since Lisette truly doesn't know the dead man, but Mr. Sowerby does! He needs a non-biased witness and a sharp mind, so he begs Lisette for help. Will this bring up trauma for Lisette? And will she be able to tolerate the constable's hot/cold behavior long enough to solve the murder?
"It was a stranger? The dead man? You didn't know this one, did you?" - Ruby
I was so excited NetGalley had this book in their catalogue! I had to snatch it up and hope I got approved! I honestly couldn't wait to return to Lockstone Hollow and see what all my favorite characters were up to! I'm also enjoying the Regency cozy mystery vibes and the author does such a phenomenal job with writing.
I respect Lisette for how she wishes for fairytale themes and scenes, but she's also grounded in reality. Understanding that beautifying the town isn't the only thing she needs to address. Her eyes were opened to the intricacies of being a leaseholder. I also appreciate that she doesn't simply throw money at problems or revert to her solicitors for everything. No, she is a woman of action who's independent and smart. Cooking up a plan that I hope to see manifest in future installments!
It was fun watching the case play out and the humor surrounding the beginning of it. With villagers confirming that Lisette doesn't know every strange man who comes to the village. I loved watching Maxwell have to close his mouth and rethink how he approached Lisette! How two strong personalities are mixing like oil and water. This one scene had me cheering for Lisette and loving her character even more! I was unsure who the murderer was until it clicked before stated on the page. Sadly, I just couldn't figure out the motive until it was explained.
This series is cozy and lighthearted but there are some moments. Language is present in this read but it's mild and accurate to the era. Blackmail, some violence, bloodshed, death, and different types of addictions. Some moments of fear and overcoming past trauma. There's an older character presented with Dementia and we have an understanding of the struggles. Toll on the people surrounding this person and how they've adapted to the person's declining health. It was handled respectfully and with compassion. Lisette truly is a people person who knows how to communicate with people individually.
We are still having a slow burn romance! Lisette's still unsure about her feelings toward Maxwell and Royce, but it's pretty clear which one she's chosen. Even if Lisette hasn't fully solved that mystery herself. There's no real "romancey" moments as there are scenes of relying on another and being comforted by someone's presence. No ulterior motives as friendship continues to grow. Also trying to discern someone's personality and if they see her as more or just a business partner who's quick at solving puzzles.
I truly do love this series and how it is progressing! We do get a conclusion to the mystery but there's clearly more to come for Lisette and the cast! We have new characters who may be remaining in Lockstone Hollow and shaking up some narratives. Marlowe also helps to immerse you in this read by not throwing in modern slang. I cannot wait for the next installment! Swoon even gets some progression with his story and plays a little bit of a key role!
Why does it seem with each new person checking into Lockstone Hollow another is checking out? Oh well, enjoy the read with gardens, ghosts, pygmy goats, and more! Don't forget to give the author some stars!
Thank you, NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op!
Lockstone Hollow Mystery Series (2 book series) Kindle Edition
The Innkeeper's Intrigue: The Lockstone Hollow Mysteries: Book Two | Barnes & Noble®
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