Mischief Nights are Murder

Book Review: Mischief Nights are Murder by Libby Klein

Rating: 3 stars

First off, let me start by saying that the cover of Mischief Nights are Murder is absolutely fantastic. I'm a sucker for a good holiday-themed cozy book cover, and this one definitely caught my eye. Now, let's dive into my review of the book.

The story revolves around gluten-free baker Poppy McAllister and her aunt Ginny, who find themselves in the midst of a murder mystery at their B&B during the annual Mischief Night. Poppy's B&B is coerced into participating in the Cape May Haunted Dinners Tour, which brings along its fair share of quirky guests. As if dealing with squabbling guests wasn't enough, one of them ends up dead, face-down in a plate of tiramisu. Now, Poppy has to navigate through the chaos to solve the murder.

Unfortunately, I found it quite challenging to get into this book. Perhaps it was because I hadn't read any prior books in the series, but I felt like I was dropped into an ongoing story without any background information or hints. This made it difficult for me to fully engage with the characters and their relationships, as I lacked the necessary context.

Speaking of the characters, I must say that I found most of them to be rather unlikable and annoying. They were eccentric to the point of being over-the-top, and their behavior felt forced and unnatural. The entire book had a zany quality to it that, personally, was a bit too much for my taste. However, I can see how some readers might enjoy this quirky and whimsical style.

On a positive note, Libby Klein's writing is undeniably good. Despite my reservations about the characters and plot, I appreciated the author's ability to create a vivid setting. The Halloween season and the Cape May Haunted Dinners Tour were described in a way that made me feel immersed in the festive atmosphere. This aspect of the book was definitely a highlight for me.

In conclusion, Mischief Nights are Murder is a mixed bag for me. While the writing is solid and the setting is suitably festive, I struggled to connect with the story due to the lack of background information and the unlikable characters. However, if you enjoy zany cozy mysteries and don't mind jumping into an ongoing series without prior knowledge, this book might be a delightful read for you.

Note: This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary.