Book Review: Innkeeping With Murder

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Innkeeping With Murder     Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Tim Myers
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Amateur Sleuth   Romantic Suspense   Cozy
Series: Lighthouse Inn Mystery # 1
Berkley, Jun 2001, $5.99, 208 pp.

At the edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Elkton Falls, North Carolina is the Hatteras West Inn and Lighthouse. The reason for the lighthouse, a replica of the more famous one on the coast, is part of the family heritage of current owner Alex Winston. However, Alex has doubts that he can financially survive much longer as innkeeper.

Alex soon has a new problem to face when someone murders long time returning guest and friend Reg Wellington Sr. with an ice pick to the neck at the top of the lighthouse. Adding to Alex's woes is that his maid quit though she sends her more competent cousin Elise to replace her. Alex realizes that no one wants to stay at a temporary lodging facility where an unsolved homicide occurs even if several individuals say otherwise. Rather than wait for the Sheriff to solve the case, Alex investigates feeling that the killer might strike again.

INNKEEPING WITH MURDER is an entertaining amateur sleuth tale. The plot works because the key cast seems so authentic they make readers feel that they are visiting the Blue Ridge foothills. The story line is fun as a worried Alex searches for a killer, struggles with avoiding bankruptcy, and begins to fall in love all in one novel. Tim Myers provides the audience with a wonderful regional mystery that will have readers re-booking for future stays at the Hatteras West Inn and Lighthouse.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner

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