Meditation and Mischief - A Review

 Review

MEDITATION AND MISCHIEF by Elizabeth Pantley
The Eighth Magical Mystery Book Club Mystery

 

It's always exciting when members of the Magical Mystery Book Club choose a new cozy mystery to inhabit. Eschewing flying monkeys and vampires the group chooses to attend a college reunion at a wellness retreat on a tropical island. While there they'll be able to partake in workshops, spa treatments, as well as simply relax on the beach...and solve a murder!  

 

In the eighth Magical Mystery Book Club mystery the friends become alumni of the Lake Minetonka Community College's School of Dramatic Arts, a perfect fit for this outgoing bunch. After a harrowing arrival they wonder when the murder will take place, but are perfectly content to join in all of the leisure activities in the meantime. Once the murder occurs they get some surprising help to weed through suspects and clues to find the killer, all while enjoying themselves.

The more books I read in this series the more I like it. Since the book club only reads cozy mysteries, that genre is explained and the author nails it on the head. While there is a mystery, and oft times a violent murder, the characters and setting are even more vital to the story. Readers care about these characters, even thinking of them as good friends. It's interesting to read about what they're doing...and thinking...even if it's not crucial to the plot. It makes them more real and adds interest and heart to the story. Atticus needs to relax and remember this! The mystery was great with lots of red herrings and a satisfying resolution. Apart from the mystery, the ending had a huge surprise that I never saw coming and I'm not entirely sure how I feel about it. I'm definitely pleased about the second half of the surprise, but am still shocked by the first.

Friendship and laughter are the heart of MEDITATION AND MISCHIEF the mystery that makes enjoying your vacation as important as solving a murder.