Bodies and Battlements - A Review

 Review

BODIES AND BATTLEMENTS by Elizabeth Penney
The First Ravensea Castle Mystery 

 

The Asquith Family have lived in Ravensea Castle for over a thousand years, but maintaining a castle is expensive and the family is barely scraping by. Despite her sister's misgivings and her brother's lack of interest Nora Asquith has decided to open the castle to the public as a small bed and breakfast. Despite newer resident Hilda Dibble trying to block her every step of the way, Nora finally succeeded and the castle is set to host its first guests. While the first night goes smoothly, despite the appearance of Hilda, things take an abrupt turn for the worse the next morning when Nora finds Hilda's body in the knot garden. Though Hilda couldn't prevent Ravensea from opening, her death could cause it to close! While the dishy guest who turns out to be the new Detective Inspector has taken charge of the case, Nora and her sister Tamsyn decide to investigate themselves. With a little help from their resident ghost the Asquith sisters will follow clues leading them to other townsfolk who had issues with the dead woman as well as to their other guests. Will they find the killer, or will they go out of business permanently?

 

BODIES AND BATTLEMENTS has it all, a castle by the Yorkshire seaside, a ghost, good food, a big lovable dog, and murder, not to mention a smidge of romance. To me these are perfect ingredients for a wonderful mystery and the first Ravensea Castle Mystery is just that. From a somewhat absent minded father, well known actress sister, and a faithful good natured cook along with her handyman husband to the varied guests and locals, everyone is interesting, multilayered, and important...even Sir Percival, the ghost. I enjoyed reading about Nora's herbal creations, witnessing the love of the Asquith family and friends, and seeing the romantic possibilities.  

 

A delightful mystery comprised of charming characters, as well as some nasty ones, BODIES AND BATTLEMENTS is a stellar start to a new series.