Review
The Fifth Cambridge Bookshop Mystery
Molly Kimball is happily ensconced in Hazelhurst House, her boyfriend's family home and the upcoming venue for her friend Daisy's wedding. The manor is also the temporary home of Sir Nigel Peck's theatre troupe which will be performing several of Shakespeare's plays on the grounds over the summer, as well as providing entertainment for Daisy's Shakespearean themed wedding. After a walk on the grounds with Daisy's mom and the bride to be herself Molly notices a body among the water lilies in the moat. Surely this is taking method acting too far! But as she gets closer Molly realizes Sir Nigel isn't channeling Ophelia-he's dead! Once his death is ruled a murder and Molly's boyfriend's brother is accused of the crime she knows she'll be investigating a murder once again. Will she be able to help the police solve the crime before wedding bells chime? Or will she ask the wrong person the right question and find herself the next victim?
Love is in the air in the fifth Cambridge Bookshop Mystery. Not only is Daisy marrying Tim, but Molly's Great Aunt Violet is tying the knot as well, marrying the dashing Sir Jonathon Yeats. There are also lots of hints that Molly and Kieran are getting serious about their relationship. Molly gets along amazingly well with his family and the two trust each other enough to be honest and open. They make a great team.
I love the fact that love and marriage are shown to be relevant for people of all ages. It makes me smile that the first happy couple getting married are in their 70s! I also enjoy the fact that Molly's mom is dating. Aside from the wedding preparations, I loved the mystery itself. A truly villainous victim, although we don't know that at the start, and Molly smart enough not to trust anyone which is important when all of the suspects are actors. Who can tell if they're telling the truth or merely playing another role?
As a former theatre major Shakespeare has played a huge role in my life and I was thrilled with all of the references in VOWS AND VILLAINY. Wedding quotes, sonnets, and more added to the charm of the entire book. I am also grateful that the bullying and scandal at the heart of this mystery did not exist in my theatrical schooling.
All the world's a stage and VOWS AND VILLAINY turns drama, romance, scandal, and death into a delightful production.
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