A great cosy mystery right here! This is the first book I read from Kirsten Weiss and of the Perfectly Proper Paranormal Museum Mystery series and I definitely want to read the previous volume and the next ones!
The story is told from the perspective of Maddie Kosloski, the owner of the Paranormal Museum in San Benedetto, California. When the museum gets a new acquisition in the form of an old grape press, hell breaks loose. The owner of the press claims that the press was stolen and even after Maddie proves that she bought it, Detective Lauren Hammer makes it her mission to see the grape press returned to its owner. As if that isn’t complicated enough, the body of the accuser is found. Suddenly, Maddie is not just being accused of thievery but murder as well. When everyone asks Maddie to solve the mystery, she travels deep into the rabbit hole and breaking every wall imposed by the police.
Firstly, I really enjoyed seeing this dark side of the small town living. I know for sure I couldn’t so it! The setting is refreshing and the fact this is actually about wine makes it even better! I think the idea and the storyline were very well thought and that it was very original.
Secondly, about the characters. I have mix feelings about Maddie, it really depends certain events of the story. In the beginning, when she is accused, she throws a bit of a tantrum and walks out in the middle of the police interrogation. I would not expect that from a mature main character since it’s her record that is at stake here. But then, the way she goes about the mystery and by herself discovers clues and puts them together was a treat to read about. I think the character of Lauren goes a bit overboard with her hateful comments and attitude but I get that the heroine must find some walls along the adventure.
The thing that I really appreciated is that, in this cosy novel, there isn’t the usual alliance between the amateur crime-solver and the police. It was refreshing to read and it makes it very interesting.
It was a very fun read, putting wine, humour, mystery and paranormal all in one. Definitely recommend it!
Thank you NetGalley, the publisher Midnight Ink and the author for allowing me to read and review a digital copy of this book.
Book Traveller 