Murder in the Grotto

Book Review: Murder in the Grotto by Amy Myers 📚

Rating: 3 Stars

I picked up Murder in the Grotto mainly because of its charming cover and the promise of a cozy mystery set in a quirky British stately home—something I usually enjoy. The story centers on Cara Shelley, a café owner and single mom in her forties, who’s happily running her little spot, the Happy Huffkin café, on the grounds of Tanton Towers. Her routine is disrupted when Lady Izzy, an eccentric and flamboyant guest at the Towers, enlists her to cater a very unusual event: a ghost hunt to honor her nephew who died there ten years ago during a similar spooky adventure. ☕👻🏰

What follows is a mix of supernatural vibes and murder mystery when Cara discovers a chilling crime in the underground grotto the morning after the ghost hunt. Enter DCI Andrew Mitchem, the local detective who’s both handsome and a bit frustrating, as he investigates the case. Cara finds herself juggling her growing feelings for him while trying to solve the murder before she becomes the next victim. 🔍💔😨

While I appreciated the warm setting and some quirky characters, I found myself struggling to get fully engaged with the story. The book introduces quite a few characters, which at times felt overwhelming and made it harder to keep track of everyone. The plot execution also seemed a bit scattered, lacking the tight focus I usually expect in cozy mysteries. Despite these issues, there were moments that kept me turning pages, but overall, it didn’t quite live up to my hopes. 📚🤔🌀

So, I’d say Murder in the Grotto is an okay read—pleasant enough if you like your mysteries light and atmospheric but not quite a standout in the genre for me.

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️