Death in Castle Dark by Veronica Bond

 

"And this is why we can charge so much for the Castle Dark experience, and why people are more than willing to pay it, by the way: we hire real actors, we cater elegant dinners, and we give people the experience of total immersion. They are living in this castle, moving from room to room, touching the objects, sitting on the furniture, " part-owner Derek boasted to Nora. 

Nora had recently missed out on a coveted theatrical role and was interviewing for a position at Castle Dark. After touring the grounds, it wasn't a difficult decision to join the cast. Staying in a castle and acting out various stories in which visitors are the ones investigating a crime seemed a rather sweet gig. Until murder becomes a reality and the actors and staff at Castle Dark no longer know who they can trust. 

A detective just happens to have already been retained previously (working undercover as a gardener) so the investigations begin immediately.  Unfortunately, Nora was the one who discovered the body and she is bound and determined to find the guilty party--if it's the last thing she does. And it almost is, as danger approached ever closer.

Death in Castle Dark is a rather lighthearted cozy-type mystery. The prospect of a mansion with secret passageways and opulence all around makes for an entertaining backdrop to murder. With a bit of romance thrown in, readers will find the book to be a worthy escapist novel. There were some passing references to past indiscretions mentioned, but nothing in graphic detail. Overall, it was an enjoyable read--perfect for a crisp autumn day or a companion on a chilly winter evening.

Disclaimer: I received a free digital copy of Death in Castle Dark from NetGalley for the purpose of review. No other compensation was received.