OK, so this isn’t really a Halloweenie book per se, however the cover tells another tale! How spooky is this gothic French chateau? It looks like something straight out of a Scooby Doo cartoon!

Other thant the alluring cover, here’re my thoughts:

The setting: I’m giving this author extra stars for the setting along. I’m used to reading cozy mysteries that are 99% dialogue, so it was so nice to sink into this lovely French countryside setting, where the characters would taake side-trips to farmer’s markets, lavendar fields and even a spooky insane asylum where Van Gogh did his best work! I rather enjoyed this poor-girl’s trip to Provance without ever having to jump on a plane.

The multiple POVs: Authors take a risk when they choose this route because it has to be done exceptionally well to avoid confusion and disjointed pacing. Thankfully, this tactic worked very well with these characters, who were all interesting and shady.

The girl drama: We’re dealing with a group of over-privileged college buddies who all have secrets and motives for murder. We’ve got some high-class soccer moms, a celebrity chef, a struggling artist with a mysterious source of income and a hunky groundskeeper. To boot, they’re all being called to the chateau by the MC’s filthy rich grandmother for a specific reason. Such intrigue!

The likeability factor: My only gripe is that none of these characters are relatable nor likeable, probably because I’m not a trust fund baby. I just couldn’t’ find it within myself to root for anyone.

Overall: If you enjoy a slow-burn locked-room mystery, this is a quality read. The pacing might be a little too slow for impatient readers, but I rather enjoyed the building suspense and the cliff-hanging chapters! And oh my goodness, that last twist in the final chapter just sealed the deal for me! Chef’s kiss!