Secrets are rarely good, especially in cozy mysteries. In this case, there are so many secrets floating about that I almost felt like I needed a scorecard. Wow, I definitely didn't see that twist coming at the end. While I wasn't wowed by this book, I enjoyed it. The main characters, Rayne McGrath and her cousin Ciara Smith are both interesting, likable women. They come from very different worlds, Rayne from the fast pace of Rodeo Drive fashion while Ciara has spent her time in Ireland. Both bring different strengths and weaknesses to their shared goal, however, of keeping McGrath Castle productive and thus helping support the village. They have a year to make a profit or lose it all according to terms of Rayne's grandfather's will. Rayne thinks her prayers may have been answered, however, when Hollywood comes to call in the form of two stars seeking a remote, secretive place to marry. Things seem ti be looking up but, oops, then there's a murder.
That's when the story takes off. I won't detail the plot other than to say there are secrets galore, the unexpected, villagers in not-so-secret rebellion, a lost diary, an adorable dog, quaint pubs, carriage rides, gunshots, jealousy, an escaped prisoner, and, well, that's just the basics. The side stories were just that, kept to the side. I felt a bit deflated that one of them seemed to be building to a climax of some sort than....nothing. I assume it will be continued in the next book but just found it annoying. Through it all, however, Rayne proves highly resourceful with the help of Ciara and the castle regulars. Even Blarney, the dog on the cover, gets a moment to shine.
Bottom line, an okay book but it didn't quite hit a home run with me. That said, I loved the cover, liked Rayne and was happy to see Ciara and her working together this go-round instead of at odds with each other. It definitely kept me wondering what was going on with the wedding party the entire rime and the big reveal, with everyone brought together, was well done. The virtual tour of the castle was fun, too, and with so much left still hidden away, I expect to hear more about it's medieval furniture and objects as the series goes along. Thanks #CrookedLaneBooks for allowing me this early, quick visit to an Irish castle to catch up with the efforts of Rayne and Ciara to save McGrath Castle. What a lovely setting for a wedding.
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