Genre: Mystery
Hardcover; Digital Book
ISBN #: 9781639109210
Crooked Lane Books
288 Pages
$29.99; $17.99 Amazon
December 10, 2024
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rayne McGrath's efforts to save the rundown family castle she inherited were an epic failure after she accidentally set fire to the tower and tanked the budget. Is the castle haunted, or is she just unlucky? Meanwhile, her cousin, Ciara Smith, is anxiously booking their joint calendar with special events in the hopes of brining the property around before they lose everything.
When a bridalwear client from LA asks Rayne for help as her guest list spirals out of control, Rayne nabs the answer to her prayers. McGrath Castle is the perfect destination for the exclusive and intimate wedding party of heiress Tori Montgomery and her fiancé, heartthrob actor Jake Anderson. But this white veil occasion turns into a nightmare when Tori's best friend's assistant, Tiffany Quick, is found dead.
It's feared Tiffany jumped from the tower, but that theory is quickly put in doubt as secrets within the wedding part come to light. And as the villagers protest this new wedding venue venture, Rayne begins to wonder if she will succeed in her endeavor or lose it all.
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Rayne McGrath moved to Ireland from LA after her a) boyfriend Landon stole all her money and gowns from her Rodeo Drive wedding gown business; and b) her Uncle Nevin passed and left her his estate -- including a run-down castle that she has a year to make into a profitable endeavor or lose everything and be swallowed up by a neighboring shire. With the help of her cousin Ciara, she's working on doing so, hoping that the wedding scheduled with heiress Tori Montgomery and actor Jake Anderson will bring in the needed funds to get them through for awhile.
But almost immediately things begin to go wrong, and when Tori's friend Amy's assistant Tiffany is found dead on the castle grounds, she wonders if maybe the stars are against her. At first everyone thinks Tiffany jumped due to unsettling news, but Rayne and Ciara soon find out from the garda that it's murder. Not being able to tell anyone, they try and continue with the wedding plans, get past the glitches, and hope for the best. But the issues don't stop. Even with the accidents unfolding, Tori wants her wedding to go forward, and all Rayne can do is try and make it happen. Even if it kills her...
This is the second in the series, and I was just as enchanted as I was with the first. Rayne is settling in her new life as lady of the manor (although she won't use the name); hoping that her cousin will see eye-to-eye with her on improving things. Unfortunately, when the celebrity wedding was scheduled, Rayne didn't think it would be such a nightmare. Really a nightmare. A diva bride (and maid of honor), surly assistants, a constantly drunken member of the entourage, and, at least, the wealthy and decent parents of the bride -- who will do anything for their daughter's happiness.
When the murder occurs, Rayne needs to keep it under her hat, which isn't easy, since one of the guests is a killer. Or is it one of her new hires on the farm? All Rayne knows is that a murderer is in their midst, and needs to be found before the weekend is up and the guests leave. Things begin to go even more awry when there are several 'accidents' and suddenly Garda Dominic needs Rayne's help in finding out who's at fault.
When the ending comes and everything fits together, we see that the clues were there: I had a bit of a hunch toward the beginning, glad I was right, and even more, glad I read this book. The reason for murder is very sad indeed, and no excusing the crime. But the book gives you clues throughout, a few red herrings, a misdirection, and a wonderful ending. I look forward to the next in the series. Highly recommended.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley but this in no way influenced my review.
More on Ellie Brannigan's Books: https://www.fantasticfiction.com/b/ellie-brannigan/
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