Death Checks Inn by Sara Robbins

[White Dove]

Author Sara Robbins introduces readers to a cast of rich, believable characters in the cozy mystery book Death Checks Inn. The reader is quickly wrapped up in the lives of the people of Elksville, Colorado a fictitious town set against the beauty of Pikes Peak and in the day-to- day challenges of renovating and opening the Aspen Valley Inn.

Lacey Washburn attempts to succeed in a new phase of her life by opening the Aspen Valley Inn with the help of her sister Charlotte. At one time, Lacey was successful in both her personal and professional life. However, a broken relationship and the loss of a job have her rebuilding her life and attempting to find peace and happiness. On the opening night of the inn, a man is found murdered inside the inn with all of the doors locked and suddenly all of the guests become suspects. Will the third time for Lacey be the charm or will it be a strike out?

The author keeps readers interested by adding new and intriguing characters and plots as the search for the murderer takes place. Lacey continues to struggle with building her business during a murder investigation and to meet the needs of the guest staying at Aspen Valley. The possibility of a romance begins to develop and Lacey is unsure after her past experience whether or not she is ready or able to deal with it at the present time.

This was one of the most enjoyable books that I have had the pleasure of reading in recent history. Thinking of myself as a junior detective, I attempt to solve the murder in any book that I am reading long before the ending of the book. However, with this book, each time I “solved” the murder, new clues would arise to prove me wrong. I also enjoyed how the author, through her well-written words and descriptions, enabled me to imagine myself among the guests at the inn or hiking one of the trails up to Pike’s Peak.

I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. This well written book held my interest to the point that I finished it in one day, which is unusual for me. This book will appeal to the interests of readers of several different genres including cozy mystery, romance, and suspense. Readers will want to continue their relationship with the characters in the book by reading books two and three of the series as I plan to do very soon. As Ms. Robbins has written many other series, I feel that the reader can form a long-term relationship with an excellent author.

[sahmoun2778]

I think I will add this one to my list of books to read on long winter nights.