Mystery at the Masquerade

Mystery at the Masquerade (2021) Josh Lanyon (Secrets and Scrabble)

The third book in the Secrets and Scrabble series finds Ellery back to “just friends” with Jack Carter, the sheriff.

Luckily he has plenty to keep him busy. Like his book store.

Ellery set about opening the shop for the day. Or, in other words, making coffee.

And his puppy.

Watson, noisily scooting his dish back and forth across the newly refinished floor, ignored him.

He is also invited to the big event on the Island–the Masquerade.

What is so nice about this mystery is that it is a cozy, so although there is murder, for the most part the story is fun, with lots of banter between Ellery and his shop assistant, as well as the romance between Ellery and Jack–we finally learn some of Jack’s past and his trauma.

The other thing I really liked is that we get a realistic look at concussion and just what dealing with concussion means.

I run a mystery bookstore. Ninety percent of injuries suffered by characters in mysteries are concussions.”

Dr. Mane laughed, although Ellery was being serious. “Sure, but it’s not like in the books or in movies. (A) brain needs time to heal, which can take seven to fourteen days. Ten is the average.”

“Ten days?” Ellery gaped at him.

“On average.”

The way head injuries are treated in so many stories often irks me, so I take delight when it is portrayed correctly.

It’s a cute fun story, and I’m looking forward to the next two books.

Publisher : JustJoshin Publishing, Inc
Rating: 7.5/10

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