Murder at Maybridge Castle

A festive murder mystery set in 1936.
In Murder at Maybridge Castle, guests and staff converge for the grand reopening of the newly renovated Maybridge Castle, a charming hotel nestled in the picturesque Cumbrian countryside. Among the eclectic mix of attendees are a doctor and his newlywed wife, a pair of tarot readers, a journalist, an elderly amateur sleuth accompanied by her feline companion, and many others, each with their own secrets and motives.

The Plot

What begins as a light-hearted game of murder-in-the-dark takes a sinister turn when one guest is discovered lifeless, casting a pall over the festivities. As tension escalates and mistrust mounts, the remaining guests are drawn into a web of intrigue, forced to uncover the identity of the murderer before they become the next victim. The castle, filled with its own history and hidden corners, serves as a backdrop for a tale woven with suspense, dark humour, and unexpected twists.

Themes

Moncrieff explores themes of deception, the nature of trust, and the complexities of human relationships within the confined setting of the castle. The interplay between the characters reveals the fragility of appearances and the lengths one will go to protect their interests.

Writing Style

With sharp dialogue and vividly drawn characters, Moncrieff's narrative invites readers to immerse themselves in a world where every detail matters, and the atmosphere is thick with suspense. Fans of Agatha Christie and cosy mysteries will find a kindred spirit in this engaging tale.