Crypt Suzette by Maya Corrigan Review

Crypt Suzette by Maya Corrigan is the 6th book in the A Five Ingredient Mystery Series. The series which follows Val Deniston a young woman who lives with her grandfather. Val also works two jobs one of which is her own catering service she uses as a ruse to help her solve a murder. Val seems to spend most of her time working and sleuthing. It does not seem like she has a very active social life or love interest to start with.

The story takes place close to Halloween. But it is not heavily Halloween themed. If you are reading this because of the Halloween element you may want to know this beforehand.

I have read no other books in this series. Since this book was far along in this cozy series, it surprised me it was easy to follow along. Val and her Grandfather have a tenant living with them Suzette Cripps. When Suzette is the victim of a hit-and-run Val and her Grandfather investigate. What threw me off a bit was how everyone reacted to the victim's death. Val and her Grandfather namely did not seem too broken up or upset over it. Vals lack of previous romantic entanglements help. Also not having the other murders mentioned often made it easy to read along.

I felt Val was more concerned with solving the murder than anything else. That and her possible new romance. One of the main settings is the town of Bayport's newest bookstore Title Wave. Which Val and her Grandfather have a personal connection to.

It bothered me that Val and her Grandfather did not feel shaken more by the death of Suzette. Someone that lived in their home. I felt there was a disconnect and lack of emotional connection between characters. I would have enjoyed the story more they had shed if a tear or two.

What sets this cozy series apart is a few things. Val and her Grandfather are friends with Police Chief Earl Yardley. So they are not often scolded for their investigation. Like in other books. There were a few common tropes in this book that reminded me a bit of Joanne Fluke’s Hannah Swensen Mysteries. The writing styles are not similar. Still if you like the Hannah Swensen Mysteries you will like this book.

I also did not figure out who the killer was on my own which rarely happens. However, the motive was weak and shallow. That and the lack of remorse over Suzette’s death is why I rated Crypt Suzette four out of five stars on Goodreads.