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The Isle of Wight Killings #4
A Halloween Murder
Susan has always taken comfort in the peaceful rhythm of life on the Isle of Wight. But when her daughter Zoe invites her to a Halloween ghost walk at a remote castle, Susan has a sense of foreboding she can’t quite shake.
It’s meant to be a bit of fun for the group of old school friends, the thrill of an overnight stay behind the castle’s ancient gates. But when one of them is found dead, the weekend away takes a sinister turn. With the castle locked down and the group trapped inside, it soon becomes clear the killer would have been amongst them.
As the police begin their investigation, Susan can’t stand by and watch. She knows her daughter, and she knows Zoe’s friends – none of them could be capable of such a terrible act. Could they?
It’s meant to be a bit of fun for the group of old school friends, the thrill of an overnight stay behind the castle’s ancient gates. But when one of them is found dead, the weekend away takes a sinister turn. With the castle locked down and the group trapped inside, it soon becomes clear the killer would have been amongst them.
As the police begin their investigation, Susan can’t stand by and watch. She knows her daughter, and she knows Zoe’s friends – none of them could be capable of such a terrible act. Could they?
394 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 7, 2025
637 people are currently reading
157 people want to read
About the author
Mary Grand
19 books270 followersI grew up in Wales. Later I taught in London and then worked with Deaf Children in Hastings. I now live on the beautiful Isle of Wight with my family.
I am published by Boldwood Books and write murder mystery, whodunnits, set on the Isle of Wight. The House Party was published in July 2020
The next 'The Island' will be published on June 24th, 2021.
Previously I published three novels, Free to Be Tegan, Hidden Chapters and Behind the Smile. I have also written two anthologies of short stories, Making Changes and Catching the light is a FREE download.
I would love to hear from you on my blog here on Goodreads.
I am published by Boldwood Books and write murder mystery, whodunnits, set on the Isle of Wight. The House Party was published in July 2020
The next 'The Island' will be published on June 24th, 2021.
Previously I published three novels, Free to Be Tegan, Hidden Chapters and Behind the Smile. I have also written two anthologies of short stories, Making Changes and Catching the light is a FREE download.
I would love to hear from you on my blog here on Goodreads.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
September 8, 2025
Author Mary Grand returns with the 4th book in her Isle of Wight Killings series, as she brings us back to her home on the "Most Haunted Island in the World" for A Halloween Murder. The occasion is a mini-reunion of a high school band who are reuniting for a concert for honor their former teacher who is retiring. What could be more enjoyable than staying in a haunted castle and going on Ghost Walks???? On day 1 the organizer of the reunion is killed and everyone is a suspect. As always there is a strong plot, well defined characters and a mystery that keeps we the reader guessing until the very end. And the author always gives us a few choice pieces of info about her home. The last book featured Twixmas, while this book details the mysteries of Carisbrooke Castle, the main setting of the book, as well as educating me about the famous Isle of Wight Tomatoes!!!
Fun read for one and all, and a great British cozy mystery that I can highly recommend!
Fun read for one and all, and a great British cozy mystery that I can highly recommend!
December 26, 2025
Great series set on the Isle of Wight. . I love that an important member of the sleuthing team is over 90 and lives in aged care. She does online research too.
May 10, 2025
#AHalloweenMurder #NetGalley is the perfect book to read on a stormy day.
Susan is excited to have her daughter Zoe stay with her for a few days, however, she's not prepared to find herself wrapped up in another police investigation.
Zoe is meeting up with her old school friends, to celebrate the retirement of their music teacher.
A few of the friends have lost touch, but no one expects them to have so much animosity among them.
When Zoe's friend Maxine confesses her secrets, she has no idea it will be the last time she speaks with her.
Susan becomes quickly involved when it seems Zoe is a suspect, and the two of them team up to see if they can find the truth.
This is a fantastic story, it grabbed my attention from the beginning, and I read it in one day, because I had to know who did it and why.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
I'm happy to recommend it to other readers.
Susan is excited to have her daughter Zoe stay with her for a few days, however, she's not prepared to find herself wrapped up in another police investigation.
Zoe is meeting up with her old school friends, to celebrate the retirement of their music teacher.
A few of the friends have lost touch, but no one expects them to have so much animosity among them.
When Zoe's friend Maxine confesses her secrets, she has no idea it will be the last time she speaks with her.
Susan becomes quickly involved when it seems Zoe is a suspect, and the two of them team up to see if they can find the truth.
This is a fantastic story, it grabbed my attention from the beginning, and I read it in one day, because I had to know who did it and why.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
I'm happy to recommend it to other readers.
September 7, 2025
The plot is good, but this story should have a different main character. Susan is not much of a sleuth, or at least she does not sleuth much. She just happens to be present. I don’t know why she is the main character; she is terribly dull.
Susan’s daughter and her schoolfriends are having a reunion, of sorts, and Susan is invited to some of their activities, for some reason. Probably so she can meet all the suspects before hand, because it’s pretty obvious who is going to die.
Even the victim herself knew: she had found a miniature of the grim reaper in a pocket and was sure someone had left it for her as a message. She even mentions that the grim reaper comes out at midnight on Halloween. Then she mentions she having a private meeting with someone at midnight on Halloween.
Now, I don’t want to blame the victim, but if you get a warning about death at midnight, do you really want to have a secret meeting at that time? In a place where a drop from a great height is nearly inevitable?
Anyway, victim dies, police is called and everyone is interviewed. Susan’s daughter Zoe admits to having talked to the victim before midnight, but claims she was not the last to speak to her. The victim had another meeting set up. No one admits to having been to this meeting. They wouldn’t now, would they, admit to being the last to see the victim alive.
Zoe is surprised and irritated none of her friends admits to having set up a meeting with the victim at midnight. But Zoe seems a bit dense in a few other regards as well. She can’t imagine LeAnne and Gino having an affair, even though LeAnne is very defensive of Gino and very touchy-feelly with someone she supposedly only met once or twice (and is married).
Zoe is more of a sleuth than her mother is. As she is one of the friends it also makes more sense that she is where she is, whereas Susan has to be shoehorned in. Sadly, Zoe is too stupid to run an investigation.
One thing I found strange about this group of “friends”: when they get together after the death of one of their group - and they get together several times - not once do they share fond memories of their late friend. They either sit quietly or they accuse each other of having something to do with the death. Surely there most be fond memories. What’s the point of a reunion in the first place if there are no fond memories?
Anyway, plot okay, but needs better characters. The writing is rather dull too. Utilitarian. It gets the message across, but there is no fringe. Or the book is simply too long for this kind of writing. Or too long for a cozy of any kind. And it is rather telling that at 70% I still do not really care who the killer is. Basically, I read on because a review mentioned something about the reveal and I was interested how that would play out.
But it was a struggle.
Because during the course of the story I had learned I do not like Susan. First she is rather dull; she gets invited to gatherings of the friends group, while none of the other parents are; people step aside to speak with her, so she can sleuth without actually making any effort to sleuth. But what rubbed me really the wrong way is when Robert invited her to come with him to France to help out his daughter, rather than say: “sorry, but I really don’t want to”, she suggests his daughter give up her dream. And then gets upset with Robert for already having plans to spend time with his kids during Christmas in France. Plans he had not previously told her about. She finds this shows a lack of commitment on his part. Committent? She makes Robert sleep in the guest room when he stays the night because she’s not ready to commit to a relationship. She has no right to question his commitment to a relationship she herself is not committed to.
I read an ARC through NetGalley.
Susan’s daughter and her schoolfriends are having a reunion, of sorts, and Susan is invited to some of their activities, for some reason. Probably so she can meet all the suspects before hand, because it’s pretty obvious who is going to die.
Even the victim herself knew: she had found a miniature of the grim reaper in a pocket and was sure someone had left it for her as a message. She even mentions that the grim reaper comes out at midnight on Halloween. Then she mentions she having a private meeting with someone at midnight on Halloween.
Now, I don’t want to blame the victim, but if you get a warning about death at midnight, do you really want to have a secret meeting at that time? In a place where a drop from a great height is nearly inevitable?
Anyway, victim dies, police is called and everyone is interviewed. Susan’s daughter Zoe admits to having talked to the victim before midnight, but claims she was not the last to speak to her. The victim had another meeting set up. No one admits to having been to this meeting. They wouldn’t now, would they, admit to being the last to see the victim alive.
Zoe is surprised and irritated none of her friends admits to having set up a meeting with the victim at midnight. But Zoe seems a bit dense in a few other regards as well. She can’t imagine LeAnne and Gino having an affair, even though LeAnne is very defensive of Gino and very touchy-feelly with someone she supposedly only met once or twice (and is married).
Zoe is more of a sleuth than her mother is. As she is one of the friends it also makes more sense that she is where she is, whereas Susan has to be shoehorned in. Sadly, Zoe is too stupid to run an investigation.
One thing I found strange about this group of “friends”: when they get together after the death of one of their group - and they get together several times - not once do they share fond memories of their late friend. They either sit quietly or they accuse each other of having something to do with the death. Surely there most be fond memories. What’s the point of a reunion in the first place if there are no fond memories?
Anyway, plot okay, but needs better characters. The writing is rather dull too. Utilitarian. It gets the message across, but there is no fringe. Or the book is simply too long for this kind of writing. Or too long for a cozy of any kind. And it is rather telling that at 70% I still do not really care who the killer is. Basically, I read on because a review mentioned something about the reveal and I was interested how that would play out.
But it was a struggle.
Because during the course of the story I had learned I do not like Susan. First she is rather dull; she gets invited to gatherings of the friends group, while none of the other parents are; people step aside to speak with her, so she can sleuth without actually making any effort to sleuth. But what rubbed me really the wrong way is when Robert invited her to come with him to France to help out his daughter, rather than say: “sorry, but I really don’t want to”, she suggests his daughter give up her dream. And then gets upset with Robert for already having plans to spend time with his kids during Christmas in France. Plans he had not previously told her about. She finds this shows a lack of commitment on his part. Committent? She makes Robert sleep in the guest room when he stays the night because she’s not ready to commit to a relationship. She has no right to question his commitment to a relationship she herself is not committed to.
I read an ARC through NetGalley.
June 1, 2025
A Halloween Murder by Mary Grant, Susan is hosting her daughter Zoe and good friend Leanne for the Halloween weekend. they’re meeting Zoe‘s childhood friends Maxine,, her husband Gino, Nick, and last but not least Annika. The rest are staying at a popular castle on the aisle of white where Maxine grew up and where the ghost tour will happen. When Maxine first planned this vacation it was to get the group together and have a fun time but since she planned it things have happened that made friends not so friendly and Maxine is regretting even inviting them. for starters her and Gino‘s marriage isn’t so great, Leanne blames Nick and accuses him of planting drugs on her brother and trying to kill him and this is all just the beginning. After the ghost tour the next morning they find maxing dead at the bottom of one of the spires and since Zoe was the last one to be seen with her she’s put right at the top of the suspect list. luckily for Zoe her mom is known for sleuthing and when it comes to Zoe you can bet your bottom dollar she’s going to do exactly that. There’s plenty of great suspects but once again Susan will risk her life trying to find out who is the actual culprit. Susan also learns her close friend ROBERT is moving to France and wants her to go with him. Let me start by saying I have really been getting into some cozy mysteries and couldn’t wait to start this one on the aisle of white which is a place I would love to visit. Sadly more than once I wanted to DNF this book for one thing let’s start with her friend ROBERT who she doesn’t want to commit to in any way due to the recent disillusion of her own marriage and how her husband left her so she keeps him at arm’s-length but then when she learns he started learning French and is planning to move to France to help his daughter with her farm house for the next two months she gets angry and doesn’t want to speak to him. I didn’t understand this because if she doesn’t want to be serious with him why would it bother her that he planned this trip before asking her and how can he invite her to go on a trip he is yet to plan? Vinci claims she doesn’t want to go because of Zoe her granddaughter Jamari and Zoe‘s wife but they don’t even live nearby but I digress. About the mystery more than once these friends over the week they’re together say things especially Leanne that would cause most people to stop speaking to them but no these friends not only continue their friendship but continue to plan and get together even after no one defend Zoe from a murder accusation. it seems lots of people like this book but I myself found it only OK especially and mainly due to the fact so many things happen that would’ve been a dealbreaker and I found that the characters completely acted the opposite way most people would act in the situation. I really liked the setting I liked Susan and her daughter Zoe but I just found this book holy unbelievable bordering on ridiculous but I will say I didn’t guess the culprit especially after the whole suspect run down in the apartment until they actually announced their self so there’s that. Read it at your own risk it was entertaining but again the characters didn’t at all act like normal people I will give this author another chance due to the likable characters and hopefully the next book will be better with the more believable story but whether I recommend it IDK I don’t think so. #NetGalley,#BoldWoodBooks,#TheBlindReviewer, #MaryGrant, #TheIsleOfWhiteMysteries, #TheHalloweenMurder,
July 7, 2025
4.5 stars. Susan has known her daughter's friends since they were children. When they decide to have a reunion and invite Susan along for a haunting ghost walk within the castle grounds, she cannot imagine that anything could go wrong. However, she starts to pick up on the tensions within the group and she realises she may not know them as well as she thought she did. Soon, one of them are dead and she knows that the killer has to be one of them. After all, they were all locked inside the castle grounds...
This was such a fun read. I loved the setting of Carisbrooke Castle as it really added to the atmosphere and claustrophobic feel of the story. I also enjoyed the story taking part during Halloween.
The author did a fantastic job of setting the scene and filling the story with lots of secrets and red herrings... the killer could have been anyone! I love a story with so many twists and turns. You don't know what to think, and this was one of those moments.
The characters were well portrayed and each one had hidden depths. Susan and Alice were great they both have a sharp mind and eye for detail and of course the true star of the show... Princess the cat.
I liked all the different threads and how it all came together in the end. It was well written, nicely thought out and the pacing was perfect and had me quickly turning the pages. I highly recommend to any cosy crime fans! I will definitely be checking out more books from this author.
Huge thanks to the author, publisher, Netgalley and Love Books Tours for providing a copy of the book to review.
This was such a fun read. I loved the setting of Carisbrooke Castle as it really added to the atmosphere and claustrophobic feel of the story. I also enjoyed the story taking part during Halloween.
The author did a fantastic job of setting the scene and filling the story with lots of secrets and red herrings... the killer could have been anyone! I love a story with so many twists and turns. You don't know what to think, and this was one of those moments.
The characters were well portrayed and each one had hidden depths. Susan and Alice were great they both have a sharp mind and eye for detail and of course the true star of the show... Princess the cat.
I liked all the different threads and how it all came together in the end. It was well written, nicely thought out and the pacing was perfect and had me quickly turning the pages. I highly recommend to any cosy crime fans! I will definitely be checking out more books from this author.
Huge thanks to the author, publisher, Netgalley and Love Books Tours for providing a copy of the book to review.
July 23, 2025
This book is part of a series by I felt it read well on its own. Susan, an older woman, is a good heroine. She is overcoming some issues and growing. The pace of the plot movement is good and consistent. The plot is complex and there are enough twists and red herrings I could not identify the villain early.
Grand's writing style is good and there is a good sense of setting. It would make for a good fall read with the mysterious atmosphere of the castle. It is good for readers who would like a cozy mystery with a Halloween theme.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. Mine is an independent review.
Grand's writing style is good and there is a good sense of setting. It would make for a good fall read with the mysterious atmosphere of the castle. It is good for readers who would like a cozy mystery with a Halloween theme.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. Mine is an independent review.
July 8, 2025
When a reunion turns deadly it's hard to believe that someone amongst their friends group could be a killer, but tensions keep running high as old grudges come out, and everyone becomes a suspect.
It had a great spooky atmosphere with the Halloween ghost walk at the castle, and the sense of foreboding.
I enjoyed learning more about each character and seeing what secrets they were hiding, as the suspicion grows and they start to accuse each other.
It had plenty of twists right until the end, so it keeps you guessing, especially with the motives pouring out.
I also liked the amateur detective mother and daughter team, as they work together to find clues the police have missed and to work out who had the most to gain from murder. It's a cosy murder mystery.
It had a great spooky atmosphere with the Halloween ghost walk at the castle, and the sense of foreboding.
I enjoyed learning more about each character and seeing what secrets they were hiding, as the suspicion grows and they start to accuse each other.
It had plenty of twists right until the end, so it keeps you guessing, especially with the motives pouring out.
I also liked the amateur detective mother and daughter team, as they work together to find clues the police have missed and to work out who had the most to gain from murder. It's a cosy murder mystery.
August 31, 2025
Mary Grand returns with another atmospheric installment in her Isle of Wight Murder Mystery series, this time weaving intrigue, friendship drama, and a chilling Halloween backdrop into a compelling cozy crime.
Susan, now settled into her new life in Bishopstone, looks forward to spending Halloween with her daughter Zoe, who is reuniting with old school friends for a concert at Carisbrooke Castle. But tensions run high within the group—resentments, betrayals, and hidden truths simmer beneath the surface. When one of them is found dead in the castle courtyard, suspicion turns inward, and Zoe herself becomes a prime suspect.
As ever, Susan finds herself drawn into the heart of the mystery, juggling her own personal challenges with the need to protect her daughter and uncover the truth. With the police unwilling to look past the obvious, it falls to Susan—helped by her sharp-witted friend Alice—to dig into the tangled relationships and secrets that led to murder.
The setting of Carisbrooke Castle at Halloween is wonderfully atmospheric, adding a gothic touch to the story without overwhelming it with seasonal tropes. The locked-room setup raises the stakes, and every character feels like a believable suspect. While some of Zoe’s friends come across as frustratingly immature, their messy dynamics fuel the tension and ensure readers will keep guessing.
Grand’s writing captures the comfort of a cozy mystery while still delivering darker edges, making this a satisfying read for fans who like their crime fiction layered with human drama. The pacing builds steadily, and while some conversations linger, the final reveal is clever and well-earned.
Bottom line: A Halloween Murder is a twisty, character-driven cozy set against an evocative Isle of Wight backdrop. Perfect for autumn nights, it blends friendship drama, seasonal atmosphere, and classic sleuthing into an engaging mystery.
Susan, now settled into her new life in Bishopstone, looks forward to spending Halloween with her daughter Zoe, who is reuniting with old school friends for a concert at Carisbrooke Castle. But tensions run high within the group—resentments, betrayals, and hidden truths simmer beneath the surface. When one of them is found dead in the castle courtyard, suspicion turns inward, and Zoe herself becomes a prime suspect.
As ever, Susan finds herself drawn into the heart of the mystery, juggling her own personal challenges with the need to protect her daughter and uncover the truth. With the police unwilling to look past the obvious, it falls to Susan—helped by her sharp-witted friend Alice—to dig into the tangled relationships and secrets that led to murder.
The setting of Carisbrooke Castle at Halloween is wonderfully atmospheric, adding a gothic touch to the story without overwhelming it with seasonal tropes. The locked-room setup raises the stakes, and every character feels like a believable suspect. While some of Zoe’s friends come across as frustratingly immature, their messy dynamics fuel the tension and ensure readers will keep guessing.
Grand’s writing captures the comfort of a cozy mystery while still delivering darker edges, making this a satisfying read for fans who like their crime fiction layered with human drama. The pacing builds steadily, and while some conversations linger, the final reveal is clever and well-earned.
Bottom line: A Halloween Murder is a twisty, character-driven cozy set against an evocative Isle of Wight backdrop. Perfect for autumn nights, it blends friendship drama, seasonal atmosphere, and classic sleuthing into an engaging mystery.
December 25, 2025
A reunion turned deadly. A who dunnit! A good book to read on a dark cold night.
July 8, 2025
I really love this series, a cosy murder mystery series set on the Isle Of Wight where I spent many childhood holidays - just fab. The main character, Susan, lives with her 2 dogs and cant’t resist a mystery, having solved 2 previously. However this time it’s a bit closer to home when one of her daughter’s old school friends dies after a fall from the battlements of the castle. Was she pushed or was it just a terrible accident?
Zoe gets accused by her friend’s husband, of course Susan isn’t having that and knows she;s innocent so the pair of them join up and are determined to solve the mystery. Everyone has an alibi - or do they? Twists and secrets are found at every turn but they don’t help prove what happened.
The book just flows and, just like the previous books in the series, I read it in no time. They’re so easy to read and you do find yourself being led astray at times and changing your mind about who did it. I can’t wait for the next one.
Zoe gets accused by her friend’s husband, of course Susan isn’t having that and knows she;s innocent so the pair of them join up and are determined to solve the mystery. Everyone has an alibi - or do they? Twists and secrets are found at every turn but they don’t help prove what happened.
The book just flows and, just like the previous books in the series, I read it in no time. They’re so easy to read and you do find yourself being led astray at times and changing your mind about who did it. I can’t wait for the next one.
October 28, 2025
I did not care for any of the characters in this book and didn’t care if they had all went over the battlements. They seemed one dimensional and the writing was amateurish in my opinion; it was hard to believe this wasn’t a debut author. I won’t be reading any more of hers.
November 4, 2025
I really enjoyed this book! You got to see into all of the characters worlds and I thought it was interesting that the main character / voice we hear is someone outside of the group but close to it. Having the mom be the main character makes it so any of the group could’ve been the killer and gives us an open perspective. As for who it was, it was the least likely but not totally surprising. I did think it was them multiple times throughout, but the book keeps you guessing and changing your mind. The scenery was amazing to picture as well.
July 8, 2025
A group of former school friends – including Susan’s daughter Zoe – are reuniting for Halloween weekend, with a concert planned to mark the retirement of their former music teacher. Barrister Maxine, contemplating the likely end of her marriage, is joined by husband Gino: they’re staying in an apartment within the walls of Carisbrooke Castle, together with Nick and girlfriend Annika, who will be performing at the concert. Zoe, and local friend LeAnne – now a successful restauranteur – are both staying with Susan, and she’s delighted to be invited to join them all for a nighttime ghost walk. But there are tensions within the group, and Susan feels generally uneasy.
When one of the group is found dead in the courtyard below the battlements, there’s a clear cast of suspects – this is very much a locked room mystery, as no-one can enter or leave the castle at night, so one of the group must be the killer. And when the individuals start to turn on each other and the finger of suspicion begins to point towards her daughter Zoe, seen on the battlements after the ghost walk, Susan – despite being warned off by the police, who now know her well – feels compelled to get involved in the investigation.
This was a really compelling mystery, becoming increasingly complicated by further discoveries, the pages turning ever faster. Every one of the suspects, each taking their turn in the frame, is equally credible – and the characters are so complex and well drawn, with many more dark secrets uncovered as the story unfolds. Susan digs into the hidden detail, with the assistance of her elderly but logical-minded friend Alice at the local nursing home – although distracted at times by the arrival of her new neighbour, concerns about Zoe’s future plans, and the possible departure of her ex-police friend Robert to help his own daughter in France. And they were distinctly more successful than I was in putting the clues together – the perpetrator, when finally uncovered, came as a surprise, but not a left-field one because all the clues were always there.
The pacing is excellent, as always, as the tension builds – and the story itself has distinctly dark edges. I’ve grown particularly fond of Susan, her internal monologue when weighing up the evidence and testing her theories, taking every opportunity to walk her dogs even when it means putting herself in the path of danger (I’ve now learned when to look away…). The location is simply perfect, with Carisbrooke Castle (wonderfully described) now firmly on my “must visit” list, very much another character in the story. And I rather like the close community of Bishopstone too – where everyone knows everyone else, and there’s not much that escapes the notice of Tracy at the village shop who usually has her own “take” on events.
Another excellent read from a favourite author. I might not read cosy mysteries very often, but this is a series I’m very much enjoying – and this another book I would strongly recommend to others.
When one of the group is found dead in the courtyard below the battlements, there’s a clear cast of suspects – this is very much a locked room mystery, as no-one can enter or leave the castle at night, so one of the group must be the killer. And when the individuals start to turn on each other and the finger of suspicion begins to point towards her daughter Zoe, seen on the battlements after the ghost walk, Susan – despite being warned off by the police, who now know her well – feels compelled to get involved in the investigation.
This was a really compelling mystery, becoming increasingly complicated by further discoveries, the pages turning ever faster. Every one of the suspects, each taking their turn in the frame, is equally credible – and the characters are so complex and well drawn, with many more dark secrets uncovered as the story unfolds. Susan digs into the hidden detail, with the assistance of her elderly but logical-minded friend Alice at the local nursing home – although distracted at times by the arrival of her new neighbour, concerns about Zoe’s future plans, and the possible departure of her ex-police friend Robert to help his own daughter in France. And they were distinctly more successful than I was in putting the clues together – the perpetrator, when finally uncovered, came as a surprise, but not a left-field one because all the clues were always there.
The pacing is excellent, as always, as the tension builds – and the story itself has distinctly dark edges. I’ve grown particularly fond of Susan, her internal monologue when weighing up the evidence and testing her theories, taking every opportunity to walk her dogs even when it means putting herself in the path of danger (I’ve now learned when to look away…). The location is simply perfect, with Carisbrooke Castle (wonderfully described) now firmly on my “must visit” list, very much another character in the story. And I rather like the close community of Bishopstone too – where everyone knows everyone else, and there’s not much that escapes the notice of Tracy at the village shop who usually has her own “take” on events.
Another excellent read from a favourite author. I might not read cosy mysteries very often, but this is a series I’m very much enjoying – and this another book I would strongly recommend to others.
June 16, 2025
Susan is excited to have her daughter, Zoe, in town—even if Zoe’s main reason for the visit to the Isle of Wright is to reconnect with her high school friends and bandmates at a performance dedicated to their former music teacher. While Zoe and a friend are staying at Susan’s house, the rest of the group are renting an apartment at the nearby castle. Following a late-night ghost walk around the castle grounds, one of the group members is found dead. Considering the castle was locked up for the night and the six friends were the only ones inside when the murder took place, the suspect list is very short. Because her daughter is one of the suspects, Susan inserts herself into the investigation. She must prove that Zoe is innocent and figure out which of her daughter’s former friends is a killer before anyone else is harmed.
My main reason for reading A HALLOWEEN MURDER was because it involved my favorite holiday and a ghost tour around an old castle. I really loved the setting. The castle came off as very creepy and it added to the atmosphere of the story. The characters I did not love at all. Aside from being a dog-lover (always a plus in my book), Susan is just bizarre. But I won’t go into her relationship with her quasi-boyfriend or the fact that she spends much of the novel hanging out with her daughter and her daughter’s former friends from high school. But speaking of those former friends…the true mystery of A HALLOWEEN MURDER is why this group of people is spending a week together in the first place. Sure, five out of the six were friends back in high school. They were in a band together, and they wanted to honor their former music teacher at a retirement party. But a lot of time has passed since high school, and recent events have caused serious issues among the group. Issues that are so serious that I just cannot wrap my head around the fact that they wanted to hang out with each other for any significant amount of time.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
My main reason for reading A HALLOWEEN MURDER was because it involved my favorite holiday and a ghost tour around an old castle. I really loved the setting. The castle came off as very creepy and it added to the atmosphere of the story. The characters I did not love at all. Aside from being a dog-lover (always a plus in my book), Susan is just bizarre. But I won’t go into her relationship with her quasi-boyfriend or the fact that she spends much of the novel hanging out with her daughter and her daughter’s former friends from high school. But speaking of those former friends…the true mystery of A HALLOWEEN MURDER is why this group of people is spending a week together in the first place. Sure, five out of the six were friends back in high school. They were in a band together, and they wanted to honor their former music teacher at a retirement party. But a lot of time has passed since high school, and recent events have caused serious issues among the group. Issues that are so serious that I just cannot wrap my head around the fact that they wanted to hang out with each other for any significant amount of time.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
October 12, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an e-ARC of this cozy mystery in exchange for an honest review. The Isle of Wight Killings is a new-to-me series, and A Halloween Murder is its fourth instalment.
I have not read the previous three in the series. While I’m not sure if I should have read the others before reading this one, I think the author does a good job getting a new reader up to speed.
Susan, a retiree in her 60s, has moved to a small island village after her divorce. She has helped solve a few previous crimes in town (as do all amateur sleuths in these cozy series).
Her adult daughter, Zoe, is in town for Halloween with a few of her high school friends she used to be in a band with. The five friends—Zoe, Maxine, LeAnne, Nick, and Annika—have grown apart in many ways since high school, but their love of music persists, and they are holding a concert to celebrate their old music teacher who is retiring.
When one of the friends mysteriously dies on Halloween night, Susan and her daughter, Zoe, take on the challenge of finding out what happened.
This is unlike any cozy mystery series I’m familiar with (and I’ve read quite a few). The prologue begins with the killer’s POV but then switches to Susan’s in chapter one. However, it’s not Susan’s POV for the rest of the book (as is customary); the POV actually switches several times throughout the book to Zoe’s or her friends’.
While interesting, that’s not my favourite style. I felt like it kept breaking up my focus. I also didn’t feel like I got to know enough about Susan fast enough to latch on and sink my teeth in. This may be because I jumped in on the fourth book, so I’ll accept that as my own issue.
Overall, I liked Zoe, Susan, and their smart-as-a-whip elderly friend Alice at the nursing home. Susan’s relationship with her “friend” Robert felt unnecessarily complicated. As for the high school friends, they all kind of sucked in their own ways — I didn’t even care which one was the killer. A middle-of-the-road read for me, and I can’t see myself continuing the series.
I have not read the previous three in the series. While I’m not sure if I should have read the others before reading this one, I think the author does a good job getting a new reader up to speed.
Susan, a retiree in her 60s, has moved to a small island village after her divorce. She has helped solve a few previous crimes in town (as do all amateur sleuths in these cozy series).
Her adult daughter, Zoe, is in town for Halloween with a few of her high school friends she used to be in a band with. The five friends—Zoe, Maxine, LeAnne, Nick, and Annika—have grown apart in many ways since high school, but their love of music persists, and they are holding a concert to celebrate their old music teacher who is retiring.
When one of the friends mysteriously dies on Halloween night, Susan and her daughter, Zoe, take on the challenge of finding out what happened.
This is unlike any cozy mystery series I’m familiar with (and I’ve read quite a few). The prologue begins with the killer’s POV but then switches to Susan’s in chapter one. However, it’s not Susan’s POV for the rest of the book (as is customary); the POV actually switches several times throughout the book to Zoe’s or her friends’.
While interesting, that’s not my favourite style. I felt like it kept breaking up my focus. I also didn’t feel like I got to know enough about Susan fast enough to latch on and sink my teeth in. This may be because I jumped in on the fourth book, so I’ll accept that as my own issue.
Overall, I liked Zoe, Susan, and their smart-as-a-whip elderly friend Alice at the nursing home. Susan’s relationship with her “friend” Robert felt unnecessarily complicated. As for the high school friends, they all kind of sucked in their own ways — I didn’t even care which one was the killer. A middle-of-the-road read for me, and I can’t see myself continuing the series.
December 17, 2025
A Halloween Murder is a spooky, closed-door mystery set against the atmospheric backdrop of Carisbrooke Castle on Halloween night. Susan, who has always found comfort in the quiet routine of life on the Isle of Wight, joins her daughter Zoe and a group of Zoe’s old school friends for a ghost walk and overnight stay at the castle. What’s meant to be a bit of fun quickly turns dark when one of the group is found dead. With the castle locked down and no one able to leave, it becomes clear that the killer must be one of them.
The story leans heavily into the eerie setting, using the haunted castle and Halloween night to create an unsettling mood. As fog closes in and tensions rise, long-buried secrets and strained friendships begin to surface. The group’s shared history plays a big role, with old resentments, betrayals, and unresolved guilt simmering just beneath the surface.
Susan stands out as a steady presence amid the chaos. Her relationship with Zoe adds an emotional layer to the investigation, as she’s determined to believe that her daughter and her friends couldn’t be capable of murder. Around them, the rest of the group brings plenty of conflict. Maxine, a barrister juggling personal and professional pressures, LeAnne, whose anger is rooted in past injustices, and the lingering shadow of Nick’s past actions all contribute to a sense that everyone has something to hide.
While I was excited to receive this book from NetGalley, and I did enjoy parts of it, it ultimately didn’t entirely work for me. I think it came down to pacing. I struggled to stay engaged, and as the story went on, it didn’t hold my attention the way I’d hoped. After putting it down, I didn’t feel that pull to pick it back up, so I didn't finish it, stopping at 71%. This one just wasn’t for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for providing me with an e-ARC. I’m sorry this one didn’t quite land for me this time. I appreciate the opportunity to read and review it.
The story leans heavily into the eerie setting, using the haunted castle and Halloween night to create an unsettling mood. As fog closes in and tensions rise, long-buried secrets and strained friendships begin to surface. The group’s shared history plays a big role, with old resentments, betrayals, and unresolved guilt simmering just beneath the surface.
Susan stands out as a steady presence amid the chaos. Her relationship with Zoe adds an emotional layer to the investigation, as she’s determined to believe that her daughter and her friends couldn’t be capable of murder. Around them, the rest of the group brings plenty of conflict. Maxine, a barrister juggling personal and professional pressures, LeAnne, whose anger is rooted in past injustices, and the lingering shadow of Nick’s past actions all contribute to a sense that everyone has something to hide.
While I was excited to receive this book from NetGalley, and I did enjoy parts of it, it ultimately didn’t entirely work for me. I think it came down to pacing. I struggled to stay engaged, and as the story went on, it didn’t hold my attention the way I’d hoped. After putting it down, I didn’t feel that pull to pick it back up, so I didn't finish it, stopping at 71%. This one just wasn’t for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for providing me with an e-ARC. I’m sorry this one didn’t quite land for me this time. I appreciate the opportunity to read and review it.
October 10, 2025
Another wonderful cozy mystery with a Halloween setting, in an old castle that has seen a murder or two. So another one on Halloween night seems fitting, but was it murder or accidental? A high school band reunion to honor their former music teacher retiring brings them all to the Isle of Wight. While the other band members stay at an apartment at the nearby castle. It has been all arranged by Maxine, but there wasn’t enough bedrooms for all of them. So Susan is happy to have her daughter, Zoe and her friend Leanne stay with her. Seeing the kids all grown up was nice for Susan and being invited to join them on the Ghost Walk at the castle sounded like fun. As Susan reconnects with Zoe’s old friends she realizes time has changed them. As the tour ends Susan heads back home and Zoe and Leanne stay longer to hang out with Maxine, her husband Gino, Nick and Annika. One by one they all go exploring in the dark since they have the run of the place. Zoe and Leanne eventually take a taxi back to Susan. Come morning Maxine is missing and an all out search begins. Only to find Maxine dead, appearing to have fallen from the battlements. Zoe really only kept touch with Maxine and was deeply affected by the death and upset at the various responses from her friends. Then of course the finger pointing begins, but who is guilty? Zoe with her mother’s guidance and an old family friend Alice piece together the mystery of who is the murderer.
I enjoyed the writing and all the twists and turns, plus all the red herrings thrown in. I must say that this time I guessed correctly, but the why wasn’t clarified till the end. The friends did seem a bit unbelievable, I myself wouldn’t remain friends with all the accusations going on. I want to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks for this ARC. All opinions expressed are mine own. #AHalloweenMurder #TheIsleofWight
I enjoyed the writing and all the twists and turns, plus all the red herrings thrown in. I must say that this time I guessed correctly, but the why wasn’t clarified till the end. The friends did seem a bit unbelievable, I myself wouldn’t remain friends with all the accusations going on. I want to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks for this ARC. All opinions expressed are mine own. #AHalloweenMurder #TheIsleofWight
June 27, 2025
Set against the deliciously spooky backdrop of Carisbrooke Castle, A Halloween Murder delivers a cozy whodunnit perfect for curling up with during the fall season. Author Mary Grant crafts an atmospheric setting that feels tailor-made for a Halloween mystery...ghost walks, castle legends, and all.
At the heart of the story is amateur sleuth Susan Flynn and her daughter, Zoe, who find themselves wrapped up in a murder investigation when a nostalgic high school reunion turns sour. Susan and Zoe are standout characters...level-headed, believable, and well-developed. Their dynamic brings both warmth and rationality to a story that could have easily gone off the rails with the drama surrounding the rest of the cast.
The friend group at the center of the mystery is a mixed bag...diverse in background but lacking the nuanced interactions one might expect from old friends reconnecting. The tension was palpable, but I found myself wishing for a bit more authenticity in their exchanges. There’s very little of the give-and-take or bittersweet nostalgia that often accompanies reunions, and that made the group’s unraveling feel more inevitable than intriguing.
That said, Grant kept me engaged with a steady drip of clues and red herrings, and the pacing made it an easy read. While the emotional realism faltered in places, the mystery itself held my interest throughout.
All in all, Halloween Murder is an enjoyable seasonal read with a strong sense of place and two genuinely compelling leads. A solid pick for fans of cozy mysteries.
Many thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for providing me an ARC of the book..
At the heart of the story is amateur sleuth Susan Flynn and her daughter, Zoe, who find themselves wrapped up in a murder investigation when a nostalgic high school reunion turns sour. Susan and Zoe are standout characters...level-headed, believable, and well-developed. Their dynamic brings both warmth and rationality to a story that could have easily gone off the rails with the drama surrounding the rest of the cast.
The friend group at the center of the mystery is a mixed bag...diverse in background but lacking the nuanced interactions one might expect from old friends reconnecting. The tension was palpable, but I found myself wishing for a bit more authenticity in their exchanges. There’s very little of the give-and-take or bittersweet nostalgia that often accompanies reunions, and that made the group’s unraveling feel more inevitable than intriguing.
That said, Grant kept me engaged with a steady drip of clues and red herrings, and the pacing made it an easy read. While the emotional realism faltered in places, the mystery itself held my interest throughout.
All in all, Halloween Murder is an enjoyable seasonal read with a strong sense of place and two genuinely compelling leads. A solid pick for fans of cozy mysteries.
Many thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for providing me an ARC of the book..
July 7, 2025
Susan is the mother of Zoe and, now divorced, lives in Bishopstone with her two dogs. Zoe is coming to stay for a few days as she is meeting up with a group of friends from high school who were all in a band together. Their plan is to rent an apartment at Carisbrooke Castle that is partially in ruins and where King Charles I was held prisoner. There will be Zoe, Annika, Nick, LeAnne, plus Maxine and her husband Gino. It's Halloween night and there will be a ghost walk and a couple days later a concert. As space in the apartment is limited, Zoe and LeAnne will be staying the night at Susan’s home.
There appears to be animosity among the friends and Maxine and Gino are having martial problems. After the ghost walk, and shortly after midnight, Maxine goes missing and is found dead the next morning. She appears to have fallen from the battlements. The police question the friends and hope to find some answers.
I decided to read this book because I had enjoyed the author’s novel “The Christmas Murder.” I don’t that book was as convoluted as this one. The author has written what is supposed to be a “deep-thought” scenario to make the reader really try to solve this murder. However, there are so many red herrings that it can give one a headache trying to keep it all together. I do have to compliment the author for putting together something as complex as this mystery. But for me, it put far too much pressure on my little gray cells.
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
There appears to be animosity among the friends and Maxine and Gino are having martial problems. After the ghost walk, and shortly after midnight, Maxine goes missing and is found dead the next morning. She appears to have fallen from the battlements. The police question the friends and hope to find some answers.
I decided to read this book because I had enjoyed the author’s novel “The Christmas Murder.” I don’t that book was as convoluted as this one. The author has written what is supposed to be a “deep-thought” scenario to make the reader really try to solve this murder. However, there are so many red herrings that it can give one a headache trying to keep it all together. I do have to compliment the author for putting together something as complex as this mystery. But for me, it put far too much pressure on my little gray cells.
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
June 20, 2025
A gripping locked-room (castle) mystery
Susan Flynn, a retired teacher living on the Isle of Wight, enjoys the island's peaceful, slow pace. Unfortunately, that peace is about to be disturbed again in this fourth mystery in the series.
Susan’s daughter Zoe and her four friends from their high school band are getting together at Carisbrooke Castle. The group will attend a ghost walk at the castle on Halloween. Once the walk is over, the staff lock the gate to the castle grounds. Suspicion falls on the group of friends with the discovery of a body at the bottom of the battlements.
A Halloween Murder is a traditional locked-room mystery. Everyone takes their turn being a suspect, and secrets are slowly revealed. Susan and Zoe suspect that the fall was no accident. But who among the friends is a cold-blooded killer?
This is the first book I have read by Mary Grand, but I know it won’t be the last! It has great character development and wonderful descriptions of English village life. There are so many twists and turns that it is like being on a merry-go-round. This is a wonderful cozy mystery to settle in with on a rainy day, with tea and a biscuit. Fans of T A Williams, Ana T. Drew, and Vicki Delany mysteries would enjoy A Halloween Murder.
Susan Flynn, a retired teacher living on the Isle of Wight, enjoys the island's peaceful, slow pace. Unfortunately, that peace is about to be disturbed again in this fourth mystery in the series.
Susan’s daughter Zoe and her four friends from their high school band are getting together at Carisbrooke Castle. The group will attend a ghost walk at the castle on Halloween. Once the walk is over, the staff lock the gate to the castle grounds. Suspicion falls on the group of friends with the discovery of a body at the bottom of the battlements.
A Halloween Murder is a traditional locked-room mystery. Everyone takes their turn being a suspect, and secrets are slowly revealed. Susan and Zoe suspect that the fall was no accident. But who among the friends is a cold-blooded killer?
This is the first book I have read by Mary Grand, but I know it won’t be the last! It has great character development and wonderful descriptions of English village life. There are so many twists and turns that it is like being on a merry-go-round. This is a wonderful cozy mystery to settle in with on a rainy day, with tea and a biscuit. Fans of T A Williams, Ana T. Drew, and Vicki Delany mysteries would enjoy A Halloween Murder.
July 6, 2025
Another cracking mystery from Mary Grand. Based on the Isle of Wight and once again featuring Susan who yearns for a quiet life but somehow murder always seems to find her. In this story a group of friends including Susan’s daughter Zoe, gather together at Halloween to reminisce about their school days and attend a concert. On their first night they attend a ghost walk around the haunted castle where most of them are staying. Some are quite spooked by the walk, others just think it fun. However, when the body of one of their group is discovered at the foot of the precarious battlements, the suspicion begins. Did they fall or wete they pushed? As Zoe is implicated as much as her remaining friends, Susan cannot help but become involved and searches for answers regardless of the danger she may put herself in. There are many clues and red herrings along the way and once again I have failed to guess the truth. A final shocking twist reveals all the answers. I love this series, not least because the Island is so familiar to me but I also enjoy all the regular characters and especially the lovely dogs. I look forward to the next one. Readers who don’t know the Island - it’s really not this murderous! It is however as beautiful and interesting as Mary portrays.
July 7, 2025
Susan has always taken comfort in the peaceful rhythm of life on the Isle of Wight. But when her daughter Zoe invites her to a Halloween ghost walk at a remote castle, Susan has a sense of foreboding she can't quite shake. It's meant to be a bit of fun for the group of old school friends, the thrill of an overnight stay behind the castle's ancient gates. But when one of them is found dead, rhe weekend away takes a sinister turn. With the castle locked down and the group trapped inside, it soon becomes clear the killer would have been among them.
When Susan's daughter Zoe asks her to join her and her friends on a Halloween ghost walk at a remote castle, she is a little apprehensive about going. But the last thing that Susan was expecting was to end up involved in another police investigation.
I quite liked the thought of a ghost walk set around a creepy old castle. The mother/daughter relationship that Susan and Zoe had was well-developed and believable. Zoe's friends are a mixed bunch. Everyone was a suspect. Secrets are revealed. This is a good cosy murder mystery.
Published 7th July 2025
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #MaryGrand for my ARC of #AHalloweenMurder in exchange for an honest review.
When Susan's daughter Zoe asks her to join her and her friends on a Halloween ghost walk at a remote castle, she is a little apprehensive about going. But the last thing that Susan was expecting was to end up involved in another police investigation.
I quite liked the thought of a ghost walk set around a creepy old castle. The mother/daughter relationship that Susan and Zoe had was well-developed and believable. Zoe's friends are a mixed bunch. Everyone was a suspect. Secrets are revealed. This is a good cosy murder mystery.
Published 7th July 2025
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #MaryGrand for my ARC of #AHalloweenMurder in exchange for an honest review.
August 24, 2025
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.
I read "The Island" from Mary Grand, enjoyed it, and decided to jump into this book, slightly unsure if it was a sequel to any previous book. It was sort of a continuation, but I think it only mattered slightly in the character relationships so I got started in the book anyway.
I think the title simplified everything - but Halloween didn't really play a big part in the plot except for the murder date and some activities leading to the murder. The dynamics of their friendship was quite complicated, but I didn't actually expect the murdered person to be the lawyer of the group. (It's hard to avoid spoilers as the murder happened very early in the story)
But .... I was a little concerned that the first main suspect - who was trying to clear her name - was not being very smart by accusing others of lying or framing her and one of them could be the murderer! Luckily, no one else was murdered in the book - although that could make things a little more exciting - but the plot of why the murderer killed got a little messy towards the end and could be simplified.
I enjoyed the process of finding out the murderer's identity, but a cleaner motive would perhaps make the book better!
I read "The Island" from Mary Grand, enjoyed it, and decided to jump into this book, slightly unsure if it was a sequel to any previous book. It was sort of a continuation, but I think it only mattered slightly in the character relationships so I got started in the book anyway.
I think the title simplified everything - but Halloween didn't really play a big part in the plot except for the murder date and some activities leading to the murder. The dynamics of their friendship was quite complicated, but I didn't actually expect the murdered person to be the lawyer of the group. (It's hard to avoid spoilers as the murder happened very early in the story)
But .... I was a little concerned that the first main suspect - who was trying to clear her name - was not being very smart by accusing others of lying or framing her and one of them could be the murderer! Luckily, no one else was murdered in the book - although that could make things a little more exciting - but the plot of why the murderer killed got a little messy towards the end and could be simplified.
I enjoyed the process of finding out the murderer's identity, but a cleaner motive would perhaps make the book better!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 19, 2025
This is a well paced murder mystery with a seasonal twist
One that I hope you agree really shouldn't be missed.
The retirement of their music teacher brings together old friends
And for Halloween in a castle they plan their time to spend.
Back at school they were inspired to form a group together
But since then they've met again never.
The plan is to stay overnight in the castle and go on a ghost walk
Then spend the time catching up and having a good talk.
It's meant to be fun but something seems to feel wrong
Then one of them is found dead and they don't all get along.
Tensions mount and add to the mystery
As locked in the castle one of them the perpetrator must be.
Susan can't resist trying to help to solve the case
After all her daughter, Zoe, was there when the murder took place.
Zoe is also the chief suspect in many people's eyes
But Susan can't believe that's true and wonder who's telling lies.
A riveting read with twists galore
And red herrings, mysteries and so much more.
Great characters brought to life as the story unfolds
Keeping you guessing until the truth is told.
For my copy of this fascinating story I say a big thank you
As I share with you this, my honest review.
One that I hope you agree really shouldn't be missed.
The retirement of their music teacher brings together old friends
And for Halloween in a castle they plan their time to spend.
Back at school they were inspired to form a group together
But since then they've met again never.
The plan is to stay overnight in the castle and go on a ghost walk
Then spend the time catching up and having a good talk.
It's meant to be fun but something seems to feel wrong
Then one of them is found dead and they don't all get along.
Tensions mount and add to the mystery
As locked in the castle one of them the perpetrator must be.
Susan can't resist trying to help to solve the case
After all her daughter, Zoe, was there when the murder took place.
Zoe is also the chief suspect in many people's eyes
But Susan can't believe that's true and wonder who's telling lies.
A riveting read with twists galore
And red herrings, mysteries and so much more.
Great characters brought to life as the story unfolds
Keeping you guessing until the truth is told.
For my copy of this fascinating story I say a big thank you
As I share with you this, my honest review.
May 27, 2025
ARC Review
A Halloween Murder by Mary Grand is the fourth installment in The Isle of Wight Killings series.
Susan enjoys her peaceful life on the Isle of Wight, despite having solved a few murder mysteries in the past. When her daughter Zoe reunites with old friends at a supposedly haunted castle, Susan is invited to join them for a Halloween ghost walk. The night is filled with fun—until one of the guests turns up dead. It’s murder, and the killer is among them. With the police not making much progress, Zoe and Susan must act fast before the murderer slips away.
This is a cozy, small-town Halloween murder mystery with a simple yet engaging plot. The story unfolds at a steady pace, with well-developed characters and clear motivations. There are plenty of suspects and motives, making it difficult to guess who the culprit is. Beyond the murder investigation, there’s also development in Susan’s romantic life, which adds another layer to the narrative.
I particularly enjoyed the eerie backstory of the castle and the way the characters shared local legends and secrets. The ending was satisfying and impactful.
If you’re a fan of mysteries, this one’s worth a read!
A Halloween Murder by Mary Grand is the fourth installment in The Isle of Wight Killings series.
Susan enjoys her peaceful life on the Isle of Wight, despite having solved a few murder mysteries in the past. When her daughter Zoe reunites with old friends at a supposedly haunted castle, Susan is invited to join them for a Halloween ghost walk. The night is filled with fun—until one of the guests turns up dead. It’s murder, and the killer is among them. With the police not making much progress, Zoe and Susan must act fast before the murderer slips away.
This is a cozy, small-town Halloween murder mystery with a simple yet engaging plot. The story unfolds at a steady pace, with well-developed characters and clear motivations. There are plenty of suspects and motives, making it difficult to guess who the culprit is. Beyond the murder investigation, there’s also development in Susan’s romantic life, which adds another layer to the narrative.
I particularly enjoyed the eerie backstory of the castle and the way the characters shared local legends and secrets. The ending was satisfying and impactful.
If you’re a fan of mysteries, this one’s worth a read!
June 30, 2025
A Halloween Murder centers around a Halloween party held at a castle on the Isle of Wight, where a group of old friends—once members of a teenage rock band—reunite for the first time in years. But when one of them is found dead, long-lost secrets are revealed, old tensions resurface, and a murderer is among them.
I really liked the castle setting—moody, isolated, and perfect for a Halloween-themed murder mystery. The atmospheric touches were well done and helped set the tone. I especially loved the Ghost Walk aspect, which added a fun and eerie layer to the story. However, beyond that, I found the book pretty forgettable. The plot was predictable, and the writing felt stiff and stilted, which made it hard to fully connect with the characters or feel invested in the outcome.
It’s a decent pick if you’re looking for a standard cozy mystery with a gothic flair, or if you like seasonal mysteries that take place at Halloween or Autumn, but for me, it just didn’t stand out.
Rating: 2.75 out of 5
Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this e-ARC, which will be released on July 7th 2025.
I really liked the castle setting—moody, isolated, and perfect for a Halloween-themed murder mystery. The atmospheric touches were well done and helped set the tone. I especially loved the Ghost Walk aspect, which added a fun and eerie layer to the story. However, beyond that, I found the book pretty forgettable. The plot was predictable, and the writing felt stiff and stilted, which made it hard to fully connect with the characters or feel invested in the outcome.
It’s a decent pick if you’re looking for a standard cozy mystery with a gothic flair, or if you like seasonal mysteries that take place at Halloween or Autumn, but for me, it just didn’t stand out.
Rating: 2.75 out of 5
Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this e-ARC, which will be released on July 7th 2025.
July 9, 2025
This is the perfect book for a Halloween atmospheric mystery. Set in a castle on Halloween where Susan is invited on a ghost walk by her daughter Zoe who is spending the weekend with old friend. But instead of the happy reunion, there is plenty of tension running between the group. Then one is found dead, lying at the bottom of the tower. Accident, suicide or murder? Susan thinks it is murder and it has to be one of the group.
The mystery has just the right of amount of suspects that keep you guessing but it isn't hard to keep them straight. There were plenty of twists and turns in this story. I didn't guess who was the culprit. Plus, the castle makes a great creepy setting for a Halloween story.
I like Susan. She had to start over when her husband left her but she has made a life for herself, made new friends and found a startling skill for solving mysteries. But she has scars that effect the possibility of a new romance. She has to do some difficult growing in this story. But I like that. Characters don't have to be static in a cozy series.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
The mystery has just the right of amount of suspects that keep you guessing but it isn't hard to keep them straight. There were plenty of twists and turns in this story. I didn't guess who was the culprit. Plus, the castle makes a great creepy setting for a Halloween story.
I like Susan. She had to start over when her husband left her but she has made a life for herself, made new friends and found a startling skill for solving mysteries. But she has scars that effect the possibility of a new romance. She has to do some difficult growing in this story. But I like that. Characters don't have to be static in a cozy series.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
May 21, 2025
Mary Grand has done it again—A Halloween Murder is another delightful addition to the Susan Flynn mystery series, blending classic cozy crime with a modern, emotionally intelligent sleuth who readers can't help but root for.
Set against the haunting backdrop of Carisbrooke Castle, this installment perfectly captures the eerie beauty and tight-knit secrets of island life. Grand's ability to weave a compelling mystery through richly drawn characters continues to impress.
Susan, with her quiet strength, observant nature, and loyal cocker spaniels, makes the ideal guide through this intricate whodunit. As always, the pacing is just right—slow-burn and suspenseful without ever dragging. Every red herring and reveal is carefully placed, making the final resolution satisfying and well-earned.
I do think this can be read as a standalone, although you'll immediately want to go back to the beginning and follow Susan on her crime-solving adventures. This is a charming novel that I would recommend to anyone!
Set against the haunting backdrop of Carisbrooke Castle, this installment perfectly captures the eerie beauty and tight-knit secrets of island life. Grand's ability to weave a compelling mystery through richly drawn characters continues to impress.
Susan, with her quiet strength, observant nature, and loyal cocker spaniels, makes the ideal guide through this intricate whodunit. As always, the pacing is just right—slow-burn and suspenseful without ever dragging. Every red herring and reveal is carefully placed, making the final resolution satisfying and well-earned.
I do think this can be read as a standalone, although you'll immediately want to go back to the beginning and follow Susan on her crime-solving adventures. This is a charming novel that I would recommend to anyone!
June 7, 2025
It was good to be back on the Isle of Wight with Susan - the amateur sleuth – and her family and friends.
Following her divorce from Steve a few years ago and an upsetting murder near her old home, Susan moved to the village of Bishopstone. Her daughter, Zoe, lives on the mainland with her wife and little girl.
Susan’s daughter, Zoe, is visiting the island and meeting up with several of her old friends who were in a band together in their younger days. The group rents an apartment in an old castle for a few days, including a ghost walk on Hallowe’en. There’s not room for all of them in the apartment so Zoe and LeAnne stay with Susan.
Before too long, one of the group is found dead and it looks like murder. Any one of the group could be the murderer, but surely it can’t be Zoe, who was the last known person to see the deceased alive?
Lots of secrets and lies in this book, and it was a fantastic read. I couldn’t put it down until it was finished.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an advance reader copy in return for an honest review.
Following her divorce from Steve a few years ago and an upsetting murder near her old home, Susan moved to the village of Bishopstone. Her daughter, Zoe, lives on the mainland with her wife and little girl.
Susan’s daughter, Zoe, is visiting the island and meeting up with several of her old friends who were in a band together in their younger days. The group rents an apartment in an old castle for a few days, including a ghost walk on Hallowe’en. There’s not room for all of them in the apartment so Zoe and LeAnne stay with Susan.
Before too long, one of the group is found dead and it looks like murder. Any one of the group could be the murderer, but surely it can’t be Zoe, who was the last known person to see the deceased alive?
Lots of secrets and lies in this book, and it was a fantastic read. I couldn’t put it down until it was finished.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an advance reader copy in return for an honest review.
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