The fourth book in the Secret Staircase mystery series is another delightful locked-room mystery. This time the family-owned specialty construction company doesn’t figure into the story very much, but the talents of the former magician, Tempest Raj, definitely does. Tempest and her friends are putting on a show that is an escape room/murder mystery dinner play. It’s being staged in Gray House, which was a private home filled with classic mystery novels that is being turned into a library - if the town council approves the plan. The show is supposed to be part of the town’s Summer Stroll festivities. But when one of the actors is found murdered, will the show be able to go on? 

 

There are several characters to keep track of, but if you’ve read at least one of the previous books, that won’t be an issue. The main “players” include Tempest’s friend and possible future boyfriend, Gideon, a talented stone carver; Sanjay, her magician friend who bills himself as the Hindu Houdini; Ivy, who runs the existing local mystery-themed library, and more. As usual, Grandpa Ash provides delicious-sounding food! (Don’t miss the blackberry crumble cobbler recipe at the end of the book.) And Abra, Tempest’s pet rabbit, makes a couple of appearances. 

 

The locked-room aspect was well done, as always. Do we actually see what we think we see? In addition to the mystery, there’s an emphasis on family and friendship, which I always appreciate. 

 

I bounced between the audiobook and the ebook for this title, which was very convenient. The audiobook was narrated by Soneela Nankani, who once again did a great job with the many characters and accents. 

 

Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to an advance copy of this audiobook and to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance reader copy of this book. All opinions are my own.