In Carol J. Perry's tenth "Witch City" book, we're back in Salem, Massachusetts, a town full of history and a bit of a spooky vibe. The main character, Lee Barrett, is at the center of it all. She's a former journalism student who's also a young widow, still dealing with her grief. Lee lives in the apartment above her Aunt Ibby's house, who also happens to be a semi-retired librarian. This time, Lee gets pulled into a puzzling mystery when a couple of old students ask for her special help. Their nephew, Cody McGinnis, a respected local professor, has been accused of murder.
What makes this case stand out is how much it's like a crime from the past. The way the professor's alleged victim was killed is strangely similar to a real murder that happened in Salem in 1830, when a sea captain was brutally killed. This link to the past makes the current investigation much more interesting and complicated. Roger and Ray Temple arrive in Salem to support Professor McGinnis. They're sure he's innocent and specifically ask Lee for her help because she's known for solving the town's toughest cases. Many of McGinnis's students also believe he's innocent and have even started a fund to help with his defense, showing how much they like and respect him.
This particular "Witch City" book is a bit different from the others. Usually, Lee's special ability – where she sees important clues in everyday things – shows up pretty early in the story and helps her figure things out. But in this book, the mystery unfolds more like a classic detective story, relying on regular police work and using clues to figure things out. Lee's special visions, which are a big part of the series, don't appear until much later. This shifts the focus to the more traditional ways of solving a crime. A fun and smart part of the story is Lee's careful planning of a real-life game of Clue. This creative idea isn't just a fun side story; it also cleverly mirrors the detective work Lee is doing, making the book more interactive and entertaining.
Even though the main mystery is serious, Perry adds some charming and quirky moments that lighten the mood. The funny antics of Aunt Ibby and her two lively friends, who jokingly call themselves "Charlie's Angels" with Rupert Pennington as their somewhat unwilling "Charlie," provide some great comic relief. Their playful adventures, though a bit silly, balance out the darker parts of the murder investigation, keeping the story from getting too grim. And it's especially nice to see the beginning of a romantic interest between Ray Temple and Aunt Ibby. This sweet, quiet side story nicely shows that romance and connection aren't just for young people, adding a gentle and relatable touch to the whole tale.
Links
Murder, Take Two (Amazon)
Carolina Dean
Official Book Reviewer
12th House Books
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