A Spooky Setting Like No Other
Emmeline Duncan’s cozy mystery, ‘Chaos at the Lazy Bones Bookshop,’ is set in the enchanting, Halloween-themed small town of Elyan Hollow, Oregon. This town, brimming with seasonal charm, provides the perfect backdrop for unusual occurrences and festive frights. Duncan’s dedication to crafting an immersive setting makes Elyan Hollow feel like a character of its own.
Bailey Briggs: The Festival Maven
The story centers around Bailey Briggs, a Halloween lover who has recently taken over Lazy Bones Books from her grandfather. This fall, Bailey is not just managing the bookstore; she’s also orchestrating the inaugural Spooky Season Literary Festival. With contributions from local shop owners and several authors—including a hometown hero—the festival promises to be an enchanting event, featuring activities like murder mystery games and arts and crafts sessions.
Unexpected Twists and Turns
Things take a dark turn when a ghost-hunting TV crew, the ‘Gone Ghouls,’ arrives in town. After an altercation with the disrespectful crew, Bailey stumbles upon a dead body in the town’s hay bale maze. To clear her name and salvage the festival, she dives into an investigation, uncovering old grievances, family secrets, and rivalries more menacing than any Halloween story in her bookshop.
Character Development and Personal Struggles
While the mystery is gripping, Duncan also delves into Bailey’s personal life. Bailey is juggling multiple challenges: an absent mother, an overbearing uncle, and the unresolved mystery of her birth father. As she navigates these complexities, she grows more confident in her professional and personal life.
A Promising Start to a New Series
This first book sets the stage for a promising series filled with charm and intrigue. Fans of cozy mysteries and Halloween-themed stories will find ‘Chaos at the Lazy Bones Bookshop’ an enjoyable read. Emmeline Duncan’s skill at balancing mystery with character development makes this a standout addition to the genre.
