Book Review

Are you ready to solve a mystery? The answer better be yes, because Peril at Quandary Park by Stephanie von Reiswitz throws you straight into a murder-mystery puzzle hunt where you, yes YOU, are the detective.

Now, let’s start with the book cover because that is some exquisite art. It has so much going on (in a good way!), and it makes sense for the book because it’s set on an English country estate. It has the murder mystery aspect while looking so professional that I’m surprised it’s not already in stores. So one thing you do not have to be worried about is the design of the book.

Your mission (if you choose to accept it) is to solve the murder of Adelaide Hatchett, who was found dead at her annual summer soirée. Piece together puzzles, decode clues, interrogate the quirky cast of party-guests-turned-suspects, and solve this murder!

Be prepared for lots of reading, because since this is an investigation, you need to take on the role of detective. You’ll be note-taking, cross-referencing, and squinting at illustrations like a detective in a TV drama. Luckily, there’s a reference page so you won’t confuse your scandalous socialites with your cranky botanists.

The puzzles are clever, the art is stunning, and the characters are quirky enough to keep you entertained while you piece everything together. And you might think, ‘It’s just one book, how long can it take?’ Ha. Joke’s on you. Between the reading, the note-taking, and the puzzle-solving, this one’s a time commitment. So do yourself a favor and block out some time to play detective properly.

I’d give this book a 4.5 out of 5 teapots. It’s fascinating to step into the investigator role, but fair warning, there’s a lot of reading packed in here, and a bigger font would’ve made the sleuthing a bit easier on the eyes. Still, this interactive murder mystery is a gem for gift-givers seeking mystery-themed presents, escape room players, and fans of Stephanie von Reiswitz’s Murder Most Puzzling series. Grab your notebook… you’re officially on the case!