First, the blurb is fine but the book cover is misleading by showing the entry as a work in progress as if it's a cozy with a renovation back drop. Though, it is true, there is work being done, but it has nothing to do with the mystery(ies). I mention this just in case you like those types of settings.

I don't recall reading this book before, but I've read some of the later books. I've never really warmed up to Cat and in this one her snapping at the people who support her and her rather teenage hot and cold interactions with Seth definitely reminded me why she was not a favorite character of mine.

There are several mysteries in this book. So much is going on that when I closed my book at one point I couldn't believe I was only at 50%. Now lots of mystery may be a good or bad thing. I felt some issues weren't completely cleared up or were totally believable, but they didn't nag at me.

The book definitely leaves you hanging on another mystery, one that I was surprised Cat didn't investigate more immediately, but there was enough other stuff going on to leave this for the next (?) book. I'll be honest, it hooked me enough for me to search out Fatality by Firelight, book 2 in the series to see if I get some answers.

I received my copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

I'm sorry that I've forgotten to review this and at this late date can only remember that it was about a writers' retreat.

I know that I must have thought it better than average at the time because I rated it 4 stars.

Cat Latimer is an author who moves back to her hometown in Colorado after inheriting a Victorian mansion from her ex-husband. She is surprised that he never changed his will when they divorced. They were both professors at the local college, he in Economics, she in English. She renovates the house into a bed and breakfast where she will hold monthly writing retreats. When Cat finds out that Shauna, her partner, has hired her high school sweetheart, Seth, as their handyman, old emotions rise to the surface. As the first group of writers arrives for a week-long retreat, Cat is not sure whether this was a good idea or not. World-famous author Tom Cook is attending the first retreat, giving Cat high hopes her new business venture will be successful. When Cat finds Tom, dead in his room, she calls her uncle, the local police chief. What is this going to do to her new business? To save her business and its reputation, Cat finds herself investigating and following clues to find the killer.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and had a hard time putting it down! I read it in a couple of days due to interruptions. The characters and plot are believable, and the story is well-written. The mystery was well-developed and engaging, with plenty of suspects along with twists and turns. A missing person, a fake wall, and some very odd characters all add to the story. The book was well paced and spiced up with just a hint of romance. The ending was unexpected yet, fit with the story. There is an intriguing cliff-hanger that makes me happy I have the second book ready to go. If you enjoy a good mystery that is not gory, pick this one up, even if you don't normally read cozy mysteries. You won't be disappointed.

Book one in the Cat Latimer series and it's a wonderful start to a new cosy series!

Beautiful house, wonderful story and well written and lovable characters. Also a book about a writers retreat will always be a no-brainer pick for me!

Highly recommended!