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A review by lindsiemcknight
Canal Street Bed and Breakfast by Keri Smith
adventurous
funny
informative
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Canal Street Bed and Breakfast is a charming cozy mystery reminiscent of Nancy Drew and Agatha Christie, set against the vibrant backdrop of New Orleans. The story follows Camryn Alexander as she embarks on a girls’ weekend in NOLA with her mom and sister, a getaway meant to celebrate her sister’s upcoming wedding. During their stay, Camryn stumbles upon the unsolved disappearance of a girl who stayed at the same bed and breakfast years ago, setting the stage for an intriguing mystery.
Keri Smith masterfully brings New Orleans to life with her vivid descriptions. From the bustling French Quarter to the atmospheric charm of the Canal Street B&B, her writing immerses you so fully that it feels like you’re there, even if you’ve never visited.
I especially appreciated the thoughtful setup of the story. The first portion of the book is dedicated to introducing Camryn, her family dynamics, and her fascination with true crime. This slower pace worked beautifully, offering a deeper understanding of the protagonist while also grounding the story in its rich setting. If this is the start of a series (fingers crossed!), it’s a smart choice to establish such a strong foundation for future installments.
The romance subplot is light, which I personally enjoyed as someone who doesn’t usually gravitate toward romance-heavy stories. While some moments between the romantic leads felt a bit too convenient, it didn’t detract much from the overall experience—likely a nod to romance tropes I’m less accustomed to.
As for the mystery itself, it’s well-crafted and kept me guessing until the end. The twist genuinely surprised me, and while the mystery isn’t overly complex, it’s perfect for readers seeking an engaging but anxiety-free read. The true strength of this novel lies in its journey, the captivating setting, and the well-drawn characters.
Overall, Canal Street Bed and Breakfast is a fantastic debut from Keri Smith. I’m already looking forward to seeing what mysteries Camryn Alexander might uncover next!
Keri Smith masterfully brings New Orleans to life with her vivid descriptions. From the bustling French Quarter to the atmospheric charm of the Canal Street B&B, her writing immerses you so fully that it feels like you’re there, even if you’ve never visited.
I especially appreciated the thoughtful setup of the story. The first portion of the book is dedicated to introducing Camryn, her family dynamics, and her fascination with true crime. This slower pace worked beautifully, offering a deeper understanding of the protagonist while also grounding the story in its rich setting. If this is the start of a series (fingers crossed!), it’s a smart choice to establish such a strong foundation for future installments.
The romance subplot is light, which I personally enjoyed as someone who doesn’t usually gravitate toward romance-heavy stories. While some moments between the romantic leads felt a bit too convenient, it didn’t detract much from the overall experience—likely a nod to romance tropes I’m less accustomed to.
As for the mystery itself, it’s well-crafted and kept me guessing until the end. The twist genuinely surprised me, and while the mystery isn’t overly complex, it’s perfect for readers seeking an engaging but anxiety-free read. The true strength of this novel lies in its journey, the captivating setting, and the well-drawn characters.
Overall, Canal Street Bed and Breakfast is a fantastic debut from Keri Smith. I’m already looking forward to seeing what mysteries Camryn Alexander might uncover next!