Still as cozy and charming as book 1, Death in Castle Dark; Castle Deadly, Castle Deep bring me back to Castle Dark and Nora Blake's sleuthing adventure when, again, Nora stumble upon a dead body in one of the castle murder mystery's performance. Poor girl, just in the matter of months to discover another murder case in the same place and you may wonder if the castle was cursed. Lucky for Nora, she have support from her boyfriend, Detective John Dashiell although their romantic relationship somehow getting rocky.

The mystery itself is solid and also light while still left me pondering what the motive behind the murder. The victim is a bright young guy that seems loved by Wood Glen citizen, especially by the local theater group member, Blue Curtain. Nora again try to deduce whodunnit and why. Like book 1, Nora hope the culprit is not one of the Castle troupe member that she hold dearly although one of the new member, Dorian, make her feel uneasy. But, the investigation also getting tricky because all the suspects are thespian and acting is in their nature after all. Not only the murder mystery, but Bond also include some of treasure hunting mystery in the form of a poem that left by Derek and Paul's eccentric uncle. Because, a castle didn't complete without one or two treasures right?

Compare to book 1, the romance take the more spotlight, because Nora and Dash find themselves getting slightly estranged because of their busy schedule. Reading Nora's romantic woe and jealousy are amusing, but I like that she didn't throw tantrum here and there since mostly her displeasure about the situation is only in her head. I like that finally Nora and Dash make amend of their current predicament and make their relationship work again. Also, I'm surprised to read sex scenes in this book 😂, although the scene more like implied rather than explained. The scene kinda taken me aback maybe because I don't expect it in cozy book or maybe cozy mysteries that I read is just a few. The scene can be easily skipped if that is not your things. The romantic couple is not only Nora and Dash. Derek and Connie is still lovey dovey as ever since Derek confess his feeling to Connie in book 1. Derek's brother, Paul, also find courage to pursue his romantic pursuit and make his relationship with Gen work despite they live in different city. Seems like Castle Dark not only as a place when murder happen but also bring the romantic of the people.

I like the part when Bond include the play "A the Doll House" by Henrik Ibsen and write how both Castle Dark troupe and Blue Curtain member bring the play to live. The drama aspect are pretty much well written and adding charm to this book. While the mystery is solid, seems like Nora always attract problem to her, lol. Lucky that she have her twin brothers to taught her self defense. Speak of the twins, the twins also one of a spotlight of the book and reading them make me remember my own nephews.

A Dinner and Murder Mystery is a cozy mystery that make me feel good because the family theme is well executed, the sisterhood between Nora and the female member (Connie, Renata, Elspeth, Zana and then Miranda) is a delight, the platonic friendship between Nora and the Corby brothers is good too and the romantic relationship also well written. Also, don't forget the Bronte kittens and the dog named Hamlet! While I want to know more about Nora's life with Castle Dark member, but the end of this book feel like Bond think the story work well as a duology. Beside, it will tempt fate if Nora suddenly entangled with murder in the castle for the third time.

Recommended if you like your cozy mystery very cozy with a low stake and strong romantic elements! 💕💕