Sweet Soliloquies

Ghastly Glass (Renaissance Faire Mystery)

Authors: Joyce and Jim Lavene

Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime

312 pages

The story:

In this second book of the Renaissance Faire Mystery series, Jessie Morton, an assistant professor at a local college, continues her research on Renaissance crafts by becoming an apprentice at the Glass Gryphon, one of the shops at Renaissance Village.

When the Grim Reaper, or the man playing him, is killed, Jessie takes it upon herself to track down the killer. Halloween hijinx make it difficult to determine what is real and what is fake in this place of make believe. The message “Death shall find thee,” which was found on the Grim Reaper’s robe, starts appearing all over the village and no one is sure if it’s a warning from the killer or just part of the scary decorations.

Will Jessie find the answers in time to stop the killer from striking again?

My thoughts:

What could be a more fun setting for a mystery than the Renaissance Faire? Ghastly Glass captures the magic of swashbuckling pirates and fluttering fairies, peasants and pageantry, and the many shoppes boasting beautiful wares that make up a Renaissance village. When Halloween hits the village, craziness ensues.

I enjoyed the main character, Jessie, but didn’t like that she seemed to be the only intelligent character in the book. For me, it’s difficult to read a book where everyone is being duped except the hero or heroine. Can so many people be wrong? But, even the hero or heroine can be duped so never assume anything.

My favorite character in Ghastly Glass is the man who took over the role of Grim Reaper. I can’ say much without saying TOO much but if you read the story, you’ll understand why.

There were a few red herrings thrown in to the story which are a must in any self-respecting cozy mystery. Unfortunately, I was disappointed in the ending. It felt a bit thrown together and sophomoric. I know the writing team of Joyce and Jim Lavene have written some terrific stories but I think this one could have been better.

If you’re into the world of Renaissance and don’t mind a few story quibbles, Ghastly Glass has some fun moments and an endearing character you’ll hope to see again.

Bonus: Recipes & fun facts are included.

Rating: ♦♦♦½

First in Series:
Wicked Weaves: A Renaissance Faire Mystery