How to Solve Your Own Murder by Kristen Perrin

Annie Adams has been summoned to a meeting with her Great Aunt Frances in the English village of Castle Knoll. Frances is found dead when Annie arrives for the meeting in her home, Gravesdown Hall. Annie suspects murder. Because of a fortuneteller’s prediction when she was a teen, Frances has always feared being a murder victim, and has prepared files on many of the villagers of Castle Knoll. The will gives her stepson and Annie one week to solve her murder before the police in order to inherit her fortune, Gravesdown Hall, a nearby farm, and the house in Chelsea where Annie lives with her mother Laura, an artist. Otherwise, everything goes to the Crown and a developer gets to build on the land.

Alternate chapters feature Frances’ diary from 1965, when Frances, Emily, and Rose are best friends with secrets, especially mean girl Emily. Frances’ diary and journals help Annie, a mystery writer, to try solving the case, which may be very dangerous. I liked the contemporary mystery better than the timeline set in 1965.

Annie is clever and appealing, as is Detective Crane. Frances isn’t as likable a character as Annie. I didn’t love this book, especially as some of the secrets are rather dark for a cozy, but I did find this mystery to be hard to put down. A sequel is expected next March, How to Seal Your Own Fate.

Brenda