What do you think?
Rate this book
Dinner and a Murder
Is Mansford Mansion really haunted? Or can all the strange events that have happened in the creepy old house be explained? In 1865, Mansford Mansion, an elegant home in St. Louis’ most fashionable neighborhood, was the scene of six gruesome murders. Every fifty years, on the anniversary of the original murders, a frightening event occurs at the property.
As the 150-year anniversary of the murders approaches, Amy, the wide-eyed young daughter of Detective Adam Trent and his wife, Jenna, begs her parents to celebrate her eleventh birthday at the mansion, which has been turned into a low-budget mystery dinner theater.
An odd group of guests are present for what has been advertised as “The Event of the Century.” When the lights cast their glow upon the crowd at the end of the performance, a guest is dead. At first blush, it looks like natural causes, but Adam is suspicious. When the coroner confirms his suspicions, Adam finds himself conducting an investigation into a murder that occurred right under his nose while he, a trained homicide detective, noticed nothing.
Soon after Adam’s investigation begins, he learns that notorious criminal, Dr. Lionel Cranston, was released on bail. Dr. Cranston threatened Adam and his team, who were responsible for his capture, as well as their families. In addition to trying to solve the murder at Mansford Mansion, Adam must keep his family safe while hunting down Cranston, who, at the same time, is hunting Adam.
Will Cranston make good on his threats to take revenge on Adam’s homicide team and their families? Will Adam solve the mystery of Dinner and a Murder before it’s too late for him and his family?
As the 150-year anniversary of the murders approaches, Amy, the wide-eyed young daughter of Detective Adam Trent and his wife, Jenna, begs her parents to celebrate her eleventh birthday at the mansion, which has been turned into a low-budget mystery dinner theater.
An odd group of guests are present for what has been advertised as “The Event of the Century.” When the lights cast their glow upon the crowd at the end of the performance, a guest is dead. At first blush, it looks like natural causes, but Adam is suspicious. When the coroner confirms his suspicions, Adam finds himself conducting an investigation into a murder that occurred right under his nose while he, a trained homicide detective, noticed nothing.
Soon after Adam’s investigation begins, he learns that notorious criminal, Dr. Lionel Cranston, was released on bail. Dr. Cranston threatened Adam and his team, who were responsible for his capture, as well as their families. In addition to trying to solve the murder at Mansford Mansion, Adam must keep his family safe while hunting down Cranston, who, at the same time, is hunting Adam.
Will Cranston make good on his threats to take revenge on Adam’s homicide team and their families? Will Adam solve the mystery of Dinner and a Murder before it’s too late for him and his family?
310 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 6, 2015
9 people are currently reading
45 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
October 17, 2015
Exciting page turner. Like Boyd's first book, this mystery was impossible to put down or to figure out, even though the clues are all there. Lots of twists and turns. It was edgier than Unharmonious, but still had the underpinnings of offbeat humor which added another dimension to a very well written book. Loved the characters and the story line. This author obviously does her research. I highly recommend and look forward to her next book.
October 16, 2015
I recommend it to anyone who enjoys a really good book. Mrs. Boyd writes with a very good flow which keeps you reading with anticipation. Her characters intrigue you. I am anxiously awaiting her future books.
Gloria Harrison
Gloria Harrison
September 27, 2015
A good read
Thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It was exciting from beginning to end and really kept you guessing. I would highly recommend it!
Thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It was exciting from beginning to end and really kept you guessing. I would highly recommend it!
May 17, 2018
I enjoyed this book while reading it, but I felt that the ending was a bit disappointing. I loved the descriptions, the rich characterizations, and the draw of the mystery. However, some of the storylines felt a bit cursory or unfinished. It's as though we approached the end of the book as the author neared their deadline, so they just gave up. The end is fine, not a cliffhanger, just not nearly as rich as the beginning. My absolute favorite part was the past history of the house...the power and darkness of that part drew me in. The book got lighter and flightier as the story went on.
Also, the heavy overlay of religion got distracting as the book wound down. "I won't get in a theological discussion with a murderer," says the detective, after a three-page theological discussion with a murderer. It's one thing to use religion for characterization and even plot points, its another to push anti-abortion rhetoric in conversation with a serial killer. The author's voice came shouting through from time to time, instead of letting the characters and the story carry the themes.
Also, the heavy overlay of religion got distracting as the book wound down. "I won't get in a theological discussion with a murderer," says the detective, after a three-page theological discussion with a murderer. It's one thing to use religion for characterization and even plot points, its another to push anti-abortion rhetoric in conversation with a serial killer. The author's voice came shouting through from time to time, instead of letting the characters and the story carry the themes.
June 23, 2020
I finished the book yesterday and took last night to think about how to write a review without giving away anything. I enjoyed so many things about this book. First St. Louis as a setting...so many interesting things were learned while I read. The descriptions of the food at the places to eat actually got me to google some of them to see if they were still open so I could go try them! The characters and the detectives analysis of the suspects. I really felt like I was solving the case along with the lead detective. The fact that I could pick out several of the clues along the way, but never could quite put it all together which I attribute the authors well crafted writing. The history of the mansion was so interesting and really pulled me in. When I arrived at the end I felt that Ah ha moment and also sad that it had ended. Thank you for a great read!
June 8, 2023
Suspenseful if improbable mystery. I enjoyed reading about St. Louis where the book was set. Many neighborhoods and restaurants were mentioned. Found the opening interesting. In 1865 a riverboat captain sneaks home to murder his cheating wife and the poor unfortunate maids that didn't tell about his wife's affair including the maids 4 year old daughter. The mansion is said to be haunted. Now to 2015 this mansion is once again trying to be reimagined into a dinner and a mystery event that a local St. Louis detective's daughter wants to attend. When a seemingly cruel man dies, Adam Trent the detective suspects foul play. Along with trying to solve this crime. A serial killer that is awaiting trial is released on bail and has threatened Adam and his family. Fun read due to location but not really interested in more by this author.
December 20, 2018
Two cases going on at once...I didn't see either end coming. I would recommend this book
March 21, 2019
I was hooked from the start. I couldn’t put it down.
January 18, 2022
Kept me in suspense the entire time! Could not put it down. Can't wait to read the next one in the series.
March 12, 2016
A really good read. I usually have mysteries figured out in the first 50 pages. I had the whole thing worked out in my mind and was totally wrong. What fun.
August 23, 2016
This suspenseful page turner kept me reading non-stop from start to finish. The first book by this author was good and this one is better. I wonder what surprises await us in the next one.
December 27, 2016
Boyd came through again with a fast moving plot and delightful characters. Reading this mystery is a great way to spend an afternoon or an evening.
July 14, 2017
Loved it! I so enjoy Layne's writing style and all the characters she introduces. All her books are very easy to read and I can't put them down.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews