Murder Checks Inn

Lighthouse Inn Mystery #3

by Tim Myers

When his Uncle Jasper, Elkton Falls' beloved lawyer, is murdered right before the reading of a highly controversial will, innkeeper Alex Winston is faced with a wealth of suspects as he plunges into a world of greed and corruption to catch a killer. Original.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Suspense, Detective, Cozy

192 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 7, 2003

About the author

Also writes under the pseudonyms Elizabeth Bright, Melissa Glazer, Chris Cavender, and Jessica Beck.

Tim Myers is the author of dozens of short stories published in mystery magazines and anthologies. He lives with his family near the Blue Ridge Mountains he loves and writes about. He is the award-winning author of the Agatha nominated Lighthouse Inn mystery series as well as over seventy short stories. Tim has been a stay-at-home dad for the last twelve years, finding time for murder and mayhem whenever he can.

Series:
* A Lighthouse Inn Mystery
* A Candlemaking Mystery
* A Soapmaking Mystery

Reviews

[Luffy Sempai · Rating 4 out of 5]

Today I'm feeling generous, which is why I'm giving a slightly undeserved 4 stars to Murder Checks Inn. The title alone warned me that Tim Myers is running out of ideas.

But the majority of the chapters were full of misdirection and red herrings. The story was thick with wonder at what is actually happening. Those chapters were fun to read.

The last 4 chapters, however, were ludicrous. If the next book is bad, and it probably will be, I'll ditch it early and remove the book without reviewing it. But I have a small hope that the fourth book in the series will be like this one; an enjoyable journey with a lousy finale.

[Randee Baty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok, so cozy mysteries may not be "serious literature" but there are lots of times in my hectic life that Murder Checks Inn is a lot more of what I need than War and Peace.

The Lighthouse Mysteries are heavily built on characters rather than intricate plots and difficult mysteries. The characters are likeable! Thank you, Tim Myers! I'm very tired of books where everyone is dislikeable, even the supposed heroes.

In this third book of the series, Alex's uncle, who has moved back to the area recently, is found murdered. Said uncle was a lawyer and about to deal with a very controversial will so suspects abound. The death also brings Alex's brother, who has washed his hands of the lighthouse and the inn, back to Hatteras West.

Again, light and fun are the words to describe this series. Relaxing and enjoyable. That seems to be exactly what I need these days.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This a short, fun book. I really like the inn setting and having the lighthouse there makes it better. This one totally had me guessing and I never would have gotten it. The ending was exciting and I’m predicting good things to come. #readforkimberly

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I do not know why I keep reading this series. Deep down I really do not like the simplicity of the storylines, but I have this weird addiction to series and have a hard time walking away.

Alex Winston is the Owner and Innkeeper of Hatteras West a lighthouse motel in the North Carolina Mountains. Yes, you got that right a lighthouse surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains. A duplicate of the lighthouse on North Carolina's Outer Banks.

The most recent set of guests are there to hear the reading of their late husband and father’s will. Unfortunately, the attorney, Alex’s uncle Jase, which was to read the document has been found murdered and now Alex is determined to find the killer.

Many fingers can be pointed to anyone in the family including a newly found offspring and Alex’s own brother Tony.

The story meanders and a love interest is forefront in Alex’s mind, but still there is a job to do and a lighthouse to run.

A very simple story that has the reader wandering all over a small town and then boom, it is over and the killer is revealed. Nothing that had the reader shocked or surprised, but a neat little bow and an expected lead into the next book.

[audrey · Rating 2 out of 5]

I keep wanting books in this series to be better than they are. Time to quit while I'm even, I guess.

[ChrisGA · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like this series. Alex is dealing with his beloved uncle's death, his brother's callous self-centeredness, and Elise's fiancé moving to town. Lots of emotion--good mystery

[Nancy · Rating 1 out of 5]

this book is terrible! Yet another example of the trend of the past 20 years or so of mysteries, that is, that there is a shtick--like owning a bookstore or an inn or giving cooking classes or being a quilter ad infinitum--and the shtick is all there is. Writing, plot and characters all not worth reading. Silly, tedious overcomplicated plot and unbelievable denouement.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book!!!! Reading all I can get by this author!!!!! Another mystery to solve at the Hatteras West. Truly a great read and mystery to solve!!!!!

[Missy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book #85 read in 2007

Another light, easy read. I am a little disturbed at how quickly unknown characters develop a relationship with the main character, Alex. One minute they are calling him Mr. Winston and the next they are calling him Alex and acting like his best friend. I think there is definitely some character development lacking. However, since the series is such a quick read, I will continue it.

[Jennifer Oberth · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm not exactly enjoying this series. I'm not attached to the characters or the town or the inn or lighthouse - and I want to be. There aren't really clues to discover; I'm just reading along with the main character who gains no knowledge after doing any sort of investigating or interrogating. Every time he sums up what he's just learned, he says it doesn't help at all. It's frustrating. Then at the very end, he announces things he has no way of knowing and is a complete surprise to us. I'm just not enjoying it.

[Lacey Sheridan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Light reading, very light. Formula writing, few surprises, but characters are at least superficially likeable. I must say, the MC 's acceptance of his inheritance was ridiculous; no one prefers a set of books over money, and efforts to convince readers are wasted. I don't know if I'll continue the series. Maybe one more book. The most interesting thing is the lighthouse.

[Alton Motobu · Rating 3 out of 5]

Young-adult romantic mystery; innkeeper in rural NC mountains hosts family in town for reading of will of dead husband/father. But executor/attorney is murdered, and the will is stolen; the only suspects are the four family members. Fast-paced with many plot twists, but shallow characters and stilted dialog. Teenagers may like it.

[Paschalis]

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[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a fun series. As I have commented before I love the lighthouse in the middle of the Blue Ridge Mountains. I would love to visit this Inn if it were real.

[Genevieve · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book. I love the setting of the lighthouse and the story line kept me guessing till the end. I like Alex who is just a nice guy with a crush on his assistant Elise. I really don't get the character of the sherriff who on one hand Alex says is a good guy and can get the job done but then solves the case himself. It was a fun fast moving book a really good cozy.

[Joe O'Connor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very Good; Continuing character: Alex Winston; days before the reading of a controversial will, the lawyer handling it, also Alex's uncle, is killed; a host of suspects, including Alex's brother, could be the murderer

[Rich Meyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fun mystery in the Lighthouse Inn series. Much like most of the books in the Cat Who series, the mystery takes a second chair to the character interaction. Looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series.

[Trish · Rating 3 out of 5]

An entertaining and not too heavy mystery series.