Masquerade Murder: A Victoria Town Mystery Novella

Victoria Town Mysteries #2

by Mollie Cox Bryan

The Halloween Masquerade Ball in Victoria Town, Va. is a yearly celebration of all things that go bump in the night. Masked attendees come from across the country to experience an authentic Victorian celebration. Viv Barton throws herself into the fray by volunteering to lead games in the “Mirror Room” of the old Victorian Mansion, Gaylord Hall. When a woman dressed in widow regalia catches Viv’s attention, Viv follows her down the snaking halls, through the ballroom, and onto the veranda, where the woman disappears and leaves a dead body in her wake—the town priest who had more than his share of secrets. When Viv's friend, Irene, is suspected of the crime, she works to prove Irene’s innocence, unearthing clues, secrets, and deadly obsessions along the way—proving that Victorian Town history isn’t always what it seems.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Novella

140 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 29, 2020

Reviews

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun cozy mystery novella, especilally for the spooky season. The characters are entertaining, and the masquerade party is a fun and creepy setting. The mystery is full of twists and turns with no shortage of suspects. I was completely surprised by who-dun-it. Since this was my first book in the series, I plan on reading the first book in the series, as well as future books.

All thoughts and opinions are my own, and in no way have I been influenced by anyone.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Victoria Town is getting ready for the Halloween Masquerade Ball.
While walking home Viv finds a black lace handkerchief. When she shows it to Aunt Libby the reaction she gets was not what she expected.
Halloween games, dead body all make reading this novella fun.

I received an ARC prior to publication and decided to voluntarily review it.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Viv Barton is in charge of leading games in the "Mirror Room" at Victoria Town's annual Halloween Ball. The Ball takes place at Gaylord Hall, a Victorian mansion, and, in keeping with the period the guests wear appropriate attire and masks. While leading a group in the games, a mysterious woman in black mourning attire appears in the room and Viv, as curious as ever, decides to follow her out of the room onto the veranda. The figure has disappeared however it has also led Viv to discover the dead body of the local priest. As Viv relates to the police her story of the woman dressed in black, suspicion is placed upon Viv's boss Irene, as she attended the ball in black mourning attire. Viv works to prove Irene's innocence, revealing many twists, unexpected turns and connections to the deceased.

Masquerade Murder is the second novella in the Victoria Town series, however it can be read as a standalone. Being a novella, the story goes by so quickly! The author does a wonderful job leading you down the wrong path, and just when you think you know who the murderer is, Ms. Bryan throws another divergent clue in your direction! It's a great story that leaves you guessing until the end. What would have made the story better if it was longer! Very much looking forward to the next installment in the series, and hope there are many more.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Masquerade Murder by Mollie Cox Bryant is a spooky Halloween mystery with a ghost as its star. Viv has come to live with her aunt and work at the B&B. It's a charming village most of the time, if a little over the top. Victoria Town insists that things be Victorian all the time. Sometimes it's just too much. Like this ghost. Until the black lace handkerchief flicks across her fact one stormy night and the next day she finds a dead body. Worse...it's a priest. Even Worse...they arrest her boss, well her boss at her second job.

Viv is a cute character, as is her aunt Libby, and Officer Willoughby, who is your typical small town policeman, appetite and all. He works hard but doesn't appear to be as clever as he should be. The town, nestled in the country near Harrisburg, is full of fun, at all times of the year. The Halloween Masquerade Ball, for instance, which is the background for this newest murder. Viv again rethinks her choice of moving her. This is her second murder and she is done. The mystery is concise and solves fairly easily once people start communicating. The circumstances are odd, to say the least, and the relationships interesting. It is a novella so doesn't take up much time. Probably worth the hour you will spend. I recommend it.

I was invited to read Masquerade Murder by the Cozy Mystery Review Crew. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own.

[Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Masquerade Murder is the second book in Ms. Bryan's Victoria Town Mystery novella series. This time around Viv stumbles across another dead body at the annual Victorian Halloween Gala. It's rumored that the mansion where the party is held is haunted and Viv was following a mysterious woman dressed in a black Victoria Mourning dress, so was this a ghost that led her to the body or someone more sinister. This is a quick, fun read and I enjoyed trying to sift through the clues to see who had a reason to kill the victim and their motive. The author presents the clues in such a way that the reader is almost directed to one particular suspect so you need to pay close attention. I'm looking forward to the next novella in the series and seeing where this author takes Viv and her Aunt Libby.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

A full cozy mystery in a compact short story.
Set in the quaint little historic village of Victoria Town, Virginia.
Viv Barton is volunteering at the big Masquerade Ball at the historic, yet creepy, Gaylord Hall. After Viv drops off some chestnuts at the Hall, on her way back home, a mysterious breeze blows a black, lace handkerchief into her face. When she gets back to her Aunt Libby's B&B, and shows Libby the hankie, her Aunt tells her she was visited by a ghost, and will encounter bad luck or illness.
While at the Ball, Viv follows a mysterious woman in black onto the veranda. But she doesn't find the woman, just a dead body. Of the town priest, no less.
Did she follow the ghost of Mathilde Rose, or just someone using the story to commit murder, and disguise themselves?

I received an ARC to read, but I freely, and honestly write this review to help other readers.

[Alicia Kozak · Rating 4 out of 5]

A suddenly appearing black lace handkerchief is an annual omen and Viv has the misfortune of being this year's recipient. Her fate is soon revealed when she finds a local priest's body during a party at Victoria Town's most haunted house. Viv is compelled to investigate to save her boss from jail and prove there was no ghost involved.
Viv is a smart protagonist with a little snark. I would have liked to hear more about the town and their Victorian traditions, though as this is the first I've read of the series, it may have been expanded upon earlier. I was shocked by Irene's relationship to the victim and the ending was inspired. I wouldn't have minded this being a little longer, to add more details, but the detail that was there was excellent. I got sucked into the story, and I desperately want to have a mouthwatering breakfast at the Sweet Victoria B&B. The recipes at the end are an added bonus.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second of the series and the first that I have read. I liked how Viv kept to the belief that there was a logical explanation to the murder even though she didn’t know what it was. The story kept me entertained. I especially liked the snarkiness, it added much humor to this episode. I would have liked a little more length and possible clues with twists.

Overall, this is a good novella that could be much more.
I was given an ARC after the publication date and am NOT required to leave a positive review.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Halloween themed book was the perfect book to get me in the holiday mood. A Masquerade Ball is taking place at the Gaylord Mansion and it is a big event for Victoria Town. There are rumors that the mansion is haunted and Viv finds out that Aunt Libby believes in ghosts after a black handkerchief blows into Viv's face. Aunt Libby tells her that this is an annual happening around Halloween and a bad omen for the person that finds it. Viv is not convinced that there is any such thing as ghosts, but soon finds out what the bad omen means. This was a fun fast-paced read.

I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the author through the Cozy Mystery Review Crew. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is time for the Masquerade Ball in the town of Victoria which was being held at the Gaylord Mansion. Viv is in charge of the games in the Mirror Room. Everyone is all decked out in their victorian period costumes. But one lady seems to stand out to Viv because she was all dressed in black victorian mourning clothes which has Viv intrigued enough to follow her out to the veranda. But when the woman seems to have disappeared, Viv stumbles upon a dead body. It is the body of the town priest. And so the fun begins! Viv's boss Irene is questioned and becomes suspect number one only because of her costume and so it is up to Viv to find out who wanted to murder the priest and why? This is a well written novella. Just when you think you figured it out...the author throws in a wrench and directs you in another direction. So many red-herrings, miscues and twists you just can't stop turning pages until the end. And you will be surprised as to how things worked out! I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will love to see Viv's next adventure. I received and ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are stricty my own.

[Kara Marks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Victoria Town series; I haven’t read the first one, but this stands alone well. I like that this is set around a masquerade ball at Halloween. The writing is really good, and I enjoy Viv, the main character, as well as most of the secondary characters, especially Aunt Libby. There’s a murder, of course, and Viv helps solve it; it kept me guessing an appropriate amount and the resolution felt satisfying. This is an easy, quick read, and I definitely plan to read more by this author. I already bought the first book in this series and I have other books by this author on my TBR as well. I definitely recommend this novella and plan to check out book 3, a Christmas novella. I was provided a copy of this book, but these opinions are my own.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great story to read around Halloween, but it would be great any time of the year. This is fast becoming a series with characters I'm really looking forward to seeing more of! Being a short novella, the story reads fast and is great if you're looking for a fun story between reads. Another body has been discovered and Viv isn't quite sure if she's seen the murderer or the local ghost others have had encounters with. The masquerade party is the perfect setting for this spooky story to unfold. Viv and Aunt Libby learn more about the local ghost while working hard to find the murderer. Sure to be one enjoyable read for everyone!

[Vicki May · Rating 5 out of 5]

While preparing for the Halloween Ball, Vivian finds a black lace handkerchief which is a sign of bad times to come from on of the town's resident ghosts. At the ball, Viv is lured by a mysterious woman in Black to the garden where she finds the body of the town's priest. The list of suspects is long. Masquerade Murder is a quick read but very well written with a mystery full of twists and turns. I really enjoyed the characters and the relationships between the townspeople. They are well developed for a shorter story and I would definitely read more of these fun stories.

[Dianne · Rating 2 out of 5]

Twenty-eight-year-old Vivian “Viv” Barton is attending a Halloween Masquerade Ball at Gaylord Hall, which is located in Victoria Town, Virginia. During the ball, a mysterious person or a resident ghost as her Aunt Libby believes leads Viv to a dead body. Viv takes it upon herself to conduct her own amateur investigation while the police are focusing on her boss, Irene, whom Viv believes is innocent even though the evidence points to Irene as being the guilty party. Vivian puts together a list of suspects. Will any of them pan out as the killer or is she on the wrong track? Will Viv figure it out or is Irene doomed to be blamed for the crime?

Masquerade Murder is the second novella in A Victoria Town Mystery Series, and the mystery includes not only a touch of unexplained phenomena but also superstitions that are tied into past events. There are a couple of recipes with detailed instructions at the end that fit in with the story and sound delicious. Mollie Cox Bryan has penned a light mystery that can be enjoyed without needing to read the first book in the series. However, readers may be interested in reading the first installment to find out more about the details behind the dead body Viv happened upon in the past.

The story moves along at a slow but steady pace with no build-up in tension, and the final clue that leads to the solution of the mystery is anticlimactic as opposed to a gripping climax. Better editing would make for a more pleasurable read.

[Melanie Mckinney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Viv Barton is volunteering at the Masquerade Ball at the historic and creepy Gaylord Hall in Victoria Town, Virginia. Viv suddenly stumbles across a dead body while attending the ball. The rumor of the town is that mansion where the ball is being held is haunted. With that being said Viv spent the time following a mysterious woman dressed in a black dress. Who led her to the body? Was it a ghost or was it someone who suddenly disappeared? Did she follow the ghost of Mathilde Rose, or was this just an act of someone using the story to commit murder and disguise their tracks?

Masquerade Murder is the second novella in the Victoria Town series, however it can be read as a standalone. Being a novella, the story goes by so quickly! The author does a wonderful job leading you towards the wrong direction. Just when you think you have it figured out it, the author suddenly takes you into a totally different direction. The author does a great job of keeping you on your toes and guessing until the end. The only downfall is that it is a short story that could have been a bit longer. Very much looking forward to the next installment in the series, and hope there are many more. I hope you enjoy the setting of a small town with it’s Victorian character as much as I did.

[Toni Nyman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second in a series but can be read as a stand alone. Viv is a young woman who leaves the city to live with her Aunt Libby . Aunt Libby runs a bed and breakfast in Victoria Town, a place that take it's name quite seriously. The night before Halloween they have a Victorian Ball complete with costumes and games of the era. Viv agrees to help her Aunt with the games and then participate in the festivities. She sees a woman dressed all in black who is beckoning her to the veranda. She assumes the lady is her boss who sells mourning clothes at her store. When she gets to the veranda the lady is gone and there is a dead body laying there. It then turns into a great investigation with all sorts of clues, suspects and even a ghost. A fun read that really could have been longer.

[Tari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now that I've read the second book in this novella series, I feel like I know Viv just a little bit better although Aunt Libby is still my fave. We did learn a little bit more about Irene, Viv's boss at the store where she worked.

I loved the idea of a big Halloween party at the Gaylord Mansion! It sounded fun and creepy. And the idea of the woman who Viv followed was also just the right amount of creepiness, which had me wondering if this character really was going to be a ghost or a flesh and blood perp. There was a great twist as more was revealed about Irene's past. I enjoyed this book a lot more than the first one which is probably normal with a new series. Now I can't wait to read the Christmas installment!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book, and my opinions are my own.

[Cincinnatideb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Masquerade Murder is a quick read! Well written & chock full of twists and turns. I found myself staying up past my bedtime as I flipped pages and hurried along to see what was happening next. Good stuff!


Vivian finds a black lace handkerchief which is a sign of bad times to come as she prepares for the Halloween Ball. At the ball, Viv is lured by a mysterious woman to the garden where she finds the body of the town's priest. So many suspects -who might it be?!

Grab this book and enjoy a nice fast escape from reality!

[Victoria Hamel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series. It's a seasonal novella, you can sit down on a cold October night after the kiddos are done ringing your doorbell demanding candy and slip away to Victoria Town.

I like Viv our protagonist, she has a wry sense of humor and it's fun to tag along inside her head. In this installment, I thought that Viv's Aunt Libby was less judgemental than in the first book and more involved in the sleuthing. I liked the build-up to the killer's reveal.

[Andra Weis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Masquerade Murder is the second book in the Victoria Town Mystery novella series by Molly Cox Bryan. Masquerade Murder is also the first book I have read by this author, though not the only title on my to-be-read pile by this author. While this is the second book in the series, I had no difficulties getting to know the main characters and getting into the mystery. Viv Barton has volunteered to oversee the games in the “mirror room” during the masquerade ball at Gaylord Hall. During the course of the evening, Viv is intrigued by one woman (dressed in Victorian widow regalia) and follows her out to the veranda. Now Viv cannot locate the woman - but she does catch a glimpse of a body (a dead body as a matter of fact) belonging to the town priest. And so the hunt is on for the true killer as Viv’s friend Irene has been accused (wrongly of course) of the murder. So Viv and her aunt Libby begin routing around for clues that will lead to the identity of the actual killer.

I enjoyed the process that Viv went through to find and assess the clues as they were discovered. She is one very methodical amateur sleuth. I did at times get annoyed with the local constabulary. They were certainly condescending and dismissive of Viv and her ideas surrounding evidence she found (but Viv held her tongue as she knew it would not help with the speedy resolution of the case). The reader was lead through a panacea of clues, which until the end Viv was able to dismiss and move on to the next set of clues. I happily did not guess who the real killer was until the reveal - just the way I like my mystery reads!

The cover art definitely drew me in. I found it depicted the mood and story very well. The descriptions of the attire evoked vivid imagery - I could visualize the clothing as if was actually seeing it with my own eyes. The one thing, which frankly bothers me for most novella’s I read - it was too short. A bit longer with more twists and turns would have added to its depth and my enjoyment.

If you like quick reads with interesting characters, descriptive prose and a bit of mystery as to “whodunit” then I suggest reading Masquerade Murder. All in all - a fine introduction to the writing of Molly Cox Bryan. I look forward to reading more by this author.

*I would like to thank the author for supplying a copy of this title.*

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well this was a surprise. I didn't expect the ending and the reasons why but that's what makes a good book. I do love the two main characters and the B n B angle, just means more mystery and mayhem to come. In this story you have an old mansion, a priest and secrets from within a church. Got your attention yet? It's a really good read. You won't be disappointed.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This second trip to Victoria Town is even better than the first. It’s a full blown mystery packed into a fairly small package. During a party, a mystery woman in a mourning costume leads Viv to a dead body. This novella’s clever plot and interesting characters move the story along at a nice pace. I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to future installments. I received this book free and chose to make a voluntary, unbiased review.

[Kandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love reading all about this Victorian town and the events that go on there. Very interesting characters and a great setting. I would love to visit there and stay at the B&B. Fun book and series.

[Yvonne · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s Halloween in the small town of Victoria Town, Virginia. Viv Barton is helping with the annual Masquerade Ball at Gaylord Hall. It’s an old Victorian mansion that fits in perfectly with the Halloween theme.

The night of the ball Viv sees a woman dressed in costume trying to get her attention. Viv follows her but never catches up. Instead, she finds that the woman led her to a dead body. It turns out to be the town’s priest.

When Viv’s boss and friend, Irene, is arrested for the murder, Viv and her Aunt Libby set out to clear her name. They are sure Irene is innocent. It doesn’t take long for Viv to start uncovering many dark secrets in this small town.

This is the second book in the Victoria Town Mystery series. This is a series of novellas. I read the first and enjoyed it. This one is enjoyable as well. They go by so quickly - they can be read in just a couple of hours.

Even in this short series, I was totally off the mark on who the real culprit turned out to be. The author does a good job of keeping readers on their toes. It’s the perfect read when you don’t want to delve into a longer book.

In just two short stories, I’ve already come to know and care about Viv and her aunt. The characters are well-developed and each one has their own quirks.

The next book is a Christmas one and I’m looking forward to read that one too

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one is the first in reading this author but it drew me to it. I do love a good mystery which this did turn out to be based around Halloween Time. This is also a quick one that once you are caught up in this one you find you are done in no time. It seems a ghost will take them onto a body and then you are off and running into this mystery. It is one that keeps you into the mystery and not a easy one to figure out that keeps it interesting. One thing though it is a short one that has you wishing it was a fuller read.

[dnsyl57 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Admittedly, I did figure out "who done it" long before the reveal but it was a short, fun read. Other than the shortness of the novella, my only issue with this read is that it could have used another proofread. I came across a couple of grammatical errors, some awkwardly worded sentences and one place where Aunt Libby was referred to as Aunt Viv.

[Sandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the characters and the setting of a town that capitalizes on it’s Victorian architecture. But the story felt a bit rushed to me. I think it could have benefited from being slightly longer.

[Mary]

Never got it. There have been severall all summer that said I would recieve them.
I did not. Thanks Covid-19.

[Mary Bowers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quaint Read

If you look past all the typos in this book, it's another quaint read! Likeable characters, good plot with enough twists to keep you guessing!

[Jennifer Rosenberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting