by Cynthia Chow

Here is another fun mystery that fits perfectly with the theme of Halloween. Details on how to enter to win a copy of this book at the end of this review.

Aurora “Rory” Chasen may not believe in superstitions but she’s familiar with obsessions. The death of her fiancé, Warren, sends Rory on a quest to validate or contradict the superstition that seemed to predict his fate. Rory’s path begins with a book recommended by her librarian/best friend and leads to a visit to the author’s residence in the superstition-themed town of Destiny.

The fates would indeed seem to be playing a hand in Rory’s future. The first store Rory, a MegaPets assistant manager, enters is the Lucky Dog Boutique, where she comes to the medical aid of its owner, Martha. This leads to an introduction to Justin Halberston, Destiny Police Chief and an undeniable hunk of a man. Not that she’s interested, of course, as Rory’s intent on meeting the co-owner of the Broken Mirror Bookstore and author of The Destiny of Superstitions, Kenneth Tarzal. He raises the hair on Rory’s dog Pluckie—a rescued spaniel-terrier—a better warning sign than any bad-luck charm. When Tarzal is stabbed with a broken mirror and dies in a puddle of spilled milk, well, that most definitely is not good luck.

Fate – or coincidence? – seems to be lead Rory to a more permanent position in Destiny when she is offered what appears to be the perfect job. More crucial to Rory’s sanity and conscience is the need to know if she could have prevented Warren’s demise. While Rory falls under the spell of superstitions and their powers, she also needs to investigate the residents after Martha is deemed the most likely suspect.

Fans of Linda O. Johnston’s other series will be assured this well-written series will contain romance, suspense and affection for animals. Readers are given time to know and love both Rory and Destiny—a town full of places like the Rainbow Bed & Breakfast, Beware of Bubbles Coffee Shop, the Shamrock Steakhouse, Wishbones-to-go and the Apple-a-Day Café.

The existence of superstition, and how we use it to bring a sense of order and control to our lives, is left for readers to determine. The line between superstition as a comfort or a controlling restriction is quite fine. Many of the Destiny residents seem to have crossed over it. Readers are ensured to be entertained by this very amusing and charming mystery—they’ll also be left contemplating fate and luck, long after the last page.

To enter to win a copy of Lost Under a Ladder, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line “Ladder,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen October 18, 2014. U.S. residents only.

Check out other mystery articles, reviews, book giveaways & short stories in our mystery section.

Click on this link to purchase this book & a portion goes to help support KRL!

Cynthia Chow is the branch manager of Kaneohe Public Library on the island of Oahu. She balances a librarian lifestyle of cardigans and hair buns with a passion for motorcycle riding and regrettable tattoos (sorry, Mom).