"Curse Conundrum" By Hazel Smith: Review/Giveaway

Review by Tracy Condie

Details at the end of this post on how to enter to win an ebook copy of the book and a link to purchase it.

Hotel La Fontaine is cursed; at least that is the premise of Book 8 of the Maid Ivy Cozy mystery series. This is absolute nonsense according to Ivy. She has no time for such things, what with having to train a new maid, Ava, who, on her first day, finds the body of Andrew Wallace, a renowned paranormal researcher and author.

Nadia Brooks, the victim’s agent, is quick to promote his latest book which makes note of the curse of La Fontaine which is based on the hotel fountain and a woman’s death many years ago.

---

➡ switch to KingsRiverLife.com for more articles ⬅

---

Rumors are flying, and some social media posts make Ivy wonder who on staff is adding fuel to the fire. There are reports that strange singing and heavy footsteps in the wee hours of the morning are spooking the guests. Ivy uses her Midwestern values to help her deal with difficult people, but not even her gentle easy-going disposition can accept the blatant disregard for proper protocol by the other maids. 

Ivy’s days are filled with podcasters, spirit cleansing rituals, supervisory duties, her hotel-owner boyfriend, and teaching the doorman how to crochet a dog scarf. Nighttime is reserved for girlfriend get-togethers to discuss suspects and to snack on goodies.

Each of the Maid Ivy stories is a stand-alone and has at least one quirky character. This one includes a paranormal researcher named Shamus O’Malone and his cheeky cockatoo, Herbert, who squawks some startling things, making you wonder if he witnessed something important. There are plenty of red herrings and page-turning pieces that keep the reader’s attention.

Ivy’s sweet disposition is one of the reasons I enjoy reading this most entertaining series. The comradery of the friends, and the sweet romance between Ivy and Max are other reasons. Plus, there are recipes. This one includes a Classic Fruit Cake recipe which I will be saving for the holiday season.

To enter to win an ebook copy of Curse Conundrum, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line "Conundrum,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen March 8, 2025. US residents only and you must be 18 or older to enter. If entering via comment please include your email address so we can contact you. You can read our privacy statement here if you like.

Check out other mystery articles, reviews, book giveaways & mystery short stories in our mystery section in Kings River Life and in our mystery category here on KRL News & Reviews. And join our mystery Facebook group to keep up with everything mystery we post, and have a chance at some extra giveaways. And check out our new mystery podcast which features mystery short stories and first chapters read by local actors! 

You can click here to purchase this book.

 

Tracy Condie is a paralegal by day and cozy armchair sleuth by night. When she is not working or reading, she enjoys preparing the recipes found in culinary cozies or researching recipes of meal items described therein and sharing reviews of both books and food on Instagram and on KRL. She lives in Corona, California with her husband and dog Zoolie, and looks forward to visiting with their grown sons when their time permits.

Disclosure: This post contains links to an affiliate program, for which we receive a few cents if you make purchases. KRL also receives free copies of most of the books that it reviews, that are provided in exchange for an honest review of the book.