A review by rg9400
Murder at Spindle Manor by Morgan Stang

dark funny mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I really enjoyed this book. It's definitely heavily inspired by Agatha Christie with the tropes of the guests trapped in a mansion due to a storm and the classic Golden Age inspired detective. However, it throws a variety of fantasy things into the mix. My one criticism would be that the mystery aspect wasn't as clever as the best of Christie's novels, but that's about it. I inhaled the book otherwise. I loved the zany characters that almost seemed out of something like Knives Out, and the humor was actually a welcome surprise. At the same time, the world feels mysterious and haunting, with plenty of hints towards all the different monsters infecting the world. I saw a review that compared it to Soulsborne, and I can see that claim due to the Victorian setting and some sections that almost veer into horror. A really effective mix of elements propped up with a strong and distinctive voice, all while being extremely efficient. 

I must note that this type of mystery is very much my thing, and so I am certainly biased because I am unaware of any other fantasy book that is so much this type of story. And so it fits my tastes almost perfectly. But regardless, highly recommend it. My favorite of the SPFBO finalists so far.