Book Review: Murder Most Haunted by Emma Mason
When I first heard about Murder Most Haunted, Emma Mason’s debut novel, I was genuinely intrigued. The combination of ghosts, a cozy mystery setting, and a character like DS Midge promised a vintage vibe with a twist. With the generous opportunity to read an ARC thanks to William Morrow and NetGalley, I was eager to dive in—though I have to admit, I wasn’t entirely sure if this was going to be my type of read.
From the very first pages, I felt for Midge, who’s on the cusp of retirement from her job in property records. Her lackluster retirement gift—a Haunted Christmas Weekend complete with a prize worth £175—struck a chord with me. What starts as a seemingly quaint excursion to Atherton Hall quickly becomes suspenseful, evoking a classic Clue feel. With an eclectic mix of characters—a washed-up pop star, a skeptical doctor, and an overly enthusiastic paranormal investigator—Mason lays the groundwork for a spooky adventure filled with promise.
The plot took me on a rollercoaster ride as our group enters this haunted estate, only to be confronted by a locked door and an unexpected murder. While I was rooting for Midge, I found myself battling the cozy genre’s inherent gentleness. I’m more accustomed to gripping mysteries with faster pacing, and the slower beats here made me wonder if I would make it to the end. It had Hallmark mystery channel written all over it, fitting neatly into the mold of a classic murder mystery but lacking enough hooks to keep me fully engaged.
One of the most fascinating aspects of Murder Most Haunted is its portrayal of DS Midge. Emma Mason crafted a deeply layered character: she’s plus-sized, disabled, and autistic, and yet she feels both overlooked and under-respected by her peers. I wanted to cheer for her—a fiercely intelligent detective with hidden strengths similar to a neurodivergent version of Dr. House—but her portrayal often left me with a sense of melancholy. Midge felt more like a stereotype than a fully fleshed-out character, and at times her curmudgeonly nature was off-putting rather than endearing. The narrative, unfortunately, did little to evolve her character, leaving me wishing for more diversity in representation.
However, amidst the struggles, I see the potential in Mason’s writing. There’s a unique voice here, one that hints at a greater depth waiting to be explored. And though I faced challenges connecting with the characters, I am hopeful that this book is just the beginning. There are whispers of a series involving our dear Midge, and with that promise, I believe we could witness some significant character development. I want Midge to break free from the shadows, become the badass detective she has the potential to be, and show us her true brilliance.
In conclusion, I’d recommend Murder Most Haunted to readers who enjoy cozy mysteries and character-driven stories. For those looking for tight suspense and rapid pacing, this might not hit the mark. While my experience left me with mixed feelings, I am curious to see how Mason evolves this series. So, if you want to embark on a cozy journey filled with ghostly tales and quirky characters, pick up this book. You might just find yourself wrapped up in Midge’s charmingly chaotic world—a world that, with time, I hope becomes loud with life and laughter. I’ll give it a solid 3.5 out of 5 stars (rounded up to 4) because, though it wasn’t my personal favorite, there’s a spark there that could light a wonderful literary fire.