Secrets by Starlight by J.R. Pearse Nelson
This is the first book in a series called Moon Garden Mysteries. Set in the small town of Crescent Bay on the Northern California coast, the narrator Naomi Monday has inherited a large mansion called Covett House, a small museum called Museum of the Odd and Wondrous, and a gardening shop. She knew this was coming to her when her grandmother died, but she doesn't feel ready for it. She is recently divorced and lives in Sacramento, where she has an apartment and job.
At first she is sure she is going to sell it all, but after a few days, where many things happen, she isn't so sure.
One thing, a local woman called Cherise Tillson is murdered in the museum, and the police have a lot of questions. Another is that her grandmother's cat, who has been missing since her death, reappears and leads Naomi to discover a hidden key, a book that is part of a series written by her grandmother, and a secret garden that only appears at certain times. When Naomi enters the garden, she finds that there are things that expected of her, and that many creatures depend on her continuing a family tradition.
As Naomi finds herself welcomed in town, and led to clues about the murder, she finds that this is a community she wants to be part of.
This novel has elements of women's fiction, fantasy, and cozy mystery, which all come together in interesting ways. I enjoyed watching Naomi become more comfortable in herself and her situation and find a solution that will work for at least a while. I also, naturally, liked the cat and the role it played.
This is a light read and promises for an interesting series.
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