I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Tragedy strikes a couple’s wedding day as a body appears, and the organizers must unravel the clues before it is too late in author A.L. Jensen’s “Midsummer, Marriage and Murder,” the second book in the Hygge House series.

The Synopsis

The wedding was perfect. The body ruined everything.

Interior designer turned amateur sleuth Minna Halonen has finally hit her stride. Hygge House is thriving, and she and business partner Christie Andersson are pulling out all the stops for Lakewood’s most anticipated wedding — a dreamy Midsummer celebration with Nordic feasting, a lakeside bonfire, and flower-strewn gardens glowing in the golden northern light.

Then the groom’s favourite uncle vanishes before the rehearsal dinner.

When Minna finds Uncle Rick slumped lifeless in a Muskoka chair, it’s clear this wasn’t just a man who wanted to skip the speeches. His last message was cryptic. His reasons for avoiding the wedding, it turns out, were very good ones.

With a grieving family, a rattled bride and groom, and her business reputation on the line, Minna must once again trade her decorator’s instincts for detective work — before a killer slips away under the cover of Midsummer night.

Perfect for fans of cozy mysteries with warm settings, charming characters, and just enough chill to keep you turning pages.

The Hygge House Mystery Series — where Scandinavian comfort meets small-town secrets.

THE REVIEW

This was the perfect cozy mystery read and a great follow-up in this new series. The author does such an incredible job of slowly and suddenly building the mystery that becomes the foundation of this story. The balance between rich, dynamic character development and tense, atmospheric mystery development keeps the reader invested as the story progresses.

At the heart of the story is not just a simple murder mystery. It is a story of humanity itself, exploring themes such as the trauma the protagonist endured in the first book, the mounting tension as a couple plans their wedding, and even emotional family dynamics. The infusion of witty dialogue, breaking the tension with humor and charm, keeps the inviting atmosphere that draws readers deeper and deeper into the mystery.

THE VERDICT

Compelling, thoughtfully written, and highly engaging, author A.L. Jensen’s “Midsummer, Marriage and Murder” is a great second entry into the Hygge House series and a perfect cozy mystery read. The twists and turns that drive the mystery, and the dynamic character development that offer emotional and insightful insights into how these characters interact with one another, not only add fuel to the growing mystery but also keep the reader invested in the world the author has created. If you haven’t yet, please be sure to grab your copy of this amazing book today!

Rating: 10/10

About the Author

A. L. Jensen is a Finnish Canadian author and certified book coach. An empty nester, she lives with her husband Michael on a serene lake in the small town of Naughton in Greater Sudbury, Ontario. When she’s not writing and sipping chai lattes at her local coffeeshop, you’ll find her reading in her gazebo, or walking nearby trails with her mini Goldendoodle Emmy, while dreaming of her next travel adventure. She is inspired by her Finnish heritage and the northern landscape she calls home.

https://www.liisakovalabookcoach.com/cozymysteries