Anne is an American immigrant who works at a bookstore in Switzerland. One day, she watches her boss and the owner of the book store, Marco, play the card game Tarocchi with a group of local men. When some of the players are discovered dead with cards from the game next to them, Anne worries that Marco might be next.

This was a nice cozy mystery, but I didn't feel that strongly about the book (in a positive or negative way).

I liked the setting; it was fun to be transported to Switzerland and to learn a bit more about Ascona, which is the town the book is set in.

I liked how the mystery drew from real events and problems. The local men for example, are veterans of the French Foreign Legion, and the book briefly discusses their transition from active combat into civilian life.

Still, I didn't think that the mystery itself was particularly compelling. Anne happened to be involved in the mystery due to her connection to Marco and the store, but she didn't feel like a part of the mystery, if that makes sense. She does sleuth, but I also got the feeling that the police might have been able to solve the case with or without her involvement.

I also found it hard to connect to the characters. I think it's because this is the first book in the series that I read. Most cozies usually work as standalones, and this one does to an extent, but I did feel like I was thrown into the middle of Anne's story. You'd be better off starting from the beginning and working your way through the series.

For more of my reviews, please visit:

( )