Double Trouble: Showtime at Castlewood Manor
(My American Almost-Royal Cousin Series Book 5) by Veronica Cline Barton
Reviewed by S. S. Bazinet

Description:
American Marchioness and mummy-to-be Lady Gemma Lancaster Williams is up to her maternity toes with the soon to be completed renovations at Cherrywood Hall and the planning for the Prince of Kingwood Ball, a royal, society event. The startling find of a skeleton in the construction zone brings renovations to a grinding halt. History is about to get a big royal wake-up call with this ghoulish find, as scandals from the past are revealed.

Gemma’s college friend, interior designer extraordinaire, Rikkhe St. Claire has an eye for clues and a nose for trouble, helping Gemma uncover deadly details from years gone by. A new nanny’s in the halls of Cherrywood—will Figgy McEwen’s psychic conversations with the ghost whisperers from the past lead Scotland Yard to discover fiends most foul? Chaos on the film set of the Castlewood Manor movie lead to more than one deadly demise—are they accidents? Or pre-meditated?

Royal diaries, international intrigue, a film’s future, and meddling friends and family bring these scandalous happenings to a head. Gemma, hunky-dunky, hubby Kyle, and new doggie of the manor, Teddy are definitely in for double trouble in this almost-royal who dun nit like no other!

Review:
Castlewood Manor, a beautiful estate in England, is the perfect setting for elegance, sophistication, family and mystery. And that’s what this fifth book in the series encompasses. The story’s prologue recounts a murder that occurred in 1934 at Castlewood Manor. As the story begins, we are quickly brought back to current times and our heroine, American Marchioness Lady Gemma Lancaster Williams. Gemma is married to the dashing Sir Kyle and is very pregnant with twins. They are attending a palace garden party hosted by the Queen.

With that beginning in mind, I hoped that a wonderful story would enfold, and I got my wish. And don’t worry. If some of the characters from other books in the series grabbed your fancy, many are back. They provide a feeling of coziness and connection. We’re also introduced to Figgy McEwen. This very capable, Scottish gal is hired as a nanny for the twins and is a delightful addition to the series. She’s not only witty and fun, but she also brings a sense of other-worldly psychic connections to the story.

I found myself happily lost in Double Trouble: Showtime at Castlewood Manor. Everything from the tantalizing food to the lavish furnishings whisked me away, once again, to a luxurious world across the pond. At the same time, there were secrets and intrigue to investigate, an inviting family to care about, and a murder to solve. I gave it five stars in all departments!

Veronica Cline Barton’s website: https://www.veronicaclinebarton.com/
Twitter: twitter.com/VClinebarton