How to Seal Your Own Fate
By: Kristen Perrin
My Rating: FOUR out of FIVE Stars
Best For: 16 and up

How to Seal Your Own Fate: A Clever and Cozy Return to Castle Knoll

If you loved How to Solve Your Own Murder, then you’ll feel right at home with Kristen Perrin’s next book. This novel is a direct follow-up, and I’m happy to report that the gentle whodunit tone and style of the first book are perfectly in place here. While it might not add much to the series’ larger story, it’s a clever mystery in its own right and a welcome return to the charming village of Castle Knoll.

What is it about?

The story picks up with Annie Adams, who is just starting to settle into her new life in Castle Knoll when she runs into Peony Lane, the fortune teller who delivered the fortune her Great Aunt Francis obsessed over until her death in book one. Peony shares a cryptic message with Annie, and then…dun dun dunnn…is found dead just hours later inside Annie’s house! It looks like someone is trying to frame Annie, and she must dig into the village’s dark secrets to figure out what Peony was trying to warn her about. Just like the first book, the story unfolds in two timelines. The present follows Annie’s investigation, while the past takes us back to 1967 with a teenage Frances Adams. We follow Frances as she gets caught between two men and investigates a suspicious car crash that killed a local family. As Annie works to clear her name, the two timelines eventually intertwine, providing a satisfying solution to both mysteries.

What did I think?

I really enjoyed my time with this book. The dual timeline format is the real star here, and I found myself equally hooked on both the present-day mystery with Annie and the historical investigation with Frances. The writing makes it easy to switch between the two, and it’s so much fun to watch the pieces of the puzzle come together. The likable protagonists, Annie and Frances, make for a great duo, and I loved getting a better understanding of their relationship and the history of the town.

While the plot has plenty of twists and turns to keep you engaged, the formula is becoming a bit predictable. Seasoned mystery readers will likely spot a few things coming, but that doesn’t take away from the overall fun of the read. The story can get a little convoluted towards the end as all the pieces come together, but it’s a small price to pay for a clever and satisfying conclusion. Castle Knoll itself is a delight, with a growing cast of characters and more secrets waiting to be uncovered.

Sensitive Content: Some language.
Mild violence.
Some mild sexual content.

Should you read it?

If you’re a fan of “cozy mysteries” or enjoyed the first book, you’ll definitely want to read this one. It’s an entertaining and engaging mystery that makes for a great escape. Just be sure to read the first book first to get the most out of the characters and their backstories. This dad says How to Seal Your Own Fate is best for 16 and up.

Happy Reading!