Review – The Museum of Unusual Occurrence by Erica Wright
Synopsis
Welcome to the Museum of Unusual Occurrence―a place full of strange exhibits and even stranger murders. The first in the new Psychic City mystery series by talented author Erica Wright.
“Every small town thinks it’s special―That might be true, but this one actually is.”
Rational and cynical Aly Orlean’s life in her psychic hometown of Wyndale, Florida, couldn’t be more hectic. It’s all about running her business, raising a teenage sister, sending out holiday greetings―and her new task: finding a killer.
For her Museum of Unusual Occurrence not only houses odd curiosities but now has a brand-new display: The body of Rose Dempsey, a local twenty-year-old, set up in one of the exhibits as if she has been ritually sacrificed.
With the police clueless, Aly is worried that this is a vicious warning for her and her solitary way of life. Fearing for her sister Merope’s well-being, she’s determined to find out why the killer murdered Rose and how her body was placed in Aly’s museum . . . But might the killer be someone hiding in plain sight?
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Review
This is a unique perspective on a cozy mystery. I love the museum’s theme, and it would be fascinating to visit. The town does take advantage of its supernatural aura.
The characters are a mixed bag. Aly is something of a loner outside of her sister and believes she can do everything herself. Bud, the police detective, is a bit of an odd duck, but committed to finding Rose’s killer. Merope is a typical teenager. However, all of these characters, and more, give Wyndale its unique image.
I found the pacing slower than what I usually read. This didn’t help keep me engaged in the book as other books have. But I was determined to find out who killed Rose, who left her in the museum, and what was with all of the paranormal-type activity, like the cell phone that didn’t stay charged?!
In the end, I was surprised by a few things that explained how Rose ended up in the museum. The killer was not on my radar either.
This could be an intriguing series, so I am interested in finding out how it continues.
We give this book 3 1/2 paws up.
About the Author
Erica Wright is the author of eight books, including the essay collection Snake and the crime novels Famous in Cedarville and Hollow Bones. For more than a decade, she was the Poetry Editor at Guernica Magazine and currently teaches at Bellevue University. She holds degrees from New York University and Columbia University. She lives in Knoxville, Tennessee, with her family.
