Book Review: Matrimony, Mayhem, and Murder: A Fiona Quinn Mystery by C. S. McDonald
Book Review: Matrimony, Mayhem, and Murder: A Fiona Quinn Mystery by C. S. McDonald

Book Review: Matrimony, Mayhem, and Murder: A Fiona Quinn Mystery by C. S. McDonald

Book Details

Book Title:  Matrimony. Mayhem, and Murder (A Fiona Quinn Mystery #10) 
Author:  C.S. McDonald
​Category:  Adult Fiction, 242 pages
Genre:  Cozy Mystery
Publisher:  McWriter Books
Release date:  Nov 10, 2021
Formats Available for review: ebook (mobi for kindle, epub, pdf), audiobook (audible download)
Content Rating:  G. C.S. McDonald’s books are appropriate for YA readers as well as adults–no bad language or sexual content.


Book Description

The venue is set, invitations sent, and the flowers ordered. It’s almost time for Fiona and Nathan to get married…again. What could possibly go wrong? Nothing…well, until the wedding planner is found dead.

Then the woman Fiona has never met shows up–Nathan’s enigmatic mom, Rita Landry. And she’s wearing a gorgeous but mysterious necklace. Worse, Rita is being followed by two sinister-looking men, forcing her to flee the country. And who gets dragged along? None other than the bride-to be! How does a girl prepare for all of that? Looks like Fiona’s perfectly planned matrimony has morphed into mayhem and murder!

You’re formally invited to Fiona and Nathan’s wedding. Question is: Will the wedding happen?

Buy the Book: Amazon


Why Should You Read This?

“Matrimony, Mayhem, and Murder” by C.S. McDonald invites readers to witness the wedding preparations of Fiona Quinn and Nathan, which take an unexpected turn when the wedding planner is found dead. As the couple’s special day transforms into a chaotic whirlwind of intrigue, readers are treated to a delightful blend of mystery, mayhem, and romantic suspense.

The novel opens with Fiona Quinn, a clever and determined private investigator, eagerly anticipating her upcoming nuptials. However, the story takes an intriguing twist when Nathan’s enigmatic mother, Rita Landry, arrives unexpectedly, adorned with a mysterious necklace. Things quickly spiral out of control as Rita becomes the target of two sinister individuals, leading to a desperate flight out of the country. Fiona finds herself reluctantly embarking on an international adventure, unsure if her dream wedding will ever come to fruition.

C.S. McDonald’s storytelling prowess shines throughout the book, weaving a tale that seamlessly combines elements of romance and suspense with a captivating mystery. The author masterfully constructs a web of secrets, misdirections, and unexpected alliances, keeping readers on the edge of their seats, eager to unravel the truth behind the murder and the enigma surrounding Rita’s necklace.

The characters in “Matrimony, Mayhem, and Murder” are a vibrant and engaging cast. Fiona Quinn, as the main protagonist, is a relatable and resourceful heroine, whose wit and determination make her a delight to follow. Nathan’s mother, Rita Landry, adds an air of intrigue and mystery to the narrative, leaving readers wondering about her true intentions. The supporting characters, both familiar faces from previous books and new acquaintances, are well-developed and add depth to the story.

McDonald’s writing style is engaging and fluid, effortlessly capturing the essence of each scene. The author’s attention to detail shines in the vivid descriptions of luxurious settings, as well as the high-stakes action sequences that keep the readers guessing. The pacing of the plot is well-balanced, with a careful blend of moments of tension and moments of respite, ensuring the story never loses its momentum.

While “Matrimony, Mayhem, and Murder” is part of the Fiona Quinn Mystery series, it can be enjoyed as a standalone novel. However, readers familiar with the series will appreciate the continuity and growth of recurring characters.

The only minor drawback of the book is that some readers may find the plot a tad predictable at times, particularly if they are well-versed in the mystery genre. Nevertheless, McDonald’s engaging writing and the endearing nature of the characters compensate for any predictability, keeping readers invested in the story until the satisfying conclusion.

In summary, “Matrimony, Mayhem, and Murder: A Fiona Quinn Mystery” is an enjoyable and entertaining read that offers a perfect blend of romance, suspense, and mystery. C.S. McDonald’s skillful storytelling and compelling characters make this book a delightful addition to the series, and readers will find themselves eagerly turning the pages to uncover the truth behind the murder and the fate of Fiona and Nathan’s wedding.