The next morning, escorted by army Captain Guy Manning, Lori arrives at Wyrdhurst Hall and meets her host and hostess, newlyweds Nicole and Jared Hollander. She begins to feel very eerie in the neo-Gothic castle. Lori tries to ignore the bars on her oddly decorated guest room, and puts her feelings aside and tries to immerse herself in her work. An inscription in a child's book - “To Claire from Edward” - piques her interest and curiosity for reasons she cannot explain. Other odd events follow that worry her, including an inexplicable attraction to Adam, until a package containing a blank book with a blue cover arrives from home.

The book is a diary of sorts that allows the ghost of a dear, elderly friend to communicate with Lori. Aunt Dimity warns Lori that she maybe in danger and that she should return to her husband and children before things get more out of control. Lori becomes concerned that if she is receptive to one ghost (Aunt Dimity), another ghost (Claire) might decide Lori is a good medium to help reveal and solve a mystery that is over fifty years old and may have had lasting effects.

Aunt Dimity Beats the Devil is a delightful old-fashioned mystery with a light-hearted atmosphere. The misty moors, the rain and the drafty castle offer a good contrast to the slightly slapstick mystery. While the supporting characters are not especially well developed, Lori is a very entertaining, likable heroine. She is very curious and receptive to many different ideas, while keeping a clear enough head to keep her wits.

The modern day mystery melds with the old, romantic mystery to create a seamless puzzle that will entertain, though it may not have a surprising ending. The plot, though very carefully laid out, has enough added interest to keep the momentum going and prevent the book from being dull.

A light-hearted mystery with an unusual partner for the heroine provides a quick, very atmospheric read for anyone looking for an afternoon of fun with a traditional cozy mystery.

--Jennifer Monahan Winberry