Jousting and Justice by Elizabeth Pantley – a Review

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Description:
An invitation to a medieval festival. A ferry ride to a mysterious island. A scheming, inept witch. An office break-in, an unidentified body, and a string of suspects. Can Hayden, her brave, sassy cat, Latifa, and the people of Destiny Falls solve the mystery and enjoy the festival?

~ Jousting and Justice follows the series format of combining two stories that blend into one. A murder mystery and the island mystery.

The Island Mystery: Hayden and all her friends get an invitation to a medieval festival – but it’s on “the forbidden island.” It’s too enticing to pass up. Of course, strange things will happen once they get there! . . . You’ll also learn the truth about the witch’s sister in this book!

The Murder Mystery: A dead body shows up in the most shocking place. First, they need to figure out who this dead guy is. Then, who killed him and why. There are so many twists and turns on the way to the answers! But we know that Hayden, Latifa, and their family and friends will figure it out and justice will be served.

Hayden’s many adventures in Destiny Falls will keep you guessing with each book in this intriguing series.

Review:

Jousting and Justice by Elizabeth Pantley is the 5^th book in her fun Destiny Falls Mystery & Magic series.  Refresher: Hayden, who now fully lives in Destiny Falls with her talking cat, Latifa, and is happy in her new magical world, being a member of her powerful Caldwell family, as well as many new friends, and boyfriend, Han.  Hayden still is determined to meet her mother, who is stuck in the evil Gladstone realm.

It is always nice to spend time with Hayden, our heroine, and the wonderful characters (and cats) of Destiny Falls. Jousting and Justice begins with a surprise invitation to a medieval festival in Gladstone, with the Ferry bringing them there.  Hayden is at first concerned, but when her grandmother says she will set up protection for them, and they (the entire town) will go and have fun; and Hayden looks forward to seeing her mother and father in Gladstone.

Everyone begins to prepare to attend the festival, making medieval costumes, etc. When Hayden goes to her newspaper office, she discovers that the office was broken into, and finds an unidentified dead body.  She calls together the group, Jaxson (police chief), Han (boyfriend), Axel (her brother) to try to figure out who the dead man is and why in her office.  What were they looking for?

When everyone went on the Ferry, they realized that they were not going to Gladstone, and instead ended up on a small mysterious island. However, the entire event went on with a wonderful time enjoying the medieval experience.  As the day nears end, both Hayden and Axel are sideswiped toward another boat, missing the Ferry; the wicked witch whom we knew about from previous books had them trapped.  Will the family who put the protection up be able to save them? There was a lot of intrigue and surprises along the way.  To say too much more would be spoilers, and this series should be read from start to finish, as the story is a continuation.

I loved how Hayden’s wonderful talking magical cat, Latifa would gather family and cats to try and solve the murder.  Overall, Latifa was a blast, so much fun. During the festival we did learn more about some of the people in Destiny Falls, who had surprising abilities, and we also learn who is the good witch sister.

Jousting and Justice was another delightful lighthearted mystery, in a magical and charming enchanted realm, Destiny Falls. This is a fun cozy murder fantasy whodunit, that was intriguing and kept our attention from start to finish.  Once again, I absolutely loved the cats and their meetings to help solve the crimes.  I look forward to the next book, as this ended with a surprise twist. Another fun cozy book by Elizabeth Pantley, that was well written.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy supplied for Review