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Third Time's a crime is reality TV in book form! Except in Cold Case at the Castle, the drama wasn't scripted! Set at an old mansion that had operated as a boys home many years in the past, ex-cop Georgia and the nine other contestants are tasked with solving the murder of a girl who disappeared decades ago, to solve the mystery first. But when an employee at the castle is found dead, and another contestant is murdered after he was voted off the show, Georgia knows all the murders are tied together and the killer is still very close to the scene. Can she find a cold blooded killer at the Castle before she's the next victim?

This was recommended to me by a friend, who sent me a copy of the book. (Thanks, Joann!) This was the first book I've read in the Love or Money series, and I really enjoyed it. I don't care for reality shows, so I skipped over a lot of the backstabbing/partnering/cheating sort of reality tv shtick. But at the heart of it, this was an excellent plot, lots of action and suspense with plenty of misdirections and a hint of is-it-or-isn't-it-paranormal to keep you guessing. The satisfying ending tied everything up nicely, and although the book can be read as a standalone, it will definitely suck you right into the series.

I loved the crumbling old mansion setting, very well described and so vivid I felt like it was real. I eagerly followed along as the contestants combed the mansion and gardens, and I love the dumbwaiter scene (I've always wanted to do that!) Combined with the animated characters (especially Bert!) the entire story was dimensional, exciting and totally engrossing.

Overall, Third Time's a Crime is an excellent mystery, and can be read as a standalone or even an entry into the series. I definitely recommend it for cozy mystery and reality tv fans.

How come the whole issue of all the contestants who tried to cheat by looking at the results in Cheryl's office was dropped without another word? Georgia even mentioned it when she was voted off, but literally nothing ever came of it, despite them being caught on film. WTH? ( )

Having won one and lost one, Georgia has truly become a mainstay in the reality television world. Hoping to win again, and help out her father's farm among other things, she and boyfriend Scott gear up to solve a cold case in what appears to be a haunted castle. The historical society hopes the added publicity will pump up tourism and aid in the final restoration of the castle. What a perfect set up for a show--it's a former reform school, a young woman was killed and with Georgia's ex-cop instincts and snoopiness gene, what could go wrong? Turns out, quite a bit, particularly after a groundskeeper is found dead and parts of the castle seem less stable than they should be. The book reads very quickly to mimic that fast pace they are living while recording the show and was a lot of fun. ( )