Title: The Triangle Motel
Author: LB Robbins
Publisher: Toplink Publishing, LLC
ISBN: 978-1733132978
Pages: 84
Genre: Mystery/Cozy Mystery
Reviewed by: CC Thomas
Pacific Book Review
LB Robbins’s The Triangle Motel features Angelica Peterson, a long-time resident of bucolic Sea Isle City. When her lifelong neighbors move away, Peterson has some trouble getting used to the changes next door. However, meeting the new neighbors initially sets her at ease. After all, what harm could a younger, small, tight-knit family cause? In Peterson’s view, plenty.
On her first invitation to the neighbors, she is shocked to see the décor of the home. Instead of cute and quaint and comfortable, it is futuristic and modern. Peterson realizes that her old neighbors are gone for good, though, and she will just have to buck up and deal with these new changes. Old dogs can learn new tricks, right? Things only worsen as the neighbor buys a new green sports car and government officials come to check the security of the area as clearance for the man’s job. This piques Peterson’s interest and irritation, but she is determined to give this new life a shot. When the mother of the young family declines Peterson’s idea to use the local church as a social opportunity, Peterson decides to put her nose back in her own business. Plus, Peterson has plenty to keep her busy. She spends much of her time planning for and planting a lovely garden…and putting her nose into business other than her own. Maybe old dogs can’t learn new tricks.
Changing neighbors is one thing, but the change to the neighborhood is quite another. Peterson is more than alarmed by the construction work being undertaken on the property close by, a military site. Peterson soon discovers that her new neighbors are bit more than meets the eye. This discovery leads to other, more sinister ones. And, her busy-body personality is just what is needed to save their lives, and the world!
Angelica Peterson is an absolute delight as a character. She will remind you of your own favorite nosy relative, full of sass and humor with a heart of pure gold. She just can’t help her basic instinct to meddle and the fictional world of Sea Isle City. She is equal parts funny and smart. While some cozy mysteries are lacking in thrill and adventure, Angelica Peterson isn’t one of those old women who solve things over tea and crumpets. She dives right in to the mystery and helps to solve a complicated case full of intrigue and peril.
Robbins’s The Triangle Motel is a quick read, but a fun one nonetheless. This reader is hoping Ms. Peterson has more tricks up her sleeve. With her penchant for sniffing out trouble, watching her solve the next mystery would be a pleasure!
