Review: Miss Willorghby and the Haunted Book Shop (2021)
By William Pattiso
This time I got an amusing paranormal mystery..
Tragically orphaned at a young age, Elizabeth Willoughby inherited her impressive family estate and was raised by retired US Marine, Robert. Under his watchful guidance, her childhood was spent studying strategy, history and literature, all the while mastering the ancient arts of combat. Now an Ancient Civilization professor at University, Willoughby receives a call from family friends, Helen and Oliver Deakins, who have been experiencing a series of hauntings at their antique bookshop. With nobody else to turn to, and knowing Willoughby's insatiable appetite for investigation, Helen asks Willoughby to get to the bottom of this paranormal mystery.
Don’t expect any jump scares, blood, or even cool makeup fx in this film. I’m a big fan of British style mysteries and that is what this film is. It is a charming mystery movie with interesting characters and an interesting sleuth, this time being Elizabeth “Lizzy” Willoghby.
Lizzy is played to perfection by actress Nathalie Cox and joined by Kelsey Grammar as her guardian Robert Whindgate. Together Cox and Grammar are excellently paired as the sleuth and her “Watson”.
As far as the mystery itself, it is nothing much. It is actually very predictable. I. Fact the ghost in the story really doesn’t make much of an impression. Also, the haunted bookshop is only in a couple of scenes. So, don’t expect any scares. This film isn’t a horror film, even though it is in the horror section of Fawesome.
When it comes down to it this film is very character forward and mystery is really in the background. It is more about seeing Miss Willoghby doing her thing and just enjoying the characters.
Personally, I would love to see Lizzy and Robert come back for another adventure or even a series of mysteries. This movie was a fun ride.
So, with all this said, get yourself a pot of English tea, some Bangers and Mash, and an English Trifle and sit back and enjoy the show. I know I did…
