Dorian Rockwood’s The Dungeon of Peril Mystery is a delightfully old-fashioned teen mystery wrapped in charm, humor, and just enough shadowy suspense. It follows seventeen-year-old twins Paul and Dan Case, one is a budding boxer, the other an aspiring artist, as Dan lands a paid art commission that seems simple enough: paint portraits of a wealthy woman’s dogs. But what starts as a lighthearted gig in a quirky old mansion quickly turns into a puzzle involving odd sightings, whispered warnings, and a supposed haunted dungeon. With sharp wit, clever pacing, and characters that leap off the page, the story blends humor, teen antics, and mystery in equal measure.

What I liked most was the voice. It’s cheeky and self-aware, never trying too hard to be clever but landing plenty of genuinely funny moments. Dan and Paul feel like real brothers. They’re constantly teasing, deeply loyal, and occasionally exasperating each other. The banter had me smiling more than once. And Rockwood’s writing balances that humor with atmosphere surprisingly well. The mansion felt both cozy and creepy, like something out of an old Saturday matinee mystery. The author also has a knack for dialogue that feels sharp and snappy without sounding fake or forced.

That said, the story doesn’t reinvent the wheel, and that’s okay. It doesn’t need to. There’s comfort in its throwback charm. The mystery is more Scooby-Doo than Sherlock Holmes, but it’s paced well, and there’s a pleasant confidence to the writing that made me trust the ride. The characters carry the book, especially Dan, whose earnestness and occasional awkwardness made him easy to root for. I also appreciated how the book wove in themes of artistic self-doubt, friendship, and responsibility without hammering them over the head.

The Dungeon of Peril Mystery is a feel-good read that blends humor and intrigue in just the right amounts. I’d recommend it to anyone who loves classic teen sleuth stories with a modern wink. It’s great for younger readers looking for something fun but not too fluffy, or for grown-ups like me who still love a good mystery set in a spooky old house. If you enjoy a light read with heart, you’ll find this one an easy pick.

Pages: 194 | ASIN : B0F2J8P8YC