Mother-Daughter Murder Night by Nina Simon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This title, Mother-Daughter Murder Night, it’s catchy, isn’t it? Admittedly, it had me intrigued from the get-go.
It just sounds like something I need in my life right now…
Totally kidding. I haven’t lost it that bad. Yet…
The truth is, I really knew nothing about this book going in. I had just seen a few friends enjoying it and I had a tremendous amount of FOMO.
At the end of the day, I’m so happy that my complete inability to sit on the sidelines as others enjoy themselves led me to pick up this book.
It’s such a fun and engaging, though low-key mystery. I was pulled in by the cast of characters and they definitely ended up being my favorite part.
In this story we follow Lana Rubicon, an L.A. Real Estate mogul, her adult daughter, Beth, and Beth’s teenage daughter, Jack. It’s a trio that I grew to love.
After a bit of a health scare, Lana is forced to move in with Beth and Jack. Lana and Beth’s relationship has been a little strained, they’re just very different people, so the situation has them both a bit on edge.
Things get much worse, however, after Jack discovers a dead body while at work.
Jack works as a kayak tour guide on the local waterfront and comes across a young man floating, dead, while out in her kayak. Obviously, it’s quite upsetting for the teen.
The police questioning and subsequent interest in Jack in the aftermath of her discovery is even more upsetting for Lana and Beth. The detectives can’t possibly suspect that Jack had anything to do with this young man’s death, can they?
When it becomes clear that Jack, is in fact, a suspect, Lana takes it upon herself to begin her own investigation, find the real killer and clear their family name.
Jack is all for the amateur sleuthing undertaken by her Grandmother, while Beth definitely would rather let the police do their job. Certainly the evidence will prove Jack’s innocence, or will it?
I loved Lana. She stole the show for me. She is an absolute fireball and goals for me when I reach her age. I really enjoyed her character throughout. She added a great level of humor and sass to the story.
I also really enjoyed the set-up of the mystery. The events leading to the sleuthing. It was an intriguing murder, particularly in light of what you find out about the victim. I was curious as to what had happened to him and how his body ended up where it did.
In my opinion, this story would be a good fit for fans of the Finley Donovan series.
Though it’s not silly, or slap-stick, like FD, the level of mystery and intrigue is very similar, as well as the level to which interpersonal relationships are explored. It gave me a very similar vibe and entertainment level.
Overall, I found this book to be engaging, fun and really well-written. I am glad that I picked it up and look forward to reading more from this author in the future!