cozy mystery

Review: Murder on Charity Lane (Marigold Cottages Murders #2) by Jo Nichols

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Murder on Charity Lane: A Marigold Cottages MysteryMurder on Charity Lane: A Marigold Cottages Mystery by Jo Nichols
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Murder on Charity Lane is the 2nd-book in the Marigold Cottage Murders series by Jo Nichols. The 1st-book, The Marigold Cottages Murder Collective, took me completely by surprise when I read it in August of 2025.

I love a Cozy Mystery, so it shouldn’t have come as that much of a surprise, but for me, it was the level of attachment that I developed to the cast of characters that really surprised me. They’re such an odd group, but so endearing. and the way Nichols developed them all, they felt like old friends by the end of that book.

Starting this latest installment, even though it had been over a year since I finished that 1st-book, it honestly felt like being reunited with that friend group. I was instantly right back in it with them.

This one starts up months after the conclusion of the last book, and things have been pretty quiet at the Marigold Cottages. Mrs. B, the dynamic leader of this group and owner of the Cottages, invites a young woman, CJ, who she knows from the local YMCA, to move into a vacant cottage.

CJ is an assistant for a local millionaire philanthropist, and it is around her that our new mystery revolves.

At a dinner party hosted at his house, CJ’s employer takes a vicious tumble down the stairs and dies. His much younger wife insists that she saw CJ push him.

Well, this couldn’t possibly be true! Just ask Mrs. B. CJ is much too nice of a girl to do something like that, and she loved her employer like he was her own father.

But if CJ didn’t kill him, who did? And with CJ as the number one suspect for local law enforcement, it looks like it’s time for the Marigold Cottages Murder Collective to reconvene and try to find the identity of the real killer.

This was another fun mystery. Nichols is great at plotting her mysteries, keeping the Reader invested and engaged. The group of characters has such a fun dynamic. It’s super enjoyable following along as they investigate. Each person brings their own strengths and weaknesses to the table, and it’s fun watching them help each other out.

I have no clue what the plan is for this series, like how many books it’s slated to be, but I will be here for each and every one. I feel like in the Cozy space it’s very unique to have such a mixed group of characters. They’re all so different, as far as ages, backgrounds, etc., that it makes it extra interesting.

The found family vibes are off the charts, so if you’re someone who loves that type of element included in your stories, you should definitely check this out. Also, I highly recommend the audiobook, which is so well narrated by Meg Price and Jim Meskimen. I was sad when it was over.

Thank you so much to the publisher, Minotaur Books and Macmillan Audio, for providing me with copies to read and reviw. I’m really hoping this series continues on for a long, long time. I can’t wait to see what’s next!

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Murder Most Haunted (A Midge McGowan Mystery #1) by Emma Mason

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Murder Most Haunted (A Midge McGowan Mystery, #1)Murder Most Haunted by Emma Mason
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

As a retirement gift, Midge McGowan receives a ticket to take part in a weekend ghost-hunting tour of an isolated mansion. There’s a handful of another attendees, such as a know-it-all paranormal investigator, and a former pop star.

Midge keeps her past as a detective to herself, and is fairly quiet as the weekend kicks off. The other attendees personalities are big enough, she really doesn’t need to say much. When a snowstorm strands the group after a murder takes place, Midge thinks, it’s just her luck.

It’s not just the murder though, there are other mysterious things happening around the mansion, and people’s behavior begins to reflect the pressure they’re under. Midge begins to investigate.

Is something paranormal responsible, or is there an evil human in their midst?

I had a lot of fun with this book. The audiobook was well-narrated and I enjoyed Midge, as well as the other misfit characters. It was such an odd group, and their interactions kept me on my toes.

I’m not quite sure why the overall rating for this is a bit lower, but I had a blast with it. I love when weather plays a role in a story, usually trapping a cast in some horrible situation, and that’s exactly what happened here. A blizzard made it impossible for help to reach them after the murder, so they were really left to their own devices.

Midge was definitely the odd person out amongst this group, but I like how over time, she started making in-roads with certain characters, and they came to appreciate her in their own ways. She definitely brought some knowledge and skills to the mansion that surprised them all.

There’s a sequel to this releasing soon and I’m excited to pick it up. I believe it’s a mystery set on a train, which is another thing I love. I would recommend this to Cozy Mystery readers who like a bit of substance. It’s a Cozy, yes, but it does have some darker subject matter and it also gets a little more serious at times.

Overall, I thought this was a great start to a series. I’m sure the further I get into it, the more attached I’ll get to Midge. She certainly is a bit different for a protagonist, and I find her to be refreshing.

Thank you to the publisher, Harper Audio, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I’m looking forward to continuing on with this series.

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Review: The Ex-Girlfriend Murder Club (Hu Done It #1) by Gloria Chao

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The Ex-Girlfriend Murder ClubThe Ex-Girlfriend Murder Club by Gloria Chao
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

**3.5-stars rounded up**

The Ex-Girlfriend Murder Club is a humorous Cozy Mystery following chemist, Kathryn Hu. Kat is a little socially awkward and hasn’t made a lot of friends in Boston, where she works in a research lab.

She does have a boyfriend though, Tucker Jones, who is the light of her life. At least until she finds out that he has two other girlfriends, Olivia and Elle.

The women decide to team up to teach the cheating jerk a lesson, but when they enter his apartment to exact their revenge, they end up discovering his very dead body.

Crap. Their DNA and fingerprints are everywhere in his apartment. They did arrive there hoping to do him dirty. They’re innocent though. They swear they’re innocent, but who is going to believe them?

In order to clear their names, Kat, Olivia and Elle need to find the real killer. They go undercover and end up finding a lot of folks that may have wanted Tucker dead.

With a hot detective sniffing around, will they be able to uncover the truth before they go down for the crime?

This was really cute. I put off reading it for so long and now I’m kicking myself. I was surprised at how invested I became in this mystery and characters. I would equate the humor and coziness to the Aunties series by Jesse Q. Sutanto, so if you liked that series, this could be for you.

Admittedly, it did take me a minute to get used to Kat’s narrative voice. She’s quite quirky, and makes a lot of Dad Jokes, but I ended up coming to love her. I feel like when you realize her awkward silliness is 100% genuine to who she is, she becomes incredibly likable.

For me the star of this show is the relationship that develops between these three women. All of them were in positions where they could really use a friend and the way they bonded over this toxic man was just so satisfying.

Particularly for Kat. I feel like as the Reader, it’s easy to become so empathetic for Kat’s experience. She’s not close with her parents. She has no real friends in Boston, where she moved for her job, and her colleagues unfortunately just don’t understand her.

The way she grows as a person through her friendships with Olivia and Elle was so beautifully-executed by Chao. While the mystery was fun, the way Kat grew as a character was the highlight for me.

I would recommend the audiobook for this one. The narration by Carolyn Kang brought so much life to this story, and she definitely delivered the comedic timing as well.

Thank you to the publisher, Harlequin Audio, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I’m excited to continue on with this series. I’m interested to see how Chao is going to build it out from here.

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Review: The Cornish Honeymoon Murder (Nosey Parker Mysteries #10) by Fiona Leitch

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The Cornish Honeymoon Murder (The Nosey Parker Mysteries #10)The Cornish Honeymoon Murder by Fiona Leitch
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Cornish Honeymoon Murder is the 10th-book in the Nosey Parker Mystery series by Fiona Leitch.

This is my favorite currently-running Cozy Mystery series. I absolutely adore the entire series and look forward to each new installment as they release.

If you’re unfamiliar with this series, these books follow Jodie Parker, who resigned from the Metropolitan Police in London after a close call, and returned to her native village of Penstowan, in Cornwall, with her daughter, Daisy.

It’s there that Jodie created her own catering company and it proved a success. With the help of Daisy, her Mom and other friends, she’s created quite the little team. And let’s not forget the series MVP, Germaine, the Pomeranian.

In spite of her new business ventures, old habits are hard to break, so Jodie ends up assisting the local coppers, including her new husband, DCI-Nathan Withers, with their investigations. They’re truly a match made in heaven.

In this installment, newly-married couple, Jodie and Nathan, are heading out for their honeymoon. They’ll be attending a soft launch of a new luxury eco-resort on a secluded Cornish Island. They’ve been personally invited by the resort’s owner, who they have a history with.

While it is their honeymoon, it appears someone is trying to sabotage the resorts opening, and the owner has asked them there to try to get to the bottom of it. If there’s a snake in his grass, he wants to know who it is.

Since it’s free, Jodie’s Mom, Shirley, her daughter, Daisy, and Germaine, decide to tag along. What honeymoon is complete without your Mom, daughter and dog?

Honestly, I’m so glad they went. I know it sounds silly, but these books would not be complete without this full cast we’ve come to know and love.

The couple plan to take full advantage of the luxury resorts amenities, all whilst casually questioning staff, and the handful of other guests. Unfortunately, a storm sweeps through, throwing a kink in everyone’s plans and trapping them on the island.

When a quarrelsome guest is found dead in the wreckage of the boat house the next morning, it appears there may be a murderer in their midst.

With the local police unable to reach the island to deal with the matter appropriately, it’s up to Jodie and Nathan to flesh out the killer before anyone else falls victim to their murderous ways.

The Cornish Honeymoon Murder is such a fun installment to the series. I loved that we got a new setting for this one, and appreciated that it was a secluded island setting, where of course they get trapped by inclement weather.

Some may feel that’s done too much, but not me, I’ll take every time. I live on a island, love islands, and know just what it’s like to be stranded by inclement weather. This set-up never fails to bring the atmosphere and intensity for me.

The character interactions had me giggling, and it was an intriguing mystery. I say it every time I finish a book in this series, I love these characters so much. They’re practically family to me at this point.

I can’t recommend this series enough to other Cozy Mystery Readers. Particularly, if you enjoy stories with a fun family dynamic, or mysteries with a small town setting. Jodie and her family bring so much humor and light-heartedness to these stories. They’re a joy to read.

Also, it has just the right amount of humor for my tastes. It doesn’t take itself too seriously, but it’s still incredibly well-written, paced and plotted. As long as these books continue to be written, I’ll continue to be reading them.

Thank you to the publisher, One More Chapter, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I already have a copy of the next book, The Cornish Halloween Murder, which releases at the end of September 2026.

I’ll definitely be getting to it soon!

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Review: Murder at Gulls Nest (Nora Breen #1) by Jess Kidd

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Murder at Gulls Nest (Nora Breen Investigates #1)Murder at Gulls Nest by Jess Kidd
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Murder at Gulls Nest is the 1st-installment of a Historical Cozy Mystery series by Jess Kidd. This series follows Nora Breen, who has recently asked to be released from her vows.

Yes, that’s right, Nora was a nun. That alone had me intrigued about this series. It’s pretty hard not to love an ex-nun turned amateur sleuth.

The impetus behind Nora’s recent choice is the apparent disappearance of her former novice, Frieda. Frieda was always a reliable letter writer (it’s the 1950s), so when her letters stop suddenly, Nora grows concerned. Nora feels compelled to seek Frieda out, to check on her safety.

She follows a line from one of Frieda’s letters and ends up at the Gulls Nest, a charming seaside hotel in Kent, which really acts more as a boarding house. Nora, hiding her identity, begins staying at the Gulls Nest and inserts herself into the lives of the residents there.

It’s not long after Nora arrives that people start dying under shady circumstances. Now it’s not just the disappearance of Frieda that Nora needs to figure out, but also who’s murdering the residents of the Gulls Nest, and why?

I felt like this was a great start to a series. The writing is excellent and it felt like it had a lot of heft, a bit more serious than a lot of Cozies I tend to enjoy, but Nora’s character absolutely sucked me in.

I’m a nosey old broad myself, so I found it easy to relate to her. I loved watching her skills at engaging with people, and getting them talking. She had a touch of Miss Marple, or Jessica Fletcher, about her in that regard. People just opened up to her. They want to tell her things.

The residents at the Gulls Nest are an intriguing cast as well. I did find it a touch challenging initially keeping everyone straight, but once the action really kicked off, that unmoored feeling sort of went away.

The 2nd-book, Murder at the Spirit Lounge released earlier this Summer, and I’m excited to get to it. I have a feeling that like with many Cozy Mystery series, you become more and more attached to the characters as the series goes on.

I’m looking forward to learning more about Nora’s background mayhaps in the next book. We did get a glimpse into her past here, and she’s definitely lived a life.

I’m also interested to see how her relationship with Detective Rideout develops moving forward. If it will evolve into more of a romance, or if it will perhaps just be an incredible partnership of investigative minds, for which I would be happy to accept.

Thank you to the publisher, Atria Books, for providing me with a copy to read and review.

I’m so sorry it took me this long to get to this one. It was a great experience, not sure why I’ve been putting it off, but I certainly won’t be waiting to read the next installment!

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Review: I’m Not the Only Murderer in My Retirement Home by Fergus Craig

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I'm Not the Only Murderer in My Retirement HomeI’m Not the Only Murderer in My Retirement Home by Fergus Craig
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

After a decades-long stint in prison, former serial killer, Carol, is looking forward to starting afresh at her new retirement home, Sheldon Oaks, upon her release. At 75-yo, Carol has a lot of life left to live and she’s ready to do it as a free woman.

Unfortunately, after a fellow resident suddenly falls to his death, all eyes are on her. Although Carol has tried to keep her unsavory past a secret, there are people who know and they’re quite suspicious of her now.

Carol had nothing to do with this death, and it seems she’s gotta prove it if she ever wants to achieve her dream of living in peace.

We follow Carol, and the other residents, as they dig into this mystery and try to figure out the whodunit. This is a cute story. Please don’t let my 3-star rating scare you off.

It’s a fine story. It did absolutely nothing wrong, though it did struggle holding my attention. I feel like if I wasn’t already such a big fan of the Marlow Murder Club Mysteries, or even The Thursday Murder Club, I might have enjoyed it more.

I just feel like for me personally, the fact that I’ve read and loved those other series first, made this seem a little lackluster in comparison. That may not be fair of me, but it is the experience I had with it, and I do rate based on my own personal reading experience.

With this being said, if you are just looking for an easy, cozy read, following an elderly protagonist starting over and solving mysteries, this could definitely be the book for you. I would never discourage anyone from reading it, and I’m sure a ton of Readers are going to fall in love with Carol.

I’m not sure if I’ll continue with the series or not, but I am going to check out the premise of the next book. I would consider it if I think it’s a case that would be super fun.

Thank you to the publisher, Berkley, for providing me with a copy to read and review.

I always love checking out new Cozy Mystery series. Some stick and some don’t, but that’s perfectly fine. There’s a book for every Reader and a Reader for every book!

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Review: Finlay Donovan Crosses the Line (Finlay Donovan #6) by Elle Cosimano

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Finlay Donovan Crosses the Line (Finlay Donovan, #6)Finlay Donovan Crosses the Line by Elle Cosimano
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

**3.5-stars rounded up**

Finlay Donovan Crosses the Line is the 6th-installment of the much loved Finlay Donovan series by Elle Cosimano.

I’ve listened to all of these books on audio, and absolutely adore the narration by Angela Dawe. She is Finlay to me at this point. As soon as I hear her voice, I’m locked in and ready for whatever Finlay has in store for me.

This installment continues the story of Vero’s shady past. We’ve had piecemeal info on what exactly lead to Vero working for Finlay, but this book definitely helps fill in the entirety of her backstory.

Vero gets extradited back to Maryland, facing criminal charges for a theft that occurred at her sorority house while she was Treasurer there, which she swears she didn’t commit. She’s placed under house arrest at her Mom’s home back in her hometown, ankle bracelet and all.

Finlay knows Vero is innocent and she’s committed to helping her friend clear her name. Vero has been there for her through all sorts of tough times, and Finlay is ready to step up to return the favor.

Leaving her kids behind in Virginia with her boyfriend, Finlay heads off to Maryland to support Vero any way she can, and if you’ve read any of the books in this series, you know a lot of hi-jinks are going to ensue.

While this wasn’t my favorite of the series, as far as the plot and mystery component, I still really enjoyed my time with it. I absolutely love this great cast of characters that Cosimano has created. Their relationships and banter, watching their bonds grow, it’s all filled my heart.

Prior to reading this, I hadn’t seen the announcement for the 7th book, but this ending made clear there was another coming and I’ve since found that information. I’m personally hoping Finlay’s Mom will be more prominent again in the next installment, because I definitely missed her in this one.

Thank you to the publisher, Minotaur Books and Macmillan Audio, for providing me copies to read and review.

I love this series and will continue to pick them up as long as they’re released. I’m already looking forward to Book #7!!

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Review: The Mysterious Affair of Judith Potts (The Marlow Murder Club #5) by Robert Thorogood

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The Mysterious Affair of Judith Potts (The Marlow Murder Club, #5)The Mysterious Affair of Judith Potts by Robert Thorogood
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

**4.5-stars rounded up**

The Mysterious Affair of Judith Potts is the 5th-book in Robert Thorogood’s The Marlow Murder Club series. I’ve enjoyed the previous books tremendously, so had been anxiously awaiting this 5th-release.

If you aren’t aware, these books follow Judith Potts, a widow in her 70s, and her two BFFs, Suzie and Becks, as they tackle mysteries in their local Marlow community.

This installment involves the deaths of two local celebrities, who although they don’t initially seem connected, the women decide to investigate nonetheless, because it certainly can’t be coincidence. But why would a killer be targeting such high profile locals?

Judith, Becks and Suzie, never ones to turn away from a truly puzzling mystery, are sure that the two cases must have a link, but finding it will be a challenge.

With all of this going on, it’s not a great time for Judith’s past to come back and haunt her, but that’s exactly what happens. Judith’s distracted, are her dark secrets finally going to come to light, or will she be able to put out that fire and solve the murders all at the same time?

I’m so happy to report that this ended up being my favorite book of the series thus far. I loved the growth displayed by all four of our main ladies, I’m including Tanika, their friend and police contact, with this statement, and I feel like they are all truly coming into their own.

There was something so ‘final’ feeling about this ending though. I’m actually nervous about it. I really hope this isn’t the last mystery we get with this fabulous cast of characters.

When I first started with this series, I liked it, but I wasn’t in love, but as the series has progressed, each installment seems to get stronger, or perhaps it’s that I’ve become so attached to the ladies. Either way, I feel like Thorogood has done an excellent job leaning into their personalities and allowing the series to grow.

I love the dynamic between Judith, Suzie and Becks. They support each other so well, and where one of them may have a weakness, the others can provide their own strengths, making them a fantastic team.

I really enjoyed learning more about Judith’s past in this one as well. Thorogood has been alluding to something potentially shady in Judith’s past that she’s been hiding from, but we never got the full scope of that. I feel like I have a much deeper understanding of her now.

As usual though, there’s also a great amount of humor in the story, particularly when the ladies are in full investigation mode. They’re so funny, the hi-jinks they get themselves into, even dangerous ones, all to solve the crimes. Now that’s dedication to a goal.

I would highly recommend this series to all Cozy Mystery fans, in particular if you enjoy friendship groups solving mysteries together, or elderly amateur sleuths. The small town vibes are on point as well, as is the humor and heart.

Thank you to the publisher, Poisoned Pen Press, for providing me with a copy to read and review. As mentioned above, I truly hope we get more installments in this wonderful Cozy series!

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Review: It Happened One Murder by Liz Lawson

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It Happened One MurderIt Happened One Murder by Liz Lawson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

**3.5-stars rounded up**

After getting fired from her dream magazine job in NYC, Harriet Baker returns to her hometown, a sleepy beach town in New Jersey, to lick her wounds and recover.

Unfortunately, living with her eccentric mother and narcissistic step-father isn’t necessarily a soothing environment for her. Nevertheless, Harriet won’t be there for long. She just wants to keep her head down until she can return to some semblance of her former life.

Then her mother decides to throw an extravagant birthday party for her. The last thing Harriet would want, but like with everything else, her mom is like a tornado and poor Harriet just gets sucked unwilling up into the cyclone.

At the party, full of her Mom’s friends and acquaintances, Harriet ends up running into her one-time fling, Nic Allbright, whose family is catering the event. She’d not forgot those short weeks with Nic, but it did take her a moment to recognize him.

That’s not awkward at all…

When the party abruptly ends in murder, all eyes are looking to Nic’s sister, Sara, who was the chef at the party. She knowingly left in a huff after a loud squabble with the individual who now lays dead on the beach.

Nic knows his sister is innocent and he needs to clear her name. Harriet also has a motivation to investigate the crime. She’s been offered her old job back if she writes an article uncovering what really happened the night of the party. After all, True Crime is popular.

For her article, Harriet is going to need Nic’s cooperation. She needs access to his sister, and if he is going to clear Sara’s name, he needs Harriet’s skills as an investigative reporter. But will they be able to put the past in the past, and actually work together?

It Happened One Murder is a really cute romantic Cozy Mystery. I loved the set-up of the party and how quickly Lawson got us to the murder, and hence the mystery.

I also really enjoyed Harriet’s perspective, what was going on with her as far as her job and family. I also loved the beach setting. Nic was charming and compelling as a love interest as well. I liked the backstory of their time together as teens, and how differently their lives had gone since then.

While the mystery itself didn’t quite knock my socks off, the likable characters and the romance more than made up for it. The banter between Harriet and Nic was great, and I appreciated that we got both of their perspectives. I think it added a lot, as far as understanding their relationship.

I would recommend this to Readers who enjoy cozy, low stakes, mysteries with a side of romance. I think Lawson balanced all the elements of this story very well and I’m excited to read more from her in the future.

Thank you so much to the publisher, SOURCEBOOKS Landmark, for providing me with a copy to read and review. This story is as cute as its cover!

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Review: Without a Clue by Melissa Ferguson

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Without a ClueWithout a Clue by Melissa Ferguson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

**3.5-stars rounded up **

Without a Clue is a light and funny Romantic Cozy Mystery from Melissa Ferguson. I’ve never read from Ferguson before, so I didn’t know what to expect going in.

I was initially drawn to this because of the cover, and then was hooked by the fact that it’s set on a Book Cruise, like what do you mean? A Book Cruise!? I needed to know more.

This story follows Pip Dupont, a Personal Assistant for a very famous Mystery author, Hugh Griffin. Hugh and six of his author friends, each from a different genre, make up a writing group known as The Fabulous Seven.

Pip organizes a Book Cruise, where the Fabulous Seven will be the guests of honor, a bit of a writing retreat for them, and then the rest of the cruise guests are fans, who want an opportunity to meet these beloved authors.

Hence, the Book Cruise is born.

Pip plays the role of frazzled assistant well, because that’s exactly what she is. With hundreds of devoted Readers, and seven headstrong authors to keep track of, it’s a lot.

Pip never expected the disaster that occurs on the second-day though, when Hugh is found murdered.

Cruising in the midst of the Atlantic ocean, with no help close at hand, and a cruise security force that’s clearly inept, it’s up to Pip to figure out who the culprit is. Their Book Cruise has suddenly turned into a Murder Mystery cruise.

Aided by her friend, and crush, Nash, a successful author of Western novels, Pip digs in deep, questioning the others and trying to navigate the complex relationships and sensitive egos of the authors, all with a killer on board.

This is a really cute Cozy Mystery. It went in a direction I hadn’t expected, and I did really enjoy the Book Cruise setting and the cast of characters. The various authors brought humor and fun, and Pip was a great MC to follow.

My reading experience was definitely enhanced by the fabulous narration of Karissa Vacker, one of my all-time favorite narrators. I would definitely recommend the audiobook if you’re going to pick this up.

I would say even for a Cozy Mystery, this is very low stakes, so it’s perfect for weekend or vacation reading, when your mind just wants something light.

I liked having the romantic tension between Pip and Nash as well. I don’t tend to mix Romance with my Cozies, but it worked here. Nash was a fun love interest and I felt like the relationship felt very natural, as they’d known each other for a while due to the Fabulous Seven.

While this won’t standout as a long-term favorite, I didn’t need it to be. It gave me exactly what I was looking for when I picked it up, and I can only praise it for that.

Thank you to the publisher, Thomas Nelson Fiction, for providing me with a copy to read and review. This was very enjoyable and I would be interested in picking up more from Melissa Ferguson!

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