Devi Nair
đ±đ Read on Kindle (ARC) đ 254 pages â± Duration: 4 hours đ·ïž Publisher: Storm Publishing (ARC provided by NetGalley) Read as an ARC ahead of the January 20, 2026 release
This is classic Ellie Alexander comfort reading: warm characters, a bookstore setting that feels like a hug, and a mystery that simmers rather than explodes. Annie and Fletcher's new agency feels like a natural evolution (if you've followed their amateur sleuthing adventures before), and the supporting cast adds that delightful small-town quirkiness. The investigation into Kelly's death keeps you guessing with layered suspects and clever red herrings, though nothing felt wildly unpredictable.
A Very Novel Murder bills itself as the start of the Novel Detectives Mystery series, but it leans heavily on Alexanderâs earlier Secret Bookcase series. There were relationship dynamics and backstory moments that felt like inside references I wasnât entirely clued in on. Not a dealbreaker, but definitely noticeable if youâre new to this world.
What didnât quite land for me was the emotional hook. The writing is solid and readable, but it never tipped into must-read-the-next-book territory. Overall, itâs a charming, low-stakes whodunit: well-written, consistently engaging, but not one that demands you binge the next installment the minute you turn the last page.
Would I Recommend it? Yes, with a caveat! If youâve read The Secret Bookcase series, this will feel like a seamless (and comforting) continuation.
Your Thoughts on Spin-Off Sleuthing? Have you jumped from the Secret Bookcase series straight into this one, or are you starting fresh like I did? Drop your favorite Ellie Alexander series (or any cozy mystery spin-off) in the comments.
Originally posted at www.viewsshewrites.com.
đ±đ Read on Kindle (ARC) đ 254 pages â± Duration: 4 hours đ·ïž Publisher: Storm Publishing (ARC provided by NetGalley) Read as an ARC ahead of the January 20, 2026 release
This is classic Ellie Alexander comfort reading: warm characters, a bookstore setting that feels like a hug, and a mystery that simmers rather than explodes. Annie and Fletcher's new agency feels like a natural evolution (if you've followed their amateur sleuthing adventures before), and the supporting cast adds that delightful small-town quirkiness. The investigation into Kelly's death keeps you guessing with layered suspects and clever red herrings, though nothing felt wildly unpredictable.
A Very Novel Murder bills itself as the start of the Novel Detectives Mystery series, but it leans heavily on Alexanderâs earlier Secret Bookcase series. There were relationship dynamics and backstory moments that felt like inside references I wasnât entirely clued in on. Not a dealbreaker, but definitely noticeable if youâre new to this world.
What didnât quite land for me was the emotional hook. The writing is solid and readable, but it never tipped into must-read-the-next-book territory. Overall, itâs a charming, low-stakes whodunit: well-written, consistently engaging, but not one that demands you binge the next installment the minute you turn the last page.
Would I Recommend it? Yes, with a caveat! If youâve read The Secret Bookcase series, this will feel like a seamless (and comforting) continuation.
Your Thoughts on Spin-Off Sleuthing? Have you jumped from the Secret Bookcase series straight into this one, or are you starting fresh like I did? Drop your favorite Ellie Alexander series (or any cozy mystery spin-off) in the comments.
Originally posted at www.viewsshewrites.com.