Devi Nair

This is a vintage mystery powered by friendship-first stakes and a protagonist who isn’t content to just sit pretty while her world unravels. Piper Sail is all sharp edges and stubborn hope. Her loyalty to Lydia is the true compass guiding the story. Watching her charge through mob territory and navigating social expectations showcases the book at its best. Mariano Cassano is another highlight mixing forward-thinking charm with perfect 1920s grit. His approach makes those investigative moments fizz, even when Piper’s stubbornness threatens to slow him down.

That said, I have to admit three-quarters in, the pacing lost its snap. The search for Lydia started to circle the same set of unlikely suspects and hidden doors. Somewhere around 65%, I found myself wishing the narrative had tightened up instead of making Piper (and me) retrace so many suspects and situations. There’s so much promise in the heart of the story, but it could have reached its conclusion with a little less meandering.

I dove into Tea with Jam and Dread craving Vicki Delaney’s signature cozy vibes, and oh, did it deliver! Lily, Bernie, and Rose trading their Cape Cod tearoom for a London estate felt like stepping into the heart of their England-inspired dreams. The setting sparkled, think grand manors and proper tea times, making every page feel like a warm hug from a British granny. The mystery was engaging, with a satisfying conclusion that tied up the chaos neatly, leaving me smiling.

Delany’s knack for quirky characters shone, but oof, the Frockmorton family tree was a tangle! Even with a character list, I struggled to keep everyone straight and eventually just rode the story’s flow. The pacing was steady, though the crowded cast slowed me down a bit. Still, the transatlantic charm and Lily’s sleuthing kept me hooked.

One of the best books I’ve read. Ever!

Jo Nichols has taken a familiar setup (a tight-knit group of neighbors, a cozy coastal setting, and a sudden murder) and turned it into something truly special and unique. This isn’t just a quirky mystery; it’s heartfelt, emotionally rich, and beautifully layered.

From the very first chapter, I was hooked. I told myself I’d listen to just a little before getting back to work, but hours later, I was still going. Not once did I feel the urge to skip ahead or take a break. Every moment in this story had weight, charm, or purpose (sometimes all three).

The characters are messy, complicated, and real, and the way their lives intersected made my heart ache in the best possible way. There’s humor, grief, love, chaos, and, above all, a sense of found family that stayed with me long after I finished.

And can we talk about the narration? Megan Price absolutely nailed it. Her performance gave every character depth and personality, making the audiobook a completely immersive experience.

I still can’t believe this is Jo Nichols’ debut. The writing is sharp, tender, and confident. I didn’t want the story to end. I kept hoping for one more chapter, one more conversation, one more moment with these characters.

The ARC was an absolute gift. Thank you, NetGalley. I can’t wait for everyone to meet the residents of Marigold Cottages when this gem comes out in August.

What caught me off-guard with this book wasn’t just the sheer volume of puzzles (though A+ for the brain teasers), but how the library itself becomes a character: quirky, mysterious, always one clue ahead. Imagine stumbling into a place where Dewey decimals and game rules intertwine, and suddenly you’re on the clock, racing before the library turns the page on you.

The kids each bring their own brand of chaos. Kyle’s scrappy, the rivals are snippy, and sometimes alliances shift faster than you can say “dictionary”. But the real fun is in how Grabenstein weaves little bookish nods and gleeful librarian energy into every corner. I kept grinning each time a new gag or literary Easter egg popped up. It’s less about who’s going to “win” and more about ow the team navigates twists, temptations, and the pure joy of geeking out over a space where imagination runs wild.

This might be the first love story I've ever read where nothing sad happens between the couple. And honestly? It was refreshing.

Abby Jimenez delivers a romance that feels like wrapping yourself in a warm blanket and sinking into something safe, kind, and quietly beautiful. From the moment Samantha and Xavier meet (at a vet's office, with a tiny kitten in the mix — I mean, come on), their chemistry is instant. There's banter, attraction, and genuine emotional connection from the start.

And then... nothing bad happens.

Yes, there's the issue of long distance. But no dramatic misunderstanding. No delayed confessions that spiral into arguments. The transparency both of them share, the real-life conversations they have, the safe space they hold for each other — maybe a bit too perfect — but honestly, so good to listen to. The emotional maturity between these two makes this book feel like a breath of fresh air.

And can we talk about the narration? Christine Lakin and Matt Lanter brought the characters to life so naturally. Their voices held every quiet feeling, every vulnerable moment, and every playful spark just right.

This next line will probably give it away — I am not a regular romance reader. One thing I really appreciated in this book was the very limited sex scenes, which I could fly over. The rest was just chemistry, connection, and care. (More of this, please!!)

I picked this up as part of the Goodreads Summer Chart-toppers Challenge, and I'm so glad I did. It might be a little idealistic, but sometimes, that's exactly what we need.

The Vacation Mystery series continues to charm with its cozy blend of celebrity glitz, wedding drama, and murder. Of course, Eleanor Dash can’t go anywhere without stumbling over a dead body. I really enjoyed the premise. It features a bestselling author who becomes a reluctant sleuth. The setting is a stormy island. It’s a best friend’s wedding where someone is clearly up to no good. It’s playful, full of winks to genre tropes, and doesn’t take itself too seriously.

That said, I did struggle a bit with the pacing. The mystery takes a long time to actually begin. The body, which dropped in the first page, doesn’t come back in the story until around the halfway mark. While I usually love a slow burn, this one lingered in the setup longer than I expected. Once the murder finally happens, things pick up nicely. But by then, the momentum had dipped a little for me.

The ending made sense. I can see how it all added up. However, it didn’t feel as satisfying as I’d hoped. The resolution went in a different direction than what I expected, after all the buildup.

Still, there’s something undeniably fun about the world Catherine Mack has created. It’s especially enjoyable for readers who like stories that play with genre. These stories blur the line between fiction and fiction-within-fiction. The setting is vibrant. The characters are entertaining. There’s a definite charm in following Eleanor from one chaotic vacation to the next. Even when the mystery takes its time unfolding, the charm remains. There’s a teaser for book three, so you’re in it for the long game, there’s more Eleanor Dash to come.

I’m a huge fan of Vicki Delaney’s A Year-Round Christmas Mystery series and love spending time with the Wilkinson family: Merry, Matterhorn (or Mattie, the dog), Noel, Vicky, Alan, Dt. Diane Simmonds, and Mrs. Mabel D’Angelo.

One of my favorite moments in this book, and in all of the other books in the series, was seeing how Detective. Diane Simmonds treats Matterhorn, and how Mattie absolutely melts under her attention. The affection between them in every book makes this series so warm and real. Also, the line (or similar in other books) “I know my dad isn’t Santa Claus. But sometimes, I wonder,” really gives me goosebumps. It makes me believe in Christmas all over again, even at almost 40!

That said, O Deadly Night felt a bit underwhelming. The mystery mostly happens to Mrs. D’Angelo rather than through Merry’s sleuthing, with Merry having very little detective work except a few moments. The investigation really picks up whenever Mrs. D’Angelo is on the scene. While this fits the story’s focus, it felt like it would have worked better if the story were told from her point of view.

Still, I enjoyed the relaxed, feel-good vibe of hanging out with Merry’s family without the usual danger or tension . Overall, this story could have been a novella from Mrs. D’Angelo’s POV, but as a novel, it still offers a cozy atmosphere I love in this series.

DNF at 11%

I had high hopes for this festive cozy mystery featuring witches and holiday magic, but unfortunately, I couldn’t get very far. I ended up DNF’ing at just 11%. The narrator’s performance felt very bland and monotone—so much so that I would have been better off just using an auto-read feature. Her delivery didn’t draw me into the story at all, which is crucial for an audiobook, especially in a genre that thrives on charm and atmosphere.

The premise has potential—a magical wishing box, holiday inn drama, quirky family antics—but I wasn’t engaged enough to stick around and find out what happens. Normally, I give audiobooks at least 20% before quitting, but this narrator’s voice made it unbearable before that point.

Overall, if you prioritize narration and engaging voice work, this might not be the best choice in audio form.

DNF

The Saint of Bright Doors by Vajra Chandrasekera promises a vivid blend of fantasy, urban mysticism, and queer narrative, set in a richly imagined world where divine revolutions and cults entwine with the gritty realities of modern life. The story follows Fetter, a deeply scarred protagonist raised to kill, who navigates a city filled with mysterious "Bright Doors," enigmatic threats, and a hidden revolutionary order. The novel explores themes of identity, destiny, and transformation against a backdrop that mixes magical realism with science fiction.

Unfortunately, despite its intriguing premise, I found the book difficult to engage with. Listening to the audiobook for about 2 hours and 15 minutes (around 18% of the full length), I struggled to connect with the plot or understand what was truly happening. The main character moves through a series of seemingly random rules and experiences, accepting them without clear explanation or motivation, which left the narrative feeling fragmented and confusing. The lack of coherence made it hard to stay invested in Fetter’s journey or the larger world.

While the novel may resonate more with readers who appreciate dense, atmospheric worldbuilding or experimental storytelling, in my case, I decided to stop reading because the story didn’t provide enough clarity or emotional grounding early on. This experience may vary significantly depending on personal taste and reading style, but for me, The Saint of Bright Doors did not deliver a satisfying narrative within the portion I sampled.

DNF

My Sister the Serial Killer is a darkly comic thriller set in contemporary Nigeria, blending sharp satire with a gripping mystery. The novel centers on Korede, a nurse, whose younger sister Ayoola has a habit of dispatching her boyfriends in self-defense. Korede, torn between family loyalty and morality, finds herself clearing up Ayoola’s bloody messes while grappling with her own feelings for a doctor Ayoola begins dating.

While the premise promises a clever and twisted look at sibling dynamics, morality, and violence framed in black humor, I found it challenging to engage with the narrative. Although I understand the satirical intent, the theme of enabling a serial killer did not resonate with me, making it difficult to connect emotionally or even intellectually with the characters or the story. The tension between love and moral obligation is interesting in theory but did not captivate me as a reader.

This book was read as part of the July Goodreads Challenge featuring acclaimed titles, and while it offers a unique Nigerian perspective and a fresh take on thriller conventions, it did not match my expectations for engagement or relatability.

Taylor Jenkins Reid’s After I Do is a raw and deeply honest exploration of modern marriage, examining what happens when the love that once seemed unshakable begins to fade. The premise is both unique and relatable: when Lauren and Ryan’s marriage hits rock bottom, they agree to spend a year apart, with no contact and no rules—an experiment to rediscover themselves and what they truly want from life and each other. From the outset, Reid’s writing struck me with its realism.

The characters feel like people you know—flawed, searching, and heartbreakingly sincere. Lauren’s voice is exceptionally authentic as she navigates painful questions about commitment, monogamy, and the nature of love. The book doesn’t shy away from the messiness of relationships, digging into the small slights and accumulated resentments that can undermine even the strongest unions. What makes this novel stand out is how it holds up a mirror to real life. Reid doesn’t offer easy answers; instead, she depicts the slow, challenging work of self-discovery and healing.

For me, this raw honesty became almost too much—I had to DNF (Did Not Finish) at 25% because the story hit incredibly close to home, and I found myself crying again and again. It wasn’t because the book wasn’t good. If anything, I stopped because Reid captured the pain and confusion of a troubled marriage so perfectly. After I Do might not be for everyone looking for escapism. But if you want a book that feels real, that treats love and marriage with nuance, and that isn’t afraid to make you feel deeply, this is one to pick up—if you’re ready for it.

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Women’s Fiction, Second Chance Best for: Readers who appreciate emotional authenticity, complex relationships, and second-chance stories Not for: Those seeking light romance or guaranteed happy endings without hard-earned growth Note: I didn’t finish the book—not due to any flaw in the writing, but because its reality was almost too much for me to bear. Sometimes, that’s a testament to just how powerfully a book can resonate.

(No rating, as I didn't finish the book) Thank you, NetGalley Canada, for giving me an ARC to review.

I went into this book expecting something humorous, even with the thriller element. But it turned out to be much darker and unsettling than I anticipated. I made it through 40% of the book before deciding to stop, not because it was poorly written, but because I wasn't the rigth audience for it.

The writing is incredibly effective. The first person narration of Julie by Clare Corbett is chilling and cringy, iun a way that made me feel uneasy, but also sad for her. It's that rare kind of voice that gets under your skin, which honestly made the experience stand out for me.

I won't be leaving a star rating since I didn't finish the book. But I wanted to share my thoughts in case others go in expecting something lighter. This could really work for readers who are drawn to psychological character studies, or dark, emotionally complex stories.

Just go in prepared. Jennifer Holdich knows what she is doing.

Sarah Penner’s The Lost Apothecary opens with an irresistible premise: women, secret poisons, and lives linked across two centuries. The atmospheric setting is strong, and the rules of the apothecary lands weight and intrigue to Nella’s morally grey craft. However, for all its promise, I struggled to connect deeply with the story. I’d picked up the book multiple times, failed to finish twice, and only persisted on my third attempt. While the plot suggests high stakes and emotional intensity, I found the execution uneven, with pacing and character depth sometimes sacrificed for the shifting timelines.

Nella stood out most, but her potential, like much in this novel, felt partially realized. Eliza, so compelling at her introduction, faded instead of growing. Caroline, meant to bridge past and present, felt underwritten, leaving her modern struggles strangely muted. There are moments of tension and revelation, but too many narrative threads left little room for these women to achieve the fullness they deserved. Overall, it’s atmospheric, unique, readable, but ultimately unsatisfying, not just with characters, but the wrap-up as well.

DNF

Despite being a longtime fan of Lynn Cahoon, I found An Amateur Sleuth’s Guide to Murder disappointingly dull and struggled to get past 25% of the book. Unlike Cahoon's usually engaging stories, the protagonist Meg Gates felt unrelatable and failed to draw me in. The premise of Meg writing a murder investigation guide while solving a crime had potential, but the execution fell flat for me. The pacing was slow, the mystery lacked compelling twists, and the character development didn’t resonate. I was hoping for Cahoon’s signature cozy charm and gripping narrative but instead found myself disengaged throughout. While other readers have praised the charming setting and Meg’s determination, this one didn’t click with me. Fans of the author might enjoy it more, but for me, it was a rare miss in an otherwise impressive catalog.

dnf again (tried 2nd time)

The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle is an ambitious and highly inventive mystery thriller that challenges the reader with its complex structure. The premise of waking up in a different guest’s body across eight repeated days to solve Evelyn's murder is intriguing and original. However, my experience was marked by confusion and difficulty in following the plot, even after three attempts including once with a physical copy to focus better. The multiple perspectives and intertwining timelines created a dense narrative that felt overwhelming rather than immersive. While critics praise its cleverness and unpredictable twists, this complexity made it hard for me to stay engaged or finish the book. It’s a novel that might reward patient readers who enjoy intricate puzzles but stands as a tough read for those seeking a straightforward mystery.

I couldn't believe I was reading a book. It felt like I was living it. The Book of Lost Hours completely swept me away. I finished it in one sitting (four hours straight!) because I. Just. Couldn't. Stop. I forgot to eat, drink, even breathe properly. That's how deep this story pulled me in. I still can't believe this is Hayley Gelfuso's debut story.

Set across the 1940s and 1960s, The Book of Lost Hours follows the lives and experiences of Lisavet Levy and Amelia Duquesne – two fierce, unforgettable women who rise through grief, silence, and uncertainty, each daring to rewrite the fate the world tried to hand them.

The book has everything: romance, historic, and sci-fi elements, and this subtle but powerful war between truth and control. The characters Lisavet, Ernest, Moira, and Amelia were so vivid, it felt like I could see them through the words in the book.

And the writing? Pure magic. My only regret is that I couldn't slow down and soak in every single word, because the pace and emotional intensity kept pushing me forward.

This book left me breathless. I'm still thinking about it. And I already want to read it again.

Would I recommend it?
100%! If you have read and enjoyed fantasy books of similar concepts, I would highly recommend you buy it as soon as it hits the stands on August 26th, 2025. Believe me, you won't regret it!

If you like this, feel free to check out my blog Views She Writes for more reviews and my own short stories. If you like my works, please do share a thought, or even subscribe if you are feeling generous :)

I have to admit, this one took a bit to grow on me. The concept is really clever - three bestselling authors writing a story about three best selling authors writing a story together. Inception vibes, anyone?

But, honestly, the beginning was a tough sell. The three main characters spent a lot of time pretending to be best friends, then outright admitting they aren't, just faking it for their book. The body drops almost as soon as the book starts, and the following couple of chapters are just insufferable with all the blame throwing and bickering. It felt like everyone is busy pointing fingers without much warmth, or dept at first.

That said, hang in there because the middle and second half really pick up the pace. The characters start to show more layers, and you get hints of real friendships developing beneath the surface drama. The mystery itself becomes more engaging as you piece together the clues, and the locked-room setting of the Scottish castle adds more eerie charm. The ending ties up the loose ends pretty well and even sneaks in some unexpected romance and humor. It's definitely a slow burn, but it ends on a satisfying note.

dnf

Alright, let’s spill the tea on A Cold Case by Peter Turnbull. I was pumped for a gritty mystery with Maurice Mundy, this rogue detective stirring up old murders. But, y’all, I tapped out at 10%. Chapter one hit me with an avalanche of details—clothing, surroundings, you name it. Five pages in, I was lost in a fog of descriptions, forgetting what the story was even about. I love a vivid setting, but this felt like reading a furniture catalog with a side of tweed jackets. I wanted to vibe with Mundy’s maverick energy, but the pacing was slower than my grandma’s knitting circle. Maybe it picks up later, but my attention span said, “Nah, we’re good.” I’m all for deep dives into mysteries, but this one buried me in details before the plot could even say hello.

Having reviewed the first book in the series, Bury the Lead, I was excited to return to Port Ellis. This sequel, Widows and Orphans, raises the stakes and deepens the emotional core.

Widows and Orphans, the second installment of the Quill & Packet mystery series, is a sharp step up from the first. The plot is tighter, the mystery more layered, and the stakes, both personal and professional, are deeply felt. The story cleverly folds in current issues like influencer culture, media ethics, and the politics of public opinion, all while grounding us in the warm, chaotic newsroom of Port Ellis.

Maryne Young picks up much better in this one, and the connection to all of the characters in the audiobook is instant. I especially loved how Cat’s relationships deepened with all of her family members, and with the staff at the Quill & Packet. The connection she is building with Amir is handled with subtlety and warmth, adding emotional depth without overwhelming the plot.

While the mystery kept me hooked, it’s the characters and their connections that lingered. Kate Hilton and Elizabeth Renzetti have brought more soul to this sequel. They reveal that a mystery isn’t just about who did it. It’s also about who we are to each other when everything’s on the line.

[b:A Most Puzzling Murder 212431569 A Most Puzzling Murder Bianca Marais https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1732189605l/212431569.SY75.jpg 208614720] by [a:Bianca Marais 9809402 Bianca Marais https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1737479187p2/9809402.jpg] is honestly one of the best books I've read this year. The story itself is super engaging, but what really blew me away were all the puzzles sprinkled throughout. And I don't mean just the obvious ones where the book says “Hey, here's a puzzle, try to solve it.” There are also these sneaky hidden puzzles tucked in that are absolutely genius. (THANK YOU, Bianca!)You can totally read through the book without solving every puzzle, you'll find the answers in the last few pages if you just want to skip ahead. But trust me, you'll get so much more out of the book if you actually take the time to solve them. The puzzles are really fun and challenging, and cracking them gives you that awesome feeling like you're some kind of puzzle master.Plus, the book is interactive in a way I haven't seen before. If you get stuck on a puzzle, there's an email address you can write to for special clues to help you with the puzzle. And that's not all, when you do that, for some puzzles, you also unlock bonus stories that add extra layers to the main story. It's such a cool way to connect more deeply with the characters and plot.If you're a fan of mysteries, puzzles, or just something different that really makes you think and keep you hooked, you have to check out [bc:A Most Puzzling Murder 212431569 A Most Puzzling Murder Bianca Marais https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1732189605l/212431569.SY75.jpg 208614720]. It's a unique reading experience that's both fun and satisfying from start to finish. Would I recommend it?HANDS DOWN!!!!!! I dare you to read it and not get hooked. Go on! Try! You'll be messaging me later with, “Okay, you were right.”

While Tinsel Trickery had the cozy holiday vibe typical of the series, it didn't quite capture my attention or emotions. The story flowed smoothly enough, making it suitable as light background reading, but it lacked the spark that makes a book memorable.
Unfortunately, I couldn't really connect with any of the characters, which made the stakes feel low. The romantic subplot between the main character and her boyfriend fell flat due to a lack of believable chemistry, which was disappointing in a genre that often thrives on warm, engaging relationships.
Overall, it's an easy read if you want something seasonal without too much depth, but it didn't stand out for me.
Star rating rounding off from 2.5

Nicole Simon's The Mystery at Bakers Inn has a cozy premise—a retired detective running a bed and breakfast amid whispers of a haunted mine—but it falls flat in execution. Despite being called a seasoned sleuth, Diana often misses obvious clues and reacts with unwarranted panic, making it hard to believe in her expertise.

Supporting characters are equally underwhelming, with moments like being trapped in a mine shaft played off with casual chatting rather than tension or clever problem-solving . The plot grows increasingly implausible, especially when Diana fails to recognize former colleagues living with her—a twist that feels lazy rather than clever.

The many baking scenes clash with the mystery's pacing, with Diana preparing elaborate meals with unrealistic ease. Ultimately, the book can't decide whether it's a mystery or a baking story, and it succeeds at neither. A promising setup that ends up disappointing.

[b:Bury the Lead 123887539 Bury the Lead (Quill & Packet Mystery, #1) Kate Hilton https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1687769605l/123887539.SX50.jpg 145291940] straddles the line between a cozy mystery and a novel tackling strong contemporary issues. The portray of women navigating a male-centric field like journalism is handled with nuance and honesty. Cat's moment of fame, where she responds to an assault, reveals both her strength and the difficult compromises reporters often face, regardless of gender.The story's #MeToo focus explores both past and present exploitation of women, making the novel relevant and thought-provoking. The narrative doesn't shy away from showing that exploitation of women persists today, highlighted by both Cat's experience and those of the women around Eliot Fraser. Set in the fictional small town of Port Ellis, with nods to Toronto, Niagara Falls, and First Nation lands, the setting vividly reflects the town's secrets and complexities.A small realism hiccup came when Cat notices Nick reading a specific article on his phone while she approaches. Given how people typically hold their phones, this struck me as unlikely, but still doesn't overshadow the novel's strengths. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Marnye Young. While her supporting characters were well done, her first person narration of Cat took a little time to find its rhythm.I discovered this series through a talk at Motive Crime & Mystery Festival 2025 in Toronto, where [a:Kate Hilton 7095556 Kate Hilton https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png] and [a:Elizabeth Renzetti 7579015 Elizabeth Renzetti https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1404760899p2/7579015.jpg] discussed their second book. I'm glad I gave [b:Bury the Lead 123887539 Bury the Lead (Quill & Packet Mystery, #1) Kate Hilton https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1687769605l/123887539.SX50.jpg 145291940] a try and look forward to the next installment in the series.If you enjoyed this review, be sure to check out more of my thoughts and recommendations over on my blog - Views She Writes, where I regularly share in-depth reviews and insights on similar topics. Your feedback and discussions are always welcome—hope to see you there!

As a lifelong Sherlock Holmes devotee, I approached [b:The Missing Maid 203020023 The Missing Maid (The Baker Street Mysteries, #1) Holly Hepburn https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1711713378l/203020023.SY75.jpg 215155663] with excitement and the promise of a new mystery set in the shadow of Baker Street. [a:Holly Hepburn 7085421 Holly Hepburn https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1515858696p2/7085421.jpg] not only fulfill my expectations, but also she crafted a tale I absolutely devoured.Set in the familiar fog-draped lanes of Victorian London, this story sparkles with atmospheric details. I have always been a fan of historic mysteries with strong female leads, so this one was just up my alley by default. The protagonist, Harriet White, is a fiery, sharp-minded, and fiercely independent woman, who is a perfect nod to Mr. Holmes. But she isn't a Holmes copy, she's a force on her own and I adored her for that. The audiobook, narrated by Sophie Roberts, added an extra layer of delight. Sophie's crisp delivery, and impeccable grasp of the Victorian London accent transported me to the cobbled streets, smoky parlours, and whispered secrets. I appreciated how it nodded to Holmesian traditions, while carving out a distinctly modern, feminist space in a genre too often dominated by men.Whether you're a Holmes purist, a lover of London lore, or just want a cracking good mystery with smart women at the helm, [b:The Missing Maid 203020023 The Missing Maid (The Baker Street Mysteries, #1) Holly Hepburn https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1711713378l/203020023.SY75.jpg 215155663] is the perfect opening to what I hope will be a long-running series. I can't wait to get to book two.If you enjoyed this review, be sure to check out more of my thoughts and recommendations over on my blog - Views She Writes, where I regularly share in-depth reviews and insights on similar topics. Your feedback and discussions are always welcome—hope to see you there!

In this stylish whodunnit, you become the detective, making the choices that guide the investigation. It's a clever reimagination of a classic murder mystery, told through a “choose-your-own-adventure” format that's rarely used so well in adult fiction. Each decision branches the story in different directions some lead you closer to the truth, while others, not so much.

It's also a quick read, though you may find yourself, like me, returning for a second or third round. During my third round, I stumbled upon a hidden storyline that unravels a smaller mystery tucked inside the main plot. That felt like a secret bonus level, and I loved it.

I'm genuinely appreciative of the creative ambition behind this book, and perhaps even more so after meeting Jonathan Whitelaw at MOTIVE 2025. He graciously signed my copy of Murder in Tinseltown and during one of his talks, shared how painful it was to write in this “choose-your-own-adventure” style.

As someone who has dabbled in writing myself, I understood what he meant. Structuring an interactive mystery, especially one with multiple possible endings, plot threads, and clues, is a unique kind of storytelling challenge. It's like building a puzzle with no fixed center, and it takes a different level of planning and commitment.

Knowing this made the experience of reading the book even more rewarding. It saddens me, honestly, to see so many negative reviews floating around when it's clear how much effort, thought, and passion went into creating something this bold and immersive. While I understand that this kind of format may not appeal to everyone, I personally found it refreshing, engaging, and incredibly clever. And I want to be a voice that celebrates that.

This review was originally posted on my blog — where I share more bookish thoughts, mystery recs, and interactive fiction finds. If you're curious, here's my link