Richard Osman knows what he’s doing. This thing is sharp, quick, and funny. Very funny. Not cute funny—actual laugh-out-loud funny. Jokes land. Dialogue snaps.
The pace? Fast. But not chaotic. It moves. England. Ireland. America. Dubai. It hops around. You always know where you are. You always want to see what’s next.
The story’s solid. Twists, reveals, secrets. One mystery leads to another. Never drags.
Main guy is Steve Wheeler. Ex-cop. Haunted by grief. Dry sense of humor. Keeps things close to the chest.
Then there’s Amy Wheeler. His daughter-in-law. Professional bodyguard. Tough, sharp, no-nonsense. Their dynamic works.
And Rosie. She’s the client. Big energy. Total wildcard. She makes everything more complicated—and more fun.
Side characters? Weird. Memorable. No filler. Everyone’s got a line, a look, something strange. Osman makes it all work.
The tone? Stylish. Clever. Never smug. Cool without trying too hard. It’s also got heart. Hits when it needs to.
This is the start of a new series. You want in now. Ground floor. No question.
Murder on Wheels
Series: Serenity Bay Mysteries
Book: 7
Author: J.J. Brass
Publisher: Rainbow Crush
Word Count: 34,000
Ebook ISBN: 9798227631930
When the sleepy town of Serenity Bay is rocked by a deadly fire at a local ebike rental shop, amateur sleuth Lucy Larkin finds herself pedaling straight into her most perplexing case yet. The blaze, initially dismissed as a tragic accident, soon reveals itself to be something far more sinister. Evidence suggests it was no mere mishap, but a carefully orchestrated murder.
With her trusty uncle Frank at her side and a cast of quirky townsfolk, Lucy dives into the mystery, navigating a tangled web of secrets. But as she uncovers hidden truths, Lucy must confront the possibility that the killer may be closer than she ever imagined.
As tensions mount and the danger escalates, Lucy must race against time to unmask the culprit before this crafty killer strikes again. Will she solve the case and restore peace to her beloved Serenity Bay, or will the murderer slip through her fingers?
Murder on Wheels delivers a perfect blend of small-town charm, suspense, and a dash of humor that will keep readers guessing until the bitter end.
Murder in a Pickle
Series: Serenity Bay Mysteries
Book: 6
Author: J.J. Brass
Publisher: Rainbow Crush
Word Count: 47,000
Ebook ISBN: 9798224068296
Serenity Bay is known for its peaceful atmosphere, charming shops, and spirited pickleball games. When an injunction is issued against the pickleball club for exceeding legal noise levels, club members are irate. And when the man who initiated the injunction is found dead, the idyllic community is thrown into turmoil.
Lucy Larkin, a resourceful amateur sleuth, finds herself at the heart of the investigation as secrets begin to surface. With the help of her quirky Uncle Frank, a fife-playing florist, Lucy uncovers more than she bargained for. From a mysterious toxicology report to a stolen journal, clues lead them deep into the victim’s complicated life.
As the close-knit pickleball club rallies to clear their name, Lucy pieces together a puzzle that reveals a web of deception and hidden motives. Friendships are tested and new alliances formed.
Murder in a Pickle is a captivating cozy mystery filled with eccentric characters, heartwarming moments, and a twisty plot that will keep readers guessing until the very end. Perfect for fans of small-town mysteries and amateur sleuths with a knack for solving crimes, this delightful tale will leave you craving more adventures in Serenity Bay.
Serenity Bay Mysteries 1-2-3
Author: J.J. Brass
Publisher: Rainbow Crush
Word Count: 90,000
Ebook ISBN: 9798224928781
Paperback ISBN: 9798224593286
Join amateur sleuth Lucy Larkin as she solves murders in Serenity Bay, the quaint little town she calls home. This charming box set includes the first three books in the beloved Serenity Bay Mysteries series.
In Murder Over the Rainbow, Lucy finds herself entangled in a murder investigation when local artist Marcus Briggs is found dead at the site of a proposed rainbow crosswalk. Teaming up with the surly yet endearing Detective Johnson, Lucy navigates a town filled with colorful characters, secrets, and suspects aplenty.
In Murder by the Books, Lucy and her uncle Frank stumble upon an unfinished manuscript that leads them to suspect a real-life murder. Join them as they unravel the mystery with the help of quirky characters, including new friends and an insightful librarian.
Finally, in Murder by Night, Lucy, now working as a local florist, finds her quiet life disrupted once again. Can she and Detective Johnson solve a series of muggings before deadly crimes are committed?
Filled with heaps of humor and heart, this collection is perfect for fans of cozy mysteries, small-town comforts, and eccentric characters. Get ready for a relaxing journey through Serenity Bay, where secrets abound and mysteries await.
Murder by Christmas
Author: J.J. Brass
Series: Serenity Bay Mysteries
Book: 4
Publisher: Rainbow Crush
Word Count: 32,000
Join amateur sleuth Lucy Larkin as she attends a festive Christmas Eve party with the cast and crew of Serenity Bay's beloved holiday musical. The partygoers make the best of it when the lights go out and a winter snowstorm traps everyone inside, but the evening takes a chilling turn when murder rocks the celebration.
As hidden secrets are revealed, Lucy finds herself entangled in a web of jealousy, love, and unexpected motives. With no way in or out, it's up to her to unravel the truth and expose the murderer among them.
Can Lucy uncover the killer's surprising identity before the snow melts and the holiday spirit is forever tainted?
Dive into a winter wonderland of mystery with "Murder by Christmas," a cozy holiday tale that will keep you guessing. Experience the magic of the season tinged with suspense as snow falls, secrets unfold, and Lucy discovers that, even in the midst of celebration, darkness can lurk where you least expect it.
Get ready for a holiday read that combines the joy of Christmas with the whimsical comedy of a charming cozy mystery!
Murder by Night
Author: J.J. Brass
Series: Serenity Bay Mysteries
Book: 3
Publisher: Rainbow Crush
Word Count: 32,000
Welcome to the enchanting town of Serenity Bay, where secrets lurk around every corner, and mysteries await in the most unexpected places.
Follow Lucy Larkin, marketing maven turned local florist, as her quiet life takes a dramatic turn. When a routine night deposit at the bank ends in robbery, Lucy once again joins forces with the determined Detective Johnson. With a series of muggings turning deadly, can they catch the culprit before more crimes are committed?
Get ready for a charming, humorous, and heartwarming story that will keep you guessing until the very end. "Murder by Night" is the perfect cozy mystery for those who adore small-town allure, quirky characters, and a touch of comedy. Dive into this captivating tale of secrets and suspense in Serenity Bay.
J.J. Brass is a queer author living with disability who writes hilarious and heartfelt LGBT mystery stories. If you like your mysteries cozy and comedic, check out tales like Small Town Scandal, The Turkey Wore Satin, Murder at the Office, The Courtyard Clairvoyant Mysteries series, and the Serenity Bay Mysteries.
Hey there, fellow mystery aficionados! It's your favorite feline detective, KitKat, here with a purr-fectly intriguing review of "Everyone in my Family has Killed Someone" by Benjamin Stevenson.
Now, don't be fooled by the title – this book is a cunning blend of entertainment, meta-humor, and good old-fashioned mystery.
First things first, let's talk about the author, Benjamin Stevenson. Known for his comedic prowess, Stevenson delivers a narrative that's not all laughs and chuckles. While the title may lead you to expect a riotous comedy, this book takes a more complex route, offering a thrilling mystery plot with a dash of humor.
What sets this book apart is its self-awareness, a quality that had my whiskers twitching with delight. It's what I like to call "meta-mystery." The author cleverly plays with the conventions of the genre, making witty references to classic mystery novels and their famous detectives. It's like a treasure hunt for literary catnip, as you try to spot all the nods to the greats.
Now, onto the mystery itself. Stevenson crafts a puzzle that had me at the edge of my favorite sunbeam. Clues are scattered like treats throughout the story, and just when you think you've unraveled the mystery, another layer of intrigue surfaces. It's like chasing a laser pointer; you never quite catch it until the very end.
The characters are a delight to follow. Each has their quirks and secrets, and it's a pleasure watching their relationships evolve as they try to crack the case. The dialogue sparkles, adding to the book's overall appeal.
However, I must warn you that the humor doesn't dominate the narrative. It's more like a seasoning – a sprinkle here and there – rather than the main course. So, if you're expecting a laugh-out-loud comedy, you might be disappointed. But if you're open to a mystery that embraces its comedic side while staying true to the genre's core, you're in for a treat.
In conclusion, "Everyone in my Family has Killed Someone" by Benjamin Stevenson is a captivating blend of humor and mystery. It's a must-read for those who enjoy a good Poirot-style puzzle but appreciate a touch of playfulness and meta-humor. So, grab a comfy reading spot, perhaps next to your feline friend, and embark on this intriguing and thoroughly enjoyable literary adventure.
Murder by the Books
Series: Serenity Bay Mysteries
Book: 2
Author: J.J. Brass
Publisher: Rainbow Crush
Word Count: 30,000
Welcome to Serenity Bay, where books hold secrets, and mysteries lurk behind every page.
When Lucy Larkin and her uncle Frank stumble upon an unfinished manuscript hidden in a dresser at the Annual Antiques Street Fair, they uncover more than just forgotten words.
As the mystery unfolds, Lucy and Uncle Frank embark on a quest to unravel the truth. Can they convince Detective Johnson that a crime has been committed, or will they find themselves met with skepticism?
Now, with time running out, Lucy and her uncle must race against the clock to piece together clues hidden within the unfinished book. With curiosity, wit, and a touch of amateur sleuthing, can they unmask the killer and bring justice to Serenity Bay?
"Murder by the Books" is a page-turning journey into the heart of a small town where books can be deadly. Join Lucy and Uncle Frank in this charming cozy mystery.
J.J. Brass is a queer author living with disability who writes hilarious and heartfelt LGBT mystery stories. If you like your mysteries cozy and comedic, check out tales like Small Town Scandal, The Turkey Wore Satin, Murder at the Office, The Courtyard Clairvoyant Mysteries series, and the Serenity Bay Mysteries.
It's not every day that someone writes a book about you, which is why we Mystery Cats are overjoyed that our cat-mom Doris Hay has just released The Missing Cash Mystery!
Why are we so excited?
Because the book's about us!
The Missing Cash Mystery stars ME (Ginger)! Zorro and Butterball play a role too, and KitKat gets introduced as well. It's a great book about a funny little mystery. I think you'll love it, but I could be biased.
Ginger’s just a kitten who loves a good mystery. She’s never actually solved one before, but when a neighbour’s safe is broken into, Ginger’s on the case.
Her fellow Mystery Cats, Butterball and Zorro, don’t see any point in looking into this crime. Clearly, the neighbour’s son stole the money. He doesn’t work, mooches off his parents, and suddenly has the cash to take his girlfriend on a splashy beach vacation? Even Gemma, the neighbour-lady, feels pretty certain her son is to blame—that’s why she didn’t bother calling the police.
But Ginger smells a rat, and she won’t give up until the true culprit is brought to justice… even if the investigation puts this tiny kitten in all sorts of danger!
As I recall, it was a mere one year ago when I lamented the fact that I had gone so very long in life without ever having read the words of one of Britain's finest mistresses of mystery. Ruth Rendell represents quality writing and intriguing plots, the likes of which this cat has not seen since Agatha Christie.
A Guilty Thing Surprised is not the first Inspector Wexford Mystery, and though I have not read any other books in this series, I did not feel this fact hampered my enjoyment in the least.
Because the setting is a manor house in England's green and pleasant land, one is immediately transported to the time of Agatha Christie's writings. Thus, it feels oddly anachronistic when the servants are reportedly listening to The Beatles and stacking the dishwasher.
The copyright date on this book reads 1970, which leads one to believe it is set in perhaps the late sixties: a time of change, when the older generation believes they have betters, and the younger generation believes they can one day become their betters. And perhaps they are correct.
When the lady of the house is murdered in the woods, suspicion falls upon the usual suspects: the husband, the family, the servants. Motives abound. Whether she was murdered for love or money, there is no short supply of characters who might have wielded the weapon.
There are hints of piquancy and salacious goings-on behind the scenes, but I must say the resolution is salacious in the extreme! From the very first pages, I thought things were perhaps heading in a direction KitKat would most enjoy. Was I correct in this assumption? Ah, that would be telling!
For now, I'll only say that I thoroughly enjoyed my experience in the world of Inspector Wexford, and I hope to visit again very soon. Highly recommended for lovers of Agatha Christie's masterful works!
What's so great about the Courtyard Clairvoyant? Well, first of all we've got an asexual aunt and her pansexual niece as main characters. Aunt Elise is currently recovering from a cornea transplant and guess what? Turns out the cornea she received previously belonged to a psychic! Now when she looks people in the eye, she can see what they're hiding.
What are you going to do when you find out you're suddenly psychic? You're going to solve mysteries, of course! Especially if you live on a small-town courtyard and your neighbours are all a bunch of gossipy (but mostly friendly) people.
In this book, Aunt Elise's former fiance arrives on the courtyard. It turns out she left him at the altar many years ago, and seeing him again brings out lots of messy feelings.
I love the way author J.J. Brass shows us this older woman coming to a greater understanding of what it means to be asexual, for her. It's not like she's been identifying as ace for 50 years. The idea of identifying as asexual and that there are other people in the world who are a lot like her is pretty new.
I also love the way her niece Val helps along the way. Life can be confusing for anybody, but for someone who is questioning her identity later in life, Elise sometimes feels really discombobulated. She admires the way her niece's generation can be so out and proud while she still feels a need to keep certain matters private.
The other thing I love most about I Spy a Courtyard Casanova is the mystery itself. It starts out looking like a simple theft, but we soon discover an art fraud ring going on right under their noses. Who doesn't love a good art forgery story, am I right?
There are cats in this series but I won't say too much about that. When you get to the fourth book in the series, I Spy a Wedding Dress Mess, you'll find out why.
I highly recommend The Courtyard Clairvoyant for any cozy mystery reader who wants a strong cast of queer characters. This series has got it all kinds of representation covered: characters who are genderqueer, ace, poly-pan, trans, lesbian, gay, bisexual, the list goes on! There are even a few straight people in there too. 😛
If you want to sink your teeth into a cozy small-town mystery series with a hearty dose of queer representation, look no further. The Courtyard Clairvoyant Mysteries by J.J. Brass is the series for you!
Author: Samantha Silver Genre: Cozy / Paranormal / Small Town Status:TBR Cats?: Yes
Ginger Says:
Mystery author Samantha Silver is best known for paranormal cozies, and she's back at it with her new venture: the Magical Bookshop Mystery series!
If you've got a taste for witchcraft, small-town life and books, you might want to give this new series a try. There are already three installments available:
Here's a bit more information about the first in the series, Alice In Murderland:
Moving from Miami to small-town Oregon was supposed to be boring...
When Alice Calliope takes over her recently deceased aunt's bookshop in Sapphire Village, Oregon, she's not expecting her world to be flipped upside down, but that's exactly what happens when her cousin Cat reveals to Alice that she's actually a witch. Add in the fact that the two of them stumble upon a dead body, and Alice's first day in town ends up being a lot more eventful than she could have possibly imagined! What was supposed to be a simple cross-country move winds up with Alice having to learn how to navigate a whole new magical world while at the same time trying to clear Cat's name as she emerges as the main suspect in the murder. Add in the eccentric Grandma Cee, witchcraft lessons, a whiny old ghost and the laziest cat ever, and Alice definitely has her hands full. With pressure mounting for the super-hot local sheriff to arrest her cousin, will Alice be able to hunt down the real killer before it's too late? Alice in Murderland is a full-length novel and the first book in the Magical Bookshop Mystery series of paranormal cozy mysteries.
Title: Small Town Scandal Author: J.J. Brass Genre: LGBT / Small Town / Cozy Status: Read Cats?: None
KitKat Says:
Agatha Vanderjagt is a crotchety old woman who lives alone in the small town of Hillsgrave. She also happens to be a retired schoolteacher.
Chris is a trans man and former student of Miss Vanderjagt's. As his ex-girlfriend points out, he's serious about taking care of animals and elders. That's why he cares for dogs full-time and gives Agatha a hand around the house after work.
When Agatha gets a blackmail letter, Chris is the only one she can turn to. The blackmailer has come across sexy black-and-white photos--photos of Agatha and her lesbian lover from long, long ago.
Chris drops everything to help solve the mystery of who is demanding money from Agatha. He obviously feels a deep sense of responsibility toward his former teacher, because he goes on helping her even when she shows him zero gratitude. The back-and-forth between Agatha and Chris is hilarious and all too real at times. They feel like family, like a grandmother and her grandson. They irritate each other constantly, but they always stick together. To me, this is a family mystery--a shining example of chosen family in a small-town setting.
As for the mystery, there are plenty of suspects to choose from. Agatha isn't the most beloved figure in town. When you see the way she talks to people you'll understand why! There's also a romantic B-plot about Chris and his ex-girlfriend... who happens to be the only person in town who freely admits to having seen the photographs Agatha's being blackmailed about. Hmmm...
If you're looking for a cozy small-town mystery with a hearty dose of queer representation, look no further. Small Town Scandal by J.J. Brass is the book for you!
Title: Puppet Author: Joy Fielding Genre: Legal / Family / Suspense Status: Read Cats?: Zero.
Zorro Says:
Amanda's mother shot a man just to watch him die.
Or maybe she shot him for some other reason. Nobody knows!
Amanda Travis is a rich young lawyer living in a posh Florida condo, but she was born and raised in Toronto (just like the Mystery Cats!). When she gets a phone call from back home, she doesn't want to deal with it. Amanda's mother has shot a man but refuses to tell police why. She won't tell her lawyer, won't tell Amanda, won't tell anyone!
There's got to be a reason. But discovering the reason behind her mother's crime means delving into her family's frightening past. Is she ready to find out what her mother already knows?
Are you?
If you are, then pick up a copy of Puppet by Joy Fielding. It's a legal suspense full of hot, hot heat and family mysteries.
