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.
Hi everyone, it’s KitKat. I just finished reading Cold Skies by Thomas King, and I wanted to share my thoughts while they’re still fresh.
This is the third book in the DreadfulWater mystery series. I haven’t read the first two yet, but I didn’t feel lost—King gives just enough context that you can jump in here if you want. It’s a mystery set in a small town, with a retired cop-turned-photographer who ends up pulled into a murder investigation. It’s also funny. Not laugh-out-loud all the time, but there’s a dry, low-key sense of humor throughout that really worked for me.
That said, it took me a while to get into it. I’m a slow reader, and the writing style—especially the dialogue—felt like it would click better for someone who reads a bit faster. I kept thinking it might work really well as a dramatic reading or maybe an audiobook (I’m not sure if there is one). The pacing of the jokes and conversations might land better when heard.
Early on, I also found some of the side details distracting. There are a lot of little asides—extra bits about characters or the town—that sometimes pulled me off track. I think a faster reader could probably absorb those without losing the thread, but I ended up needing to refocus a few times.
Still, the deeper I got into the book, the more I enjoyed it. The story pulls you in gradually, and by the second half, I didn’t want to put it down. My special someone actually kept stealing the book from me, finished it in three days, and loved it. Honestly, that helped me stay motivated.
I’m really glad I stuck with it. Once I settled into the rhythm, I appreciated how well King balances mystery with character and tone. The mystery is satisfying, the humor is smart, and the world of Chinook feels real. There are themes, too—about technology, land, and the people caught in between—but King keeps the tone light, never preachy. It's more sardonic tail-flick than hiss. I’d definitely consider reading more in the series.
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.
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.
Readers of the Serenity Bay Mysteries won't want to miss this novella! Death Among the Petals is mentioned in Murder by the Books and Mind Over Murder by J.J. Brass. Now it's a real book! You can really read it! For real!
Death Among the Petals
A Violet and Sage Mystery
Publisher: Rainbow Crush
Author: Penelope Hawthorne
Word Count: 22,000
In the idyllic town of Serenity Bay, known for its vibrant gardens and close-knit community, retired neighbors Violet and Sage are amateur gardening enthusiasts with a passion for all things green and growing. Living in neighboring cottages with beautiful gardens that back onto each other, they eagerly prepare for the annual Serenity Bay Garden Show, a highlight of the town's calendar.
But when the charming Garden Show judge, Milhouse Wainwright, is discovered dead in Violet's rose bush, the tranquil atmosphere of Serenity Bay is shattered. The local sheriff dismisses Mr. Wainwright's death as an unfortunate accident, but Violet and Sage refuse to accept such a simple explanation.
With their keen gardening knowledge and sharp wit, Violet and Sage embark on a quest to uncover the truth behind Mr. Wainwright's demise. As they dig deeper into the secrets of Serenity Bay, they uncover a web of deceit, jealousy, and long-buried rivalries lurking beneath the town's picturesque facade.
Join Violet and Sage as they navigate the twists and turns of this delightful whodunit, cultivating clues and unraveling mysteries amidst the blossoming beauty of Serenity Bay's gardens.
"Death Among the Petals" is a captivating tale of friendship and community sure to delight fans of cozy mysteries everywhere.
Penelope Hawthorne is the flamboyant wordsmith behind the Violet and Sage Mysteries. A lifelong resident of the picturesque town of Serenity Bay, Penelope's larger-than-life personality and extravagant flair infuse every page of her debut mystery, "Death Among the Petals." With an unmatched love for the dramatic and a taste for the opulent, Penelope brings her unique brand of charm and charisma to the world of cozy mysteries.
Mind Over Murder
Author: J.J. Brass
Series: Serenity Bay Mysteries
Book: 5
Publisher: Rainbow Crush
Word Count: 36,000
Ebook ISBN: 9798223325154
Visit the quaint town of Serenity Bay, where gossip travels faster than the speed of love.
Valentine's Day takes an unexpected turn in "Mind Over Murder," the latest installment of the Serenity Bay Mysteries by J.J. Brass.
When psychic medium Gabriel Kolter descends upon the town, offering his otherworldly insights to curious residents, little does he know that this visit will lead to his own demise. After providing an open mediumship session to the townsfolk, the psychic is found murdered, leaving the town shrouded in an eerie atmosphere.
Enter Lucy Larkin, a spirited twenty-something with a penchant for amateur sleuthing. In an attempt to win the approval of the gruff yet captivating Detective Johnson, Lucy dives headfirst into the investigation, determined to unveil the truth behind the psychic's untimely demise.
With suspects aplenty and a town full of secrets, Lucy navigates the tangled relationships and enigmatic pasts of Serenity Bay's residents. Will she uncover the killer's identity before love's favorite day is forever stained with the shadows of a chilling murder?
As Valentine's Day approaches, join Lucy Larkin in this captivating cozy mystery. In "Mind Over Murder," she puts her wits to the test, attempting to solve a puzzle where love, secrets, and the supernatural converge in a spellbinding small-town tale.
Greetings, literati and feline enthusiasts! It is I, Butterball, your refined raconteur, here to regale you with my take on the rather curious literary affair that is "The Moving Toyshop" by the distinguished Edmund Crispin.
Set against the spires of Oxford, this enigmatic tale unfolds in the hallowed halls where intellects clash and crime takes a scholarly turn.
At the helm is Gervais Fen, a detective with a penchant for recruiting students in his sleuthing escapades. One could say he's an academic Hercule Poirot, but with a flair for involving the bright young minds of Oxford in his investigations.
The Oxford backdrop is not just a setting; it is a character in itself. Crispin masterfully weaves the city's atmosphere into the narrative, a treat for those who relish the academic ambiance. The dimly lit corners of Oxford become an integral part of the mystery, immersing the reader in a world where intellectual pursuit meets the sly art of detection.
Our protagonist, a poet with an inquisitive bent, stumbles upon a
corpse in a toy shop—a setting so whimsically macabre that it's practically catnip for mystery aficionados. The intrigue deepens when our poetic friend finds neither corpse nor toy shop upon his return with the constabulary. A mystery within a mystery – a plot twist that even a cat with nine lives wouldn't see coming!
For fans of Morse, Lewis, and Endeavour, "The Moving Toyshop" is a literary treat akin to a saucer of the finest cream. The Oxford setting, the academic charm, and the peculiarly English eccentricity of the characters would make even the most distinguished detective purr with satisfaction.
In conclusion, dear readers, "The Moving Toyshop" is a literary conundrum that will tickle your intellect and bewitch your senses. It's a cat-and-mouse game of the highest order, set against the backdrop of one of England's most venerable institutions. Crispin's clever narrative and Fen's scholarly prowess make this a mystery worth sinking your claws into.
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!
Title: Make Death Love Me Author: Ruth Rendell Genre: British / Thriller Status: Read Presence of Cats: None
Butterball Says:
On how many occasions have I lamented living so much of my life without ever having read a Ruth Rendell mystery? I suppose one might say I'm making up for lost time by reading every one that crosses the Mystery Cats' desk.
Today I inform you of my latest read, a book perhaps more in the style of a thriller than a classic murder mystery. I say "thriller" only because we, the reader, watch the crime play out in its entirety. We are aware of the culprit, we are aware of the crime... or, at least, we think we are... until the grand finale, when everything changes.
Make Death Love Me boasts a copyright date of 1979--a mere 40 years ago, and yet we are immediately aware of all the changes that have taken place between that time and this.
Alan Groombridge works in a small bank in a small town. Every day, he removes 3,000 pounds from the safe and fantasizes about stealing it. He could easily live on that money for a year, he figures--a clue that we are gazing into the past, for what feline could live on 3,000 pounds these days?
When the bank is robbed, Groombridge sees this as his opportunity to escape with his coveted 3,000 pounds. Meanwhile, the bank robbers flee with cash and Alan's young coworker, Joyce.
We spend the majority of the book watching the situation go from bad to worse for our bank robbers and their hostage. At the same time, Alan Groombridge reinvents himself in London, commits a slight bit of identity theft, and lives out his fantasy.
Hark! Has nobody died? Isn't this book entitled Make Death Love Me? Indeed it is. Why so, if it is not a murder mystery? Where is this death we've been promised?
Ahh, now, that would be telling! I shan't give away the ending by revealing who dies, or how. You will simply have to read Make Death Love Mefor yourself to enjoy the intriguing narrative leading to death.
It's been ages since I've read a Baby-Sitters Club book, but I loved this series as a kitten. So when this mystery crossed our desk, you better believe I got my paws on it right away. I couldn't wait to dive right in!
Reading this book really took me back. It begins with three chapters of reminding you who all the characters are: the girls in the club, their families, their clients. This takes a while, but kids like repetition, and this is juvenile fiction, after all.
Then we get into the juicy stuff: the babysitting. No, I'm kidding. THE MYSTERY. As you've probably guessed from the title, this mystery involves 13-year-old Stacey and a missing diamond ring.
See, diamond is Stacey's birthstone and she's been begging her mom for a (diamond) birthstone ring. Mother and daughter have an argument about it, and Stacey tells all her friends. As luck would have it, she babysits for a fancy new client and, sure enough, that client's diamond ring goes missing. Stacey is blamed. No, it's worse than that. Stacey is accused of stealing. And when she won't confess, the client threatens to tell all The Baby-Sitters Club's clients she's a thief.
I really felt for Stacey, when she was accused of a crime she didn't commit. It's hard enough for that to happen to you as a grown-up, but when you're thirteen, the trouble is compounded by the fact that you're a kid and nobody believes you. She has no way of proving she didn't steal the ring, and even her best friend seems to think she's guilty.
Nobody, cat or kitten, would want to find themselves in Stacey's predicament.
But Stacey comes up with a clever way to solve the problem. That, paired with a bit of luck, leads her to the solution.
Is there a lot of investigation in this book? No. Does it include all the components you expect to find in your typical mystery? No. There's no questioning suspects or anything along those lines, but there are enough red herrings that I thought I had this mystery tied up and I was wrong, wrong, wrong. But I don't mind being wrong. The ending surprised me and put a little smile on my face.
The Baby-Sitters Club Mystery #1: Stacey and the Missing Ring took me on a trip down memory lane. I would recommend it to people who are currently thirteen years old, as well as grown-ups who read these books when they were young. If you're as much of a sucker for nostalgia as I am, you're sure to enjoy it!
Great cast of characters in this one. So much personality. There's nothing worse than dull characters in a murder mystery, and you won't find any here. Young Tom loves Hardy Boys mysteries and detective novels, but he's no kid genius. There are a number of clues an adult reader picks up on that Tom doesn't notice. This builds tension. You're sitting there going "That's a clue, Tom! It's a clue!"
He gets there eventually, I should mention. Kid's not a total dope. In fact, he does a better job at solving this murder than I would have, as a kitten. I shouldn't be so hard on Tom.
There's a great action sequence toward the end of the book, as well. Something to look forward to.
Murder on the Canadian is a fun read. I honestly wasn't prepared for how much I would enjoy this one. Big personality, lots of fun suspects, a smattering of jokes, and a physical struggle that could mean the difference between life and death. What more could a cat ask for?
The agonizing sound of a woman's scream hurls Tom Austen into the middle of a murder plot on board the sleek passenger train The Canadian. Who is responsible for the death of lovely Catherine Saks? As Tom investigates the strange collection of travellers who share Car 165, he gets closer and closer to the truth . . . and then without warning, he is suddenly face to face with the killer, and his own life is threatened in the most alarming possible way.
Author: Lilian Jackson Braun Genre: Cozy / Pets / Amateur Sleuth Status: Read Cats?: Two, and one's got a knack for presenting clues!
Ginger Says:
I've seen Lilian Jackson Braun's "Cat Who..." books on library shelves since I was a kitten, but this is the first time I've actually picked one up to read. I always wondered how these stories were told. For some reason, I assumed I would be reading a book told from a cat's point of view. As it turns out, that wasn't the case. Once I got over the initial disappointment of being told a human story instead of a cat one, I really got into it and had a lot of fun with this book.
The Cat Who Ate Danish Modern features a journalist named Jim Qwilleran who used to work the crime beat. Now he's down on his luck, living in a run-down apartment with a Siamese cat named Koko. When his boss assigns him to an interior design magazine, Qwilleran's not keen. He's clueless about design. It's really not his world... that is, until a crime spree breaks out! Every property he visits seems to get burgled, someone dies, the police raid it as a brothel... the list goes on! Finally, some crime to investigate. Qwilleran's back in his element.
Now, his cat Koko doesn't accompany him on his investigations. That would be pretty neat, but I guess you'd get a reputation if, as a journalist, you brought your cat along to interviews. So Koko stays home while Jim is out and about, but still manages to bring attention to clues leading to whodunit.
When I first picked up this book, I didn't quite realize its age. I was barely three pages into the novel when I said to myself, "When was this written?!?" There are certain concepts, relationships and turns of phrase that struck me as outmoded. That's when I checked the copyright date: 1967. No wonder the book's got a bit of a Mad Men feel about it.
All in all, I ate this book up. It's very witty, consistently amusing, and the characters are a lot of fun: big personalities that keep you wanting more. This is probably my feline bias talking, but I would have enjoyed more time with the cats. Yes there are cats in the book, but it's primarily a human story and a human investigator.
Having said all that, if you're looking for a big-city cozy mystery set in the world of 1960s-era interior design, The Cat Who Ate Danish Modern certainly fits the bill!
