Amateurs Sleuths Archives – Nightcap Books

Rachel West and the Fallen Starlet by Emma Mills [Book Review]

Posted on July 31, 2026July 31, 2026 by Darinda

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BOOK INFO

Title: Rachel West and the Fallen Starlet

Author: Emma Mills

Publisher: Berkley

Publish Date: May 19, 2026

Genre: Amateur Investigators

Series: NA

My Rating: 3/5

Rachel West and the Fallen Starlet by Emma Mills

BOOK BLURB

Baby doll top, gladiator sandals, and fully loaded iPod at the ready: it’s 2008 in Los Angeles, and Rachel West is a little less starry-eyed than your average ingenue. Copyediting a celeb gossip rag isn’t the glossy entertainment journalism Rachel thought she would be doing but hey, it pays the bills. Some of them, anyway.

Rachel’s life changes overnight after meeting Molly Byrne, a former child star and current tabloid fave for her drunken escapades and rotating cast of boyfriends, and what begins as a chance encounter in a nightclub bathroom quickly grows into a genuine friendship.

When Molly is found dead, Hollywood accepts her death as an overdose. But Rachel knows for a fact her friend was clean—and she’s not alone in her suspicions that Molly was murdered.

With the help of a ragtag group of residents from her apartment building, a friendly paparazzo, and a handsome detective, Rachel must solve the mystery of Molly’s death before she’s written off for good.

MY REVIEW

An aspiring journalist looks into the death of a celebrity, who happened to be her friend.

Rachel West and the Fallen Starlet is a charming mystery. Quirky characters and an entertaining plot. The story takes place in Los Angeles in 2008, making the setting a little nostalgic.

Rachel West and the Fallen Starlet is humorous and fun. A good read for fans of light cozy mysteries.

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

A Zoom with a View by Jess Cannon [Book Review]

Posted on July 31, 2026July 31, 2026 by Darinda

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more info, read my Disclosure Policy.

BOOK INFO

Title: A Zoom with a View

Author: Jess Cannon

Publisher: Dutton

Publish Date: May 5, 2026

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Series: NA

My Rating: 3/5

BOOK BLURB

Leo can’t believe she’s back in Blue Oak. Her small, quirky Texas hometown feels suffocating after trying to make it big as an English professor in New York—especially due to her strained relationship with her overly hair-sprayed mother, Karina. But with Leo’s career in academia in shambles, at least she’s able to work as a photographer for her godmother’s real estate business. And her best friend, Emily, is around to help her navigate through the mess—and maybe force her to reconnect with her old high school boyfriend, Mack.

But while at work, Leo makes a grisly discovery at one of her godmother’s properties: the dead body of rival real estate agent and social media influencer Chaz. Even worse, Leo and Emily have been secretly running a snarky Reddit page making fun of Chaz’s cringe-inducing advice and duck-faced selfies. When someone she loves is accused of the murder, Leo finds herself flung headfirst into a dangerous investigation, teaming up with a local detective who is a lot more attractive than she remembered when they were both teenagers. Meanwhile, Karina has been acting stranger and stranger, as if all her hair hides a big secret….

MY REVIEW

A woman returns to her small hometown in Texas. Her career as an English professor hit a snag, and she takes a job as as a real estate photographer for her godmother. When she arrives at a property to photogragh it, she finds a former high school classmate dead.

A Zoom with a View is a lighthearted mystery. Quirky characters and a charming setting.

Good for fans of cozy mysteries with a diverse cast of characters. A Zoom with a View has some loose ends, so maybe there will be more with these characters.

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

A Cute Little Murder by Molly Harper [Book Review]

Posted on July 31, 2026July 31, 2026 by Darinda

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more info, read my Disclosure Policy.

BOOK INFO

Title: A Cute Little Murder

Author: Molly Harper

Publisher: Berkley

Publish Date: April 21, 2026

Genre: Amateur Investigators

Series: NA

My Rating: 4/5

BOOK BLURB

As teens, Harlow Drake and Lainey Piper built an online fandom solving small-town crimes. Harlow was the star, Lainey the behind-the-scenes genius (and often, Harlow’s scapegoat). Years later, Harlow’s hosting a hit true crime tv show. Lainey? She’s working in forensics. Well, forensic accounting . . . from home. In pajamas. With her cat.

But when Harlow faces significant backlash over fumbling a case, she needs a quick win—like a special investigation into the decades-old disappearance of a starlet from a once-glamorous, now decrepit island hotel. The catch? It’s bankrolled by Deke and Bryce of DBag Games, who are looking to shed their “frat bro” reputations. As long-time fans, they have one requirement for their funding: Lainey has to play the sidekick again.

Lainey is wary, but the offer is a lifeline in a sea of unpaid student loans. After reaching the Crossings Hotel, she realizes she’s not content to be Harlow’s helper anymore. As the cold case heats up, a crew member falls over dead, presenting Harlow and Lainey with a more modern mystery: what secrets does this hotel hide within its walls?

With sabotage, hidden staircases, and a killer in their midst, Lainey steps into the spotlight and takes charge of the investigation. It’s up to her to crack the case—as long as she can stay alive.

MY REVIEW

Harlow and Lainey were teen sleuths with a large online following. Harlow was the leader, and Lainey the sidekick. Now, Harlow hosts a true crime show, and Lainey is an accountant. Harlow needs Lainey’s help on a new project solving an old case at an isolated hotel. Lainey is wary, but agrees.

A Cute Little Murder is a fun cozy mystery. What starts as the duo investigating a cold case, soon leads to a modern case when someone on the crew dies.

This mystery isn’t too deep, and is great for a light and entertaining summer read. A Cute Little Murder is good for fans of cozy mysteries with friendship, humor, and a little romance.

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

How to Cheat Your Own Death by Kristen Perrin [Book Review]

Posted on July 19, 2026July 19, 2026 by Darinda

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more info, read my Disclosure Policy.

BOOK INFO

Title: How to Cheat Your Own Death

Author: Kristen Perrin

Publisher: Dutton

Publish Date: April 28, 2026

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Series: Castle Knoll Files #3

My Rating: 3/5

How to Cheat You Own Death by Kristen Perrin

BOOK BLURB

Some secrets are deadlier than others

1968: Frances Adams is loving her new London life, and she’s stepped into a world of glamour thanks to her new friend, Vera Huntington–a magnetic socialite as mysterious as she is provocative. Vera dances around London like she owns it, taking Frances with her.

Present day: When Annie Adams heads to London to visit her famous artist mother, Laura, the last thing she expects to find is a dead body. Least of all for it to be Laura’s new protégée, left in an alley with her heart surgically removed from her chest.

Annie is no stranger to murder–after all, she’s solved a few already. And something about this case feels familiar. She’s read about one just like it in the journals of her late great aunt Frances, whose friend Vera was killed in the 1960s in the exact same way.

As Annie investigates, threats pile up on Laura’s doorstep, and it soon becomes clear that she’s next. With her mother’s life on the line, can Annie find the killer before it’s too late?

MY REVIEW

How to Cheat Your Own Death is the third book in the Castle Knoll Files series. This book can be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend reading the previous books in there series.

In the 1968, Frances is living it up in London with her new friend Vera. In present day, Frances’s great-niece, Annie, visits her mother in London, and finds a dead body. A death that is similar to Vera’s murder that Frances wrote in her diaries.

How to Cheat Your Own Death is told through two points of view and timelines – Frances in the past via her diary entries and Annie in the present. This book has plenty of suspects and an enjoyable plot.

How to Cheat Your Own Death is a light and fun cozy mystery.

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Books in the Castle Knoll Files:

How to Solve Your Own Murder
How to Seal Your Own Fate
How to Cheat Your Own Death

I’m Not the Only Murderer in My Retirement Home by Fergus Craig [Book Review]

Posted on July 6, 2026July 6, 2026 by Darinda

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more info, read my Disclosure Policy.

BOOK INFO

Title: I’m Not the Only Murderer in My Retirement Home

Author: Fergus Craig

Publisher: Berkley

Publish Date: February 17, 2026

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Series: NA

My Rating: 3/5

I'm Not the Only Murderer in My Retirement Home by Fergus Craig

BOOK BLURB

Carol is delighted to be leaving her tiny prison cell behind to take her place in a luxury retirement home. She’s hoping her past as a serial killer won’t come to light so she can make a few friends and find some murder-free hobbies. But it’s not long before a fellow resident—who happens to be a former police commissioner—drops dead, and Carol’s true identity is leaked—making catching up over daily activities of bingo and baking rather awkward.

Just her luck, Carol soon realizes that the victim wasn’t the only former law enforcement officer at Sheldon Oaks—it’s filled to the brim with former cops, barristers, and government representatives, her newfound friends included. And everyone thinks Carol’s guilt is a no-brainer, but she is ready to prove them dead wrong…without killing anyone, for once.

MY REVIEW

Carol, a serial killer, has been released from prison and moved into a retirement home. When a fellow resident is killed, Carol is the prime suspect. This time though, Carol claims she’s innocent, and sets out to find the real killer.

I’m Not the Only Murderer in My Retirement Home is delightful mystery. The retirement home makes for a unique setting. The characters are quirky. Dark humor and an intriguing mystery. Recommended read for fans of cozy mysteries with older protagonists.

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Botanist’s Assistant by Peggy Townsend [Book Review]

Posted on May 31, 2026May 31, 2026 by Darinda

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more info, read my Disclosure Policy.

BOOK INFO

Title: The Botanist’s Assistant

Author: Peggy Townsend

Publisher: Berkley

Publish Date: November 18, 2025

Genre: Amateur Sleuth

Series: N/A

My Rating: 3/5

The Botanist's Assistant by Peggy Townsend

BOOK BLURB

Plenty of people consider Margaret Finch odd. Six-feet-tall and big-boned, she lives alone in a small cabin in the woods, drives a 20-year-old truck, and schedules her life so precisely you can tell the time and day of the week by the chore she is doing and what she is wearing. But the same attributes that cause her to be labeled eccentric—an obsessive attention to detail and the ability to organize almost anything—make her invaluable in her job as Research Assistant II to a talented and charismatic botanist.

It’s those very same qualities, however, that also turn Margaret into a target after a surprising death shakes the small university where she works. Even as authorities claim the death appears to be from natural causes, Margaret fears it might be something more: a murder born of jealousy and dark secrets. With the aid of a newly hired and enigmatic night custodian, Margaret finds herself thrust into the role of detective, forcing her to consider that she may not be able to find the killer before the killer finds her.

MY REVIEW

Margaret’s obsession to detail is what makes her so good as a botanist’s assistant. That attention to detail is what has Margaret believing that a professor’s death is murder.

The Botanist’s Assistant is an engaging mystery. A well-paced plot and quirky characters make this a delightful read.

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Revenge, Served Royal by Celeste Connally [Book Review]

Posted on May 31, 2026May 31, 2026 by Darinda

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more info, read my Disclosure Policy.

BOOK INFO

Title: Revenge, Served Royal

Author: Celeste Connally

Publisher: Minotaur Books

Publish Date: November 11, 2025

Genre: Mystery Thriller

Series: Lady Petra Inquires #3

My Rating: 3/5

Revenge, Served Royal by Celeste Connally

BOOK BLURB

September, 1815. Autumn is in the air as Lady Petra Forsyth and some of the most illustrious members of the ton descend upon Windsor Castle for a week of royal celebrations, with the highlight being Queen Charlotte’s inaugural patisserie contest for the best bakers employed by England’s finest houses. Not only is Lady Petra’s own cook one of the contestants, but Her Majesty has requested that Petra herself serve as one of the judges.

Petra’s happiness at tasting delicious cakes and biscuits only increases at finding her beloved Aunt Ophelia in attendance at Windsor, as well as Sir Rufus Pomeroy. As England’s most famous former royal chef-turned-cookbook author, Sir Rufus is slated to present his best recipes to the Queen during the festivities, with Petra being granted an early viewing in the royal library.

Yet upon arrival, Petra instead encounters a frantic housemaid pointing to a body of one of Her Majesty’s guests—and to the valet still tugging at the silk ribbon used to strangle the victim. What’s more, the valet turns out to be Oliver Beecham, the ne’er-do-well brother of Petra’s own lady’s maid, Annie. But as Oliver is hauled away to the dungeons, he protests his innocence, claiming the late guest argued with several aristocrats, including the Prince Regent and Petra’s Aunt Ophelia, and boasted about hiding a potentially scandalous document within the vastness of Windsor Castle.

When some poisoned tea meant for Petra is consumed by one of her fellow judges, it’s clear the real killer is still walking the castle’s halls. Indeed, in order to prove the innocence of Annie’s brother and find the incriminating document, Petra will need to act like a lady, eat like a chef, and think like one of Her Majesty’s best spies before a murderer can turn the celebrations from sweet to royally deadly.

MY REVIEW

Lady Petra is looking forward to the queen’s patisserie contest for the best bakers. Petra will be serving as a judge, one of the contestants is her own cook, and Petra is happy to see some familiar faces in attendance. Unfortunately, Petra arrives when another guest has just been killed. It does not take long to discover that someone wants Petra to stay away from investigating the murder.

Revenge, Served Royal is the third book in the Lady Petra Inquires series. Petra is a smart, strong protagonist. The cast of characters is interesting. and the setting is lovely. This is an entertaining addition to a charming series.

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Books in the Lady Petra Inquires Series

Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord
All’s Fair in Love and Treachery
Revenge, Served Royal
Murder of a Merry Gentleman

The Killer Question by Janice Hallett [Book Review]

Posted on November 15, 2025November 15, 2025 by Darinda

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more info, read my Disclosure Policy.

BOOK INFO

Title: The Killer Question

Author: Janice Hallett

Publisher: Atria Books

Publish Date: September 23, 2025

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Series: na

My Rating: 3/5

BOOK BLURB

Sue and Mal Eastwood run an isolated rural pub called The Case is Altered where a weekly trivia game has revived its flagging fortunes—that is, until a body is found in the nearby river. Soon after, a mysterious new team arrives and shakes up the diverse field of regulars by scoring top marks in every round…every week.

Meanwhile, Sue and Mal have a secret of their own. Before arriving here, they were caught up in a secret police operation which meant they had to leave town—and whatever happened back then seems to have finally caught up with them.

Five years later, the pub lies derelict, and their nephew Dominic is determined to make a documentary about their story. What happened at this unassuming pub? And can a single question really kill?

MY REVIEW

Sue and Mal own a pub that hosts a weekly trivia night. Things are going well until a dead body is found nearby, and a new team shows up at trivia night.

The Killer Question has a lot of characters and a dual timeline. The mystery of the dead guy, the trivia nights, and what happened to Sue and Mal is pulled together nicely.

The Killer Question is an epistolary novel. I enjoy this format, and it works well for this novel. A clever and fun mystery.

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.

Making Friends Can Be Murder by Kathleen West [Book Review]

Posted on November 12, 2025November 12, 2025 by Darinda

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more info, read my Disclosure Policy.

BOOK INFO

Title: Making Friends Can Be Murder

Author: Kathleen West

Publisher: Berkley

Publish Date: June 10, 2025

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Series: na

My Rating: 3/5

Making Friends Can Be Murder by Kathleen West

BOOK BLURB

It feels like kismet when Sarah Jones, newly relocated to Minneapolis after abruptly calling off her engagement, gets invited to join a group of women who share her same (very common) name. For years Sarah has received all types of correspondence intended for different Sarah Joneses, but now it seems that this mistake has given her the opportunity for an instant community.

What starts as a low-stakes meet-up called “The Sarah Jones Project” soon turns sinister when another local Sarah Jones is found dead, under suspicious circumstances, at the base of the downtown Minneapolis bridge. After fielding numerous calls from concerned loved ones ruling out their Sarah as the victim, the surviving Sarahs decide to take matters into their own hands.

Aided by the dead woman’s nanny, a newly commissioned (and very handsome and eligible) FBI agent, and a cloistered nun with a complicated past, the motley crew of unlikely friends are determined to get to the bottom of the murder of one of their own.

MY REVIEW

Sarah Jones is new in town, and she’s invited to join a group of other women named Sarah Jones. Then, a Sarah Jones is killed, and the other Sarah’s decide to find the killer.

Making Friends Can Be Murder is told through multiple points of view – Sarah Jones (30), an FBI agent, and through transcripts and text messages. A fun cast of characters and an entertaining mystery.

A delightful cozy mystery. Good for readers who enjoy light mysteries with humor and quirky characters.

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Busybody Book Club by Freya Sampson [Book Review]

Posted on November 12, 2025November 12, 2025 by Darinda

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more info, read my Disclosure Policy.

BOOK INFO

Title: The Busybody Book Club

Author: Freya Sampson

Publisher: Berkley

Publish Date: May 27, 2025

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Series: na

My Rating: 3/5

BOOK BLURB

Having recently moved from London to a small Cornish seaside village, Nova Davies started a book club at the local community center, but so far it’s a disaster. The five members disagree on everything, and to make matters worse, a significant sum of money is stolen during one of the meetings, putting the much-loved community center at risk.

Suspicion for the theft falls on book club member Michael, especially when he disappears and a dead body turns up at his house. But the book club has their own theories. Agatha Christie superfan Phyllis is determined to prove Michael’s been framed, while romance reader Arthur believes there’s a mystery woman involved, and teenage sci-fi fan Ash thinks dark forces are at play.

While trying to locate Michael, solve the murder and recover the stolen money, each of them has their own secrets to protect. But despite the danger closing in, they won’t rest until they’ve cracked the case and gotten everyone safe at home with a book, where they belong.

MY REVIEW

Book club members at a community center works together to find a missing book club member, find stolen money, and solve a murder.

The Busybody Book Club is told using multiple points of view. The book club members are very different, and each has their favorite genre. This makes for an entertaining read, as the characters have different ideas of what happened to the money, missing book club member, and the murder.

The Busybody Book Club is a charming cozy mystery. Recommended for readers who like light mysteries set in a small town.

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

One Death at a Time by Abbi Waxman [Book Review]

Posted on November 10, 2025November 10, 2025 by Darinda

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more info, read my Disclosure Policy.

BOOK INFO

Title: One Death at a Time

Author: Abbi Waxman

Publisher: Berkley

Publish Date: April 15, 2025

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Series: na

My Rating: 4/5

BOOK BLURB

When Julia Mann, a bad-tempered ex-actress and professional thorn in the side of authority, runs into Natasha Mason at an AA meeting, it’s anything but a meet-cute. Julia just found a dead body in her swimming pool, and the cops say she did it (she already went to jail for murder once, so now they think she’s making a habit of it). Mason is eager to clear Julia’s name and help keep her sober, but all Julia wants is for Mason to leave her alone.

As their investigation ranges from the Hollywood Hills to the world of burlesque to the country clubs of Palm Springs, this unconventional team realizes their shared love of sarcasm and poor life choices are proving to be a powerful combination. Will secrets from their past trip them up, or will their team of showgirls, cat burglars, and Hollywood agents help them stay one step ahead? Are dead piranhas, false noses, and a giant martini glass important clues or simply your typical day in Los Angeles? And will they manage to solve the crime before they kill each other, or worse, fall off the wagon? Trying to keep it simple and take it easy is one thing—trying to find a murderer before they kill again is a whole other program.

MY REVIEW

Julia is a former actress who recently found a dead body in her pool, and is suspected of murder. Mason is a young woman figuring out what she wants in life. When they show up at the same AA meeting, Mason offers to be Julia’s sponsor. Julia is not keen on the idea, but goes along with it. Mason is determined to prove Julia’s innocence, and the adventure begins.

One Death at a Time is a light and fun mystery. Sharp and snarky characters, and a fast-paced plot make for an entertaining read.

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

A Proposal to Die For by Molly Harper [Book Review]

Posted on November 9, 2025November 9, 2025 by Darinda

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more info, read my Disclosure Policy.

BOOK INFO

Title: A Proposal to Die For

Author: Molly Harper

Publisher: Berkley

Publish Date: April 8, 2025

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Series: na

My Rating: 3/5

BOOK BLURB

Jessamine Bricker loves a plan. Contingency plans and pros-and-cons lists are her love language, and because of that, her proposal planning business is thriving. But with rent costs rising at her office building, Jess jumps at the chance to plan a proposal between her snobby high school classmate, Diana, and her very wealthy boyfriend, Trenton Tillard…the Fourth.

Roped into joining Diana’s ”pre-bridal” retreat at the exclusive Golden Ash resort, Jess hopes to fade into the background, get some work done, and maybe find some time to unwind. Their first day is anything but relaxing: Diana is furious about the mountain spa’s lack of cell phone reception, the couple next door argues constantly, and Jess swears she just saw a drug deal go down. To top it all off, she’s warned to stay out of the woods by the gruff and sexy chef, Dean Osbourne. Is this a retreat or a horror movie?

As Jess tries to do her job while placating the bride-to-be and her increasingly over-the-top demands, she spends more and more time with the resort owners, finding herself much more in tune with the laid-back Osbourne family than her social climbing “boss.” Between a meditation garden-related drowning and Jess’s discovery of a body in a sauna, it’s clear that deadly secrets abound at the Golden Ash. Now it’s up to Jess to unravel the mysteries here in the mountains—before all her plans are cancelled…permanently.

MY REVIEW

Jessamine is an engagement proposal planner hired to plan her high school rival’s proposal. While on the pre-wedding retreat at a remote spa, the bodies start to pile up.

A Proposal to Die For has humor, romance, and mystery. Entertaining characters and a delightful setting. Good for readers who enjoy light, cozy mysteries.

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.