Cozy Mystery Archives – Nightcap Books

The Killer Question by Janice Hallett [Book Review]

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

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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.

Vera Wong’s Guide to Snooping (on a Dead Man) by Jesse Q. Sutanto [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: Vera Wong’s Guide to Snooping [on a Dead Man]

Author: Jesse Q. Sutanto

Publisher: Berkley

Publish Date: April 1, 2025

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Series: Vera Wong #2

My Rating: 4/5

Vera Wong’s Guide to Snooping [on a Dead Man] by Jesse Q. Sutanto

BOOK BLURB

Ever since a man was found dead in Vera’s teahouse, life has been good. For Vera that is. She’s surrounded by loved ones, her shop is bustling, and best of all, her son, Tilly, has a girlfriend! All thanks to Vera, because Tilly’s girlfriend is none other than Officer Selena Gray. The very same Officer Gray that she had harassed while investigating the teahouse murder. Still, Vera wishes more dead bodies would pop up in her shop, but one mustn’t be ungrateful, even if one is slightly…bored.

Then Vera comes across a distressed young woman who is obviously in need of her kindly guidance. The young woman is looking for a missing friend. Fortunately, while cat-sitting at Tilly and Selena’s, Vera finds a treasure trove: Selena’s briefcase. Inside is a file about the death of an enigmatic influencer—who also happens to be the friend that the young woman was looking for.

Online, Xander had it all: a parade of private jets, fabulous parties with socialites, and a burgeoning career as a social media influencer. The only problem is, after his body is fished out of Mission Bay, the police can’t seem to actually identify him. Who is Xander Lin? Nobody knows. Every contact is a dead end. Everybody claims not to know him, not even his parents.

Vera is determined to solve Xander’s murder. After all, doing so would surely be a big favor to Selena, and there is nothing she wouldn’t do for her future daughter-in-law.

MY REVIEW

Vera Wong is back with another mystery to solve. This time, she meets a young woman looking for a missing friend. Vera’s snooping reveals the missing friend is dead, but it’s unclear on the real identity of the individual.

Vera Wong’s Guide to Snooping (on a Dead Man) is lighthearted mystery. Vera is in her 60s, and overlooked by many. An intriguing mystery and a fun cast of characters, make for an entertaining read.

Tea, food, and friendships are strong in this novel. Good for readers who like lighter mysteries that also focus on family.

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

Books in the Vera Wong Series:

Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers
Vera Wong’s Guide to Snooping [on a Dead Man]

Nosy Neighbors by Freya Sampson [Book Review]

Posted on June 28, 2024June 28, 2024 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: Nosy Neighbors

Author: Freya Sampson

Publisher: Berkley

Publish Date: April 2, 2024

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Series: na

My Rating: 3/5

BOOK BLURB

Nothing brings neighbors together like someone else’s secrets… At Shelley House, the walls have ears, and they’re attached to a ragtag duo of busybodies ready to pry, snoop, and generally annoy their neighbors into solving a crime.

Seventy-seven-year-old Dorothy Darling has lived in Shelley House longer than any of the other residents, and if you take their word for it, she’s as cantankerous as they come. But Dorothy has her reasons for spying. And none of them require justifying herself to Kat Bennett.

Twenty-five-year-old Kat has never known a place where she felt truly at home, and crumbling Shelley House is no different. Her neighbors find her prickly and unapproachable, but beneath her tough exterior, Kat’s plagued by a guilty secret from her past.

When their apartments face demolition, sworn enemies Kat and Dorothy agree on just one thing: they must save their historic building. But when someone plays dirty—and one of the residents is viciously taken down—Dorothy and Kat seek justice. The police close the investigation too soon, leaving it up to the unlikely amateur sleuths—with a playful Jack Russell terrier at their side—to restore peace in their community.

MY REVIEW

An unlikely duo work together to discover who is behind the break-ins in their apartment building, and attempt to save their apartment building from demolition.

Nosy Neighbors is told using the alternating points of view of Dorothy and Kat. Dorothy is a 77 year old woman who has lived in Shelly House for over 30 years. She is viewed as a nosy, cranky neighbor. She has a routine of walking the grounds and knows what is happening at Shelly House. Kat is 25 years old and new to Shelly House. She is reluctant to get to know her neighbors.

A quirky cast of characters in a charming setting. Nosy Neighbors is both heartbreaking yet hopeful.

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

How To Solve Your Own Murder by Kristen Perrin [Book Review]

Posted on June 25, 2024June 25, 2024 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 Solve Your Own Murder

Author: Kristen Perrin

Publisher: Dutton

Publish Date: March 26, 2024

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Series: Castle Knoll Files #1

My Rating: 3/5

How To Solve Your Own Murder by Kristen Perrin

BOOK BLURB

It’s 1965 and teenage Frances Adams is at an English country fair with her two best friends. But Frances’s night takes a hairpin turn when a fortune-teller makes a bone-chilling prediction: One day, Frances will be murdered. Frances spends a lifetime trying to solve a crime that hasn’t happened yet, compiling dirt on every person who crosses her path in an effort to prevent her own demise. For decades, no one takes Frances seriously, until nearly sixty years later, when Frances is found murdered, like she always said she would be.

In the present day, Annie Adams has been summoned to a meeting at the sprawling country estate of her wealthy and reclusive great-aunt Frances. But by the time Annie arrives in the quaint English village of Castle Knoll, Frances is already dead. Annie is determined to catch the killer, but thanks to Frances’s lifelong habit of digging up secrets and lies, it seems every endearing and eccentric villager might just have a motive for her murder. Can Annie safely unravel the dark mystery at the heart of Castle Knoll, or will dredging up the past throw her into the path of a killer?

As Annie gets closer to the truth, and closer to the danger, she starts to fear she might inherit her aunt’s fate instead of her fortune.

MY REVIEW

In the 1965, Frances was told she would be murdered one day. She spent her life wondering who would kill her, but no one took her seriously. After nearly 60 years, Frances was finally murdered. Her great-niece, Annie, has arrived at Frances’s estate, and is looking for a killer. Fortunately, Frances has left clues.

How to Solve Your Own Murder 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, a lovely setting, and an enjoyable plot.

How to Solve Your Own Murder 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

Sniffing Out Murder by Kallie E. Benjamin [Book Review]

Posted on December 28, 2023January 15, 2024 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: Sniffing Out Murder

Author: Kallie E. Benjamin

Publisher: Berkley

Publish Date: December 5, 2023

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Series: Bailey the Bloodhound Mystery #1

My Rating: 3/5

Sniffing Out Murder by Kallie E. Benjamin

BOOK BLURB

When a murder unleashes a widespread investigation through Crosbyville, children’s book author Pris and her trusty bloodhound, Bailey, must sniff out the truth before the whole town goes to the dogs.

After deciding that life as a teacher wasn’t right for her, Priscilla found inspiration for her first children’s book in her three-year-old bloodhound’s nose for truth, and so The Adventures of Bailey the Bloodhound was born. After the book’s massively pawsitive response led Pris to move back to her hometown of Crosbyville, Indiana, to continue the series, she’s surprised by how things have changed in the town, but even more so how they haven’t.

Pris is frustrated to discover that newly elected school board trustee Whitney Kelley—a former high school mean girl—is intent on making Crosbyville more competitive by eliminating “frivolous spending” on the arts and social programs, including Pris and Bailey’s beloved pet-assisted reading program. A minor altercation between them isn’t anything unusual, but after Bailey sniffs out Whitney’s body in a bed of begonias, locals start hounding Pris and Bailey as suspects for the crime.

With Bailey’s sharp senses and Pris’s hometown know-how, can they prove to the community that they’re all barking up the wrong tree?

MY REVIEW

Sniffing Out Murder is the first book in the Bailey the Bloodhound mystery series. Pris, a children’s book author, and her dog, Bailey, help solve a murder. Pris and the deceased did not get along, so Pris is a suspect, but there is a long list of suspects.

A diverse group of characters in a quaint, small town. This is a delightful new cozy mystery series. Recommended for fans of cozies that have dogs as a main character.

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

Books in the Bailey the Bloodhound mystery series:

Sniffing Out Murder

Snow Place for Murder by Diane Kelly [Book Review]

Posted on December 28, 2023January 15, 2024 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: Snow Place for Murder

Author: Diane Kelly

Publisher: St. Martin’s Paperbacks

Publish Date: October 24, 2023

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Series: Mountain Lodge #3

My Rating: 4/5

BOOK BLURB

International resort developer Nigel Goodwin has traveled all the way from London, England to Misty Murphy’s little corner of North Carolina and bought out the Mountaintop Lodge for the week prior to Christmas. Their intention? To pitch an exclusive new resort concept to wealthy American investors.

But locals are at odds over the idea, and when a group comes to the lodge to express their worries to Mr. Goodwin and the potential investors, a blizzard hits Beech Mountain. Like the weather outside, things quickly get frosty, and Misty has to call local police to intervene. Handyman Rocky Crowder plows the lodge’s drive and, in an attempt to regain a jovial holiday atmosphere, smooths the snow pile into a makeshift sledding hill for the guests to enjoy.

Misty’s boys have finished their exams and are “home” from college for the winter break, planning to spend most of their time snowboarding at the ski resort. While taking a few runs down Rocky’s sledding hill, they discover a funny-looking, nose-shaped rock. Only it’s not a rock. It’s the frozen nose of Nigel Goodwin, who’s found dead and buried under the mound of snow.

Who put the developer on ice and why?

MY REVIEW

Misty Murphy runs the Mountain Top Lodge in the Blue Ridge Mountains. A developer is staying at the Lodge with plans to present a resort idea to investors. Locals are not happy with idea.

Snow Place for Murder is the third book in Mountain Lodge mystery series. This book can be read as a standalone, but I suggest starting with the first book in the series, Getaway With Murder.

Snow Place for Murder is a charming cozy mystery with likable characters and a lovely setting.

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

Books in the Mountain Lodge series:

Getaway With Murder
A Trip With Trouble
Snow Place for Murder

Playing Dead by Peggy Rothschild [Book Review]

Posted on December 26, 2023January 15, 2024 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: Playing Dead

Author: Peggy Rothschild

Publisher: Berkley

Publish Date: February 7, 2023

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Series: Molly Madison #2

My Rating: 4/5

BOOK BLURB

Molly Madison has barely had a moment to catch her breath after moving to the sleepy beach town she now calls home. But as a former PI, she can’t help but notice the odd chemistry between members of Playtime Academy on the first day she and her loyal Saint Bernadoodle, Noodle, and golden retriever, Harlow, visit. When a trainer’s body is found on-site, Molly knows it’s her duty to put her ex-police skills to use. She can’t say no to temporarily taking in the deceased woman’s dog, either—not with those puppy dog eyes.

Relationships at the training facility are not as clean as the prize-winning agility runs, making it difficult for Molly to get a leash on potential suspects. And her personal life is just as messy—her boyfriend is hiding something, her agoraphobic neighbor needs help, and her number of four-legged friends keep growing as she agrees to dogsit a wriggly local French bulldog.

When Molly’s friend is arrested for the murder, she’s not sure who to believe anymore. Is the case as simple as the local cops make it seem, or is something more devious afoot?

MY REVIEW

Playing Dead is the second book in the Molly Madison series. Molly is a former police officer and private investigator. She relocated to California, and can’t keep herself from trying to solve murders in her community.

While visiting the Playtime Academy dog training facility, Molly’s dog discovers a dead body. Molly gets involved in the investigation when a friend is suspected of the murder.

A light and charming mystery. Recommended for readers who enjoy cozy mysteries with dogs.

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

Books in the Molly Madison series:

A Deadly Bone to Pick
Playing Dead

A Trip With Trouble by Diane Kelly [Book Review]

Posted on July 7, 2023January 15, 2024 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 Trip With Trouble

Author: Diane Kelly

Publisher: St. Martin’s Paperbacks

Publish Date: October 25, 2022

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Series: Mountain Lodge #2

My Rating: 4/5

BOOK BLURB

When the ladies of the Dangerous Curves Motorcycle Club take over the Mountaintop Lodge for their annual autumn ride along the Blue Ridge Parkway, Misty Murphy couldn’t be more thrilled. Every room is full and the adventurous women even invite Misty and her assistant Brynn to join them on a ride to admire the colorful fall foliage. Hotel handyman Rocky Crowder is happy to keep an eye on the lodge for the day, and the ladies set out for a fun ride on the scenic road.

The skies are clear, the air is crisp, and the leaves are gorgeous. But what starts as a perfect ride turns worrisome when the tail gunner – the last rider in their group – fails to show up at the Craggy Gardens overlook. Cell phone service is spotty in the remote, mountainous area, and the group is unable to connect with their friend. Might the missing woman have simply run out of gas? Or is something far more sinister afoot?

The ladies are determined to locate their ride or die, and Misty is equally determined to help them. But will they be able to solve the mystery when the scenic route seems intent on hiding its secrets?

MY REVIEW

Misty Murphy runs the Mountain Top Lodge in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Her latest booking is a women’s biker club. They invite Misty and her assistant Brynn to ride along with them as they go on a ride to enjoy the Fall foliage. When the rider at the tail end fails to arrive at the overlook, Misty has a new case to solve.

A Trip With Trouble is the second book in Mountain Lodge mystery series. This is a charming series, and I suggest starting with the first book in the series, Getaway With Murder.

A Trip With Trouble is a delightful cozy mystery with likable characters and a lovely setting. I look forward to reading more of this series.

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

Books in the Mountain Lodge series:

Getaway With Murder
A Trip With Trouble
Snow Place for Murder