"A Novel Murder" | Reviewed by Susan Ferguson

“A Novel Murder,” by E.C. Nevin, is a cozy murder mystery with a perfect setting. Writers, agents, critics, and publishers from all over the world have gathered in Hoslewit, a quiet Cumbrian village.

Many in the publishing industry are there for the annual Killer Lines Crime Fiction Festival. In the early morning of the second day of the festival desperate Jane Hepburn, a struggling author, sneaks into the bookselling tent to rearrange the various authors’ books that are there for purchase, putting hers front and center. Jane is shocked to discover the corpse of Carrie Marks, a literary agent, equally loved and hated.

Jane decides to investigate the murder. She hopes that by solving the mystery she will garner the publicity needed to sell her books. Jane teams up with successful debut author, Natasha Martez, and agency intern Daniel Thurston. But Jane soon realizes that solving a real murder is much more complex and dangerous than her own crime series novel’s plots. The three of them put their heads together and create a long list of suspects:

Laura Lane, a TikTok phenomenon whose vampire romance novels are hugely successful despite their harsh criticisms. She is constantly live-streaming.

Edward Carter, a well-known book reviewer and life-long friend of Carrie’s. She also was his literary agent.

Abi Ellis who is Carrie’s off-again-on-again, right-hand woman for the past four years. (Carrie kept much of the business part of the agency hidden from Abi and she is resentful.)

Kimberly Brown, an editor, who everyone knows has a rocky past with Carrie.

Brad Levinsky, a successful crime novel author who is providing panel discussions and workshops during the festival, also a friend of Kimberly.

Sarah Parks-Ward, a publicist and want-to-be author, who recently rejected Carrie as a client.

This extensive group of suspects all view Carrie Marks differently. She is a friend, a blackmailer, a lover and a tormentor.

The team of Jane, Natasha and Daniel forge ahead with their investigation. Their blend of humor and introspection will have readers rooting for the amateur sleuths, and applauding their vulnerability and awkwardness. You can’t help but cheer Jane on as you watch her evolve from the awkward, self-loathing, struggling crime series writer to the confident, ready to take on the world, woman. This is an easy, fun read—highly entertaining.

Buy the book.