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Castle Knoll Files #1
How to Solve Your Own Murder
For fans of Knives Out and The Thursday Murder Club, an enormously fun mystery about a woman who spends her entire life trying to prevent her foretold murder only to be proven right sixty years later, when she is found dead in her sprawling country estate... Now it's up to her great-niece to catch the killer.
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.
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.
368 pages, Hardcover
First published March 26, 2024
About the author
Kristen Perrin
5 books469 followersKristen Perrin is originally from Seattle, Washington, where she spent several years working as a bookseller before immigrating to the UK to do a Masters and PhD. She’s passionate about books and loves working on projects that have a mystery at their heart. She lives with her family in Surrey, where she can be found poking around vintage bookstores, stomping in the mud with her two kids, and collecting too many plants.
Find her on Instagram: @kristenperrinwrites
Find her on Tiktok: @kristen_perrin
Find her on Instagram: @kristenperrinwrites
Find her on Tiktok: @kristen_perrin
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,971 reviews
April 14, 2024
Sometimes when the premise is really good, maybe there's just nowhere better for the story to go.
When Frances was a teenager, she receives a bone-chilling fortune that she'll be murdered one day. She then spends the rest of her life trying to prevent it. But lo and behold, 60 years later, murder comes for her. Now it's up to her great-niece Annie to find the killer and earn her inheritance.
You have to admit, that's a pretty darn interesting premise. And the title certainly plays it up. In fact, I think this might just be one of the most eye-catching titles I've ever come across. So of course straight to the top of my TBR pile it goes. I couldn't wait to dig in.
And initially, I was hooked. I just love all the possibilities when you're starting a new mystery. Especially here because Annie is also looking into the disappearance of Frances' best friend Emily, so we're really getting a twofer for the price of one. The story's certainly not shy about casting suspicions this way, then that way. There's an interesting list of characters, all of whom could be friend or foe. It was a delightful start in the way that only cozy mysteries can be.
But then slowly and surely, I started becoming less excited. For one thing, when it came to the characters and the way they interact, there's something a little off about it all. It was stilted and contrived, as if every character was playing a part and knew it. The dialogue lacks that natural volleying back and forth that's essential to being authentic, often leaving me feeling like I'm just reading a bunch of non sequiturs. It's as if the author wanted certain results from each scene and kind of forced the dialogue and interactions to achieve it.
The other thing is that I had a lot of trouble keeping all the characters straight. We have two timelines, and some characters appear in one and some in both. But since Annie isn't a direct descendent of Frances, but rather her great-niece, I started losing track of all the different branches of the family tree and everyone's spouses and children, along with their relationships to each other. It was really confusing.
As for the mystery itself, honestly, that fell short for me too. I'm not expecting Agatha Christie (really, no one can reach the great dame), but when a book compares itself to Knives Out and The Thursday Murder Club, I have certain expectations. And this didn't really meet that, not even close. It feels like there were all these clues and then they just didn't really go anywhere. And the final solution didn't wow me so much as leave me vaguely puzzled, and I'm still not sure I understood how it all went down.
It's never good when a mystery ends in puzzlement rather than amazement. No doubt cozy mystery aficionados will find this a worthy read, but for everyone else, the jury's still out.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
✧ Connect with me ✧ Instagram ✧
When Frances was a teenager, she receives a bone-chilling fortune that she'll be murdered one day. She then spends the rest of her life trying to prevent it. But lo and behold, 60 years later, murder comes for her. Now it's up to her great-niece Annie to find the killer and earn her inheritance.
You have to admit, that's a pretty darn interesting premise. And the title certainly plays it up. In fact, I think this might just be one of the most eye-catching titles I've ever come across. So of course straight to the top of my TBR pile it goes. I couldn't wait to dig in.
And initially, I was hooked. I just love all the possibilities when you're starting a new mystery. Especially here because Annie is also looking into the disappearance of Frances' best friend Emily, so we're really getting a twofer for the price of one. The story's certainly not shy about casting suspicions this way, then that way. There's an interesting list of characters, all of whom could be friend or foe. It was a delightful start in the way that only cozy mysteries can be.
But then slowly and surely, I started becoming less excited. For one thing, when it came to the characters and the way they interact, there's something a little off about it all. It was stilted and contrived, as if every character was playing a part and knew it. The dialogue lacks that natural volleying back and forth that's essential to being authentic, often leaving me feeling like I'm just reading a bunch of non sequiturs. It's as if the author wanted certain results from each scene and kind of forced the dialogue and interactions to achieve it.
The other thing is that I had a lot of trouble keeping all the characters straight. We have two timelines, and some characters appear in one and some in both. But since Annie isn't a direct descendent of Frances, but rather her great-niece, I started losing track of all the different branches of the family tree and everyone's spouses and children, along with their relationships to each other. It was really confusing.
As for the mystery itself, honestly, that fell short for me too. I'm not expecting Agatha Christie (really, no one can reach the great dame), but when a book compares itself to Knives Out and The Thursday Murder Club, I have certain expectations. And this didn't really meet that, not even close. It feels like there were all these clues and then they just didn't really go anywhere. And the final solution didn't wow me so much as leave me vaguely puzzled, and I'm still not sure I understood how it all went down.
It's never good when a mystery ends in puzzlement rather than amazement. No doubt cozy mystery aficionados will find this a worthy read, but for everyone else, the jury's still out.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
✧ Connect with me ✧ Instagram ✧
April 11, 2024
Agatha Christie-esque, intelligent, captivating; a small-town mystery that seizes your attention from the opening scene, introducing the relatable and easy-to-engage young protagonist, Annie Adams. The plot immediately intrigues with the tale of Annie's eccentric, wealthy great-aunt, Frances, who has spent nearly sixty years expecting her own murder, driven by a fortuneteller's prophecy that has eerily come true with each revelation.
This book beckons me to dive in without delay, promising an enthralling murder mystery and a challenging guessing game, all delivered with a riveting pace that leaves you breathless until the final pages, deserving of a solid 5-star rating.
At the outset, we're introduced to Annie Adams, a mystery author who recently left her day job. She receives an invitation from her estranged and eccentric great-aunt, Frances, a wealthy busybody with a fixation on solving her future murder before it occurs. Annie hesitates over the decision, but her curiosity wins out, and she heads to Castle Knoll, Frances' estate, to discuss recent changes to her will. It appears Annie is the newly designated heir, tied to the fortuneteller's enigmatic prediction: "but the daughters are the key to justice, find the right one and keep her close."
As Annie arrives at Castle Knoll and meets Frances' lawyer and old friend, Walter Gordon, along with his brusque and work-driven son, Oliver, and the dramatic, irritating Elva, the wife of Frances' late husband's niece Saxon, it becomes evident that a complex web of dysfunctional relationships is entwined with Frances. The narrative takes a twist when Frances is found lying lifeless on the floor. The question looms: Is it natural causes, or has someone finally fulfilled her long-held expectations of murder?
During the will reading, Annie learns that Frances may leave her entire estate to the person who uncovers the truth behind her impending murder. Competing with her are Saxon, determined to claim what he believes is rightfully his, and the charismatic Detective Crane, armed with experience and resources to solve the crime.
While she may appear the weakest link among her rivals, Annie's immediate connection to Frances through an old diary – revealing a complex friendship with Rose and Emily, including the unsolved mystery of Emily's vanishing – serves to activate her grey matter, propelling her to pursue justice for her great-aunt.
In the face of death threats, an escalating race against time, and mounting pressure to uncover the truth, Annie fights to protect her mother's home and Gravesdown Estate from developers, outmaneuvering Saxon's psychological games, and partnering with Detective Crane to exploit his resources. As tension mounts and danger escalates, Annie becomes entangled in a deadly race that imperils her own life.
Overall, this book is an unputdownable, clever, and twist-laden whodunit that unequivocally earns its 5 stars. The execution of the mystery is superb, and I found myself fully invested in each character's journey. I'm hopeful for sequels, intrigued by the prospect of more unopened diaries from great-aunt Frances. I eagerly anticipate more adventures with the promising amateur detective, Annie Adams.
A heartfelt thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Dutton for providing me with the digital reviewer copy of this exceptional book in exchange for my honest review.
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This book beckons me to dive in without delay, promising an enthralling murder mystery and a challenging guessing game, all delivered with a riveting pace that leaves you breathless until the final pages, deserving of a solid 5-star rating.
At the outset, we're introduced to Annie Adams, a mystery author who recently left her day job. She receives an invitation from her estranged and eccentric great-aunt, Frances, a wealthy busybody with a fixation on solving her future murder before it occurs. Annie hesitates over the decision, but her curiosity wins out, and she heads to Castle Knoll, Frances' estate, to discuss recent changes to her will. It appears Annie is the newly designated heir, tied to the fortuneteller's enigmatic prediction: "but the daughters are the key to justice, find the right one and keep her close."
As Annie arrives at Castle Knoll and meets Frances' lawyer and old friend, Walter Gordon, along with his brusque and work-driven son, Oliver, and the dramatic, irritating Elva, the wife of Frances' late husband's niece Saxon, it becomes evident that a complex web of dysfunctional relationships is entwined with Frances. The narrative takes a twist when Frances is found lying lifeless on the floor. The question looms: Is it natural causes, or has someone finally fulfilled her long-held expectations of murder?
During the will reading, Annie learns that Frances may leave her entire estate to the person who uncovers the truth behind her impending murder. Competing with her are Saxon, determined to claim what he believes is rightfully his, and the charismatic Detective Crane, armed with experience and resources to solve the crime.
While she may appear the weakest link among her rivals, Annie's immediate connection to Frances through an old diary – revealing a complex friendship with Rose and Emily, including the unsolved mystery of Emily's vanishing – serves to activate her grey matter, propelling her to pursue justice for her great-aunt.
In the face of death threats, an escalating race against time, and mounting pressure to uncover the truth, Annie fights to protect her mother's home and Gravesdown Estate from developers, outmaneuvering Saxon's psychological games, and partnering with Detective Crane to exploit his resources. As tension mounts and danger escalates, Annie becomes entangled in a deadly race that imperils her own life.
Overall, this book is an unputdownable, clever, and twist-laden whodunit that unequivocally earns its 5 stars. The execution of the mystery is superb, and I found myself fully invested in each character's journey. I'm hopeful for sequels, intrigued by the prospect of more unopened diaries from great-aunt Frances. I eagerly anticipate more adventures with the promising amateur detective, Annie Adams.
A heartfelt thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Dutton for providing me with the digital reviewer copy of this exceptional book in exchange for my honest review.
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March 26, 2024
“Your future contains dry bones. Your slow demise begins right when you hold the Queen in the palm of your hand. Beware the bird, for it will betray you. And, from that, there is no coming back. But daughters are the key to justice, find the right one and keep her close. All signs point toward your murder.”
It was all supposed to be just a bit of fun, when three teenage friends visit Madame Peony Lane at the Castle Knoll Country Fair in 1965. But, when Frances is given this grim prediction, she becomes fixated on its message. For the remainder of her life, she will try to outrun death, and solve her own murder.
Was the fortune teller right? Or was this a self fulfilling prophecy?
Sixty years later, Frances has summoned her great niece , Annabelle (Annie) Adams to her solicitor’s office. Although she has never met Annie, she has decided to make her the sole benefactor of her estate and assets.
But before the Will can be read, Frances is found dead.
Now, Annie must figure out who murdered Frances by deciphering the riddle of the fortune, and by unraveling the clues which can be found in a diary from 1966 (“The Castle Knoll Files”) AND from not ONE, but TWO “murder boards” that her great Aunt had been keeping.
But, not everyone wants this murder solved.
The story alternates between Annie’s perspective and the diary entries.
This was a story where the premise was better than the execution for me. I struggled to become invested, and when you are not invested it makes it more difficult to keep track of a large cast of characters, which this book has.
Most reviewers seem to prefer the diary entries to the present day, but they are written by a seventeen year old who is coming of age, which is not a favorite for this reader.
I preferred Annie’s chapters, BUT, I didn’t find the characters in either timeline to feel authentic which is a problem for me-or in other words, they seemed like “characters” as opposed to people you might actually meet.
So, despite a fun and original premise, this cozy mystery just was not a great fit for ME.
Other reviewers are rating this higher, so be sure to read a sample of reviews to see if it might be a better fit for YOU.
Now available
Thank You to the Publisher, Dutton, for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. It was my pleasure to offer a candid review!
It was all supposed to be just a bit of fun, when three teenage friends visit Madame Peony Lane at the Castle Knoll Country Fair in 1965. But, when Frances is given this grim prediction, she becomes fixated on its message. For the remainder of her life, she will try to outrun death, and solve her own murder.
Was the fortune teller right? Or was this a self fulfilling prophecy?
Sixty years later, Frances has summoned her great niece , Annabelle (Annie) Adams to her solicitor’s office. Although she has never met Annie, she has decided to make her the sole benefactor of her estate and assets.
But before the Will can be read, Frances is found dead.
Now, Annie must figure out who murdered Frances by deciphering the riddle of the fortune, and by unraveling the clues which can be found in a diary from 1966 (“The Castle Knoll Files”) AND from not ONE, but TWO “murder boards” that her great Aunt had been keeping.
But, not everyone wants this murder solved.
The story alternates between Annie’s perspective and the diary entries.
This was a story where the premise was better than the execution for me. I struggled to become invested, and when you are not invested it makes it more difficult to keep track of a large cast of characters, which this book has.
Most reviewers seem to prefer the diary entries to the present day, but they are written by a seventeen year old who is coming of age, which is not a favorite for this reader.
I preferred Annie’s chapters, BUT, I didn’t find the characters in either timeline to feel authentic which is a problem for me-or in other words, they seemed like “characters” as opposed to people you might actually meet.
So, despite a fun and original premise, this cozy mystery just was not a great fit for ME.
Other reviewers are rating this higher, so be sure to read a sample of reviews to see if it might be a better fit for YOU.
Now available
Thank You to the Publisher, Dutton, for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. It was my pleasure to offer a candid review!
April 12, 2024
Frances Adams has been murdered, just as a fortune she was given as a teen foretold. She’d spent her entire life, in fact, trying to solve her own murder-to-be. Right before it happened she summoned her great-niece Annie, who she’d never met, among others for a mysterious meeting at her English estate. Instead of finally meeting her great aunt, Annie finds herself being tasked by Frances’ will to solve her murder - only there are a lot of potential suspects in Castle Knoll, and one of them doesn’t want that mystery solved!
How’s that for a premise?! I thought it was pretty darn clever, and the blurb comparing it to Knives Out and The Thursday Murder Club, both of which I loved? YES, please! Let the party begin!
Well, I’m bummed to say … that party balloon went flat fast.
I get WHY publishers throw out popular, enticing titles to market their new books. Frankly, it works. It caught MY attention, for one! The problem is, if you’re going to hook potential readers by mentioning titles many of us know and love, the book should have enough similarity to back up the claim.
This does not. Having a large cast of characters and someone trying to sleuth out a murderer does not automatically justify a comparison to either of the titles mentioned. The singular quality that made both of those work so well for me was their HUMOR. I had FUN with them. Even the rotten characters brought a smile or smirk to my face! This played it straight, which is totally fine … just not if you’ve been led to believe it’ll have a lighter emotional tone.
While Kristen Perrin has written a perfectly good mystery in the vein of so many other Agatha Christie-style whodunnits out there, what I really hoped for and never got was that carrot dangled in front of me by the blurb promising me an “enormously fun mystery”. To be fair, everyone has a different idea of what “fun” means. I think of something that makes me smile/laugh or keeps me on the edge of my seat. This did neither.
Was it well-written? Yes. No complaints there. Did it have a clever, creative premise? Absolutely. Perrin can write, and those wanting a solid enough murder mystery to solve should still find enjoyment in trying to puzzle this one out. Series lovers will especially be happy to know that this is the beginning of a series, so if you do like it, there will be more to come.
Where it fell flat for me was that, as much as the book highlighted Frances in both the current timeline and diary excerpts from the past, I never once felt like I got to know her or any other character mentioned. Even worse, I didn’t connect with the main protagonist Annie or understand, despite the promise of Frances’ inheritance, why she felt so invested in a woman she literally never met. Too many things didn’t have adequate explanations, making the final reveals feel lackluster and less believable than I’d have liked.
Those who enjoy a slightly more serious, dual timeline, Christie-style mystery will likely enjoy this more. I would absolutely give this author another try. She has the writing chops, even if this particular story didn’t wow me!
★★★
Thanks to Dutton Publishing, NetGalley and author Kristen Perrin for this digital ARC to honestly review. It’s out now.
How’s that for a premise?! I thought it was pretty darn clever, and the blurb comparing it to Knives Out and The Thursday Murder Club, both of which I loved? YES, please! Let the party begin!
Well, I’m bummed to say … that party balloon went flat fast.
I get WHY publishers throw out popular, enticing titles to market their new books. Frankly, it works. It caught MY attention, for one! The problem is, if you’re going to hook potential readers by mentioning titles many of us know and love, the book should have enough similarity to back up the claim.
This does not. Having a large cast of characters and someone trying to sleuth out a murderer does not automatically justify a comparison to either of the titles mentioned. The singular quality that made both of those work so well for me was their HUMOR. I had FUN with them. Even the rotten characters brought a smile or smirk to my face! This played it straight, which is totally fine … just not if you’ve been led to believe it’ll have a lighter emotional tone.
While Kristen Perrin has written a perfectly good mystery in the vein of so many other Agatha Christie-style whodunnits out there, what I really hoped for and never got was that carrot dangled in front of me by the blurb promising me an “enormously fun mystery”. To be fair, everyone has a different idea of what “fun” means. I think of something that makes me smile/laugh or keeps me on the edge of my seat. This did neither.
Was it well-written? Yes. No complaints there. Did it have a clever, creative premise? Absolutely. Perrin can write, and those wanting a solid enough murder mystery to solve should still find enjoyment in trying to puzzle this one out. Series lovers will especially be happy to know that this is the beginning of a series, so if you do like it, there will be more to come.
Where it fell flat for me was that, as much as the book highlighted Frances in both the current timeline and diary excerpts from the past, I never once felt like I got to know her or any other character mentioned. Even worse, I didn’t connect with the main protagonist Annie or understand, despite the promise of Frances’ inheritance, why she felt so invested in a woman she literally never met. Too many things didn’t have adequate explanations, making the final reveals feel lackluster and less believable than I’d have liked.
Those who enjoy a slightly more serious, dual timeline, Christie-style mystery will likely enjoy this more. I would absolutely give this author another try. She has the writing chops, even if this particular story didn’t wow me!
★★★
Thanks to Dutton Publishing, NetGalley and author Kristen Perrin for this digital ARC to honestly review. It’s out now.
February 9, 2024
How to Solve Your Own Murder starts with the premise of sixteen year old Frances hearing a fortune teller tell her she will be murdered. What she doesn’t know is it will take 60 years for the forecast to come true. The title is a bit of a misnomer, because the way Frances sets up her will, it’s left up to her relatives to solve her murder. Whoever solves it first stands to inherit everything. If they can’t solve her murder within a week, or if the police solve it before one of them, everything will be sold off.
The story is told from the perspective of Annie, her great-niece, in the present day and from Frances’ journals from 1965-66. The journals detail the time leading up to the disappearance of Emily, one of Frances’ best friends. Despite being told in the present day, this definitely feels like an old school mystery - a small village setting, inheritance issues, plenty of suspects, everyone with a secret of some sort. It was fun and entertaining.
Annie is an engaging character, hoping to become a published mystery writer, and young and brash enough to take some crazy chances. Perrin also did a good job of fleshing out Frances. Not as easy to do as everything we learn about her is through her journals, her files and others’ memories of her. The plot moves along at a brisk pace, with Annie trying to determine who she can trust while staying one step ahead of both her competition and the detective on the case. I’ll admit to being flummoxed and not figuring out the culprit before Annie. The ending was well thought out and not rushed.
I’m not sure the comparisons to Knives Out or Thursday Murder Club are apt. Don’t go into this expecting lots of humor.
My thanks to Netgalley and Penguin Group Dutton for an advance copy of this book.
The story is told from the perspective of Annie, her great-niece, in the present day and from Frances’ journals from 1965-66. The journals detail the time leading up to the disappearance of Emily, one of Frances’ best friends. Despite being told in the present day, this definitely feels like an old school mystery - a small village setting, inheritance issues, plenty of suspects, everyone with a secret of some sort. It was fun and entertaining.
Annie is an engaging character, hoping to become a published mystery writer, and young and brash enough to take some crazy chances. Perrin also did a good job of fleshing out Frances. Not as easy to do as everything we learn about her is through her journals, her files and others’ memories of her. The plot moves along at a brisk pace, with Annie trying to determine who she can trust while staying one step ahead of both her competition and the detective on the case. I’ll admit to being flummoxed and not figuring out the culprit before Annie. The ending was well thought out and not rushed.
I’m not sure the comparisons to Knives Out or Thursday Murder Club are apt. Don’t go into this expecting lots of humor.
My thanks to Netgalley and Penguin Group Dutton for an advance copy of this book.
March 30, 2024
“Your future contains dry bones. Your slow demise begins right when you hold the queen in the palm of one hand. Beware the bird, for it will betray you. And from that, there’s no coming back. But daughters are the key to justice, find the right one and keep her close. All signs point toward your murder.”
Frances Adams has lived her life wary of the prophecy given by a fortune teller she met as a sixteen-year-old in 1965. Throughout her life she has tried to collect as much information as she could on friends, family, and almost everyone in her circle, all relevant information documented on private files and the puzzle depicted on her very own murder board, to identify those who could possibly be plotting her murder. Sixty years later, she is found dead in her lavish home in the English countryside and she has left specific instructions on how she wants her murder investigated.
Aspiring mystery writer Annabelle “Annie” Adams is summoned by her estranged Great-Aunt Frances’s solicitors to meet her for the very first time in connection to revisions made in Frances’s will. Unfortunately, Frances is found murdered the day Annie arrives in Castle Knoll. As per Frances’s last wishes, Annie and her relatives are in competition to find Frances’ killer. Whoever can solve the mystery within a stipulated time frame or before the police – will inherit Frances’s estate – not an easy task in itself compounded by the fact that Francis made enough enemies by digging up dirt on everyone she knew. Everyone Annie meets has secrets they want to protect and with a murderer in their midst, Annie needs to work fast before she becomes the killer’s next target.
How to Solve Your Own Murder by Kristen Perrin is a well-crafted, entertaining whodunit. The narrative is presented from the perspective of Annie with Frances’s journal entries from the 1960s in chapters interspersed throughout the narrative. The author deftly weaves past and present events into a fluid, well-paced narrative with more than one intriguing mystery and several suspects in the fold. Even though we don’t get to meet adult Frances we get to know a lot about her from her journal entries from when she was a teenager on the cups of adulthood and details shared by those who knew her during her lifetime. Annie is an endearing protagonist – impulsive yet smart, perceptive and curious - and I enjoyed following her efforts in unraveling the mystery. I loved the atmospheric setting and enjoyed getting to know the characters (even the unlikable ones). Even though the story features a large cast of characters and several sub-plots woven into the narrative, at no point does the plot get overly complicated, ambiguous or convoluted. Though I wasn’t entirely surprised by the final revelation, I enjoyed how we got there and was intrigued by many of the developments along the way.
Overall, I found this novel to be an enjoyable cozy mystery and would be eager to explore future books in this series.
Many thanks to Penguin Group Dutton for the digital review copy via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Connect with me! ✏ Instagram ✏ My Blog ✏ The StoryGraph
Frances Adams has lived her life wary of the prophecy given by a fortune teller she met as a sixteen-year-old in 1965. Throughout her life she has tried to collect as much information as she could on friends, family, and almost everyone in her circle, all relevant information documented on private files and the puzzle depicted on her very own murder board, to identify those who could possibly be plotting her murder. Sixty years later, she is found dead in her lavish home in the English countryside and she has left specific instructions on how she wants her murder investigated.
Aspiring mystery writer Annabelle “Annie” Adams is summoned by her estranged Great-Aunt Frances’s solicitors to meet her for the very first time in connection to revisions made in Frances’s will. Unfortunately, Frances is found murdered the day Annie arrives in Castle Knoll. As per Frances’s last wishes, Annie and her relatives are in competition to find Frances’ killer. Whoever can solve the mystery within a stipulated time frame or before the police – will inherit Frances’s estate – not an easy task in itself compounded by the fact that Francis made enough enemies by digging up dirt on everyone she knew. Everyone Annie meets has secrets they want to protect and with a murderer in their midst, Annie needs to work fast before she becomes the killer’s next target.
How to Solve Your Own Murder by Kristen Perrin is a well-crafted, entertaining whodunit. The narrative is presented from the perspective of Annie with Frances’s journal entries from the 1960s in chapters interspersed throughout the narrative. The author deftly weaves past and present events into a fluid, well-paced narrative with more than one intriguing mystery and several suspects in the fold. Even though we don’t get to meet adult Frances we get to know a lot about her from her journal entries from when she was a teenager on the cups of adulthood and details shared by those who knew her during her lifetime. Annie is an endearing protagonist – impulsive yet smart, perceptive and curious - and I enjoyed following her efforts in unraveling the mystery. I loved the atmospheric setting and enjoyed getting to know the characters (even the unlikable ones). Even though the story features a large cast of characters and several sub-plots woven into the narrative, at no point does the plot get overly complicated, ambiguous or convoluted. Though I wasn’t entirely surprised by the final revelation, I enjoyed how we got there and was intrigued by many of the developments along the way.
Overall, I found this novel to be an enjoyable cozy mystery and would be eager to explore future books in this series.
Many thanks to Penguin Group Dutton for the digital review copy via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Connect with me! ✏ Instagram ✏ My Blog ✏ The StoryGraph
April 21, 2024
In 1965 while she was just a teen, Frances Adams had her world turned upside down when a fortune teller told her that one day she would be murdered. From that day forward, she set out to weed out who could possibly mean her harm. Cataloguing the secrets and lies of every neighbor, family member, and friend in order to ascertain who could possibly kill her, Frances made plenty of enemies. At the same time, though, no one else ever thought that her fortune was true—until the day she’s found dead by her great niece, Annie, sixty years later.
Summoned by Frances’s attorney for a mysterious meeting prior to the fateful discovery, Annie instead finds herself at the reading of her reclusive great aunt’s last will and testament. What she doesn’t expect, however, is to learn Frances’s rather bizarre set of rules to inherit. In order to see even a penny of the vast estate, Annie must race her relatives to uncover who murdered Frances. Already caught up in the case, Annie is quick off the block. But so is her cousin, Saxon. Who will reveal Frances killer first? And will she be able to escape her great aunt’s fate as well?
What a truly epic whodunnit! From the moment I read the synopsis, How to Solve Your Own Murder had me under its thrall. I mean, what’s not to love? An eccentric great aunt. An amateur sleuth. Oh, and let’s not forget the Golden Age-esque mystery wrapped up in dual timelines with a deliciously cozy edge. All put together, it was sure to be a rollicking good time. And let me tell you, what transpired was that and oh so much more.
Narrated by Annie and Frances via dual timelines, the plot was complex and finely layered in a manner that was quite a departure from a standard classic mystery book. Alternating back and forth between the past and the present, the well-written storyline laid out a tantalizing puzzle. Fast-paced for a mystery, it was also action-packed in the best possible way. And with twists and turns that kept me on the back foot throughout, it was all interwoven beautifully until the timely final reveal.
As for the characters, Frances wasn’t the only quirky individual. With plenty of personas that easily matched Madame Grand Dame Christie in the perfection department, I got sucked in by each and every one as the book rolled along. From merely unlikeable to untrustworthy in the extreme, my suspicion meter went off for each of the large cast of characters. After all, taking place in a small English village, everyone seemed to be wrapped up in some sort of drama, which made for the perfect kind of setting in a mystery novel.
The only teeny, tiny imperfection that irked just a bit was how convoluted the plot seemed to get by the end. Just the same, Perrin did an excellent job outlining the murder plot possibilities, but it did seem a bit overwhelming here and there as it was revealed. Yet even this didn’t curtail my adoration for Frances and Annie. I just had to pay rather close attention as I went along.
With plenty of potential suspects and two intriguing plots to unravel, this book was a definite hole in one for this mystery lover. Add in the adrenaline-pumping climax and somewhat cliffhanger conclusion, and I’m already excited to read book two in the series. Get yourself ready for plenty of secrets and even a deft lie or two. A wonderful combination of Clue and Knives Out there simply wasn’t much not to love, so grab your copy ASAP. After all, I guarantee that this one will give you the ride of your life. Rating of 4.5 stars.
Thank you to Kristen Perrin and Dutton Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: March 26, 2024
Trigger warning: infidelity, teen pregnancy
Summoned by Frances’s attorney for a mysterious meeting prior to the fateful discovery, Annie instead finds herself at the reading of her reclusive great aunt’s last will and testament. What she doesn’t expect, however, is to learn Frances’s rather bizarre set of rules to inherit. In order to see even a penny of the vast estate, Annie must race her relatives to uncover who murdered Frances. Already caught up in the case, Annie is quick off the block. But so is her cousin, Saxon. Who will reveal Frances killer first? And will she be able to escape her great aunt’s fate as well?
What a truly epic whodunnit! From the moment I read the synopsis, How to Solve Your Own Murder had me under its thrall. I mean, what’s not to love? An eccentric great aunt. An amateur sleuth. Oh, and let’s not forget the Golden Age-esque mystery wrapped up in dual timelines with a deliciously cozy edge. All put together, it was sure to be a rollicking good time. And let me tell you, what transpired was that and oh so much more.
Narrated by Annie and Frances via dual timelines, the plot was complex and finely layered in a manner that was quite a departure from a standard classic mystery book. Alternating back and forth between the past and the present, the well-written storyline laid out a tantalizing puzzle. Fast-paced for a mystery, it was also action-packed in the best possible way. And with twists and turns that kept me on the back foot throughout, it was all interwoven beautifully until the timely final reveal.
As for the characters, Frances wasn’t the only quirky individual. With plenty of personas that easily matched Madame Grand Dame Christie in the perfection department, I got sucked in by each and every one as the book rolled along. From merely unlikeable to untrustworthy in the extreme, my suspicion meter went off for each of the large cast of characters. After all, taking place in a small English village, everyone seemed to be wrapped up in some sort of drama, which made for the perfect kind of setting in a mystery novel.
The only teeny, tiny imperfection that irked just a bit was how convoluted the plot seemed to get by the end. Just the same, Perrin did an excellent job outlining the murder plot possibilities, but it did seem a bit overwhelming here and there as it was revealed. Yet even this didn’t curtail my adoration for Frances and Annie. I just had to pay rather close attention as I went along.
With plenty of potential suspects and two intriguing plots to unravel, this book was a definite hole in one for this mystery lover. Add in the adrenaline-pumping climax and somewhat cliffhanger conclusion, and I’m already excited to read book two in the series. Get yourself ready for plenty of secrets and even a deft lie or two. A wonderful combination of Clue and Knives Out there simply wasn’t much not to love, so grab your copy ASAP. After all, I guarantee that this one will give you the ride of your life. Rating of 4.5 stars.
Thank you to Kristen Perrin and Dutton Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: March 26, 2024
Trigger warning: infidelity, teen pregnancy
April 1, 2024
Happy publication day to Kristen Perrin’s How to Solve Your Own Murder!!
I'm going back to the mystery genre because this was just brilliant.
It’s fair to consider this book as Katrin Perrin’s debut because her others - which I think are short stories - are in another language and only a few people read them.
And as a debut, it has its flaws, but it's also pretty great.
I'm not blind in front of the many issues other people have had with this story, its many, not-very-developed characters are the main reason behind the complaints, but I’m following my heart on this, and I loved it. Even if it didn't understand much.
The said characters are an annoying aspect, for example, but if you don't consider the weird circumstance of the murder and how convenient is for the main character to be an aspirant mystery author, the second place of stuff to adjust would be how quick was Annie to solve not only the mystery about her great aunt’s death but the much older mystery involving her great aunt’s best friend’s disappearing.
Long story short, Annie got everything right and then had to explain to us - and the Detective assigned to the case -, because she was the only one able to figure out what happened in all this mess of characters playing games with each other, many suspects on the background just for show, and a piece of the puzzle always missing.
She did win an exceptional inheritance for her heavy work, so good for her.
↠ 3.5 stars
Thanks to PENGUIN GROUP Dutton and NetGalley, who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion.
I'm going back to the mystery genre because this was just brilliant.
It’s fair to consider this book as Katrin Perrin’s debut because her others - which I think are short stories - are in another language and only a few people read them.
And as a debut, it has its flaws, but it's also pretty great.
I'm not blind in front of the many issues other people have had with this story, its many, not-very-developed characters are the main reason behind the complaints, but I’m following my heart on this, and I loved it. Even if it didn't understand much.
The said characters are an annoying aspect, for example, but if you don't consider the weird circumstance of the murder and how convenient is for the main character to be an aspirant mystery author, the second place of stuff to adjust would be how quick was Annie to solve not only the mystery about her great aunt’s death but the much older mystery involving her great aunt’s best friend’s disappearing.
Long story short, Annie got everything right and then had to explain to us - and the Detective assigned to the case -, because she was the only one able to figure out what happened in all this mess of characters playing games with each other, many suspects on the background just for show, and a piece of the puzzle always missing.
She did win an exceptional inheritance for her heavy work, so good for her.
↠ 3.5 stars
Thanks to PENGUIN GROUP Dutton and NetGalley, who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion.
November 4, 2023
3.5 rounded up
At the Castle Knoll Fair in Dorset in 1965, a prediction from a fortune teller dictates Frances Adam’s life. She is told her “future contains dry bones“, a grim prophecy indeed, or should that be Grimm? Frances spends many years taking every precaution she can to prevent an untimely demise. Sixty years on in the present day, Annie Adams, Frances‘s great niece is trying to become a mystery writer. She is summoned to Frances‘s lawyers in Castle Knoll to discuss the considerable estate and fortune. Annie travels to Dorset as requested, and along with other potential beneficiaries, she is taken to Gravestone Estate, Frances‘s mansion and grounds. There they find her dead. Has she been murdered exactly as foretold sixty years ago or is it natural causes? Initially, the authorities decide she has died a natural death, but further examination proves that she has indeed been murdered. Annie has already decided she needs to detect, however, she is presented with a very good reason to sleuth when Frances’s will is read, and she only has a limited time to come up with the goods. The story alternates between the present day and the past via Frances’s journal which gives us a good idea of her personality and the shenanigans of the late 1960s.
This has a good premise and and a great Christieque setting for the unfolding drama. It’s very much in the vein of a Queen Agatha cozy mystery with murder and mayhem on the agenda. There’s plenty going on in a packed plot with odd characters, inheritance issues, riddles, games, and challenges, there are numerous suspects to say nothing of the original prediction which hangs over Frances‘s life and dictates her actions. The detecting race against time that Annie is engaged in reveals numerous potential motives, also secrets by the truckload with accompanying lies, alongside threats and betrayals. It’s a long list in fact, which perhaps makes the plot more complicated than it needs to be. I do like the competitive race against time idea as it does give an edge to the storytelling, which inevitably leads to a path of danger at every return.
Apart from a somewhat overcrowded plot, there are lots of characters to get your head around, some are not especially interesting, but also not very well developed. Whilst I admire Annie’s persistence, she’s not in the same calibre as say a Miss Marple and although she doesn’t have a bad nose for detecting, she does need to rein in her enthusiasm which will mean she’ll make less unwise decisions.
Overall, the cozy mystery genre is a packed market place these days, and whilst this is an engaging read has the author done enough to stand out in the crowd?? However, if you like cozy mysteries it is worth checking out.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Quercus Books, for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
At the Castle Knoll Fair in Dorset in 1965, a prediction from a fortune teller dictates Frances Adam’s life. She is told her “future contains dry bones“, a grim prophecy indeed, or should that be Grimm? Frances spends many years taking every precaution she can to prevent an untimely demise. Sixty years on in the present day, Annie Adams, Frances‘s great niece is trying to become a mystery writer. She is summoned to Frances‘s lawyers in Castle Knoll to discuss the considerable estate and fortune. Annie travels to Dorset as requested, and along with other potential beneficiaries, she is taken to Gravestone Estate, Frances‘s mansion and grounds. There they find her dead. Has she been murdered exactly as foretold sixty years ago or is it natural causes? Initially, the authorities decide she has died a natural death, but further examination proves that she has indeed been murdered. Annie has already decided she needs to detect, however, she is presented with a very good reason to sleuth when Frances’s will is read, and she only has a limited time to come up with the goods. The story alternates between the present day and the past via Frances’s journal which gives us a good idea of her personality and the shenanigans of the late 1960s.
This has a good premise and and a great Christieque setting for the unfolding drama. It’s very much in the vein of a Queen Agatha cozy mystery with murder and mayhem on the agenda. There’s plenty going on in a packed plot with odd characters, inheritance issues, riddles, games, and challenges, there are numerous suspects to say nothing of the original prediction which hangs over Frances‘s life and dictates her actions. The detecting race against time that Annie is engaged in reveals numerous potential motives, also secrets by the truckload with accompanying lies, alongside threats and betrayals. It’s a long list in fact, which perhaps makes the plot more complicated than it needs to be. I do like the competitive race against time idea as it does give an edge to the storytelling, which inevitably leads to a path of danger at every return.
Apart from a somewhat overcrowded plot, there are lots of characters to get your head around, some are not especially interesting, but also not very well developed. Whilst I admire Annie’s persistence, she’s not in the same calibre as say a Miss Marple and although she doesn’t have a bad nose for detecting, she does need to rein in her enthusiasm which will mean she’ll make less unwise decisions.
Overall, the cozy mystery genre is a packed market place these days, and whilst this is an engaging read has the author done enough to stand out in the crowd?? However, if you like cozy mysteries it is worth checking out.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Quercus Books, for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
March 13, 2024
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Publication date: March 26th 2024! (Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!)
Rating: 4 stars
Cover: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Despite the simplicity of this design, I love the vibrant, eye-catching colours used. I also like how the gothic text font and illustrations convey the mystery/thriller genre of the story.
Writing: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
The picturesque writing style smoothly creates an atmospheric narrative and setting. Alternating chapters between past and current events are also skillfully used to deliver crucial backstories and add to the building tension across the story.
"that’s the thing with lies. They’re much easier to believe when it’s an idea you like."
Storyline: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Past teenage drama and a present race against time due to inheritance drama made this an intriguing murder mystery reminiscent of Agatha Christie. The secrets gradually revealed throughout the story created a sense of tension and danger that led to a gripping climax, even with some convent plot devices.
Main character(s): 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Annie Adams’ kind yet clever personality made her character engaging and easy to like. Besides this, her methodical approach to the mystery and gradual paranoia brilliantly added to the tension in the story and made it easy to root for her. I only wished her character had experienced more growth or complexity.
"If you are trying to corner a killer, the odds of getting yourself killed in the process skyrocket."
Secondary characters: 🌟🌟🌟
Although the secondary characters were introduced in gentle waves, I struggled to keep track of the large cast throughout the story. Only the characters involved in past events seemed to have strong, complex personalities, which made them somewhat memorable.
Narration & Audio: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Alexandra Dowling and Jaye Jacobs do a great job narrating this audiobook as they enrich the atmosphere of the story and use natural vocal inflexions. However, there were some weird, long pauses, and the character voices could have been stronger.
"You can play without a plan, but you’ll probably lose."
In short, ‘How to Solve Your Own Murder’ is a clever, drama-filled whodunit that had me guessing until the very end! I would recommend The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman for another amateur murder mystery.
Publication date: March 26th 2024! (Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!)
Rating: 4 stars
Cover: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Despite the simplicity of this design, I love the vibrant, eye-catching colours used. I also like how the gothic text font and illustrations convey the mystery/thriller genre of the story.
Writing: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
The picturesque writing style smoothly creates an atmospheric narrative and setting. Alternating chapters between past and current events are also skillfully used to deliver crucial backstories and add to the building tension across the story.
"that’s the thing with lies. They’re much easier to believe when it’s an idea you like."
Storyline: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Past teenage drama and a present race against time due to inheritance drama made this an intriguing murder mystery reminiscent of Agatha Christie. The secrets gradually revealed throughout the story created a sense of tension and danger that led to a gripping climax, even with some convent plot devices.
Main character(s): 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Annie Adams’ kind yet clever personality made her character engaging and easy to like. Besides this, her methodical approach to the mystery and gradual paranoia brilliantly added to the tension in the story and made it easy to root for her. I only wished her character had experienced more growth or complexity.
"If you are trying to corner a killer, the odds of getting yourself killed in the process skyrocket."
Secondary characters: 🌟🌟🌟
Although the secondary characters were introduced in gentle waves, I struggled to keep track of the large cast throughout the story. Only the characters involved in past events seemed to have strong, complex personalities, which made them somewhat memorable.
Narration & Audio: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Alexandra Dowling and Jaye Jacobs do a great job narrating this audiobook as they enrich the atmosphere of the story and use natural vocal inflexions. However, there were some weird, long pauses, and the character voices could have been stronger.
"You can play without a plan, but you’ll probably lose."
In short, ‘How to Solve Your Own Murder’ is a clever, drama-filled whodunit that had me guessing until the very end! I would recommend The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman for another amateur murder mystery.
April 2, 2024
everyone has those days: the days where you just have a feeling. that feeling that you're going to ace that exam tomorrow, finally finish folding your clothes, or squeeze in an extra shift at starbucks so you'll finally have enough money to pay this month's rent. yesterday i had that feeling..so obviously i used my boost of productive energy to read this entire book in one caffeine-filled night.
how to solve your own murder starts with a teenage frances in 1965, at a fair with her two best friends. frances' night is interrupted when she receives a bone-chilling prediction that one day, she will be killed. like anyone would do, obviously, frances spends her entire life in fear of this mysterious killer. 60 years later, frances is murdered. (gasp)
we are quickly whisked away to the present tense, where annie adams is asked to visit frances' sprawling house in the countryside. but by the time annie arrives, her great-aunt is shockingly dead.
annie adams is our protagonist, although, honestly, all i wanted were more pages from frances' perspective. she was just such an intriguing character, and had so much potential. annie…i could say otherwise. while i loved her determined spirit, often times i felt myself lacking in motivation to continue the book: and it wasn't because the plot-line wasn't interesting.
annie's pov just didn't bring anything to the story, and i wish that her thought processes could've had more vigor. she doesn't have that "iconic detective" feel about her. miss marple, olivia benson, or dana scully to name a few, all have that passion for the hunt that make reading/watching all the more interesting.
plot - while annie rapidly tries to uncover frances' secrets, and the underlying motivation for her murder, she starts to fear that the killer may not only be interested in frances, but her as well.
as a murder mystery should be, perrin's book is extremely fast-paced. like, put the book down because it's giving you a headache paced. put simply, it was overwhelming at times, and the large set of characters didn't make some chapters any less of a migraine.
and now for the murder itself: the reveal was..underwhelming. throughout the book, i just kept thinking that annie's confusion and the high stakes of the murder would lead to a more evil? killer(s). while i obviously didn't sympathize with the "bad guys", i didn't hate them. i mean, of course i hated them, but i wouldn't kick them when given the chance. as a result, i felt cheated by the otherwise truly wonderful rising action and climax of this mystery.
side note - completely irrelevant to everything else i was talking about, but the sexual/definitely-not-romantic parts of this book were not enjoyable for me. does somebody really need to have wild sex in order for me to stay interested? no, perrin. no she doesn't. it honestly felt like the worm in this very crisp apple of a book, the broccoli that you pick out of your teeth once you walk out the door of a seemingly great job interview, or the pregnancy trope in every god-awful claire kingsley book.
this book has so. much. charm. the maze of clues, village setting, and suspense were just a few of the reasons why it could've had re-read potential. but is it weird to say that i would love it if it were a movie? i rarely say this, and typing it out kind of feels like a betrayal of the wonder that is books, but as soon as perrin stated that fans of knives out would love this book, the "is she writing this with the beautiful face of ana de armas in mind and not the wit of nancy drew?" question arose.
and sadly, i can now say that i would like annie better if her name was ana.
some of the characters didn't have enough depth, and i (disappointedly might i add) feel like they could be better portrayed if chris evans took part.
read this book if you're looking for a cozy murder-mystery, christie-like twists & turns, and generally likable but not deep characters. don't read it if you want an extremely quick read, although i might be deceiving you judging that i read this in one night.
--------------------------------------
pre-review: i feel like this book was made just for me. knives out? i once contemplated having one of those paper cut-outs of ana de armas in my room. the thursday murder club? richard osman literally dedicated the book to me. so thank you, kristen perrin. thank you very much.
and thank you to the publishing group and netgalley for the arc!
how to solve your own murder starts with a teenage frances in 1965, at a fair with her two best friends. frances' night is interrupted when she receives a bone-chilling prediction that one day, she will be killed. like anyone would do, obviously, frances spends her entire life in fear of this mysterious killer. 60 years later, frances is murdered. (gasp)
we are quickly whisked away to the present tense, where annie adams is asked to visit frances' sprawling house in the countryside. but by the time annie arrives, her great-aunt is shockingly dead.
annie adams is our protagonist, although, honestly, all i wanted were more pages from frances' perspective. she was just such an intriguing character, and had so much potential. annie…i could say otherwise. while i loved her determined spirit, often times i felt myself lacking in motivation to continue the book: and it wasn't because the plot-line wasn't interesting.
annie's pov just didn't bring anything to the story, and i wish that her thought processes could've had more vigor. she doesn't have that "iconic detective" feel about her. miss marple, olivia benson, or dana scully to name a few, all have that passion for the hunt that make reading/watching all the more interesting.
plot - while annie rapidly tries to uncover frances' secrets, and the underlying motivation for her murder, she starts to fear that the killer may not only be interested in frances, but her as well.
as a murder mystery should be, perrin's book is extremely fast-paced. like, put the book down because it's giving you a headache paced. put simply, it was overwhelming at times, and the large set of characters didn't make some chapters any less of a migraine.
and now for the murder itself: the reveal was..underwhelming. throughout the book, i just kept thinking that annie's confusion and the high stakes of the murder would lead to a more evil? killer(s). while i obviously didn't sympathize with the "bad guys", i didn't hate them. i mean, of course i hated them, but i wouldn't kick them when given the chance. as a result, i felt cheated by the otherwise truly wonderful rising action and climax of this mystery.
side note - completely irrelevant to everything else i was talking about, but the sexual/definitely-not-romantic parts of this book were not enjoyable for me. does somebody really need to have wild sex in order for me to stay interested? no, perrin. no she doesn't. it honestly felt like the worm in this very crisp apple of a book, the broccoli that you pick out of your teeth once you walk out the door of a seemingly great job interview, or the pregnancy trope in every god-awful claire kingsley book.
this book has so. much. charm. the maze of clues, village setting, and suspense were just a few of the reasons why it could've had re-read potential. but is it weird to say that i would love it if it were a movie? i rarely say this, and typing it out kind of feels like a betrayal of the wonder that is books, but as soon as perrin stated that fans of knives out would love this book, the "is she writing this with the beautiful face of ana de armas in mind and not the wit of nancy drew?" question arose.
and sadly, i can now say that i would like annie better if her name was ana.
some of the characters didn't have enough depth, and i (disappointedly might i add) feel like they could be better portrayed if chris evans took part.
read this book if you're looking for a cozy murder-mystery, christie-like twists & turns, and generally likable but not deep characters. don't read it if you want an extremely quick read, although i might be deceiving you judging that i read this in one night.
--------------------------------------
pre-review: i feel like this book was made just for me. knives out? i once contemplated having one of those paper cut-outs of ana de armas in my room. the thursday murder club? richard osman literally dedicated the book to me. so thank you, kristen perrin. thank you very much.
and thank you to the publishing group and netgalley for the arc!
April 2, 2024
4 solid stars. I really enjoyed this “cozy style” mystery set in two timelines (mid-60’s & now) about Annie & her great-aunt Frances who was murdered many, many years after a fortune teller predicted it back when she was in her teens. I enjoyed the village setting, the manor house and secondary characters too and the shorter chapters kept me flipping pages. Will watch for more from this author.
Want to read
January 17, 2024This looks interesting. Hoping for the best🤞 Krysta threaten helped me pick this one out💖
✨Thank you to NetGalley, the Author and Penguin Group Dutton for an advanced reading copy of this book in exchange for my honest review✨
✨Thank you to NetGalley, the Author and Penguin Group Dutton for an advanced reading copy of this book in exchange for my honest review✨
March 19, 2024
Your future contains dry bones. Your slow demise begins right when you hold the queen in the palm of one hand. Beware the bird, for it will betray you. And from that, there's no coming back. But daughters are the key to justice, find the right one and keep her close. All signs point toward your murder.
A likable young woman finds herself in a contest to solve the murder of an estranged relative. A murder that we foretold nearly 60 years ago. This was a very entertaining read. Annie Adams goes to Castle Knoll to meet her great aunt for the first time and unfortunately is one of the people to discover that Frances is already dead. Can she solve the murder in a week and win the fortune? Is she the "right daughter?" There is much at stake and secrets abound. Annie has possession of the diary Frances was keeping when she first had her murder foretold. I enjoyed the diary entries interspersed between chapters giving Annie's experiences in the present. I would definitely like to see what happens in Book 2!
Thank you to Penguin and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
A likable young woman finds herself in a contest to solve the murder of an estranged relative. A murder that we foretold nearly 60 years ago. This was a very entertaining read. Annie Adams goes to Castle Knoll to meet her great aunt for the first time and unfortunately is one of the people to discover that Frances is already dead. Can she solve the murder in a week and win the fortune? Is she the "right daughter?" There is much at stake and secrets abound. Annie has possession of the diary Frances was keeping when she first had her murder foretold. I enjoyed the diary entries interspersed between chapters giving Annie's experiences in the present. I would definitely like to see what happens in Book 2!
Thank you to Penguin and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
August 13, 2023
How to Solve Your Own Murder is a tremendously enjoyable double murder mystery with a delightful cast of characters. It can't quite be called a cozy – there's at least one (non-explicit) sexual adventure and some swear words sprinkled in here and there – but it's pretty dang close. There are two timelines at play in this story, with the narrative switching back and forth between the present day (where Annie Adams is attempting to solve her Great-Aunt Frances's recent murder) and the 1960s (to Frances's teenage years when her close friend disappeared under mysterious circumstances). Flashbacks are a mixed bag for me and I don't always enjoy them, but in this case I actually found Frances's storyline slightly more entertaining than Annie's.
The characters in this novel were all mostly likable, which was refreshing. Even the bad guys were less evil-y than expected … well, except for the murdering, of course. I found the plot to be fairly plausible (at least as much as these types of things can be) and suspenseful, and I can honestly say that I had no idea who the murderers (both past and present-day) were until the big reveal. The setting is fantastic, as I'm a huge sucker for almost any book that involves an English manor house and this one is no exception.
I've had lots of time to read over the last 24 hours since I've had the house to myself (a rare luxury!), but it still says something that I finished this book in under a day. Annie isn't quite Hercule Poirot (my favorite literary detective of all time), but it was still an entertaining read with a novel storyline and charming characters.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Dutton for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review.
The characters in this novel were all mostly likable, which was refreshing. Even the bad guys were less evil-y than expected … well, except for the murdering, of course. I found the plot to be fairly plausible (at least as much as these types of things can be) and suspenseful, and I can honestly say that I had no idea who the murderers (both past and present-day) were until the big reveal. The setting is fantastic, as I'm a huge sucker for almost any book that involves an English manor house and this one is no exception.
I've had lots of time to read over the last 24 hours since I've had the house to myself (a rare luxury!), but it still says something that I finished this book in under a day. Annie isn't quite Hercule Poirot (my favorite literary detective of all time), but it was still an entertaining read with a novel storyline and charming characters.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Dutton for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review.
February 8, 2024
Wow! What a fantastic book. It completely drew me in and had me totally eager to solve the murder... someone predicted her death 60 years in advance, and the poor woman lived in fear her whole life. Nearing old age, she decides to set some traps, knowing the killer will strike soon. Which family member of friend had a grudge they couldn't let go? Chapter by chapter, I kept thinking... this is a 5-star book... I'm loving the mystery, the suspense, the drama. And as the details drew to a close with the extended family and the secrets from 60 years ago, things looked highly promising. A second body is found, and a mysterious disappearance is solved, but who would go to lengths to keep anyone from finding out so many years later? Had me until the end, and then it teetered a bit on not strong enough for all the previous drama and scenes, so it's more like a 4.5 star-book. Still totally worth reading! Can't wait to see more from the author too.
February 24, 2024
I had the best time reading this! It was just cozy but not cutesy, lovely, and felt like a comfy old episode of Midsomer Murders. I will def continue in this series to see what other dirt Frances dug up before she got hers
May 11, 2024
3.5 stars
In the 1960's Frances has her fortune told and it predicts her future murder. Now, present day, she has been murdered after a lifetime of trying to find out who. Her great-niece Annie Adams who was in town to meet with Frances, begins to try and solve the murder. Using documents her great-aunt left behind, Annie begins to unwind the web surrounding Frances' death. But she isn't the only one trying to solve the murder, and whomever does first, inherits everything.
I thought the first half of this book was a little boring and stilted. I actually almost quit but decided to keep listening and I am glad I did because the second half was way better than the first half. Lots of the dialogue felt very stiff and disjointed but got better. And the overall mystery of everything picked up and the story got going a lot better. I had trouble keeping track of a lot of the characters, but I did really like Annie as a main character and would be willing to try more books if she is in them.
In the 1960's Frances has her fortune told and it predicts her future murder. Now, present day, she has been murdered after a lifetime of trying to find out who. Her great-niece Annie Adams who was in town to meet with Frances, begins to try and solve the murder. Using documents her great-aunt left behind, Annie begins to unwind the web surrounding Frances' death. But she isn't the only one trying to solve the murder, and whomever does first, inherits everything.
I thought the first half of this book was a little boring and stilted. I actually almost quit but decided to keep listening and I am glad I did because the second half was way better than the first half. Lots of the dialogue felt very stiff and disjointed but got better. And the overall mystery of everything picked up and the story got going a lot better. I had trouble keeping track of a lot of the characters, but I did really like Annie as a main character and would be willing to try more books if she is in them.
Shelved as 'dnf'
January 16, 2024update: alright. i’m dnfing again.
look, like the description says, if you like knives out, i think you have a good chance of liking this – it’s a cozy-ish mystery that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
before you ask, yes. i have seen and did enjoy knives out.
it’s not the plot of this that’s keeping me from getting farther than 40%, it’s the execution.
the first thing i noticed was that the book doesn’t move along at a pace i’ve come to expect from mysteries. then again, i don’t read cozy mysteries for this exact reason. i like high stakes and keeps-me-on-the-edge-of-my-seat twists n turns, which is something that cozier books don’t give.
tldr: i wish this was marketed as a cozy mystery
other than that, the writing wasn’t really working for me. it gave sort of watered down freida mcfadden? maybe if she wrote more relaxed thrillers? and if you know me, you know that i don’t love freida’s writing in the first place.
but i know a lot of people do! it is really easy to read and makes the book go by pretty quick, regardless of the plot or genre.
really, this is all just a case of it’s not the book, it’s me. i know plenty of people who would love this and i would 100% recommend it if anything i mentioned is up your alley.
thank you to netgalley & penguin group dutton for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!
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dnfed this the first time around but i’m feeling nice today so let’s try again 🤝🏼
look, like the description says, if you like knives out, i think you have a good chance of liking this – it’s a cozy-ish mystery that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
before you ask, yes. i have seen and did enjoy knives out.
it’s not the plot of this that’s keeping me from getting farther than 40%, it’s the execution.
the first thing i noticed was that the book doesn’t move along at a pace i’ve come to expect from mysteries. then again, i don’t read cozy mysteries for this exact reason. i like high stakes and keeps-me-on-the-edge-of-my-seat twists n turns, which is something that cozier books don’t give.
tldr: i wish this was marketed as a cozy mystery
other than that, the writing wasn’t really working for me. it gave sort of watered down freida mcfadden? maybe if she wrote more relaxed thrillers? and if you know me, you know that i don’t love freida’s writing in the first place.
but i know a lot of people do! it is really easy to read and makes the book go by pretty quick, regardless of the plot or genre.
really, this is all just a case of it’s not the book, it’s me. i know plenty of people who would love this and i would 100% recommend it if anything i mentioned is up your alley.
thank you to netgalley & penguin group dutton for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!
–
dnfed this the first time around but i’m feeling nice today so let’s try again 🤝🏼
February 28, 2024
This book made me feel like I'd lost my mind.
So, the main character Annie is a mystery writer. Or...she wants to be. Unclear if she's actually finished anything. But it's her passion, so when she's confronted with a REAL mystery, this is her time to shine, right? This is a woman who wants to make a career out of writing about crimes getting solved. You assume she must have read extensively in the genre, knows all the ingredients to a good mystery, how to treat clues and all that. I mean you assume that, as a human person alive in contemporary times, she's at the very least come across some media about crime and has a basic understanding of how crime-solving works.
Then there's a murder of a woman who, famously, believed her whole life that she would be murdered. It's a little messy getting the cops to the scene, but they look it over and I guess say it was natural causes (???). Later, Annie's at the scene. She's poking around what should still be an active crime scene, but I guess the cops had too much cozy village stuff to do so they just bailed and left it as-is. And she finds what she thinks is the murder weapon. Oh dang! Well, time to back away and call back the incompetent cops who missed this obvious thing, right? Especially since the thing could cause further injury if handled. Right?
Right?
No. Annie grabs the potential murder weapon - yeah, picks it up with her bare hands - get it into a car, and takes it to the police station. Oh, of course it injures her as well. And the cop seems to be untroubled by the way this woman removed a weapon from a crime scene and then transported it elsewhere, contaminating any evidence that might have still be available under all her added fingerprints.
I - what? I'm just, I'm so sorry. This is like writing a main character who desperately wants to be an astronaut, who then finally gets to NASA, looks around, and asks the first person she sees, "So how do we get to the moon? Do we take a car?" And then agents, editors, friends, and everyone else who read the book gets to that part, sees no problem with it in any capacity, the book gets printed and lands in my hands, and I think I've gone absolutely stark raving mad because there are also hundreds of reviews where NOBODY ELSE mentions this insane, glaring, obvious, ridiculous, dismaying moment that completely removes any credibility from the main character and also demonstrates an astonishing lack of care not just for the genre but for, like, the intelligence of the reader...I just...what? Anyway, then the main character finishes the book by going to the moon because she's just sooo smart actually, and everyone else at NASA ferries her around and holds her hand on the way.
This book is apparently the start of a series, which feels like a threat, but at least explains why most of the bloated cast of characters barely gets any characterization. It also explains the glanced over suggestion of a future love triangle where one of them is a jerk and the other is a cop, gag me with a spoon. I have to also point out the very strange writing style here in which the present day narrator has the voice of a teenager (seriously, how old is she supposed to be? she acts like a 17 year old but apparently graduated from Central St. Martins which is an incredibly prestigious school to go to for a person who didn't commit to a career in fashion and also acts pretty dumb) while the flashback scenes (allegedly journals, but written narratively with full dialogue which I'd complain about were the rest of this book not so much worse) that are actually from the perspective of a 17 year old seem much more maturely written.
I'm so glad this book is over.
My thanks to Penguin Group Dutton and NetGalley for the ARC.
So, the main character Annie is a mystery writer. Or...she wants to be. Unclear if she's actually finished anything. But it's her passion, so when she's confronted with a REAL mystery, this is her time to shine, right? This is a woman who wants to make a career out of writing about crimes getting solved. You assume she must have read extensively in the genre, knows all the ingredients to a good mystery, how to treat clues and all that. I mean you assume that, as a human person alive in contemporary times, she's at the very least come across some media about crime and has a basic understanding of how crime-solving works.
Then there's a murder of a woman who, famously, believed her whole life that she would be murdered. It's a little messy getting the cops to the scene, but they look it over and I guess say it was natural causes (???). Later, Annie's at the scene. She's poking around what should still be an active crime scene, but I guess the cops had too much cozy village stuff to do so they just bailed and left it as-is. And she finds what she thinks is the murder weapon. Oh dang! Well, time to back away and call back the incompetent cops who missed this obvious thing, right? Especially since the thing could cause further injury if handled. Right?
Right?
No. Annie grabs the potential murder weapon - yeah, picks it up with her bare hands - get it into a car, and takes it to the police station. Oh, of course it injures her as well. And the cop seems to be untroubled by the way this woman removed a weapon from a crime scene and then transported it elsewhere, contaminating any evidence that might have still be available under all her added fingerprints.
I - what? I'm just, I'm so sorry. This is like writing a main character who desperately wants to be an astronaut, who then finally gets to NASA, looks around, and asks the first person she sees, "So how do we get to the moon? Do we take a car?" And then agents, editors, friends, and everyone else who read the book gets to that part, sees no problem with it in any capacity, the book gets printed and lands in my hands, and I think I've gone absolutely stark raving mad because there are also hundreds of reviews where NOBODY ELSE mentions this insane, glaring, obvious, ridiculous, dismaying moment that completely removes any credibility from the main character and also demonstrates an astonishing lack of care not just for the genre but for, like, the intelligence of the reader...I just...what? Anyway, then the main character finishes the book by going to the moon because she's just sooo smart actually, and everyone else at NASA ferries her around and holds her hand on the way.
This book is apparently the start of a series, which feels like a threat, but at least explains why most of the bloated cast of characters barely gets any characterization. It also explains the glanced over suggestion of a future love triangle where one of them is a jerk and the other is a cop, gag me with a spoon. I have to also point out the very strange writing style here in which the present day narrator has the voice of a teenager (seriously, how old is she supposed to be? she acts like a 17 year old but apparently graduated from Central St. Martins which is an incredibly prestigious school to go to for a person who didn't commit to a career in fashion and also acts pretty dumb) while the flashback scenes (allegedly journals, but written narratively with full dialogue which I'd complain about were the rest of this book not so much worse) that are actually from the perspective of a 17 year old seem much more maturely written.
I'm so glad this book is over.
My thanks to Penguin Group Dutton and NetGalley for the ARC.
March 7, 2024
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ ½
Genre: Mystery Thriller
This is a story told in a dual timeline. The past is set in 1965 and follows Frances Adams and her two best friends. One night, the three girls visit a fortune teller, who predicts that Frences will be murdered. This prediction will make Frances miserable and cause her to waste her life figuring out how to prevent that from happening instead of living normally.
The present timeline follows the character Annie Adams, who is Frances’ great-niece. She is invited to her great aunt's estate, along with other characters, to discuss Frances' will and the modifications that she made to it. Upon her arrival there, she will be shocked at what she will find there.
This is a cozy murder mystery with intriguing main characters. Both timelines are narrated in the first-person style. The premise of a woman trying to prevent her own death really sounded interesting to me. It is the main attraction of this mystery novel.
The twists are not going to shock you or anything like that, but they are suitable for the story. However, I think the dual timeframe disrupted the flow of the story. No matter what, you will find yourself invested in one story more than the other, which makes the one that you are not much invested in more like an annoyance.
The other thing you need to keep in mind is that there are many characters, and that requires you to be more focused. Certain characters are exclusive to a single time period, while others are present in both time periods. I think the author did a good job of creating different motives for the different characters. This was an entertaining read.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book.
Genre: Mystery Thriller
This is a story told in a dual timeline. The past is set in 1965 and follows Frances Adams and her two best friends. One night, the three girls visit a fortune teller, who predicts that Frences will be murdered. This prediction will make Frances miserable and cause her to waste her life figuring out how to prevent that from happening instead of living normally.
The present timeline follows the character Annie Adams, who is Frances’ great-niece. She is invited to her great aunt's estate, along with other characters, to discuss Frances' will and the modifications that she made to it. Upon her arrival there, she will be shocked at what she will find there.
This is a cozy murder mystery with intriguing main characters. Both timelines are narrated in the first-person style. The premise of a woman trying to prevent her own death really sounded interesting to me. It is the main attraction of this mystery novel.
The twists are not going to shock you or anything like that, but they are suitable for the story. However, I think the dual timeframe disrupted the flow of the story. No matter what, you will find yourself invested in one story more than the other, which makes the one that you are not much invested in more like an annoyance.
The other thing you need to keep in mind is that there are many characters, and that requires you to be more focused. Certain characters are exclusive to a single time period, while others are present in both time periods. I think the author did a good job of creating different motives for the different characters. This was an entertaining read.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book.
March 10, 2024
From the moment I immersed myself in its pages of "How to Solve Your Own Murder", I was drawn into a world where time bends and secrets lurk around every corner.
What truly captivated me was the ingenious way the story unfolds through dual timelines. We switch seamlessly between Annie's perspective in the present and Frances' diary entries from the past, creating a tapestry of suspense and intrigue. It's like we're detectives alongside the characters, piecing together clues and racing against time to uncover the truth.
I have to confess, this book had me hooked from the very first page! The adrenaline-fueled plot kept me on the edge of my seat, eagerly flipping through the pages as I raced to unravel the mystery of Frances' ominous prophecy. It was a pulse-pounding experience that left me craving more with each turn of the page.
But it's not just the plot that's so captivating – it's the depth of the characters and the intensity of their relationships that truly stole my heart. The bond between Frances and her friends is portrayed with such raw emotion and authenticity, adding an extra layer of excitement to the story.
In the end, "How to Solve Your Own Murder" is a wild, exhilarating ride that will leave you breathless and begging for more. With its gripping plot, unforgettable characters, and heart-stopping twists, it's a book that's impossible to put down. Kristen Perrin has crafted a masterpiece of excitement and intrigue, and I'm thrilled to have been along for the ride!
What truly captivated me was the ingenious way the story unfolds through dual timelines. We switch seamlessly between Annie's perspective in the present and Frances' diary entries from the past, creating a tapestry of suspense and intrigue. It's like we're detectives alongside the characters, piecing together clues and racing against time to uncover the truth.
I have to confess, this book had me hooked from the very first page! The adrenaline-fueled plot kept me on the edge of my seat, eagerly flipping through the pages as I raced to unravel the mystery of Frances' ominous prophecy. It was a pulse-pounding experience that left me craving more with each turn of the page.
But it's not just the plot that's so captivating – it's the depth of the characters and the intensity of their relationships that truly stole my heart. The bond between Frances and her friends is portrayed with such raw emotion and authenticity, adding an extra layer of excitement to the story.
In the end, "How to Solve Your Own Murder" is a wild, exhilarating ride that will leave you breathless and begging for more. With its gripping plot, unforgettable characters, and heart-stopping twists, it's a book that's impossible to put down. Kristen Perrin has crafted a masterpiece of excitement and intrigue, and I'm thrilled to have been along for the ride!
September 1, 2023
I loved the strong writing in How To Solve Your Own Murder in this murder mystery. The character development was great, too. This is the type of book that has something for everyone. This had a clue-like vibe to it. I would describe this as a cozy murder mystery.
In 1965, Frances went to a fair where she went to the fortune tellers booth, who told her she'd be murdered. Frances talked about this all throughout the years and no one believed her when she would profess that it would happen. They finally realized she was correct when she was found murdered.
The book cuts to the present when Frances great niece, Annie arrives in London for the will reading. Whoever solves the murder inherits Frances estate and fortune.
In 1965, Frances went to a fair where she went to the fortune tellers booth, who told her she'd be murdered. Frances talked about this all throughout the years and no one believed her when she would profess that it would happen. They finally realized she was correct when she was found murdered.
The book cuts to the present when Frances great niece, Annie arrives in London for the will reading. Whoever solves the murder inherits Frances estate and fortune.
Want to read
February 5, 2024ARC received!! Thank you, Dutton!
The title alone sold me on this one!
The title alone sold me on this one!
March 27, 2024
With a title like this how could I resist! I love small town murder mystery and this one had me hooked early on.
Annie has been summoned to Castle Knoll, the home of her estranged, very wealthy great aunt Frances. She has never met her but it seems she has been written into the will. Now Frances has believed since she was 17 years old that she was going to be murdered. A fortune teller at a fair tells her all the things that will be the start of her demise. She has spent her life avoiding these things, as well as studying every person in town to see if they are her would be killer. When Annie arrives at the house with the lawyer, Frances is dead. Let the games begin. Annie is determined to find out who killed her aunt and why.
This was mysterious and very addictive. We learn about Frances and her younger years through a diary that Annie finds. There is also a murder wall set up in the house, a murder wall for her own murder. It turns out that plenty of people have reason to want Frances dead. I got so caught up in this story and just needed to keep reading. The ending was shocking, I did not see it coming at all.
Thanks so much to Hachette Australia for sending me a copy of this book. It came out this week and really is worth a read. A great debut
Annie has been summoned to Castle Knoll, the home of her estranged, very wealthy great aunt Frances. She has never met her but it seems she has been written into the will. Now Frances has believed since she was 17 years old that she was going to be murdered. A fortune teller at a fair tells her all the things that will be the start of her demise. She has spent her life avoiding these things, as well as studying every person in town to see if they are her would be killer. When Annie arrives at the house with the lawyer, Frances is dead. Let the games begin. Annie is determined to find out who killed her aunt and why.
This was mysterious and very addictive. We learn about Frances and her younger years through a diary that Annie finds. There is also a murder wall set up in the house, a murder wall for her own murder. It turns out that plenty of people have reason to want Frances dead. I got so caught up in this story and just needed to keep reading. The ending was shocking, I did not see it coming at all.
Thanks so much to Hachette Australia for sending me a copy of this book. It came out this week and really is worth a read. A great debut
November 26, 2023
4 ⭐️ Absolutely FANTASTIC!
March 27, 2024
In 1965 krijgt Frances Adams een verschrikkelijke voorspelling te horen van een waarzegster. Ze zal haar hele leven moeten vrezen om vermoord te worden door iemand die ze kent. Voor Frances volgt een bestaan dat gevuld is met achterdocht en wantrouwen tegen alles en iedereen. Overal ziet ze complotten in, die haar leven voortijdig kunnen beëindigen. Als ze dan toch sterft, heeft Frances een laatste ultieme actie achter de hand. Diegene die haar moord oplost, krijgt de volledige erfenis. De jacht op de moordenaar is ingezet.
Kristen Perrin schreef met Hoe ik mijn eigen moord oploste haar allereerste thriller. Eerder verschenen twee jeugdboeken van haar in een serie genaamd Inktgenootschap. Het boek bevat twee tijdsperiodes die elk uitvoerig aan bod komen. In het eerste hoofdstuk wordt een sprong in de tijd gemaakt en is het 1965. De lezer maakt er kennis met de jonge Frances en haar twee beste vriendinnen, Rose en Emily. De lezer wordt meteen in het verhaal gekatapulteerd en leest direct al over de voorspelling die Frances’ hele leven zal bepalen. De hoofdstukken die handelen over haar jonge jaren zijn cursief en geven de lezer de kans om Frances en haar vriendengroep beter te leren kennen. De overige hoofdstukken zijn geschreven vanuit het standpunt van Annie Adams in de tegenwoordige tijd. Zij is, samen met enkele andere personages aangesteld om de moord op Frances te onderzoeken en de moordenaar aan te wijzen. Als deze wordt opgelost door Annie, erft zij alles van haar oudtante. Er zijn echter wel kapers op de kust die azen op Frances’ fortuin en daar minder goede bedoelingen mee hebben.
Beide tijdsperiodes zijn vlot en boeiend geschreven. Vooral de hoofdstukken vanuit uit Frances jonge jaren zijn interessant en geven de meeste informatie prijs om Frances’ moord op te helderen. Het is niet altijd gemakkelijk om alle personages uit elkaar te houden in de verschillende tijdspannes en de relaties tussen iedereen te kunnen volgen. Het verhaal sleept de lezer mee, hoewel het begin niet heel erg spannend is. De grootste spanning volgt op ongeveer 60% van het boek en zorgt ervoor dat de lezer wil weten hoe alles in elkaar zit. Af en toe wordt er wel van de hak op de tak gesprongen en zijn de denkwijzen van de personages niet helemaal duidelijk. Het einde bevat de nodige plottwisten, hoewel bepaalde lezers misschien al een deel van de oplossing zelf kunnen uitvogelen. Ik geef het boek 3,5 sterren.
Hoe ik mijn eigen moord oploste is een goed geconstrueerd verhaal dat perfect is voor lezers die houden van cosy crime en graag zelf even voor detective willen spelen. Fans van Agatha Christie en Jessica Fellowes zullen dit verhaal zeker kunnen smaken.
Deze recensie verscheen eerder op Vrouwenthrillers.nl. Ik wil ook uitgeverij Boekerij bedanken voor dit recensie exemplaar!
Kristen Perrin schreef met Hoe ik mijn eigen moord oploste haar allereerste thriller. Eerder verschenen twee jeugdboeken van haar in een serie genaamd Inktgenootschap. Het boek bevat twee tijdsperiodes die elk uitvoerig aan bod komen. In het eerste hoofdstuk wordt een sprong in de tijd gemaakt en is het 1965. De lezer maakt er kennis met de jonge Frances en haar twee beste vriendinnen, Rose en Emily. De lezer wordt meteen in het verhaal gekatapulteerd en leest direct al over de voorspelling die Frances’ hele leven zal bepalen. De hoofdstukken die handelen over haar jonge jaren zijn cursief en geven de lezer de kans om Frances en haar vriendengroep beter te leren kennen. De overige hoofdstukken zijn geschreven vanuit het standpunt van Annie Adams in de tegenwoordige tijd. Zij is, samen met enkele andere personages aangesteld om de moord op Frances te onderzoeken en de moordenaar aan te wijzen. Als deze wordt opgelost door Annie, erft zij alles van haar oudtante. Er zijn echter wel kapers op de kust die azen op Frances’ fortuin en daar minder goede bedoelingen mee hebben.
Beide tijdsperiodes zijn vlot en boeiend geschreven. Vooral de hoofdstukken vanuit uit Frances jonge jaren zijn interessant en geven de meeste informatie prijs om Frances’ moord op te helderen. Het is niet altijd gemakkelijk om alle personages uit elkaar te houden in de verschillende tijdspannes en de relaties tussen iedereen te kunnen volgen. Het verhaal sleept de lezer mee, hoewel het begin niet heel erg spannend is. De grootste spanning volgt op ongeveer 60% van het boek en zorgt ervoor dat de lezer wil weten hoe alles in elkaar zit. Af en toe wordt er wel van de hak op de tak gesprongen en zijn de denkwijzen van de personages niet helemaal duidelijk. Het einde bevat de nodige plottwisten, hoewel bepaalde lezers misschien al een deel van de oplossing zelf kunnen uitvogelen. Ik geef het boek 3,5 sterren.
Hoe ik mijn eigen moord oploste is een goed geconstrueerd verhaal dat perfect is voor lezers die houden van cosy crime en graag zelf even voor detective willen spelen. Fans van Agatha Christie en Jessica Fellowes zullen dit verhaal zeker kunnen smaken.
Deze recensie verscheen eerder op Vrouwenthrillers.nl. Ik wil ook uitgeverij Boekerij bedanken voor dit recensie exemplaar!
March 9, 2024
I'm wondering what will happen in the second book of this series because to me the story was nicely rounded up. We'll see.
In times I found this book a little hard to follow because the complicated family ties. We get to read the story from two POV's and since one part of the story is set in the sixties and the other in the present, the reader has to make a lot of connections before the story gets wholly clear.
Main character Annie needs more background and depth, I think, will the second book be a success. She's coming across as an 18-year old - she doesn't have a job, apparently not a lot of education but decides to 'write crime books'. Confronted with a death in the family she really needs to solve the crime that was involved, but she knows next to nothing about police procedural - hence the fact that she finds something that could be the murder weapon but instead of calling the police she picks it up and takes it to the police station.
Really?
Anyway, there are some interesting characters here - the greedy in-law, the estranged son and the dubious solicitor - but it was not enough for me to go beyond three stars.
Thanks to Quercus Books and Netgalley for this review copy.
In times I found this book a little hard to follow because the complicated family ties. We get to read the story from two POV's and since one part of the story is set in the sixties and the other in the present, the reader has to make a lot of connections before the story gets wholly clear.
Main character Annie needs more background and depth, I think, will the second book be a success. She's coming across as an 18-year old - she doesn't have a job, apparently not a lot of education but decides to 'write crime books'. Confronted with a death in the family she really needs to solve the crime that was involved, but she knows next to nothing about police procedural - hence the fact that she finds something that could be the murder weapon but instead of calling the police she picks it up and takes it to the police station.
Really?
Anyway, there are some interesting characters here - the greedy in-law, the estranged son and the dubious solicitor - but it was not enough for me to go beyond three stars.
Thanks to Quercus Books and Netgalley for this review copy.
April 18, 2024
As a teenager, Frances visited a fortuneteller, and was given a laundry list of things to look out for, culminating with the warning, "All signs point toward your murder." She spends her life in trepidation, waiting for the axe to fall . . . literally.
This one was just an okay read for me - a great premise with a so-so follow through. The many characters seemed very similar, and none of them interested me much.
I see that this is to be a series, and it may indeed get better as it goes along.
Thanks to NetGalley and Dutton for the ARC.
This one was just an okay read for me - a great premise with a so-so follow through. The many characters seemed very similar, and none of them interested me much.
I see that this is to be a series, and it may indeed get better as it goes along.
Thanks to NetGalley and Dutton for the ARC.
November 21, 2023
How To Solve Your Own Murder is a double narrative tale of aspiring sleuths: tasked with the responsibility of solving her great aunt’s murder in order to inherit her entire estate (as well as the house her and her mother have always lived in), Annie Adams finds herself in the middle of a sixty year old story, in a village she’s never known, where secrets abound and an old woman’s grudge could very well destroy a whole community.
The book flies by really quickly, and the double narrative device, with Annie’s story in the foreground in contemporary times and her great aunt Frances’s diaries in the 1960s, helps in giving the sense of urgency thanks to well placed cliffhangers.
The premise sounded really fun, but right as the situation is established I found myself in disbelief: the humble and forgiving woman of the 1965 diaries has really become so jaded and secluded from her own community that she’s willing to let it die unless a niece she’s never even met solves her murder (which at the time of the will being written hadn’t even happened yet, of course)?
This same problem of unbelievable and barely consequential logic leaps reverberates throughout the novel, as clues fit together into a tapestry just as well as a forced jigsaw puzzle.
The writing is a bit clunky at times, the fortune the whole plot is driven by is a jumble of words - which would be fine when it comes to the realism of it, I guess, but for me and the people that have to read it countless times in the novel it becomes a bit of a mess. I suppose that should teach everyone a lesson in looking for signs anywhere just because they’re found in cryptic sentences.
The novel felt a bit too descriptive (I lost count of how many Get Ready With Mes we get), with the narrator of choice (either Annie or Frances) explicitly telling us what they were thinking at any single time in a way that felt a bit too fabricated, especially because you can tell when either of them is withholding information in order to create another end of chapter cliffhanger. Also the tongue-in-cheek joke of the murder mystery writer solving the murder mystery of someone obsessed with a murder mystery of her own while we are reading said murder mystery - with all the references to typical murder mystery novels and films: that’s too much, reel it back a little. Did you see how annoying it was to read the words “murder mystery” so many times in a row? At a certain point any attempt at metanarration becomes a sad cliché, and it happens soon.
Another final remark: Frances and Annie’s voices read exactly the same, they don’t feel like characters of their own (does any character, actually? they all feel pretty twodimesional to me), and even worse, the narration sixty years in the past could have very well been set in contemporary times and I would have barely noticed a difference - they speak in the exact same way as the people in 202x (whichever year this book is set in). Also it’s set in England but doesn’t feel British - a quick research told me the author is American, so keep that in mind - there is nothing particularly telling about it, but I did get an uncanny valley feeling about it and had to check.
The plot also reminds me of another recent murder mystery novel with a fortune teller and a surprise inheritance plot with the double narrative of hidden diaries, even though it’s a bit darker in tone: The Death of Mrs Westaway by Ruth Ware.
I’m very sad I ended up giving this book a low rating, even though I came to it with an open mind. It still works for the very occasional crime reader or for someone in need of an airport book, but if you’re in search of the next Great Mystery Novel then I’d advise to look elsewhere.
Access to the ARC acquired thanks to NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The book flies by really quickly, and the double narrative device, with Annie’s story in the foreground in contemporary times and her great aunt Frances’s diaries in the 1960s, helps in giving the sense of urgency thanks to well placed cliffhangers.
The premise sounded really fun, but right as the situation is established I found myself in disbelief: the humble and forgiving woman of the 1965 diaries has really become so jaded and secluded from her own community that she’s willing to let it die unless a niece she’s never even met solves her murder (which at the time of the will being written hadn’t even happened yet, of course)?
This same problem of unbelievable and barely consequential logic leaps reverberates throughout the novel, as clues fit together into a tapestry just as well as a forced jigsaw puzzle.
The writing is a bit clunky at times, the fortune the whole plot is driven by is a jumble of words - which would be fine when it comes to the realism of it, I guess, but for me and the people that have to read it countless times in the novel it becomes a bit of a mess. I suppose that should teach everyone a lesson in looking for signs anywhere just because they’re found in cryptic sentences.
The novel felt a bit too descriptive (I lost count of how many Get Ready With Mes we get), with the narrator of choice (either Annie or Frances) explicitly telling us what they were thinking at any single time in a way that felt a bit too fabricated, especially because you can tell when either of them is withholding information in order to create another end of chapter cliffhanger. Also the tongue-in-cheek joke of the murder mystery writer solving the murder mystery of someone obsessed with a murder mystery of her own while we are reading said murder mystery - with all the references to typical murder mystery novels and films: that’s too much, reel it back a little. Did you see how annoying it was to read the words “murder mystery” so many times in a row? At a certain point any attempt at metanarration becomes a sad cliché, and it happens soon.
Another final remark: Frances and Annie’s voices read exactly the same, they don’t feel like characters of their own (does any character, actually? they all feel pretty twodimesional to me), and even worse, the narration sixty years in the past could have very well been set in contemporary times and I would have barely noticed a difference - they speak in the exact same way as the people in 202x (whichever year this book is set in). Also it’s set in England but doesn’t feel British - a quick research told me the author is American, so keep that in mind - there is nothing particularly telling about it, but I did get an uncanny valley feeling about it and had to check.
The plot also reminds me of another recent murder mystery novel with a fortune teller and a surprise inheritance plot with the double narrative of hidden diaries, even though it’s a bit darker in tone: The Death of Mrs Westaway by Ruth Ware.
I’m very sad I ended up giving this book a low rating, even though I came to it with an open mind. It still works for the very occasional crime reader or for someone in need of an airport book, but if you’re in search of the next Great Mystery Novel then I’d advise to look elsewhere.
Access to the ARC acquired thanks to NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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