A Very Novel Murder

Ellie Alexander isn't a new-to-me author, and I have enjoyed her lighthearted cozy mysteries, particularly her Sloan Kraus series that blends mystery with craft beer.

A Very Novel Murder is the first book in a new series by this prolific cozy mystery writer which I soon learned is a spin-off from her Secret Bookcase series. I have not read that series and felt a little like I was missing out on connections between characters, but I don't think you have to read the previous series before diving into this one.

The Gist: Annie Murray, owner of a cute bookshop, has started a detective agency with her friend Fletcher. Annie and Fletcher are graduates of a Criminology program and put their skills to the test in their first case when the duo is asked by an elderly woman to investigate the suspicious suicide of her young neighbour, a successful surfer.

I didn't quite connect with the characters (main and secondary) as much as I had hoped and I had to suspend disbelief over a few things - namely police pulling the duo into the investigation - but otherwise this was a quick and entertaining mystery to curl up with on a chilly winter day.

This story has all the cozy mystery fixin's - quaint small-town, eager local character who inserts themselves into a mystery, a few red herrings and a satisfying conclusion. Fans of Agatha Christie and Arthur Conan Doyle) will love the many references to those mystery greats! 

Disclaimer: My sincere thanks to Storm Publishing for the complimentary digital copy of this book that was given in exchange for my honest review.

My Rating: 3 stars

Author: Ellie Alexander

Genre: Cozy mystery

Series: Novel Detectives Mystery 1

Type and Source: ebook from publisher via NetGalley

Publisher: Storm Publishing

First Published: Jan 20, 2026

Read: Dec 4-8, 2025

Book Description from GoodReads: Opening a detective agency above her beloved bookstore seems like the perfect business plan—until Annie Murray’s first case involves a suspicious death right on her doorstep.

June Munrow, an elderly resident of Annie’s home town, Redwood Grove, is convinced that young Kelly Taylor’s recent drowning wasn't the tragic accident everyone believes it to be. Despite the police ruling, June is determined to prove there’s more to the story and hires the Novel Detectives to uncover the truth.

As Annie delves into Kelly’s life, she discovers a tangled web of secrets involving Kelly’s complicated relationships, a peculiar landlord, and her mysterious roommate. Everyone connected to Kelly seems to be hiding something, and the deeper Annie digs, the more puzzling the case becomes.

With her trademark blend of curiosity and compassion, can Annie piece together the clues and solve her first official case—before she gets into deep water herself?

Perfect for fans of Lauren Elliott, Merryn Allingham and M.C. Beaton, this charming cozy mystery is brimming with small-town secrets and bookish charm that will keep you turning pages late into the night.