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The Lettering Detective #1
Murder by the Letter
Greetings from Monchac, Louisiana. Home to fifty-seven souls and the world’s only floating stationery store! When Mila Breaux’s LA dreams go up in smoke, she’ll move her cozy lettering shop down to bayou country, and pile her pens and paper onto her late uncle’s houseboat. But the discovery of human bones just feet from her new store will rock the foundations of the sleepy swamp town. It will be up to Mila and a quirky band of characters to get to the bottom of things before it is too late! Interesting locals include her new best friend, a Cajun girl who claims to speak to animals; her Auntie Roma, the best cook in all the south; and Xavier Ordoyn, a handsome but severely lax game warden. Among them, Mila will find a new home, a new pet kitty, and a new life as she dredges the swamps for the truth! If you’re a fan of cozy mysteries involving cute crafts, kittens, Cajun cooking, and a cast of uniquely drawn characters, you will love Murder by the book one in the brand-new Lettering Detective Cozy Mystery Series, by renowned lettering artist Lisa Pevey (@Nolalettering).
138 pages, Paperback
Published September 1, 2023
496 people are currently reading
353 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
April 24, 2025
😼
You know a cozy is good when you don't figure out who done it. Serif has my heart and this little town has more mysteries I want to read.
CN: eviction, parental death, cheating, kidnapping, straggling, collusion
Format: ebook KU
You know a cozy is good when you don't figure out who done it. Serif has my heart and this little town has more mysteries I want to read.
CN: eviction, parental death, cheating, kidnapping, straggling, collusion
Format: ebook KU
April 9, 2025
An interesting story with a lot of humor.
May 29, 2025
i’ve been trying to read this for the past couple of weeks
Could not really get into the story it was kind of a slow attention grabber. Which especially for e-books doesn’t keep me hooked very long.
Could not really get into the story it was kind of a slow attention grabber. Which especially for e-books doesn’t keep me hooked very long.
October 3, 2023
Charming fun and original
A very enjoyable read, set in a small Cajun community. The atmosphere is very well drawn, the characters are eccentric but believable and there's a large dollop of humour. The heroine finds herself the proud owner of a houseboat, where she sets up her precious lettering shop. This isn't a hobby I'm particularly familiar with but it's used very neatly in the mystery and no special knowledge was required. There's lots of twists and turns, and a satisfying solution.
Really enjoyed and will be trying book 2 !
A very enjoyable read, set in a small Cajun community. The atmosphere is very well drawn, the characters are eccentric but believable and there's a large dollop of humour. The heroine finds herself the proud owner of a houseboat, where she sets up her precious lettering shop. This isn't a hobby I'm particularly familiar with but it's used very neatly in the mystery and no special knowledge was required. There's lots of twists and turns, and a satisfying solution.
Really enjoyed and will be trying book 2 !
Read
September 15, 2024I made it several chapters into this before DNF’ing. The setting and vibe weren’t quite right for me.
The main character was likable and intriguing, even though I do think she decided to upend her life and set up shop on her inherited houseboa too quickly for believability.
The discovery of the murder victim—both the location and the identity of the victim—were great hooks.
I could also see a cast of humorous side characters developing that I liked. Unfortunately, there was one character in particular I really didn’t care for, and I suspect she will be heavily featured in the story.
It was a DNF for me, but if you like bayous and Cajan culture and a dash of peculiarity, this might work better for you.
The main character was likable and intriguing, even though I do think she decided to upend her life and set up shop on her inherited houseboa too quickly for believability.
The discovery of the murder victim—both the location and the identity of the victim—were great hooks.
I could also see a cast of humorous side characters developing that I liked. Unfortunately, there was one character in particular I really didn’t care for, and I suspect she will be heavily featured in the story.
It was a DNF for me, but if you like bayous and Cajan culture and a dash of peculiarity, this might work better for you.
Read
April 3, 2025Very strange book. I kept trying. It gave up and stopped at 44%.
Amazon synopsis:
When Breaux’s LA dreams go up in smoke, she’ll move her cozy lettering shop down to bayou country, and pile her pens and paper onto her late uncle’s houseboat.
But the discovery of human bones just feet from her new store will rock the foundations of the sleepy swamp town. It will be up to Mila and a quirky band of characters to get to the bottom of things before it is too late!
Interesting locals include her new best friend, a Cajun girl who claims to speak to animals; her Auntie Roma, the best cook in all the south; and Xavier Ordoyn, a handsome but severely lax game warden. Among them, Mila will find a new home, a new pet kitty, and a new life as she dredges the swamps for the truth!
Amazon synopsis:
When Breaux’s LA dreams go up in smoke, she’ll move her cozy lettering shop down to bayou country, and pile her pens and paper onto her late uncle’s houseboat.
But the discovery of human bones just feet from her new store will rock the foundations of the sleepy swamp town. It will be up to Mila and a quirky band of characters to get to the bottom of things before it is too late!
Interesting locals include her new best friend, a Cajun girl who claims to speak to animals; her Auntie Roma, the best cook in all the south; and Xavier Ordoyn, a handsome but severely lax game warden. Among them, Mila will find a new home, a new pet kitty, and a new life as she dredges the swamps for the truth!
February 24, 2026
The Lettering Detective #1: Murder by the Letter
by Lisa Pevey
★★★☆☆½ (3.5 Stars)
This is my first time reading the work of the husband-and-wife duo, Lisa Pevey, and I found this cosy mystery engaging.
Mila is a relatable ex-LA city girl who finds herself starting over in the Bayou. I particularly appreciated the nuanced human element of the landlord who had to evict Mila; it made the situation feel refreshingly human. She finds herself starting anew, armed only with the stationery from her lettering shop on her late uncle’s inherited houseboat. It is here that she meets Aunty Roma—whom she has never met before—who confirms that the boat is hers. It is also here that she "nets" a haul of bones: the beginning of our murder mystery.
The introduction of Aunty Roma, who is clearly an excellent cook, adds a lovely warmth to the story. There is a cast of characters who are perhaps "quirky," but more accurately, they seem to be a community living a "hard-knock" life with humour, hope, and grace.
For me, the standout character isn't Mila, who has been upended into this new world, but Critter Girl, who already inhabits it. I’m eager to start the next book to discover if she truly can talk to animals—this instalment certainly hints at it! I found the story heartwarming; I chose the "cosy" genre because there is quite enough coldness in the real world. While the rapid friendship between Mila and Critter Girl felt a bit sudden, Critter Girl provides an essential balance to the narrative. The book was also an illuminating experience, offering a fascinating glimpse into the Bayou and Cajun culture. I shall definitely be reading the next one. Join me! 😉
by Lisa Pevey
★★★☆☆½ (3.5 Stars)
This is my first time reading the work of the husband-and-wife duo, Lisa Pevey, and I found this cosy mystery engaging.
Mila is a relatable ex-LA city girl who finds herself starting over in the Bayou. I particularly appreciated the nuanced human element of the landlord who had to evict Mila; it made the situation feel refreshingly human. She finds herself starting anew, armed only with the stationery from her lettering shop on her late uncle’s inherited houseboat. It is here that she meets Aunty Roma—whom she has never met before—who confirms that the boat is hers. It is also here that she "nets" a haul of bones: the beginning of our murder mystery.
The introduction of Aunty Roma, who is clearly an excellent cook, adds a lovely warmth to the story. There is a cast of characters who are perhaps "quirky," but more accurately, they seem to be a community living a "hard-knock" life with humour, hope, and grace.
For me, the standout character isn't Mila, who has been upended into this new world, but Critter Girl, who already inhabits it. I’m eager to start the next book to discover if she truly can talk to animals—this instalment certainly hints at it! I found the story heartwarming; I chose the "cosy" genre because there is quite enough coldness in the real world. While the rapid friendship between Mila and Critter Girl felt a bit sudden, Critter Girl provides an essential balance to the narrative. The book was also an illuminating experience, offering a fascinating glimpse into the Bayou and Cajun culture. I shall definitely be reading the next one. Join me! 😉
January 27, 2025
Publisher Description
Greetings from Monchac, Louisiana. Home to fifty-seven souls and the world’s only floating stationery store!
When Mila Breaux’s LA dreams go up in smoke, she’ll move her cozy lettering shop down to bayou country, and pile her pens and paper onto her late uncle’s houseboat.
But the discovery of human bones just feet from her new store will rock the foundations of the sleepy swamp town. It will be up to Mila and a quirky band of characters to get to the bottom of things before it is too late!
MY THOUGHTS:
I do enjoy the budding friendship between Mila and Critter Girl--I'd love to have their talents for my own. A cozy mystery with a swiftly moving story line and engaging characters -- just as I like it!. This novella introduces the Lettering Detective Mystery series. The perfect quick read on days I find myself waiting on appointments. I have already started book two in this entertaining series
Greetings from Monchac, Louisiana. Home to fifty-seven souls and the world’s only floating stationery store!
When Mila Breaux’s LA dreams go up in smoke, she’ll move her cozy lettering shop down to bayou country, and pile her pens and paper onto her late uncle’s houseboat.
But the discovery of human bones just feet from her new store will rock the foundations of the sleepy swamp town. It will be up to Mila and a quirky band of characters to get to the bottom of things before it is too late!
MY THOUGHTS:
I do enjoy the budding friendship between Mila and Critter Girl--I'd love to have their talents for my own. A cozy mystery with a swiftly moving story line and engaging characters -- just as I like it!. This novella introduces the Lettering Detective Mystery series. The perfect quick read on days I find myself waiting on appointments. I have already started book two in this entertaining series
May 31, 2024
Short, enjoyable, cosy, swampy mystery. I got a good feel for the setting and enjoyed the main characters. Lots of humor (and food) sprinkled throughout.
Everyone seemed to have similar complexions, as if they’d all been baked by an oven and taken out at the same time.
I cleared my throat and she turned and acknowledged me with a sad smile. Then she began chopping some bell pepper, celery and onion. Her knife work was fairly dazzling and rivaled anything I’d ever seen on any cooking show. She put some butter on the stove, a shocking amount really, and added the vegetables in, along with the pile of crawfish tails. Soon, the kitchen was filled with a smell that was far better than such a concoction would have led me to believe.
Everyone seemed to have similar complexions, as if they’d all been baked by an oven and taken out at the same time.
I cleared my throat and she turned and acknowledged me with a sad smile. Then she began chopping some bell pepper, celery and onion. Her knife work was fairly dazzling and rivaled anything I’d ever seen on any cooking show. She put some butter on the stove, a shocking amount really, and added the vegetables in, along with the pile of crawfish tails. Soon, the kitchen was filled with a smell that was far better than such a concoction would have led me to believe.
August 29, 2023
The perfect cozy mystery for stationery lovers!
Confession time: I'm a stationery addict. I also love reading cozy mysteries.
So when I discovered that there was a new cozy mystery series featuring a lettering artist turned amateur sleuth, I knew I had to download it to my ereader right away. I wasn't disappointed. Murder by the Letter is a fun read with interesting suspects, a fascinating Louisiana setting, an adorable cat, mouth-watering food, and oodles of stationery.
Having lived on sailboats for several years, I was also delighted to discover that much of the action took place on a houseboat.
Looking forward to the next book in the series!
Confession time: I'm a stationery addict. I also love reading cozy mysteries.
So when I discovered that there was a new cozy mystery series featuring a lettering artist turned amateur sleuth, I knew I had to download it to my ereader right away. I wasn't disappointed. Murder by the Letter is a fun read with interesting suspects, a fascinating Louisiana setting, an adorable cat, mouth-watering food, and oodles of stationery.
Having lived on sailboats for several years, I was also delighted to discover that much of the action took place on a houseboat.
Looking forward to the next book in the series!
February 28, 2024
I'm enjoying this series, because I like the characters, the plot, the writing style. But I need to warn any other readers about one thing.
If you are a grammarian... if your head spins and you feel nauseous when you read something that deserves a stab of a red pencil... beware.
Ms. Pevey's editor (if there is one) needs to give her some constructive criticism and instruction in the use of the objective case.
"She and I read this book for our book club. I went to the library to pick the books up FOR her and me." Not for her and I! (Okay, I really would have said for us, not for her and me, but you get my point.)
This seems to be a common problem. So many people - not only writers, but ordinary people - are afraid to say ME. This is an irritant for ME. Not for I, for me.
If you can overlook this grammatical error, I encourage you to read this cozy series, because they are entertaining pieces of brain candy.
Now I'm going to make dinner for my husband and ME. :)
If you are a grammarian... if your head spins and you feel nauseous when you read something that deserves a stab of a red pencil... beware.
Ms. Pevey's editor (if there is one) needs to give her some constructive criticism and instruction in the use of the objective case.
"She and I read this book for our book club. I went to the library to pick the books up FOR her and me." Not for her and I! (Okay, I really would have said for us, not for her and me, but you get my point.)
This seems to be a common problem. So many people - not only writers, but ordinary people - are afraid to say ME. This is an irritant for ME. Not for I, for me.
If you can overlook this grammatical error, I encourage you to read this cozy series, because they are entertaining pieces of brain candy.
Now I'm going to make dinner for my husband and ME. :)
November 13, 2024
Any cozy with a cat is usually a good cozy
And this cozy not only has a cat but a character who can hold a 2 way conversation with him! Mila runs a stationary store in Los Angeles. On the day her landlord informs her he's evicting her in a week, she finds out her Uncle Alcede has been declared dead and has left her a houseboat in rural Louisiana. Taking it as a sign, she moves. Meets her Aunt Roma. Finds a cat named Serif. Makes a new best friend, Critter Girl. And finds Alcede's remains. But how did he die?
I love a fun cozy. Although there didn't seem to be enough meat on the bones of this one, it was still fun.
And this cozy not only has a cat but a character who can hold a 2 way conversation with him! Mila runs a stationary store in Los Angeles. On the day her landlord informs her he's evicting her in a week, she finds out her Uncle Alcede has been declared dead and has left her a houseboat in rural Louisiana. Taking it as a sign, she moves. Meets her Aunt Roma. Finds a cat named Serif. Makes a new best friend, Critter Girl. And finds Alcede's remains. But how did he die?
I love a fun cozy. Although there didn't seem to be enough meat on the bones of this one, it was still fun.
August 2, 2025
2.5 star. Meh. I was hoping for small town bayou charm with quirky characters to go along with my mystery. Sadly, I found it lacking on both fronts. Mostly however I found Mila herself lacking in charm and empathy. For example Sheree has been nothing but nice and a good friend to her. Yet when Mila suspects Sheree's dad, she shows no concern for S or her feelings, just expects her to jump on board with hunting down evidence against her own father because Mila's feelings about justice for the dead uncle she never met are way more important than Sheree's feelings for her father who loves her and has cared for her, her whole life based only on Mila's suspicions.
November 11, 2023
What a lovely job done by the author. A fun, quick cozy that was a perfect palate cleaner. She’s done an especially good job with the characters and settings. I was born and raised in the bayou, and I know these people. I know these waters. I know the details that are barely-not-really mentioned that add to the backdrop. This girl knows the difference between the swamp, NOLA, and The South. That’s a lot harder to convey than most people realize. Great job! I’ll come back for the rest of the series.
August 25, 2024
Whodunit in the bayou?
Mila inherits a worn out houseboat on a bayou in Southern Louisiana from an uncle she didn't know. She moves from California and takes her pen and stationery business with her. While she and her new helper, Cherie, are netting for fish they pull up a skeleton! The skeleton is identified by Mila's Auntie as her deceased Uncle Alcede. But how did he die? Did he commit suicide as the note on the houseboat implies? Who was trying to stop Mila from finding the answers to her questions?
Mila inherits a worn out houseboat on a bayou in Southern Louisiana from an uncle she didn't know. She moves from California and takes her pen and stationery business with her. While she and her new helper, Cherie, are netting for fish they pull up a skeleton! The skeleton is identified by Mila's Auntie as her deceased Uncle Alcede. But how did he die? Did he commit suicide as the note on the houseboat implies? Who was trying to stop Mila from finding the answers to her questions?
September 15, 2024
A a proofreader and lover of fonts, I found this book (and series) delightful. Good plots, interesting characters, great settings, unusual solutions.
I'm going to respond here for all the 4 books I've read so far:
Dear author, you are in desperate need of a proofreader who knows the difference between "Cherie and I did something," and "Something happened to Cherie and me." Yes, you may use the word "me" when combined with another name. Please fix all your books to make this correct. Thank you, from another proofreader.
I'm going to respond here for all the 4 books I've read so far:
Dear author, you are in desperate need of a proofreader who knows the difference between "Cherie and I did something," and "Something happened to Cherie and me." Yes, you may use the word "me" when combined with another name. Please fix all your books to make this correct. Thank you, from another proofreader.
October 30, 2025
This story lacked so much motive for me.
Why would she investigate the murder of an uncle she did not know, why would she start a lettering shop in the bayou after it did not run well enough in LA - it just does not seem like people out there would be interested but i could be wrong. Why would other people answer her prodding questions while they did not know her at all - even her auntie. I would not feel the need to tell her anything of the sort. In short: really could not get into it and only finished it because I am doing a reading challenge at the moment…
Why would she investigate the murder of an uncle she did not know, why would she start a lettering shop in the bayou after it did not run well enough in LA - it just does not seem like people out there would be interested but i could be wrong. Why would other people answer her prodding questions while they did not know her at all - even her auntie. I would not feel the need to tell her anything of the sort. In short: really could not get into it and only finished it because I am doing a reading challenge at the moment…
January 17, 2026
A different type of cozy
4.25 stars
This had such unique vibes of a cozy, not because of the plot, but because of the setup and setting. This was the first time I ever read of cozy set on a house boat that layer turned into a stationary store. Having that type of setup made the mystery fresh and even more intriguing. The mystery was easy to follow. It was a good mystery overall. The characters added a lot of flair and had their personalities seemingly reflect Louisiana culture, which also added a lot to the story. It was just a good story overall.
4.25 stars
This had such unique vibes of a cozy, not because of the plot, but because of the setup and setting. This was the first time I ever read of cozy set on a house boat that layer turned into a stationary store. Having that type of setup made the mystery fresh and even more intriguing. The mystery was easy to follow. It was a good mystery overall. The characters added a lot of flair and had their personalities seemingly reflect Louisiana culture, which also added a lot to the story. It was just a good story overall.
March 7, 2026
Cajun Magic
What a bright, refreshing twist on the cozy mystery format. Daughter of a Cajun, born and raised in California, her business failing, finds out in the nick of time that her long lost uncle, left her a boat. She starts over in Louisiana. The magic is the way the author brings to life the area, using the bayou’s, the people, and the food as characters in the plot. This is a really good story, with refreshing characters, set in a totally magical area of the Louisiana bayous. I can almost taste the gumbo.
What a bright, refreshing twist on the cozy mystery format. Daughter of a Cajun, born and raised in California, her business failing, finds out in the nick of time that her long lost uncle, left her a boat. She starts over in Louisiana. The magic is the way the author brings to life the area, using the bayou’s, the people, and the food as characters in the plot. This is a really good story, with refreshing characters, set in a totally magical area of the Louisiana bayous. I can almost taste the gumbo.
October 30, 2024
Interesting
A new type of mystery. A lettering detective. She moved from California to the swamps of Louisiana. While Hallmark has given us a detective living on a houseboat, he was at least an ex cop. Mila sells stationary, pens, chalk and other things out of her houseboat shop. She finds the bones of her uncle that left her the houseboat and needs to find out how he died. And the adventure begins.
A new type of mystery. A lettering detective. She moved from California to the swamps of Louisiana. While Hallmark has given us a detective living on a houseboat, he was at least an ex cop. Mila sells stationary, pens, chalk and other things out of her houseboat shop. She finds the bones of her uncle that left her the houseboat and needs to find out how he died. And the adventure begins.
September 28, 2023
Cute cozy mystery
Living on the gulf coast next to Louisiana, this story reminded me of so many characters I'd met in my travels across the border. These characters were completely relatable and I could hear the dialect in my head. What a wonderful distraction on a hot and humid day here in Texas.
Living on the gulf coast next to Louisiana, this story reminded me of so many characters I'd met in my travels across the border. These characters were completely relatable and I could hear the dialect in my head. What a wonderful distraction on a hot and humid day here in Texas.
September 15, 2024
We follow Mila who inherits an old houseboat on a bayou in Southern Louisiana from an uncle she didn't know. She moves to town from California and brings her pen and stationery business with her. She finds human remains by the boat and is pulled into solving a mystery she never anticipated. The setting and quirky characters make this a great read. I look forward to the rest of the series.
October 18, 2024
A fun (and intriguing) murder/stationery mystery
This book was exactly what I needed to read when I picked it up. I loved the whimsical parts of the story and the stationery barge. It really is the perfect setting for a series. Can't wait to dive into the second one and keep on reading.
This book was exactly what I needed to read when I picked it up. I loved the whimsical parts of the story and the stationery barge. It really is the perfect setting for a series. Can't wait to dive into the second one and keep on reading.
December 14, 2024
Loved it! Amazing mystery❤😻
I loved a cat murder mystery!❤😻. This book had amazing book characters and oh my the murder itself! The cat was just the best part😻! This book was brilliant! I know that I loved reading a murder book and relieved that it gets solved with a dash of mystery😉.
I loved a cat murder mystery!❤😻. This book had amazing book characters and oh my the murder itself! The cat was just the best part😻! This book was brilliant! I know that I loved reading a murder book and relieved that it gets solved with a dash of mystery😉.
March 10, 2025
I enjoyed this story, very much. The characters are vivid and come alive in the story. The plot is straightforward and the premise is finding out who killed the uncle of the main character and why. The answers were sometimes hair raising and active, but the answers are revealed and the killer caught. I definitely recommend this book
June 17, 2025
Meh. Not my thing. The MFC's supposedly clever sayings aren't very clever. I don't think even a sommelier can identify a pinot noir just by looking a glass in someone's hand, and Crittergirl is a ridiculous nickname. Besides all that, a floating stationery and calligraphy shop probably isn't going to be successful in Louisiana if it failed in Los Angeles.
July 17, 2025
Entertaining!
This is a short book, but it held my attention well. Colorful characters, good plot, lots of action, and very atmospheric. I would've liked a bit more desription of the houseboat and how Mila displayed her stock. I was relying on what little I know from movies to put myself on the boat. Overall, a very enjoyable read!
This is a short book, but it held my attention well. Colorful characters, good plot, lots of action, and very atmospheric. I would've liked a bit more desription of the houseboat and how Mila displayed her stock. I was relying on what little I know from movies to put myself on the boat. Overall, a very enjoyable read!
May 15, 2024
Great quick read!
This was a great quick read that kept me guessing until the end. I loved the main characters. Ms. Pevey brought each one of their unique personalities out from the moment they were introduced. I look forward to follow up books in this cozy mystery series.
This was a great quick read that kept me guessing until the end. I loved the main characters. Ms. Pevey brought each one of their unique personalities out from the moment they were introduced. I look forward to follow up books in this cozy mystery series.
June 3, 2024
Different, charming cozy
Very interesting mystery set in Louisiana. Different than many other mysteries. Interesting characters. Fun setting. Something different. Looking forward to more on the Bayou.
Very interesting mystery set in Louisiana. Different than many other mysteries. Interesting characters. Fun setting. Something different. Looking forward to more on the Bayou.
August 1, 2024
The Cajun flavor certainly shines through - I can virtually smell all the delicious odors wafting out of Auntie Roma`s kitchen, and crafting a cozy mystery around lettering was a new, and enjoyable experience for me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews