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Alice Pepper Lonely Hearts and Puzzle Club Mystery #1
Puzzle Me a Murder
Empathetic to a fault, librarian Alice Pepper always had a natural talent for figuring out people and puzzles in the small Oregon town of West Hazel. But as a mystery permeates the quiet Pacific Northwestern community, murder is a challenge she’s not prepared to solve . . .
Down-on-her-luck Alice had hoped to retire before turning sixty-five, not struggle to keep her cozy home and dependable job. But even after divorce leaves her golden years a mess, the pieces always come together with a little help from her friends—a fun-loving crew who thrive on jigsaws over coffee, cocktails, and gossip. So, when it’s time to defend close confidant Ruby Milliner, she springs into action. Only, in this case, supporting Ruby means proving she didn’t murder her cheating husband!
Ruby never wanted to kill George, although anger can make a person say questionable—and incriminating—things. And scheming, deceitful George made a lot of people angry. A quick investigation reveals the man was blackmailing whoever he could for a quick payday, from his mistress to the most prominent residents in town . . .
Alice dives into a secret search to exonerate Ruby, fiercely committed to cracking the crime and patching up torn relationships along the way. Despite using her unassuming persona to fly under the radar, slimming down a massive suspect list and restoring peace to West Hazel is a real gamble. Because if successful, Alice will meet a vengeful killer whose game she doesn’t yet know how to play.
Down-on-her-luck Alice had hoped to retire before turning sixty-five, not struggle to keep her cozy home and dependable job. But even after divorce leaves her golden years a mess, the pieces always come together with a little help from her friends—a fun-loving crew who thrive on jigsaws over coffee, cocktails, and gossip. So, when it’s time to defend close confidant Ruby Milliner, she springs into action. Only, in this case, supporting Ruby means proving she didn’t murder her cheating husband!
Ruby never wanted to kill George, although anger can make a person say questionable—and incriminating—things. And scheming, deceitful George made a lot of people angry. A quick investigation reveals the man was blackmailing whoever he could for a quick payday, from his mistress to the most prominent residents in town . . .
Alice dives into a secret search to exonerate Ruby, fiercely committed to cracking the crime and patching up torn relationships along the way. Despite using her unassuming persona to fly under the radar, slimming down a massive suspect list and restoring peace to West Hazel is a real gamble. Because if successful, Alice will meet a vengeful killer whose game she doesn’t yet know how to play.
368 pages, Hardcover
First published July 23, 2024
122 people are currently reading
10282 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
July 31, 2024
Alice Pepper enjoys having her friends over to work on puzzles most nights. Among the group is her childhood best friend Ruby Milliner. When Ruby arrives home from a business trip early, she catches her husband with his mistress. The next morning, Ruby’s husband is dead, and the police are looking at Ruby as their prime suspect. Alice jumps in to find the killer. But does she have all the pieces to solve this puzzle?
Despite the fact that I’m not much of a jigsaw puzzle guy, I thought this sounded like a fun premise for a series. Sadly, I was wrong. I didn’t feel like the characters ever went beyond being types, and it felt like they had too many interests or skills in their background. It felt like the author was checking boxes instead of making well rounded characters. There wasn’t attention to detail, so these things bumped me out of the book. The novel could have lost 60 pages without losing anything, the pacing was that off. And the climax, while logical, seemed abrupt to me. I really did want to like it more, but I won’t give this series another chance.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
Despite the fact that I’m not much of a jigsaw puzzle guy, I thought this sounded like a fun premise for a series. Sadly, I was wrong. I didn’t feel like the characters ever went beyond being types, and it felt like they had too many interests or skills in their background. It felt like the author was checking boxes instead of making well rounded characters. There wasn’t attention to detail, so these things bumped me out of the book. The novel could have lost 60 pages without losing anything, the pacing was that off. And the climax, while logical, seemed abrupt to me. I really did want to like it more, but I won’t give this series another chance.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
July 27, 2024
Dollycas's Thoughts
Coffee, cocktails, gossip, murder, and JIGSAW PUZZLES!
Librarian Alice Pepper's life has had a few bumps along the way making it impossible to retire and enjoy her golden years. With help from her friends, she is enjoying life as it is until her best friend's husband is murdered. Alice does have a way of reading people and solving puzzles in addition to jigsaw, so when her friend Ruby becomes a suspect in her husband George's murder she jumps right in to clear her name. She finds George was a man of many secrets which deepens the pool of suspects including some very prominent West Hazel residents. This puts Alice in a dangerous situation because as she pares down the list of suspects she puts herself in the killer's sights.
_____
Ms. Noonan has introduced a smart, relatable, mature protagonist in Alice Pepper. The twists and turns of her life are similar to so many women these days. She is getting through every day the best that she can. For her, that means working longer than originally planned at a job she excels at and allowing friends and family to rent rooms in her spacious house. Right now, that includes her sister Violet who works as a vice principal and is spiritually into tarot cards, vibrations, and rituals. Alice's granddaughter, Taylor, "a twenty-two-year-old hipster" still trying to find her place in the world lives in a basement room and only pays rent occasionally. Taylor has a twin sister, Madison and she is a rookie cop. With her husband being murdered in their home, Alice's BFF Ruby is staying with her as well. All the core characters develop well throughout the story and are likable. I love that the main characters are my age.
The author does a great job at world-building especially Alice's home/Alice's Castle. It's an old craftsman-style home renovated in the 1990s by a "tech prince" to "include a handful of en suite bedrooms" so the house be used for employee functions. Those plans didn't work out so Alice and her husband at the time got a great deal. Alice was able to hold on to the house after the divorce. Ruby's house is only a few blocks away and it as well as the town of West Hazel is vividly described.
Recently my husband and I were bitten by the jigsaw puzzle bug so I love the jigsaw puzzle theme. Alice, Ruby, and Violet always have a puzzle on the table to work on, sometimes as they work their way to puzzling out much heavier topics like murder. They also trade puzzles with the local senior center where Alice and Violet's Aunt Gildy resides. They visit her often for special meals and to do puzzles. You never know, Gildy may have information they can use to catch the killer. The center manager Stone Donahue may be eager to help too.
A lot happens within these pages. The mystery was very well plotted and blends easily with several subplots. The victim was doing some shady dealing that gave many people motive to want him dead. I enjoyed following the clues with Alice and her crew. It helped that West Hazel has a small police department and a granddaughter on the force. I know she overshared with the group but that is what happens in a small town. Plus gossip rolls quickly through the community. The puzzle pieces clicked into place for me before Alice but the sting, the fight, and the takedown were priceless.
Puzzle Me a Murder was an entertaining read with a puzzling mystery and engaging characters set in a charming little Oregon town. It shines a light on how fulfilling life could be starting over with good friends and family by your side. I am keen to see what mystery Alice, her family, and friends puzzle out next.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
Coffee, cocktails, gossip, murder, and JIGSAW PUZZLES!
Librarian Alice Pepper's life has had a few bumps along the way making it impossible to retire and enjoy her golden years. With help from her friends, she is enjoying life as it is until her best friend's husband is murdered. Alice does have a way of reading people and solving puzzles in addition to jigsaw, so when her friend Ruby becomes a suspect in her husband George's murder she jumps right in to clear her name. She finds George was a man of many secrets which deepens the pool of suspects including some very prominent West Hazel residents. This puts Alice in a dangerous situation because as she pares down the list of suspects she puts herself in the killer's sights.
_____
Ms. Noonan has introduced a smart, relatable, mature protagonist in Alice Pepper. The twists and turns of her life are similar to so many women these days. She is getting through every day the best that she can. For her, that means working longer than originally planned at a job she excels at and allowing friends and family to rent rooms in her spacious house. Right now, that includes her sister Violet who works as a vice principal and is spiritually into tarot cards, vibrations, and rituals. Alice's granddaughter, Taylor, "a twenty-two-year-old hipster" still trying to find her place in the world lives in a basement room and only pays rent occasionally. Taylor has a twin sister, Madison and she is a rookie cop. With her husband being murdered in their home, Alice's BFF Ruby is staying with her as well. All the core characters develop well throughout the story and are likable. I love that the main characters are my age.
The author does a great job at world-building especially Alice's home/Alice's Castle. It's an old craftsman-style home renovated in the 1990s by a "tech prince" to "include a handful of en suite bedrooms" so the house be used for employee functions. Those plans didn't work out so Alice and her husband at the time got a great deal. Alice was able to hold on to the house after the divorce. Ruby's house is only a few blocks away and it as well as the town of West Hazel is vividly described.
Recently my husband and I were bitten by the jigsaw puzzle bug so I love the jigsaw puzzle theme. Alice, Ruby, and Violet always have a puzzle on the table to work on, sometimes as they work their way to puzzling out much heavier topics like murder. They also trade puzzles with the local senior center where Alice and Violet's Aunt Gildy resides. They visit her often for special meals and to do puzzles. You never know, Gildy may have information they can use to catch the killer. The center manager Stone Donahue may be eager to help too.
A lot happens within these pages. The mystery was very well plotted and blends easily with several subplots. The victim was doing some shady dealing that gave many people motive to want him dead. I enjoyed following the clues with Alice and her crew. It helped that West Hazel has a small police department and a granddaughter on the force. I know she overshared with the group but that is what happens in a small town. Plus gossip rolls quickly through the community. The puzzle pieces clicked into place for me before Alice but the sting, the fight, and the takedown were priceless.
Puzzle Me a Murder was an entertaining read with a puzzling mystery and engaging characters set in a charming little Oregon town. It shines a light on how fulfilling life could be starting over with good friends and family by your side. I am keen to see what mystery Alice, her family, and friends puzzle out next.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
July 18, 2024
Review coming soon.
July 26, 2024
3.5 stars
A fun and clever cosy mystery, Puzzle Me a Murder starts with a bang and then develops into a more complex and sinister crime. I enjoyed the way the mystery was constructed in this book. The growing complexity of the case felt natural - there are no leaps from moment to moment that can sometimes occur. And I liked that with each development the suspect pool grew larger, even asking the reader to reevaluate assumptions about characters in the book.
And with a cosy, the main characters need to be well written and engaging. I like the main characters, Alice, Violet, and Ruby. I'm not sure I love them as characters yet. There was something about them that didn't feel completely genuine. With the setup of them all being in the same house for much of this book, it reminded me a lot of The Golden Girls, and when reading the dialogue I couldn't help but here the voices of the actors from the TV show in my head. Not that I'm complaining - I love The Golden Girls. And the comparisons in character behaviour for me didn't stop there. Alice reminded me of the character Dorothy. Ruby reminded me of Blanche. And Violet reminded me of Rose. Not in their physical descriptions, but in their behaviour. Again, not complaining, since I loved the TV show. I just found it interesting that I could see many similarities.
But the one let down for me in this book is that more attention to police procedure should have been taken. It didn't ruin the mystery for me but there's probably a line that shouldn't be crossed, even in a cosy, such as the protagonists being able to invade crime scenes. It was explained away in the book that the local police rarely handle murder, but local police would still know how to preserve a crime scene.
Still, this looks to be the beginning of an enjoyable series. It ticks off all the core components that a first book should - introduce the main characters, introduce a small set of support characters, introduce the setting, hook the reader in with a clever mystery, add many cosy elements.
Thanks to the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for providing a free copy of this book for an honest review.
A fun and clever cosy mystery, Puzzle Me a Murder starts with a bang and then develops into a more complex and sinister crime. I enjoyed the way the mystery was constructed in this book. The growing complexity of the case felt natural - there are no leaps from moment to moment that can sometimes occur. And I liked that with each development the suspect pool grew larger, even asking the reader to reevaluate assumptions about characters in the book.
And with a cosy, the main characters need to be well written and engaging. I like the main characters, Alice, Violet, and Ruby. I'm not sure I love them as characters yet. There was something about them that didn't feel completely genuine. With the setup of them all being in the same house for much of this book, it reminded me a lot of The Golden Girls, and when reading the dialogue I couldn't help but here the voices of the actors from the TV show in my head. Not that I'm complaining - I love The Golden Girls. And the comparisons in character behaviour for me didn't stop there. Alice reminded me of the character Dorothy. Ruby reminded me of Blanche. And Violet reminded me of Rose. Not in their physical descriptions, but in their behaviour. Again, not complaining, since I loved the TV show. I just found it interesting that I could see many similarities.
But the one let down for me in this book is that more attention to police procedure should have been taken. It didn't ruin the mystery for me but there's probably a line that shouldn't be crossed, even in a cosy, such as the protagonists being able to invade crime scenes. It was explained away in the book that the local police rarely handle murder, but local police would still know how to preserve a crime scene.
Still, this looks to be the beginning of an enjoyable series. It ticks off all the core components that a first book should - introduce the main characters, introduce a small set of support characters, introduce the setting, hook the reader in with a clever mystery, add many cosy elements.
Thanks to the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for providing a free copy of this book for an honest review.
April 16, 2024
I really enjoyed reading #PuzzleMeaMurder #NetGalley.
It was a fun introduction to a new to me author, and I loved meeting Alice & Ruby, and the other characters in this story.
Ruby is apalled to catch her husband cheating, she was ready to kill him, so when he really is found dead, Ruby is the prime suspect, the police feel it's an open and shut case.
Alice knows a lot about her best friend, but she knows she's not a murderer.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of the book.
It was a fun introduction to a new to me author, and I loved meeting Alice & Ruby, and the other characters in this story.
Ruby is apalled to catch her husband cheating, she was ready to kill him, so when he really is found dead, Ruby is the prime suspect, the police feel it's an open and shut case.
Alice knows a lot about her best friend, but she knows she's not a murderer.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of the book.
October 30, 2025
Puzzle Me a Murder by Roz Noonan starts off like every cozy mystery lover’s dream. Small-town charm, a bookish sleuth, and a murder wrapped in riddles. Alice and her book club crew have the kind of banter that feels like you’ve just walked into your favorite indie bookstore on a rainy day. The setup is irresistible: a librarian solving crimes through puzzles? I was all in.
But then… the pacing tripped. At nearly 400 pages, this cozy turned into a bit of an endurance test. Somewhere around the midpoint, the story slowed to a crawl, and I found myself rereading paragraphs waiting for the next twist that never came. The mystery is clever, but the narrative needed a stronger edit and snappier tempo to keep that puzzle-solving thrill alive.
By hour six, I wasn’t solving clues, I was solving how to stay awake.
Still, if you love a small-town cozy with quirky side characters and clever wordplay, you might appreciate the depth and detail Roz Noonan puts into her world. For me, though, the pacing turned what could’ve been a gem into a bit of a slog.
Would I Recommend It?
I wanted to love this one — truly. The premise is cozy catnip. But Puzzle Me a Murder felt more like a long crossword than a quick page-turner. If you enjoy slow-burn mysteries and spending extra time with a colorful cast, this might hit the spot. If you prefer snappy, twisty cozies that keep you guessing till the end, you might want to pass on this puzzle.
Verdict: DNF. Too long for a cozy, not twisty enough to justify it.
Instead…
Try these cozies:
📚 Murder by the Book by Lauren Elliott
🧩 A Puzzle to Be Named Later by Parnell Hall
🕵️ The Cipher by Isabella Maldonado
🔍 A Deadly Edition by Victoria Gilbert
Puzzle or Pass?
Did Puzzle Me a Murder strike you as a cozy page-turner or a slow literary labyrinth? Share your thoughts below. What’s the longest cozy mystery you’ve read, and did you finish it or bow out early? Let’s solve the mystery of the perfect cozy length together!
But then… the pacing tripped. At nearly 400 pages, this cozy turned into a bit of an endurance test. Somewhere around the midpoint, the story slowed to a crawl, and I found myself rereading paragraphs waiting for the next twist that never came. The mystery is clever, but the narrative needed a stronger edit and snappier tempo to keep that puzzle-solving thrill alive.
By hour six, I wasn’t solving clues, I was solving how to stay awake.
Still, if you love a small-town cozy with quirky side characters and clever wordplay, you might appreciate the depth and detail Roz Noonan puts into her world. For me, though, the pacing turned what could’ve been a gem into a bit of a slog.
Would I Recommend It?
I wanted to love this one — truly. The premise is cozy catnip. But Puzzle Me a Murder felt more like a long crossword than a quick page-turner. If you enjoy slow-burn mysteries and spending extra time with a colorful cast, this might hit the spot. If you prefer snappy, twisty cozies that keep you guessing till the end, you might want to pass on this puzzle.
Verdict: DNF. Too long for a cozy, not twisty enough to justify it.
Instead…
Try these cozies:
📚 Murder by the Book by Lauren Elliott
🧩 A Puzzle to Be Named Later by Parnell Hall
🕵️ The Cipher by Isabella Maldonado
🔍 A Deadly Edition by Victoria Gilbert
Puzzle or Pass?
Did Puzzle Me a Murder strike you as a cozy page-turner or a slow literary labyrinth? Share your thoughts below. What’s the longest cozy mystery you’ve read, and did you finish it or bow out early? Let’s solve the mystery of the perfect cozy length together!
August 22, 2024
A compromising clean read involving a group of mature (older) ladies puzzling around to solve and find a murderer. BetweenTheChaptersClub
April 26, 2024
Puzzle Me a Murder by Roz Noonan is a delightful cozy mystery that is rhe first in a new series: An Alice Pepper Lonely Hearts and Puzzle Club Mystery.
I have to say I am just loving West Hazel, Oregon. A perfect setting to what is starting out to be a great cozy mystery series. Alice is a great MC and amateur sleuth and I also really enjoyed the fact that she is “seasoned” vs early/mid 20s. I can relate to her more than some of the younger main characters.
I liked the ensemble cast, location, and the murder/mystery. Plenty of suspects and it kept me interested and engaged.
I really liked this one and am looking forward to the next book.
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and Kensington Publishing | Kensington Cozies for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 7/23/24.
I have to say I am just loving West Hazel, Oregon. A perfect setting to what is starting out to be a great cozy mystery series. Alice is a great MC and amateur sleuth and I also really enjoyed the fact that she is “seasoned” vs early/mid 20s. I can relate to her more than some of the younger main characters.
I liked the ensemble cast, location, and the murder/mystery. Plenty of suspects and it kept me interested and engaged.
I really liked this one and am looking forward to the next book.
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and Kensington Publishing | Kensington Cozies for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 7/23/24.
June 4, 2024
Alice Pepper, a lady of a certain age, had hoped to be retired by now, but unfortunately, a divorce, mortgage, and redundancy threats mean that's not happening any time soon. What has happened is murder, a best friend under suspicion, and a desperate need to help. It's not something Alice has got any experience of, but that shouldn't matter, should it?
Starting a new cosy series has the potential to be a little risky, and sadly, I found this storyline with its unprofessional approach to crime scene protocols and easy access to confidential information unrealistic. The apparently empathetic Alice, her family and friends, weren't, for me, likeable at all, and I struggled to finish this.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Kensington Publishing, but the opinions expressed are my own. This, unfortunately, isn't a book I can recommend.
Starting a new cosy series has the potential to be a little risky, and sadly, I found this storyline with its unprofessional approach to crime scene protocols and easy access to confidential information unrealistic. The apparently empathetic Alice, her family and friends, weren't, for me, likeable at all, and I struggled to finish this.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Kensington Publishing, but the opinions expressed are my own. This, unfortunately, isn't a book I can recommend.
September 5, 2024
A large cast of entertaining CHs spanning generations and life experience, a inviting small town, West Hazel, OR, and good Red Herrings and the almost immediate jeopardy mixed with a cozy-adjacent Tone makes this first Alice Pepper Lonely Hearts and Puzzle Club Mystery an inviting introduction to a promised series. The subtitle’s gentle pun sets up clever pop culture references throughout the narration with the joy and challenges of jig saw puzzles residing in a prominent spot in setting and CH development as the murder of Alice’s close friend Ruby’s husband George, the town’s Comptroller, is violently murdered. Puzzle and mystery-reading experiences give Alice and cohorts some experience in solving enigmas even if overstepping as an amateur sleuth is expected here. Music and mirth mix well in allusions using Amy Winehouse, Cher, and Disney princesses as superstition and paranormal also create more humor in the underlying Tone. Alice is a strong grandmother CH and the varied family and town CHs from the female mayor to the handsome Senior Center director give the CH depth both age and racial diversity. The small town setting with its budget woes, Alice’s home, her former restaurant, and the public library add to the Tone and building of plotting elements. Nice librarian detail, shout outs to the pros and cons of small town policing, adequate detecting procedural details, the struggles of aging and younger CHs’ quest for self, some sweet ST, and good dialogue make this a brisk and entertaining read that is sure to make anyone looking for a new comforting series begin with this one. RED FLAGS: Dementia; Violence and Physical Attacks. Readalikes may be Holly Danvers’s Lakeside Library series, Victoria Gilbert’s Booklover’s B & B series, and an Ellery Adams. If the occult is a hook, Tarot Cards and fortune telling are also a major theme in Phaedra Patrick’s The Year of What If, more Relationship but has its share of mysteries, if not murder.
November 6, 2024
Alice Pepper is a librarian who had hoped to retire soon. Faithful to a fault to her friends, when Ruby’s husband George is found dead, Alice is determined to find out why. Alice, Ruby and their friends solve jigsaw puzzles together. So, Alice is pretty sure she can use her refined skills of deduction to solve the puzzle of George’s murder.
George was not a paragon of virtue, and it would soon come to no surprise that more than one person might have wanted him dead. However, one of those people certainly wasn’t Ruby, and Alice will go to any lengths to prove Ruby innocent of George’s murder. The more they look for answers, the more George’s faults become apparent, cheating incessantly on Ruby, as well as his penchant for blackmailing anyone he could for any reason. Certainly, more than one person might have wanted George dead.
As an avid jigsaw puzzle enthusiast, I was delighted to discover the theme of this cozy mystery woven throughout the pages with that of solving puzzles. The shared hobby of a charming group of characters introduces a fresh perspective to the plot, making this series a must-read for puzzle lovers. I eagerly anticipate delving into the next installment in this captivating series.
Many thanks to Kensington Cozies and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
George was not a paragon of virtue, and it would soon come to no surprise that more than one person might have wanted him dead. However, one of those people certainly wasn’t Ruby, and Alice will go to any lengths to prove Ruby innocent of George’s murder. The more they look for answers, the more George’s faults become apparent, cheating incessantly on Ruby, as well as his penchant for blackmailing anyone he could for any reason. Certainly, more than one person might have wanted George dead.
As an avid jigsaw puzzle enthusiast, I was delighted to discover the theme of this cozy mystery woven throughout the pages with that of solving puzzles. The shared hobby of a charming group of characters introduces a fresh perspective to the plot, making this series a must-read for puzzle lovers. I eagerly anticipate delving into the next installment in this captivating series.
Many thanks to Kensington Cozies and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
January 12, 2025
Couldn’t put it down! Great murder mystery with a theme of female friendship. I wish some of the librarian details were better (granddaughter can’t be a librarian because she can’t “order books”, but librarianship is so much more). Still a fun romp and did keep me guessing until the end!
July 27, 2024
The book starts off a bit slow, but hang in there because it's worth it!
September 30, 2024
2.5⭐️ meh, it was ok. I don’t regret reading it, but glad it was a quick read.
If this was #1 in a series I have no interest in any other books in the series.
If this was #1 in a series I have no interest in any other books in the series.
May 19, 2025
Reading the prologue it sounded interesting. However the book didn’t live up to the hype. The characters were never fleshed out. After a while the book got boring.
October 13, 2025
An intriguing murder mystery with some lovable characters including friends and family. I'm interested in book 2!
Read
October 19, 2024DNF around 50%
I wasn’t connecting with the characters among other things.
I wasn’t connecting with the characters among other things.
August 18, 2025
I loooooved this book! It gave me absolutely everything I was looking for in a cozy right now and perfectly fit my late summer mood. I am so nostalgic from the days when I could always have a puzzle going on my kitchen table, and my whole family worked on one during our vacation week. This book was just soothing to my soul and I adored the characters, especially Alice. The friendships were so sweet and strong and I love the combination of family and friends coming together to sleuth. There were so many twists and turns and drama, but also so many sweet moments. The writing is lovely and full of laughter. I was shocked by the reveal and just had so much fun reading this book!
Note: I listened to the audiobook and highly recommend it!
Note: I listened to the audiobook and highly recommend it!
July 21, 2024
"Puzzle Me A Murder (An Alice Pepper Lonely Hearts and Puzzle Club Mystery #1)" by Roz Noonan reads like a book further into the series rather than just the first book, at times. It seems to hint at her having been involved in other investigations or past experiences that seem like were more flushed out but in a different book. It didn't take away from this particular story but it did leave me wondering where to find that backstory.
The mystery part is around the death of Alice's best friend's husband. We get thrown right into Ruby running her mouth about how she's going to do away with her philandering husband just to Alice's cop granddaughter shows up and to tell them someone beat her to it. Then we go down the rabbit hole of who Ruby's husband (and a few other people) really are.
This is advertised as a cozy mystery for women of a certain age. I feel any cozy mystery lover would enjoy this book and potential series as well. I think a novela set before this one would be nice to set up how Alice and company got to where they are in this book already.
The mystery part is around the death of Alice's best friend's husband. We get thrown right into Ruby running her mouth about how she's going to do away with her philandering husband just to Alice's cop granddaughter shows up and to tell them someone beat her to it. Then we go down the rabbit hole of who Ruby's husband (and a few other people) really are.
This is advertised as a cozy mystery for women of a certain age. I feel any cozy mystery lover would enjoy this book and potential series as well. I think a novela set before this one would be nice to set up how Alice and company got to where they are in this book already.
January 10, 2025
A sweet book of female friendship (and family) working together to solve a mystery. Felt that Alice was a little annoying as she continued to interrupt her granddaughters actual police investigation. But interested to see where the storyline goes.
June 3, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. Our 2 main characters, Alice and Ruby, have been best friends since elementary school and they are now in their 60s. We are privy to Alice's viewpoints, and it is Ruby's husband who is murdered. There is a deep dive into local politics and into local histories, with much people would rather remain buried. The puzzle in the title refers to Alice and Ruby's hobby of jigsaw puzzles. Puzzles help them think as they try to solve the crime. Also, puzzles are left on Alice's porch, and the titles of the puzzles serve as advice to stop investigating...
December 27, 2024
Puzzle Me A Murder by Roz Noonan is the first book in the Alice Pepper Lonely Hearts and Puzzle Club Mystery series. Librarian Alice Pepper is helping to support her friend Ruby after she had found her husband George cheating on her, only to become involved in a murder investigation when he is found dead. An enjoyable, nice cozy mystery. I love jigsaw puzzles and I liked the way they were incorporated into the mystery. Alice seems to be a caring and capable lady. An interesting and enjoyable cozy mystery.
January 13, 2025
"Puzzle Me A Murder" is book #1 in the "Alice Pepper Lonely Hearts and Puzzle Club Mystery" series by Roz Noonan.
The story was interesting with some well done misdirection and red herrings. George had certainly made some enemies along the way so figuring out who killed him was a challenge. The mysterious appearance of puzzles on the porch had the ladies wondering if they were messages from the killer. For me, there were a couple of viable suspects fairly early on but as a bit more info was revealed about George and his activities, I was sure of who the killer was. The leadup to the reveal and eventual take down were well done.
It was a bit of a stretch to think that the papers from George's city hall office that were released to Ruby after his death were not sorted more thoroughly beforehand. Also, the police seemed to drop more than a few balls when it came to searching the home. It took Alice and Ruby to figure most of that out.
I did enjoy the diversity of characters and appreciated that most of the core characters are in their 60's. Admittedly, I found the spiritual side of Violet to be annoying. The gathering of the women in the garden in the evening after George died was ridiculous. There were some nice bits of tenderness and witty banter between the characters. I had to chuckle when it was mentioned that the restaurant that Alice and her ex owned was called "Alice's Restaurant". Yup, I started singing Arlo Guthrie's classic "Alice's Restaurant"!
One more pass for proof reading would hopefully have caught a few missing words (mostly minor) and one spot where Alice is referred to as Ruby. There is good potential for future storylines and character development in future books.
Overall a good read.
"Empathetic to a fault, librarian Alice Pepper always had a natural talent for figuring out people and puzzles in the small Oregon town of West Hazel. But as a mystery permeates the quiet Pacific Northwestern community, murder is a challenge she’s not prepared to solve . . . Down-on-her-luck Alice had hoped to retire before turning sixty-five, not struggle to keep her cozy home and dependable job. But even after divorce leaves her golden years a mess, the pieces always come together with a little help from her friends—a fun-loving crew who thrive on jigsaws over coffee, cocktails, and gossip. So, when it’s time to defend close confidant Ruby Milliner, she springs into action. Only, in this case, supporting Ruby means proving she didn’t murder her cheating husband! Ruby never wanted to kill George, although anger can make a person say questionable—and incriminating—things. And scheming, deceitful George made a lot of people angry. A quick investigation reveals the man was blackmailing whoever he could for a quick payday, from his mistress to the most prominent residents in town . . . Alice dives into a secret search to exonerate Ruby, fiercely committed to cracking the crime and patching up torn relationships along the way. Despite using her unassuming persona to fly under the radar, slimming down a massive suspect list and restoring peace to West Hazel is a real gamble. Because if successful, Alice will meet a vengeful killer whose game she doesn’t yet know how to play."
The story was interesting with some well done misdirection and red herrings. George had certainly made some enemies along the way so figuring out who killed him was a challenge. The mysterious appearance of puzzles on the porch had the ladies wondering if they were messages from the killer. For me, there were a couple of viable suspects fairly early on but as a bit more info was revealed about George and his activities, I was sure of who the killer was. The leadup to the reveal and eventual take down were well done.
It was a bit of a stretch to think that the papers from George's city hall office that were released to Ruby after his death were not sorted more thoroughly beforehand. Also, the police seemed to drop more than a few balls when it came to searching the home. It took Alice and Ruby to figure most of that out.
I did enjoy the diversity of characters and appreciated that most of the core characters are in their 60's. Admittedly, I found the spiritual side of Violet to be annoying. The gathering of the women in the garden in the evening after George died was ridiculous. There were some nice bits of tenderness and witty banter between the characters. I had to chuckle when it was mentioned that the restaurant that Alice and her ex owned was called "Alice's Restaurant". Yup, I started singing Arlo Guthrie's classic "Alice's Restaurant"!
One more pass for proof reading would hopefully have caught a few missing words (mostly minor) and one spot where Alice is referred to as Ruby. There is good potential for future storylines and character development in future books.
Overall a good read.
"Empathetic to a fault, librarian Alice Pepper always had a natural talent for figuring out people and puzzles in the small Oregon town of West Hazel. But as a mystery permeates the quiet Pacific Northwestern community, murder is a challenge she’s not prepared to solve . . . Down-on-her-luck Alice had hoped to retire before turning sixty-five, not struggle to keep her cozy home and dependable job. But even after divorce leaves her golden years a mess, the pieces always come together with a little help from her friends—a fun-loving crew who thrive on jigsaws over coffee, cocktails, and gossip. So, when it’s time to defend close confidant Ruby Milliner, she springs into action. Only, in this case, supporting Ruby means proving she didn’t murder her cheating husband! Ruby never wanted to kill George, although anger can make a person say questionable—and incriminating—things. And scheming, deceitful George made a lot of people angry. A quick investigation reveals the man was blackmailing whoever he could for a quick payday, from his mistress to the most prominent residents in town . . . Alice dives into a secret search to exonerate Ruby, fiercely committed to cracking the crime and patching up torn relationships along the way. Despite using her unassuming persona to fly under the radar, slimming down a massive suspect list and restoring peace to West Hazel is a real gamble. Because if successful, Alice will meet a vengeful killer whose game she doesn’t yet know how to play."
August 12, 2024
This is a series starter that starts off pretty well. Alice Pepper, former chef/restaurant owner turned librarian is someone who likes a good puzzle, literally. Alice and friends put together several puzzles during the story as they “puzzle” out not only a murder but also a few cold case mysteries. Alice is a mature sleuth, not a Miss Marple, more of a Jessica Fletcher, and she is surrounded by friends and family who are more than happy to help with the investigation. I was quickly drawn into the story. The pace was perfect and the clues made sense, but there were still a little misdirection to keep you guessing.
This mystery is like an onion, it starts out with Alice consoling lifelong friend Ruby, who just learned that her husband George is a philandering jerk. Threats of “I’m going to kill him,” lands Ruby at the top of the suspect list. After all, George was an upstanding citizen, the city comptroller, and the man who helped with the apprehension of the Cola Bandits. George looked good on paper, which is more than can be said about the town budget. The other supporting characters of the story are all unique and entertaining. Ruby is a sophisticated no nonsense business lady who has a way with words. Virginia, Alice’s sister is a middle school vice principal by day and a bit of a free spirit in her off time. Then there are the twin granddaughters who couldn’t be more different. Now that I think of it, they are somewhat like Grandma Alice and her sister. Madison is a local police officer assigned to assist Detective Bedrosian while the Chief is out of town on vacation. Taylor, Madison’s twin, lives in Alice’s basement so she doesn’t have to pay rent because it isn’t a room with a bed. Yes, Taylor is a bit of a free spirit who hasn’t quite figured out what she wants to be when she grows up.
The list of suspect starts to grow, as does Alice’s attraction to Stone Donahue, the manager of the West Hazel Senior Center where Alice and Virginia take their Aunt Gildy for dinner night on Wednesdays. Although Alice feels an attraction to the cowboy-handsome Stone, she also has some hurts from her “amicable” divorce that left her life in need of repair for her finances, her heart, and her soul.
The stage was well set and the overall series arc has a great foundation. Alice does a good job of describing her past but I am left with some questions about Alice’s daughter “who shall not be named” and what recipe she use to make that delish sounding Chicken Francais. Overall this is a very enjoyable cozy and I look forward to the next one in the series.
This mystery is like an onion, it starts out with Alice consoling lifelong friend Ruby, who just learned that her husband George is a philandering jerk. Threats of “I’m going to kill him,” lands Ruby at the top of the suspect list. After all, George was an upstanding citizen, the city comptroller, and the man who helped with the apprehension of the Cola Bandits. George looked good on paper, which is more than can be said about the town budget. The other supporting characters of the story are all unique and entertaining. Ruby is a sophisticated no nonsense business lady who has a way with words. Virginia, Alice’s sister is a middle school vice principal by day and a bit of a free spirit in her off time. Then there are the twin granddaughters who couldn’t be more different. Now that I think of it, they are somewhat like Grandma Alice and her sister. Madison is a local police officer assigned to assist Detective Bedrosian while the Chief is out of town on vacation. Taylor, Madison’s twin, lives in Alice’s basement so she doesn’t have to pay rent because it isn’t a room with a bed. Yes, Taylor is a bit of a free spirit who hasn’t quite figured out what she wants to be when she grows up.
The list of suspect starts to grow, as does Alice’s attraction to Stone Donahue, the manager of the West Hazel Senior Center where Alice and Virginia take their Aunt Gildy for dinner night on Wednesdays. Although Alice feels an attraction to the cowboy-handsome Stone, she also has some hurts from her “amicable” divorce that left her life in need of repair for her finances, her heart, and her soul.
The stage was well set and the overall series arc has a great foundation. Alice does a good job of describing her past but I am left with some questions about Alice’s daughter “who shall not be named” and what recipe she use to make that delish sounding Chicken Francais. Overall this is a very enjoyable cozy and I look forward to the next one in the series.
July 18, 2024
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC.
In Puzzle Me a Murder, Roz Noonan crafts a delightful and engaging cozy mystery set in the charming town of West Hazel, Oregon. The story revolves around Alice Pepper, a librarian with a knack for solving puzzles, who finds herself embroiled in a real-life murder mystery.
Alice Pepper is a character that readers will instantly connect with. Empathetic and resourceful, Alice’s life takes an unexpected turn when her friend Ruby Milliner is accused of murdering her husband, George Byrd. George, the city comptroller, was found dead under suspicious circumstances, and the evidence seems to point towards Ruby. However, Alice knows her friend is innocent and sets out to uncover the truth.
Noonan’s writing is witty and engaging, drawing readers into the small-town dynamics and the intricate web of secrets that surround George’s death. The author skillfully balances humor and suspense, making the book a page-turner from start to finish. The supporting characters, including the members of the Alice Pepper Lonely Hearts and Puzzle Club, add depth and charm to the story, making it a truly enjoyable read.
The plot is well-paced, with enough twists and turns to keep readers guessing. Noonan’s attention to detail and her ability to create a vivid setting make West Hazel come alive on the pages. The mystery itself is cleverly constructed, with clues scattered throughout the narrative, allowing readers to piece together the puzzle along with Alice.
One of the standout aspects of Puzzle Me a Murder is its exploration of friendship and community. Alice’s determination to clear Ruby’s name and her unwavering support for her friends highlight the importance of loyalty and trust. The book touches on themes of resilience and starting over, as Alice navigates her own personal challenges while solving the mystery.
Puzzle Me a Murder is a delightful addition to the cozy mystery genre. Roz Noonan has created a memorable protagonist in Alice Pepper and a captivating story that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series. If you enjoy a good mystery with a touch of humor and heart, this book is definitely worth a read.
In Puzzle Me a Murder, Roz Noonan crafts a delightful and engaging cozy mystery set in the charming town of West Hazel, Oregon. The story revolves around Alice Pepper, a librarian with a knack for solving puzzles, who finds herself embroiled in a real-life murder mystery.
Alice Pepper is a character that readers will instantly connect with. Empathetic and resourceful, Alice’s life takes an unexpected turn when her friend Ruby Milliner is accused of murdering her husband, George Byrd. George, the city comptroller, was found dead under suspicious circumstances, and the evidence seems to point towards Ruby. However, Alice knows her friend is innocent and sets out to uncover the truth.
Noonan’s writing is witty and engaging, drawing readers into the small-town dynamics and the intricate web of secrets that surround George’s death. The author skillfully balances humor and suspense, making the book a page-turner from start to finish. The supporting characters, including the members of the Alice Pepper Lonely Hearts and Puzzle Club, add depth and charm to the story, making it a truly enjoyable read.
The plot is well-paced, with enough twists and turns to keep readers guessing. Noonan’s attention to detail and her ability to create a vivid setting make West Hazel come alive on the pages. The mystery itself is cleverly constructed, with clues scattered throughout the narrative, allowing readers to piece together the puzzle along with Alice.
One of the standout aspects of Puzzle Me a Murder is its exploration of friendship and community. Alice’s determination to clear Ruby’s name and her unwavering support for her friends highlight the importance of loyalty and trust. The book touches on themes of resilience and starting over, as Alice navigates her own personal challenges while solving the mystery.
Puzzle Me a Murder is a delightful addition to the cozy mystery genre. Roz Noonan has created a memorable protagonist in Alice Pepper and a captivating story that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series. If you enjoy a good mystery with a touch of humor and heart, this book is definitely worth a read.
November 30, 2024
Roz Noonan’s Puzzle Me a Murder is a delightful addition to the cozy mystery genre, offering readers an engaging tale of small-town intrigue, familial bonds, and the power of community. Set against the backdrop of a quaint town where secrets rarely stay buried, the story revolves around the murder of a philandering husband and the collective efforts of the town’s residents to solve the crime.
At the heart of the mystery is Ruby, a relatable and resilient protagonist grappling with the painful revelation of her husband’s infidelity. Noonan deftly portrays Ruby’s emotional journey, making her a sympathetic and compelling character. Her vulnerability and determination resonate deeply, allowing readers to connect with her on a personal level.
One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its ensemble cast. The relationships between the characters—whether it’s the heartwarming bond between Ruby and her grandmother or the unshakable loyalty of lifelong friends—add layers of emotional depth to the narrative. Noonan captures the nuances of these connections with warmth and authenticity, making the reader feel like a part of this close-knit community.
The plot is well-paced, balancing the suspense of the murder investigation with moments of humor and tenderness. As the town’s amateur sleuths piece together clues, Noonan keeps readers guessing, sprinkling in enough red herrings and twists to maintain intrigue without straying into overly complex territory.
In addition to its engaging mystery, Puzzle Me a Murder celebrates themes of resilience, forgiveness, and the enduring strength of relationships. Fans of cozy mysteries will appreciate Noonan’s skillful blend of suspense and heart, making this a must-read for anyone seeking a light yet emotionally satisfying whodunit.
With its relatable characters, strong sense of community, and an absorbing mystery at its core, Puzzle Me a Murder is a standout in the cozy mystery genre. Roz Noonan crafts a tale that is as heartwarming as it is suspenseful, leaving readers eager for more from this charming town and its inhabitants.
December 16, 2024
This is the first in a planned new series. I liked it well enough that I'll probably seek out number 2 when it's released.
As first in the series, there is a lot of 'introducing' -- explaining backstories, developing the characters. It wasn't done badly, all things considered, and the mystery was reasonably well developed.
Basically there's Alice, the town librarian, in the midst of fighting for funding in the new budget. Her long time best friend Ruby is married to the town comptroller, and an entrepreneur in her own right as the owner of a premier wig emporium in town. Her sister Violet is a new age soul -- but also the superintendent of schools, having started as a teacher in the local elementary school. Her granddaughters Taylor and Madison are twins, but opposite in personality: Madison a town police officer and Taylor still living with Alice and trying to find herself.
Ruby has also crashed at Alice's place after having found her husband with another woman when she got home early the night before. Not at all sure what to do next, the ladies are all shocked when Madison and the town detective knock and explain that George was found dead in the home. It's clearly murder and suddenly Ruby is suspect number 1.
It follows a pretty typical cozy plan ... Alice repeatedly warned not to interfere, but of course she's going to ask questions to help out her friend. As they begin to go through George's things, they realize that there was a lot about him the Ruby didn't know and that there are a number of folks in town who would have had a motive to kill him.
The group of women is likable and they're not doing any 'too stupid to live' stuff, though they do get into some trouble. It all resolved reasonable and satisfactorily. Looking forward to the next, whenever that comes.
As first in the series, there is a lot of 'introducing' -- explaining backstories, developing the characters. It wasn't done badly, all things considered, and the mystery was reasonably well developed.
Basically there's Alice, the town librarian, in the midst of fighting for funding in the new budget. Her long time best friend Ruby is married to the town comptroller, and an entrepreneur in her own right as the owner of a premier wig emporium in town. Her sister Violet is a new age soul -- but also the superintendent of schools, having started as a teacher in the local elementary school. Her granddaughters Taylor and Madison are twins, but opposite in personality: Madison a town police officer and Taylor still living with Alice and trying to find herself.
Ruby has also crashed at Alice's place after having found her husband with another woman when she got home early the night before. Not at all sure what to do next, the ladies are all shocked when Madison and the town detective knock and explain that George was found dead in the home. It's clearly murder and suddenly Ruby is suspect number 1.
It follows a pretty typical cozy plan ... Alice repeatedly warned not to interfere, but of course she's going to ask questions to help out her friend. As they begin to go through George's things, they realize that there was a lot about him the Ruby didn't know and that there are a number of folks in town who would have had a motive to kill him.
The group of women is likable and they're not doing any 'too stupid to live' stuff, though they do get into some trouble. It all resolved reasonable and satisfactorily. Looking forward to the next, whenever that comes.
August 14, 2024
Oregon library director Alice Pepper's peaceful life is interrupted when her best friend Ruby shows up at her house late one night. Ruby came home unexpectedly from a business trip and found her husband with another woman in their house. She stormed off and has taken refuge with Alice. Good thing Alice has a big house, because her sister Violet and granddaughter Taylor also live with her. Together, this group forms what Taylor calls the "Alice Pepper's Lonely Hearts Puzzle Club." The ladies (now including Ruby) are all unmarried and always have a puzzle on the go. The morning after Ruby's arrival, Alice's other granddaughter, Madison arrives with bad news. Madison is a police officer, and they've discovered Ruby's husband George has been murdered during the night. Since Ruby is not only the spouse, but also one with a motive to murder, she is immediately on the suspect list. Alice decides to throw herself into solving this real-life puzzle and uncover the murderer.
I enjoyed the gentle story of Alice and her puzzle-mad friends (although everyone's devotion to jigsaws above all else did seem a bit obsessive!). The town politics of budgets and gossip also plays a part, as does the lengths people will go to attempt to cover up their misdeeds. I also enjoyed learning some puzzle lingo as well, such as ladders, keys and locks, and split corners. Who knew puzzles had such depth? This is a fast-paced, clean read with good friends and strong women overcoming hardships. I hope we'll get more of Alice and her puzzling friends!
I received this book from a GoodReads giveaway.
I enjoyed the gentle story of Alice and her puzzle-mad friends (although everyone's devotion to jigsaws above all else did seem a bit obsessive!). The town politics of budgets and gossip also plays a part, as does the lengths people will go to attempt to cover up their misdeeds. I also enjoyed learning some puzzle lingo as well, such as ladders, keys and locks, and split corners. Who knew puzzles had such depth? This is a fast-paced, clean read with good friends and strong women overcoming hardships. I hope we'll get more of Alice and her puzzling friends!
I received this book from a GoodReads giveaway.
April 24, 2024
Smalltown Portland (Oregon)-area library director and grandmother Alice Pepper, a jigsaw-puzzle enthusiast and unbridled snoop (but in a good, librarian-ish research-driven--albeit risky--way), finds herself drawn into the quest to solve a much weightier puzzle: the brutal murder of her best friend Ruby’s wayward husband George, a town government honcho with more than a few disgruntled constituents, including Ruby herself. Along for the wild ride are Alice’s corps of senior-citizen friends and sister puzzlers, as well as her two grown granddaughters, both infuriatingly polar opposites to each other but united in aiding and abetting their feisty grandmother’s mission. An empathetic senior center director (and possible love interest for Alice), a hardboiled police detective, a sleazy exec from a DNA identifying outfit, a mayor who is uncharacteristically secretive, families of a pair of young town men incarcerated for robbery on the basis of George’s evidence, and Alice’s hippie-dippie but supportive sister Violet round out the cast. (Snippets about the everyday joys and community benefits of a public library that are interspersed throughout this novel are an added bonus.) This is an inviting “cozy” with lots of intriguing subplots to sink one’s teeth into.
April 28, 2024
Although some of the pieces of Alice Pepper’s life don’t fit together as neatly as she would like, this librarian/sleuth has a sharp eye for connecting the details of a crime, as she investigates the murder of her long-time friend Ruby’s husband.
Set in a small town outside Portland Oregon, Puzzle Me a Murder introduces a diversity of characters one might expect to find in a big city, the difference being that they take time to socialize and interact at every opportunity. The members of Alice’s extended family provide her with plenty of opportunities to act as the “wise grandmother” but when she needs help in her crime-solving efforts, she has two generations to call on. It doesn’t hurt that her granddaughter Madison is on the police force!
The pace of this cozy mystery is brisk enough to keep readers on their toes, and the twists and turns in the plot that are as engaging as the three-dimensional, complex personal relationships that add authenticity and charm to the story. I look forward to the next book in the series… especially given the hint of a budding romance in this one.
Recommended for anyone who loves the challenge of a good puzzle.
Set in a small town outside Portland Oregon, Puzzle Me a Murder introduces a diversity of characters one might expect to find in a big city, the difference being that they take time to socialize and interact at every opportunity. The members of Alice’s extended family provide her with plenty of opportunities to act as the “wise grandmother” but when she needs help in her crime-solving efforts, she has two generations to call on. It doesn’t hurt that her granddaughter Madison is on the police force!
The pace of this cozy mystery is brisk enough to keep readers on their toes, and the twists and turns in the plot that are as engaging as the three-dimensional, complex personal relationships that add authenticity and charm to the story. I look forward to the next book in the series… especially given the hint of a budding romance in this one.
Recommended for anyone who loves the challenge of a good puzzle.
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