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A Bark and Blog Mystery #1
Instagoner
When lifestyle blogger Emily Dalle comes face-to-face with controversial talk show host, Jackie Hunter, she’s in for the shock of her life. But this time it’s not Jackie’s words that cause a stir—it’s her dead body.
Emily knows the chance of Jackie’s death being a random hit-and-run is about as low as the blows she dished out on her gossip feed. The police are doing their best but with their limited resources, Emily enlists the help of her online audience to figure out what really happened. She gets some great tips, including one from the murderer who tells her to back off.
Will Emily piece together who killed the Queen of Mean or will she fall victim to the same fate?
Emily knows the chance of Jackie’s death being a random hit-and-run is about as low as the blows she dished out on her gossip feed. The police are doing their best but with their limited resources, Emily enlists the help of her online audience to figure out what really happened. She gets some great tips, including one from the murderer who tells her to back off.
Will Emily piece together who killed the Queen of Mean or will she fall victim to the same fate?
301 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 27, 2024
2 people are currently reading
112 people want to read
About the author
Sydney Leigh
2 books71 followersSydney Leigh spent several years running a seasonal business, working in the summer so she could spend cold months in cool places. Now she writes modern cozy mysteries and thinks about murder. She is a member of Sisters in Crime, International Thriller Writers, and served on the board of Crime Writers of Canada from 2018-2021.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
September 29, 2024
As soon as I heard that Sydney Leigh had a new book coming out, I knew that I wanted to read it no ifs, ands, or buts. After all, Peril in Pink was a definite home run. Unsurprisingly, Instagoner dialed the fun level up to a ten. Even better than Leigh’s debut novel, it was the epitome of a lighthearted mystery that doubled down on the laughs. That’s not to say that there wasn’t a devious crime at the center of the novel. Perfectly crafty yet also utterly convincing, the suspense-laden plot had me flying through the pages from the attention-grabbing start until the unguessable finale.
As evidenced by her first book, Leigh is a master at creating dynamite, engaging characters. From the narrator I couldn’t help but cheer for to the multitude of friends and neighbors who I quickly looked upon with suspicion, it was a well-rounded group of personas that were both original and genuine. But I mustn’t forget the best character of all: Murray the dog. Cuddly and lovable, I wish I had one just like him myself. I do have to say, though, that while the rest of the strengths of this superb novel made me agree with my pals at Thriller Book Lovers: The Pulse, this impressive cast of characters was what truly won me over hook, line, and sinker.
A cozy-esque murder mystery that is just book one in a series, Leigh easily hit it out of the park. The only tiny piece to this stunning whodunnit that felt a bit forced were the sporadic sickly sweet moments. But then, that’s also the feel often associated with this fun and easy subgenre, so I easily ignored the thought and moved on. After all, with juicy secrets and giggle-worthy humor, this escapist read was exactly what I wanted between my harder hitting thrillers. Now I just have to *try* and patiently wait for book two. The anticipation is definitely not going to be easy to handle… Rating of 5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
When lifestyle blogger Emily Dalle comes face-to-face with controversial talk show host, Jackie Hunter, she’s in for the shock of her life. But this time it’s not Jackie’s words that cause a stir—it’s her dead body.
Emily knows the chance of Jackie’s death being a random hit-and-run is about as low as the blows she dished out on her gossip feed. The police are doing their best but with their limited resources, Emily enlists the help of her online audience to figure out what really happened. She gets some great tips, including one from the murderer who tells her to back off.
Will Emily piece together who killed the Queen of Mean or will she fall victim to the same fate?
Thank you to Sydney Leigh and Level Best Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: August 27, 2024
Trigger warning: threatening messages, mention of: fatal hit-and-run
As evidenced by her first book, Leigh is a master at creating dynamite, engaging characters. From the narrator I couldn’t help but cheer for to the multitude of friends and neighbors who I quickly looked upon with suspicion, it was a well-rounded group of personas that were both original and genuine. But I mustn’t forget the best character of all: Murray the dog. Cuddly and lovable, I wish I had one just like him myself. I do have to say, though, that while the rest of the strengths of this superb novel made me agree with my pals at Thriller Book Lovers: The Pulse, this impressive cast of characters was what truly won me over hook, line, and sinker.
A cozy-esque murder mystery that is just book one in a series, Leigh easily hit it out of the park. The only tiny piece to this stunning whodunnit that felt a bit forced were the sporadic sickly sweet moments. But then, that’s also the feel often associated with this fun and easy subgenre, so I easily ignored the thought and moved on. After all, with juicy secrets and giggle-worthy humor, this escapist read was exactly what I wanted between my harder hitting thrillers. Now I just have to *try* and patiently wait for book two. The anticipation is definitely not going to be easy to handle… Rating of 5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
When lifestyle blogger Emily Dalle comes face-to-face with controversial talk show host, Jackie Hunter, she’s in for the shock of her life. But this time it’s not Jackie’s words that cause a stir—it’s her dead body.
Emily knows the chance of Jackie’s death being a random hit-and-run is about as low as the blows she dished out on her gossip feed. The police are doing their best but with their limited resources, Emily enlists the help of her online audience to figure out what really happened. She gets some great tips, including one from the murderer who tells her to back off.
Will Emily piece together who killed the Queen of Mean or will she fall victim to the same fate?
Thank you to Sydney Leigh and Level Best Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: August 27, 2024
Trigger warning: threatening messages, mention of: fatal hit-and-run
September 6, 2024
Lifestyle blogger and Instagrammer, Emily Dalle finds her nemesis killed. Soon she uses her media space to help her find the murderer. My people at @thrillerbookloversthepulse really enjoyed this one!
I loved her sidekick, a dog named Murray! So adorable! Sydney Leigh did a great job creating a cozy mystery! This is not my normal read, but I definitely enjoyed it!
Thank you to Sydney Leigh, Level Best Books and NetGalley for the opportunity!
I loved her sidekick, a dog named Murray! So adorable! Sydney Leigh did a great job creating a cozy mystery! This is not my normal read, but I definitely enjoyed it!
Thank you to Sydney Leigh, Level Best Books and NetGalley for the opportunity!
August 8, 2024
~Murder-Mystery, Plot-twists, Serects, and more!~
Instagoner by Sydney Leigh follows Emily Dalle, a professional blogger and Instagramer. After quite literally stumbling into her frienemy and infamous talk show host, Jackie's body, she asks her followers for help to uncover the truth about her death. With the help of her follower's tips and her loyal dog Murray, will she be able to discover the truth, or will the online threatening messages she receives turn into more than just empty threats?
4| Overall, this book was a quite enjoyable, easy read. I love the concept of it and think the series has enormous potential. The title is a funny pun. Emily is stubborn and determined to find out the truth no matter what anyone says, and while that can be frustrating at times, it helped me better grasp who the character is. Emily's backstory with Jackie is interesting, and I liked how, despite Jackies passing, she was characterized for who she was and not a sugar-coated version. Lots of characters had motive and opportunitiy, which had me guessing who it was til the end. I love Emily's wholesome friendship with Fitz; he is loyal to a fault and always there when she needs him. I felt his sexuality was danced around a little bit too much for my taste. While he is a side character, he is also Emily's closest friend, and I wish the story delved more into him, even if it was subtle. His character is something I hope in future books will be more fleshed out.
Emily using her blog to find out more about what happened to Jackie was fun. I wish I had got to see more of her blog posts and her career in general. At times, I felt Emily went back and forth too much. She was very judgemental about a lot of things and then, the next second, fine with it. She is very quick to judge which got a little annoying. Although it says a lot about her and her loyalty to the people around her it felt like she was too easy on some people but then way harsher on others. The killer was not someone I saw coming, even with the subtle clues sprinkled about. There were a perfect amount of red herrings to make me question any and everyone. The potential for Emily and Noah's future romance is something I'm interested in seeing more of in future books. I loved Murray and the rolled he played in the story. I also enjoyed the descriptions of the places like the studio and mountains. The pop culture references were well done though some of the language felt a little forced and awkward at times.
In future books, I would love to see more of Noah and Emily and how their relationship progresses. I would also love to see more of Fitz and his backstory. Seeing more of Emilys day to day life would be a nice touch that would help break up a lot of back and forth she feels. This story was well-written and enjoyable. Getting to know more about the town would be fun to see. I will definitely be keeping my eye out for future books in this series and what happens to Emily next!
*I received this book through Level Best Books via NetGalley as an eARC reader. This will not in any way affect my thoughts or opinions on the book*
Instagoner by Sydney Leigh follows Emily Dalle, a professional blogger and Instagramer. After quite literally stumbling into her frienemy and infamous talk show host, Jackie's body, she asks her followers for help to uncover the truth about her death. With the help of her follower's tips and her loyal dog Murray, will she be able to discover the truth, or will the online threatening messages she receives turn into more than just empty threats?
4| Overall, this book was a quite enjoyable, easy read. I love the concept of it and think the series has enormous potential. The title is a funny pun. Emily is stubborn and determined to find out the truth no matter what anyone says, and while that can be frustrating at times, it helped me better grasp who the character is. Emily's backstory with Jackie is interesting, and I liked how, despite Jackies passing, she was characterized for who she was and not a sugar-coated version. Lots of characters had motive and opportunitiy, which had me guessing who it was til the end. I love Emily's wholesome friendship with Fitz; he is loyal to a fault and always there when she needs him. I felt his sexuality was danced around a little bit too much for my taste. While he is a side character, he is also Emily's closest friend, and I wish the story delved more into him, even if it was subtle. His character is something I hope in future books will be more fleshed out.
Emily using her blog to find out more about what happened to Jackie was fun. I wish I had got to see more of her blog posts and her career in general. At times, I felt Emily went back and forth too much. She was very judgemental about a lot of things and then, the next second, fine with it. She is very quick to judge which got a little annoying. Although it says a lot about her and her loyalty to the people around her it felt like she was too easy on some people but then way harsher on others. The killer was not someone I saw coming, even with the subtle clues sprinkled about. There were a perfect amount of red herrings to make me question any and everyone. The potential for Emily and Noah's future romance is something I'm interested in seeing more of in future books. I loved Murray and the rolled he played in the story. I also enjoyed the descriptions of the places like the studio and mountains. The pop culture references were well done though some of the language felt a little forced and awkward at times.
In future books, I would love to see more of Noah and Emily and how their relationship progresses. I would also love to see more of Fitz and his backstory. Seeing more of Emilys day to day life would be a nice touch that would help break up a lot of back and forth she feels. This story was well-written and enjoyable. Getting to know more about the town would be fun to see. I will definitely be keeping my eye out for future books in this series and what happens to Emily next!
*I received this book through Level Best Books via NetGalley as an eARC reader. This will not in any way affect my thoughts or opinions on the book*
August 17, 2024
Emily Dalle’s apartment is above her best friend Fitzwilliam (Fitz for short) Warner’s Longbourn Café in Eliot Hill, New York. Emily would be the first to admit that she wouldn’t have been on a bike ride that morning (especially at that hour) about to have a calamity with a raccoon of the worst kind – the worst kind being Emily seconds from sailing over the handlebars kind of worst - if it hadn’t been for her friendship with Fitz. Little did she realize that the most memorable aspect of this bike ride wouldn't be the raccoon incident, but rather her shocking encounter with a lifeless body.
I loved the opening of this new mystery series. The character relationships shine particularly in the friendship between Emily and Fitz, Fitz and his brother Noah, and Fitz’s reactions to the sparks between Noah (excuse me, Sheriff Warner) and Emily. As a social media influencer, Emily’s schedule is fluid, so it’s easy to accommodate her desired sleuthing with multiple suspects, keeping Emily busy and the reader guessing. Descriptive writing favorites, as the descriptions are so relatable, are:
Thank you to Sydney Leigh, Level Best Books, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an eARC of this book.
Reviewer’s Note: I do not know if the publisher plans on marketing it as a cozy mystery, but readers should be aware that it cannot be marketed as a clean cozy due to Emily’s vocabulary, although she is on a profanity diet (Fitz’s description) as Emily’s mom and southern belle has her trying for improvement.
I loved the opening of this new mystery series. The character relationships shine particularly in the friendship between Emily and Fitz, Fitz and his brother Noah, and Fitz’s reactions to the sparks between Noah (excuse me, Sheriff Warner) and Emily. As a social media influencer, Emily’s schedule is fluid, so it’s easy to accommodate her desired sleuthing with multiple suspects, keeping Emily busy and the reader guessing. Descriptive writing favorites, as the descriptions are so relatable, are:
"…the hints that I should get busy had started coming faster than rain pellets in a May storm."I’m looking forward to Book 2, as I’ll be following this social media influencer and her dog Murray, who is so popular on Emily’s blog that some sponsorships are just for him.
"…felt like a kid nervously watching their mom’s reaction to a homemade breakfast on Mother’s Day."
Thank you to Sydney Leigh, Level Best Books, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an eARC of this book.
Reviewer’s Note: I do not know if the publisher plans on marketing it as a cozy mystery, but readers should be aware that it cannot be marketed as a clean cozy due to Emily’s vocabulary, although she is on a profanity diet (Fitz’s description) as Emily’s mom and southern belle has her trying for improvement.
August 27, 2024
Emily Dalle is a lifestyle blogger who finds the dead body of her nemesis and controversial talk show host, Jackie Hunter. With help from her bestie, Fitz, and her adorable dog, Murray, Emily uses her blog to try to uncover clues to Jackie’s murder.
I love a good cozy mystery every now and then, and I thoroughly enjoyed Instagoner. Leigh’s debut novel, Peril In Pink, was so much fun, and she did it again with this one.
I loved the main character, Emily! I found her relatable, spunky, and adorable. Her dog Murray was so cute, and I adored her gay best friend Fitz. He was my favorite character, and I hope there’s more of him in the series. The sheriff and Emily’s love interest, Noah was a little more serious, but I enjoyed his character too!
Sometimes when you read a cozy mystery, there are too many characters to keep track of and they’re all suspects. I thought Leigh did a nice job with balancing out the number of characters in this story. I never had to ask myself “who’s that?” which is always a good thing! There were plenty of times I suspected someone only to think it was someone else a few chapters later which made this such a fun read. Although I did figure out whodunnit, I didn’t figure everything out until the reveal at the end which was nice.
This was a fast-paced book that I read in a day. I loved the setting of a ski town, and can’t wait to see where the series takes us next. If you’re looking for an enjoyable mystery, then I highly recommend checking this one out!
Thank you to the author and Level Best Books for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
I love a good cozy mystery every now and then, and I thoroughly enjoyed Instagoner. Leigh’s debut novel, Peril In Pink, was so much fun, and she did it again with this one.
I loved the main character, Emily! I found her relatable, spunky, and adorable. Her dog Murray was so cute, and I adored her gay best friend Fitz. He was my favorite character, and I hope there’s more of him in the series. The sheriff and Emily’s love interest, Noah was a little more serious, but I enjoyed his character too!
Sometimes when you read a cozy mystery, there are too many characters to keep track of and they’re all suspects. I thought Leigh did a nice job with balancing out the number of characters in this story. I never had to ask myself “who’s that?” which is always a good thing! There were plenty of times I suspected someone only to think it was someone else a few chapters later which made this such a fun read. Although I did figure out whodunnit, I didn’t figure everything out until the reveal at the end which was nice.
This was a fast-paced book that I read in a day. I loved the setting of a ski town, and can’t wait to see where the series takes us next. If you’re looking for an enjoyable mystery, then I highly recommend checking this one out!
Thank you to the author and Level Best Books for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
August 16, 2024
I really wanted to like this book more. I was intrigued by the idea of an MC as an influencer, but unfortunately, this book is troupe soup. It starts right in, no lay of the land, no introduction to characters, which I understand doesn't bother everyone, but it does bother me, especially in a new series. I will say that even though Emily literally falls over the body, she isn't considered a suspect, which is definitely an anti-troupe, but unfortunately, it ends here. I am not sure if it's because she's with her best friend, a handsome gay man, or because her best friend's brother is the chief of police. Emily has a troubled history with the victim. Jackie humiliated her on TV, then stole her long-time boyfriend, but when her sister asked her to use her influence with her followers to see if if anyone saw anything or might have a clue to the hit and run, she said sure. Even when the police ask her to back off, she's all into finding out what happened. All the characters, besides her best friend, are deplorable people with serious issues, like the victim's sister takes over her show, the day after her death, and another co-worker is sleeping with her boyfriend. That's just the tip of the iceberg. Even though the job of an influencer would give her some time to sleuth, she never works, two five minute blogs a day. But my biggest issue is that Emily just pulls one TSTL move after another with barely taking a breath. How many times are you allowed to do something stupid before there are consequences. Unfortunately, while the who, when, and why made for an interesting mystery, the rest is just too much to overcome for me. Thanks to #Netgally, #LevelBestBooks, and the author for the opportunity to read. #Instagoner #SydneyLeigh #bookreview #bookideas #retiredreader
September 18, 2024
I received this book from NetGalley.
So far the book is pretty slow going. I'm 22% in and the murder has happened but not much else.
Also, I had no real problems with Emily until she started arguing with Noah. He's the sheriff, aside from being her best friend's brother, and she doesn't listen to him at all about getting involved in a homicide investigation! Doesn't even listen to reason, and people like that just annoy me. She gives off very much entitled influencer vibes.
Becka also runs over Grant's garden when they don't even know if he has anything to do with Jackie's murder. Again, immature and entitled. Just not likeable.
Also, isn't it weird that she's an influencer and doesn't even know that you can search by image on Google. This is a pretty old feature.
To be fair, it's probably on me that I chose a book about an influencer when most of the time I find this behaviour entitled.
I feel that there isn't much chemistry between Emily and Noah and it just feels a little forced and thrown together at the end.
Overall, decent idea but took too long to get anywhere.
So far the book is pretty slow going. I'm 22% in and the murder has happened but not much else.
Also, I had no real problems with Emily until she started arguing with Noah. He's the sheriff, aside from being her best friend's brother, and she doesn't listen to him at all about getting involved in a homicide investigation! Doesn't even listen to reason, and people like that just annoy me. She gives off very much entitled influencer vibes.
Becka also runs over Grant's garden when they don't even know if he has anything to do with Jackie's murder. Again, immature and entitled. Just not likeable.
Also, isn't it weird that she's an influencer and doesn't even know that you can search by image on Google. This is a pretty old feature.
To be fair, it's probably on me that I chose a book about an influencer when most of the time I find this behaviour entitled.
I feel that there isn't much chemistry between Emily and Noah and it just feels a little forced and thrown together at the end.
Overall, decent idea but took too long to get anywhere.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 20, 2024
I truly enjoyed Sydney’s first book, Peril in Pink. So, when she asked if I wanted to read her new book, of course I did!
Three things about Sydney’s writing, she’s going to make you laugh, there’s going to be a dog, and there’s going to be a murder. Maybe I’ve watched too many episodes Law and Order SVU, but when someone stumbles upon a dead body, that is very interesting beginning, and I can’t wait to dig in! The other nice thing is that the killer is not obvious, in fact it’s not until the very end that it becomes clear. Which I enjoy, I don’t like when the mystery is too easy. Besides trying to figure out who killed Jackie, I also enjoyed Emily’s relationship with her mom, and that her dog Murray played an active role in the book and she wasn’t just some cute sidekick.
If you are looking for a cozy mystery with lots of humor look no further. You will enjoy thinking you know who the killer is when you realize, nope back to square one!
Three things about Sydney’s writing, she’s going to make you laugh, there’s going to be a dog, and there’s going to be a murder. Maybe I’ve watched too many episodes Law and Order SVU, but when someone stumbles upon a dead body, that is very interesting beginning, and I can’t wait to dig in! The other nice thing is that the killer is not obvious, in fact it’s not until the very end that it becomes clear. Which I enjoy, I don’t like when the mystery is too easy. Besides trying to figure out who killed Jackie, I also enjoyed Emily’s relationship with her mom, and that her dog Murray played an active role in the book and she wasn’t just some cute sidekick.
If you are looking for a cozy mystery with lots of humor look no further. You will enjoy thinking you know who the killer is when you realize, nope back to square one!
August 23, 2024
The author's last book, Peril in Pink, was my 1st cozy mystery, and I really enjoyed it, so I knew I needed to read this one, and it was just as good!
Emily Dalle is a lifestyle blogger/influencer. One morning, while riding her bike with her BFF Fritz, she stumbles upon the body of Jackie Hunter. Jackie happens to be a controversial talk show host who has had Emily on her show. Jackie isn't the most well liked person, and even though it seems like it was a hit and run, Emily knows it wasn't. She uses her blog to investigate to see if anyone saw anything. Tensions become high with Noah, the hot police chief, because he needs her to butt out. When a 2nd person is found dead, Emily knows there is a connection. She's determined to figure out the truth, but will she live to tell it?
This was such a charming, fun mystery that had me turning pages to find out whodunit. I kept thinking I knew, but I was definitely wrong. The small town setting was perfect, and I thought the characters were great, especially Emily's dog Murray. This is the 1st book in a new series, and I can't wait to read book 2! If you're a mystery fan, I definitely recommend this one!
Emily Dalle is a lifestyle blogger/influencer. One morning, while riding her bike with her BFF Fritz, she stumbles upon the body of Jackie Hunter. Jackie happens to be a controversial talk show host who has had Emily on her show. Jackie isn't the most well liked person, and even though it seems like it was a hit and run, Emily knows it wasn't. She uses her blog to investigate to see if anyone saw anything. Tensions become high with Noah, the hot police chief, because he needs her to butt out. When a 2nd person is found dead, Emily knows there is a connection. She's determined to figure out the truth, but will she live to tell it?
This was such a charming, fun mystery that had me turning pages to find out whodunit. I kept thinking I knew, but I was definitely wrong. The small town setting was perfect, and I thought the characters were great, especially Emily's dog Murray. This is the 1st book in a new series, and I can't wait to read book 2! If you're a mystery fan, I definitely recommend this one!
August 26, 2024
A fun cozy mystery with some predictable little twists. I enjoyed instagoner and am interested in reading more books by this author! A good read for sure and kept me engaged. I picked this one to read after a failed attempt of reading another book so really was happy when this story was fun and enjoyable.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this arc!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this arc!
September 4, 2024
I was so excited to be asked to read and review this book. Anything with mystery, murder, twists, and being at the edge of my seat- count me in!! This book was so good and reminded me of an episode of criminal minds. Sometimes being an influencer can help solve murders! If you haven’t read this one yet you definitely need to check it out!!
August 9, 2024
overall 4/5. i think this series has a lot of potential moving forward. the premise of getting involved with true crime with a social media presence makes it easy to relate to our current world & allows you to be fully immersed in the story. i was left guessing until the end on who did it & i would also like to see how noah & emily’s relationship evolves (if at all), in future books! thank you for the ARC e-book!!
August 26, 2024
"Instagoner (The Bark and Blog Mystery Series #1)" by Sydney Leigh is the first cozy mystery book about Lifestyle Blogger/Influencer Emily Dalle. She seems to be quite successful at her chosen career and is about to start a regular tv segment with her mom on a local channel. She lives in a cozy apartment with her big dog above her best friend's coffee café. She has a massive crush on his (the best friend's) brother who just happens to be the town detective.
The mystery begins when Emily and her best friend are on a mountain road bike ride. Emily literally crashes into the local talk show hostess and everyone's least favorite person. Luckily and unluckily, Emily didn't get to her first. Then the sister of the victim asks Emily to reach out to her followers for any information they may have. This gets Emily in full blow curiosity mode.
There are several possible suspects. I was a bit focused on one suspect in mind and had one that I was sort of thinking it could be. My second person ended up being the culprit.
The mystery begins when Emily and her best friend are on a mountain road bike ride. Emily literally crashes into the local talk show hostess and everyone's least favorite person. Luckily and unluckily, Emily didn't get to her first. Then the sister of the victim asks Emily to reach out to her followers for any information they may have. This gets Emily in full blow curiosity mode.
There are several possible suspects. I was a bit focused on one suspect in mind and had one that I was sort of thinking it could be. My second person ended up being the culprit.
August 24, 2024
📚 PRE-PUBLICATION BOOK REVIEW 📚
Instagoner By Sydney Leigh
Publication Date: August 27, 2024
Publisher: Level Best Books
📚MY RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
📚MY REVIEW:
If you love drama-filled cozy mysteries that blend social media with whodunnit murder mysteries, then you will absolutely LOVE this upcoming new release from Sydney Leigh!! We're all talking about it over at @thrillerbookloversthepulse and @bookloversthebuzz -- and you will be too once you get this book in your hands!
This book was SUCH a fun read, with a host of loveable characters that will feel like friends by the book's end. Instagoner has everything you want in a fun and quick read -- a murder mystery, a ton of suspects, social media drama, a little love story in the background, and Emily -- a female MC you'll love to love as you cheer her on in her amateur sleuthing as a local Instagram darling.
This felt very much like a cozy mystery with a modern vibe. I thought I knew who was going to be the killer at least two or three times, but I didn't figure it out till the very end. And the twists and turns that Leigh kept bringing to this story just added to the book's fun!
Instagoner is one of those cozy mysteries that will make you laugh out loud as you read, while also keeping your interest till the very end with its whodunnit plot. I want to say a big thank you to Thriller Book Lovers The Pulse, Book Lovers The Buzz, and Sydney Leigh for inviting me to be a part of this book tour. And thank you to NetGalley and Level Best Books for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Don't miss this one when it comes out on August 27th!
#Instagoner #SydneyLeigh #NetGalley #NetGalleyReviews #ARC #thrillerbookloversthepulse #bookloversthebuzz #thrilleraddict #thrillerlover #lightmysteries #cozymysteries #bookreviews #bookrecommendations #bookrecs
Instagoner By Sydney Leigh
Publication Date: August 27, 2024
Publisher: Level Best Books
📚MY RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
📚MY REVIEW:
If you love drama-filled cozy mysteries that blend social media with whodunnit murder mysteries, then you will absolutely LOVE this upcoming new release from Sydney Leigh!! We're all talking about it over at @thrillerbookloversthepulse and @bookloversthebuzz -- and you will be too once you get this book in your hands!
This book was SUCH a fun read, with a host of loveable characters that will feel like friends by the book's end. Instagoner has everything you want in a fun and quick read -- a murder mystery, a ton of suspects, social media drama, a little love story in the background, and Emily -- a female MC you'll love to love as you cheer her on in her amateur sleuthing as a local Instagram darling.
This felt very much like a cozy mystery with a modern vibe. I thought I knew who was going to be the killer at least two or three times, but I didn't figure it out till the very end. And the twists and turns that Leigh kept bringing to this story just added to the book's fun!
Instagoner is one of those cozy mysteries that will make you laugh out loud as you read, while also keeping your interest till the very end with its whodunnit plot. I want to say a big thank you to Thriller Book Lovers The Pulse, Book Lovers The Buzz, and Sydney Leigh for inviting me to be a part of this book tour. And thank you to NetGalley and Level Best Books for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Don't miss this one when it comes out on August 27th!
#Instagoner #SydneyLeigh #NetGalley #NetGalleyReviews #ARC #thrillerbookloversthepulse #bookloversthebuzz #thrilleraddict #thrillerlover #lightmysteries #cozymysteries #bookreviews #bookrecommendations #bookrecs
August 31, 2024
2.5
this is almost 3 stars for me.
i think this is one of the most unique books i’ve ever read.
i don’t think i’ve ever read a book where i really didn’t like the writing style, but i didn’t want to stop reading. i genuinely couldn’t get into the writing, the way characters were described sometimes didn’t match how they acted, what they said, or how they were introduced to the story. there’s also so much repetition. i understand reinstating something so the reader remembers but the amount of times i heard about emily & rob being on jackie’s show & rob revealing he doesn’t want to be with emily anymore & eventually dating jackie was a bit much.
emily saying she was a recovering people pleaser later on in the book didn’t really make sense to me because of emily’s need to help becka (someone who’s not even her friend) solve her sister’s murder (someone who was awful to her & others).
i do have to say that the writing style gets better 2/3 of the way into the book. there’s less repetition, the story flows better, & at that point i really wanted to find out who killed jackie & why. i do have to say that everything worked out pretty well. everything fell together when more clues were revealed. i just wish it happened earlier on in the book.
i loved the fact that murray & emily were a duo & murray basically saved her. i just wish there was more to the characters than what was there. i feel like fitz, emily, noah & everyone else could’ve had more to them instead of just fitz always worrying about his bestie emily & being sent to walk murray & noah always being serious.
i think my biggest issue with this book is the lack of consistency in the writing, characters & flow. the last 1/3 of it was a lot better though.
thank you to level best books & netgalley
- arc provided via netgalley in exchange for an honest review
this is almost 3 stars for me.
i think this is one of the most unique books i’ve ever read.
i don’t think i’ve ever read a book where i really didn’t like the writing style, but i didn’t want to stop reading. i genuinely couldn’t get into the writing, the way characters were described sometimes didn’t match how they acted, what they said, or how they were introduced to the story. there’s also so much repetition. i understand reinstating something so the reader remembers but the amount of times i heard about emily & rob being on jackie’s show & rob revealing he doesn’t want to be with emily anymore & eventually dating jackie was a bit much.
emily saying she was a recovering people pleaser later on in the book didn’t really make sense to me because of emily’s need to help becka (someone who’s not even her friend) solve her sister’s murder (someone who was awful to her & others).
i do have to say that the writing style gets better 2/3 of the way into the book. there’s less repetition, the story flows better, & at that point i really wanted to find out who killed jackie & why. i do have to say that everything worked out pretty well. everything fell together when more clues were revealed. i just wish it happened earlier on in the book.
i loved the fact that murray & emily were a duo & murray basically saved her. i just wish there was more to the characters than what was there. i feel like fitz, emily, noah & everyone else could’ve had more to them instead of just fitz always worrying about his bestie emily & being sent to walk murray & noah always being serious.
i think my biggest issue with this book is the lack of consistency in the writing, characters & flow. the last 1/3 of it was a lot better though.
thank you to level best books & netgalley
- arc provided via netgalley in exchange for an honest review
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 14, 2024
Sydney Leigh’s Instagoner is a contemporary mystery that successfully blends elements of humor and suspense. The novel introduces Emily Dalle, a social media influencer unexpectedly thrust into the role of amateur detective when her frenemy is murdered.
Leigh’s skillful integration of social media into the investigative process creates a fresh and engaging dynamic, appealing to a modern audience. The small-town setting provides a charming backdrop while also contributing to the overall atmosphere of intrigue. The plot is filled with unexpected twists, keeping readers engaged throughout.
Emily is a relatable protagonist whose witty commentary and determination are both endearing and inspiring. The supporting characters, particularly her loyal friend Fitz and the enigmatic Sheriff Noah, add depth and complexity to the narrative. However, some readers may find Emily's characterization inconsistent at times, which can detract from her overall believability.
While the novel effectively combines humor and suspense, the romantic subplot between Emily and Noah feels somewhat predictable. Additionally, the character of Fitz, though charming, is underdeveloped and leaves the reader wanting to know more about his backstory.
Overall, Instagoner is an entertaining read that successfully blends humor, mystery, and contemporary culture. Leigh's writing style is engaging, and the plot is well-paced. While the novel might not break new ground in the mystery genre, it offers a fun and lighthearted escape.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for a digital review copy.
Leigh’s skillful integration of social media into the investigative process creates a fresh and engaging dynamic, appealing to a modern audience. The small-town setting provides a charming backdrop while also contributing to the overall atmosphere of intrigue. The plot is filled with unexpected twists, keeping readers engaged throughout.
Emily is a relatable protagonist whose witty commentary and determination are both endearing and inspiring. The supporting characters, particularly her loyal friend Fitz and the enigmatic Sheriff Noah, add depth and complexity to the narrative. However, some readers may find Emily's characterization inconsistent at times, which can detract from her overall believability.
While the novel effectively combines humor and suspense, the romantic subplot between Emily and Noah feels somewhat predictable. Additionally, the character of Fitz, though charming, is underdeveloped and leaves the reader wanting to know more about his backstory.
Overall, Instagoner is an entertaining read that successfully blends humor, mystery, and contemporary culture. Leigh's writing style is engaging, and the plot is well-paced. While the novel might not break new ground in the mystery genre, it offers a fun and lighthearted escape.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for a digital review copy.
September 26, 2024
Great mystery!
This one had me going, I definitely fell for several of the red herrings which is always fun! To me the point of a good mystery is that the author sends me on a bit of a wild goose chase before giving me enough bread crumbs to unravel the mystery along with the sleuth.
The victim had a lot of enemies so to begin the mystery with so many possible suspects was kind of fun too! It was trying to rule out people instead of trying to hunt down one or two possible suspects, which was a different approach to a mystery and I enjoyed it.
Instagoner had a fun premise with the main character working as an online influencer who had a tumultuous history with the victim. And we got a little bit of a budding romance between our sleuth and the detective (I'm hoping this blossoms into more in future books!). There is no spice in this book.
For me the pacing was a bit off at the beginning, the first five chapters came so fast it felt like trying to drink from a fire hydrant between finding the victim, learning about the history between our FMC and the victim, and meeting all of the side characters plus the setting - it was a lot. After that the book slowed down and I was able to get my bearings a bit, and that was the reason for the lowered star rating. Otherwise, I enjoyed the mystery!
*note for my squeaky clean readers - this book did have a couple of instances of taking the Lord's name in vein and one d-word, but otherwise no swearing.*
Thank you to NetGalley for the copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
This one had me going, I definitely fell for several of the red herrings which is always fun! To me the point of a good mystery is that the author sends me on a bit of a wild goose chase before giving me enough bread crumbs to unravel the mystery along with the sleuth.
The victim had a lot of enemies so to begin the mystery with so many possible suspects was kind of fun too! It was trying to rule out people instead of trying to hunt down one or two possible suspects, which was a different approach to a mystery and I enjoyed it.
Instagoner had a fun premise with the main character working as an online influencer who had a tumultuous history with the victim. And we got a little bit of a budding romance between our sleuth and the detective (I'm hoping this blossoms into more in future books!). There is no spice in this book.
For me the pacing was a bit off at the beginning, the first five chapters came so fast it felt like trying to drink from a fire hydrant between finding the victim, learning about the history between our FMC and the victim, and meeting all of the side characters plus the setting - it was a lot. After that the book slowed down and I was able to get my bearings a bit, and that was the reason for the lowered star rating. Otherwise, I enjoyed the mystery!
*note for my squeaky clean readers - this book did have a couple of instances of taking the Lord's name in vein and one d-word, but otherwise no swearing.*
Thank you to NetGalley for the copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
August 29, 2024
💻 This is the second book I read by miss Sidney here. Even though, Peril in Pink got 5 stars too, I liked this book sooo much more
I felt like Instagoner had so much more plot and fun and twists and turns. I couldn’t guess who it was. I had my doubts but nothing firm. Miss Leigh here knew exactly what she was doing!
I really enjoyed the fact that Emily and Fitz were the closest of friends. A ride or die duo. I also really liked how close she is with her mom and how she always features her on her blog. Love some mom and daughter time
I kinda hoped there would be some tension or more spark or just something between Noah and Emily. They’d make such a cute couple. Especially, knowing that she finds him so attractive and he really cares about her. Despite everything it shows that they trust each other and that they’re so important to each other
You still don’t have all the answers until the very last chapter. Which is nice, because you’re kept on your toes way past the point you think you know everything
Emily is such a sweetheart and I really liked that she didn’t jump to conclusions and assumptions based on trauma. She stuck to facts and to reality and gave her all and tried her best to believe the people who have hurt her the most. You don’t see that these days!
I really enjoyed this read. Everything about this book was perfect. The chapters are super short too. I read more than half in just a few hours. Highly recommended🧡
I felt like Instagoner had so much more plot and fun and twists and turns. I couldn’t guess who it was. I had my doubts but nothing firm. Miss Leigh here knew exactly what she was doing!
I really enjoyed the fact that Emily and Fitz were the closest of friends. A ride or die duo. I also really liked how close she is with her mom and how she always features her on her blog. Love some mom and daughter time
I kinda hoped there would be some tension or more spark or just something between Noah and Emily. They’d make such a cute couple. Especially, knowing that she finds him so attractive and he really cares about her. Despite everything it shows that they trust each other and that they’re so important to each other
You still don’t have all the answers until the very last chapter. Which is nice, because you’re kept on your toes way past the point you think you know everything
Emily is such a sweetheart and I really liked that she didn’t jump to conclusions and assumptions based on trauma. She stuck to facts and to reality and gave her all and tried her best to believe the people who have hurt her the most. You don’t see that these days!
I really enjoyed this read. Everything about this book was perfect. The chapters are super short too. I read more than half in just a few hours. Highly recommended🧡
August 9, 2024
Instagoner by Sydney Leigh is a fast-paced, murder mystery filled with humour, suspense, and a cast of characters you can never fully trust. The story revolves around a social media influencer who accidentally discovers the body of the town’s notoriously mean girl. With the help of her lovable best friend, her adorable dog, and the local sheriff (who just might be more than a crush), she dives headfirst into solving the murder—using her followers to help piece together the clues.
Leigh skillfully weaves an unpredictable narrative that keeps you hooked from start to finish. The small-town setting adds an intimate, yet tense atmosphere, where every encounter with the quirky townspeople feels shrouded in mystery. You’ll find yourself questioning everyone's motives, making the suspense all the more gripping.
The protagonist shines with her witty, relatable personality, providing a delightful balance to the darker elements of the plot. Her chemistry with her best friend and maybe one-sided, unrequited crush on the sheriff are heartwarming subplots that enrich her character and lighten the mood.
Sydney Leigh has created a protagonist who is both charming and resilient, making "Instagoner" an irresistible read for anyone who loves a good mystery infused with humor and heart. This one’s a must-read!
3.5 ⭐️
Thank you NetGallery ✨
Leigh skillfully weaves an unpredictable narrative that keeps you hooked from start to finish. The small-town setting adds an intimate, yet tense atmosphere, where every encounter with the quirky townspeople feels shrouded in mystery. You’ll find yourself questioning everyone's motives, making the suspense all the more gripping.
The protagonist shines with her witty, relatable personality, providing a delightful balance to the darker elements of the plot. Her chemistry with her best friend and maybe one-sided, unrequited crush on the sheriff are heartwarming subplots that enrich her character and lighten the mood.
Sydney Leigh has created a protagonist who is both charming and resilient, making "Instagoner" an irresistible read for anyone who loves a good mystery infused with humor and heart. This one’s a must-read!
3.5 ⭐️
Thank you NetGallery ✨
September 8, 2024
Thank you to Sydney Leigh, NetGalley, and Level Best Books for an ARC of Instagoner!
“The currency here was fun and our town did it right.”
This is a fun and modern cozy mystery with interesting and varied characters. The main character is Emily, who is a social media influencer in the small town of Eliot Hill. Her best buds include Fritz, owner of the Longbourn Café, and Murray, Emily’s dog.
“Small town? Big gossip.”
Eliot Hill may be small, but the rotating cast of celebrities in town for films and the production studio keep the town lively (and full of drunk driving accidents). When the local (and semi famous) bully is found dead from an assumed drunk driving incident, Emily decides to help an old friend find out what really happened.
“Crowdsourcing for clues? I hadn’t seen this coming.”
Emily asks her followed for tips about what happened and gets way more than she bargained for - a budding romance with a cop, threats, and a grudge with a biker just to name a few.
Like her last novel, Instagoner brings a fresh feeling to the cozy mystery genre. I’d recommend this to anyone looking to get into cozy mysteries, people sick of thinking social media and cell phones are just ignored in the genre, and anyone who likes a good mystery.
“The currency here was fun and our town did it right.”
This is a fun and modern cozy mystery with interesting and varied characters. The main character is Emily, who is a social media influencer in the small town of Eliot Hill. Her best buds include Fritz, owner of the Longbourn Café, and Murray, Emily’s dog.
“Small town? Big gossip.”
Eliot Hill may be small, but the rotating cast of celebrities in town for films and the production studio keep the town lively (and full of drunk driving accidents). When the local (and semi famous) bully is found dead from an assumed drunk driving incident, Emily decides to help an old friend find out what really happened.
“Crowdsourcing for clues? I hadn’t seen this coming.”
Emily asks her followed for tips about what happened and gets way more than she bargained for - a budding romance with a cop, threats, and a grudge with a biker just to name a few.
Like her last novel, Instagoner brings a fresh feeling to the cozy mystery genre. I’d recommend this to anyone looking to get into cozy mysteries, people sick of thinking social media and cell phones are just ignored in the genre, and anyone who likes a good mystery.
December 9, 2024
Instagoner is a new cozy mystery in A Bark and Blog Mystery by Sydney Leigh and it is a great debut. The characters are likable and the mystery kept me guessing. At first I thought it was aimed at a younger audience with the main character Emily being a lifestyle blogger but once I got into the story that wasn't the case. Emily had a disastrous breakup which was shown on tv and it has taken her some time to bounce back. She is working with talk show host Jackie Hunter who ends up dead. Jackie could be very difficult which alienated people around her. Later in the story there is a second death. Emily's best friend is Fitz but she has a crush on his brother Noah, the local Sheriff. Both Fitz and Noah are wonderful characters as well as Emily's dog Murray and they add to the story. There are several locals who are suspects in Jackie's death and most of them have secrets which keeps it interesting. Emily has some common sense but she still ends up in predicaments which keeps the reader engaged. This was an enjoyable cozy mystery and I'm looking forward to the next book. I won this book on a Facebook Giveaway from Author Sydney Leigh and I voluntarily leave this review. #Instagoner #ABarkAndBlogMystery #LevelBestBooks#SydneyLeigh
February 17, 2025
A famous instagram influencer, Emily Dalle, stumbles upon the body of a controversial talk show host, Jackie Hunter, who was known for her black-and-white sense of justice and mistreatment of her guests and crew members. When Emily asks her followers to come forward with any information they may have pertinent to the case, she finds herself embroiled in the murder investigation and an unwitting target for Jackie’s murderer.
Though I did find myself wishing that Emily would just mind her own business towards the end of the book, this was still an engaging work that provided an interesting perspective on the pitfalls of fame and life in the social media spotlight. There were the appropriate twists and shocking revelations that you’d expect from a worthwhile thriller. Leigh expertly fleshes out her characters to provide multiple plausible suspects and keep the reader invested in the story. As the protagonist, Emily is relatable in her struggles as a recovering people pleaser and lovable for her sharp wit and determination to stay true to herself. If you’re looking for a fast paced mystery with a splash of romance, a touch of humor, and a social media spin then this is a perfect choice for you!
Though I did find myself wishing that Emily would just mind her own business towards the end of the book, this was still an engaging work that provided an interesting perspective on the pitfalls of fame and life in the social media spotlight. There were the appropriate twists and shocking revelations that you’d expect from a worthwhile thriller. Leigh expertly fleshes out her characters to provide multiple plausible suspects and keep the reader invested in the story. As the protagonist, Emily is relatable in her struggles as a recovering people pleaser and lovable for her sharp wit and determination to stay true to herself. If you’re looking for a fast paced mystery with a splash of romance, a touch of humor, and a social media spin then this is a perfect choice for you!
August 25, 2024
If you love Murder, She Wrote, Only Murders in the Building or any of the Hallmark mystery series', then you need to read Instagoner. Reading this book was so much fun. Emily is a social media influencer who stumbles upon the body of the woman who ruined her life on TV (that story itself was wild!!!). Unable to let it go, she starts crowd sourcing for clues and becoming the Eliot Hills Jessica Fletcher (a reference that is made in the book to my absolute delight).
I don't read a lot of mysteries but I loved this one. I picked up on a lot of the clues Sydney was putting down but the ending still had me reeling! It was like I found all the puzzle pieces but put them together just a little wrong. I'm a big fan of surprises like this! I am also very suspicious of everyone in Eliot Hills because I think they're all hiding things. Small towns will always be wilder than big cities.
Emily's friendship with Fitz was so much fun and the whisper of romance with the town Sheriff was perfect. I need more of them!!!! I have a feeling we'll be watching their relationship grow as they professionally clash over cases in books to come! Super excited to see where the rest of this series will go!
I don't read a lot of mysteries but I loved this one. I picked up on a lot of the clues Sydney was putting down but the ending still had me reeling! It was like I found all the puzzle pieces but put them together just a little wrong. I'm a big fan of surprises like this! I am also very suspicious of everyone in Eliot Hills because I think they're all hiding things. Small towns will always be wilder than big cities.
Emily's friendship with Fitz was so much fun and the whisper of romance with the town Sheriff was perfect. I need more of them!!!! I have a feeling we'll be watching their relationship grow as they professionally clash over cases in books to come! Super excited to see where the rest of this series will go!
September 13, 2024
4.5 stars
Title: Instagoner
Author: Sydney Leigh
Pub Date: August 27, 2024
This book was such a blast from start to finish! I started it on a whim and couldn't put it down! It was so easy to read and get completely lost in!
When a popular blogger accidentally finds the body of a well-known and controversial talk-show host, she becomes instantly obsessed with finding out the truth of what happened! The small town is full of secrets, close friendships, and serious enemies! I loved all the characters and the different dimensions of all of their relationships!
It was pleasant to read a mystery that wasn't super heavy and dark, but one that also kept me turning pages! This is a hard combination to find lately, so I'm thrilled to have found this book. It was such a perfect palate cleanser for me after many heavy reads.
Fans of Finlay Donovan, Arsenic and Adobo, and Thursday Murder Club should definitely check out this addicting cozy mystery.
I am excited to go back and read her debut and am eager to see what she releases next! This is the first in a new series called A BARK AND BLOG MYSTERY! YAY!
Title: Instagoner
Author: Sydney Leigh
Pub Date: August 27, 2024
This book was such a blast from start to finish! I started it on a whim and couldn't put it down! It was so easy to read and get completely lost in!
When a popular blogger accidentally finds the body of a well-known and controversial talk-show host, she becomes instantly obsessed with finding out the truth of what happened! The small town is full of secrets, close friendships, and serious enemies! I loved all the characters and the different dimensions of all of their relationships!
It was pleasant to read a mystery that wasn't super heavy and dark, but one that also kept me turning pages! This is a hard combination to find lately, so I'm thrilled to have found this book. It was such a perfect palate cleanser for me after many heavy reads.
Fans of Finlay Donovan, Arsenic and Adobo, and Thursday Murder Club should definitely check out this addicting cozy mystery.
I am excited to go back and read her debut and am eager to see what she releases next! This is the first in a new series called A BARK AND BLOG MYSTERY! YAY!
August 21, 2024
Book Review
Instagoner by Sydney Leigh
Tropes and Thoughts
✅ Cozy mystery
✅ Small town aka TV town- think Hallmark
✅ Influencers, Bloggers and reality tv ,Oh and the local TV station
✅ Caffeine and baked goods
✅ Loads of red herrings- I was totally wrong in my predictions
✅ a low key crush with potential
✅ Hiking boots, Bike, Cars, and motorcycles oh My
Characters
Emily- blogger and part-time meddling
sleuth
Fitz- BFF, owner of a cafe full of pastries and caffeine
Murray - the wonder dog
Noah- best friends brother, has the whole protector vibe thing going on, lots of sexual tension between hum and our FMC- I hope for more between these two
Becka/Vera/Jackie/Rob/Merle/Billy- every small town needs its cast of meddling characters/villains/victims- the question is who is who
Overall
Exactly as advertised- a cozy murder mystery complete with a loveable pooch and never ending supply of caffeine, baked goods and intrigue.
This genre is still relatively new to me ( I think I have read like 3 Cosy mysteries before ) and I really enjoyed this one!
Round up to ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Thanks to the author for my digital copy in return for an honest review. Opinions expressed are my own.
Instagoner by Sydney Leigh
Tropes and Thoughts
✅ Cozy mystery
✅ Small town aka TV town- think Hallmark
✅ Influencers, Bloggers and reality tv ,Oh and the local TV station
✅ Caffeine and baked goods
✅ Loads of red herrings- I was totally wrong in my predictions
✅ a low key crush with potential
✅ Hiking boots, Bike, Cars, and motorcycles oh My
Characters
Emily- blogger and part-time meddling
sleuth
Fitz- BFF, owner of a cafe full of pastries and caffeine
Murray - the wonder dog
Noah- best friends brother, has the whole protector vibe thing going on, lots of sexual tension between hum and our FMC- I hope for more between these two
Becka/Vera/Jackie/Rob/Merle/Billy- every small town needs its cast of meddling characters/villains/victims- the question is who is who
Overall
Exactly as advertised- a cozy murder mystery complete with a loveable pooch and never ending supply of caffeine, baked goods and intrigue.
This genre is still relatively new to me ( I think I have read like 3 Cosy mysteries before ) and I really enjoyed this one!
Round up to ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Thanks to the author for my digital copy in return for an honest review. Opinions expressed are my own.
August 25, 2024
Thank you so much to Netgalley and Sydney Leigh for the Advanced Review Copy in exchange for my review!!
I want to start by talking about the love I have for the characters. I not only loved Emily’s witty personality but how straight forward she is. Her blogs are known to tell it like it is! She not only has a fun personality to follow through the book - she has a loving dog named Murray. I loved how Murray made an appearance a lot during the story. I loved the dog bestie energy!!! Additionally, I enjoyed the banter between Emily and her friend Fitz as they navigate the who-done-it mystery.
This book is perfect for mystery & thriller lovers. It is a slower paced thriller compared to what I have read in the past. I loved this book for that - I really was able to enjoy the characters and the plot buildup all in one. I did not expect the ending at all which is something I value in a book especially in a mystery. I highly recommend adding Instagoner to your “to be read” list! I already miss curling up at night with this book!
August 29, 2024
Blogging. Murder. Bikers. Caffeine. And a very sweet Murray the dog.
That’s what you get in this Murder, She Wrote-light story. Emily lives in an apartment above her best friend Fitz’s cafe. His brother Noah just happens to be the town sheriff (and the object of Emily’s affection). Both boys try to keep Emily out of trouble, whether it be after a particularly nasty break up or just getting her out into fresh air on a bike ride or for a hike. That is, until she stumbles across the dead body of her friend/enemy Jackie. After asking her followers for any help in the murder investigation Emily is now on the killers radar. Her determination to find the truth could lead her to the same fate as Jackie.
This was a great murder-lite, small town mystery with a teeny side of romance. It was a great palate cleaners for me and a break from my more dark reading choices. Overall I give it a solid 3.75/5 for story like (I didn’t see the killer coming until the very end) and a 0.5/5 on spice level.
Thank you NetGalley and publishers for allowing me to read this ARC.
That’s what you get in this Murder, She Wrote-light story. Emily lives in an apartment above her best friend Fitz’s cafe. His brother Noah just happens to be the town sheriff (and the object of Emily’s affection). Both boys try to keep Emily out of trouble, whether it be after a particularly nasty break up or just getting her out into fresh air on a bike ride or for a hike. That is, until she stumbles across the dead body of her friend/enemy Jackie. After asking her followers for any help in the murder investigation Emily is now on the killers radar. Her determination to find the truth could lead her to the same fate as Jackie.
This was a great murder-lite, small town mystery with a teeny side of romance. It was a great palate cleaners for me and a break from my more dark reading choices. Overall I give it a solid 3.75/5 for story like (I didn’t see the killer coming until the very end) and a 0.5/5 on spice level.
Thank you NetGalley and publishers for allowing me to read this ARC.
September 4, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me access to read this!
The blurb really caught my attention- it seemed like a fun concept!
Emily as a character was a difficult one for me to decide if I liked or not. She was so stubborn but also so driven. A very curious person by nature, which is something I can relate to- I can see why she so easily got fixated on the case. As a true crime fanatic and someone who just enjoys learning about law enforcement and corrections practices, some parts of this had me screaming. Posting to her blog for tips could have caused so many issues, especially as it hadn’t been cleared with investigators. I can say I for sure did not like her non-swear words that she used, it pulled me out of the story a tad.
As an AuDHD reader, mystery books don’t tend to go well for me. I pick up on patterns quickly, and I usually have the ending figured out very early on. This book did take me longer, I’d say 85% of the way to figure out the likely culprit.
Overall, I’d say 4/5 stars for a fun quick mystery read!
The blurb really caught my attention- it seemed like a fun concept!
Emily as a character was a difficult one for me to decide if I liked or not. She was so stubborn but also so driven. A very curious person by nature, which is something I can relate to- I can see why she so easily got fixated on the case. As a true crime fanatic and someone who just enjoys learning about law enforcement and corrections practices, some parts of this had me screaming. Posting to her blog for tips could have caused so many issues, especially as it hadn’t been cleared with investigators. I can say I for sure did not like her non-swear words that she used, it pulled me out of the story a tad.
As an AuDHD reader, mystery books don’t tend to go well for me. I pick up on patterns quickly, and I usually have the ending figured out very early on. This book did take me longer, I’d say 85% of the way to figure out the likely culprit.
Overall, I’d say 4/5 stars for a fun quick mystery read!
October 13, 2024
3,5 ⭐️
This one’s close to a 4 for me!
This was a fun little murder mystery with some great elements in there. The characters were witty and the investigation into the murder of Jackie had some nice twists and turns. I wasn’t too blown away by the twist at the end, but the story did feel very cosy, and I really liked that. Also, the dog!!! He’s the best 🥹
This story follows blogger Emily who finds the body of Jackie during a bikeride with her best friend Fitz. Quickly, the death is considered a murder and there’s many theories and suspicions rising! Everyone’s a suspect, but Emily is determined to find out who killed Jackie, even after what Jackie has done to Emily in the past.
A recommendation for anyone who’s looking for a cozy mystery with some fun banter and (mainly) likeable characters. I had a good time, plus I flew through the story. It’s very easy to read and it’ll make you wanting more ♥️
Thank you so much to Sydney Leigh for sending me another ARC-copy of her book. Make sure to check out her other book, Peril in Pink, as well 🩷
This one’s close to a 4 for me!
This was a fun little murder mystery with some great elements in there. The characters were witty and the investigation into the murder of Jackie had some nice twists and turns. I wasn’t too blown away by the twist at the end, but the story did feel very cosy, and I really liked that. Also, the dog!!! He’s the best 🥹
This story follows blogger Emily who finds the body of Jackie during a bikeride with her best friend Fitz. Quickly, the death is considered a murder and there’s many theories and suspicions rising! Everyone’s a suspect, but Emily is determined to find out who killed Jackie, even after what Jackie has done to Emily in the past.
A recommendation for anyone who’s looking for a cozy mystery with some fun banter and (mainly) likeable characters. I had a good time, plus I flew through the story. It’s very easy to read and it’ll make you wanting more ♥️
Thank you so much to Sydney Leigh for sending me another ARC-copy of her book. Make sure to check out her other book, Peril in Pink, as well 🩷
August 21, 2024
I really liked this book!! It was so enjoyable and interesting to read! I loved the mystery and the whole plot of the book. It reminded me a lot of murder mystery movies, which I love, and it made reading this much more enjoyable!
Instagoner is a cozy murder mystery about an influencer, Emily Dalle who stumbles on the dead body of Jackie Hunter, I mean that quite literally. She finds herself starting to investigate and wants to help out what happened to Jackie, even though their past wasn’t the greatest.
It took me a while before I really got into the book and when I was I was interested! I feel like the pacing of the book especially at the beginning could’ve been a bit slower, but I do like how it hooks you in right away. I loved Emily as the mc and Fitz as well, and obviously Murray too.
I definitely recommend for any murder mystery fans! Thank you so much to Sydney Leigh and NetGalley for the arc!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 (rounded up)
Instagoner is a cozy murder mystery about an influencer, Emily Dalle who stumbles on the dead body of Jackie Hunter, I mean that quite literally. She finds herself starting to investigate and wants to help out what happened to Jackie, even though their past wasn’t the greatest.
It took me a while before I really got into the book and when I was I was interested! I feel like the pacing of the book especially at the beginning could’ve been a bit slower, but I do like how it hooks you in right away. I loved Emily as the mc and Fitz as well, and obviously Murray too.
I definitely recommend for any murder mystery fans! Thank you so much to Sydney Leigh and NetGalley for the arc!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 (rounded up)
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