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Lies on Elmwood Ave
Four invitations. One weekend. A house full of secrets. Can they solve the clues to keep their pasts hidden?
In this intriguing mystery novella, four strangers find themselves in a high-stakes scavenger hunt. Invited to Elmwood Ave, they're thrust into an escape room-style challenge with an unusual twist. Each participant must solve clues leading to their own incriminating evidence hidden within the house. The rules are simple yet stay and play the game or face the consequences of their darkest secrets being revealed. As the puzzle pieces fall into place, uneasy alliances form in this suspenseful yet quirky tale. Can they solve the clues and keep their secrets their own? Or will they share too much, risking the fate of the others’ choosing?
You'll love this book if you like:
- A fast-paced, quick read with an addictive story that can be enjoyed in one sitting
- Quirky characters and clever plot twists that challenge your detective skills
- A fresh take on the escape room concept, blending suspense with witty observations and classic mystery elements
- An introduction to a promising new voice in the mystery genre with a knack for balancing intrigue and levity
In this intriguing mystery novella, four strangers find themselves in a high-stakes scavenger hunt. Invited to Elmwood Ave, they're thrust into an escape room-style challenge with an unusual twist. Each participant must solve clues leading to their own incriminating evidence hidden within the house. The rules are simple yet stay and play the game or face the consequences of their darkest secrets being revealed. As the puzzle pieces fall into place, uneasy alliances form in this suspenseful yet quirky tale. Can they solve the clues and keep their secrets their own? Or will they share too much, risking the fate of the others’ choosing?
You'll love this book if you like:
- A fast-paced, quick read with an addictive story that can be enjoyed in one sitting
- Quirky characters and clever plot twists that challenge your detective skills
- A fresh take on the escape room concept, blending suspense with witty observations and classic mystery elements
- An introduction to a promising new voice in the mystery genre with a knack for balancing intrigue and levity
- GenresThriller
127 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 20, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
November 7, 2024
Being an ARC reader for my friend’s debut novella has been a dream. I went into this experience with an objective perspective - here are my honest thoughts.
Speeney’s writing is that of an experienced reader, bringing an extensive understanding of storytelling to the table. This book is refreshingly original in a genre that sometimes feels like a copy and paste. The storyline kept me guessing until the final page, shattering my usual confidence in predicting mystery endings. Every twist left me with more questions but not for a lack of attention to detail.
The characters are the standout detail of the novella. Each of them is both relatable and unpredictable, all hiding secrets that feel uniquely their own. At times I loved and hated each of them for the secrets they keep and honesty they share (or don’t!) Speeney is gifted for building her characters layer by layer, creating a sense of intimacy without revealing full details. I found myself fully invested in each of their stories, attempting to piece together how they intertwine. It’s rare to find a cast that is simultaneously so likeable yet flawed in ways that add depth and suspense.
Speeney is both creative and clever in her story and world building. Her attention to detail and ability to weave in seemingly unimportant details is top tier.
Because of the attention to detail in her writing, I did find myself reading this much slower than my usual pace. The important details and solutions were so well placed in plain sight, I found myself searching for the solutions throughout - but still was not able to solve, which is so fun! In my opinion, this makes a great novel.
The ending leaves the reader eager for more, hinting at Speeney’s potential for even greater mysteries to come.
Storyline: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Characters:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Speeney as a Writer:……..⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Looking forward to more of her work!
Speeney’s writing is that of an experienced reader, bringing an extensive understanding of storytelling to the table. This book is refreshingly original in a genre that sometimes feels like a copy and paste. The storyline kept me guessing until the final page, shattering my usual confidence in predicting mystery endings. Every twist left me with more questions but not for a lack of attention to detail.
The characters are the standout detail of the novella. Each of them is both relatable and unpredictable, all hiding secrets that feel uniquely their own. At times I loved and hated each of them for the secrets they keep and honesty they share (or don’t!) Speeney is gifted for building her characters layer by layer, creating a sense of intimacy without revealing full details. I found myself fully invested in each of their stories, attempting to piece together how they intertwine. It’s rare to find a cast that is simultaneously so likeable yet flawed in ways that add depth and suspense.
Speeney is both creative and clever in her story and world building. Her attention to detail and ability to weave in seemingly unimportant details is top tier.
Because of the attention to detail in her writing, I did find myself reading this much slower than my usual pace. The important details and solutions were so well placed in plain sight, I found myself searching for the solutions throughout - but still was not able to solve, which is so fun! In my opinion, this makes a great novel.
The ending leaves the reader eager for more, hinting at Speeney’s potential for even greater mysteries to come.
Storyline: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Characters:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Speeney as a Writer:……..⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Looking forward to more of her work!
November 30, 2024
What a fun read by a new author (who I happen to know)! I enjoyed this mystery a lot and was left wanting more! As someone who is a self-published author, I love getting to support other self-published authors, and this was a fun debut story from Stephanie! I’m looking forward to her future works!
October 27, 2024
Such a fun little mystery novella by my new favorite author!! A cozy and quick read that will have you guessing alongside the characters from start to finish. Put this one on your shelf asap! 🙌🏼
November 27, 2024
This book was the perfect pick in between longer reads! I was looking for a shorter read that was easy to follow but still exciting and fun. This was exactly that! I would definitely recommend this book for anyone looking for something similar and for people who love a mystery. The characters stories had me encapsulated and I finished the book within just a few hours (something I haven’t done in so long!!).
December 12, 2024
This was such a fun novella!
I loved the mystery, the twists and the characters. It was such a a fun journey, and I wasn't ready for it to end. I would love to see (or longer) works from this author in the future!
I loved the mystery, the twists and the characters. It was such a a fun journey, and I wasn't ready for it to end. I would love to see (or longer) works from this author in the future!
November 5, 2024
This book is exactly my kind of mystery novel! It is filled with engaging character development, exciting twists and turns, and the perfect amount of setting description to imagine with the setting without boring the reader. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time wondering how it all would unfold. The characters are endearing and the plot is easily followed, but still kept me guessing as to what would happen next. The writing was well done with expansive vocabulary, but also a light, casual tone that made the narrator almost feel like a character themselves. I would highly recommend if you’re looking for a short, engaging mystery!
Note: Nothing about the book was gory or fear-inducing. A major plus for readers like me who just want to have a good time while reading!
Note: Nothing about the book was gory or fear-inducing. A major plus for readers like me who just want to have a good time while reading!
December 24, 2024
This story is more than one puzzle! The suspense of finding clues paired with the suspense of the characters backgrounds is unmatched. Impressed with the way this pulled together so beautifully in a novella length.
December 31, 2024
Great short read! I love trying to put the pieces together along with the characters and would get so excited when I figured something out right before the characters did! Highly recommend if you looking for something quick and fun to read!
September 9, 2025
This was such a fun, quick read! I loved trying to figure out everyone's secret and why they were in the house. Speeney did such a great job at making you want to keep reading. The ending!!! I gasped. I cannot wait to read more by this author!
January 3, 2025
A cute little quick read. I love the characters side stories that all intertwine.
November 4, 2024
I love me a short, sweet, cozy mystery, especially one where the characters still have depth and meaning.
This mystery novella achieved the same effect as a good Christie novel for me. It wasted no words, is full of fun twists & puzzles, is super bingeable - and bonus points for a bunch of strangers with secrets being thrown into an unfamiliar situation together 👀 loved it 🫶🏻
This mystery novella achieved the same effect as a good Christie novel for me. It wasted no words, is full of fun twists & puzzles, is super bingeable - and bonus points for a bunch of strangers with secrets being thrown into an unfamiliar situation together 👀 loved it 🫶🏻
November 12, 2024
A truly delightful read!! I absolutely devoured it. The characters felt real, the writing flowed beautifully, and I felt wholly immersed in the story. I appreciated how well-thought out and intricate the reveals and plot twists were. Truly impressive, I can’t wait for more from Steph Speeney!
October 29, 2024
This is such a great story filled with clever twists, crafty riddles, and 4 big secrets that will keep readers guessing until the very end. A quick read that keeps you interested from the very beginning!
February 6, 2025
Totally gripping!
October 31, 2024
This fun mystery novella, from my new fav author, has quickly become a favorite in my collection!🙌🏼 This quick read kept me on my toes, guessing, and wanting more! This novella is definitely worth adding to your shelf!!!
I can not wait to read more books by this author in the future!
I can not wait to read more books by this author in the future!
November 13, 2024
*Spoiler Free* Review
Lies on Elmwood Ave is a novella unlike any other! It’s contemporary in nature, follows four main characters you can’t help by cherish, and features layers of mystery which are woven together in surprising yet realistic ways. If you’re looking for a palate cleanser between books, seeking a story to pull you back into the world of reading, or love supporting debut authors, then Lies on Elmwood Ave is for you!
Every reader finds a favorite character in every book to lands in their hands (or on their Kindle screen is that’s more your vibe). Ethan was endearing from the start and, by the end, my heart was simultaneously breaking for him and swelling with pride. Speeney wrote Ethan with a well-rounded character arc with direct links to the novella’s overarching theme of redemption. Robert, Sam, and Jade all tie for second favorite, but Ethan stole the show!
If you’re like me, you have a habit of reading the last chapter first. DO NOT DO THAT WITH THIS BOOK. I REPEAT, DO NOT READ THE LAST CHAPTER FIRST. Just this once, start at the beginning. Trust me, it’ll be worth it and will uphold the integrity of the story and characters as Speeney intended for them to be experienced.
Overall rating: 5/5⭐️
Plot: 4/5⭐️
Characters: 5/5⭐️
Originality: 5/5⭐️
Likelihood to read more from this author: 100%
Trigger warnings: portrays characters experiencing long-term grief; mentions past instances of hopelessness; description of a car accident; fire; infidelity; character with history of alcohol dependency
Lies on Elmwood Ave is a novella unlike any other! It’s contemporary in nature, follows four main characters you can’t help by cherish, and features layers of mystery which are woven together in surprising yet realistic ways. If you’re looking for a palate cleanser between books, seeking a story to pull you back into the world of reading, or love supporting debut authors, then Lies on Elmwood Ave is for you!
Every reader finds a favorite character in every book to lands in their hands (or on their Kindle screen is that’s more your vibe). Ethan was endearing from the start and, by the end, my heart was simultaneously breaking for him and swelling with pride. Speeney wrote Ethan with a well-rounded character arc with direct links to the novella’s overarching theme of redemption. Robert, Sam, and Jade all tie for second favorite, but Ethan stole the show!
If you’re like me, you have a habit of reading the last chapter first. DO NOT DO THAT WITH THIS BOOK. I REPEAT, DO NOT READ THE LAST CHAPTER FIRST. Just this once, start at the beginning. Trust me, it’ll be worth it and will uphold the integrity of the story and characters as Speeney intended for them to be experienced.
Overall rating: 5/5⭐️
Plot: 4/5⭐️
Characters: 5/5⭐️
Originality: 5/5⭐️
Likelihood to read more from this author: 100%
Trigger warnings: portrays characters experiencing long-term grief; mentions past instances of hopelessness; description of a car accident; fire; infidelity; character with history of alcohol dependency
December 4, 2024
Lies on Elmwood is honestly an excellent debut, the writing and character depth feels experienced and well thought out.
The plot follows 4 characters who each receive a letter telling them a place and time to meet if they want their darkest secrets to stay secret.
The characters are seemingly strangers but as the plot unravels we find that they are connected to eachother in unique ways.
If you are a fan of puzzles and mysteries then I would recommend giving this a read, the book is a fast paced short story so you really can’t go wrong. The home the characters find themselves in is full of written clues and hidden objects which will lead them to evidence of their secrets.
There was wholesome aspects where characters were able to heal from past griefs and traumas as well as unburden themselves from guilt. I liked the cast of characters and was interested to see what each of them was hiding. Even though there wasn’t anything specifically related to Christmas, this book gave me Christmas vibes? Maybe it’s just because I read it in December when things are starting to feel festive 😂
The only thing missing for me was more focus on Robert, I just wasn’t sure what his connection and purpose to the plot was, although there was a mention I wanted it to go into more detail and see him have the same opportunity for a deep conversation as the others so I could feel more of an attachment to his character.
Thank you to the author for considering me for an arc copy, I will look forward to see what she comes up with next.
The plot follows 4 characters who each receive a letter telling them a place and time to meet if they want their darkest secrets to stay secret.
The characters are seemingly strangers but as the plot unravels we find that they are connected to eachother in unique ways.
If you are a fan of puzzles and mysteries then I would recommend giving this a read, the book is a fast paced short story so you really can’t go wrong. The home the characters find themselves in is full of written clues and hidden objects which will lead them to evidence of their secrets.
There was wholesome aspects where characters were able to heal from past griefs and traumas as well as unburden themselves from guilt. I liked the cast of characters and was interested to see what each of them was hiding. Even though there wasn’t anything specifically related to Christmas, this book gave me Christmas vibes? Maybe it’s just because I read it in December when things are starting to feel festive 😂
The only thing missing for me was more focus on Robert, I just wasn’t sure what his connection and purpose to the plot was, although there was a mention I wanted it to go into more detail and see him have the same opportunity for a deep conversation as the others so I could feel more of an attachment to his character.
Thank you to the author for considering me for an arc copy, I will look forward to see what she comes up with next.
April 18, 2026
OHHHHH, MY GOSH QUEENS 🫨 The wonderful Stephanie Speeney created a MASTERPIECE!!! 🫶🏻 This book pulled me in IMMEDIATELY, I truly could not put this down!! I finished it in two days, which is a record for me since I have been in such a book slump recently!! Every puzzle, every plot twist, every character was SO perfectly and cleverly crafted!! By the end, my jaw dropped on like 5 different occasions!!
November 20, 2024
Review:
This mystery novel is a perfect read if you enjoy suspense and relatable characters! The plot was original and easy to follow, with just enough twists to keep me intrigued!
The writing was light and engaging, making it a perfect choice if you love a quick, entertaining read. I love an “omg” moment, and this book definitely gave me that. What a clever world Stephanie Speeney created :)
This mystery novel is a perfect read if you enjoy suspense and relatable characters! The plot was original and easy to follow, with just enough twists to keep me intrigued!
The writing was light and engaging, making it a perfect choice if you love a quick, entertaining read. I love an “omg” moment, and this book definitely gave me that. What a clever world Stephanie Speeney created :)
December 18, 2024
Amazing writing style, quick paced, kept you guessing.. my only complaint was that it should have been twice as long! I kept looking at my percentage on my Kindle super depressed because I didn’t want it to end!
November 24, 2025
This was such a good little mystery! I loved how in depth the characters were even though it was a short book. It all fit together very nicely in the end. Cant wait to read more from this author in the future!
January 21, 2026
So proud of Steph for writing her first book! An intriguing, fast unfolding intricate web of interwoven stories. I only wish it explicitly said who sent the letters, I think it was the wife. I did keep waiting for the fact that Ethan opened the car door with his left hand to be relevant.
June 19, 2025
This mystery was a quick and enjoyable read that keeps the reader on their toes while also managing to convey depth, character development, and deep meaning!
April 18, 2025
This is the best book I've read in a while. It has everything...intrigue, suspense and surprises. It is a great read that is hard to put down once you start reading. The writer has an amazing way of presenting the characters and setting the stage. Actually, going to reread it.
October 24, 2024
This is my debut novella, so... of course, I'm going to give it 5 stars.
Lies on Elmwood Ave holds a special place in my heart for obvious reasons. I'm proud of the intrigue, the slow clue reveals and the ways the characters interact and evolve—even with the limited real estate of it being a shorter story. It's not perfect, but I love it.
My vision for this book was: A short, no-fluff adventure for people who love mysteries but also want to sleep at night. Perfect as a pallet cleanser, a finish in one sitting read, or a grab for the plane ride kinda story. (Also for people who need a fun and quick read to hit their Goodreads goal, I see you)
But writing to publish wasn't really the main goal. Writing this book was an attempt to light a spark in me that had gone out.
I wrote this to inspire others out there who "have always wanted to write" or may also find themselves in a similar state of career-induced daze, as I was. This is for those of us who grew up crafting imaginary stories or scenarios in our heads, perhaps even to the extent of capturing them on paper. This is for those creatives whose flame has dwindled and need something to relight it. If you need a sign to start creating again, this is it. Go make art!
Writing this book has taught me so much about who I am, in both the areas that make me proud, and the areas that need work. It's humbled me and has allowed me so many beautiful opportunities to grow. Okay, I won't keep blabbing on.
To my fellow mystery/book lovers out there, I really hope you like this one.
Lies on Elmwood Ave holds a special place in my heart for obvious reasons. I'm proud of the intrigue, the slow clue reveals and the ways the characters interact and evolve—even with the limited real estate of it being a shorter story. It's not perfect, but I love it.
My vision for this book was: A short, no-fluff adventure for people who love mysteries but also want to sleep at night. Perfect as a pallet cleanser, a finish in one sitting read, or a grab for the plane ride kinda story. (Also for people who need a fun and quick read to hit their Goodreads goal, I see you)
But writing to publish wasn't really the main goal. Writing this book was an attempt to light a spark in me that had gone out.
I wrote this to inspire others out there who "have always wanted to write" or may also find themselves in a similar state of career-induced daze, as I was. This is for those of us who grew up crafting imaginary stories or scenarios in our heads, perhaps even to the extent of capturing them on paper. This is for those creatives whose flame has dwindled and need something to relight it. If you need a sign to start creating again, this is it. Go make art!
Writing this book has taught me so much about who I am, in both the areas that make me proud, and the areas that need work. It's humbled me and has allowed me so many beautiful opportunities to grow. Okay, I won't keep blabbing on.
To my fellow mystery/book lovers out there, I really hope you like this one.
May 18, 2025
“Four invitations. One weekend. A house full of secrets. Can they solve the clues to keep their pasts hidden?”
Jade, Sam, Ethan, and Robert find themselves invited to attend a high stakes scavenger hunt for the weekend. The goal? Solve the clues that lead to your own incriminating evidence before the others do. If they decide to leave, the evidence will be released and the participants will face the consequences. Will they band together and keep each other’s secrets? Can they trust each other?
YOU GUYS. I’m not normally a mystery reader but this book had me questioning why. I couldn’t put it down! The plot twists just kept coming and I loved it. It felt so realistic. I kept thinking to myself “I could see something like this actually happening!” The characters are very different from one another and I loved seeing their secrets unravel and watching some of them realize how they’re connected.
Jade, Sam, Ethan, and Robert find themselves invited to attend a high stakes scavenger hunt for the weekend. The goal? Solve the clues that lead to your own incriminating evidence before the others do. If they decide to leave, the evidence will be released and the participants will face the consequences. Will they band together and keep each other’s secrets? Can they trust each other?
YOU GUYS. I’m not normally a mystery reader but this book had me questioning why. I couldn’t put it down! The plot twists just kept coming and I loved it. It felt so realistic. I kept thinking to myself “I could see something like this actually happening!” The characters are very different from one another and I loved seeing their secrets unravel and watching some of them realize how they’re connected.
November 17, 2024
What a fast-paced and enticing mystery! So much fun to read that I finished it in one sitting :) I greatly admire the author; we are in a book club together, and her appreciation and love of reading shine in her writing as well! Everyone should definitely check this out!
March 4, 2025
This was my fun little beach read. One house involving 4 people who’s lives have intertwined into 1 weekend, clues and secrets unravel and you are left thinking who is behind it all. I enjoyed reading it and am excited to see future works by the same author!
April 10, 2025
This mystery novella was so well written and engaging! I liked the different clues and puzzles and was shocked by the revelations and connections between the characters. The short length left me wanting more and I’m looking forward to reading more by her in the future!
November 2, 2025
A friend bought this for me after meeting the author. A fast read and solid mystery.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews