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HOA Homicide Mystery #1

Murder Two Doors Down

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Welcome to the Estates at Chestnut Lake, home of perfect lawns, matching houses, and an inconvenient murder or two.

This hilarious and compelling whodunit mystery has the “crime close to home” feel of Only Murders in the Building and is perfect for readers who loved Everyone on This Train Is a Suspect and Finlay Donovan Is Killing It.


Brad Hanson’s life in his suburban Atlanta subdivision is unremarkable. He investigates insurance fraud, which is as dull as it sounds, though if he’s able to get a good bonus this year, his wife, Rhonda, will finally get to have her new kitchen. His highest achievement in life is being secretary and de facto parliamentarian on the homeowners association board, which is the center of all the neighborhood drama. 

As frustrating—and heated—as the arguments over tennis court resurfacing and dog droppings may be, much like his subdivision compatriots, Brad would never kill a neighbor, but… he might enjoy thinking about it from time to time. (Who hasn’t?)

When someone murders cranky old Inga Oskarsdotter—a frequent source of complaints to the HOA board—a literal smoking gun turns Brad into the chief suspect. But Brad is not waiting around to be arrested—after all, he is an investigator by trade—and he takes it upon himself to find the real killer. Then the body count starts to rise.

One thing is A murderer on the block is not good for property values.

299 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 14, 2025

18 people are currently reading
10531 people want to read

About the author

Chuck Storla

2 books53 followers
Chuck Storla began his writing career at an early age. He started with block letters and after mastering both upper and lowercase moved on to cursive. In addition to writing, he has been an avid reader of chapter books for much of his adult life.

After graduating from college, he ignored his muse once he saw her checks bounce because of insufficient funds. Instead, he joined a well-known and occasionally well-run computer manufacturer working as a systems engineer. While there, he eventually quit working altogether and became a manager. Upon leaving the corporate world, he rediscovered his inner artist. He also discovered the great thing about being a writer is that the barrier to entry is incredibly low.

As of this date, his works have been printed in dozens of fonts across the globe. While he doesn’t like to brag, he has given up on waiting for others to do it for him. If he were to brag, he would mention his short work of humorous fiction, “I Chat, Therefore I Am” was recognized as runner-up for the 2023 Terry Kay Prize for Fiction. Based on this, he now claims to be an Almost Award-Winning Writer.

You can learn more about the fascinating world of Chuck Storla at his eponymous website - chuckstorla dot com. He wanted to get the word “eponymous” in somewhere, and this was the last opportunity.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
Profile Image for Anissa.
1,000 reviews325 followers
June 12, 2025
I may be an outlier here. I liked (didn't love) this cozy mystery with its quirky, meticulous sleuth.

Dastardly deeds have gone down in this HOA community and all signals seem to be pointing at Brad. He's an insurance investigator, which I actually thought was neat as it's something I don't come across often (once in a British mystery and also in an old radio show called Johnny Dollar). He's married and his children are off at college. I don't want to give this away but I was able to suss out who did the killing and another major plot thread fairly early on, and that took a lot of the momentum out of the story for me. This may not be a flaw of the story, as I do read a lot of mysteries. YMMV.

As the momentum was lost, I then had to rely on the "getting there" being all the more fun and worth the ride. And, it was mostly mid with occasional peaks of very good. What began as wry stretched out into trite and then overlong. Much like sitting through an HOA meeting, I suppose. Most of the characters are pretty forgettable but I will not forget the mention of pizza delivery with a side of grits (srsly, I'd eat that and I hope that's a thing in the real world!). By the end, I was glad for the resolution and for Brad's prospects should this be a series, so that has to count to the good. I've read plenty of first-in-a-series-books like this and it doesn't deter me from another. Also, I don't come across a lot of men as cozy sleuths, so this was refreshing and I would welcome more.

This didn't feel like OMITB to me (sorry blurb) or even the Everyone series but Brad did make me think of Molly of Molly the Maid series.

Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers' Copy.
Profile Image for Sophia.
Author 5 books402 followers
Read
November 25, 2025
His suburban life is ho-hum until a cantankerous old gal is murdered and the police detectives are sizing him up for main suspect. New to me author, Chuck Storla, introduces his cozy mystery series, HOA Homicide Mystery with a humor-laced take on an insurance investigator and HOA secretary now turned amateur detective.

My full review will post on my Instagram page, @sophiarose1816 TBA
Profile Image for Sarah Andrews.
41 reviews
June 25, 2025
This has been a very fun read. I like the HOA mystery because we all have trouble with our HOAs. It’s funny how I can read about the characters and try to pin who they would be in my neighborhood.

I was hooked in the beginning but about 50-60% of the way through it seemed to drag on. I would still read more of Brads adventures.

Thanks to NetGalley & publisher for the ARC!
1 review
September 4, 2025
Read the ARC for this book a few weeks ago, and as someone with a vast knowledge and expertise with HOA, found this book unexpectedly hilarious!!! I highly recommend it to anyone who lives or has lived in an HOA community! As an avid reader of a great variety of genres, this book was the first one I read of this kind!!! Liked it so much that I even set up an appointment to meet with the author, to discuss the book with him and it was a memorable conversation/interview!!! Looking forward to his book launch event which is coming up soon!!!
Profile Image for Lindsey Addison.
19 reviews1 follower
May 27, 2025
Murder Two Doors Down is a delightfully quirky suburban murder mystery that had me laughing out loud from start to finish. The story follows Brad, the hapless and unintentionally hilarious main character, who becomes the prime suspect in not one, but two neighborhood murders. Determined to clear his name, Brad launches his own amateur investigation — with predictably chaotic and comical results.

Brad’s dry humor and complete lack of self-awareness make him a brilliantly entertaining narrator. The book is packed with exaggerated suburban stereotypes, which only heighten the absurdity of the situation and add to the overall hilarity. Despite the comedic tone, the story doesn’t skimp on suspense — there are plenty of twists and turns that kept me guessing right up to the final pages.

While this isn’t as dark as the thrillers I usually gravitate toward, it was a refreshing change of pace. Light, funny, and cleverly written, Murder Two Doors Down was a thoroughly enjoyable read that I’d happily recommend to anyone looking for a mystery with a comedic twist.
Profile Image for LORI CASWELL.
2,870 reviews327 followers
October 19, 2025
Dollycas’s Thoughts

Brad Hanson and his wife, Rhonda, reside in the Estates at Chestnut Lake outside of Atlanta. Besides working as an insurance fraud investigator, he is active on the board of the homeowners’ association and acts as secretary and the de facto parliamentarian. Arguments can get out of hand with heated debates over people not cleaning up after their dogs or pickleball courts vs. tennis courts, but he never thought murder would ever be on the agenda.

Inga Oskarsdotter was a cantankerous old soul and always ready with a list of complaints at each HOA meeting. Most members of the community may have had murderous thoughts about her a time or two, but it is Brad who finds himself in the hot seat when the woman is killed. Knowing agents Stewart and Maloney are working hard to pin him with the crime, Brad decides to use his investigative skills to try to prove his innocence. But then another neighbor is killed, and Brad is running out of time to save himself.

Will Brad be able to give the police and GFI more options? Will he reveal the real killer before he lands in a jail cell? Or will he be the 3rd person killed on the block?

Mr. Storla has created an interesting neighborhood at The Estates and filled it with a broad variety of characters. Brad Hanson is bored with his life and latches onto the murder investigations as a new hobby. His wife, Rhonda, is all about appearances and is anxiously awaiting the go-ahead to remodel her kitchen. Their neighbor, Tony, is Brad’s best friend with two passions: sports and action movies. Brad hoped he would be a great sounding board, but Tony has a short attention span. Attorney Jill Richards enters the fray when Brad knows he is over his head. She is a smart woman who knows the ropes. She also knows she needs her savvy investigator, Cassandra (Dix) Dixon, on this case. All these characters develop well, while leaving room for growth.

The mystery was a twisty one filled with many comedic and suspenseful moments. Brad is a typical man without much self-awareness and a dry sense of humor, but he tries hard to follow or make up clues to move the case forward, which was quite funny. The addition of Dix added so much as she investigated while trying to keep Brad out of trouble. She is one smart cookie, and after Brad’s theory didn’t pan out, she had other ideas and a plan. It was a plan I loved because it cemented theories I had earlier in the story.

The HOA theme really worked. Thankfully, I don’t have to deal with the HOA, but small towns can be just as ruthless when neighbors get a bug in their bonnet. The theme is great, too, if this expands to a series. Homeowners’ Associations always have complaints, drama, and tension that could definitely lead to more murders.

High on hilarity and a curious mystery, Murder Two Doors Down was an entertaining read, filled with some truly quirky characters, especially our well-meaning protagonist. I truly hope there is a sequel, because I would love to see what Brad gets mixed up in next.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
Profile Image for Melissa Tostevin.
50 reviews1 follower
October 29, 2025
⭐⭐ (2/5)

A light hearted and easy to read cosy mystery set in a quiet American cul-de-sac. It has all the hallmarks of a classic whodunit secrets, neighborhood drama, and a touch of humor but it didn’t completely stand out for me.

At the center of the story are a cast of suburban characters. While the setup had potential, I found it hard to connect with any of them. Brad felt a bit emotionless, the lawyer was fairly generic, and the detectives leaned too heavily into the usual stereotypes. I kept waiting for something to make them feel more distinct or memorable.

The mystery itself follows a familiar path. It’s paced well enough to keep you turning the pages, but it was fairly easy to guess who was behind it early on.

Overall, a pleasant cosy mystery that delivers exactly what you’d expect and entertaining.

Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Katie.
4 reviews1 follower
November 5, 2025
3.5 stars rounded up to 4. This was a cute mystery and a quick read. I liked the main character and his quirky dry personality; he reminded me a little of Ove in A Man Called Ove. I would recommend this to someone looking for a mystery without too much gore.
Profile Image for Meredith Karim.
258 reviews2 followers
May 23, 2025
Rating: ★★★★☆
Murder Two Doors Down is a gripping and atmospheric cozy mystery that draws you in from the very first chapter. The setting—a quiet, unsuspecting neighborhood—is brilliantly described, adding to the tension as secrets slowly unravel.

The protagonist is both relatable and clever, making it easy to root for her as she dives into the investigation. The pacing is solid, with twists that kept me guessing without feeling overly complicated. The supporting characters felt well-rounded, though a couple could’ve used a bit more development.

My only reason for not giving it five stars is that the ending, while satisfying, felt just a touch rushed. That said, it was still a thoroughly enjoyable read with charm, suspense, and just the right amount of drama.

If you enjoy cozy whodunnits with a dash of domestic intrigue, this one’s definitely worth picking up!
Profile Image for Kryssy Foss.
118 reviews7 followers
May 19, 2025
Brad Hanson’s boring life as an insurance investigator and listening to frivolous complaints from his neighbors as a secretary in the HOA is about to get interesting for once. The idyllic suburban neighborhood is rocked by several murders which intrigues Brad. Brad decides to do his own investigation but when he’s considered the number one suspect will he find enough evidence to exonerate himself or is he really the guilty party after all? I really enjoyed this book and it definitely gave me Desperate Housewives vibes. I really liked the whodunit mystery theme and appreciated the humor throughout the book. It was definitely a page turner and kept me interested. I would say the only faults for me were that I figured out who the killer was pretty early on so that was a little disappointing. Also, I felt there could have been more character development of the others in the neighborhood. I recommend this book to readers who like a whodunit mystery with light humor.
Profile Image for Caitlin C.
514 reviews14 followers
September 13, 2025
This was a fun mystery infused with a good bit of humor. Brad lives a somewhat borning suburban life. He works as a fraud investigator at an insurance company, his kids are grown and out of the house and his wife, Rhonda is more interested in getting a new kitchen and watching reality TV shows than spending any time with her husband. Brad has thrown himself into the neighborhood life and is a board member on the HOA.

When two particularly crotchety and vocal neighborns are murdered, Brad is immediately identified as the killer. The police only have eyes for him. In their defense, he does keep showing up at crime scenes at the most inopportune times. Brad has to prove his innocence, or risk spending life in prison.

The pace was a bit of a roller coaster and Brad's passiveness kind of got to me throughout the book. I could not stand Rhonda and kept wanting to yell to Brad that he could do better. Overall, it was a good read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for an ARC of this book.
Profile Image for Caroline | dogtailsandcrimetales.
288 reviews11 followers
October 8, 2025
★★★★

Meet Brad Hanson—arguably the most unremarkable person you could imagine. He lives in a suburb of Atlanta and investigates insurance fraud, a career choice his immediate family omits out of embarrassment, but one Brad is oddly proud of. After all, in the grand investigator pecking order, he’s surely closer to James Bond than to a mall cop… right?

The other thrill in Brad’s life is his role as HOA secretary for the Estates at Chestnut Lakes (which, he will insist, is most definitely a lake and not just a large puddle). Brad is also a rare specimen in that he may be the only living person to have read the HOA bylaws in their entirety. If that doesn’t tell you everything you need to know about him, I don’t know what will.

But Brad’s pleasantly beige life is about to be upended when not one, but two elderly neighbors are murdered, and his quirky habits quickly attract the attention of both local and federal law enforcement.

This comedic murder mystery absolutely delivers, packed with characters who are funny, sharp, and delightfully odd. It has all the hallmarks of a cozy mystery, sprinkled with plenty of hilarious encounters and surprisingly robust action for a quiet Atlanta suburb. Sure, the culprit isn’t the toughest to spot, but Brad’s increasingly desperate attempts to clear his name—while simultaneously making himself look guiltier—are a joy to watch.

If you’re after a hilarious, fast-paced read, I highly recommend Murder Two Doors Down. I devoured it in one sitting and had an absolute blast!

Thank you, NetGalley, Crooked Lane Books, and Chuck Storla, for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Tara.
6 reviews3 followers
June 20, 2025
I was provided this ARC by the author, publisher and Net Galley for an honest review. I really enjoyed this cozy mystery. The character development was great, the storyline kept me intrigued. The twists kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time making the book very enjoyable (I always love twists). I loved the cozy feel to the story line and the element of whodunit aspect. Overall a very enjoyable read. Thanks for the opportunity to read this book.
Profile Image for SmuttySamReads.
92 reviews
June 26, 2025
Chuck Storla's Murder Two Doors Down: An HOA Homicide Mystery offers a refreshing and thoroughly entertaining take on the cozy mystery genre, setting its stage in the seemingly idyllic yet surprisingly cutthroat world of a suburban Homeowners Association. Storla masterfully blends humor, intriguing characters, and a genuinely puzzling whodunit into a narrative that will keep readers guessing until the very end.

The premise itself is delightfully unique: a murder occurring within the confines of an HOA, where petty grievances, neighborhood gossip, and strict bylaws suddenly take on a much darker, deadlier significance. Storla leverages this setting to its full potential, crafting a cast of characters who are instantly recognizable to anyone who has ever lived under the watchful eye of an HOA board. From the overly zealous president to the perpetually complaining neighbor, each character feels authentic and contributes to the rich tapestry of the community.

Our protagonist, who stumbles into the role of amateur sleuth, is relatable and engaging. Their journey through the labyrinthine rules and unspoken social hierarchies of the HOA, while trying to uncover a killer, provides ample opportunity for both comedic moments and genuine suspense. Storla's writing style is crisp, witty, and flows effortlessly, making for a very quick and enjoyable read.

What truly sets Murder Two Doors Down apart is its clever plot construction. The mystery itself is well-crafted, with plenty of red herrings and twists that will keep even seasoned mystery readers on their toes. The clues are subtly woven into the fabric of the story, encouraging readers to play along and try to solve the puzzle themselves. Beyond the immediate murder, Storla cleverly highlights the inherent absurdities and underlying tensions that can fester within an HOA, turning a mundane setting into a hotbed of potential motives.

While the book is undeniably lighthearted and fun, it doesn't shy away from exploring the deeper implications of community living and the hidden lives of those around us. It's a testament to Storla's skill that he can deliver both laughs and a compelling mystery simultaneously.

In conclusion, Murder Two Doors Down: An HOA Homicide Mystery is a highly recommended read for anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries, appreciates a good laugh, and has perhaps a love-hate relationship with their own HOA. It's a charming, clever, and thoroughly satisfying debut that promises great things from Chuck Storla.

**I read this Arc copy through NetGalley, Release date is October 14, 2025**
Profile Image for Toni.
114 reviews
July 18, 2025
3.5⭐️

A witty whodunit with just the right amount of bite — Murder Two Doors Down by Chuck Storla is neighbourly noir at its finest.

Brad Hanson’s life in suburban Atlanta is painfully ordinary. He investigates insurance fraud, serves as secretary of the HOA, and dreams of earning a bonus big enough to finally get his wife that new kitchen.

He’s no killer but when cranky neighbour Inga Oskarsdotter is found murdered, and Brad is caught with the literal smoking gun, he becomes suspect number one.

Determined to clear his name, Brad launches his own investigation. But as the bodies pile up, it’s clear someone in the neighbourhood is out for blood... and Brad might be next.

I will say it was a little slow for me in the beginning as it took me a while to warm to Brad - he is a stickler and a bit of a bore afterall which is also his charm. But once I got into it, I binged the whole book!

The neighborhood is full of quirky characters including Brad's sidekick Tony who I found entertaining and fellow HOA members.

I did guess the culprit from quite early on but there was a curveball I didn't see coming and red herrings which had me second guessing throughout.

This was my first book by Chuck Storla but not my last by any means.

Thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Tracy Wood.
1,274 reviews29 followers
June 27, 2025
Suburban life in Atlanta, Georgia, was never meant to be exciting. In fact, very little about insurance fraud investigator Brad Hanson’s life could be described as anything other than dull. He is, however, the secretary of his local homeowners association board, which, to be fair, is pretty exciting! Dealing with arguments and complaints is part of the job but murder? Two deaths, at least one of which can absolutely be linked to him, mean someone has to clear his name, and no one knows him as well as he does! Unfortunately, his involvement doesn't seem to stop the body count from rising, and that isn't good for him or his future prospects?

I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Crooked Lane Books, but the opinions expressed are my own. I did struggle a little with this book, but there was a lot going on and, of course, a lot of background information to include. I think the next instalment should be a little tighter. Overall, it was an interesting take on cosy crime, which I would happily visit again.
Profile Image for Mandy.
268 reviews12 followers
August 4, 2025
3.5 stars.

Murder Two Doors Down is a cozy mystery, set in a wannabe upmarket neighbourhood, filled with HOA disputes. When his two elderly neighbours are murdered, Brad is somehow the prime suspect and he is determined to prove his innocence. It's fairly slow paced and I will admit that Brad kinda annoyed me (but I think he's supposed to!).

I guessed the murderers about halfway through and I was hoping I was wrong but alas, it seemed fairly clear to me. I found some of the humour a bit heavy-handed and obvious but it was a cute read. If you like Only Murders in the Building, this is probably right up your alley!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
119 reviews4 followers
September 8, 2025
Chuck Storla tied all the locals in the neighborhood together very well. Getting to know Brad Hanson's life along with his wife Rhonda, his neighbor Tony and those that have been murdered made for a great story.

The murders of Edith and Inga Oskarsdotter were described in detail with a lot of clues for this who-dun-it that lead all to Brad's guilt. The twists that came as the FBI and local police department investigated were not expected until closer to the last 1/4 of the book.

**I read this Advanced Readers' Copy through NetGalley, Release date is October 14, 2025**
Profile Image for Jenna Satterthwaite.
Author 4 books219 followers
January 28, 2025
I adore this book. I laughed, I scratched my head, and I laughed some more. Smart, with a super unique, voicey protagonist, this is NOT to be missed for any mystery lovers or fans of Benjamin Stevenson or Elle Cosimano's Finlay Donovan series!
Profile Image for Jane.
1,272 reviews16 followers
June 14, 2025
A very good read filled with interesting characters. Would recommend

Thank you to Chuck Storla, Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for the arc of this book.
Profile Image for Samarpita Dutta.
19 reviews1 follower
July 8, 2025
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for sending through an ARC for me to review. All words and opinions are my own and my review is honest.

Oh goodness, this book is hilarious! A murder set in a Georgia housing estate amongst an almost-tyrannical HOA makes a great setting for a murder mystery. Brad Hanson is an insurance investigator with a controlling wife, a house in the suburbs, grown up kids off to college and too much time on his hands. Everything changes when two of the most annoying members of the Estate are found murdered and he becomes the prime suspect. Brad is a pretty intelligent man but he bumbles through the investigation and the final twist is pretty shocking!

Ok, so this book starts off strong but loses steam somwhere in the middle. I loved the wit, the humour and the sarcasm throughout the book. However, I wish the final revelation had been by the main character and not the side characters. This book is strong on character development but not so much plot. However, that's not really a deterrent because it's a pretty strong debut for the writer.

I found myself chuckling throughout this novel and it kept me hooked. Despite the loss in momentum, I found myself going back again and again. Definitely a great entry for hopefully a long new series.

5/5 stars.
Profile Image for Michaela.
656 reviews6 followers
June 28, 2025
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for letting me access this book!

This was a rather chaotic murder mystery with detectives that were caricatures of the worst investigators you could imagine. There were many red flags that the main character missed/ignored, seemingly due to limited insight into social cues/norms. The main character/narrator was clearly meant to be on the Autism Spectrum and while some elements of the characterization were realistic, there were also some things that felt very cliched. It also felt like the author was poking fun at the character at times by making him seem incompetent and the negative way he viewed himself. While having social difficulties is common for people on the spectrum, most people having reached adulthood will have learned strategies or created rules for social interactions that make things more easily understandable and leave less gray area to navigate, but the main character was written as if they’d never had to adjust their actions/responses to people (other than his wife). Based on his own narrative, he’s researched heavily how to raise children and how to successfully accomplish things, so to believe that he wouldn’t be able to read some social cues feels disingenuous.

Other than my frustrations with the portrayal of a neurodivergent individual (and if he’s not supposed to have Autism, I don’t know what the author was trying to do), the mystery itself was funny and had some good comedic moments that just felt overshadowed by the frustrations.
Profile Image for Vicki | Read and Tell Stories.
63 reviews1 follower
June 14, 2025
Thank you Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in advance in exchange for an honest review.

This was fun!!!! This is my first “cozy” mystery and I had a great time!

The main character was so spectacularly awkward, it was truly comical to see how he interacted with everyone. And all of the crazy characters around the neighborhood were so funny and made me feel like I was watching a hilarious neighborhood sitcom.

As far as the mystery part goes, I actually had so many moments where I thought I knew what was going to happen but then was steered a different direction. And the ending I totally did not see coming!!

Overall, this was a fun, easy read and I highly recommend checking this out!
Profile Image for Saiel.
118 reviews1 follower
May 23, 2025
Oh my god, this was so funny.
We follow Brad, member of a neighborhood with gossipy tenants and an HOA, who gets tangled up as the main suspect in a murder investigation. Of course our hero, being an (insurance) investigator sets out to prove his innocence…..

Hats off to the author, I never thought I would enjoy reading from the perspective of a main character who rambled so much. I actually had to stifle some cackles when I was reading some of his thoughts or actions! The direction the plot takes with his involvement in the investigation is nothing like I expected and I was pleasantly surprised.
The characters in the book are definitely exaggerated stereotypes of people you would expect to be in an HOA, but they were so vividly portrayed that it was easy to picture in my mind. The same went for other non tenants of the neighborhood- this book is definitely a comedy and plays up the quirks in people’s personalities but it worked well!
The mystery itself was pretty decent. I had an inkling of who the culprit was, but the draw for the book really was Brad’s (Not So) Excellent Adventure as he tried to play Sherlock. The story felt well paced and not too long, with enough happening to not drag at any point. Some may find the long inner monologues and descriptions excessive, but I personally think that the book keeps it entertaining throughout.
If you are looking for a light hearted (as much as you can get with a murder mystery) read, definitely check it out!

Thanks so much to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for a digital ARC of the book!
37 reviews1 follower
May 27, 2025
I didn’t expect to enjoy Murder Two Doors Down as much as I did — it completely surprised me in the best way. I picked it out of curiosity and I ended up genuinely hooked from the very first chapter. Brad Hanson is such a refreshing main character — a little world-weary, unintentionally funny, and totally relatable as he stumbles into this murder investigation while just trying to live his normal suburban life. The setting was perfect — that mix of nosy neighbours, quiet tensions, and overly enthusiastic board members made the whole thing feel oddly familiar and hilarious at the same time.

What really stood out to me was how balanced it all was. The mystery itself was tightly plotted, with enough twists to keep things interesting without ever getting confusing. But it was the dry humour, the small-town dynamics, and Brad’s internal commentary that really made it special. I caught myself laughing at lines I didn’t see coming, then turning the page because I needed to know what would happen next. It was the perfect blend of cozy and clever. I wasn’t planning to start a new series, but now I’m fully in — I’ll absolutely be following wherever Brad and his HOA misadventures go next.
Profile Image for Ibi.
161 reviews2 followers
August 15, 2025
Murder Two Doors Down is a light, fun cozy mystery where not one, but two murders throw a quiet HOA suburban neighborhood into chaos.

We follow Brad, an insurance investigator who suddenly becomes the prime suspect when two of his neighbors end up dead on the same night. Brad’s personality really carries the book. He’s full of funny remarks, and even though he is not exactly the sharpest tool in the shed, but comes surprisingly close to cracking the case himself.

The story starts strong and entertaining, with a lot of fun remarks about living in a suburban community with an HOA board and regulations. But the humor begins to wear a bit thin by the end. The pacing drags in spots and the writing can feel a little clunky, though never enough to ruin the fun.

Overall, it’s a quick, enjoyable read with a quirky lead and a charmingly chaotic neighborhood setting.
Profile Image for Haylee.
56 reviews
August 16, 2025
Rating this with 3.5 stars. In my head this was set in Desperate Housewives’ Wisteria Lane.

I’m not one to read murder mysteries and so this was the first of many (hopefully). The storyline was intriguing, and I liked the Brad’s wit although there were times when he was a bit annoying. I think his commentary makes up most of my highlights. Some parts felt slow and dragging but I liked the faster pace when things were starting to fall into place. The conclusion felt satisfying and this was an overall fun read

Thanks to publisher and Netgalley for the ARC!
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
116 reviews14 followers
June 1, 2025
This was an extremely solid, page-turning whodunit that had me chuckling throughout. I loved the HOA setting and the protagonist, Brad, who investigates insurance fraud and now has to use those skills to get himself out of being the main suspect in a string of neighborhood murders. He was quirky, funny, and a bit of a bumbling idiot at times for such an intelligent and clever guy. His lack of street smarts caused him to wind up in some pretty hilarious situations, which made him all that more suspicious to the police. But a murder suspect who loves spreadsheets and has an app to make sure he doesn’t repeat shirt/pant combinations for several weeks? Absolutely inspired for a cozy, comedic mystery.

The neighbors could have been fleshed out a bit more and I figured out who did it pretty early on, but it was a fun ride and I enjoyed spending time with Brad, his lawyer Jill, and Jill’s private investigator Dix (both much more competent than Brad, thankfully!). Hopefully, this is not the last we see of this trio because I could definitely spend more time with them in suburban Georgia catching killers.

**Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for giving me the opportunity to review this as an ARC.**
Profile Image for Haddy • haddyreadshere.
89 reviews1 follower
July 22, 2025
[ARC from NetGalley & Crooked Lane Books]

I absolutely enjoyed reading this book. It was refreshing (my first time reading a comedy murder thriller), and I loved it. There were so many dad jokes and humorous moments, and I really liked the main character. He came off as intelligent and witty, though he often got ahead of himself by blurting out whatever came to mind. He didn’t seem to have an off-switch, but strangely, it worked for him. His silliness made it hard for others to take him seriously, which kind of helped make him look incapable of committing any serious crime.

He reminded me a bit of Adam Sandler in movies, annoying, but not really annoying. Just that quirky, oddball humor with a heart. It was endearing, and it made reading from his perspective so enjoyable.

This was a murder mystery, and although the mystery wasn’t unraveled until near the end, I stayed gripped the whole time. There were layers, suspense, buildup, it was exciting! Each chapter had me wondering: Will this be it? Will we find the killer? That anticipation made it hard to put the book down.

The author also did a fantastic job fleshing out some of the characters in the book. And, I didn’t see the ending coming at all. There was one character I started suspecting toward the end, but I didn’t peg them from the beginning, and the actual reveal of the killer? Mind-blowing.

That said, the way the mystery was unraveled felt a bit underwhelming. After all that suspense and buildup, I was expecting a dramatic or intense climax. But it was calm, too calm. And given the tension and direction from the plot, I hoped for more flair. Interestingly, the main character acknowledged how anticlimactic the reveal felt, which validated how I was feeling too.

Still, this was a really good book. It was different, funny, and suspenseful. I’d absolutely recommend it, especially if you’re in the mood for something outside the traditional murder mystery format. Kudos to the author for delivering such an enjoyable read!
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Author 2 books56 followers
August 8, 2025
It feels like forever ago when I got this book through a giveaway. I’ve finally gotten around to finishing it; I was (and still am) in the middle of a Kindle Unlimited binge while I have the subscription again.

My review is not gonna be professional or proper like I’m sure most of the reviews are from people who also got a copy. In fact, most of my review will just consist of this idle chatter.

My Thoughts: I didn’t find this hilarious at all (didn’t laugh once), it wasn’t that compelling, it was boring to be honest so I started skimming after a few chapters to see if it’d get better or funny and it didn’t. The cover is cool, though, so I’ll be nice and give this two stars.
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