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Merritt & Blunt Mysteries #1
The World's Greatest Detective and Her Just Okay Assistant
A great detective's young assistant yearns for glory, but first they have learn to get along in this delightful feel good mystery.
Olivia Blunt doesn't want to be an assistant detective for the rest of her life. She's determined to learn everything she can from her mentor and renowned investigator, Aubrey Merritt, but the latter is no easy grader.
After weeks of fielding phone calls from parties desperate for the world-renowned detective’s help, a case comes across Olivia’s desk that just might be worthy of Merritt’s skills. On the evening of her sixty-fifth birthday party, Victoria Summersworth somehow fell over her balcony railing to her death on the rocky shore of Lake Champlain. She was a happy woman—rich, beloved, in love, and matriarch of the preeminent Summersworth family. The police have ruled it a suicide, but her daughter Haley thinks it was murder.
Merritt is ever the skeptic, but Olivia believes Haley. Plus, she’s desperate to prove her investigative skills to her aloof boss. But the Summersworth family drama is a complicated web.
Olivia realizes she might be in over her head with this whole detective thing... or she might be unravelling a mystery even bigger than the one she’d started with.
Olivia Blunt doesn't want to be an assistant detective for the rest of her life. She's determined to learn everything she can from her mentor and renowned investigator, Aubrey Merritt, but the latter is no easy grader.
After weeks of fielding phone calls from parties desperate for the world-renowned detective’s help, a case comes across Olivia’s desk that just might be worthy of Merritt’s skills. On the evening of her sixty-fifth birthday party, Victoria Summersworth somehow fell over her balcony railing to her death on the rocky shore of Lake Champlain. She was a happy woman—rich, beloved, in love, and matriarch of the preeminent Summersworth family. The police have ruled it a suicide, but her daughter Haley thinks it was murder.
Merritt is ever the skeptic, but Olivia believes Haley. Plus, she’s desperate to prove her investigative skills to her aloof boss. But the Summersworth family drama is a complicated web.
Olivia realizes she might be in over her head with this whole detective thing... or she might be unravelling a mystery even bigger than the one she’d started with.
Audible Audio
First published July 8, 2025
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29437 people want to read
About the author
Liza Tully
2 books81 followersLiza Tully is an alternate pen name for Elisabeth Elo (for dark thrillers) and Elisabeth Panttaja Brink (for literary fiction). Her novel North of Boston received glowing critical acclaim, a Book of the Month selection, and an Indie Next Pick. Finding Katarina M. was praised by Publishers Weekly as a “tense and illuminating journey [that] will enthrall readers.”
She has worked as an editor at a children’s magazine, a counselor at a halfway house, and a lecturer in writing and literature at colleges in the Boston area. A graduate of Brown University, she earned a PhD in American Literature from Brandeis University, and is the author of scholarly articles on subjects as diverse as Cinderella and Walt Whitman. She has two grown children and lives with her husband and their dog in Boston, MA.
She has worked as an editor at a children’s magazine, a counselor at a halfway house, and a lecturer in writing and literature at colleges in the Boston area. A graduate of Brown University, she earned a PhD in American Literature from Brandeis University, and is the author of scholarly articles on subjects as diverse as Cinderella and Walt Whitman. She has two grown children and lives with her husband and their dog in Boston, MA.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 482 reviews
July 18, 2025
Audible review: The World’s Greatest Detective and Her Just Okay Assistant 🤨
Author: Liza Tully
Narrator: Emma Ladji (more please!)
11 hrs 56 minutes at 1x
7 hrs 57 minutes at 1.5x
What a catchy title! Am I right?
I just HAD to read this! ❤️
Nobody is more shocked than fact checker Olivia Blunt when she is actually offered the position of assistant detective to the renowned investigator, Aubrey Merritt.
But after weeks of weeding through phone calls from potential clients she is starting to feel more like an Administrative Assistant than one who helps to investigate cases. Finally a call comes through which might entice her boss…
Victoria Summersworth, heir to a sprawling resort in Vermont, has somehow fallen from her balcony to her death on the evening of her 65th birthday party.
The police have ruled it a suicide, but her daughter Haley isn’t buying into that and she is hoping that Merritt can prove her right. When Olivia discovers that Victoria’s wasn’t the first mysterious death in the wealthy family, Merritt decides to accept the case, and Olivia finds herself packing her bags to accompany her boss on a road trip to Vermont.
The story unfolds from the first person POV of our likable assistant, Olivia Blunt.
This is a COZY “fair play” style mystery where if you can spot which clues are important-you may solve the case. This isn’t going to have a twist which comes out of left field.
Like Sherlock Holmes earlier books, when Holmes was often dismissive of Watson’s observations-it appears that it will take time for Olivia to earn any respect from her brusque boss as well, as she is quick to point out mistakes.
Other reviews have compared Merritt to Meryl Streep’s character, Miranda Priestly, in “The Devil Wears Prada” and Blunt to protégé Andy, and that comparison is pretty spot on! Fortunately, in the Audible, Olivia seems to take it all with a grain of salt too.
Once Merritt feels like she has solved the case, we have an Agatha Christie style ending with Merritt gathering the LARGE cast of suspects together to explain how she has ruled out each person, and come to her conclusion of WHO is the guilty party and WHY.
For the most part, I was engaged throughout the book, because I enjoyed “spending time” with Olivia. However, EVEN while listening at 1.5 x it took about an hour for Merritt to explain her findings, so the story started to feel a bit too long, about 3/4 through.
It appears that this will be a series, and just as Merritt will (reluctantly) eventually agree that Blunt does show POTENTIAL, I think the series shows potential too. I would be interested in seeing how Olivia (and her relationship to Merritt) grows and evolves in a second book.
3.75 stars ⭐️
Author: Liza Tully
Narrator: Emma Ladji (more please!)
11 hrs 56 minutes at 1x
7 hrs 57 minutes at 1.5x
What a catchy title! Am I right?
I just HAD to read this! ❤️
Nobody is more shocked than fact checker Olivia Blunt when she is actually offered the position of assistant detective to the renowned investigator, Aubrey Merritt.
But after weeks of weeding through phone calls from potential clients she is starting to feel more like an Administrative Assistant than one who helps to investigate cases. Finally a call comes through which might entice her boss…
Victoria Summersworth, heir to a sprawling resort in Vermont, has somehow fallen from her balcony to her death on the evening of her 65th birthday party.
The police have ruled it a suicide, but her daughter Haley isn’t buying into that and she is hoping that Merritt can prove her right. When Olivia discovers that Victoria’s wasn’t the first mysterious death in the wealthy family, Merritt decides to accept the case, and Olivia finds herself packing her bags to accompany her boss on a road trip to Vermont.
The story unfolds from the first person POV of our likable assistant, Olivia Blunt.
This is a COZY “fair play” style mystery where if you can spot which clues are important-you may solve the case. This isn’t going to have a twist which comes out of left field.
Like Sherlock Holmes earlier books, when Holmes was often dismissive of Watson’s observations-it appears that it will take time for Olivia to earn any respect from her brusque boss as well, as she is quick to point out mistakes.
Other reviews have compared Merritt to Meryl Streep’s character, Miranda Priestly, in “The Devil Wears Prada” and Blunt to protégé Andy, and that comparison is pretty spot on! Fortunately, in the Audible, Olivia seems to take it all with a grain of salt too.
Once Merritt feels like she has solved the case, we have an Agatha Christie style ending with Merritt gathering the LARGE cast of suspects together to explain how she has ruled out each person, and come to her conclusion of WHO is the guilty party and WHY.
For the most part, I was engaged throughout the book, because I enjoyed “spending time” with Olivia. However, EVEN while listening at 1.5 x it took about an hour for Merritt to explain her findings, so the story started to feel a bit too long, about 3/4 through.
It appears that this will be a series, and just as Merritt will (reluctantly) eventually agree that Blunt does show POTENTIAL, I think the series shows potential too. I would be interested in seeing how Olivia (and her relationship to Merritt) grows and evolves in a second book.
3.75 stars ⭐️
October 11, 2025
Olivia Blunt has always wanted to be a detective. So, when the opportunity comes up for her to be an assistant to world famous private detective, Aubrey Merritt, best known as Merritt, it seems her dreams have finally come true.
Or have they?
Over the next couple of months, Olivia finds herself amidst boring tasks and secretarial duties for Merritt. Nothing like what she imagined would be involved with being an assistant to a detective.
Just as she is ready to give-up on her dream, Olivia takes a call from distraught Haley Summersworth. She does not believe that her mother has committed suicide, and she asks if Merritt will investigate. Was it suicide or was it really murder? Olivia sees this as her first opportunity to be a true assistant to Merritt on a case.
But will Merritt allow this to happen for Olivia?
There is much to follow in this slow-moving debut. With a lot of characters to keep track of along the way.
At first there was much to appreciate about Olivia’s enthusiasm and attention-to-detail and fandom towards Merritt. But Merritt was a completely unlikable character, which made her attitude and behavior towards Olivia almost intolerable to read.
And then, the author chose the last few chapters to allow Merritt to grandstand the who, the what, and the why of the case, while also downplaying and insulting Olivia’s role in the investigation.
On one hand, kudos to the author for creating such a despicable character that would create such a reaction by this reader. On the other hand, this may be exactly why it doesn’t work for some readers (especially this one). So much about the success of any story, is our connection to the characters we are reading.
So, what are we as readers supposed to feel about the ‘world’s greatest detective’ and her ‘just okay’ assistant?
Just okay.
Even if it is a relatively interesting premise for a mystery, that keeps readers turning pages and guessing as to the outcome, it was hard for this reader to obviously connect to the characters or feel comfortably engaged.
In closing, this will not be a series I would want to follow, should it become one. I obviously don’t like the pretentiousness and conceit of Merritt’s character. It reminds me too much of persons who believe they have the right to embarrass or publicly demean people. Which for me is…
Not okay.
But please don’t rely on just my review. There are probably others out there who felt differently about this debut novel.
Or have they?
Over the next couple of months, Olivia finds herself amidst boring tasks and secretarial duties for Merritt. Nothing like what she imagined would be involved with being an assistant to a detective.
Just as she is ready to give-up on her dream, Olivia takes a call from distraught Haley Summersworth. She does not believe that her mother has committed suicide, and she asks if Merritt will investigate. Was it suicide or was it really murder? Olivia sees this as her first opportunity to be a true assistant to Merritt on a case.
But will Merritt allow this to happen for Olivia?
There is much to follow in this slow-moving debut. With a lot of characters to keep track of along the way.
At first there was much to appreciate about Olivia’s enthusiasm and attention-to-detail and fandom towards Merritt. But Merritt was a completely unlikable character, which made her attitude and behavior towards Olivia almost intolerable to read.
And then, the author chose the last few chapters to allow Merritt to grandstand the who, the what, and the why of the case, while also downplaying and insulting Olivia’s role in the investigation.
On one hand, kudos to the author for creating such a despicable character that would create such a reaction by this reader. On the other hand, this may be exactly why it doesn’t work for some readers (especially this one). So much about the success of any story, is our connection to the characters we are reading.
So, what are we as readers supposed to feel about the ‘world’s greatest detective’ and her ‘just okay’ assistant?
Just okay.
Even if it is a relatively interesting premise for a mystery, that keeps readers turning pages and guessing as to the outcome, it was hard for this reader to obviously connect to the characters or feel comfortably engaged.
In closing, this will not be a series I would want to follow, should it become one. I obviously don’t like the pretentiousness and conceit of Merritt’s character. It reminds me too much of persons who believe they have the right to embarrass or publicly demean people. Which for me is…
Not okay.
But please don’t rely on just my review. There are probably others out there who felt differently about this debut novel.
August 17, 2025
**Many thanks to Berkley and Liza Tully for an ARC of this book provided via NetGalley!**
Can you imagine a world where Watson started out as "Just Okay"...BEFORE becoming an inimitable, essential part of a mystery-busting duo whose partnership would be so iconic it would not only stand the test of time, but would set the STANDARD for all detectives to come?
Well...Olivia Blunt certainly can. In fact, she is determined to make her dreams of second in charge greatness a reality...and she has just enough chutzpah to make it happen! After all, her boss Aubrey Merritt is known far and wide, and working side by side with her, a bit of that intrepid cleverness just has to rub off....right? Olivia is laser-focused on proving her worth...but Merritt prefers to have her taking all of the annoying phone calls and weeding through the hundreds of requests for the sort of detective prowess only the World's Greatest Detective can adequately provide them.
But when the case of Victoria Summersworth comes across her desk, Merritt can't help but take a closer look. Victoria plummeted to her death by falling over the balcony railing into Lake Champlain on the night of her 65th birthday party. What the police deem to be an obvious suicide doesn't seem so likely to her daughter, Haley...after all, Victoria was the matriarch of her family, had close and loving connections with those around her, and no history of mental illness to back up those actions. Haley implores Merritt to lean in to her theory and do a bit of digging...and after a bit of begging on Olivia's part, our Dynamic Duo gets involved with the case.
But as our newbie (and let's fact it, at this point, wannabe) detective Olivia does more than a bit of bumbling and fumbling, can she get along with Merritt AND make her mistakes work in their favor? Can these two stop squabbling and eye-rolling long enough to find the answers that seem so near and yet SO painfully far away? Or will the latest and greatest detective duo go their separate ways...AND allow the killer to escape, with the possibility of killing yet AGAIN?
If there's one thing that makes me more nervous than a cozy...it's a cozy by a debut author. This is no disrespect whatsoever to this author (OR to the genre), it just is always a bit all over the place for me as a reader. I either latch on to the mystery or become frustrated by it pretty quickly, and if there isn't enough action, are too many characters, OR if it just takes TOO LONG to get to the bottom of things, it often leaves me wishing I was at a restaurant. You know, so I could say "Check please!" and hightail it on out of there. (I realize I could DNF...but that feels like a bit more of a dine and dash, if you're still on board with the metaphor! 🏃♂️)
And when it came to this particular debut cozy, I was indeed looking for the check and a quick exit...but NOT for the reasons I expected.
For starters, the book starts off in what I felt was a very clunky way. Poor Olivia gets all but brow beaten by Aubrey...over and over and OVER again. Yes, we get it - she's kind of a jerk. She also basically talks down to Olivia in a haughty sort of way, and treats her more like a flighty servant than a potential partner. If I were Olivia, I don't care how great of a detective Aubrey supposedly was...I would have been OUT the door. This got a bit monotonous and one-note to me, and no part of their conversations back and forth really felt like banter to me....you know, the kind that would make that verbal abuse sort of palatable. I honestly wished Olivia would start freelance detectiving (no, that's not a word - but I think it should be!) on her own and leave Merritt behind (and who knows, maybe in the future she will!) 🕵️♀️
Once the mystery got going, though, I was pleasantly surprised at my level of investment in the whodunit. There are probably no less than 10-15 characters as well, and while this is ANOTHER pet peeve, in this book I didn't seem to mind. Not sure if it was because most of them were pretty tame and palatable...or if they just seemed that way because of Merritt's 'tude...but either way, I never felt like I needed a cheat sheet to keep up, and that kept this cozy on the lighter side of the street. And in a Christie-esque denouement, Merritt rounds up the cast once she has solved the case and eliminates her suspects one by one before revealing the murderer. (Sorry - in my mind, I will ALWAYS see Tim Curry in Clue doing this instead...can you tell I STILL haven't read an Agatha Christie book? 🙈)
And while there is no word quite yet whether or not Liza Tully was setting this duo up to solve a Series of Unfortunate Mysteries down the line, I'd happily provide an updated title for this one that feels a LOT more fitting in context: "The World's Most Overrated Detective...and the Assistant who FINALLY Got Her Due." 😉
3.5 stars
Can you imagine a world where Watson started out as "Just Okay"...BEFORE becoming an inimitable, essential part of a mystery-busting duo whose partnership would be so iconic it would not only stand the test of time, but would set the STANDARD for all detectives to come?
Well...Olivia Blunt certainly can. In fact, she is determined to make her dreams of second in charge greatness a reality...and she has just enough chutzpah to make it happen! After all, her boss Aubrey Merritt is known far and wide, and working side by side with her, a bit of that intrepid cleverness just has to rub off....right? Olivia is laser-focused on proving her worth...but Merritt prefers to have her taking all of the annoying phone calls and weeding through the hundreds of requests for the sort of detective prowess only the World's Greatest Detective can adequately provide them.
But when the case of Victoria Summersworth comes across her desk, Merritt can't help but take a closer look. Victoria plummeted to her death by falling over the balcony railing into Lake Champlain on the night of her 65th birthday party. What the police deem to be an obvious suicide doesn't seem so likely to her daughter, Haley...after all, Victoria was the matriarch of her family, had close and loving connections with those around her, and no history of mental illness to back up those actions. Haley implores Merritt to lean in to her theory and do a bit of digging...and after a bit of begging on Olivia's part, our Dynamic Duo gets involved with the case.
But as our newbie (and let's fact it, at this point, wannabe) detective Olivia does more than a bit of bumbling and fumbling, can she get along with Merritt AND make her mistakes work in their favor? Can these two stop squabbling and eye-rolling long enough to find the answers that seem so near and yet SO painfully far away? Or will the latest and greatest detective duo go their separate ways...AND allow the killer to escape, with the possibility of killing yet AGAIN?
If there's one thing that makes me more nervous than a cozy...it's a cozy by a debut author. This is no disrespect whatsoever to this author (OR to the genre), it just is always a bit all over the place for me as a reader. I either latch on to the mystery or become frustrated by it pretty quickly, and if there isn't enough action, are too many characters, OR if it just takes TOO LONG to get to the bottom of things, it often leaves me wishing I was at a restaurant. You know, so I could say "Check please!" and hightail it on out of there. (I realize I could DNF...but that feels like a bit more of a dine and dash, if you're still on board with the metaphor! 🏃♂️)
And when it came to this particular debut cozy, I was indeed looking for the check and a quick exit...but NOT for the reasons I expected.
For starters, the book starts off in what I felt was a very clunky way. Poor Olivia gets all but brow beaten by Aubrey...over and over and OVER again. Yes, we get it - she's kind of a jerk. She also basically talks down to Olivia in a haughty sort of way, and treats her more like a flighty servant than a potential partner. If I were Olivia, I don't care how great of a detective Aubrey supposedly was...I would have been OUT the door. This got a bit monotonous and one-note to me, and no part of their conversations back and forth really felt like banter to me....you know, the kind that would make that verbal abuse sort of palatable. I honestly wished Olivia would start freelance detectiving (no, that's not a word - but I think it should be!) on her own and leave Merritt behind (and who knows, maybe in the future she will!) 🕵️♀️
Once the mystery got going, though, I was pleasantly surprised at my level of investment in the whodunit. There are probably no less than 10-15 characters as well, and while this is ANOTHER pet peeve, in this book I didn't seem to mind. Not sure if it was because most of them were pretty tame and palatable...or if they just seemed that way because of Merritt's 'tude...but either way, I never felt like I needed a cheat sheet to keep up, and that kept this cozy on the lighter side of the street. And in a Christie-esque denouement, Merritt rounds up the cast once she has solved the case and eliminates her suspects one by one before revealing the murderer. (Sorry - in my mind, I will ALWAYS see Tim Curry in Clue doing this instead...can you tell I STILL haven't read an Agatha Christie book? 🙈)
And while there is no word quite yet whether or not Liza Tully was setting this duo up to solve a Series of Unfortunate Mysteries down the line, I'd happily provide an updated title for this one that feels a LOT more fitting in context: "The World's Most Overrated Detective...and the Assistant who FINALLY Got Her Due." 😉
3.5 stars
September 20, 2025
a genuinely good mystery to keep you on your toes! i throughly enjoyed it
July 8, 2025
Liza Tully is a new author for me - under any of her names of which she uses several to write various different genres. Probably most known as Elisabeth Brink who writes dark fiction. This Liza Tully book is a cozy mystery.
Description:
Olivia Blunt doesn't want to be an assistant detective for the rest of her life. She's determined to learn everything she can from her mentor and renowned investigator, Aubrey Merritt, but the latter is no easy grader.
After weeks of fielding phone calls from parties desperate for the world-renowned detective’s help, a case comes across Olivia’s desk that just might be worthy of Merritt’s skills. On the evening of her sixty-fifth birthday party, Victoria Summersworth somehow fell over her balcony railing to her death on the rocky shore of Lake Champlain. She was a happy woman—rich, beloved, in love, and matriarch of the preeminent Summersworth family. The police have ruled it a suicide, but her daughter Haley thinks it was murder.
Merritt is ever the skeptic, but Olivia believes Haley. Plus, she’s desperate to prove her investigative skills to her aloof boss. But the Summersworth family drama is a complicated web.
Olivia realizes she might be in over her head with this whole detective thing... or she might be unravelling a mystery even bigger than the one she’d started with.
My Thoughts:
I truly enjoyed this cozy and liked the characters Merritt and Olivia. Olivia wanted to learn everything she could from Merritt but Merritt certainly didn't make it easy. But Olivia had good instincts. I thought Merritt was really tough on her being so ready to point out her mistakes - and she did make some. There were a lot of characters and the the question of the whether whether Victoria's death was murder or suicide was difficult to solve. The investigation was fun and I didn't want to put the book down. I look forward to seeing more of these by Liza Tully or whatever name the author wants to write them under - she's a great author!
Thanks to Berkley Publishing Group through Netgalley for an advance copy.
Description:
Olivia Blunt doesn't want to be an assistant detective for the rest of her life. She's determined to learn everything she can from her mentor and renowned investigator, Aubrey Merritt, but the latter is no easy grader.
After weeks of fielding phone calls from parties desperate for the world-renowned detective’s help, a case comes across Olivia’s desk that just might be worthy of Merritt’s skills. On the evening of her sixty-fifth birthday party, Victoria Summersworth somehow fell over her balcony railing to her death on the rocky shore of Lake Champlain. She was a happy woman—rich, beloved, in love, and matriarch of the preeminent Summersworth family. The police have ruled it a suicide, but her daughter Haley thinks it was murder.
Merritt is ever the skeptic, but Olivia believes Haley. Plus, she’s desperate to prove her investigative skills to her aloof boss. But the Summersworth family drama is a complicated web.
Olivia realizes she might be in over her head with this whole detective thing... or she might be unravelling a mystery even bigger than the one she’d started with.
My Thoughts:
I truly enjoyed this cozy and liked the characters Merritt and Olivia. Olivia wanted to learn everything she could from Merritt but Merritt certainly didn't make it easy. But Olivia had good instincts. I thought Merritt was really tough on her being so ready to point out her mistakes - and she did make some. There were a lot of characters and the the question of the whether whether Victoria's death was murder or suicide was difficult to solve. The investigation was fun and I didn't want to put the book down. I look forward to seeing more of these by Liza Tully or whatever name the author wants to write them under - she's a great author!
Thanks to Berkley Publishing Group through Netgalley for an advance copy.
July 26, 2025
The murder mystery plot was good however the main character Olivia Blunt was so incredibly annoying it was hard to finish the book and overshadowed everything else. She lands her dream job working with the great detective Aubrey Merritt, but once hired she immediately starts whining she’s just doing research and not out “solving cases”. When she finally travels with Merritt to actually solve a case, she alternates between self pity and whining, or jumping to conclusions and ignoring all mentoring advice she’s given. She’s not a just ok assistant, she’s terrible. Clearly I’m in the minority here. I received this book free from a Goodreads drawing and do appreciate the read.
April 26, 2025
3 stars Thank you to BookBrowse and Berkley for allowing me to read this ARC. Publishes July 2025
Many murders in this book - all done by different people. But who did-in who? And why?
Although I really don't care for books that have a lot of characters, this book did really well introducing them so that I didn't notice them mounting up.There must have been close to 20 throughout the story, but I didn't realize that while reading it.
Although this book was long - 400 pages - it didn't seem to bog down at any point, there wasn't a time when I did not want to pick it back up and read more. There were a few twists and turns throughout the novel that I was not expecting, which added to the enjoyment. A few unlikable characters added meat to the plot and the detectives unwillingness to mollify her critique of her assistant kept the girl on her toes.
This was a first read of this author and although I really think this will end up being a series, I would like to read something else by Tully. Something besides a cozy. Which is very possible since Tully is a pseudonym for Elisabeth Brink, who writes dark thrillers under the name Elisabeth Elo, as well as literary fiction under the name Elisabeth Panttaja Brink.
Many murders in this book - all done by different people. But who did-in who? And why?
Although I really don't care for books that have a lot of characters, this book did really well introducing them so that I didn't notice them mounting up.There must have been close to 20 throughout the story, but I didn't realize that while reading it.
Although this book was long - 400 pages - it didn't seem to bog down at any point, there wasn't a time when I did not want to pick it back up and read more. There were a few twists and turns throughout the novel that I was not expecting, which added to the enjoyment. A few unlikable characters added meat to the plot and the detectives unwillingness to mollify her critique of her assistant kept the girl on her toes.
This was a first read of this author and although I really think this will end up being a series, I would like to read something else by Tully. Something besides a cozy. Which is very possible since Tully is a pseudonym for Elisabeth Brink, who writes dark thrillers under the name Elisabeth Elo, as well as literary fiction under the name Elisabeth Panttaja Brink.
August 10, 2025
If you’ve ever wanted a murder mystery starring a 25-year-old “naïve but lovable” assistant whose instincts are questionable but vocabulary is straight out of an SAT prep book, this is it. Supposedly she’s winning suspects over with her innocence, but people who say “inchoate” or “convivial” don’t usually get mistaken for sweet, harmless.
Also, apparently in this universe, women over 60 are one broken hip away from the nursing home. The murder victim had just turned 65, but the way they described “the old girl,” you’d think she was 95 and crocheting in a rocking chair.
Fun premise, weird execution.
Also, apparently in this universe, women over 60 are one broken hip away from the nursing home. The murder victim had just turned 65, but the way they described “the old girl,” you’d think she was 95 and crocheting in a rocking chair.
Fun premise, weird execution.
February 23, 2025
Ack! Loved it! Classic whodunit with a spunky Watson-y side kick main character, and a perfectly spiky Miranda Priestly-esque female Sherlock in the role of detective. Well-written, solid plot with just the right amount of clues, none of this deus ex machina nonsense. So good!! Bravo!!
February 23, 2025
4.5 I love strong female characters. This book has two strong female leads. I enjoyed getting to know both the main PI, Merritt and her “just OK” assistant, Blunt. It was also an interesting mystery. I am hoping for more books in this series. Highly recommend.
June 25, 2025
Dynamic duos in mystery fiction seem to be having a moment, and Tully's pairing of Aubrey and Olivia might be my favorite yet. The master-apprentice relationship hooked me from page one—Aubrey's meticulous, quirky brilliance contrasted against Olivia's eager research skills and undisguised admiration create delicious tension. The "Devil Wears Prada" vibes are unmistakable, but Tully crafts something fresher as Aubrey's exacting standards gradually reveal themselves as genuine mentorship.
I found myself unexpectedly moved by their generational divide. Their conversations expose fundamental differences in perspective that initially create friction. However, watching them build mutual respect despite these gaps felt authentically earned.
The mystery unfolds in a picture-perfect small town where a prominent family's secrets spill messily into public view. My mental suspect board shifted constantly as Tully masterfully deployed red herrings that left me confidently pointing fingers in all the wrong directions. The pacing deserves special praise—tight enough to maintain momentum while allowing breathing room to process clues alongside our sleuths.
What surprised me most was how often I laughed out loud. The witty banter flows naturally even in tense moments, like when Olivia had her initial blunders and Aubrey's deadpan responses had me snorting coffee through my nose.
As for the audiobook, Emma Ladji's rendering of both women gave me a good picture of their appearance but, more importantly, their feelings. Her overall narration added that needed atmosphere whether it's a tense moment or a funny moment.
I'm already imagining what brilliantly twisted case might next test this captivating partnership.
Special thanks to Berkley, NetGalley and Penguin Random House Audio for providing the free e-book and audiobook for review, though all opinions expressed are entirely my own.
I found myself unexpectedly moved by their generational divide. Their conversations expose fundamental differences in perspective that initially create friction. However, watching them build mutual respect despite these gaps felt authentically earned.
The mystery unfolds in a picture-perfect small town where a prominent family's secrets spill messily into public view. My mental suspect board shifted constantly as Tully masterfully deployed red herrings that left me confidently pointing fingers in all the wrong directions. The pacing deserves special praise—tight enough to maintain momentum while allowing breathing room to process clues alongside our sleuths.
What surprised me most was how often I laughed out loud. The witty banter flows naturally even in tense moments, like when Olivia had her initial blunders and Aubrey's deadpan responses had me snorting coffee through my nose.
As for the audiobook, Emma Ladji's rendering of both women gave me a good picture of their appearance but, more importantly, their feelings. Her overall narration added that needed atmosphere whether it's a tense moment or a funny moment.
I'm already imagining what brilliantly twisted case might next test this captivating partnership.
Special thanks to Berkley, NetGalley and Penguin Random House Audio for providing the free e-book and audiobook for review, though all opinions expressed are entirely my own.
July 7, 2025
Hacks meets Knives Out
This was a fun entertaining mystery that gave me Knives Out vibes from the beginning.
It's a classic who done it, multiple people with motive to kill the matriarch of a rich successful family. An experienced detective, Aubrey Merritt, teams up with a wannabe detective, Olivia Blunt. Olivia tries hard but doesn't always hit the mark.
I absolutely loved their relationship, it definitely gave me Hacks vibes.
I really hope this is the start of a series 🤞🤞
This was a fun entertaining mystery that gave me Knives Out vibes from the beginning.
It's a classic who done it, multiple people with motive to kill the matriarch of a rich successful family. An experienced detective, Aubrey Merritt, teams up with a wannabe detective, Olivia Blunt. Olivia tries hard but doesn't always hit the mark.
I absolutely loved their relationship, it definitely gave me Hacks vibes.
I really hope this is the start of a series 🤞🤞
July 6, 2025
Unlike Merritt’s assistant, this book is more than “just okay.” Thanks to PRH Audio for the gifted audiobook! 3.5 stars
I enjoyed this one overall, especially the last 50%, which moved much faster than the interview-heavy first half. Things really picked up around the midpoint, and from there, I didn’t want to put it down. I did guess the ending around 60%, but watching it unfold was still satisfying. The characters are compelling, and I love a book with multigenerational friendships. I’m definitely hoping for more adventures with Olivia and Merritt in the future!
I’d recommend it for fans of Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutanto or One Death at a Time by Abbi Waxman. Also, if you haven’t read those yet, consider this your sign!
Audio: This story is performed by Emma Ladji, a new-to-me narrator who’s part of PRH’s narrator apprentice program — how cool is that! Her performance was engaging and polished, and I’d never have guessed she’s just starting out. Definitely one to watch (and listen to)!
I enjoyed this one overall, especially the last 50%, which moved much faster than the interview-heavy first half. Things really picked up around the midpoint, and from there, I didn’t want to put it down. I did guess the ending around 60%, but watching it unfold was still satisfying. The characters are compelling, and I love a book with multigenerational friendships. I’m definitely hoping for more adventures with Olivia and Merritt in the future!
I’d recommend it for fans of Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutanto or One Death at a Time by Abbi Waxman. Also, if you haven’t read those yet, consider this your sign!
Audio: This story is performed by Emma Ladji, a new-to-me narrator who’s part of PRH’s narrator apprentice program — how cool is that! Her performance was engaging and polished, and I’d never have guessed she’s just starting out. Definitely one to watch (and listen to)!
March 30, 2025
The title was enticing enough for me to request an ARC from Book Browse when offered the opportunity. The read did not disappoint.
Told in the voice of "the just okay assistant," who was just hired by the self-named "World's Greatest Detective." WGD is called by the daughter of a woman whose death was determined to be a suicide which the daughter has trouble accepting.
The number of people of interest does get a little confusing but that is a minor issue. Most compelling to me was the sandpaper abrasiveness of boss and employee (see title).
I'm thinking that this is probably the first of a series. I'll be along for the ride with comes later.
Told in the voice of "the just okay assistant," who was just hired by the self-named "World's Greatest Detective." WGD is called by the daughter of a woman whose death was determined to be a suicide which the daughter has trouble accepting.
The number of people of interest does get a little confusing but that is a minor issue. Most compelling to me was the sandpaper abrasiveness of boss and employee (see title).
I'm thinking that this is probably the first of a series. I'll be along for the ride with comes later.
November 15, 2025
Loved the title and premise, hated the execution. Pros: it was a short read with a decent plot. Con’s: The story telling is painful to read. The narrator is a borderline stalker who gets hired by her idol for some reason and is lousy at her job. Not as in she is inexperienced, more as in she can’t detect her own reflection in a mirror. She describes her car with more passion and detail than that of her fiancé and treats him as an afterthought. The boss/detective character has zero depth. And finally the ending took forever. 5 chapters of restating facts and conversations was too much. By the end I just didn’t care any more and wanted to throw this book at the wall.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 25, 2025
Review coming soon.
July 16, 2025
What a fun book! This is like The Devil WorePrada in the detective world! I pictured Meryl Streep and Ann Hathaway the entire time. Super twisty mystery, but the most fun was between mentor and mentee and the different things they took away from the same interviews. Lots of funny self talk from would be detective Olivia. I hope this becomes a series.
June 30, 2025
I really liked this one!
This book totally surprised me with how much I enjoyed it! The mystery, the characters, and the execution were all done wonderfully. I kind of guessed the ending but kept changing my theories throughout, so I wouldn’t say it was predictable. I loved that the author kept me on my toes!
The FMC Olivia is so endearing. She’s sweet, but she has a backbone. And her boss, Merritt, is quite a character, too. I’m hoping this becomes a series, because I can see Olivia softening Merritt’s hard edges over time.
Overall, this was a very cozy mystery that kept me attention throughout. I just really, really hope there will be a book two! 🤞🏻
𝑾𝒉𝒐 𝑰'𝒅 𝑹𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒐:
Any cozy mystery fans
𝑨 𝒏𝒐𝒕𝒆 𝒐𝒏 𝒏𝒂𝒓𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏:
I loved the narrator for this. I haven’t heard her before, so she seemed to slip into the role of Olivia quite easily. I really liked the audio for this.
This book totally surprised me with how much I enjoyed it! The mystery, the characters, and the execution were all done wonderfully. I kind of guessed the ending but kept changing my theories throughout, so I wouldn’t say it was predictable. I loved that the author kept me on my toes!
The FMC Olivia is so endearing. She’s sweet, but she has a backbone. And her boss, Merritt, is quite a character, too. I’m hoping this becomes a series, because I can see Olivia softening Merritt’s hard edges over time.
Overall, this was a very cozy mystery that kept me attention throughout. I just really, really hope there will be a book two! 🤞🏻
𝑾𝒉𝒐 𝑰'𝒅 𝑹𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒐:
Any cozy mystery fans
𝑨 𝒏𝒐𝒕𝒆 𝒐𝒏 𝒏𝒂𝒓𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏:
I loved the narrator for this. I haven’t heard her before, so she seemed to slip into the role of Olivia quite easily. I really liked the audio for this.
March 23, 2025
I had recently been reading several more serious books so when I saw the title of this one, I thought it might be just what I needed. And I was right. This is a book that doesn’t take itself too seriously. The two main characters are a mix of old and young, knowledgeable and lots to learn, confident and full of self doubt. I enjoyed the conversations that Olivia has with herself (and with her none-too-patient boss). The mystery itself was entertaining without being too violent. One minor complaint is that Olivia’s love interest seemed rather half-hearted. Almost as if why include it at all? I wonder if there will be more in a series?
July 8, 2025
This was a fun read! Olivia is looking to step out and find her way so when she becomes the assistant to Merritt a famous PI she's looking to show she can do what it takes. However, Merritt is older and kind of a challenge to work with.
I think this duo was perfect. There's plenty of potential suspects and the clues were great. I wasn't sure who done it. I felt for Olivia she was just trying her best and it just seemed she couldn't get it right. I'd love to see more of these characters.
Thank you Berkeley pub for the gifted ebook.
I think this duo was perfect. There's plenty of potential suspects and the clues were great. I wasn't sure who done it. I felt for Olivia she was just trying her best and it just seemed she couldn't get it right. I'd love to see more of these characters.
Thank you Berkeley pub for the gifted ebook.
July 11, 2025
3.5 rounding up. This series has the potential to be a ton of fun. Even in the first book, it has done a great job of setting up the distinct characters while also solving an interesting murder. This gets a little bogged down with the sheer number of characters but it does bring back the feel of a golden age mystery with a kick of humor.
Olivia Blunt has finally secured the job of assistant the one of the most prestigious female PIs in the business. While she has mostly been relegated to paperwork she finally has a chance to investigate alongside Merritt in a possible suicide of a woman whose daughter is convinced it was murder. As Olivia blunders her way through this case, Merritt slowly peels back the layers but they’ll need each other to get to the bottom of it all.
There’s something fun and lighthearted about this story even though it clocks in just under 400 pages. Olivia is relatable and easy to like, Merritt is distant and curmudgeonly and there’s a whole cast of questionable characters to investigate. Olivia’s life back home is a bit of an after thought and I almost wish it wasn’t a part of the book but I assume it’s an early seed for discord and a case later down the road. I loved the finale scene with everyone gathered and I’ll definitely be back for more
Olivia Blunt has finally secured the job of assistant the one of the most prestigious female PIs in the business. While she has mostly been relegated to paperwork she finally has a chance to investigate alongside Merritt in a possible suicide of a woman whose daughter is convinced it was murder. As Olivia blunders her way through this case, Merritt slowly peels back the layers but they’ll need each other to get to the bottom of it all.
There’s something fun and lighthearted about this story even though it clocks in just under 400 pages. Olivia is relatable and easy to like, Merritt is distant and curmudgeonly and there’s a whole cast of questionable characters to investigate. Olivia’s life back home is a bit of an after thought and I almost wish it wasn’t a part of the book but I assume it’s an early seed for discord and a case later down the road. I loved the finale scene with everyone gathered and I’ll definitely be back for more
August 16, 2025
TITLE: The World’s Greatest Detective and Her Just Okay Assistant
AUTHOR: Liza Tully
PUB DATE: 07.07.2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
What a delightful surprise!
The World’s Greatest Detective and Her Just Okay Assistant is everything I want in a cozy mystery. It is witty, clever, and full of heart.
Olivia Blunt is such a relatable heroine: determined, funny, and just messy enough to feel real. Her voice pulled me in right away, and I couldn’t help but root for her as she tries to prove herself in the shadow of the intimidating but brilliant Aubrey Merritt. The dynamic between these two; icy genius meets plucky assistant, is sharp, hilarious, and surprisingly tender as the story unfolds.
The mystery itself was classic whodunit fun: a wealthy family with too many secrets, a suspicious death at a glamorous resort, red herrings at every turn, and a resolution that was both satisfying and smart. I laughed out loud at the banter, stayed up late trying to piece together the clues, and genuinely didn’t want the book to end.
This was such a cozy, clever escape. If you like mysteries with big heart, sharp humor, and a detective duo you’ll immediately want more of, this is a must-read. I can’t wait for book two.
I’m officially invested in Merritt & Blunt!
AUTHOR: Liza Tully
PUB DATE: 07.07.2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
What a delightful surprise!
The World’s Greatest Detective and Her Just Okay Assistant is everything I want in a cozy mystery. It is witty, clever, and full of heart.
Olivia Blunt is such a relatable heroine: determined, funny, and just messy enough to feel real. Her voice pulled me in right away, and I couldn’t help but root for her as she tries to prove herself in the shadow of the intimidating but brilliant Aubrey Merritt. The dynamic between these two; icy genius meets plucky assistant, is sharp, hilarious, and surprisingly tender as the story unfolds.
The mystery itself was classic whodunit fun: a wealthy family with too many secrets, a suspicious death at a glamorous resort, red herrings at every turn, and a resolution that was both satisfying and smart. I laughed out loud at the banter, stayed up late trying to piece together the clues, and genuinely didn’t want the book to end.
This was such a cozy, clever escape. If you like mysteries with big heart, sharp humor, and a detective duo you’ll immediately want more of, this is a must-read. I can’t wait for book two.
I’m officially invested in Merritt & Blunt!
July 8, 2025
Berkley kindly sent over an early copy of The World’s Greatest Detective and Her Just Okay Assistant, and while I enjoyed it, I did feel it could have been leaner in places.
Olivia Blunt, a former fact‑checker eager to break into detective work, becomes the assistant to Aubrey Merritt, the country’s most renowned private investigator. Their first big case takes them to Vermont’s Lake Champlain after Victoria Summersworth falls off her balcony during a birthday party. The police deem it a suicide, but Victoria’s daughter insists it was murder. Olivia and Merritt wade through a tangled web of suspects, including family members, resort staff, and mysterious outsiders, gradually uncovering decades-old secrets and motives
I enjoyed this one overall, especially the last 50%, which moved much faster than the interview-heavy first half. Things really picked up around the midpoint, and from there, I didn’t want to put it down. I did guess the ending around 60%, but watching it unfold was still satisfying. The characters are compelling, and I love a book with multigenerational friendships.
The main character Olivia felt slightly younger than her stated age, though I appreciated her personal growth over the course of the story. I wish there had been more comedic banter between Merritt and Olivia, but their tentative, “getting-to-know-you” dynamic works and I expect their rapport will grow more in future installments given this story clearly lays groundwork for sequels.
At around 400 pages, the dialogue-heavy setup slows things down early on, but once the investigation takes hold, the story really gets going. Overall, a fun, cozy mystery with strong potential for a series.
The World’s Greatest Detective and Her Just Okay Assistant comes out July 8, 2025. Huge thank you to Berkley for my advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion. If you liked this review please let me know either by commenting below or by visiting myInstagram @speakingof.books.
Tiktok @speakingof.books
Website: SPEAKINGOF.ORG
Olivia Blunt, a former fact‑checker eager to break into detective work, becomes the assistant to Aubrey Merritt, the country’s most renowned private investigator. Their first big case takes them to Vermont’s Lake Champlain after Victoria Summersworth falls off her balcony during a birthday party. The police deem it a suicide, but Victoria’s daughter insists it was murder. Olivia and Merritt wade through a tangled web of suspects, including family members, resort staff, and mysterious outsiders, gradually uncovering decades-old secrets and motives
I enjoyed this one overall, especially the last 50%, which moved much faster than the interview-heavy first half. Things really picked up around the midpoint, and from there, I didn’t want to put it down. I did guess the ending around 60%, but watching it unfold was still satisfying. The characters are compelling, and I love a book with multigenerational friendships.
The main character Olivia felt slightly younger than her stated age, though I appreciated her personal growth over the course of the story. I wish there had been more comedic banter between Merritt and Olivia, but their tentative, “getting-to-know-you” dynamic works and I expect their rapport will grow more in future installments given this story clearly lays groundwork for sequels.
At around 400 pages, the dialogue-heavy setup slows things down early on, but once the investigation takes hold, the story really gets going. Overall, a fun, cozy mystery with strong potential for a series.
The World’s Greatest Detective and Her Just Okay Assistant comes out July 8, 2025. Huge thank you to Berkley for my advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion. If you liked this review please let me know either by commenting below or by visiting myInstagram @speakingof.books.
Tiktok @speakingof.books
Website: SPEAKINGOF.ORG
August 10, 2025
3.5/5
July 24, 2025 Review:
This book has major The Devils Wears Prada vibes except there is a possible murder mystery to be solved.
Aubrey Merritt (basically Meryl Streep/Amanda Priestly from The Devil Wears Prada) and her assistant, Olivia Blunt (so Anne Hathaway/Andrea “Andy” Sachs) have been hired to investigate a death in which the police has ruled as suicide and help determine if it was, in fact, a suicide or if foul play was involved.
I quite enjoyed this light mystery and love the nods to The Devil Wears Prada (I mean, some of the character names like Blunt and Tucci have to be inspired by Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci, right?). There is a very large cast of suspects which is great as it kept me guessing about potential motives. Although the reveal was unsurprising, this reads like a fun classic detective novel with a full monologue explanation about how the mystery was solved.
*I received a free physical copy of this book from the publisher (Berkley) for review consideration, but all opinions are my own. *
July 8, 2025 Pre-Review:
Happy Publishing Day!
I read the first few chapters and am getting major The Devil Wears Prada vibes, in which Merritt (the greatest detective) is Miranda/Meryl Street and Olivia (the just-ok assistant) is Andy/Anne Hathaway.
Thank you Berkley for sending me a physical copy of the ARC!
July 24, 2025 Review:
This book has major The Devils Wears Prada vibes except there is a possible murder mystery to be solved.
Aubrey Merritt (basically Meryl Streep/Amanda Priestly from The Devil Wears Prada) and her assistant, Olivia Blunt (so Anne Hathaway/Andrea “Andy” Sachs) have been hired to investigate a death in which the police has ruled as suicide and help determine if it was, in fact, a suicide or if foul play was involved.
I quite enjoyed this light mystery and love the nods to The Devil Wears Prada (I mean, some of the character names like Blunt and Tucci have to be inspired by Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci, right?). There is a very large cast of suspects which is great as it kept me guessing about potential motives. Although the reveal was unsurprising, this reads like a fun classic detective novel with a full monologue explanation about how the mystery was solved.
*I received a free physical copy of this book from the publisher (Berkley) for review consideration, but all opinions are my own. *
July 8, 2025 Pre-Review:
Happy Publishing Day!
I read the first few chapters and am getting major The Devil Wears Prada vibes, in which Merritt (the greatest detective) is Miranda/Meryl Street and Olivia (the just-ok assistant) is Andy/Anne Hathaway.
Thank you Berkley for sending me a physical copy of the ARC!
August 4, 2025
Fun mystery with dual generational sleuthing team. This is a great start to what can be a fun series!
July 11, 2025
4.5 Stars
Olivia Blunt applied for a job as assistant to renowned detective Aubrey Merritt in hopes that she’ll get to help investigate cases. Instead, Olivia’s doing office work and research. This changes when they’re asked to look into the death of Victoria Summersworth. The police believe Victoria took her own life, but her daughter Haley believes she was murdered. On paper it seems Victoria had everything going for her: wealth, a new romance and a loving family.
Olivia and Merritt travel to Vermont to sort it out and become embroiled in a web of family drama with a wealth of suspects.
We get the story from Olivia’s perspective and while she was the assistant and in training, she was pretty observant and smart. She did have much to learn from Merritt who was like a cross between Hercule Poirot and Miranda Priestly, albeit a bit nicer. It was fun to see Olivia and Merritt work together. I enjoyed their methodical investigation as they question suspects, analyze the facts and mull over motives.
The World’s Greatest Detective and Her Just Okay Assistant was a fun sort of modern-day Agatha Christie with a bit of humor! I loved every page of this twisty, cozy mystery! I’m hoping we get more mysteries with this duo in the future!
I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy courtesy of the publisher. These are my thoughts and opinions.
Olivia Blunt applied for a job as assistant to renowned detective Aubrey Merritt in hopes that she’ll get to help investigate cases. Instead, Olivia’s doing office work and research. This changes when they’re asked to look into the death of Victoria Summersworth. The police believe Victoria took her own life, but her daughter Haley believes she was murdered. On paper it seems Victoria had everything going for her: wealth, a new romance and a loving family.
Olivia and Merritt travel to Vermont to sort it out and become embroiled in a web of family drama with a wealth of suspects.
We get the story from Olivia’s perspective and while she was the assistant and in training, she was pretty observant and smart. She did have much to learn from Merritt who was like a cross between Hercule Poirot and Miranda Priestly, albeit a bit nicer. It was fun to see Olivia and Merritt work together. I enjoyed their methodical investigation as they question suspects, analyze the facts and mull over motives.
The World’s Greatest Detective and Her Just Okay Assistant was a fun sort of modern-day Agatha Christie with a bit of humor! I loved every page of this twisty, cozy mystery! I’m hoping we get more mysteries with this duo in the future!
I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy courtesy of the publisher. These are my thoughts and opinions.
August 5, 2025
I really liked this book while I was reading but liked it less and less the more I thought about it. There is so much (unnecessary) verbal abuse and dismissal from the detective toward the assistant that the loveliness of the author’s descriptions pale. The plot is effective and the denouement is properly done in a Christie-like reveal. However, upon overall reflection, I didn’t find characters i really wanted to root for, despite the rich details in the writing.
September 25, 2025
I HATED this. From the inept, vaguely racist characters (who are not endearing or fun or interesting AT ALL) to the slow, patronizing plot to the utterly boring, kind of homophobic and rather weird conclusion. I literally stopped reading 35% into this, skipped to the last 4 or 5 chapters, and felt like I missed absolutely nothing. I was still able to follow the resolution, and was just as frustrated and annoyed as if I had to plod through this wholly. Best thing about this was the title.
August 5, 2025
I liked this! I almost DNFed it because I didn’t like the opening scene and wasn’t in the mood, but I read some reviews about the boomer detective and gen z assistant and thought the generational dynamic was a really clever way of interpreting a traditional mystery trope, like the snooty detective with his earnest assistant
except here, the gen z assistant is the protagonist and maybe this is spoiler ish but she really is a “just okay” assistant. She gets some things right, but the majority of the mystery goes right over her head. which was kinda funny because I got it early on. I think this is a cool concept because now we get to see her develop over the series and come into her own. The “just okay” narrative was pushed a little bit, parts where she’s like, “oh yeah, I should take notes” or like she’s never completed the nyt crossword before - a little weird for a supposed detective enthusiast.
I can see some readers being disappointed that the protagonist is actually new to this profession and not immediately brilliant, but I like that! This is going to be her character arc.
Meanwhile, the detective acts exactly the way a male, highly lauded detective acts in any book series, if anything she’s a lot nicer, and reviewers are complaining she’s unlikeable. She is very clearly portrayed as having some sad secret that is frustrating her as well, she’s clearly written with nuance, but female characters aren’t allowed to be cold or harsh, especially to the protagonist.
I will say the way the author tries to weave personal aspects of the assistant into the story felt really clumsy, I don’t particularly care about her, yet, but this is the first book, hopefully there will be more skill in the next one!
except here, the gen z assistant is the protagonist and maybe this is spoiler ish but she really is a “just okay” assistant. She gets some things right, but the majority of the mystery goes right over her head. which was kinda funny because I got it early on. I think this is a cool concept because now we get to see her develop over the series and come into her own. The “just okay” narrative was pushed a little bit, parts where she’s like, “oh yeah, I should take notes” or like she’s never completed the nyt crossword before - a little weird for a supposed detective enthusiast.
I can see some readers being disappointed that the protagonist is actually new to this profession and not immediately brilliant, but I like that! This is going to be her character arc.
Meanwhile, the detective acts exactly the way a male, highly lauded detective acts in any book series, if anything she’s a lot nicer, and reviewers are complaining she’s unlikeable. She is very clearly portrayed as having some sad secret that is frustrating her as well, she’s clearly written with nuance, but female characters aren’t allowed to be cold or harsh, especially to the protagonist.
I will say the way the author tries to weave personal aspects of the assistant into the story felt really clumsy, I don’t particularly care about her, yet, but this is the first book, hopefully there will be more skill in the next one!
July 9, 2025
Liza Tully's debut mystery novel, The World's Greatest Detective and Her Just Okay Assistant, delivers exactly what its playful title promises: a clever, character-driven mystery that combines sharp investigative work with genuine heart. This engaging whodunit marks an impressive entry point for readers new to the cozy mystery genre while offering enough sophistication to satisfy veteran mystery enthusiasts.
Set against the picturesque backdrop of Vermont's Wild Goose Resort, the novel introduces us to the dynamic duo of renowned private investigator Aubrey Merritt and her eager assistant Olivia Blunt. When Victoria Summersworth, the resort's beloved matriarch, is found dead at the bottom of a rocky cliff after her 65th birthday party, the police quickly rule it suicide. But Victoria's daughter Haley refuses to accept this verdict, hiring the formidable Merritt to uncover the truth.
Character Development: The Heart of the Mystery
Tully's greatest strength lies in her character development, particularly in crafting the complex relationship between Merritt and Olivia. Merritt emerges as a fascinating contradiction—a brilliant detective whose aloof professionalism masks deeper emotional complexities. She's demanding, sometimes harsh, yet ultimately fair in her mentorship approach. Her teaching philosophy of "slow down, way down" and emphasis on observing "flat notes" and "cracks in the plaster" reveals both her methodical nature and her belief in thorough investigation over flashy deduction.
Olivia Blunt proves to be far more than just an ordinary assistant. Her journey from eager novice to competent investigator forms the novel's emotional backbone. Tully skillfully portrays Olivia's frustration with routine tasks while gradually revealing her natural investigative instincts. The young woman's relationship with her boyfriend Trevor adds welcome depth, grounding her character in relatable concerns about work-life balance and career ambitions.
The supporting cast sparkles with authenticity. Victoria Summersworth, though deceased, emerges as a fully realized character through flashbacks and testimonies—a complex woman who inspired both loyalty and resentment. Robin Tucci, Victoria's long-suffering assistant, is particularly well-crafted, her decades of suppressed resentment building to a shocking climax that feels both surprising and inevitable.
Plot Structure: A Masterclass in Fair Play Mystery
Tully demonstrates impressive skill in constructing a fair-play mystery where all clues are available to the reader. The investigation unfolds methodically, with Merritt's systematic approach providing a strong framework for the narrative. The author expertly weaves together multiple red herrings—from the embezzlement subplot involving Lauren Perry and Arthur Doyle to the stalker storyline with Tristan Morrissey—without losing focus on the central mystery.
The resolution hinges on brilliant detective work involving a forged suicide note. Merritt's discovery that Robin Tucci altered Victoria's farewell message by adding two small 's' letters to change "friend" to "friends" and "darling" to "darlings" represents the kind of clever, logical deduction that mystery readers crave. The evidence trail—fingerprints on the suicide note, lightbulb, and water bottle—provides satisfying concrete proof of guilt.
Atmospheric Setting and Pacing
Vermont's Wild Goose Resort serves as more than mere backdrop; it becomes a character itself. Tully captures the resort's seasonal rhythms and the insular dynamics of its long-term guests with remarkable precision. The contrast between the resort's genteel facade and the dark undercurrents of jealousy, greed, and long-buried resentments creates effective tension throughout the narrative.
The pacing maintains steady momentum while allowing for proper character development. Tully resists the temptation to rush toward the resolution, instead building suspense through careful revelation of clues and gradual deepening of character relationships. The investigation spans several days, giving readers time to form their own theories while following Merritt and Olivia's methodical work.
Writing Style and Dialogue
Tully's prose strikes an appealing balance between accessibility and sophistication. Her writing style mirrors Olivia's voice—observant, occasionally self-deprecating, and genuinely engaging. The dialogue feels natural and serves dual purposes of advancing plot and revealing character. Merritt's precise, sometimes cutting remarks contrast effectively with Olivia's more casual observations, creating a pleasing verbal dynamic.
The author demonstrates particular skill in handling exposition, weaving necessary background information seamlessly into character interactions rather than relying on clunky information dumps. The revelation of family relationships and financial motivations emerges organically through the investigation process.
Strengths That Shine
Several elements elevate this novel above standard cozy mystery fare:
Realistic Investigation Procedures: Tully clearly researched proper investigative techniques, from crime scene analysis to witness interviews. Merritt's methods feel authentic and professional rather than relying on convenient coincidences or unrealistic amateur sleuthing.
Complex Motivations: The murder motive—decades of exploitation and resentment between employer and employee—resonates with genuine psychological truth. Robin's crime stems from accumulated grievances rather than a single dramatic trigger, making her actions both understandable and tragic.
Fair Play Elements: All crucial clues appear before the solution, allowing readers to potentially solve the mystery alongside the detectives. The altered suicide note, loosened lightbulb, and timeline discrepancies all point toward the true culprit for observant readers.
Character Growth: Olivia's development from frustrated assistant to competent investigator provides satisfying character progression that promises interesting future installments.
Areas for Improvement
Despite its many strengths, the novel has some minor weaknesses that prevent it from achieving absolute excellence:
Secondary Plot Threads: While the embezzlement subplot adds complexity, it occasionally feels disconnected from the main mystery. The revelation that Lauren Perry, Eric Perry, and Arthur Doyle were stealing from Kingfisher Development seems more like a distraction than an integral plot element.
Predictable Elements: Some red herrings feel somewhat obvious, particularly the focus on Monty Draper as a potential fortune hunter. Experienced mystery readers may eliminate him as a suspect earlier than intended.
Convenient Resolutions: Certain evidence discoveries, such as the preserved water bottle with fingerprints, strain credibility slightly. More organic evidence gathering would strengthen the investigative authenticity.
Final Verdict
The World's Greatest Detective and Her Just Okay Assistant succeeds admirably as both an engaging standalone mystery and a promising series launch. Tully demonstrates impressive skill in balancing multiple plot elements while maintaining focus on character development and fair play detection. The novel's combination of clever plotting, authentic character relationships, and atmospheric setting creates a thoroughly satisfying reading experience.
While not without minor flaws, this debut establishes Tully as a welcome new voice in contemporary mystery fiction. The book offers enough complexity to challenge experienced mystery readers while remaining accessible to newcomers to the genre. Most importantly, it leaves readers eager to follow Merritt and Olivia's future investigations.
Set against the picturesque backdrop of Vermont's Wild Goose Resort, the novel introduces us to the dynamic duo of renowned private investigator Aubrey Merritt and her eager assistant Olivia Blunt. When Victoria Summersworth, the resort's beloved matriarch, is found dead at the bottom of a rocky cliff after her 65th birthday party, the police quickly rule it suicide. But Victoria's daughter Haley refuses to accept this verdict, hiring the formidable Merritt to uncover the truth.
Character Development: The Heart of the Mystery
Tully's greatest strength lies in her character development, particularly in crafting the complex relationship between Merritt and Olivia. Merritt emerges as a fascinating contradiction—a brilliant detective whose aloof professionalism masks deeper emotional complexities. She's demanding, sometimes harsh, yet ultimately fair in her mentorship approach. Her teaching philosophy of "slow down, way down" and emphasis on observing "flat notes" and "cracks in the plaster" reveals both her methodical nature and her belief in thorough investigation over flashy deduction.
Olivia Blunt proves to be far more than just an ordinary assistant. Her journey from eager novice to competent investigator forms the novel's emotional backbone. Tully skillfully portrays Olivia's frustration with routine tasks while gradually revealing her natural investigative instincts. The young woman's relationship with her boyfriend Trevor adds welcome depth, grounding her character in relatable concerns about work-life balance and career ambitions.
The supporting cast sparkles with authenticity. Victoria Summersworth, though deceased, emerges as a fully realized character through flashbacks and testimonies—a complex woman who inspired both loyalty and resentment. Robin Tucci, Victoria's long-suffering assistant, is particularly well-crafted, her decades of suppressed resentment building to a shocking climax that feels both surprising and inevitable.
Plot Structure: A Masterclass in Fair Play Mystery
Tully demonstrates impressive skill in constructing a fair-play mystery where all clues are available to the reader. The investigation unfolds methodically, with Merritt's systematic approach providing a strong framework for the narrative. The author expertly weaves together multiple red herrings—from the embezzlement subplot involving Lauren Perry and Arthur Doyle to the stalker storyline with Tristan Morrissey—without losing focus on the central mystery.
The resolution hinges on brilliant detective work involving a forged suicide note. Merritt's discovery that Robin Tucci altered Victoria's farewell message by adding two small 's' letters to change "friend" to "friends" and "darling" to "darlings" represents the kind of clever, logical deduction that mystery readers crave. The evidence trail—fingerprints on the suicide note, lightbulb, and water bottle—provides satisfying concrete proof of guilt.
Atmospheric Setting and Pacing
Vermont's Wild Goose Resort serves as more than mere backdrop; it becomes a character itself. Tully captures the resort's seasonal rhythms and the insular dynamics of its long-term guests with remarkable precision. The contrast between the resort's genteel facade and the dark undercurrents of jealousy, greed, and long-buried resentments creates effective tension throughout the narrative.
The pacing maintains steady momentum while allowing for proper character development. Tully resists the temptation to rush toward the resolution, instead building suspense through careful revelation of clues and gradual deepening of character relationships. The investigation spans several days, giving readers time to form their own theories while following Merritt and Olivia's methodical work.
Writing Style and Dialogue
Tully's prose strikes an appealing balance between accessibility and sophistication. Her writing style mirrors Olivia's voice—observant, occasionally self-deprecating, and genuinely engaging. The dialogue feels natural and serves dual purposes of advancing plot and revealing character. Merritt's precise, sometimes cutting remarks contrast effectively with Olivia's more casual observations, creating a pleasing verbal dynamic.
The author demonstrates particular skill in handling exposition, weaving necessary background information seamlessly into character interactions rather than relying on clunky information dumps. The revelation of family relationships and financial motivations emerges organically through the investigation process.
Strengths That Shine
Several elements elevate this novel above standard cozy mystery fare:
Realistic Investigation Procedures: Tully clearly researched proper investigative techniques, from crime scene analysis to witness interviews. Merritt's methods feel authentic and professional rather than relying on convenient coincidences or unrealistic amateur sleuthing.
Complex Motivations: The murder motive—decades of exploitation and resentment between employer and employee—resonates with genuine psychological truth. Robin's crime stems from accumulated grievances rather than a single dramatic trigger, making her actions both understandable and tragic.
Fair Play Elements: All crucial clues appear before the solution, allowing readers to potentially solve the mystery alongside the detectives. The altered suicide note, loosened lightbulb, and timeline discrepancies all point toward the true culprit for observant readers.
Character Growth: Olivia's development from frustrated assistant to competent investigator provides satisfying character progression that promises interesting future installments.
Areas for Improvement
Despite its many strengths, the novel has some minor weaknesses that prevent it from achieving absolute excellence:
Secondary Plot Threads: While the embezzlement subplot adds complexity, it occasionally feels disconnected from the main mystery. The revelation that Lauren Perry, Eric Perry, and Arthur Doyle were stealing from Kingfisher Development seems more like a distraction than an integral plot element.
Predictable Elements: Some red herrings feel somewhat obvious, particularly the focus on Monty Draper as a potential fortune hunter. Experienced mystery readers may eliminate him as a suspect earlier than intended.
Convenient Resolutions: Certain evidence discoveries, such as the preserved water bottle with fingerprints, strain credibility slightly. More organic evidence gathering would strengthen the investigative authenticity.
Final Verdict
The World's Greatest Detective and Her Just Okay Assistant succeeds admirably as both an engaging standalone mystery and a promising series launch. Tully demonstrates impressive skill in balancing multiple plot elements while maintaining focus on character development and fair play detection. The novel's combination of clever plotting, authentic character relationships, and atmospheric setting creates a thoroughly satisfying reading experience.
While not without minor flaws, this debut establishes Tully as a welcome new voice in contemporary mystery fiction. The book offers enough complexity to challenge experienced mystery readers while remaining accessible to newcomers to the genre. Most importantly, it leaves readers eager to follow Merritt and Olivia's future investigations.
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