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Once Upon a Crime
She’s a librarian. He’s a movie star. Someone wants them dead.
Lana Fleming’s sister has vanished from the set of TV’s hottest show, and no one seems to care. Desperate for answers, Lana sneaks in as an extra, only to get stranded with Griffin Hart, an A-list action star with a reputation for good abs and bad decisions.
Though Griffin didn’t expect to be cast as a librarian’s sidekick in a real-life thriller, he’s weirdly into it—and into her. Even more unsettling—she sees right through his playboy persona. But their meet-cute soon turns deadly when they uncover a Hollywood scandal for the ages.
Caught in a high-stakes cliffhanger, it’s up to the leading man and his unlikely love interest to save the day, defeat the bad guys and maybe—just maybe—earn their own happy ending.
Lights. Camera. Run for your life.
Lana Fleming’s sister has vanished from the set of TV’s hottest show, and no one seems to care. Desperate for answers, Lana sneaks in as an extra, only to get stranded with Griffin Hart, an A-list action star with a reputation for good abs and bad decisions.
Though Griffin didn’t expect to be cast as a librarian’s sidekick in a real-life thriller, he’s weirdly into it—and into her. Even more unsettling—she sees right through his playboy persona. But their meet-cute soon turns deadly when they uncover a Hollywood scandal for the ages.
Caught in a high-stakes cliffhanger, it’s up to the leading man and his unlikely love interest to save the day, defeat the bad guys and maybe—just maybe—earn their own happy ending.
Lights. Camera. Run for your life.
11 pages, Audible Audio
Published March 6, 2025
225 people are currently reading
822 people want to read
About the author
Brynn Kelly
8 books328 followersAs a journalist, Brynn Kelly once spent her days chasing stranger-than-fiction news reports. Now she spends them writing larger-than-life novels, in a happy bubble of fiendish plots and delicious words.
She's a RITA® winner and an RT Book Reviews Reviewer's Choice Awards nominee.
She has a journalism degree, and has won several other prestigious writing and journalism awards, including the Valerie Parv Award, Pacific Hearts Award and Koru Award. Her debut novel finaled in the Golden Heart®. She’s also a bestselling non-fiction author, in her native New Zealand.
She's a RITA® winner and an RT Book Reviews Reviewer's Choice Awards nominee.
She has a journalism degree, and has won several other prestigious writing and journalism awards, including the Valerie Parv Award, Pacific Hearts Award and Koru Award. Her debut novel finaled in the Golden Heart®. She’s also a bestselling non-fiction author, in her native New Zealand.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 818 reviews
March 8, 2025
Cute. I don’t always have the best luck with the created for Audible titles, but I was pleasantly surprised by this one.
March 20, 2025
I had no audible credits left so I took a punt with this audiobook because it was free 🤷♀️
It was actually a really enjoyable read. The FMC is a librarian and has memorised the Dewey Decimal numbers for relevant books relating to her situation. Usually when she’s panicking she recites these numbers to herself, but during the story, random books she’s read and things and she’s learned actually come in handy.
The unlikely relationship between the FMC and MMC is really endearing and even though they know each other for less than a week over the duration, it felt natural.
There were more twists and turns to this story than a rollercoaster, and as much as the plot wasn’t massively believable, it was so audacious I could see it actually happening 🤣
This was an entertaining and surprisingly well written book and I’m glad I listened to it. As the MMC Griffin would say, it ends up being a book full of “kick ass librarians”, and who wouldn’t want to read a book like that?
It was actually a really enjoyable read. The FMC is a librarian and has memorised the Dewey Decimal numbers for relevant books relating to her situation. Usually when she’s panicking she recites these numbers to herself, but during the story, random books she’s read and things and she’s learned actually come in handy.
The unlikely relationship between the FMC and MMC is really endearing and even though they know each other for less than a week over the duration, it felt natural.
There were more twists and turns to this story than a rollercoaster, and as much as the plot wasn’t massively believable, it was so audacious I could see it actually happening 🤣
This was an entertaining and surprisingly well written book and I’m glad I listened to it. As the MMC Griffin would say, it ends up being a book full of “kick ass librarians”, and who wouldn’t want to read a book like that?
March 10, 2025
It was... Predictable but twisty enough that I enjoyed it.
March 15, 2025
This was so cute and heartwarming! I didn’t realize this was closed door but I loved that about this story. I loved the characters and the emotion that was explored throughout reading this. I loved that there was a mystery along with the romance. I didn’t expect the ending but was pleasantly surprised.
Overall, this was precious and I enjoyed listening to this book. Highly recommend this if you want something quick, funny, and heartwarming. 💕
Overall, this was precious and I enjoyed listening to this book. Highly recommend this if you want something quick, funny, and heartwarming. 💕
April 3, 2025
3.5 stars.
This definitely needed some more thrills for a romantic suspense story. Even the final showdown was fairly meh. Some of the characters were over the top at times. I enjoyed both of the narrators though.
This definitely needed some more thrills for a romantic suspense story. Even the final showdown was fairly meh. Some of the characters were over the top at times. I enjoyed both of the narrators though.
March 25, 2025
Absolutely loved this. The plot twists were great. It was fun and an easy read. I'll definitely be looking for more from Brynn Kelly.
August 12, 2025
Story 3.25 stars. Narration 4 stars.
This was a cute rom-com/mystery. Lana has taken a job as an extra on the film her sister had been working on when she disappeared. They are in a canyon or something similar and when the crew breaks for the weekend she hides so she can do some sleuthing on her own. Meanwhile the mmc (one of the most famous actors in the world) has missed his ride back to town. Alone in the canyon, the two meet up(not on purpose)and end up working together. There’s good characters in this book and some scary moments, but it really is mainly a romance. For the most part I did like the listen. However, about a third of the way into the story it slowed down, so I found that a bit hard to get through. The whole last third had a lot more action and things happening so I liked that part a lot. And even better, I didn’t figure the mystery out, except one smaller part. Always a plus for me. Narration was good.
This was a cute rom-com/mystery. Lana has taken a job as an extra on the film her sister had been working on when she disappeared. They are in a canyon or something similar and when the crew breaks for the weekend she hides so she can do some sleuthing on her own. Meanwhile the mmc (one of the most famous actors in the world) has missed his ride back to town. Alone in the canyon, the two meet up(not on purpose)and end up working together. There’s good characters in this book and some scary moments, but it really is mainly a romance. For the most part I did like the listen. However, about a third of the way into the story it slowed down, so I found that a bit hard to get through. The whole last third had a lot more action and things happening so I liked that part a lot. And even better, I didn’t figure the mystery out, except one smaller part. Always a plus for me. Narration was good.
March 15, 2025
The first mistake I made was, obviously, picking an audible only audiobook – I assume the quality of those audiobooks are less than stellar. Not that Once Upon a Crime is the worst book I’ve read in a long while (I’m looking at you Do Not Disturb by Freida McFadden) but it sure wasn’t amazing.
Once Upon a Crime is a predictable romcom that resembles Kiss Kiss Bang Bang in the sense that someone is trying to find a missing person in Hollywood and shit goes down – and in this case, a whole lot of shit goes down. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book with THIS MANY PLOTS happening all at once.
For an audiobook that’s, what, 10 hours, there’s a plotline for every single thing imaginable. Missing sister? Check. Romancing a superstar? Check. Weird ass stalkers? Check. Hippie Communes? Check. Kidnapping? Check – and well, there’s a lot more spoilery things happening but can I just say the casting couch twist is goddamn insane.
There was no need for ALL of this and with so many things happening, not only did the characters forget Lana’s sister was missing, I also forgot that was the whole premise of the book. It’s not great, but it’s also not god awful but I’ll admit my listening experience was probably better because it was at 2x speed and I was playing The Sims 4 at the same time.
Once Upon a Crime is a predictable romcom that resembles Kiss Kiss Bang Bang in the sense that someone is trying to find a missing person in Hollywood and shit goes down – and in this case, a whole lot of shit goes down. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book with THIS MANY PLOTS happening all at once.
For an audiobook that’s, what, 10 hours, there’s a plotline for every single thing imaginable. Missing sister? Check. Romancing a superstar? Check. Weird ass stalkers? Check. Hippie Communes? Check. Kidnapping? Check – and well, there’s a lot more spoilery things happening but can I just say the casting couch twist is goddamn insane.
There was no need for ALL of this and with so many things happening, not only did the characters forget Lana’s sister was missing, I also forgot that was the whole premise of the book. It’s not great, but it’s also not god awful but I’ll admit my listening experience was probably better because it was at 2x speed and I was playing The Sims 4 at the same time.
March 26, 2025
What a ride. Thoroughly enjoyed the twists and turns. I think the ratings are way too critical on this because it definitely deserves a higher rating than it has. Go listen to this if you haven’t already.
July 3, 2025
5⭐️ for pure fun escapism!
April 4, 2025
3// Audiobook // Pretty cheesy, but i was entertained and it was easy enough to follow at work! Only thing that annoyed me is they’re both so “quirky” they’re “different” lol but otherwise super cute and easy!
March 24, 2025
I loved it absolutely loved all the drama!
The character detail! Omg the character Mama....loved it all.
The character detail! Omg the character Mama....loved it all.
April 10, 2025
20 out of 10!! It was so good! No bad language & spice level was like a .5! It was such a good mystery! It is read in third person so that took some time to get used to bc I don’t normally read books like that but it was still great! It also has both of the main characters sides of the story which are my favorite!
June 8, 2025
This was genuinely a cute book and a little bit predictable. But it reminded me of a great Netflix original show. I thought the drama was intriguing and I actually liked the character quirks in this one. Overall, it was really fun to listen to.(also who doesn’t love a librarian hero and a slight emphasis on Greek mythology.)
There is a little bit of language, and the spice is closed door, which I did appreciate
There is a little bit of language, and the spice is closed door, which I did appreciate
March 30, 2025
This was an alright story. It had its moments where I wanted to keep listening and then there were moments that I wasn’t interested or it didn’t keep my attention. It also is only available on audible and I usually like to follow along in a physical copy or on kindle. I still thought the story was good and the twist was alright too. I would recommend.
May 13, 2025
Cute romance with a mystery & twists. Worth the listen and was entertained
July 1, 2025
Eh. MMC no one cares you’re famous and FMC you kinda need to grow a pair
August 14, 2025
2.5 stars that I could've rounded up or down but decided to round down because it was just ridiculous. But in a mostly fun way! The quirky librarian thing was too much for me, and I did not find the constant Dewey decimal system references cute. But the mystery was entertaining (though wildly farfetched), and by the end I was locked in to see how it all played out!
April 30, 2025
This was really fun. likable characters, twisty plot, basically friendship p*rn as the MCs get to know each other and are kind to each other and give each other grace.
closed door, but some emotionally decadent kisses.
this will likely be a multi read story for me.
closed door, but some emotionally decadent kisses.
this will likely be a multi read story for me.
July 11, 2025
This was the most cliche romance I’ve ever read, but man that ending was great. Or maybe it’s just that I finished it in the last 10 minutes of an eight hour flight after a week of traveling… either way, it’s cute, fluffy, and has a murder plot, so I recommend it.
March 25, 2025
Cute, mystery, twists, enjoyable listen
August 1, 2025
Read w Audible. Rounded up to 3.0. Too much like “Notting Hill” but without the charm & too long as well
April 20, 2025
ughhhhh I love this mannnnnnn… and mysteries.
March 27, 2025
This book draaaaagged. And Lana’s “quirkiness” was cringey and annoying. Pass.
I was interested in the crime/mystery aspect of the story, so I continued to listen. Had it not been for that, I would have given up pretty early on.
I was interested in the crime/mystery aspect of the story, so I continued to listen. Had it not been for that, I would have given up pretty early on.
March 30, 2025
Love myself a good plot twist but this is so YA and all over the place nevertheless very entertaining
March 13, 2025
Wonderful story! I had so much fun trying to stay ahead of each twist and turn! I never suspected the perp and was delightfully confused the whole way!
October 18, 2025
Once Upon a Crime should be a movie. While a rom-com at heart there's a mystery to solve, loads of action and its hilarious. There are some colorful characters that give this story so much life. This book was a blast.
April 25, 2025
3.5 stars ⭐️ Ahhh, my very first audiobook—who knew I’d enjoy it this much? I didn’t think I’d be into the format at first, but I got used to it pretty quickly. It’s perfect for having on while cleaning or making dinner—shoutout to Eva for putting me on fr🙏🏼
The book itself? Surprisingly good! I grabbed it for free on Audible, so my expectations weren’t super high, but it delivered more than I expected tbh. The story was a little predictable, but still interesting enough to keep me listening. Lana and Griffin had pretty solid chemistry—nothing too groundbreaking, but their interactions were genuinely cute. I liked the whole dynamic of her being a reclusive librarian and him being a rich, famous actor—it made for some fun, sweet moments.
The narrators did a pretty good job bringing them to life, although some parts definitely veered into cringe territory (the Dewey Decimal thing… really?). But hey, that’s part of the charm with romance audiobooks, right? I feel like those cringey bits might not have hit as bad if I’d just been reading in my head though.
The ending wasn’t the most satisfying, but it had enough tension and thrill to keep things moving. I always enjoy romantic suspense stories because there’s something extra to keep you engaged, and this one did that well enough. Overall, an enjoyable, easy listen—great for when you want something light and a little swoony.
The book itself? Surprisingly good! I grabbed it for free on Audible, so my expectations weren’t super high, but it delivered more than I expected tbh. The story was a little predictable, but still interesting enough to keep me listening. Lana and Griffin had pretty solid chemistry—nothing too groundbreaking, but their interactions were genuinely cute. I liked the whole dynamic of her being a reclusive librarian and him being a rich, famous actor—it made for some fun, sweet moments.
The narrators did a pretty good job bringing them to life, although some parts definitely veered into cringe territory (the Dewey Decimal thing… really?). But hey, that’s part of the charm with romance audiobooks, right? I feel like those cringey bits might not have hit as bad if I’d just been reading in my head though.
The ending wasn’t the most satisfying, but it had enough tension and thrill to keep things moving. I always enjoy romantic suspense stories because there’s something extra to keep you engaged, and this one did that well enough. Overall, an enjoyable, easy listen—great for when you want something light and a little swoony.
April 8, 2025
I recently listened to "Once Upon a Crime" by Brynn Kelly on Audible, and I have to say, it was an interesting ride. The story starts off strong, pulling you into a world where crime and intrigue go hand in hand. I appreciated the unique premise and how the author weaves elements of mystery throughout the plot.
The characters felt relatable, albeit some were a bit stereotypical. The protagonist, in particular, had moments that really shone, and I found myself rooting for her. I enjoyed the twists and turns in the storyline, but at times, it felt a bit predictable. I was hoping for a few more surprises to keep me on the edge of my seat.
The narration was solid, which definitely helped keep the pacing lively. I loved how the narrator brought the characters to life with distinct voices. However, I found that certain parts of the dialogue could have used a little more polish; it sometimes felt a bit stilted.
Overall, "Once Upon a Crime" was a decent listen. It entertained me, but I think it could have pushed the boundaries a bit more to truly stand out. If you enjoy light mysteries, this could be a fun pick, but don't expect a groundbreaking experience. Three stars from me!
The characters felt relatable, albeit some were a bit stereotypical. The protagonist, in particular, had moments that really shone, and I found myself rooting for her. I enjoyed the twists and turns in the storyline, but at times, it felt a bit predictable. I was hoping for a few more surprises to keep me on the edge of my seat.
The narration was solid, which definitely helped keep the pacing lively. I loved how the narrator brought the characters to life with distinct voices. However, I found that certain parts of the dialogue could have used a little more polish; it sometimes felt a bit stilted.
Overall, "Once Upon a Crime" was a decent listen. It entertained me, but I think it could have pushed the boundaries a bit more to truly stand out. If you enjoy light mysteries, this could be a fun pick, but don't expect a groundbreaking experience. Three stars from me!
April 15, 2025
Like others, I had run out of audible credits so was checking to see what I could listen to that is included in my membership and came across this. I thought it sounded interesting and I’m a judge-a-book-by-its-cover type of gal so it also looked interesting.
I’m so glad I did listen to this because I smashed it out in a couple of days!
Such a cute rom-com with an actually interesting mystery/crime plot!
I didn’t find it to be as predictable as other people seem to have.
The love interests were very predictable, that was obvious. But I actually did not know what was going on with Vivienne, so I was very pleasantly surprised with how the plot turned out.
I have read a few romances recently that have just focused on the romance and the smut and had no plot/storyline and were actually kind of boring.
5/5 ⭐️ I am coming off this book on a high. No hate from me. 100% recommend!! I will be listening to Brynn Kelly’s other audiobooks and have already saved ‘A Murder To Remember’ into my library ready to go!!
I’m so glad I did listen to this because I smashed it out in a couple of days!
Such a cute rom-com with an actually interesting mystery/crime plot!
I didn’t find it to be as predictable as other people seem to have.
The love interests were very predictable, that was obvious. But I actually did not know what was going on with Vivienne, so I was very pleasantly surprised with how the plot turned out.
I have read a few romances recently that have just focused on the romance and the smut and had no plot/storyline and were actually kind of boring.
5/5 ⭐️ I am coming off this book on a high. No hate from me. 100% recommend!! I will be listening to Brynn Kelly’s other audiobooks and have already saved ‘A Murder To Remember’ into my library ready to go!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 818 reviews