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Murder, She Wrote #62
Murder, She Wrote: The Body in the Trees
The newest entry in the USA Today bestselling Murder, She Wrote series.
It's leaf-peeping season in Cabot Cove, but for someone, it's killing season!
A quartet of friends from Florida have come to Maine to experience a New England autumn, complete with hiking in the woods and fishing. When one of them goes missing, the town rallies to find the presumably lost but otherwise safe tourist. But when newspaper editor Dan Andrews is biking on the trail along a ridge, he looks down and sees a leg caught in the branches of a tree. Count on Jessica Fletcher to uncover the secret reason the victim came to town . . . and how it led to her murder.
It's leaf-peeping season in Cabot Cove, but for someone, it's killing season!
A quartet of friends from Florida have come to Maine to experience a New England autumn, complete with hiking in the woods and fishing. When one of them goes missing, the town rallies to find the presumably lost but otherwise safe tourist. But when newspaper editor Dan Andrews is biking on the trail along a ridge, he looks down and sees a leg caught in the branches of a tree. Count on Jessica Fletcher to uncover the secret reason the victim came to town . . . and how it led to her murder.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published December 2, 2025
About the author
Jessica Fletcher
116 books1,113 followersLibrarian’s note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Jessica Fletcher (born Jessica Beatrice MacGill, and writes under the initialed J.B. Fletcher) is a fictional character from the US television series Murder, She Wrote.
In keeping with the spirit of the TV show, a series of official original novels have been written by American ghostwriter Donald Bain. The author credit for the novels is shared with the fictitious "Jessica Fletcher." The series has been continued by authors Renée Paley-Bain, Jon Land, Terrie Farley Moran, and Barbara Early.
When the first novel in the series, Gin and Daggers, was published in 1989 it included several inaccuracies to the TV series including Jessica driving a car which she could not do as she never learned to drive. Due to fans pointing out the errors, the novel was republished in 2000 with most of the inaccuracies corrected.
Source: Wikipedia
Jessica Fletcher (born Jessica Beatrice MacGill, and writes under the initialed J.B. Fletcher) is a fictional character from the US television series Murder, She Wrote.
In keeping with the spirit of the TV show, a series of official original novels have been written by American ghostwriter Donald Bain. The author credit for the novels is shared with the fictitious "Jessica Fletcher." The series has been continued by authors Renée Paley-Bain, Jon Land, Terrie Farley Moran, and Barbara Early.
When the first novel in the series, Gin and Daggers, was published in 1989 it included several inaccuracies to the TV series including Jessica driving a car which she could not do as she never learned to drive. Due to fans pointing out the errors, the novel was republished in 2000 with most of the inaccuracies corrected.
Source: Wikipedia
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
May 15, 2026
**3.5-stars**
The Murder, She Wrote series holds a special place in my heart. I have read over 50-books in this series that I started when I was a kid. My Mom used to buy the mass market paperbacks upon release and I gobbled them up.
It's been the longest committed relationship of my life.
The series, originally written by Donald Bain, began in 1989. 37-years later, we are getting the 62nd-installment of this long-running series, The Body in the Trees. Since Mr. Bain's passing in 2017, the series has had a few different authors contributing to keep the series going.
I do feel like the series has struggled to maintain consistency since Bain's passing, and some of the newer authors have seemed more natural to the series than others. Terrie Farley Moran, so far, has been my favorite.
Admittedly though, I struggled a bit with this one. It's definitely not my favorite in the series. It did scratch an itch though, and I was happy to be back in Cabot Cove. I have lots of thoughts and opinions on the way this one came together, but I'm trying not to get salty.
With long series like this, you aren't going to love every one and that's absolutely fine.
This story centers around a group of young tourists who are visiting Cabot Cove. The young women end up staying at the Hill House Hotel, the best hotel in Cabot Cove, and a setting that will be familiar to veteran Readers of the series.
Jessica and her friends have a run in with these young ladies while they are dining at the Hill House restaurant one night. It was from this initial scene where the tourists are introduced, that I started to realize this one might not be for me. The way the young ladies were written, I just didn't find it believable. Sweatshirts and sneakers at a nice restaurant?
Nevertheless, even though little bits and bobs got under my skin about it, the mystery did keep me invested and guessing. I predicted where it was heading, which is absolutely fine, but I ultimately didn't enjoy who the baddie ended up being. It left a bad taste in my mouth.
I know this is nit-picky, especially for a Cozy Mystery series that is just supposed to be escapist and comforting. I just have read all of Terrie Farley Moran's contributions to the series and was expecting to enjoy it a bit more.
Nevertheless, I love this series with my whole heart. As mentioned above, in long series like this, you are going to have some you prefer more than others. If I were ranking them all, this would fall in the lower end. For long-time Readers of the series, it's still worth picking up, especially if you enjoy the mysteries set in Cabot Cove.
For new Readers of the series, I wouldn't suggest starting with this one. I think you would be best served picking an earlier installment, though they can be read in any order.
Thank you to the publisher, Berkley, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I will never stop reading this series. As long as they're being published, I'll be reading them!
The Murder, She Wrote series holds a special place in my heart. I have read over 50-books in this series that I started when I was a kid. My Mom used to buy the mass market paperbacks upon release and I gobbled them up.
It's been the longest committed relationship of my life.
The series, originally written by Donald Bain, began in 1989. 37-years later, we are getting the 62nd-installment of this long-running series, The Body in the Trees. Since Mr. Bain's passing in 2017, the series has had a few different authors contributing to keep the series going.
I do feel like the series has struggled to maintain consistency since Bain's passing, and some of the newer authors have seemed more natural to the series than others. Terrie Farley Moran, so far, has been my favorite.
Admittedly though, I struggled a bit with this one. It's definitely not my favorite in the series. It did scratch an itch though, and I was happy to be back in Cabot Cove. I have lots of thoughts and opinions on the way this one came together, but I'm trying not to get salty.
With long series like this, you aren't going to love every one and that's absolutely fine.
This story centers around a group of young tourists who are visiting Cabot Cove. The young women end up staying at the Hill House Hotel, the best hotel in Cabot Cove, and a setting that will be familiar to veteran Readers of the series.
Jessica and her friends have a run in with these young ladies while they are dining at the Hill House restaurant one night. It was from this initial scene where the tourists are introduced, that I started to realize this one might not be for me. The way the young ladies were written, I just didn't find it believable. Sweatshirts and sneakers at a nice restaurant?
Nevertheless, even though little bits and bobs got under my skin about it, the mystery did keep me invested and guessing. I predicted where it was heading, which is absolutely fine, but I ultimately didn't enjoy who the baddie ended up being. It left a bad taste in my mouth.
I know this is nit-picky, especially for a Cozy Mystery series that is just supposed to be escapist and comforting. I just have read all of Terrie Farley Moran's contributions to the series and was expecting to enjoy it a bit more.
Nevertheless, I love this series with my whole heart. As mentioned above, in long series like this, you are going to have some you prefer more than others. If I were ranking them all, this would fall in the lower end. For long-time Readers of the series, it's still worth picking up, especially if you enjoy the mysteries set in Cabot Cove.
For new Readers of the series, I wouldn't suggest starting with this one. I think you would be best served picking an earlier installment, though they can be read in any order.
Thank you to the publisher, Berkley, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I will never stop reading this series. As long as they're being published, I'll be reading them!
March 19, 2026
My library has been short on mysteries that I would like to read. I picked this up mostly for the nostalgia for the TV show. It was like watching the TV show, but in written form, it seemed a bit old-fashioned even though they had cell phones I would read another one when I was in the mood for some relaxing quick reads. The mystery was OK.
January 19, 2026
I read these books largely for the nostalgia of the show. I'm not really expecting amazing literature, but a great cozy mystery that's a fairly easy read.
I have to say, I was a bit disappointed with the writing style on this one. It's the first non Donald Bain one I've read, and I found the writing a bit stilted and also just a bit strange. "As soon as I opened the door and hung up my jacket, I appreciated how cozy the house felt after my ride along the ridge," is awkwardly constructed. Sadly there were a lot of sentences like this, mainly from the protagonist which also belied the Jessica Fletcher character overall.
And getting Amos Tupper's name wrong? For shame.
I have to say, I was a bit disappointed with the writing style on this one. It's the first non Donald Bain one I've read, and I found the writing a bit stilted and also just a bit strange. "As soon as I opened the door and hung up my jacket, I appreciated how cozy the house felt after my ride along the ridge," is awkwardly constructed. Sadly there were a lot of sentences like this, mainly from the protagonist which also belied the Jessica Fletcher character overall.
And getting Amos Tupper's name wrong? For shame.
January 31, 2026
I enjoyed this. It had a wonderful, nostalgic, and small-town feel. I loved the cast of characters and how they all lived everyday normal lives. I have another book in the series, which I hope to read this year.
Also, I valued that the author shed light on how traumatic, violent events impact people and can disrupt communities. That was an important piece to the story.
The pacing did feel a bit slow, and I would have liked more twists, but overall, I did enjoy this. It was a relaxing read!
Also, I valued that the author shed light on how traumatic, violent events impact people and can disrupt communities. That was an important piece to the story.
The pacing did feel a bit slow, and I would have liked more twists, but overall, I did enjoy this. It was a relaxing read!
December 19, 2025
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Autumn in Cabot Cove is beautiful, and a group of friends has come to town from Florida for vacation to take in the fall foliage along with some hiking and fishing. Jessica meets the young ladies while at a local restaurant, when one of them has clearly had too much to drink. Jessica, in her usual helpful way, makes sure they have everything they need and get safely back to their rooms.
Then one of the group goes missing, and the residents of Cabot Cove enact a search to no avail. It’s local newsman Dan Andrews who makes a tragic discovery. Biking along the ridge, he glances down and sees a leg among the trees. The lost Floridian has been found, and soon Jessica is assisting Sheriff Mort Metzger as he tries to determine the real reason the victim came to Cabot Cove and why it led to her death.
It’s almost Halloween in Cabot Cove, and murder and mayhem are on the menu.
I love all my virtual vacays to Cabot Cove, catching up with Jessica, Seth, Mort, Maureen, Dan, Maeve, and all the other residents of this wonderfully picturesque little town. I feel right at home walking and biking the streets, visiting the neighbors, stopping by Sassi’s bakery for a mid-day treat to share with Jessica over a cup of tea, shopping at Charles Department Store, and having dinner at Hill House. This time, though, there is a Bicycle Bandit stealing ladies’ purses, and of course, the murder. Women need to be careful when they are out and about. I love how Jessica, Seth, and others come together to solve the community’s problems, and we readers are like butterflies on their shoulders.
The story is very well-plotted with two mysteries to solve. I enjoy trying to solve the mysteries before Jessica, just as I did while watching the television show. These books have the same flow with clues nicely dropped throughout the story. I followed them closely. Was there one culprit or two? When the clues started to go in a surprising direction, I was wondering if I was falling for a red herring. No spoilers here – You have to read it for yourself.
Murder, She Wrote: The Body in the Trees is a sensational addition to this series. A series that has lasted more than 36 years and 62 books, with number 63 set to be released in May 2026. Several authors have teamed up with Jessica over the years. Terrie Farley Moran has done an outstanding job keeping these wonderful characters fresh, fun, interesting, and entertaining. One of the great things about these books is that they can all be read on their own and in any order. It’s a series that has stood the test of time and is still going strong. I highly recommend Murder, She Wrote: The Body in the Trees to all cozy mystery lovers and fans of the television show.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
Autumn in Cabot Cove is beautiful, and a group of friends has come to town from Florida for vacation to take in the fall foliage along with some hiking and fishing. Jessica meets the young ladies while at a local restaurant, when one of them has clearly had too much to drink. Jessica, in her usual helpful way, makes sure they have everything they need and get safely back to their rooms.
Then one of the group goes missing, and the residents of Cabot Cove enact a search to no avail. It’s local newsman Dan Andrews who makes a tragic discovery. Biking along the ridge, he glances down and sees a leg among the trees. The lost Floridian has been found, and soon Jessica is assisting Sheriff Mort Metzger as he tries to determine the real reason the victim came to Cabot Cove and why it led to her death.
It’s almost Halloween in Cabot Cove, and murder and mayhem are on the menu.
I love all my virtual vacays to Cabot Cove, catching up with Jessica, Seth, Mort, Maureen, Dan, Maeve, and all the other residents of this wonderfully picturesque little town. I feel right at home walking and biking the streets, visiting the neighbors, stopping by Sassi’s bakery for a mid-day treat to share with Jessica over a cup of tea, shopping at Charles Department Store, and having dinner at Hill House. This time, though, there is a Bicycle Bandit stealing ladies’ purses, and of course, the murder. Women need to be careful when they are out and about. I love how Jessica, Seth, and others come together to solve the community’s problems, and we readers are like butterflies on their shoulders.
The story is very well-plotted with two mysteries to solve. I enjoy trying to solve the mysteries before Jessica, just as I did while watching the television show. These books have the same flow with clues nicely dropped throughout the story. I followed them closely. Was there one culprit or two? When the clues started to go in a surprising direction, I was wondering if I was falling for a red herring. No spoilers here – You have to read it for yourself.
Murder, She Wrote: The Body in the Trees is a sensational addition to this series. A series that has lasted more than 36 years and 62 books, with number 63 set to be released in May 2026. Several authors have teamed up with Jessica over the years. Terrie Farley Moran has done an outstanding job keeping these wonderful characters fresh, fun, interesting, and entertaining. One of the great things about these books is that they can all be read on their own and in any order. It’s a series that has stood the test of time and is still going strong. I highly recommend Murder, She Wrote: The Body in the Trees to all cozy mystery lovers and fans of the television show.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
January 6, 2026
Another good story - my favorites are the ones in Cabot Cove; however, there was a tinge of sadness in this one. If I say why, it will definitely be a spoiler - read it and share your thoughts.
November 30, 2025
4.5 stars
Thank you, Berkley Publishing for the free book! I really enjoyed Jessica Fletcher's latest mystery.in which Jessica is putting the finishing touches on her new book and preparing for Halloween in Cabot Cove. She and her good friend, Maureen Metzer make the acquaintance of some young tourists from Florida who have travelled to Maine to enjoy the Fall foliage. When one young woman goes missing and is later found dead, Jessica is determined to find out what really happened.
This book does a great job of creating an intriguing mystery, along with including scenes with Jessica writing, doing volunteer work for the community, and enjoying time with friends. This is a cozy mystery that is fun and relaxing to read with likable main characters that you want to spend time with. Jessica's kindness and compassion are highlighted in her scenes with the visitors from Florida and through Jessica's determination to get justice for the deceased. There are a couple of suspects in her death, but I was very surprised when the killer was revealed. While this book will be enjoyable for new and returning readers alike, the big reveal will be especially meaningful for returning fans of the book series.
Thank you, Berkley Publishing for the free book! I really enjoyed Jessica Fletcher's latest mystery.in which Jessica is putting the finishing touches on her new book and preparing for Halloween in Cabot Cove. She and her good friend, Maureen Metzer make the acquaintance of some young tourists from Florida who have travelled to Maine to enjoy the Fall foliage. When one young woman goes missing and is later found dead, Jessica is determined to find out what really happened.
This book does a great job of creating an intriguing mystery, along with including scenes with Jessica writing, doing volunteer work for the community, and enjoying time with friends. This is a cozy mystery that is fun and relaxing to read with likable main characters that you want to spend time with. Jessica's kindness and compassion are highlighted in her scenes with the visitors from Florida and through Jessica's determination to get justice for the deceased. There are a couple of suspects in her death, but I was very surprised when the killer was revealed. While this book will be enjoyable for new and returning readers alike, the big reveal will be especially meaningful for returning fans of the book series.
January 10, 2026
I love these books I always have. But it’s disappointing to see that the characters Donald Bain added to the series be slowly retired, forced to be killers, or become completely out of character so this new author can put in her own crop. I don’t think I’d mind so much if each of these characters slowly retired, or were just not as involved but to have one be a murderer and make his wife out to be a shrew and confront Maureen in such a way was out of character and upsetting. Also it was super easy to figure out who did the murder and to come close to guessing which was another disappointment
March 4, 2026
Holy Sebastian Stan! I was not expecting that!
December 23, 2025
the murderer reveal caught me off guard, this was a fun addition to the series!
December 23, 2025
Visiting Cabot Cove – whether it’s on my television set or in the pages of a new Murder, She Wrote book – always feels like a warm hug from someone you feel completely safe with. Never mind the incredibly high murder rate in this tiny Maine town… Cabot Cove feels like comfort. And no, I’m not going to spend any time wondering what that says about me LOL. I’ve seen every episode of the series, multiple times, but it’s the Cabot Cove episodes that I watch most often. I’m finding that to be true of the mystery novel series as well – that I gravitate toward the books set here rather than on one of Jessica’s travels. So it was with great delight that I cracked open The Body in the Trees (if one can ‘crack open’ pages on a Kindle) and prepared to wave wildly at Dr. Seth Hazlitt, or Sheriff Mort Metzger, or of course Jessica Fletcher. Of course they know me and of course they’re real people and don’t bother telling me otherwise. And because Moran captures the voices of these beloved characters so perfectly, I really do feel as though I’m right there with them.
This story starts out innocently enough. Jessica has finished another manuscript and is eating dinner at the Hill House with Seth, Mort & Mort’s wife Maureen to celebrate her return to the land of the living. (As a side note, I don’t know how it’s possible to miss a character we never saw, but I do miss Adele. Moran does a great job making Maureen likable though, and I’d want to be friends with her if she really existed.) While there, she and Maureen help an intoxicated young ‘leaf peeper’ tourist sober up over coffee, water, and cookies in the ladies’ restroom lounge. The next day sees Jessica back at her regular routine – trying to research an idea for her next novel while juggling phone calls and impromptu neighbor drop-bys and more phone calls and etc. She checks on her elderly neighbor, goes shopping with Maureen, has Seth over for dinner and chess, volunteers to read Halloween books to sick kids, meets Dan up for a bike ride or two… and keeps an eye on her purse because there’s a Bicycle Bandit loose in Cabot Cove. But because this tiny town IS unofficially the murder capital of the world, you know that all this relatively peaceful, somewhat mundane, busyness is for sure going to lead her to a body. And it does. And then the game is truly afoot as we join Jessica in her sleuthing and clever puzzling-out of the facts.
Are the Bicycle Bandit and the murderer one and the same? Why was this young woman killed when she was merely here to see the gorgeous fall colors of Maine with her friends? Why does the Bandit keep evading police (which we all know is driving Mort crazy)? These questions and others buzzed through my brain as I tagged along with Jessica and tried to parse out the clues from the well-disguised red herrings. Terrie Farley Moran excels at misdirection and though I had my suspicions about the culprit fairly early on, I wasn’t confident that I hadn’t fallen for one such sleight of hand. Turns out I was right… AND I was wrong. But I enjoyed the reading experience all the more for both sides of that coin.
Bottom Line: Murder, She Wrote: The Body in The Trees by Terrie Farley Moran offers readers like me the perfect blend of classic Cabot Cove comfort and a cleverly layered mystery that invites us to sleuth right beside the Queen of Cozy herself, Jessica Fletcher. I didn’t know for sure whether my guess for whodunit was on point or way off base (turns out it was a little of both). But one thing I always knew for certain is that Moran had transported me to my favorite Maine town with my favorite amateur sleuth and curmudgeonly doctor, and it felt like coming home. The easygoing pace makes this the perfect choice for a cozy break amid the hustle & bustle of the holidays, and I highly recommend burrowing into a warm blanket and keeping a mug full of your fave hot beverage close at hand while you read.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
This story starts out innocently enough. Jessica has finished another manuscript and is eating dinner at the Hill House with Seth, Mort & Mort’s wife Maureen to celebrate her return to the land of the living. (As a side note, I don’t know how it’s possible to miss a character we never saw, but I do miss Adele. Moran does a great job making Maureen likable though, and I’d want to be friends with her if she really existed.) While there, she and Maureen help an intoxicated young ‘leaf peeper’ tourist sober up over coffee, water, and cookies in the ladies’ restroom lounge. The next day sees Jessica back at her regular routine – trying to research an idea for her next novel while juggling phone calls and impromptu neighbor drop-bys and more phone calls and etc. She checks on her elderly neighbor, goes shopping with Maureen, has Seth over for dinner and chess, volunteers to read Halloween books to sick kids, meets Dan up for a bike ride or two… and keeps an eye on her purse because there’s a Bicycle Bandit loose in Cabot Cove. But because this tiny town IS unofficially the murder capital of the world, you know that all this relatively peaceful, somewhat mundane, busyness is for sure going to lead her to a body. And it does. And then the game is truly afoot as we join Jessica in her sleuthing and clever puzzling-out of the facts.
Are the Bicycle Bandit and the murderer one and the same? Why was this young woman killed when she was merely here to see the gorgeous fall colors of Maine with her friends? Why does the Bandit keep evading police (which we all know is driving Mort crazy)? These questions and others buzzed through my brain as I tagged along with Jessica and tried to parse out the clues from the well-disguised red herrings. Terrie Farley Moran excels at misdirection and though I had my suspicions about the culprit fairly early on, I wasn’t confident that I hadn’t fallen for one such sleight of hand. Turns out I was right… AND I was wrong. But I enjoyed the reading experience all the more for both sides of that coin.
Bottom Line: Murder, She Wrote: The Body in The Trees by Terrie Farley Moran offers readers like me the perfect blend of classic Cabot Cove comfort and a cleverly layered mystery that invites us to sleuth right beside the Queen of Cozy herself, Jessica Fletcher. I didn’t know for sure whether my guess for whodunit was on point or way off base (turns out it was a little of both). But one thing I always knew for certain is that Moran had transported me to my favorite Maine town with my favorite amateur sleuth and curmudgeonly doctor, and it felt like coming home. The easygoing pace makes this the perfect choice for a cozy break amid the hustle & bustle of the holidays, and I highly recommend burrowing into a warm blanket and keeping a mug full of your fave hot beverage close at hand while you read.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
August 31, 2025
Returning to Cabot Cove in the latest Murder, She Wrote novel, felt like a warm homecoming for this fan of Jessica Fletcher. This installment delivers the cozy charm the series is known for, set against the picturesque autumn backdrop of Cabot Cove, Maine. When Jessica discovers the body of Wendy Lu, a young leaf peeper from Florida, during a bike ride, what initially seems like an accident quickly escalates into a murder investigation. The familiar cast of characters, including Sheriff Mort Metzger, enriches the story with their small-town warmth and support, making this a delightful read for longtime fans.
The plot weaves together two mysteries: Wendy’s death and a series of purse thefts by a bicycle-riding thief plaguing the town. Jessica, with her keen intellect, dives into both cases while navigating tensions with Mayor Jim Shevlin, who fears the crimes could deter tourists during the vital fall season. The vivid depiction of Cabot Cove’s community and its autumnal setting creates an immersive atmosphere, though the pacing occasionally feels measured. The interplay between Jessica and Mort, alongside the town’s cozy dynamics, keeps the story engaging.
The climax delivers a surprising twist, revealing that one of Cabot Cove’s residents harbors secrets worth killing for, adding depth to the mystery. The Body in the Trees is a satisfying addition to the series, blending classic Murder, She Wrote elements with a fresh, well-crafted puzzle.
Thanks to Netgalley and Berkley for the ARC—this novel is a worthy addition to any mystery lover’s bookshelf, especially for those enchanted by Jessica Fletcher’s timeless sleuthing.
The plot weaves together two mysteries: Wendy’s death and a series of purse thefts by a bicycle-riding thief plaguing the town. Jessica, with her keen intellect, dives into both cases while navigating tensions with Mayor Jim Shevlin, who fears the crimes could deter tourists during the vital fall season. The vivid depiction of Cabot Cove’s community and its autumnal setting creates an immersive atmosphere, though the pacing occasionally feels measured. The interplay between Jessica and Mort, alongside the town’s cozy dynamics, keeps the story engaging.
The climax delivers a surprising twist, revealing that one of Cabot Cove’s residents harbors secrets worth killing for, adding depth to the mystery. The Body in the Trees is a satisfying addition to the series, blending classic Murder, She Wrote elements with a fresh, well-crafted puzzle.
Thanks to Netgalley and Berkley for the ARC—this novel is a worthy addition to any mystery lover’s bookshelf, especially for those enchanted by Jessica Fletcher’s timeless sleuthing.
February 2, 2026
this one was so disappointing. I don't even mean the story, this whole book seems like it was written by AI. The writing, especially dialogue, was so clunky and awkward, took me right out of the story.
March 28, 2026
p. 120 para. 5 line 3 : “plug” not “pump”
April 4, 2026
I love these mysteries. I wish more libraries would carry them.
December 16, 2025
This was a good read. It was typical Jessica Fletcher. I guessed the murderer but not the motive.
September 10, 2025
I’ve read all of the books in this series. I always enjoy the setting in Maine. This was nice as it was set in Fall, when the leaves are turning their colors. Unfortunately, I figured out who the murderer was almost as soon as the murder was committed. I just had to figure out why and I came close in my guess. I always enjoy reading about the people of Cabot Cove. It was pleasant in this book to not hear Cabot Cove referred to as the “murder capital” of the United States. These books are always a fun quick read for me. I received an ARC copy from NetGalley.
March 22, 2026
I should have left this on my "did-not-finish shelf.
This author more than any of the others who take turns writing (since Donald Bain died) changes the characters.
This book is by far the "best" example of this. Which sounds positive but it's the exact opposite.
Not only are there examples of rude behavior, one of the beloved background characters in Cabot Cove is the murderer.
This author more than any of the others who take turns writing (since Donald Bain died) changes the characters.
This book is by far the "best" example of this. Which sounds positive but it's the exact opposite.
Not only are there examples of rude behavior, one of the beloved background characters in Cabot Cove is the murderer.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 3, 2025
Jessica Fletcher, my eternal queen of suspicious coincidences and sensible cardigans, is BACK in Cabot Cove for book sixty-two (yes, SIX. TWO.), and I am genuinely starting to think Maine needs to be evacuated. Murder, She Wrote: The Body in the Trees gave us peak fall chaos: murder, maple leaves, and a purse-snatching cyclist with the subtlety of a raccoon on Red Bull.
Look, I’ve read enough of these books that I could probably get deputized in Cabot Cove at this point, but even I was blindsided by this one... in the best possible way. It starts like most Jessica adventures do: she’s wrapping up a novel, sipping tea, being aggressively wholesome... and then BAM. A Floridian tourist ends up suspended in a tree, as if the town’s been cursed by an extremely literate banshee with a grudge against hikers. I mean, I knew leaf-peeping season could be cutthroat, but y’all. Murder in the treetops? This ain’t your grandma’s cozy mystery (unless your grandma is Jessica Fletcher, in which case, I hope your inheritance is already in a trust).
Enter stage left: the Body in the Trees, the missing tourist, who we briefly met before she yeeted herself out of the story and into the branches below the ridge trail. Only she didn’t jump. Of course not. This is Cabot Cove, not summer camp. And now Jessica has a murder to solve, a bike thief terrorizing the town, and a local mayor so aggressively annoying I wanted to slap him and his wife right off the screen of my Kindle.
Sam Booth may be long gone, but let the record show... I miss that man and his bulldog Winston every time current Mayor Jim Shevlin opens his mouth to say something irritating about optics or tourism revenue. Sam may have been delightfully incompetent, but he had heart, a cute dog, and the good sense to stay out of Jessica’s damn way. Jim, meanwhile, is just out here trying to micromanage Mort like he’s not an ex–NYPD officer who’s solved approximately one thousand more homicides than any other sheriff in American history. Sit DOWN, Jim. Go run a cider festival. Let the grownups investigate.
Speaking of grownups: Maureen Metzger gets to tag along with Jessica this time and YES, let’s give this woman more page time. It’s about time the Metzgers got their due as the wholesome, dorky power couple of the Cabot Cove Cinematic Universe. Plus, Jessica is researching New Zealand for her next book, which I fully expect to involve murder by sheep shears or at least a poisoned pavlova. But for now, we’re sticking close to home... and honestly? Thank god. Fall in Cabot Cove hits like an emotional weighted blanket: pumpkins on porches, casseroles from neighbors, and an atmosphere so cozy you almost forget there’s a corpse in the canopy.
What makes this book so satisfying (besides the fact that Terrie Farley Moran is clearly a ride-or-die Jessica stan like the rest of us) is that the mystery actually slaps. There’s the big death, the purse thief subplot, some suspiciously awkward interactions among the Florida friends, and a couple of red herrings so convincing they practically had their own alibis. I had theories. I had charts. I had to yell “EXCUSE ME?!” at the page when the killer’s motive clicked into place.
Also, yes, we do get some prime scenes of Jessica being the perfect mix of sweet and steel-spined, gently dismantling suspects with that patented “I’m just a mystery writer” smile while secretly solving your entire life. She’s out here biking the ridge trail like an Appalachian Nancy Drew with a criminal record of being too competent. And I love her more with every chapter. I don’t even miss the audiobooks anymore... okay that’s a lie, I do, but this one reads so clean and classic I could hear Sandra Burr and Laural Merlington narrating in my head the whole time.
This is comfort reading with teeth. A murder mystery that feels like a hug and a logic puzzle. I can’t believe we’re 62 books deep and still getting curveballs like this. Long live Jessica Fletcher. Long live Terrie Farley Moran. And someone put a monument up for Sam Booth and Winston already, my heart can’t take it. 4.5 stars and a piping hot cup of cinnamon tea.
Whodunity Award: For Making Me Suspect Every Person on a Bicycle
Look, I’ve read enough of these books that I could probably get deputized in Cabot Cove at this point, but even I was blindsided by this one... in the best possible way. It starts like most Jessica adventures do: she’s wrapping up a novel, sipping tea, being aggressively wholesome... and then BAM. A Floridian tourist ends up suspended in a tree, as if the town’s been cursed by an extremely literate banshee with a grudge against hikers. I mean, I knew leaf-peeping season could be cutthroat, but y’all. Murder in the treetops? This ain’t your grandma’s cozy mystery (unless your grandma is Jessica Fletcher, in which case, I hope your inheritance is already in a trust).
Enter stage left: the Body in the Trees, the missing tourist, who we briefly met before she yeeted herself out of the story and into the branches below the ridge trail. Only she didn’t jump. Of course not. This is Cabot Cove, not summer camp. And now Jessica has a murder to solve, a bike thief terrorizing the town, and a local mayor so aggressively annoying I wanted to slap him and his wife right off the screen of my Kindle.
Sam Booth may be long gone, but let the record show... I miss that man and his bulldog Winston every time current Mayor Jim Shevlin opens his mouth to say something irritating about optics or tourism revenue. Sam may have been delightfully incompetent, but he had heart, a cute dog, and the good sense to stay out of Jessica’s damn way. Jim, meanwhile, is just out here trying to micromanage Mort like he’s not an ex–NYPD officer who’s solved approximately one thousand more homicides than any other sheriff in American history. Sit DOWN, Jim. Go run a cider festival. Let the grownups investigate.
Speaking of grownups: Maureen Metzger gets to tag along with Jessica this time and YES, let’s give this woman more page time. It’s about time the Metzgers got their due as the wholesome, dorky power couple of the Cabot Cove Cinematic Universe. Plus, Jessica is researching New Zealand for her next book, which I fully expect to involve murder by sheep shears or at least a poisoned pavlova. But for now, we’re sticking close to home... and honestly? Thank god. Fall in Cabot Cove hits like an emotional weighted blanket: pumpkins on porches, casseroles from neighbors, and an atmosphere so cozy you almost forget there’s a corpse in the canopy.
What makes this book so satisfying (besides the fact that Terrie Farley Moran is clearly a ride-or-die Jessica stan like the rest of us) is that the mystery actually slaps. There’s the big death, the purse thief subplot, some suspiciously awkward interactions among the Florida friends, and a couple of red herrings so convincing they practically had their own alibis. I had theories. I had charts. I had to yell “EXCUSE ME?!” at the page when the killer’s motive clicked into place.
Also, yes, we do get some prime scenes of Jessica being the perfect mix of sweet and steel-spined, gently dismantling suspects with that patented “I’m just a mystery writer” smile while secretly solving your entire life. She’s out here biking the ridge trail like an Appalachian Nancy Drew with a criminal record of being too competent. And I love her more with every chapter. I don’t even miss the audiobooks anymore... okay that’s a lie, I do, but this one reads so clean and classic I could hear Sandra Burr and Laural Merlington narrating in my head the whole time.
This is comfort reading with teeth. A murder mystery that feels like a hug and a logic puzzle. I can’t believe we’re 62 books deep and still getting curveballs like this. Long live Jessica Fletcher. Long live Terrie Farley Moran. And someone put a monument up for Sam Booth and Winston already, my heart can’t take it. 4.5 stars and a piping hot cup of cinnamon tea.
Whodunity Award: For Making Me Suspect Every Person on a Bicycle
November 27, 2025
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Body in the Trees by Jessica Fletcher and Terrie Farley Moran welcomes the fall season in Cabot Cove, Maine.
Who killed the young woman tourist?
Jessica Fletcher and Maureen met with the young female tourist a few days before she went missing. They both went looking for the young woman, but didn't know where she could've gone until Jessica and Dan found the dead body. Jessica is still her fabulous self, and I loved being there in the fall, trying to help her and the rest of them figure out the mystery.
The Mystery
Dan finds the missing tourist with the help of Jessica Fletcher, and they both call the sheriff. I have to say that Ms. Moran stumped me on this one for quite a while. A lot was going on, as the Cabot Cove female residents tried to figure out the murderer and another mystery that had them on alert. I was definitely caught on the red herrings more this time than anyone else.
Five Stars
My rating forThe Body in the Trees by Jessica Fletcher and Terrie Farley Moran is five stars. I am recommending this book and any of the others from this series to people who loved the show or to anyone who wants to pick up the book. The thing I love about this series is that you can pick up a book and not get lost. Ms. Moran has done a fantastic job of bringing the show's characters to life, even if the mayor is different. I love stepping up with Jessica to solve a mystery together.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of The Body in the Trees by Jessica Fletcher and Terrie Farley Moran.
Until the next time,
Happy Reading!
This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove
The Body in the Trees by Jessica Fletcher and Terrie Farley Moran welcomes the fall season in Cabot Cove, Maine.
Who killed the young woman tourist?
Jessica Fletcher and Maureen met with the young female tourist a few days before she went missing. They both went looking for the young woman, but didn't know where she could've gone until Jessica and Dan found the dead body. Jessica is still her fabulous self, and I loved being there in the fall, trying to help her and the rest of them figure out the mystery.
The Mystery
Dan finds the missing tourist with the help of Jessica Fletcher, and they both call the sheriff. I have to say that Ms. Moran stumped me on this one for quite a while. A lot was going on, as the Cabot Cove female residents tried to figure out the murderer and another mystery that had them on alert. I was definitely caught on the red herrings more this time than anyone else.
Five Stars
My rating forThe Body in the Trees by Jessica Fletcher and Terrie Farley Moran is five stars. I am recommending this book and any of the others from this series to people who loved the show or to anyone who wants to pick up the book. The thing I love about this series is that you can pick up a book and not get lost. Ms. Moran has done a fantastic job of bringing the show's characters to life, even if the mayor is different. I love stepping up with Jessica to solve a mystery together.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of The Body in the Trees by Jessica Fletcher and Terrie Farley Moran.
Until the next time,
Happy Reading!
This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove
December 2, 2025
We’re back in Cabot Cove, Maine in Murder She Wrote: The Body in the Trees, and I’m in my happy place! Though I do love following Jessica on her worldly travels, Cabot Cove just feels like home. In Jessica Fletcher’s and Terrie Farley Moran’s Body in the Trees, it’s almost Halloween, and it’s prime leaf peeping season. Those gorgeous Maine trees bring visitors to Cabot Cove which is great for the economy, but as is sometimes the case, it bumps up the crime rate!
A purse snatcher known as the Bicycle Bandit has been terrorizing women by grabbing their purses while riding by on his or her bike! No, it’s not Jessica…we know how much she loves riding her bike around town! However, it’s during a bike ride that Jessica comes across her friend, newspaper editor Dan Andrews, repairing his punctured bike tire. He’s just lost his tire pump valve, and Jessica kindly offers her bike to Dan so he can go get a new one. He’s determined to check over the ridge on which they’d been riding just to check to see if his is where he can reach it. Unfortunately, he finds the body of Wendy Lu, a missing leaf-peeper tourist. Then the carefully crafted mystery solving begins! I absolutely loved trying to figure out who the purse snatcher was and deciding if the murderer was the same person. I had a pretty good idea about the murderer by following all of the clues scattered throughout the book.
As usual, the beautiful setting and familiar characters give this book its cozy, warm feeling. Jessica is usually writing or researching for her next novel, and since she just turned a book in, she’s researching New Zealand for her next one! That’s a place I’d love to visit! So, Jessica visits the library, visits friends, makes lots of tea, has Seth over for dinner, receives treats from her neighbor, helps Sheriff Metzger, and so much more! I love sitting down to tea and a treat with Jessica and her neighbor Maeve. Being with Jessica and her friends in Cabot Cove is like a warm hug and a cup full of happiness.
I highly recommend Murder She Wrote: The Body in the Trees by Jessica Fletcher and Terrie Farley Moran! It has a picturesque small town setting, well-plotted mystery, realistic characters, and an overall cozy feeling! Grab a cup of your favorite tea and a warm blanket, and settle in for a delightful read!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
A purse snatcher known as the Bicycle Bandit has been terrorizing women by grabbing their purses while riding by on his or her bike! No, it’s not Jessica…we know how much she loves riding her bike around town! However, it’s during a bike ride that Jessica comes across her friend, newspaper editor Dan Andrews, repairing his punctured bike tire. He’s just lost his tire pump valve, and Jessica kindly offers her bike to Dan so he can go get a new one. He’s determined to check over the ridge on which they’d been riding just to check to see if his is where he can reach it. Unfortunately, he finds the body of Wendy Lu, a missing leaf-peeper tourist. Then the carefully crafted mystery solving begins! I absolutely loved trying to figure out who the purse snatcher was and deciding if the murderer was the same person. I had a pretty good idea about the murderer by following all of the clues scattered throughout the book.
As usual, the beautiful setting and familiar characters give this book its cozy, warm feeling. Jessica is usually writing or researching for her next novel, and since she just turned a book in, she’s researching New Zealand for her next one! That’s a place I’d love to visit! So, Jessica visits the library, visits friends, makes lots of tea, has Seth over for dinner, receives treats from her neighbor, helps Sheriff Metzger, and so much more! I love sitting down to tea and a treat with Jessica and her neighbor Maeve. Being with Jessica and her friends in Cabot Cove is like a warm hug and a cup full of happiness.
I highly recommend Murder She Wrote: The Body in the Trees by Jessica Fletcher and Terrie Farley Moran! It has a picturesque small town setting, well-plotted mystery, realistic characters, and an overall cozy feeling! Grab a cup of your favorite tea and a warm blanket, and settle in for a delightful read!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
September 24, 2025
I was in high school in the 1980's when Murder, She Wrote became a big hit. I have certainly watched episodes of the TV show, but I was not a regular viewer when it first aired. Now that I am about the age that Angela Lansbury was when the show originally aired, I started intentionally watching the episodes in order. I'm about halfway through. My thinking is that Angela Lansbury/Jessica Fletcher is a great role model for late middle-aged and elderly women. Jessica Fletcher refused to become invisible like Agatha Christie's Mrs. Marple. She enjoys her life, demands respect from authorities, and makes friends wherever she goes. She is always classy and always kind. From what I know about Angela Lansbury, she shares these traits with the character she created. So I've taken on the motto "What would Jessica do?" and I've gotten about halfway through the 12 seasons of the show. I've enjoyed the show so much that when the chance to request a review copy of The Body in the Trees came, I went ahead and tried that, too.
The book series began in 1989 with Gin and Daggers by Donald Bain (and, of course, Jessica Fletcher). Terrie Farley Moran took over the series in 2021 with Killing in a Koi Pond. I remember seeing an advertisement for that, and I did read that book and enjoyed it. This time, I am more familiar with Jessica, Cabot Cove, and all her friends. It made the book even more enjoyable.
Fall brings a group of Florida friends to Cabot Cove for fishing and leaf peeping, just as a wave of purse snatching by the Bicycle Bandit begins. Jessica takes time from researching her next book to help an elderly neighbor clean out her attic. When a young woman from the Florida group is found dead, her body stuck in the trees below the bicycle path on the ridge, Jessica must switch her focus to finding a killer. The Body in the Trees is a delightfully cozy mystery. This book stands alone and does not need to be read in order of the series. Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for providing a galley for me to review.
The book series began in 1989 with Gin and Daggers by Donald Bain (and, of course, Jessica Fletcher). Terrie Farley Moran took over the series in 2021 with Killing in a Koi Pond. I remember seeing an advertisement for that, and I did read that book and enjoyed it. This time, I am more familiar with Jessica, Cabot Cove, and all her friends. It made the book even more enjoyable.
Fall brings a group of Florida friends to Cabot Cove for fishing and leaf peeping, just as a wave of purse snatching by the Bicycle Bandit begins. Jessica takes time from researching her next book to help an elderly neighbor clean out her attic. When a young woman from the Florida group is found dead, her body stuck in the trees below the bicycle path on the ridge, Jessica must switch her focus to finding a killer. The Body in the Trees is a delightfully cozy mystery. This book stands alone and does not need to be read in order of the series. Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for providing a galley for me to review.
December 12, 2025
Any fan of Murder, She Wrote will enjoy this autumn mystery!
Jessica Fletcher is back in Cabot Cove wrapping up her latest book as a group of boisterous tourists from Florida are in town enjoying the the local faun and one of the tourists goes missing. As Jessica is out riding her bicycle around town, she runs into Dan Andrews (a newspaper editor) who is fixing a flat tire on his bicycle. While Dan is finishing up his repairs, he discovers the body of a Wendy Lu, the tourist that went missing. Because of the recent crime in town the locals are frantic and Sheriff Metzger is now on the hunt to catch a killer along with the help of our famous amateur sleuth/mystery writer, J.B. Fletcher.
While there were a few red herrings in this book, I was convinced that I had solved the mystery early on but was pleasantly surprised at the end with the plot twist. The story was well written and very intriguing. It's hard not to gush over the beloved characters in the book when you are an avid fan of anything related to J.B. Fletcher. The characters are so lovable! I especially loved Mrs. Lewandowski who always brings a bit of levity in her relentless pursuit to live her life as she pleases. I am particularly drawn to books with rogue seniors such as these, and who can resist our wonderful main character, Jessica. The woman is a genius! This book is the perfect book for mood readers during the fall season or when the weather turns crisp.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. This review is voluntary. All thoughts and opinions of this delightful book are my very own.
4.5 rounded up.
Jessica Fletcher is back in Cabot Cove wrapping up her latest book as a group of boisterous tourists from Florida are in town enjoying the the local faun and one of the tourists goes missing. As Jessica is out riding her bicycle around town, she runs into Dan Andrews (a newspaper editor) who is fixing a flat tire on his bicycle. While Dan is finishing up his repairs, he discovers the body of a Wendy Lu, the tourist that went missing. Because of the recent crime in town the locals are frantic and Sheriff Metzger is now on the hunt to catch a killer along with the help of our famous amateur sleuth/mystery writer, J.B. Fletcher.
While there were a few red herrings in this book, I was convinced that I had solved the mystery early on but was pleasantly surprised at the end with the plot twist. The story was well written and very intriguing. It's hard not to gush over the beloved characters in the book when you are an avid fan of anything related to J.B. Fletcher. The characters are so lovable! I especially loved Mrs. Lewandowski who always brings a bit of levity in her relentless pursuit to live her life as she pleases. I am particularly drawn to books with rogue seniors such as these, and who can resist our wonderful main character, Jessica. The woman is a genius! This book is the perfect book for mood readers during the fall season or when the weather turns crisp.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. This review is voluntary. All thoughts and opinions of this delightful book are my very own.
4.5 rounded up.
December 13, 2025
The Body in the Trees is the 62nd book in the Murder, She Wrote series. It's only the second one I've had a chance to read. I own several of the books in the series and one of these days I'll remove them from my TBR list (because I read them, not because I got rid of them). I enjoyed the show growing up and I'm sure it's streaming somewhere. I loved channeling Angela Lansbury when I read this. I also channeled Terrie Farley Moran, too, as I read along. I love her Read 'Em and Eat series.
The mystery in The Body of the Trees was well-written. The fall leaves are changing, gorgeous colors are popping, and Halloween is on it's way. A group of college friends from Florida find their way up to Maine for leaf-peeping season. Jessica and friends encounter them during dinner one night and make fast friends with the group. When one of the young women disappears, Cabot Cove comes together to help search for her. Then she's found and murder is now on the menu. Jessica dons her sleuthing cap to investigate who this young woman really was, why she was in Cabot Cove, and how it may have lead to her demise.
I enjoyed the characters, how Jessica was able to ferret out clues, and ultimately solve the murder. The murder mystery isn't the only thing going on in the book. The authors did a terrific job weaving the main storyline and several smaller ones together. The characters are wonderfully crafted, realistically written, The entire book, plot, and characters kept me engaged in the story. The book was full of twists, turns, red herrings, and shifts in direction. I enjoyed Jessica's methodical sleuthing and how everything wrapped up.
The mystery in The Body of the Trees was well-written. The fall leaves are changing, gorgeous colors are popping, and Halloween is on it's way. A group of college friends from Florida find their way up to Maine for leaf-peeping season. Jessica and friends encounter them during dinner one night and make fast friends with the group. When one of the young women disappears, Cabot Cove comes together to help search for her. Then she's found and murder is now on the menu. Jessica dons her sleuthing cap to investigate who this young woman really was, why she was in Cabot Cove, and how it may have lead to her demise.
I enjoyed the characters, how Jessica was able to ferret out clues, and ultimately solve the murder. The murder mystery isn't the only thing going on in the book. The authors did a terrific job weaving the main storyline and several smaller ones together. The characters are wonderfully crafted, realistically written, The entire book, plot, and characters kept me engaged in the story. The book was full of twists, turns, red herrings, and shifts in direction. I enjoyed Jessica's methodical sleuthing and how everything wrapped up.
September 10, 2025
Returning to Cabot Cove, Maine is like a warm hug and a nice hot cup of tea on a cool fall day. This entry in the series is set among the beauty of autumn trees. Unfortunately, one of those trees is slightly below a ridge and is where a young woman fell to her death, with a bit of help.
Getting out for some much needed exercise, Jessica rides her bike to the top of the ridge to enjoy the beautiful view and runs into newspaper editor, Dan Andrews fixing the flat tire on his bicycle. When he drops the valve for his pump over the edge, he tries to get it before it falls to far. In doing so, he discovers the body of a young Florida tourist, Wendy Lu. While everyone in town is concerned about the bicycle thief grabbing women's purses, and the mayor is up in arms about the safety of the women of Cabot Cove, now Sheriff Metzger has to find a killer in addition to a grab and ride thief.
I was fairly comfortable early on I knew who the thief probably was, the killer somewhat eluded me until near the end and I was a bit surprised at the motive, but not entirely. All that being said, I completely enjoyed the story and as usual love these characters. It was fun to see more of Maureen Metzger as she is rarely much more than a footnote. I always get a huge kick out of Mrs. Lewandowski. She reminds me of several senior seniors I know, resilient and determined to live life on their own terms, regardless of the consequences!
This was a most entertaining read.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read this early copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Getting out for some much needed exercise, Jessica rides her bike to the top of the ridge to enjoy the beautiful view and runs into newspaper editor, Dan Andrews fixing the flat tire on his bicycle. When he drops the valve for his pump over the edge, he tries to get it before it falls to far. In doing so, he discovers the body of a young Florida tourist, Wendy Lu. While everyone in town is concerned about the bicycle thief grabbing women's purses, and the mayor is up in arms about the safety of the women of Cabot Cove, now Sheriff Metzger has to find a killer in addition to a grab and ride thief.
I was fairly comfortable early on I knew who the thief probably was, the killer somewhat eluded me until near the end and I was a bit surprised at the motive, but not entirely. All that being said, I completely enjoyed the story and as usual love these characters. It was fun to see more of Maureen Metzger as she is rarely much more than a footnote. I always get a huge kick out of Mrs. Lewandowski. She reminds me of several senior seniors I know, resilient and determined to live life on their own terms, regardless of the consequences!
This was a most entertaining read.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read this early copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
December 8, 2025
MURDER, SHE WROTE: THE BODY IN THE TREES
By Jessica Fletcher & Terrie Farley Moran
The Sixty-Second Murder, She Wrote Mystery
It's autumn in Maine, that glorious time of year when the trees are at their showiest in colors, of reds, oranges, and yellows. It's also the time throughout the Northeast United States when leaf peepers abound and Cabot Cove is no exception. In fact, Jessica Fletcher meets four young women traveling from Florida to see the changing leaves. When one of the women is reported missing no one other than her fellow travelers is too concerned. But when newspaper editor Dan Andrews peers over the edge of the ridge looking for his lost valve he finds a body in the trees, a body Jessica quickly realizes is that of the missing woman.
There's not much better than having Jessica Fletcher home in Maine in autumn. I love how she quietly goes about her life, enjoying her work and her friends and solving a murder. One of the things I like best about Jessica Fletcher as an amateur sleuth is that she observes instead of actively investigating. Sure she gets close to the people involved, but she's not running around following leads. She's leading her life, but observes everything and is able to make connections as a more cerebral sleuth.
The mystery was solid. A young leaf peeper, who has unwanted attentions is found murdered. Not only that someone on a bicycle is going around snatching purses. Are these crimes connected? Does Wendy Lu Shaffer have a connection to Cabot Cove? If anyone can find out it's Jessica Fletcher!
Good friends sharing good food and adding murder amidst autumnal splendor makes MURDER, SHE WROTE: THE BODY IN THE TREES a quintessentially cozy mystery.
By Jessica Fletcher & Terrie Farley Moran
The Sixty-Second Murder, She Wrote Mystery
It's autumn in Maine, that glorious time of year when the trees are at their showiest in colors, of reds, oranges, and yellows. It's also the time throughout the Northeast United States when leaf peepers abound and Cabot Cove is no exception. In fact, Jessica Fletcher meets four young women traveling from Florida to see the changing leaves. When one of the women is reported missing no one other than her fellow travelers is too concerned. But when newspaper editor Dan Andrews peers over the edge of the ridge looking for his lost valve he finds a body in the trees, a body Jessica quickly realizes is that of the missing woman.
There's not much better than having Jessica Fletcher home in Maine in autumn. I love how she quietly goes about her life, enjoying her work and her friends and solving a murder. One of the things I like best about Jessica Fletcher as an amateur sleuth is that she observes instead of actively investigating. Sure she gets close to the people involved, but she's not running around following leads. She's leading her life, but observes everything and is able to make connections as a more cerebral sleuth.
The mystery was solid. A young leaf peeper, who has unwanted attentions is found murdered. Not only that someone on a bicycle is going around snatching purses. Are these crimes connected? Does Wendy Lu Shaffer have a connection to Cabot Cove? If anyone can find out it's Jessica Fletcher!
Good friends sharing good food and adding murder amidst autumnal splendor makes MURDER, SHE WROTE: THE BODY IN THE TREES a quintessentially cozy mystery.
December 9, 2025
It is autumn in Cabot Cove, Maine. Jessica Fletcher and her friends and neighbors are enjoying the fall weather as are the usual leaf peeping tourists. Unfortunately, a young female tourist is murdered. In addition, a bicycle-riding thief is terrorizing anyone foolish enough to carry a purse. Will Sheriff Mort find the perpetrators? Could the crimes have been committed by a single person? Or are two bad neighbors acting at once? And Cabot Cove always sounded like such a safe place to live, except for all the murders, of course.
The Body in the Trees is entirely set in Cabot Cove, which are the stories I always love best. As a fan of the 1980s show, it always feels like visiting old friends when visiting Jessica’s hometown. With two mysteries to solve, this book really gives armchair detectives a challenge with one of them. The perpetrator was a surprise to even this veteran detective fiction reader. However, the clues are all there to follow, if you are clever. The other mystery is better for those just wanting a relaxing cozy read that feels like drinking hot tea or cocoa with friends on a chilly evening.
This plot has something for everyone and the book is one of the best in this series. The Body in the Trees is highly recommended for fans of the series, cozy mystery enthusiasts, or serious armchair detectives. As I am all three, it is a favorite and deserves 5 stars!
Thanks to Great Escapes Book Tours, NetGalley and Berkley for providing me with an advanced review copy.
The Body in the Trees is entirely set in Cabot Cove, which are the stories I always love best. As a fan of the 1980s show, it always feels like visiting old friends when visiting Jessica’s hometown. With two mysteries to solve, this book really gives armchair detectives a challenge with one of them. The perpetrator was a surprise to even this veteran detective fiction reader. However, the clues are all there to follow, if you are clever. The other mystery is better for those just wanting a relaxing cozy read that feels like drinking hot tea or cocoa with friends on a chilly evening.
This plot has something for everyone and the book is one of the best in this series. The Body in the Trees is highly recommended for fans of the series, cozy mystery enthusiasts, or serious armchair detectives. As I am all three, it is a favorite and deserves 5 stars!
Thanks to Great Escapes Book Tours, NetGalley and Berkley for providing me with an advanced review copy.
March 24, 2026
I've read all the books in the series and look forward to the next. Unfortunately, I didn't like this one.
While Terrie Farley Moran is better than her predecessor, she seems to be losing her mojo as the last two entries weren't up to par.
This entry was too "cozy" and not enough mystery. I don't know if there is contractual obligation t provide a certain number of pages, but it would appear so since about 25% of this book is pure fluff. I'm not talking about character development; I'm talking about boring filler. Every couple of pages, Jessica and her friends were sitting down and eating with descriptions of what they were eating. It was repetitive and boring. (I live alone like Jessica and I wouldn't have enough left over chicken in my refrigerator to feed 3 adults, including chow hound Seth Hazlitt. Doesn't seem realistic.)
After the murderer is discovered there are several pages of Jessica and Maeve telling an old neighbor who did it and it goes on forever with the old woman interrupting for pages before Jessica could get to the point. I understand there should have been some conclusion, but again, much of it was filler.
Also, I don't know any community that would have the citizens police the town as liability would be incredible.
Regarding the murder, just like in a previous book, Jessica stumbles onto the perpetrator with very little thought or cleverness.
While Terrie Farley Moran is better than her predecessor, she seems to be losing her mojo as the last two entries weren't up to par.
This entry was too "cozy" and not enough mystery. I don't know if there is contractual obligation t provide a certain number of pages, but it would appear so since about 25% of this book is pure fluff. I'm not talking about character development; I'm talking about boring filler. Every couple of pages, Jessica and her friends were sitting down and eating with descriptions of what they were eating. It was repetitive and boring. (I live alone like Jessica and I wouldn't have enough left over chicken in my refrigerator to feed 3 adults, including chow hound Seth Hazlitt. Doesn't seem realistic.)
After the murderer is discovered there are several pages of Jessica and Maeve telling an old neighbor who did it and it goes on forever with the old woman interrupting for pages before Jessica could get to the point. I understand there should have been some conclusion, but again, much of it was filler.
Also, I don't know any community that would have the citizens police the town as liability would be incredible.
Regarding the murder, just like in a previous book, Jessica stumbles onto the perpetrator with very little thought or cleverness.
August 4, 2025
I love that this much beloved series continues as a cozy series more than 40 years after the television series debuted. You can't get better than Jessica Fletcher as a smart, classy heroine and Cabot Cove, Maine, as a familiar and comforting setting.
Of course, not all is comforting in Cabot Cove or there would be no murders for Jessica to solve. In this one, the victim is a young leaf peeper from Florida who is visiting Maine with friends. Adding to the town's woes is a thief who is stealing women's purses while bicycling past them. Jessica has her hands full investigating both cases and also helping to save Sheriff Mort Metzer's job when Mayor Jim Shevlin comes down on Mort, fearing publicty surrounding the crimes will keep away tourists during the crucial autumn season.
The Body in the Trees is a safisfying read with lots of small town ambiance. The mystery is well drawn and the usual cast of characters is present to lend support. A surprising denouement, however, reveals that one of those characters has secrets worth killing for.
Conclusion: a definite winner for this series that fans and newcomers alike will find enjoyable.
Full Disclosure--NetGalley and the publisher provided me with a digital ARC of this book. This is my honest review.
Of course, not all is comforting in Cabot Cove or there would be no murders for Jessica to solve. In this one, the victim is a young leaf peeper from Florida who is visiting Maine with friends. Adding to the town's woes is a thief who is stealing women's purses while bicycling past them. Jessica has her hands full investigating both cases and also helping to save Sheriff Mort Metzer's job when Mayor Jim Shevlin comes down on Mort, fearing publicty surrounding the crimes will keep away tourists during the crucial autumn season.
The Body in the Trees is a safisfying read with lots of small town ambiance. The mystery is well drawn and the usual cast of characters is present to lend support. A surprising denouement, however, reveals that one of those characters has secrets worth killing for.
Conclusion: a definite winner for this series that fans and newcomers alike will find enjoyable.
Full Disclosure--NetGalley and the publisher provided me with a digital ARC of this book. This is my honest review.
August 29, 2025
I love visiting Cabot Cove and solving a mystery with Jessica Fletcher. I am always amazed at how much intrigue can be found in this small coastline community of Cabot Cove. Jessica meets a young leaf peeper, Wendy Lu from Florida one night at dinner with her college friends. Wendy and her friends are so thrilled to be on this trip to see the foliage and are on a tour that is run by the mayor’s wife. The next day Jessica is out riding her bike when she stops to help a neighbor with his bike and that is when they notice a dead body in the trees. Jessica calls Mort and lets him know, when they arrive, they find out it is Wendy Lu. It might have been an accident, but Jessica believes that it is murder. Jessica also finds out from Mort about a few of the women in the community who have gotten their purses stolen by a thief on a bike. Mort is especially upset because the Mayor, Jim Shevlin, wants to interfere in his case. This becomes even more confusing when Jessica and Mort start to investigate both cases. This mystery is well supported by our lovable cast of characters that live in Cabot Cove. A great ending and a great book to add to your reading list. Thank you Netgalley and Berkley for the ARC in Exchange for an honest review.
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