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Murder, Mystery & Mothers
“You’d better leave town or else”.
After a devastating betrayal, and the return of her mother’s critical voice, mystery writer Tammy Rumbelow flees LA for a charming blue cottage in Willowcroft, Michigan. But when a yellowed letter in the attic reveals an unsolved 70-year-old locked room murder in her living room, her peace is shattered. Determined to start fresh, Tammy enlists the help of a ragtag group of locals who are clever, curious… and completely unqualified:
Bookstore owner Olivia Huddlestone offers a sanctuary for clandestine conversations and genealogy among her shelves.
Eccentric Mrs. Hazel Temperance mines her knitting circle for gossip. Retired detective “Wally” has contacts at the sheriff’s department.
Tech whiz kid Xander Simmons hasn’t met a computer he didn’t like—or a website he can’t hack. And a stray cat with a nose for clues…
As threatening letters appear and break-ins escalate around town, Tammy must prove to herself—and her inner critic—that she’s capable of solving a murder, or will that be two?
She wants to call Willowcroft home, but first she has to appease the ghosts of both past and present.
Perfect for fans of multi-generational mysteries filled with quirky characters like Only Murders in the Building and crime-solving writers like Castle.
After a devastating betrayal, and the return of her mother’s critical voice, mystery writer Tammy Rumbelow flees LA for a charming blue cottage in Willowcroft, Michigan. But when a yellowed letter in the attic reveals an unsolved 70-year-old locked room murder in her living room, her peace is shattered. Determined to start fresh, Tammy enlists the help of a ragtag group of locals who are clever, curious… and completely unqualified:
Bookstore owner Olivia Huddlestone offers a sanctuary for clandestine conversations and genealogy among her shelves.
Eccentric Mrs. Hazel Temperance mines her knitting circle for gossip. Retired detective “Wally” has contacts at the sheriff’s department.
Tech whiz kid Xander Simmons hasn’t met a computer he didn’t like—or a website he can’t hack. And a stray cat with a nose for clues…
As threatening letters appear and break-ins escalate around town, Tammy must prove to herself—and her inner critic—that she’s capable of solving a murder, or will that be two?
She wants to call Willowcroft home, but first she has to appease the ghosts of both past and present.
Perfect for fans of multi-generational mysteries filled with quirky characters like Only Murders in the Building and crime-solving writers like Castle.
- GenresMystery
Unknown Binding
Published May 18, 2025
5 people are currently reading
92 people want to read
About the author
Fran Heap
9 books25 followersFran currently lives in Melbourne, Australia. She has travelled to 61 countries but aims to visit over 190. Her life is travelling and caring for babies as a Nanny and Neonatal Nurse. By her own admission she's a terrible redhead with a penchant for quirky data collecting. Her favourite motto being "Curiosity killed the cat, but INFORMATION brought him back." She loves ancient ruins and drains, hates dusting, loves going behind the scenes, can't smile in photos and detests selfie sticks. In her younger days she wanted to be an actress, an astronaut, a youth hostel owner, a department store owner, and a writer. When she was ten she wrote in her diary, "Tonight I vow I will get a story published at some stage before I die." She has now fulfilled this vow.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
May 24, 2025
I quite enjoyed this cosy mystery book, and c'mon, the cover is really cute, so it is partially responsible for me picking it up in the first place!
Lockie was the main character, in my opinion, and I don't care what you say about it!
Anywho, we follow Tammy, who has just moved from L.A to a little blue cottage in a small town. On the surface, everything looks perfect, she is escaping the big city and her toxic mother and some other issues, only to stumble upon a mystery frozen in time in the new place that she now wants to solve and put the ghosts to rest (so to speak). I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
At times, I thought this book would go a different direction, which I would not have minded, but I was glad how the author executed the plot and the twists.
It definitely was the cosy mystery book it promised to be, and I would absolutely love to continue with this series and the new adventures of Tammy, and hopefully, she and her mother will eventually rekindle their relationship. This is something that I would love to see the author explore as a topic, and it absolutely sounded like it would be a main point in the upcoming books. The writing style is easy to follow, engaging and cosy.
Without giving anything away, I do recommend this book if you are looking for a story that will distract you from your everyday life with an interesting plot and characters, and oh, if you like cats, you will appreciate our feline detective in this one!
A solid 4-star read for me.
Lockie was the main character, in my opinion, and I don't care what you say about it!
Anywho, we follow Tammy, who has just moved from L.A to a little blue cottage in a small town. On the surface, everything looks perfect, she is escaping the big city and her toxic mother and some other issues, only to stumble upon a mystery frozen in time in the new place that she now wants to solve and put the ghosts to rest (so to speak). I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
At times, I thought this book would go a different direction, which I would not have minded, but I was glad how the author executed the plot and the twists.
It definitely was the cosy mystery book it promised to be, and I would absolutely love to continue with this series and the new adventures of Tammy, and hopefully, she and her mother will eventually rekindle their relationship. This is something that I would love to see the author explore as a topic, and it absolutely sounded like it would be a main point in the upcoming books. The writing style is easy to follow, engaging and cosy.
Without giving anything away, I do recommend this book if you are looking for a story that will distract you from your everyday life with an interesting plot and characters, and oh, if you like cats, you will appreciate our feline detective in this one!
A solid 4-star read for me.
June 25, 2025
Average.
This is a cozy mystery book that follows Tammy who moved from LA to a small town.
There she finds an unsolved mystery which she decides to solve because she has nothing better to do.
I loved the way the author executed the plot twists even though some of them were obvious 🙂. The writing style is easy to understand and it can be read by everybody.
If you like cats and solving mysteries this is for you
This is a cozy mystery book that follows Tammy who moved from LA to a small town.
There she finds an unsolved mystery which she decides to solve because she has nothing better to do.
I loved the way the author executed the plot twists even though some of them were obvious 🙂. The writing style is easy to understand and it can be read by everybody.
If you like cats and solving mysteries this is for you
July 26, 2025
Tammy Rumbelow, a mystery writer, relocates to Willowcroft, Michigan, only to uncover a chilling connection to a murder from 1954. As she teams up with four local residents to unravel the long-buried secrets of the town, she quickly realizes that true mysteries are dangerous.
The story starts at a leisurely pace, introducing the characters and setting, but once the five amateur detectives come together, the story gets really interesting. With a diverse mix of ages and backgrounds, the group brings a unique dynamic to the investigation that adds a whole other level of interest.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The story starts at a leisurely pace, introducing the characters and setting, but once the five amateur detectives come together, the story gets really interesting. With a diverse mix of ages and backgrounds, the group brings a unique dynamic to the investigation that adds a whole other level of interest.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 29, 2025
"Murder, Mystery, and Mothers (A Willowcroft Cozy Mystery #1)" by Fran Heap is a multi point of view cozy mystery set in the little town of Willowcroft, Michigan. Tammy is running from her problems in L.A., an ex who helped her bff steal her best book yet and a non-supportive mother who has her so twisted up inside that she still hears her negativity in her head. Olivia, a bookstore owner and genealogist. Mrs. Temperance, a retiree who uses her knitting circle and visits to the assisted living facility for an in on all the gossip. Retired detective/police chief, Wally, comes with all his connections. The youngest and the tech guy is Xander, still a teenager. It's almost too many voices to keep track of but just barely stays within the boundaries of being able to follow along.
When Tammy moves into a little blue cottage to escape her problems over half the country away, she discovers an old threatening note in the attic. Getting Olivia and Mrs. Temperance involved then lead to getting Wally and Xander in on the investigation. One thing leads to another and they're solving a cold case.
When Tammy moves into a little blue cottage to escape her problems over half the country away, she discovers an old threatening note in the attic. Getting Olivia and Mrs. Temperance involved then lead to getting Wally and Xander in on the investigation. One thing leads to another and they're solving a cold case.
April 29, 2025
I received an ARC to read from NetGalley.
The protagonist of the book has a bad opinion of herself after her best friend steals her manuscript and publishes it as her own. Her boyfriend had broken up with her not long after that. She moves to a small city and a group of ladies become her friends. She is a mystery writer, and there happens to be a mystery about the cottage she's purchased and lives in. Her new friends help her to solve it. All the while, she has defeatest thoughts from her mother that keep her back. The book has a happy ending. A published copy may be better. I didn't like the writing style. You may, so I recommend checking it out for yourself.
The protagonist of the book has a bad opinion of herself after her best friend steals her manuscript and publishes it as her own. Her boyfriend had broken up with her not long after that. She moves to a small city and a group of ladies become her friends. She is a mystery writer, and there happens to be a mystery about the cottage she's purchased and lives in. Her new friends help her to solve it. All the while, she has defeatest thoughts from her mother that keep her back. The book has a happy ending. A published copy may be better. I didn't like the writing style. You may, so I recommend checking it out for yourself.
July 20, 2025
There is a good story in here, if the main characters bothered to look for it.
Ah, to have the financial means that to buy a house is only a phone call away.
After being betrayled by her best friend, successful mystery author (hence the means to buy a house without having to promis your first born to the bank in exchange for a mortage) Tammy Rumbelow needs a change of scenery and moves to small town Willowcroft.
Soon, little mysteries start to present themselves: who’s vandalizing her flowerbeds? who wrote the letter she found in her attic? who was it adressed to? what was it about?
Tammy dives into the mysteries whole heartedly together with her new friends.
The story has its charms, but it is terribly overwritten and there are gaping holes in the plot.
In a 1954 newspaper Tammy reads about a murder that took place in her new home. Why did Mrs. Temperance not tell her about this? She’s lived in Willowcroft for over seventy years. Surely, she had heard about this murder at some time when growing up? An unsolved violent crime tends to linger in people’s memories.
While Tammy did a great job combing through not one but two newspapers for information about the 1954 murder, she later learns there was a bank heist three weeks earlier. That must have been pushed from the pages by the murder totally to not even get a mention in “a recent crime wave seems to have hit the town of Willowcroft”.
One of the new friends is a retired detective. But I’m not too sure he remembers how to properly interpret information. When confronted with bruises caused by a left hand, but a stab wound caused by a right hand, the team comes up with all sorts of explanations, except the most obvious one: .
The sleuthing is mainly done through online and library research. Only Mrs Temperance has the good sense to talk to some old people. Sadly, they all have dementia so their statements are spotty at best.
But what most annoyed me was the eulogies Tammy and friends gave to the victim.
That would have been so much stronger if the team had actually talked about the victim and had tried to learn about her other than a few obituary facts.
I read an ARC through NetGalley.
On a whim—or perhaps out of desperation—she’d picked up the phone and bought it based on the pictures alone.
Ah, to have the financial means that to buy a house is only a phone call away.
After being betrayled by her best friend, successful mystery author (hence the means to buy a house without having to promis your first born to the bank in exchange for a mortage) Tammy Rumbelow needs a change of scenery and moves to small town Willowcroft.
Soon, little mysteries start to present themselves: who’s vandalizing her flowerbeds? who wrote the letter she found in her attic? who was it adressed to? what was it about?
Tammy dives into the mysteries whole heartedly together with her new friends.
The story has its charms, but it is terribly overwritten and there are gaping holes in the plot.
In a 1954 newspaper Tammy reads about a murder that took place in her new home. Why did Mrs. Temperance not tell her about this? She’s lived in Willowcroft for over seventy years. Surely, she had heard about this murder at some time when growing up? An unsolved violent crime tends to linger in people’s memories.
While Tammy did a great job combing through not one but two newspapers for information about the 1954 murder, she later learns there was a bank heist three weeks earlier. That must have been pushed from the pages by the murder totally to not even get a mention in “a recent crime wave seems to have hit the town of Willowcroft”.
One of the new friends is a retired detective. But I’m not too sure he remembers how to properly interpret information. When confronted with bruises caused by a left hand, but a stab wound caused by a right hand, the team comes up with all sorts of explanations, except the most obvious one: .
The sleuthing is mainly done through online and library research. Only Mrs Temperance has the good sense to talk to some old people. Sadly, they all have dementia so their statements are spotty at best.
But what most annoyed me was the eulogies Tammy and friends gave to the victim.
“My dear, I was a child when you left us, but I’ve come to feel a bond with you through our investigation. Your spirit has touched us all, uniting this community in ways we never imagined.”
That would have been so much stronger if the team had actually talked about the victim and had tried to learn about her other than a few obituary facts.
I read an ARC through NetGalley.
July 19, 2025
I kind of did this series back to front where I read and reviewed the second book before reading the first one. In fact, there was a lot of backstory in the second one that when I read this one, it almost felt like I had already read it. But the good news is it didn’t matter. Successful author Tammy moves to a small town from LA when her life turns into a chaotic mess. Probably the weakest link in both stories is how she was betrayed and why her world has been shattered.
But when she moves into her little blue cottage, she discovers a town filled with caring people and almost immediately forms a tight group who decide to investigate a cold case from 1954. A young woman was murdered behind a locked door. The killer has never been found and Tammy and her crew are determined to go through the old files and learn the truth. But 70 years later there is still someone determined that the secret should not be revealed. And this person is prepared to go to extremes. Tammy and her group are in danger but they persist and are able to solve the locked door murder and identify the killer. But more importantly she discovers a “family” of friends whom she can trust. And the love and devotion of a very clever cat. Four purrs and two paws up.
But when she moves into her little blue cottage, she discovers a town filled with caring people and almost immediately forms a tight group who decide to investigate a cold case from 1954. A young woman was murdered behind a locked door. The killer has never been found and Tammy and her crew are determined to go through the old files and learn the truth. But 70 years later there is still someone determined that the secret should not be revealed. And this person is prepared to go to extremes. Tammy and her group are in danger but they persist and are able to solve the locked door murder and identify the killer. But more importantly she discovers a “family” of friends whom she can trust. And the love and devotion of a very clever cat. Four purrs and two paws up.
July 17, 2025
I really loved this little mixed group of amateur sleuths and how they had such a cool meeting place in the back of Olivia’s bookshop. The murder was a locked room cold case from 195, and these determined friends didn’t give up until they figured it out while helping police find a crucial clue. Tammy’s character fit right in with the locals Hazel, Wally, Olivia and Xander that she made friends with, and they did some amazing sleuthing together.
NOTE: I recommend anyone wanting to read the prequel (which was available on BookFunnel and still might be) should definitely read it first because you’ll find in this boo that the characters talk freely about that case and the perp.) It’s on Amazon but only as a paperback option. Although if you’re not planning to read the prequel, the events of it were explained pretty well. I’ve borrowed the next book and can’t wait to dig in.
NOTE: I recommend anyone wanting to read the prequel (which was available on BookFunnel and still might be) should definitely read it first because you’ll find in this boo that the characters talk freely about that case and the perp.) It’s on Amazon but only as a paperback option. Although if you’re not planning to read the prequel, the events of it were explained pretty well. I’ve borrowed the next book and can’t wait to dig in.
August 14, 2025
The cover of this book is what drew me in, how can you not love it! As for the story, I thought it was really cute. This is my first time reading this author and I will definitely be looking for more they have written. This story centers on Tammy, who has left LA for a quiet small town. While settling into her new home this mystery writer has also found herself a new mystery to solve and some new friends to help her solve it.
April 20, 2025
Such a great cosy mystery. I ended up reading this in one sitting, couldn’t put it down. I just needed to know who did it!
This story follows Tammy, who moves from LA to a small town. She is a mystery writer who finds herself drawn into a mystery of her very own when she stumbles across a 75 year old locked room murder mystery set in her very own new home.
It was great seeing Tammy make new friends, especially her new sidekick Lockie the cat who was just adorable.
It was such an easy read and I’m looking forward to the next book!
This story follows Tammy, who moves from LA to a small town. She is a mystery writer who finds herself drawn into a mystery of her very own when she stumbles across a 75 year old locked room murder mystery set in her very own new home.
It was great seeing Tammy make new friends, especially her new sidekick Lockie the cat who was just adorable.
It was such an easy read and I’m looking forward to the next book!
June 9, 2025
Suffering two emotional blows, mystery writer Tammy Rumbelow decides it’s time for a change of scenery. Finding a listing for a little blue cottage in Willowcroft, MI, she packs her car and leaves L.A. Unfortunately, she can’t quite outrun the negative voice of her mother echoing in her head. The warm welcome she receives from the Willowcroft residents is comforting but she’s not sure she can trust them. When she finds an old, threatening letter in her attic and learns her home is the site of an unsolved 70 year old locked room murder, she decides to unravel the case. Relying on an eclectic group of armchair sleuths and a stray cat with a nose for clues, she starts digging into the past. Soon they discover another unsolved crime that may be linked to the murder. The closer they get to the truth, though, the more it becomes apparent that someone is willing to go to great lengths to stop them.
This was a page turning cozy mystery with plenty of twists along the way. Tammy was very relatable as she worked to exorcise the critical voice in her head. The multi-generational group of fellow sleuths were an original touch and I liked how each brought a unique skill set to the team. Their acceptance of Tammy into the community will go along way towards her regaining her confidence. Locke, the stray cat, brought his own skills to the group, helping to uncover vital clues and save the day. I especially enjoyed the bonus epilogue from his point of view, and hope to see more in future books. The murder mystery is wrapped up in a satisfying manner, however, the second cold case is only partially solved, leading into anticipation for the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a page turning cozy mystery with plenty of twists along the way. Tammy was very relatable as she worked to exorcise the critical voice in her head. The multi-generational group of fellow sleuths were an original touch and I liked how each brought a unique skill set to the team. Their acceptance of Tammy into the community will go along way towards her regaining her confidence. Locke, the stray cat, brought his own skills to the group, helping to uncover vital clues and save the day. I especially enjoyed the bonus epilogue from his point of view, and hope to see more in future books. The murder mystery is wrapped up in a satisfying manner, however, the second cold case is only partially solved, leading into anticipation for the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 12, 2025
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Fran Heap for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Murder, Mystery & Mothers coming out May 29, 2025. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.
After a devastating betrayal, and the return of her mother’s critical voice, mystery writer Tammy Rumbelow flees LA for a charming blue cottage in Willowcroft, Michigan.
But when a yellowed letter in the attic reveals an unsolved 70-year-old locked room murder in her living room, her peace is shattered. Determined to start fresh, Tammy enlists the help of a ragtag group of locals who are clever, curious… and completely unqualified: Bookstore owner Olivia Huddlestone offers a sanctuary for clandestine conversations and genealogy among her shelves. Eccentric Mrs. Hazel Temperance mines her knitting circle for gossip. Retired detective “Wally” has contacts at the sheriff’s department.
Tech whiz kid Xander Simmons hasn’t met a computer he didn’t like—or a website he can’t hack. And a stray cat with a nose for clues…
As threatening letters appear and break-ins escalate around town, Tammy must prove to herself—and her inner critic—that she’s capable of solving a murder, or will that be two?
She wants to call Willowcroft home, but first she has to appease the ghosts of both past and present.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author. I think Tammy is a fun character. I definitely enjoy fresh start stories. The town felt quaint and cozy. I’ll definitely check out more books by this author!
After a devastating betrayal, and the return of her mother’s critical voice, mystery writer Tammy Rumbelow flees LA for a charming blue cottage in Willowcroft, Michigan.
But when a yellowed letter in the attic reveals an unsolved 70-year-old locked room murder in her living room, her peace is shattered. Determined to start fresh, Tammy enlists the help of a ragtag group of locals who are clever, curious… and completely unqualified: Bookstore owner Olivia Huddlestone offers a sanctuary for clandestine conversations and genealogy among her shelves. Eccentric Mrs. Hazel Temperance mines her knitting circle for gossip. Retired detective “Wally” has contacts at the sheriff’s department.
Tech whiz kid Xander Simmons hasn’t met a computer he didn’t like—or a website he can’t hack. And a stray cat with a nose for clues…
As threatening letters appear and break-ins escalate around town, Tammy must prove to herself—and her inner critic—that she’s capable of solving a murder, or will that be two?
She wants to call Willowcroft home, but first she has to appease the ghosts of both past and present.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author. I think Tammy is a fun character. I definitely enjoy fresh start stories. The town felt quaint and cozy. I’ll definitely check out more books by this author!
July 16, 2025
Thanks to Netgallery and Fran Heap for this ARC.
This was a excellent cozy mystery and I love the characters the main group being a mix of generations giving only murders in building vibe but also the cat Lockie was so cute. Also minor characters were memorable, loved seeing Tammy go through a change of allowing herself to trust the others after a betrayal back in LA and not listening to the negative mental voice of her mother. This was such fun and can't wait to read the next one.
This was a excellent cozy mystery and I love the characters the main group being a mix of generations giving only murders in building vibe but also the cat Lockie was so cute. Also minor characters were memorable, loved seeing Tammy go through a change of allowing herself to trust the others after a betrayal back in LA and not listening to the negative mental voice of her mother. This was such fun and can't wait to read the next one.
August 3, 2025
This was a page-turning cozy mystery with plenty of twists along the way. Tammy was very relatable as she worked to exorcise the critical voice in her head. The multi-generational group of fellow sleuths was a different touch, and I liked how each brought a unique skill set to the team. Their acceptance of Tammy into the community will go a long way towards her regaining her confidence. Locke, the stray cat, brought his own skills to the group, helping to uncover vital clues and save the day. I especially enjoyed the bonus epilogue from his point of view and hope to see more in future books. The murder mystery is wrapped up satisfyingly; however, the second cold case is only partially solved, leading to anticipation for the next book. I received a free copy of this book via Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 11, 2025
Murder, Mystery & Mothers is a nice and easy read, with a pleasant writing style. However, I was never on the edge of my seat. The plot wasn't as gripping as I was expecting it to be. But the first book sometimes needs to put things into place and this one is promising. So I'll try the second installment, hoping for a more compelling story.
June 9, 2025
The Locked Room Murder . . .
Tammy Rumbelow definitely needs a new start as she moves from the toxic people in her life back in Los Angeles to her new home in Willowcroft, Michigan, a little blue cottage, with a front porch and white picket fence, which she had purchased after only seeing a photo of it. But finding out that an unsolved “locked room murder” occurred there years ago in her living room, she was delighted to have a mystery to ponder. How had no one witnessed anything regarding Mary Collins’ death? No clues, no suspects, an impossible escape… Tammy goes to the bookstore to consult with Olivia whom she had met on her first walk around town. Her new friends come together to join her in investigating the murder, along with her talented cat Pawlock Holmes (“Lockie”). Her human companions consist of bookstore owner Olivia Huddlestone, Mrs. Hazel Temperance who gathers gossip, retired detective “Wally” who still has contacts at the Sheriff’s Department, and computer hacker Xander Simmons. Unexpected threatening letters and break-ins may indicate that Tammy and her new friends are on to something real! Can the group with their various skillsets find the clues they need after all this time to solve the case? And how far will someone go to shut down their investigation?
Tammy Rumbelow definitely needs a new start as she moves from the toxic people in her life back in Los Angeles to her new home in Willowcroft, Michigan, a little blue cottage, with a front porch and white picket fence, which she had purchased after only seeing a photo of it. But finding out that an unsolved “locked room murder” occurred there years ago in her living room, she was delighted to have a mystery to ponder. How had no one witnessed anything regarding Mary Collins’ death? No clues, no suspects, an impossible escape… Tammy goes to the bookstore to consult with Olivia whom she had met on her first walk around town. Her new friends come together to join her in investigating the murder, along with her talented cat Pawlock Holmes (“Lockie”). Her human companions consist of bookstore owner Olivia Huddlestone, Mrs. Hazel Temperance who gathers gossip, retired detective “Wally” who still has contacts at the Sheriff’s Department, and computer hacker Xander Simmons. Unexpected threatening letters and break-ins may indicate that Tammy and her new friends are on to something real! Can the group with their various skillsets find the clues they need after all this time to solve the case? And how far will someone go to shut down their investigation?
June 2, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for an arc of this book!!.
Onto the review, the book was alright honestly speaking, it was a good first attempt at a murder mystery, on the more technical side the dialogues could use a lot more work, along with the pacing and the overall way the story was told. I feel the writer still hasn’t quite found out her voice yet which made it personally difficult to go on,, but there is promising hope.
On a more creative side if you like cosy mysteries you will really like this book, it follows the story of an author who just moved to Willowcroft, plagued by her mother’s criticisms and her lack thereof success she looks to Willowcroft to be a beacon of hope, and instead finds a promising murder mystery that takes place right in the center of her house.
It’s quite nice overall, it has all the elements of a good book but personally comes short of a great one. There’s hope, which is the most that I can say, and I look forward to seeing the progress.
Onto the review, the book was alright honestly speaking, it was a good first attempt at a murder mystery, on the more technical side the dialogues could use a lot more work, along with the pacing and the overall way the story was told. I feel the writer still hasn’t quite found out her voice yet which made it personally difficult to go on,, but there is promising hope.
On a more creative side if you like cosy mysteries you will really like this book, it follows the story of an author who just moved to Willowcroft, plagued by her mother’s criticisms and her lack thereof success she looks to Willowcroft to be a beacon of hope, and instead finds a promising murder mystery that takes place right in the center of her house.
It’s quite nice overall, it has all the elements of a good book but personally comes short of a great one. There’s hope, which is the most that I can say, and I look forward to seeing the progress.
April 5, 2025
This book gave off all the cozy mystery vibes—and I loved every bit of it! It was such an easy, immersive read that made it so simple to lose track of everything going on around me. The cover is actually what first caught my eye, and I’m so glad it did!
The story follows a woman who moves to a new city to escape her past and start fresh. But things take a turn when she finds something unexpected in her attic… and that’s when the mystery really begins. I adored the small-town setting (the cute business names were such a fun touch!), and the mentions of Lockie the cat were just adorable.
It was so fun watching Tammy settle in, build new friendships, and truly begin to enjoy her new life. I’m so happy this is part of a series—I can’t wait to dive into the next one!
The story follows a woman who moves to a new city to escape her past and start fresh. But things take a turn when she finds something unexpected in her attic… and that’s when the mystery really begins. I adored the small-town setting (the cute business names were such a fun touch!), and the mentions of Lockie the cat were just adorable.
It was so fun watching Tammy settle in, build new friendships, and truly begin to enjoy her new life. I’m so happy this is part of a series—I can’t wait to dive into the next one!
March 26, 2025
#MurderMysteryMothers #NetGalley is a fresh, new cozy mystery that captured my attention from the beginning and had me reading the book in one sitting.
I felt an easy connection to the main character, and she was very easy to like and relate to.
Her cohorts made me laugh, and solving the 75 year old mystery was well done.
I'm looking forward to reading more in this series.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
I felt an easy connection to the main character, and she was very easy to like and relate to.
Her cohorts made me laugh, and solving the 75 year old mystery was well done.
I'm looking forward to reading more in this series.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
March 24, 2025
Pre publish read- What a great cozy mystery! I loved how all the characters in this small town work together to solve a 75 year old murder with the hint of another mystery to come. I could picture this small town and could imagine how it would be a quaint place to live. Just when the main character, an author, thought she was leaving the craziness of LA to start over in this small town, a surprise letter is found in her attic of her new home which starts all the sleuthing. With new friendships made and a new pet cat, she is ready to begin her new life (with many mysteries to be solved I am sure). I can’t wait to read what happens next!
April 29, 2025
Thank you @netgalley for sending me this copy of Murder, Mystery & Mothers to read in exchange for an honest review.
This is advertised as a cozy mystery book, and a cozy mystery it is. Tammy has left her life in LA after her best friend and her boyfriend betray her and leave her in a slump. Paired with the negative voice of her mother constantly in her mind, she isn't really feeling great about herself.
She buys a small house in Michigan in a quiet town where nothing exciting ever happens, but on arrival mystery starts brewing and Tammy begins an investigation into a 75 year old murder that occurred in a locked room in her new home. Along the way she enlists the help of the ex-sheriff, the local bookshop owner, a teenager who enjoys research and a lady who enjoys knitting and gossip. Together, along with the local stray that she adopts, they set about to solve the crime and figure out why all these odd things are happening.
The story itself is pretty basic. It is simply written with no major twists or turns. For me nothing was a huge surprise, I guessed some of the major plot points but it take away the enjoyment of the story. There were some comments when evidence was missed during the investigation but then I was expecting a 'Aha' moment which never quite came. There was no shock reveal.
I had hoped that there would be more focus on Tammy's past and the reason why she left LA and what had happened with her friend, boyfriend and why her mothers voice was such a negative force in her head but all of these elements were glossed over. Hopefully, if this series continues, then there is scope to develop that more.
A really promising read
This is advertised as a cozy mystery book, and a cozy mystery it is. Tammy has left her life in LA after her best friend and her boyfriend betray her and leave her in a slump. Paired with the negative voice of her mother constantly in her mind, she isn't really feeling great about herself.
She buys a small house in Michigan in a quiet town where nothing exciting ever happens, but on arrival mystery starts brewing and Tammy begins an investigation into a 75 year old murder that occurred in a locked room in her new home. Along the way she enlists the help of the ex-sheriff, the local bookshop owner, a teenager who enjoys research and a lady who enjoys knitting and gossip. Together, along with the local stray that she adopts, they set about to solve the crime and figure out why all these odd things are happening.
The story itself is pretty basic. It is simply written with no major twists or turns. For me nothing was a huge surprise, I guessed some of the major plot points but it take away the enjoyment of the story. There were some comments when evidence was missed during the investigation but then I was expecting a 'Aha' moment which never quite came. There was no shock reveal.
I had hoped that there would be more focus on Tammy's past and the reason why she left LA and what had happened with her friend, boyfriend and why her mothers voice was such a negative force in her head but all of these elements were glossed over. Hopefully, if this series continues, then there is scope to develop that more.
A really promising read
June 11, 2025
Tammy Rumbelow, a successful mystery writer, leaves LA to start a new life in a small town in Michigan after experiencing a terrible betrayal by those she loves. She has also left behind memories of her overly critical mother whose voice she struggles to suppress. Tammy is keen to start a new life and moves into a beautiful blue cottage in Willowcroft and while unpacking, she finds an old letter hidden in the house for many years. Eager to get to the bottom of the mystery, she enlists the help of some of the locals and together they form a murder club of sorts to try to solve the murder of a local woman which occurred in Tammy's blue cottage, 70 years ago. Along the journey, Tammy adopts a local homeless car she named Lockie who helps her settle into her new home and who helps her uncover clues related to their mystery. When Tammy and her friends start asking too many questions, they begin to receive threatening letters and realise they may be getting close to discovering the truth.
A sweet, easy to read cozy mystery with fun characters and a quick enjoyable read. I wasn't sure why Tammy and her mother's unhappy relationship wasn't developed thoroughly into the context of Tammy's character and the story itself, as it clearly has an impact on who Tammy was. Having said that, this is a good book if you're looking for something undemanding and light-hearted to read.
Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for the opportunity to read and review this book.
A sweet, easy to read cozy mystery with fun characters and a quick enjoyable read. I wasn't sure why Tammy and her mother's unhappy relationship wasn't developed thoroughly into the context of Tammy's character and the story itself, as it clearly has an impact on who Tammy was. Having said that, this is a good book if you're looking for something undemanding and light-hearted to read.
Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for the opportunity to read and review this book.
May 27, 2025
This book had a lot of fun moments and the theme of found family was what I really enjoyed in this . It’s one of those cozy mystery type of novels. Our main character Tammy decides to run away from LA to this charming blue house in a small town in Michigan as an escape. It isn’t this house that Tammy finds this whole letter that leads her on this journey to solve a 70 year old unsolved murder that happened in this house. Tammy goes on this mystery adventure, and teams up with a bunch of characters in the town will end up being more of a fun family. The best part was lockie who is the straight cat that Tammy ends up taking care of enjoying their murder mystery family/team!! I do feel like there were lots of parts of the stories that could’ve been developed more, especially with kind of the plot of why Tammy was escaping in the relations with her mother, leading her to a lot of intrusive thoughts from her. Overall, if you’re looking for a low stake, found family trying solve a cold case murder mystery then this is the one for you! Lockie was really one of the best parts of the storyline!!
Thankful to be getting this ARC through NetGalley and Montlake. Be on the lookout on May 27 for release day!
Thankful to be getting this ARC through NetGalley and Montlake. Be on the lookout on May 27 for release day!
June 1, 2025
This is a great first book in the Willowcroft Cozy Mystery series. Tammy relocated from Los Angeles to Wiilowcroft Michigan. She is escaping a betrayal of friendship and love that seems to have affected her writing career. I guess we’ll have to wait to see if more details are forthcoming in later books.
Tammy purchased a little blue cottage on the edge of town. It sounds like a lovely place.
Hesitantly, Tammy ventures into the waters of friendship with ladies in town. Olivia is the owner of a bookshop in town. Mrs. Temperance is a mature lady who helped to welcome Tammy to her cottage.
The mystery is a cold case that involves the cottage.
I loved the group who comes together to solve the mystery - Tammy, Olivia, Mrs. Temperance, Mr. Wallace and Xander, a teen out of school for summer break. There is also a highly intelligent feline sleuth, Lockie.
Investigating a 70 year old murder isn’t an easy task. I enjoyed seeing how things played out.
I like Willowcroft. It sounds like a lovely town.
Tammy has quite a bit of self talk that intrudes in which she hears the negative voice of her mother. This could be troubling for some.
Thanks to Netgalley and BooksGoSocial for the opportunity to read Murder, Mystery and Mothers.
Tammy purchased a little blue cottage on the edge of town. It sounds like a lovely place.
Hesitantly, Tammy ventures into the waters of friendship with ladies in town. Olivia is the owner of a bookshop in town. Mrs. Temperance is a mature lady who helped to welcome Tammy to her cottage.
The mystery is a cold case that involves the cottage.
I loved the group who comes together to solve the mystery - Tammy, Olivia, Mrs. Temperance, Mr. Wallace and Xander, a teen out of school for summer break. There is also a highly intelligent feline sleuth, Lockie.
Investigating a 70 year old murder isn’t an easy task. I enjoyed seeing how things played out.
I like Willowcroft. It sounds like a lovely town.
Tammy has quite a bit of self talk that intrudes in which she hears the negative voice of her mother. This could be troubling for some.
Thanks to Netgalley and BooksGoSocial for the opportunity to read Murder, Mystery and Mothers.
May 24, 2025
This quick "murder mystery" was an interesting read for those who are fans of the sleuthing genre. A found note leads our new-found friends on an adventure to solve a cold-case. Don't forget the community bonding, and comic relief characters to tie everything together.
The biggest issue I had was with the main character who has so many negative thoughts about her mother (who we don't get a clear picture as to exactly why she is so tormented by her mother, other than tiny snippets). The silent and aloud thoughts, at times, felt to take away from the scene. I also felt that there were so many build-ups for options to have the group find the money, and where. (Her painting, the stones of the fireplace, etc) I felt like an unnecessary cliff-hanger that won't be addressed.
Though, this wasn't the best book for me, I did enjoy it, and I'm sure other opinions may feel differently than I. A great lesson that I did take away from this story was; ..."the most incredible stories happen when you open yourself up to others".
I received a copy of this book as an ARC from Hidden Gems for my honest review.
The biggest issue I had was with the main character who has so many negative thoughts about her mother (who we don't get a clear picture as to exactly why she is so tormented by her mother, other than tiny snippets). The silent and aloud thoughts, at times, felt to take away from the scene. I also felt that there were so many build-ups for options to have the group find the money, and where. (Her painting, the stones of the fireplace, etc) I felt like an unnecessary cliff-hanger that won't be addressed.
Though, this wasn't the best book for me, I did enjoy it, and I'm sure other opinions may feel differently than I. A great lesson that I did take away from this story was; ..."the most incredible stories happen when you open yourself up to others".
I received a copy of this book as an ARC from Hidden Gems for my honest review.
May 25, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this ARC!
This small town, cozy mystery was so fun to read, all the characters were so loveable and quirky (especially Lockie). The author was so great at describing the scene, I felt like I was there with the characters, definitely Hallmark town vibes!
Tammy, Xander, Wally, Olivia, and Mrs. Temperance all brought unique and fun aspects to the case, Lockie was definitely my favorite detective. I will be picking up the prequel to this book about Lockie next! Fran Heap did such a good job on this book, I am looking forward to the next book in the series next month!
Although I loved this book, I did feel like the murderer was obvious pretty early on. With not many suspects and taking place in a small town, there weren't many options on who the murderer could be. Also there were many assumptions on what happened during the crime which was not very satisfying, I wish we got a flash back scene so we could see what actually happened. The loose ends were also a little annoying but I understand that is necessary since the mystery continues in the next book.
Can't wait to see Lockie again in the next book!
This small town, cozy mystery was so fun to read, all the characters were so loveable and quirky (especially Lockie). The author was so great at describing the scene, I felt like I was there with the characters, definitely Hallmark town vibes!
Tammy, Xander, Wally, Olivia, and Mrs. Temperance all brought unique and fun aspects to the case, Lockie was definitely my favorite detective. I will be picking up the prequel to this book about Lockie next! Fran Heap did such a good job on this book, I am looking forward to the next book in the series next month!
Although I loved this book, I did feel like the murderer was obvious pretty early on. With not many suspects and taking place in a small town, there weren't many options on who the murderer could be. Also there were many assumptions on what happened during the crime which was not very satisfying, I wish we got a flash back scene so we could see what actually happened. The loose ends were also a little annoying but I understand that is necessary since the mystery continues in the next book.
Can't wait to see Lockie again in the next book!
May 11, 2025
Thank you Netgalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review.
This is a cozy mystery reminiscent of an Agatha Christie novel. It's very easy to read, with a simple plot and simple characters. They were amateur sleuths at best, which can be seen with their decision making skills. The characters were not as smart as the book is making them appear. I would've liked more depth and more foundation on their relationships because the faith and trust that Tammy put on her new friends were immediately placed given that she has just experienced a betrayal. I didn't really get the mothers aspect in this book so the title is kind of a misnomer. We learn early on who's the culprit so this book is not really a case of whodunit. However, I liked how the story ended, it was really touching. The cat is probably my most favorite character 😽 If you like books with cats, then this might be for you 🙂
This is a cozy mystery reminiscent of an Agatha Christie novel. It's very easy to read, with a simple plot and simple characters. They were amateur sleuths at best, which can be seen with their decision making skills. The characters were not as smart as the book is making them appear. I would've liked more depth and more foundation on their relationships because the faith and trust that Tammy put on her new friends were immediately placed given that she has just experienced a betrayal. I didn't really get the mothers aspect in this book so the title is kind of a misnomer. We learn early on who's the culprit so this book is not really a case of whodunit. However, I liked how the story ended, it was really touching. The cat is probably my most favorite character 😽 If you like books with cats, then this might be for you 🙂
May 28, 2025
I enjoyed this book it’s definitely worth reading!!
After a devastating betrayal mystery writer Tammy Rumbelow flees LA for a charming blue cottage in Willowcroft, Michigan. But when a yellowed letter in the attic reveals an unsolved 70-year-old locked room murder in her living room, her peace is shattered.
Determined to start fresh, Tammy enlists the help of a ragtag group of locals:
Bookstore owner Olivia Huddlestone offers a sanctuary for clandestine conversations and genealogical sleuthing among her shelves.
Eccentric Mrs. Hazel Temperance mines her knitting circle for gossip.
Retired detective “Wally” has contacts at the sheriff’s department.
Tech whiz kid Xander Simmons hasn’t met a computer he didn’t like—or a website he can’t hack.
And a stray cat with a nose for clues…
As threatening letters appear and break-ins escalate around town, Tammy must prove to herself—and her inner critic—that she’s capable of solving a murder, or will that be two?
After a devastating betrayal mystery writer Tammy Rumbelow flees LA for a charming blue cottage in Willowcroft, Michigan. But when a yellowed letter in the attic reveals an unsolved 70-year-old locked room murder in her living room, her peace is shattered.
Determined to start fresh, Tammy enlists the help of a ragtag group of locals:
Bookstore owner Olivia Huddlestone offers a sanctuary for clandestine conversations and genealogical sleuthing among her shelves.
Eccentric Mrs. Hazel Temperance mines her knitting circle for gossip.
Retired detective “Wally” has contacts at the sheriff’s department.
Tech whiz kid Xander Simmons hasn’t met a computer he didn’t like—or a website he can’t hack.
And a stray cat with a nose for clues…
As threatening letters appear and break-ins escalate around town, Tammy must prove to herself—and her inner critic—that she’s capable of solving a murder, or will that be two?
May 29, 2025
This is a new cozy mystery series and is quite enjoyable. We are following Tammy who has moved to a small town in Michigan from L.A. to get away from the betrayal of her ex-boyfriend and ex friend and the critical voice of her mother. Tammy moves into the little blue cottage that she finds has quite the history. She joins forces with several new friends to solve the years old mystery and someone in town who wants to keep the past buried.
The story was entertaining, While the ending was not such a surprise, I did enjoy the eclectic group of sleuths that Tammy has befriended and agrees to solve the mystery of her house. It is also a story that gives you the warm feels of chosen family. I have to admit my favorite character was the Lockie who seems to be quite the feline detective.
I look forward to seeing this series develop.
Thanks to NetGalley and BooksGo Social for the chance to read this ARC and give my opinion.
The story was entertaining, While the ending was not such a surprise, I did enjoy the eclectic group of sleuths that Tammy has befriended and agrees to solve the mystery of her house. It is also a story that gives you the warm feels of chosen family. I have to admit my favorite character was the Lockie who seems to be quite the feline detective.
I look forward to seeing this series develop.
Thanks to NetGalley and BooksGo Social for the chance to read this ARC and give my opinion.
May 30, 2025
Tammy is a mystery writer who leaves LA to live in a blue cottage in the small town of Willowcroft.
Leaving behind a theiving best friend, a cheating ex and a spiteful mother, Tammy worries about making new connections in her new home.
When Tammy finds a decades old letter which links to an unsolved murder which happened in her home, she gets together with a group of people in the village to solve the mystery, all with the help of her adopted stray cat Lockie!
This was such an easy to read, delightful, small town cosy mystery. The writing style made it a book I could fly through quite quickly and I loved having an uncomplicated and fun book to read.
I loved all the characters and found it reminiscent of ‘Only Murders in the Building’ with an at first glance misfit group of friends of varying ages and backgrounds.
I would recommend this book and will definitely look out for more books by this author!
Thank you so much to Netgalley and Fran Heap for the ARC!
Leaving behind a theiving best friend, a cheating ex and a spiteful mother, Tammy worries about making new connections in her new home.
When Tammy finds a decades old letter which links to an unsolved murder which happened in her home, she gets together with a group of people in the village to solve the mystery, all with the help of her adopted stray cat Lockie!
This was such an easy to read, delightful, small town cosy mystery. The writing style made it a book I could fly through quite quickly and I loved having an uncomplicated and fun book to read.
I loved all the characters and found it reminiscent of ‘Only Murders in the Building’ with an at first glance misfit group of friends of varying ages and backgrounds.
I would recommend this book and will definitely look out for more books by this author!
Thank you so much to Netgalley and Fran Heap for the ARC!
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