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Definitely Maybe Not a Detective
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In this delightfully charming rom-com mystery, a woman becomes accidentally entangled in a murder investigation (and with a handsome stranger) when her fake detective agency is enlisted to solve a real homicide—from the bestselling author of the Pancake House Mysteries.
Emersyn Gray is definitely not a detective.
Really, she’s an unemployed twenty-eight-year-old raising her beloved niece in the only place she can afford after her ex-boyfriend ran off with her life a run-down, seniors-only apartment complex that was desperate for tenants. But never fear—her wild best friend has the perfect plan to get Emersyn back on her feet and stick it to her thieving scare him into returning her money by hiring a private investigator to prove he stole it. Only, there won’t be an actual detective, just a fabricated business card from Wyatt Investigations. . .and a ridiculously hot stranger who steps in to play the part—a stranger whose name is, coincidentally, Wyatt.
Emersyn can’t help but notice the real-life Wyatt is capital H-O-T hot, even though she’s wary of his intentions. But her ex does seem flustered, and if she can get her money back and regain control of her life, maybe it’ll finally prove to her parents that she can be a responsible caregiver to her niece.
But the day after they set their plan in motion, the superintendent of Emersyn’s apartment building winds up dead, and her neighbors turn to her fake detective for help after finding one of the phony business cards. With so many eyes on them—or maybe just their eyes on each other—Emersyn and Wyatt agree to take on the case. Now the question Can they solve the murder without getting tangled up in their own fictions—or each other?
Emersyn Gray is definitely not a detective.
Really, she’s an unemployed twenty-eight-year-old raising her beloved niece in the only place she can afford after her ex-boyfriend ran off with her life a run-down, seniors-only apartment complex that was desperate for tenants. But never fear—her wild best friend has the perfect plan to get Emersyn back on her feet and stick it to her thieving scare him into returning her money by hiring a private investigator to prove he stole it. Only, there won’t be an actual detective, just a fabricated business card from Wyatt Investigations. . .and a ridiculously hot stranger who steps in to play the part—a stranger whose name is, coincidentally, Wyatt.
Emersyn can’t help but notice the real-life Wyatt is capital H-O-T hot, even though she’s wary of his intentions. But her ex does seem flustered, and if she can get her money back and regain control of her life, maybe it’ll finally prove to her parents that she can be a responsible caregiver to her niece.
But the day after they set their plan in motion, the superintendent of Emersyn’s apartment building winds up dead, and her neighbors turn to her fake detective for help after finding one of the phony business cards. With so many eyes on them—or maybe just their eyes on each other—Emersyn and Wyatt agree to take on the case. Now the question Can they solve the murder without getting tangled up in their own fictions—or each other?
352 pages, Paperback
Expected publication January 6, 2026
7997 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Fox
23 books736 followersSarah Fox, writer of cozy mysteries, was born and raised in Vancouver, British Columbia, where she developed a love for mysteries at a young age. When not writing novels or working as a legal writer she is often reading her way through a stack of books or spending time outdoors with her English Springer Spaniel.
Sarah is the author of the Literary Pub Mysteries, the Pancake House Mysteries, and the Music Lover's Mysteries.
Sarah is the author of the Literary Pub Mysteries, the Pancake House Mysteries, and the Music Lover's Mysteries.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 190 reviews
December 25, 2025
Fired from a job she needed to pay the bills and to take care of her little niece, Emersyn Gray doesn’t know what to do. She wouldn’t be struggling so much if her no-good ex-boyfriend hadn’t stolen her money and ridden off into the sunset without looking back. So when her friend suggests scaring him with a fake detective agency called Wyatt Investigations, Emersyn decides to give it a try. Except she wasn’t prepared for a hot guy to help her out, whose name just so happens to be Wyatt, or for someone to be murdered at the apartment building she lives in. Now, her neighbors look to her and Wyatt to find out who killed the superintendent and why before their dear friend and neighbor is put behind bars for a crime everyone except the police knows he didn’t commit.
For the most part, I had fun with this book. I enjoyed Emersyn and her friends investigating the murder while Emersyn and Wyatt tried to contain the sparks flying between them. And Livy, Emersyn’s niece? Absolutely adorable! I also liked Theo and her no-BS personality. She really made me chuckle.
What I did have a problem with was the humor in this book, or just Emersyn in general. She kind of got on my nerves, but her constant joking was completely unnecessary. Look, I love to laugh. Humor, especially sarcasm, is my love language, but there comes a point when it’s just too much. Like, it’s okay to be serious, Emersyn. You don’t need to save a moment with an innuendo or a joke that just digs you deeper into a hole you dug for yourself. And good Lord, this girl was so hyper-focused on men’s attractiveness! 😂 I get it. Wyatt’s hot. Bodie’s hot. You already said that a million times before. I don’t need to hear it again. I think it’s safe to say that you are very attracted to them. Can we just get on to the murder and solve it without you thinking dirty thoughts about men I couldn't care less about? 😅
I also felt like this book was too long. If all the drooling over hot men and unnecessary bits of humor were cut out, and it mainly focused on them actually investigating, it would be a shorter yet much more interesting story. I even got to a point where I was just skimming the last ten chapters. I just wanted to know who killed the superintendent. And guess what? I was right. Geez, it’s a good thing I speed read the last bit, or I would have cried at the fact that I wasted all that time reading about Wyatt’s hotness and Emersyn’s lack of employment when I had already solved the dang case within the first ten to fifteen chapters of the book. 😭😂
Was it the best mystery book I’ve read? No, but I still had some fun, and that’s all that matters, right? ☺🩷
Thank you to Ballantine | Bantam and NetGalley for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review! All opinions and statements are my own.
❗Content Warnings❗
Murder, blood, & death.
Swearing: Yes
Spice: Idk because I skimmed the last 20% of the book (sorry 😬😅), but there are Emersyn’s spicy thoughts and kisses.
For the most part, I had fun with this book. I enjoyed Emersyn and her friends investigating the murder while Emersyn and Wyatt tried to contain the sparks flying between them. And Livy, Emersyn’s niece? Absolutely adorable! I also liked Theo and her no-BS personality. She really made me chuckle.
What I did have a problem with was the humor in this book, or just Emersyn in general. She kind of got on my nerves, but her constant joking was completely unnecessary. Look, I love to laugh. Humor, especially sarcasm, is my love language, but there comes a point when it’s just too much. Like, it’s okay to be serious, Emersyn. You don’t need to save a moment with an innuendo or a joke that just digs you deeper into a hole you dug for yourself. And good Lord, this girl was so hyper-focused on men’s attractiveness! 😂 I get it. Wyatt’s hot. Bodie’s hot. You already said that a million times before. I don’t need to hear it again. I think it’s safe to say that you are very attracted to them. Can we just get on to the murder and solve it without you thinking dirty thoughts about men I couldn't care less about? 😅
I also felt like this book was too long. If all the drooling over hot men and unnecessary bits of humor were cut out, and it mainly focused on them actually investigating, it would be a shorter yet much more interesting story. I even got to a point where I was just skimming the last ten chapters. I just wanted to know who killed the superintendent. And guess what? I was right. Geez, it’s a good thing I speed read the last bit, or I would have cried at the fact that I wasted all that time reading about Wyatt’s hotness and Emersyn’s lack of employment when I had already solved the dang case within the first ten to fifteen chapters of the book. 😭😂
Was it the best mystery book I’ve read? No, but I still had some fun, and that’s all that matters, right? ☺🩷
Thank you to Ballantine | Bantam and NetGalley for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review! All opinions and statements are my own.
❗Content Warnings❗
Murder, blood, & death.
Swearing: Yes
Spice: Idk because I skimmed the last 20% of the book (sorry 😬😅), but there are Emersyn’s spicy thoughts and kisses.
June 30, 2025
My detection skills are a little bit rusty. I can't predict suspects correctly! Don't get me wrong, this is amazing for the author!
There are a lot of characters, and that made me a little confused about who is who. Surprisingly, I liked the mix between the mystery and the romance! I was skeptical at first, but I enjoyed it immensely. If it weren't for the love triangle, I would have enjoyed it more; I don't like a confused FMC. Don't play with two men's emotions!
⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚𝕻𝖗𝖊-𝖗𝖊𝖆𝖉˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆
Got invited, loved the cover and the premise, requested and got accepted all in the same day so thank you Netgalley and Ballantine for the eARC 🫶🏻🫶🏻
There are a lot of characters, and that made me a little confused about who is who. Surprisingly, I liked the mix between the mystery and the romance! I was skeptical at first, but I enjoyed it immensely. If it weren't for the love triangle, I would have enjoyed it more; I don't like a confused FMC. Don't play with two men's emotions!
⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚𝕻𝖗𝖊-𝖗𝖊𝖆𝖉˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆
Got invited, loved the cover and the premise, requested and got accepted all in the same day so thank you Netgalley and Ballantine for the eARC 🫶🏻🫶🏻
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December 8, 2025I had to DNF this book at 25%. The writing style and humor were not for me but both of those are so subjective so this book might be for you!
In “Maybe Definitely Not A Detective,” Emersyn is unemployed, her ex recently stole money from her, and she is the guardian for her niece. In a bid to get her money back, Emersyn’s friend creates a fake private investigation company, Wyatt Investigations, to scare her ex into returning the money. And a hot stranger steps in to play the PI role and he happens to be named Wyatt. When a murder occurs in her building, her elderly neighbors hire Wyatt and Emersyn to investigate, lack of experience and credentials be damned. As they investigate, Wyatt and Emersyn start to catch feelings but will they catch the murderer?
Some of the humor made me cringe a little. For example, Emersyn’s lingerie falls onto Wyatt and when he leaves, she says, out loud to herself (and I quote), “What the blankety bleep have you done?” I winced at that but I can totally see how someone would be glad that she didn’t swear. Another example, the older ladies in the building love Wyatt. One of them says to him that he could come upstairs to her apartment for a “thorough investigation.” I can see how that could be read as a fun, zany older lady but I read it as borderline sexual harassment.
That being said, did I go to the end to see who the murderer was? OF COURSE. I am only human. I did predict the killer because I graduated summa cum laude from the School of Watching Each Episode of Criminal Minds At Least Ten Times. Self-congratulatory pat on my back.
If you read any of those lines and they make you giggle, you should check out this book.
Thank you Ballantine | Bantam and NetGalley for providing this eARC! All opinions are my own.
Publication Date: January 6, 2026
____________________________
Pre-Read Thoughts: I’m swinging wildly between moods but this is giving off “Only Murders in the Building” vibes and I’m going with it.
In “Maybe Definitely Not A Detective,” Emersyn is unemployed, her ex recently stole money from her, and she is the guardian for her niece. In a bid to get her money back, Emersyn’s friend creates a fake private investigation company, Wyatt Investigations, to scare her ex into returning the money. And a hot stranger steps in to play the PI role and he happens to be named Wyatt. When a murder occurs in her building, her elderly neighbors hire Wyatt and Emersyn to investigate, lack of experience and credentials be damned. As they investigate, Wyatt and Emersyn start to catch feelings but will they catch the murderer?
Some of the humor made me cringe a little. For example, Emersyn’s lingerie falls onto Wyatt and when he leaves, she says, out loud to herself (and I quote), “What the blankety bleep have you done?” I winced at that but I can totally see how someone would be glad that she didn’t swear. Another example, the older ladies in the building love Wyatt. One of them says to him that he could come upstairs to her apartment for a “thorough investigation.” I can see how that could be read as a fun, zany older lady but I read it as borderline sexual harassment.
That being said, did I go to the end to see who the murderer was? OF COURSE. I am only human. I did predict the killer because I graduated summa cum laude from the School of Watching Each Episode of Criminal Minds At Least Ten Times. Self-congratulatory pat on my back.
If you read any of those lines and they make you giggle, you should check out this book.
Thank you Ballantine | Bantam and NetGalley for providing this eARC! All opinions are my own.
Publication Date: January 6, 2026
____________________________
Pre-Read Thoughts: I’m swinging wildly between moods but this is giving off “Only Murders in the Building” vibes and I’m going with it.
October 26, 2025
Thanks so much to NetGalley for the free Kindle book. My review is voluntarily given, and my opinions are my own.
I loved this book so much and can't wait to read the next one in the series (although I really hope they get their private investigator licenses before it becomes an issue). All of the side characters were extremely well written, having such individual personalities and back stories that you could keep track of all of them easily. I really love series where there are multiple possible love interests; where you don't know immediately who the main character will end up with, or at the very least with might date someone else before ending up with the one she marries.
As for smut level, only a couple kisses in the book. There are references to sex (as in, people telling her that even though you are a guardian of a child, you still can have a sex life).
Definitely will be keeping my eye out for more books in the series and would recommend it to anyone who loves a good cozy.
I loved this book so much and can't wait to read the next one in the series (although I really hope they get their private investigator licenses before it becomes an issue). All of the side characters were extremely well written, having such individual personalities and back stories that you could keep track of all of them easily. I really love series where there are multiple possible love interests; where you don't know immediately who the main character will end up with, or at the very least with might date someone else before ending up with the one she marries.
As for smut level, only a couple kisses in the book. There are references to sex (as in, people telling her that even though you are a guardian of a child, you still can have a sex life).
Definitely will be keeping my eye out for more books in the series and would recommend it to anyone who loves a good cozy.
August 31, 2025
This was a cozy, humorous mystery with Only Murders in the Building Vibes. I liked the unlikely group that formed the fake detective agency. It was amusing when Em was scared of a teenager scolding her. Em was such a hot mess and it was refreshing to read about a main character who did not have their life together.
The side characters were a hoot and a half. I loved the seniors in the building, Theo the teenage detective, and bestie Jemma. The romance was only a subplot but I enjoyed the scenes we got. Overall, a cozy, entertaining murder mystery.
Thanks to Netgalley and Ballantine for the ARC.
The side characters were a hoot and a half. I loved the seniors in the building, Theo the teenage detective, and bestie Jemma. The romance was only a subplot but I enjoyed the scenes we got. Overall, a cozy, entertaining murder mystery.
Thanks to Netgalley and Ballantine for the ARC.
September 30, 2025
Definitely Maybe Not a Detective has a cute and unique premise and a quirky cast of characters.
I liked Emersyn as a character and being in her head was quite humorous at times. Wyatt the love interest was a bit bland for me but I did like finding more about him as the story progressed. The romance was a little under developed, but it sounds like this will be the start of a new series so maybe future installments will develop it further.
This was a very quick read that I breezed through in just a couple of sittings. I thought the writing was engaging and solid. The premise of the book actually reminded me of Riley Thorn and the Dead Guy Next Door (which I actually hated) but this book was executed a lot better and was a lot better written.
I did find the story a bit predictable (I figured out who the killer was very early on) but this was still a cute cozy mystery.
I liked Emersyn as a character and being in her head was quite humorous at times. Wyatt the love interest was a bit bland for me but I did like finding more about him as the story progressed. The romance was a little under developed, but it sounds like this will be the start of a new series so maybe future installments will develop it further.
This was a very quick read that I breezed through in just a couple of sittings. I thought the writing was engaging and solid. The premise of the book actually reminded me of Riley Thorn and the Dead Guy Next Door (which I actually hated) but this book was executed a lot better and was a lot better written.
I did find the story a bit predictable (I figured out who the killer was very early on) but this was still a cute cozy mystery.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I was very excited to see this new series being offered by Sarah Fox as I am a big fan of several of her cozy mystery series! This book is different as it is sort of a combination romance/mystery with a bit of women's fiction thrown in. I will be very honest at the beginning of this book, and with my introduction to the MC, Emersyn, this was almost a DNF for me. I found the beginning very jumbled and the MC very silly and immature. Her reaction and interactions with men early on are just so over the top as to be unbelievable. Fortunately, we get to see her with her adorable niece Livy, who she is raising after the tragic death of her brother, and her interactions with her elderly neighbors in their unique apartment situation and this saves the character and helps us see more attractive attributes of this character. At the beginning of the story, Emersyn walks out of her job over an harassment situation and finds herself broke as her ex had accessed her bank account and helped himself to her nest egg. With the help of her best friend Jemma and a very precocious but talented teenager in a wheelchair the ladies come up with an interesting way to recover those funds. When their crazy idea is further complicated by a very hot mystery man, the death of the building super and the uncovering of a hidden speakeasy, you know you are in for an interesting and unique tale! This book has a lot to offer but needs to walk a finer line with some of the over the top silliness. I will definitely give book two a read! Thanks to #Netgally, #Bantam, and the author for an opportunity to read. #DefinitelyMaybeNotaDetective #TheWyattInvestigationMysteties #SarahFox #bookreview #bookideas #retiredreader
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December 7, 2025A cozy mystery + comic romance that is perfect for fans of Finlay Donovan and Only Murders in the Building. Emersyn (yes she does have terrible parents) is a late twenty-something raising the daughter of her late brother while trying to hold down a job. When the super of her Bronx apartment building ends up dead, she ends up investigating with the help of a mysterious stranger and a teenage neighbor.
I felt the NYC vibes in this were not quite authentic enough for this New Yorker, though the apartment building was pretty on point.
I am not really a person who loves romance (especially a love triangle) in my cozy mysteries, but if you do, then this is the perfect book for you!
Thanks to the publisher for providing an advance copy for review!
Subscribe to my amazing newsletter HERE at JenRyland.com Let's be friends on Bookstagram!
I felt the NYC vibes in this were not quite authentic enough for this New Yorker, though the apartment building was pretty on point.
I am not really a person who loves romance (especially a love triangle) in my cozy mysteries, but if you do, then this is the perfect book for you!
Thanks to the publisher for providing an advance copy for review!
Subscribe to my amazing newsletter HERE at JenRyland.com Let's be friends on Bookstagram!
December 8, 2025
I received an advance copy via NetGalley.
Emersyn is a young woman raising her sweet young niece alone since her brother's death. She also can't keep a job. And her ex-boyfriend absconded with her savings. When her best friend contrives a fake detective agency to scare the ex into returning the money, the ploy goes sideways when a really cute guy steps in to help out. Things get more twisted when the sleazy super of Emersyn's building turns up dead and she sets out to help her accused neighbor clear his name. She and cute guy team up. Shenanigans ensure.
This new cozy is on the extreme side of cozy, leaning into rom-com territory. So, a bit on the ludicrous side in a fun way. Emersyn is a great character to root for. Her scenes with her niece are so sweet. I actually guessed the murderer very early on, because the characters reminded me of another cozy I recently read. I'm not sure it if would be clear to anyone else who didn't have that parallel, though. In any case, it's a fun read and a good distraction from grim reality.
Emersyn is a young woman raising her sweet young niece alone since her brother's death. She also can't keep a job. And her ex-boyfriend absconded with her savings. When her best friend contrives a fake detective agency to scare the ex into returning the money, the ploy goes sideways when a really cute guy steps in to help out. Things get more twisted when the sleazy super of Emersyn's building turns up dead and she sets out to help her accused neighbor clear his name. She and cute guy team up. Shenanigans ensure.
This new cozy is on the extreme side of cozy, leaning into rom-com territory. So, a bit on the ludicrous side in a fun way. Emersyn is a great character to root for. Her scenes with her niece are so sweet. I actually guessed the murderer very early on, because the characters reminded me of another cozy I recently read. I'm not sure it if would be clear to anyone else who didn't have that parallel, though. In any case, it's a fun read and a good distraction from grim reality.
August 26, 2025
3.25 ⭐️
Thank you NetGalley, Sarah Fox, and Ballantine for the ARC of this novel!
I’ve been on the hunt for books that give me the same cozy-yet-chaotic vibes as the Riley Thorn and Finlay Donovan series, and Sarah Fox’s Definitely Maybe Not a Detective definitely scratches that itch. It’s a fun, breezy read with a lot of potential, especially if it continues into a series.
What I especially appreciate is that this story centers on a flawed woman who doesn’t have everything together and somehow finds herself in the middle of the detective agency world. I wish more writers explored this angle—it’s relatable, messy, and oddly empowering. The whole “ordinary woman stumbling into a PI-style life” is a trope I’ll never get tired of.
That said, there were a few moments that leaned a little too corny for my taste. I found myself wishing some of those scenes had been fleshed out with more wit or depth. Still, even with the lighter, fluffier feel, it was an enjoyable escape, and sometimes that’s exactly what a book should be: an easy, good time.
All in all, Definitely Maybe Not a Detective is a promising start: cozy, funny, and perfect for when you just need to unwind with a quirky, low-stakes mystery.
Thank you NetGalley, Sarah Fox, and Ballantine for the ARC of this novel!
I’ve been on the hunt for books that give me the same cozy-yet-chaotic vibes as the Riley Thorn and Finlay Donovan series, and Sarah Fox’s Definitely Maybe Not a Detective definitely scratches that itch. It’s a fun, breezy read with a lot of potential, especially if it continues into a series.
What I especially appreciate is that this story centers on a flawed woman who doesn’t have everything together and somehow finds herself in the middle of the detective agency world. I wish more writers explored this angle—it’s relatable, messy, and oddly empowering. The whole “ordinary woman stumbling into a PI-style life” is a trope I’ll never get tired of.
That said, there were a few moments that leaned a little too corny for my taste. I found myself wishing some of those scenes had been fleshed out with more wit or depth. Still, even with the lighter, fluffier feel, it was an enjoyable escape, and sometimes that’s exactly what a book should be: an easy, good time.
All in all, Definitely Maybe Not a Detective is a promising start: cozy, funny, and perfect for when you just need to unwind with a quirky, low-stakes mystery.
July 2, 2025
Fun, lighthearted read. Basically a cozy mystery crossed with a romcom. It’s intentionally over the top and full of shenanigans as the main character pretended to be a private detective to solve the murder of her neighbor.
My biggest issues with the book is that there is too much going on (e.g., the issue with her ex, investigating the murder, two pseudo love interests, drama with her parents and Livy, etc) and it feels like it’s at the expense of the overall plot and Emersyn’s action being thought through and well explained.
I would have preferred more time spent building out important parts of the plot. For example, more of a focus on Emersyn and Wyatt so it wouldn’t have come across as only physical attraction, especially since the book is saying it’s part romcom. Another example: more background on why Emersyn was so adamant about keeping Livy while not getting help from her parents. This would have added some depth and clarity.
Thank you to Sarah Fox, Bantam, and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
My biggest issues with the book is that there is too much going on (e.g., the issue with her ex, investigating the murder, two pseudo love interests, drama with her parents and Livy, etc) and it feels like it’s at the expense of the overall plot and Emersyn’s action being thought through and well explained.
I would have preferred more time spent building out important parts of the plot. For example, more of a focus on Emersyn and Wyatt so it wouldn’t have come across as only physical attraction, especially since the book is saying it’s part romcom. Another example: more background on why Emersyn was so adamant about keeping Livy while not getting help from her parents. This would have added some depth and clarity.
Thank you to Sarah Fox, Bantam, and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 30, 2025
This was my first read from this author, and I really enjoyed it.
Things aren't going well for Emersyn when we meet her, and it was really easy to connect with her. Having the weight of caring for your deceased brother's child isn't easy, she is doing the very best she can, but admittedly - she's a hot mess. And, of course, while she is attempting to "break into" a country club where her thief of an ex is currently playing tennis with his new girlfriend, she just happens to wind up in rhododendrons, (don't ask), and that's when Wyatt finds her - scuffed knees and all. His presence and skillset certainly came in handy, even if why he was available to help her was a mystery in and of itself.
I know, right?! Really interesting. I had to know more.
How the gorgeous and mysterious Wyatt begins working with her, in a made up investigative agency, to solve the mystery of why the super of her building is deceased, and who did it was both addictive and entertaining. The list of people who are suspects is long, and I happily flipped the pages, getting more wrapped up into the dynamics between the building's tenants.
The secondary characters were fun, and while there is a "romantic" vibe between Emersyn and 2 of the guys, it isn't really a love triangle, and this isn't primarily a romance. For me, it's an interesting murder mystery with some good friendships, a bit of a sweet romance, some deeper emotions, and a "happy/satisfied for now" ending. The way this ended felt like there might be more to the Wyatt investigations storyline, and I would absolutely like to read it!!
I recommend this book, as I enjoyed my read, and thank the author and Netgalley for my ARC.
My thoughts are my own and happily left.
Things aren't going well for Emersyn when we meet her, and it was really easy to connect with her. Having the weight of caring for your deceased brother's child isn't easy, she is doing the very best she can, but admittedly - she's a hot mess. And, of course, while she is attempting to "break into" a country club where her thief of an ex is currently playing tennis with his new girlfriend, she just happens to wind up in rhododendrons, (don't ask), and that's when Wyatt finds her - scuffed knees and all. His presence and skillset certainly came in handy, even if why he was available to help her was a mystery in and of itself.
I know, right?! Really interesting. I had to know more.
How the gorgeous and mysterious Wyatt begins working with her, in a made up investigative agency, to solve the mystery of why the super of her building is deceased, and who did it was both addictive and entertaining. The list of people who are suspects is long, and I happily flipped the pages, getting more wrapped up into the dynamics between the building's tenants.
The secondary characters were fun, and while there is a "romantic" vibe between Emersyn and 2 of the guys, it isn't really a love triangle, and this isn't primarily a romance. For me, it's an interesting murder mystery with some good friendships, a bit of a sweet romance, some deeper emotions, and a "happy/satisfied for now" ending. The way this ended felt like there might be more to the Wyatt investigations storyline, and I would absolutely like to read it!!
I recommend this book, as I enjoyed my read, and thank the author and Netgalley for my ARC.
My thoughts are my own and happily left.
September 12, 2025
Emeryson is struggling. She's been fired from her waitressing job, her ex-boyfriend ran off with her savings, and she's muddling through the grief of losing her brother while caring for her niece. In an attempt to scare her ex into returning her money, she accidentally starts a fake detective agency that quickly becomes real when she's asked to solve a murder in her building. She can't say no when it would help prove her sweet older neighbor is innocent, but it forces her to work with a handsome security professional she inadvertently involved her in scheme.
This book was cute. It was a fun, easy read, with an interesting cast of characters and lots of suspects. The premise (not to mention, gorgeous cover) really drew me in and made me want to read. The book didn't wow me, and honestly reminded me of something I would write when I've tried my hand at fiction--which is neither a compliment nor an insult, as I like to think I'm not bad, but I'm also no Anthony Horowitz. A little simple and where everything comes together a bit too nicely but overall a good time. I would try another book if this became a series.
Thanks to Bantam books for my eARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
4 stars - 7/10
This book was cute. It was a fun, easy read, with an interesting cast of characters and lots of suspects. The premise (not to mention, gorgeous cover) really drew me in and made me want to read. The book didn't wow me, and honestly reminded me of something I would write when I've tried my hand at fiction--which is neither a compliment nor an insult, as I like to think I'm not bad, but I'm also no Anthony Horowitz. A little simple and where everything comes together a bit too nicely but overall a good time. I would try another book if this became a series.
Thanks to Bantam books for my eARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
4 stars - 7/10
October 29, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ My review: Cute who dunnit with a slow burn romance. Emerson has a lot on her plate: ex boyfriend stole all her money, she's between jobs, she has guardianship of her young niece, and she's trying to figure out who murdered the super in her apartment building. Cue Wyatt, the handsome nice guy who happens to be in the right place at the right time to help.
The murder mystery was catchy and I almost had it figured out before the "dectectives" did. Emersyn's parents were a fly in the ointment: hovering around threatening to take her niece away. And Theo, the neighbor's brilliant granddaughter, who wanted to help solve the murder was a funny (if not "know it all") character.
My only issue was a big one: I know Emersyn had several pretty big problems, but her downright nastiness to Wyatt was silly. It went on for too long and he didn't do anything except try to help her from the very beginning. Slow burn, fine. Constant snarkiness to hide lust and to not seem needy was annoying. Kudos to the ragtag bunch of fake defectives and their determination to fix everything. And Em's dedication to her cute niece was lovely.
There might be a sequel? It sure ended on a note that this might continue. If you like Finlay Donovan or Stephanie Plum, Emersyn may be your next best bet!
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Publishing for an advance digital copy in exchange for my review.
The murder mystery was catchy and I almost had it figured out before the "dectectives" did. Emersyn's parents were a fly in the ointment: hovering around threatening to take her niece away. And Theo, the neighbor's brilliant granddaughter, who wanted to help solve the murder was a funny (if not "know it all") character.
My only issue was a big one: I know Emersyn had several pretty big problems, but her downright nastiness to Wyatt was silly. It went on for too long and he didn't do anything except try to help her from the very beginning. Slow burn, fine. Constant snarkiness to hide lust and to not seem needy was annoying. Kudos to the ragtag bunch of fake defectives and their determination to fix everything. And Em's dedication to her cute niece was lovely.
There might be a sequel? It sure ended on a note that this might continue. If you like Finlay Donovan or Stephanie Plum, Emersyn may be your next best bet!
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Publishing for an advance digital copy in exchange for my review.
June 29, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley, Ballantine, and Bantam Books for this ARC. All opinions are my own. ❤️
Definitely Maybe Not A Detective follows a newly unemployed single aunt-turned-guardian who unwittingly finds herself investigating her apartment super’s death. Does she have the skills? Not really. But she does have a rag-tag group of people there to make it happen. There’s the elderly neighbors, the handsome former security detail, the differently-abled teenager with mad computer skills…how can they fail?
It was a fun, engaging story that had its moments of tugging at your heartstrings - I especially enjoyed how it handled grief, too. Overall, the story was surprisingly lighthearted given the subject matter - think Finlay Donovan with a splash of Dunston Checks In (any ‘90s family comedy fans out there?) and a really fun read. I enjoyed Emersyn’s voice and challenges throughout the book. It is perfectly set up for a subsequent novel and I would happily pick that up.
Definitely Maybe Not A Detective follows a newly unemployed single aunt-turned-guardian who unwittingly finds herself investigating her apartment super’s death. Does she have the skills? Not really. But she does have a rag-tag group of people there to make it happen. There’s the elderly neighbors, the handsome former security detail, the differently-abled teenager with mad computer skills…how can they fail?
It was a fun, engaging story that had its moments of tugging at your heartstrings - I especially enjoyed how it handled grief, too. Overall, the story was surprisingly lighthearted given the subject matter - think Finlay Donovan with a splash of Dunston Checks In (any ‘90s family comedy fans out there?) and a really fun read. I enjoyed Emersyn’s voice and challenges throughout the book. It is perfectly set up for a subsequent novel and I would happily pick that up.
September 2, 2025
3.25⭐️
thank you Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group for this arc!
Definitely Maybe Not a Detective was a funny mystery with a hint of romance! starting a fake detective agency to get your ex to give you back the money they stole only to get caught in a situation where you are pushed into investigating the murder of a neighbor😵💫. i would have freaked out! especially since the creation of the fake detective agency wasn’t the idea of the fmc.😭 i liked how Emersyn (fmc), although she was the one pressured into doing the investigation, she did gain helped from her friend and even made friends along the way. overall it was a good book. the murderer and his reasoning was kinda ehh but it was a bit predictable to who it was. the romance was a bit rushed but it was a bit more focus on the mystery part. the ending tied all of Emerysn’s problems nicely.
also theo had to be one of my favorite characters 🫶🏽
thank you Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group for this arc!
Definitely Maybe Not a Detective was a funny mystery with a hint of romance! starting a fake detective agency to get your ex to give you back the money they stole only to get caught in a situation where you are pushed into investigating the murder of a neighbor😵💫. i would have freaked out! especially since the creation of the fake detective agency wasn’t the idea of the fmc.😭 i liked how Emersyn (fmc), although she was the one pressured into doing the investigation, she did gain helped from her friend and even made friends along the way. overall it was a good book. the murderer and his reasoning was kinda ehh but it was a bit predictable to who it was. the romance was a bit rushed but it was a bit more focus on the mystery part. the ending tied all of Emerysn’s problems nicely.
also theo had to be one of my favorite characters 🫶🏽
December 6, 2025
Thank you NetGalley, Ballantine and Sarah Fox for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was a cute cozy mystery.
In my opinion, if this turns into a series (which it seems to be set up for) this would be a cousin to the Stephanie Plum or Finlay Donovan series.
FMC is a lovable mess. Her ex stole her money, she’s raising her niece, she’s unemployed, she accidentally started a private investigation company and is trying to solve a murder at her apartment building which happens to be a retirement building.
I love a cozy mystery but the overwhelmingly incompetent FMC being rescued by a man (while i appreciated that she was self aware of that) and the comedic investigative disasters got a little repetitive.
There was a good story here but it got muddied down for me. In too many side characters, in many storylines and a no brainer love triangle that was the slowest of burns.
This was a very tame book, kisses only and no swearing that I recall.
This was a cute cozy mystery.
In my opinion, if this turns into a series (which it seems to be set up for) this would be a cousin to the Stephanie Plum or Finlay Donovan series.
FMC is a lovable mess. Her ex stole her money, she’s raising her niece, she’s unemployed, she accidentally started a private investigation company and is trying to solve a murder at her apartment building which happens to be a retirement building.
I love a cozy mystery but the overwhelmingly incompetent FMC being rescued by a man (while i appreciated that she was self aware of that) and the comedic investigative disasters got a little repetitive.
There was a good story here but it got muddied down for me. In too many side characters, in many storylines and a no brainer love triangle that was the slowest of burns.
This was a very tame book, kisses only and no swearing that I recall.
December 15, 2025
Look, cozy mysteries are far-fetched AF and this one is no exception. But the oddball cast of characters really makes this book a delight. Even if Theo was the absolute worst and I hated every part of her presence.
Emersyn is a great main character because she isn’t perfect - she’s working through complex emotions on top of a hare-brained scheme. I think she did pretty okay given the circumstances. I did end up guessing the killer but I really enjoyed the hunt.
Thank you to NetGalley, Sarah Fox, and Bantam Books for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Emersyn is a great main character because she isn’t perfect - she’s working through complex emotions on top of a hare-brained scheme. I think she did pretty okay given the circumstances. I did end up guessing the killer but I really enjoyed the hunt.
Thank you to NetGalley, Sarah Fox, and Bantam Books for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 12, 2025
3.5 stars! Thank you NetGalley for the arc of this book. I enjoyed it but didn’t love it. It was a fun plot with likable characters. There were quite a few extra characters that were a little hard to keep track of. I guessed the ending pretty quickly, but was still a good read.
December 12, 2025
3 stars. There was a lot going on in this cozy mystery and I felt that was what knocked some stars for me. There are a lot of plot points to follow and I wish the author had focused on a core few and really fleshed them out. Still, this low-stakes read would check the box for many and I wouldn't tell anyone not to give it a chance.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballentine for the advanced copy. Definitely Maybe Not a Detective hits shelves on January 6, 2026.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballentine for the advanced copy. Definitely Maybe Not a Detective hits shelves on January 6, 2026.
December 8, 2025
A cozy, funny, and heartfelt rom com meets mystery! Emerson and her niece navigate grief, love, and quirky NYC neighbors in a story that’s silly, sweet, and impossible not to smile at. Predictable mystery? Maybe—but the humor, heart, and community vibes make it so worth it. 🏙️💖
August 27, 2025
Thank you to Sarah Fox and NetGalley for this ARC!
I was so excited to dive into this book based on the “Only Murders In The Building” vibes. Add in a side of romance and I was sold. While I didn’t love this book as much as the show, it had a lot of high points and I found myself entertained throughout.
The characters, both main and side, were charming and had some depth. And the story is packed with twists I didn't see coming. Just when I thought I had the murder pegged, another character landed in the hot seat. Despite the dark premise, it’s a surprisingly light, fast-paced read full of charm, humor, and neighborhood chaos. Bonus - the ending was unexpected and satisfying.
I was so excited to dive into this book based on the “Only Murders In The Building” vibes. Add in a side of romance and I was sold. While I didn’t love this book as much as the show, it had a lot of high points and I found myself entertained throughout.
The characters, both main and side, were charming and had some depth. And the story is packed with twists I didn't see coming. Just when I thought I had the murder pegged, another character landed in the hot seat. Despite the dark premise, it’s a surprisingly light, fast-paced read full of charm, humor, and neighborhood chaos. Bonus - the ending was unexpected and satisfying.
September 16, 2025
I’m a big cozy mystery fan, and I enjoyed the start of this one—but it quickly felt like there were just too many jumbled plot lines competing for attention.
Emersyn (the FMC) is tough to warm up to. She’s constantly rude to Wyatt (the MMC), to the point that it gets downright annoying. For a main character, she’s not the most likable, and that’s a hard hurdle to get over. She also comes across a bit prudish—like when she ran out of a neighbor’s apartment just because an ex-soap star started to share a story about a steamy scene she once filmed. Emersyn also refuses help even when it’s obvious she needs it. At one point, she was sitting in a pub with no money for food, her stomach growling loudly, but she still wouldn’t let Wyatt buy her a meal. I get the independent-woman angle, but she treats everyone with the same grumpy, humorless attitude, and it makes her hard to relate to. (And don’t even get me started on how she never takes a jacket when it’s cold outside!)
That said, I did enjoy some of the side characters in her apartment building. They’re quirky, fun, and added a nice cozy touch to the murder-in-the-building setup.
Overall, it’s an easy, light read and it does deliver on the cozy mystery feel. But with so many chaotic side plots—two love interests, Emersyn’s mom threatening to take her niece away then suddenly backing off, plus everything else—it felt like too much was crammed in at once. I would’ve liked to see the story focus on fewer threads so the main mystery could shine.
Thank you to Ballantine and NetGalley for providing an eARC copy for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
#DefinitelyMaybeNotADetective #NetGalley
Emersyn (the FMC) is tough to warm up to. She’s constantly rude to Wyatt (the MMC), to the point that it gets downright annoying. For a main character, she’s not the most likable, and that’s a hard hurdle to get over. She also comes across a bit prudish—like when she ran out of a neighbor’s apartment just because an ex-soap star started to share a story about a steamy scene she once filmed. Emersyn also refuses help even when it’s obvious she needs it. At one point, she was sitting in a pub with no money for food, her stomach growling loudly, but she still wouldn’t let Wyatt buy her a meal. I get the independent-woman angle, but she treats everyone with the same grumpy, humorless attitude, and it makes her hard to relate to. (And don’t even get me started on how she never takes a jacket when it’s cold outside!)
That said, I did enjoy some of the side characters in her apartment building. They’re quirky, fun, and added a nice cozy touch to the murder-in-the-building setup.
Overall, it’s an easy, light read and it does deliver on the cozy mystery feel. But with so many chaotic side plots—two love interests, Emersyn’s mom threatening to take her niece away then suddenly backing off, plus everything else—it felt like too much was crammed in at once. I would’ve liked to see the story focus on fewer threads so the main mystery could shine.
Thank you to Ballantine and NetGalley for providing an eARC copy for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
#DefinitelyMaybeNotADetective #NetGalley
September 28, 2025
3.5/4 - ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
This was a funny mystery that felt similar to Finlay Donovan and Vera Wong type books! I enjoyed the old people helping solve the murder and was able to guess the ending early on. However, it was a fun and easy read that I would read more of if it is a series!
Thank you to NetGalley and Bantam books for the e-ARC in exchange for a honest review.
This was a funny mystery that felt similar to Finlay Donovan and Vera Wong type books! I enjoyed the old people helping solve the murder and was able to guess the ending early on. However, it was a fun and easy read that I would read more of if it is a series!
Thank you to NetGalley and Bantam books for the e-ARC in exchange for a honest review.
November 18, 2025
Good, silly, fun! If ‘Only Murders in The Building’ and ‘The Most Wonderful Crime of The Year’ are your vibe, then this is for you!
A really enjoyable reading experience. The super short chapters (unusually so) worked great for me and meant I sped through this book. I loved trying to work out who to trust, suspect, and fancy -sometimes all in the same breath.
A favourite in this book were the larger-than-life characters; particularly the hilarious building residents (that pawn scene shop was a riot).
What stopped this from being a five star for me? I didn’t feel the more serious subplots (grief and custody) ever meshed into the tone and silliness of the rest of the book.
For those with strong opinions on series, note this is a closed mystery plot, but an open-end romance plot. There’s a possible sequel hinted in the last chapter, but full closure. Fingers crossed for a book two!
Thank you to Ballantine and NetGalley for the free e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
A really enjoyable reading experience. The super short chapters (unusually so) worked great for me and meant I sped through this book. I loved trying to work out who to trust, suspect, and fancy -sometimes all in the same breath.
A favourite in this book were the larger-than-life characters; particularly the hilarious building residents (that pawn scene shop was a riot).
What stopped this from being a five star for me? I didn’t feel the more serious subplots (grief and custody) ever meshed into the tone and silliness of the rest of the book.
For those with strong opinions on series, note this is a closed mystery plot, but an open-end romance plot. There’s a possible sequel hinted in the last chapter, but full closure. Fingers crossed for a book two!
Thank you to Ballantine and NetGalley for the free e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 2, 2025
Emersyn Gray is raising her niece Livy after losing her brother to C, effectively unemployed, has a pond scum ex who stole her savings, and is living in a seniors-only apartment building where all of the oldsters are quirky and would do anything to help her.
Who killed Freddie? Who is Wyatt (the hunky guy with one name) really? How did Emerson and her BFF manage to establish a fake PI firm with the imaginative help of my favorite character, a teenaged wheelchair mobile Wunderkind who thinks she is in charge?
#DefinitelyMaybeNotADetective by Sarah Fox @the_write_fox @ballantinebooks Pub Jan 06, 2026
#romcom #CozyMystery #seniorsquad #snarky #romance #bookstagram #banter #fakePI #jobless #laughedmysoxoff #Mysterythriller #speakeasy #BFF #disabledgenius #misadventures
Who killed Freddie? Who is Wyatt (the hunky guy with one name) really? How did Emerson and her BFF manage to establish a fake PI firm with the imaginative help of my favorite character, a teenaged wheelchair mobile Wunderkind who thinks she is in charge?
#DefinitelyMaybeNotADetective by Sarah Fox @the_write_fox @ballantinebooks Pub Jan 06, 2026
#romcom #CozyMystery #seniorsquad #snarky #romance #bookstagram #banter #fakePI #jobless #laughedmysoxoff #Mysterythriller #speakeasy #BFF #disabledgenius #misadventures
August 24, 2025
In the interest of full disclosure, I received an ARC of Definitely Maybe Not a Detective by Sarah Fox from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is a quirky murder romcom that wants to be Only Murders in the Building meets a Hallmark mystery night featuring a hot man with no last name, an annoyingly cute child with an inept broke millennial guardian, and the world’s most involved retirement community. And to its credit, it kind of is. But while the premise of a fake PI setup turns very real when someone is actually murdered is undeniably fun, it didn’t quite land for me in execution. The book was chaotic and tropey, which I can totally get behind, but the pacing wasn’t great and the characters were too stereotypical to be engaging leaving me bored more often than not.
Let’s start with the good: the concept is excellent. Emersyn is a recently unemployed single aunt raising her niece, Livvy, in a 55+ apartment complex after the death of her brother. She’s broke, overwhelmed, and very much spiraling when she decides to scare her scammy ex by pretending to hire a private investigator. Enter Wyatt, a tall, hot, mysterious stranger with the same name as her fake PI. One thing leads to another, and somehow the two of them get roped into solving a real murder involving one of the residents. Like I said, the bones are good - the setting was fun and lends itself well to a series, and the side characters were solid if a little over the top, although I will admit I smiled a few times at the seniors’ antics. The found-family vibes are there. I see what this book was going for, and I respect the vision.
Things I loved: The apartment complex murder mystery vibes. It was no Martin and Short, but it was something. And, like I said above, the meddling seniors were a highlight. Were they realistic? No. Were they entertaining? Absolutely. I also think this book could be a great start for a cozy mystery series with fun recurring characters, which I hope is where Fox is going with this.
Things I didn’t: The FMC. Emersyn is supposed to be a charmingly relatable mess, but she mostly just came off as a regular mess. Her inner monologue was chaotic in a way that distracted more than entertained, and her general lack of follow-through and basic decision-making made me side with her parents on the whole custody issue (never a great sign). I’m sorry, but if a child is depending on you, being unable to commit the barest professionalism in a customer service job (as in, don’t assault a customer no matter how rude) isn’t cute. It’s irresponsible. She was also a reactive doormat to literally everyone, including a teenager who bullied her into illegally investigating the murder in the first place (although shoutout for the wheelchair use rep I guess). I genuinely do not understand why the MMC was into her. Usually, I don’t even like dual POV romances, but in this case, I think it was necessary if only to make Wyatt and Emersyn’s relationship felt more like a romance and less like a narrative checkbox. And speaking of narrative checkboxes, the pacing was a mess of them. This book had a lot going on: murder, custody battles, grief, fake jobs, actual jobs, romance, two love interests, money problem… and yet somehow it still dragged. Part of the problem was that I guessed the killer way too early, and then had to wait around for the characters to catch up. It didn’t make me feel clever though, it made the book feel dumb.
Final thoughts: This book was a classic case of “vibes over logic.” And that’s not necessarily a bad thing because cozy mysteries often thrive on quirky chaos. But for me, the character dynamics weren’t developed enough, the romance lacked chemistry, and the mystery wasn’t compelling enough to make up for it.
Still, if you like slightly unhinged women who make terrible decisions, hot mysterious men who stick around for no discernible reason, meet-cutes that feature public nudity, and murder-solving grandmas, there’s fun to be had here. It’s a quick and easy beach read, and there is always room on the shelf for one of those. I’ll probably skip the sequel if there is one, but I won’t fault anyone else for giving it a chance. I give the book 2.5 stars rounded up to 3 here.
Perfect for fans of: cozy mysteries with chaotic heroines, Only Murders in the Building, eccentric old folks and nosy neighbors, tragic backstories, disability representation, meet-cutes that feature public nudity, fake it til you make it vibes, and books that feel like they should be a 6-episode Hulu mini-series starring someone with a messy bun and three emotional support tote bags.
This is a quirky murder romcom that wants to be Only Murders in the Building meets a Hallmark mystery night featuring a hot man with no last name, an annoyingly cute child with an inept broke millennial guardian, and the world’s most involved retirement community. And to its credit, it kind of is. But while the premise of a fake PI setup turns very real when someone is actually murdered is undeniably fun, it didn’t quite land for me in execution. The book was chaotic and tropey, which I can totally get behind, but the pacing wasn’t great and the characters were too stereotypical to be engaging leaving me bored more often than not.
Let’s start with the good: the concept is excellent. Emersyn is a recently unemployed single aunt raising her niece, Livvy, in a 55+ apartment complex after the death of her brother. She’s broke, overwhelmed, and very much spiraling when she decides to scare her scammy ex by pretending to hire a private investigator. Enter Wyatt, a tall, hot, mysterious stranger with the same name as her fake PI. One thing leads to another, and somehow the two of them get roped into solving a real murder involving one of the residents. Like I said, the bones are good - the setting was fun and lends itself well to a series, and the side characters were solid if a little over the top, although I will admit I smiled a few times at the seniors’ antics. The found-family vibes are there. I see what this book was going for, and I respect the vision.
Things I loved: The apartment complex murder mystery vibes. It was no Martin and Short, but it was something. And, like I said above, the meddling seniors were a highlight. Were they realistic? No. Were they entertaining? Absolutely. I also think this book could be a great start for a cozy mystery series with fun recurring characters, which I hope is where Fox is going with this.
Things I didn’t: The FMC. Emersyn is supposed to be a charmingly relatable mess, but she mostly just came off as a regular mess. Her inner monologue was chaotic in a way that distracted more than entertained, and her general lack of follow-through and basic decision-making made me side with her parents on the whole custody issue (never a great sign). I’m sorry, but if a child is depending on you, being unable to commit the barest professionalism in a customer service job (as in, don’t assault a customer no matter how rude) isn’t cute. It’s irresponsible. She was also a reactive doormat to literally everyone, including a teenager who bullied her into illegally investigating the murder in the first place (although shoutout for the wheelchair use rep I guess). I genuinely do not understand why the MMC was into her. Usually, I don’t even like dual POV romances, but in this case, I think it was necessary if only to make Wyatt and Emersyn’s relationship felt more like a romance and less like a narrative checkbox. And speaking of narrative checkboxes, the pacing was a mess of them. This book had a lot going on: murder, custody battles, grief, fake jobs, actual jobs, romance, two love interests, money problem… and yet somehow it still dragged. Part of the problem was that I guessed the killer way too early, and then had to wait around for the characters to catch up. It didn’t make me feel clever though, it made the book feel dumb.
Final thoughts: This book was a classic case of “vibes over logic.” And that’s not necessarily a bad thing because cozy mysteries often thrive on quirky chaos. But for me, the character dynamics weren’t developed enough, the romance lacked chemistry, and the mystery wasn’t compelling enough to make up for it.
Still, if you like slightly unhinged women who make terrible decisions, hot mysterious men who stick around for no discernible reason, meet-cutes that feature public nudity, and murder-solving grandmas, there’s fun to be had here. It’s a quick and easy beach read, and there is always room on the shelf for one of those. I’ll probably skip the sequel if there is one, but I won’t fault anyone else for giving it a chance. I give the book 2.5 stars rounded up to 3 here.
Perfect for fans of: cozy mysteries with chaotic heroines, Only Murders in the Building, eccentric old folks and nosy neighbors, tragic backstories, disability representation, meet-cutes that feature public nudity, fake it til you make it vibes, and books that feel like they should be a 6-episode Hulu mini-series starring someone with a messy bun and three emotional support tote bags.
November 6, 2025
Definitely Maybe Not a Detective by Sarah Fox
Thank you to Ballantine | Bantam and NetGalley for my gifted ARC.
Emersyn Gray is definitely not a detective—but she is broke, frustrated, underqualified for life, and now living in a seniors-only apartment building with her niece, Livy, after her ex-boyfriend stole every dime she had. Naturally, this makes her the perfect candidate to start a fake private investigation agency. Or, more accurately, to let her chaos-loving best friend print out fake business cards and launch a website for an imaginary agency meant to scare said ex into coughing up her money.
Except there’s a murder.
And Emersyn accidentally drops one of those fake business cards.
And her neighbors—God bless their retiree hearts and complete disregard for boundaries—hire her fake PI firm to solve it.
Enter Wyatt: a hot, mysterious stranger who coincidentally shares the name of the fake agency and shows up just in time to play along. Because of course he does. Emersyn doesn’t know if he’s a guardian angel, an undercover spy, or just a good Samaritan with perfect teeth and questionable free time, but she rolls with it. Mostly because she has no better ideas. And also because… well, again: hot.
The vibe here is very Only Murders in the Building meets Finlay Donovan with a dash of Janet Evanovich. The senior squad at The Mirage—Emersyn’s hilariously named apartment complex—is a goldmine of comic relief and suspicious motives. Everyone has a theory. Everyone has a secret. And half of them have matching tracksuits and enough energy to launch their own true crime podcast.
The mystery itself is solid. It’s not Agatha Christie twisty, but it’s well-paced, full of red herrings, and wrapped in enough small-town shenanigans to keep you hooked. There’s a real sense of community throughout, and that’s where the book shines. The quirky ensemble cast—especially Theo, the sarcastic, wheelchair-using teen with FBI-level intelligence and no tolerance for adult nonsense—is pitch perfect.
The romance? A slow simmer with a few kisses and a whole lot of unresolved tension. Wyatt is suspiciously helpful and always around, which is both charming and mildly alarming. Emersyn keeps him at arm’s length, which makes sense given her trust issues, but her constant “he’s hot but he could be a serial killer” inner monologue starts to get repetitive. Still, the chemistry is there. It’s just more warm than steamy.
Now, if you’re expecting a neatly wrapped love story or a big romantic payoff, pump the brakes. This isn’t that kind of book—at least not yet. It’s clearly setting the stage for a series, and while the murder is resolved, Emersyn’s emotional arc and relationship with Wyatt are still works in progress. If you’re a fan of slow-burn series where each installment builds the personal stakes while delivering a new mystery, this will be right up your alley.
Where the book truly succeeds is tone. It’s witty, self-aware, and emotionally grounded. Emersyn’s grief over her brother, her fierce love for Livy, her complicated relationship with her parents—it’s all handled with nuance. The balance between humor and heart is what elevates this from just another cozy mystery to something that lingers a little longer after the last page.
Quote that nailed the book’s energy:
“Then why is my name on the business cards?”
Equal parts panic, comedy, and destiny. Perfect.
Do I want more? Absolutely. Emersyn, Theo, Jemma, Wyatt, and the entire Mirage crew have franchise potential written all over them. Do I trust any of them to legally operate a real detective agency? Not even a little. Will I read book two? Immediately.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5 stars)
Smart, funny, and packed with chaotic charm. A strong start to what I hope becomes a long-running series.
#DefinitelyMaybeNotADetective #NetGalley #SarahFox #CozyMystery #RomanticMystery #AmateurSleuth #OnlyMurdersVibes #FakeDetectivesRealMurder #BookReview #CozyRomComMystery #MysteryBookRecs #ReadersOfInstagram #ARCReview #BallantineBooks
Thank you to Ballantine | Bantam and NetGalley for my gifted ARC.
Emersyn Gray is definitely not a detective—but she is broke, frustrated, underqualified for life, and now living in a seniors-only apartment building with her niece, Livy, after her ex-boyfriend stole every dime she had. Naturally, this makes her the perfect candidate to start a fake private investigation agency. Or, more accurately, to let her chaos-loving best friend print out fake business cards and launch a website for an imaginary agency meant to scare said ex into coughing up her money.
Except there’s a murder.
And Emersyn accidentally drops one of those fake business cards.
And her neighbors—God bless their retiree hearts and complete disregard for boundaries—hire her fake PI firm to solve it.
Enter Wyatt: a hot, mysterious stranger who coincidentally shares the name of the fake agency and shows up just in time to play along. Because of course he does. Emersyn doesn’t know if he’s a guardian angel, an undercover spy, or just a good Samaritan with perfect teeth and questionable free time, but she rolls with it. Mostly because she has no better ideas. And also because… well, again: hot.
The vibe here is very Only Murders in the Building meets Finlay Donovan with a dash of Janet Evanovich. The senior squad at The Mirage—Emersyn’s hilariously named apartment complex—is a goldmine of comic relief and suspicious motives. Everyone has a theory. Everyone has a secret. And half of them have matching tracksuits and enough energy to launch their own true crime podcast.
The mystery itself is solid. It’s not Agatha Christie twisty, but it’s well-paced, full of red herrings, and wrapped in enough small-town shenanigans to keep you hooked. There’s a real sense of community throughout, and that’s where the book shines. The quirky ensemble cast—especially Theo, the sarcastic, wheelchair-using teen with FBI-level intelligence and no tolerance for adult nonsense—is pitch perfect.
The romance? A slow simmer with a few kisses and a whole lot of unresolved tension. Wyatt is suspiciously helpful and always around, which is both charming and mildly alarming. Emersyn keeps him at arm’s length, which makes sense given her trust issues, but her constant “he’s hot but he could be a serial killer” inner monologue starts to get repetitive. Still, the chemistry is there. It’s just more warm than steamy.
Now, if you’re expecting a neatly wrapped love story or a big romantic payoff, pump the brakes. This isn’t that kind of book—at least not yet. It’s clearly setting the stage for a series, and while the murder is resolved, Emersyn’s emotional arc and relationship with Wyatt are still works in progress. If you’re a fan of slow-burn series where each installment builds the personal stakes while delivering a new mystery, this will be right up your alley.
Where the book truly succeeds is tone. It’s witty, self-aware, and emotionally grounded. Emersyn’s grief over her brother, her fierce love for Livy, her complicated relationship with her parents—it’s all handled with nuance. The balance between humor and heart is what elevates this from just another cozy mystery to something that lingers a little longer after the last page.
Quote that nailed the book’s energy:
“Then why is my name on the business cards?”
Equal parts panic, comedy, and destiny. Perfect.
Do I want more? Absolutely. Emersyn, Theo, Jemma, Wyatt, and the entire Mirage crew have franchise potential written all over them. Do I trust any of them to legally operate a real detective agency? Not even a little. Will I read book two? Immediately.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5 stars)
Smart, funny, and packed with chaotic charm. A strong start to what I hope becomes a long-running series.
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June 26, 2025An urban cozy mystery romp with a sweet secondary romance between a struggling single parent turned accidental investigator and the mystery man who thinks she’s a delightful mess.
_____
Emersyn Gray is really going through it. After getting fired from yet another part time gig, and having her life savings scammed away by an evil ex, she doesn’t know how she’ll make the bills to support both herself and her late brother’s young niece. So when she stumbles onto a murder in her apartment building it doesn’t make things better. Nor do the accusations leveled at her friend and elderly neighbor for committing the crime.
Wyatt [last name redacted by him for much of the book] crosses the tornado of doom that is Emersyn in a bush outside a country club as she plans on confronting her scammer of an ex. When he returns the phone she lost he becomes ensnared in an adventure to discover who really killed Freddie the creep using a fake detective agency with fake employees and zero authority to actually do anything. And still, they persisted.
This is a fun and fast read with just enough romance to keep readers engaged beyond the murder plot. The emotions that Emersyn goes through in her grief process, dealing with overbearing parents, financial insecurity, loving her niece, and being afraid of betrayal feel genuine. We’re rooting for her to both get a W and get out of her own way.
Not having Wyatt’s point of view makes sense for a straight on mystery, but Romances often lose something important when one half of a couple is an emotional mystery. There’s a flattening of Wyatt’s character where I often wondered why he was so persistent with a woman who was sending off all the signals of Leave Me Alone. He didn’t have to be there, unlike some pairings where the couple is forced proximity to solve a case. If we could see into his thoughts and feelings it would have made their relationship more vital and tipped this into the Romance genre. As it was, his crush didn’t make that much sense unless he had an intense instant physical attraction at first sight.
The secondary characters inject levity and balance out the emotional pathos well. Theo as the force of nature teen that decides they are going to do this detective thing or else brought genuine humor to the story.
Fans of Lucy Score’s Dead Guy Next Door and Only Murders in the Building will find something to enjoy in Definitely Maybe Not a Detective.
———
Series: Not currently marked as a series starter as of June 2025, but seems to indicate more will follow in the conclusion
Themes/Tropes: cozy mystery with romantic subplot, grief recovery, heroine riding the struggle bus, guardian of young child, single gal backed into a corner by a bad ex, crappy mother figure, mysterious man
Steam/Spice Level: first base only, nothing beyond kissing
Setting: vague New York City
BIPOC Characters: yes, secondary characters
LGBTQ+ Characters: yes, secondary characters
POV: first person, past tense, single POV (heroine only)
Cops/LEO: the cops are only a side element
Billionaires: he’s wealthy but not evil big B wealthy
Kids or Teens: yes, heroine is the guardian to her very young niece after she loses both parents, she’s a good kid and very sweet
Is there an HEA: not by the Romance genre definition, but a tentative Happy For Now, getting to know each other, and potential if there are more books in the series
__________
Advanced Readers Copy provided by Bantam. Expected publication date: January 6th, 2026
_____
Emersyn Gray is really going through it. After getting fired from yet another part time gig, and having her life savings scammed away by an evil ex, she doesn’t know how she’ll make the bills to support both herself and her late brother’s young niece. So when she stumbles onto a murder in her apartment building it doesn’t make things better. Nor do the accusations leveled at her friend and elderly neighbor for committing the crime.
Wyatt [last name redacted by him for much of the book] crosses the tornado of doom that is Emersyn in a bush outside a country club as she plans on confronting her scammer of an ex. When he returns the phone she lost he becomes ensnared in an adventure to discover who really killed Freddie the creep using a fake detective agency with fake employees and zero authority to actually do anything. And still, they persisted.
This is a fun and fast read with just enough romance to keep readers engaged beyond the murder plot. The emotions that Emersyn goes through in her grief process, dealing with overbearing parents, financial insecurity, loving her niece, and being afraid of betrayal feel genuine. We’re rooting for her to both get a W and get out of her own way.
Not having Wyatt’s point of view makes sense for a straight on mystery, but Romances often lose something important when one half of a couple is an emotional mystery. There’s a flattening of Wyatt’s character where I often wondered why he was so persistent with a woman who was sending off all the signals of Leave Me Alone. He didn’t have to be there, unlike some pairings where the couple is forced proximity to solve a case. If we could see into his thoughts and feelings it would have made their relationship more vital and tipped this into the Romance genre. As it was, his crush didn’t make that much sense unless he had an intense instant physical attraction at first sight.
The secondary characters inject levity and balance out the emotional pathos well. Theo as the force of nature teen that decides they are going to do this detective thing or else brought genuine humor to the story.
Fans of Lucy Score’s Dead Guy Next Door and Only Murders in the Building will find something to enjoy in Definitely Maybe Not a Detective.
———
Series: Not currently marked as a series starter as of June 2025, but seems to indicate more will follow in the conclusion
Themes/Tropes: cozy mystery with romantic subplot, grief recovery, heroine riding the struggle bus, guardian of young child, single gal backed into a corner by a bad ex, crappy mother figure, mysterious man
Steam/Spice Level: first base only, nothing beyond kissing
Setting: vague New York City
BIPOC Characters: yes, secondary characters
LGBTQ+ Characters: yes, secondary characters
POV: first person, past tense, single POV (heroine only)
Cops/LEO: the cops are only a side element
Billionaires: he’s wealthy but not evil big B wealthy
Kids or Teens: yes, heroine is the guardian to her very young niece after she loses both parents, she’s a good kid and very sweet
Is there an HEA: not by the Romance genre definition, but a tentative Happy For Now, getting to know each other, and potential if there are more books in the series
__________
Advanced Readers Copy provided by Bantam. Expected publication date: January 6th, 2026
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
📚Definitely Maybe Not a Detective
✍🏻Sarah Fox
Blurb:
In this delightfully charming rom-com mystery, a woman becomes accidentally entangled in a murder investigation (and with a handsome stranger) when her fake detective agency is enlisted to solve a real homicide—from the bestselling author of the Pancake House Mysteries.
Emersyn Gray is definitely not a detective.
Really, she’s an unemployed twenty-eight-year-old raising her beloved niece in the only place she can afford after her ex-boyfriend ran off with her life a run-down, seniors-only apartment complex that was desperate for tenants. But never fear—her wild best friend has the perfect plan to get Emersyn back on her feet and stick it to her thieving scare him into returning her money by hiring a private investigator to prove he stole it. Only, there won’t be an actual detective, just a fabricated business card from Wyatt Investigations. . .and a ridiculously hot stranger who steps in to play the part—a stranger whose name is, coincidentally, Wyatt.
Emersyn can’t help but notice the real-life Wyatt is capital H-O-T hot, even though she’s wary of his intentions. But her ex does seem flustered, and if she can get her money back and regain control of her life, maybe it’ll finally prove to her parents that she can be a responsible caregiver to her niece.
But the day after they set their plan in motion, the superintendent of Emersyn’s apartment building winds up dead, and her neighbors turn to her fake detective for help after finding one of the phony business cards. With so many eyes on them—or maybe just their eyes on each other—Emersyn and Wyatt agree to take on the case. Now the question Can they solve the murder without getting tangled up in their own fictions—or each other?
My Thoughts:
a fun mystery with an engaging cast of characters. Emersyn Gray is struggling to make ends meet while raising her niece. Fired from yet another job after being laid off from her previous one due to budget cuts she's unsure how to get her life back on track and keep her parents from taking away her guardianship for niece, Livy. Emersyn's best friend Jemma attempts to help her recover the savings Em's ex-boyfriend stole from her to help. Together they concoct a plan to threaten Hoffman, Emersyn's ex ,with being investigated by a private detective if he doesn't return her stolen money. Emersyn Gray gets caught in the middle of a murder investigation when her fake agency is enlisted to help solve a real murder at her apartment complex. Will she solve it or will she need some help from her bestie and a ruggedly handsome stranger named Wyatt? This book was a really fun read, being a great blend of romance, mystery, and humor. I loved all the eccentric building residents when a mysterious stranger named Wyatt steps in to save Emersyn from embarrassment while also claiming to be that P.I., things get complicated fast. Emersyn can't get over how attracted she is to Wyatt, and she also can't escape the web of lies she's constructed around this P.I. Along the way she, her best friend, Wyatt, and a precious teenage neighbor might just get ahead of things and actually solve a mystery. Or they may all go down in a burning ball of disaster.
Thanks NetGalley, Bantam and Author Sarah Fox for the advanced copy of "Definitely Maybe Not a Detective" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#BantamBooks
#SarahFox
#DefinitelyMaybeNotaDetective
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⚠️Trigger Warnings: Death, Murder
✍🏻Sarah Fox
Blurb:
In this delightfully charming rom-com mystery, a woman becomes accidentally entangled in a murder investigation (and with a handsome stranger) when her fake detective agency is enlisted to solve a real homicide—from the bestselling author of the Pancake House Mysteries.
Emersyn Gray is definitely not a detective.
Really, she’s an unemployed twenty-eight-year-old raising her beloved niece in the only place she can afford after her ex-boyfriend ran off with her life a run-down, seniors-only apartment complex that was desperate for tenants. But never fear—her wild best friend has the perfect plan to get Emersyn back on her feet and stick it to her thieving scare him into returning her money by hiring a private investigator to prove he stole it. Only, there won’t be an actual detective, just a fabricated business card from Wyatt Investigations. . .and a ridiculously hot stranger who steps in to play the part—a stranger whose name is, coincidentally, Wyatt.
Emersyn can’t help but notice the real-life Wyatt is capital H-O-T hot, even though she’s wary of his intentions. But her ex does seem flustered, and if she can get her money back and regain control of her life, maybe it’ll finally prove to her parents that she can be a responsible caregiver to her niece.
But the day after they set their plan in motion, the superintendent of Emersyn’s apartment building winds up dead, and her neighbors turn to her fake detective for help after finding one of the phony business cards. With so many eyes on them—or maybe just their eyes on each other—Emersyn and Wyatt agree to take on the case. Now the question Can they solve the murder without getting tangled up in their own fictions—or each other?
My Thoughts:
a fun mystery with an engaging cast of characters. Emersyn Gray is struggling to make ends meet while raising her niece. Fired from yet another job after being laid off from her previous one due to budget cuts she's unsure how to get her life back on track and keep her parents from taking away her guardianship for niece, Livy. Emersyn's best friend Jemma attempts to help her recover the savings Em's ex-boyfriend stole from her to help. Together they concoct a plan to threaten Hoffman, Emersyn's ex ,with being investigated by a private detective if he doesn't return her stolen money. Emersyn Gray gets caught in the middle of a murder investigation when her fake agency is enlisted to help solve a real murder at her apartment complex. Will she solve it or will she need some help from her bestie and a ruggedly handsome stranger named Wyatt? This book was a really fun read, being a great blend of romance, mystery, and humor. I loved all the eccentric building residents when a mysterious stranger named Wyatt steps in to save Emersyn from embarrassment while also claiming to be that P.I., things get complicated fast. Emersyn can't get over how attracted she is to Wyatt, and she also can't escape the web of lies she's constructed around this P.I. Along the way she, her best friend, Wyatt, and a precious teenage neighbor might just get ahead of things and actually solve a mystery. Or they may all go down in a burning ball of disaster.
Thanks NetGalley, Bantam and Author Sarah Fox for the advanced copy of "Definitely Maybe Not a Detective" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#BantamBooks
#SarahFox
#DefinitelyMaybeNotaDetective
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⚠️Trigger Warnings: Death, Murder
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