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Murder Will Out
Minotaur Books/Mystery Writers of America First Crime Novel Award winner Jennifer K. Breedlove brings coastal Maine to life in Murder Will Out, a lighter, modern gothic mystery that's as atmospheric as it is heart-warming.
Come for the memories. Stay for the murder...
Little North Island, off the coast of Maine, is so beautiful it could be a postcard. Organist Willow Stone cherishes her memories of childhood summers spent on the island with her godmother Sue... even though her visits ended abruptly, and she hasn't seen or heard from her godmother in over fifteen years. Until a letter from Sue—and word of Sue’s death—brings Willow back to the picturesque island.
The islanders rarely mention Sue without also bringing up Cameron House, and the controversy around Sue’s unexpected inheritance of the sprawling mansion. When Willow overhears someone threatening the next heir to the property, she starts to question whether Sue’s death was really an accident, and can’t help but wonder whether someone on this sleepy island is willing to stop at nothing—even murder—to claim Cameron House for their own.
Through Willow’s eyes, as well as those of others on the island, a mystery unfolds that keeps drawing Willow back to Cameron House and the very real ghosts that walk its corridors.
Come for the memories. Stay for the murder...
Little North Island, off the coast of Maine, is so beautiful it could be a postcard. Organist Willow Stone cherishes her memories of childhood summers spent on the island with her godmother Sue... even though her visits ended abruptly, and she hasn't seen or heard from her godmother in over fifteen years. Until a letter from Sue—and word of Sue’s death—brings Willow back to the picturesque island.
The islanders rarely mention Sue without also bringing up Cameron House, and the controversy around Sue’s unexpected inheritance of the sprawling mansion. When Willow overhears someone threatening the next heir to the property, she starts to question whether Sue’s death was really an accident, and can’t help but wonder whether someone on this sleepy island is willing to stop at nothing—even murder—to claim Cameron House for their own.
Through Willow’s eyes, as well as those of others on the island, a mystery unfolds that keeps drawing Willow back to Cameron House and the very real ghosts that walk its corridors.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published February 17, 2026
54 people are currently reading
12650 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 296 reviews
December 24, 2025
An interesting mix of paranormal Gothic, mystery, and genealogical delight. But for me, the three modes didn't add up as well as needed. I liked it all, but it was missing that charm, that underlying tension of "I must know what's going on." Loved solving the various generational gaps and missing relatives. But I also felt like the connection between the main character and her pseudo aunt and godmother was contrived. That said, I also knew where it was going in the long-run, so I held on, hoping it would pop at some point. I liked it... just wish there was something stronger to latch on to. I'll give the author's next book a chance again tho, as it has all the elements to be successful. Sometimes debuts in this genre aren't the author's amazing releases.... those come a bit later!
October 29, 2025
Willow is a graduate student in Chicago who has fond memories of spending summers as a child with her godmother Sue in Maine. She never understood why her parents stopped the visits, and is surprised to receive a letter from Sue urging her to return. She learns that Sue has died from a fall which the police deem accidental, but Willow is suspicious. The old house was where Sue lived caring for its owner, Effie, until Effie died. Were both women murdered by someone who wanted to claim Cameron House? Then there is another suspicious death, and Willow starts to see lights in the old house. She meets some of the deceased inhabitants, but doesn’t tell her new friends lest they think her mad. There are so many secrets in this atmospheric Maine town, and so many things that no one wants known. Willow’s curiosity gets her in trouble, but also provide remarkable revelations. Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for allowing me to review an advance copy of this amazing first novel.
November 10, 2025
I really struggled with this story. I really wanted to like it. The atmosphere was there, the paranormal was there, the house was alive, and yet, I just couldn't like Willow. She was awkward, meek, and everything I don't like in a heroine, and I just couldn't get past it. I wanted to feel for her, I wanted to like her, but I couldn't connect at all.
I think the best part of this story, was the house and all it's occupants. There were real, they breathed life, and terror into the story and added what Willow didn't. And while Willow did grow stronger and more assertive by the end, it was almost too late to really feel for her, to really connect.
This wasn't a bad story, and it did have a nice mystery element as well as the paranormal. I think, it just wasn't quite for me.
*ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
I think the best part of this story, was the house and all it's occupants. There were real, they breathed life, and terror into the story and added what Willow didn't. And while Willow did grow stronger and more assertive by the end, it was almost too late to really feel for her, to really connect.
This wasn't a bad story, and it did have a nice mystery element as well as the paranormal. I think, it just wasn't quite for me.
*ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
Did Not Finish
March 28, 2026Not a fan of the LGBTQ+ thing. Won in a Goodreads giveaway, but it did not mention it was based on a same-sex couple. Aside from that, the storyline seemed intriguing. Just not intriguing enough for me to push past the lesbian characters.
February 23, 2026
A highly enjoyable blend of a cozy small-town setting, genealogical research, and the paranormal. Gorgeous writing and plenty of emotion.
I’d compare it to THE SECRET, BOOK & SCONE SOCIETY by Ellery Adams (characters + vibes) and THE TREASURE HUNTERS CLUB by Tom Ryan (setting + big old house).
I’d compare it to THE SECRET, BOOK & SCONE SOCIETY by Ellery Adams (characters + vibes) and THE TREASURE HUNTERS CLUB by Tom Ryan (setting + big old house).
November 27, 2025
So slow and dull. And read much more like a cozy mystery than a regular mystery, if that makes sense?
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
a gothic novel set in maine?? sign me up!! thanks to netgalley & the publisher for the arc :)
whenever i want to love a book, i end up not enjoying it. whenever i don't care about a book, it becomes a favorite book of the year. this book falls into the first category. the premise (old house house off the coast of maine with gothic vibes) was fantastic, but the execution was not.
i think my biggest issue with this book was that i wasn't expecting murder will out to be more of a cozy mystery focused on the characters? now don't get me wrong, i love a good character-driven mystery, but this book didn't have interesting enough characters to do that with
overall, while i did enjoy parts of this (hence the 2.5 star rating), i was just left disappointed. at least the cover is gorgeous??
whenever i want to love a book, i end up not enjoying it. whenever i don't care about a book, it becomes a favorite book of the year. this book falls into the first category. the premise (old house house off the coast of maine with gothic vibes) was fantastic, but the execution was not.
i think my biggest issue with this book was that i wasn't expecting murder will out to be more of a cozy mystery focused on the characters? now don't get me wrong, i love a good character-driven mystery, but this book didn't have interesting enough characters to do that with
overall, while i did enjoy parts of this (hence the 2.5 star rating), i was just left disappointed. at least the cover is gorgeous??
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January 17, 2026MURDER WILL OUT
BY: JENNIFER K BREEDLOVE
This was a very atmospheric chiller so much so that the isolated Little North Island which is described flawlessly by this fantastic new to me Author did an amazing job crafting it as if it was a character. JENNIFER K. BREEDLOVE is extremely talented in her writing prowess in fact, she already is a Minotaur Award Winning Crime Writer and with this excellent novel it''s very apparent why. I was pulled into her storytelling from the Prologue with Effie Cameron who lives in this two hundred year old sprawling mansion who is ninety-nine years old rocking herself in her chair gets smothered by an embroidered pillow. As the murderer says something like nobody will know the difference. This unknown character who also mutters something like calling her stubborn in Cameron House, which Effie's death takes place informed me immediately that the motive must have been greed. Cameron House had been passed down through an inheritance to her since it's two centuries old. Who wouldn't be intrigued wondering whoever this person is I felt the murderer had to do with Cameron House, and someone on this Island. Cameron House which is haunted is also another elaborate character to add to this exquisite, picturesque setting. I needed to know who this murdering character was since I knew it wasn't one of the ghosts.
Willow is a graduate student that lived in Chicago who is a gifted Organ player asks her advisor for some time away since she gets a creamy embossed letter from her honorary Aunt Sue who is really her godmother. After fifteen years of her wonderful memories of spending time at Little North Island, in coastal Maine. Willow had remembered leaving the Island abruptly as a child and thought all along it was because of something wrong that she did. After some research she learns that there is to be a Memorial service because in her newspaper sleuthing she learns that Aunt Sue died in an accidental fall. She must leave at once in order to play the organ during Aunt Sue's Memorial service, which is another story of the push back she gets at first when she arrives. She slowly gets welcomed by a few of the women and an eighty three year old man named Mr. Talbot who after the service and an vicious argument with Aunt Sue's life partner he lands in the hospital, and he was the heir after Aunt Sue died was next to inherit the creepy estate which now Willow questions whether Aunt Sue was murdered, and who tried to poison Mr. Talbot?
As you can see this is a very well written novel with a cast of characters who once they welcome a heartwarming but not a pushover either in Willow's character development with many characters who treat Willow to a pasta meal after she was sent to care for Mr. Talbot who barely made it inside Cameron House which he needed medical attention with no landline and Willow's cell phone having a dead battery. Come pick up a copy of "Murder Will Out," which you can pre-order since it will soon publish next month in February. I really loved this because it's a spooky Gothic Paranormal novel mixed with some grounded and solid characterization. The plot will immerse you to not want to put this down, and it's also quite unique with a quaint and charming storytelling. I didn't want it to end since I don't often come across the original blend of characters you root for, knowing that this is not too scary at all, but I couldn't help but admire this Island in Maine, which is a short distance from where I live in a neighboring State. Before I had my children I would often drive up to bring something to my husband and in my memory I remember him working on a beautiful house, but it was a cool overcast Fall day and I was picturing that choppy Atlantic Ocean in the back of that home which I live in the Seacoast area myself all of my life. That enhanced my reading experiences since we live on the same waterfront property out in the back of our home about 30 feet from our patio, but it is the safest home that I've never been afraid to stay alone. I will be recommending this as a Book Club group read to the one that I lead at our Library, and to all of the other Patrons, and to every reader I know. I'm not ready to say goodbye to this Island which except for the light Gothic elements reminds me so much of our charming small town and I also will want to spend more time with Willow.
Publication Date: February 17, 2026
Thank you to Net Galley, Jennifer K. Breedlove, and St. Martin's Press--Minotaur Books for generously providing me with my SPECTACULAR ARC, in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own, as always.
#MurderWillOut #JenniferKBreedlove #StMartinsPress #MinotaurBooks #NetGalley
BY: JENNIFER K BREEDLOVE
This was a very atmospheric chiller so much so that the isolated Little North Island which is described flawlessly by this fantastic new to me Author did an amazing job crafting it as if it was a character. JENNIFER K. BREEDLOVE is extremely talented in her writing prowess in fact, she already is a Minotaur Award Winning Crime Writer and with this excellent novel it''s very apparent why. I was pulled into her storytelling from the Prologue with Effie Cameron who lives in this two hundred year old sprawling mansion who is ninety-nine years old rocking herself in her chair gets smothered by an embroidered pillow. As the murderer says something like nobody will know the difference. This unknown character who also mutters something like calling her stubborn in Cameron House, which Effie's death takes place informed me immediately that the motive must have been greed. Cameron House had been passed down through an inheritance to her since it's two centuries old. Who wouldn't be intrigued wondering whoever this person is I felt the murderer had to do with Cameron House, and someone on this Island. Cameron House which is haunted is also another elaborate character to add to this exquisite, picturesque setting. I needed to know who this murdering character was since I knew it wasn't one of the ghosts.
Willow is a graduate student that lived in Chicago who is a gifted Organ player asks her advisor for some time away since she gets a creamy embossed letter from her honorary Aunt Sue who is really her godmother. After fifteen years of her wonderful memories of spending time at Little North Island, in coastal Maine. Willow had remembered leaving the Island abruptly as a child and thought all along it was because of something wrong that she did. After some research she learns that there is to be a Memorial service because in her newspaper sleuthing she learns that Aunt Sue died in an accidental fall. She must leave at once in order to play the organ during Aunt Sue's Memorial service, which is another story of the push back she gets at first when she arrives. She slowly gets welcomed by a few of the women and an eighty three year old man named Mr. Talbot who after the service and an vicious argument with Aunt Sue's life partner he lands in the hospital, and he was the heir after Aunt Sue died was next to inherit the creepy estate which now Willow questions whether Aunt Sue was murdered, and who tried to poison Mr. Talbot?
As you can see this is a very well written novel with a cast of characters who once they welcome a heartwarming but not a pushover either in Willow's character development with many characters who treat Willow to a pasta meal after she was sent to care for Mr. Talbot who barely made it inside Cameron House which he needed medical attention with no landline and Willow's cell phone having a dead battery. Come pick up a copy of "Murder Will Out," which you can pre-order since it will soon publish next month in February. I really loved this because it's a spooky Gothic Paranormal novel mixed with some grounded and solid characterization. The plot will immerse you to not want to put this down, and it's also quite unique with a quaint and charming storytelling. I didn't want it to end since I don't often come across the original blend of characters you root for, knowing that this is not too scary at all, but I couldn't help but admire this Island in Maine, which is a short distance from where I live in a neighboring State. Before I had my children I would often drive up to bring something to my husband and in my memory I remember him working on a beautiful house, but it was a cool overcast Fall day and I was picturing that choppy Atlantic Ocean in the back of that home which I live in the Seacoast area myself all of my life. That enhanced my reading experiences since we live on the same waterfront property out in the back of our home about 30 feet from our patio, but it is the safest home that I've never been afraid to stay alone. I will be recommending this as a Book Club group read to the one that I lead at our Library, and to all of the other Patrons, and to every reader I know. I'm not ready to say goodbye to this Island which except for the light Gothic elements reminds me so much of our charming small town and I also will want to spend more time with Willow.
Publication Date: February 17, 2026
Thank you to Net Galley, Jennifer K. Breedlove, and St. Martin's Press--Minotaur Books for generously providing me with my SPECTACULAR ARC, in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own, as always.
#MurderWillOut #JenniferKBreedlove #StMartinsPress #MinotaurBooks #NetGalley
February 17, 2026
This was not at all what I expected, but I had a great time! I didn’t expect the story to be light hearted and goofy at times, but it was a good surprise. It was one of those thrillers that isn’t super serious and it was refreshing.
This book is extremely character driven and I think it worked well for this story. The cast of characters were all fairly enjoyable and easy to get attached to. They all came with their own drama, which I loved. Give me a book with small town drama and arguments and I will be seated! Plus, there is that found family element that I am a sucker for in books!
The mystery was interesting, but it often didn’t feel like the overarching story. It often got lost to the drama unfolding, past and present. The mystery was still interesting, but not really what grabbed my attention with this story. I have more I want to say, but don’t want to spoil anything. I will just say, the time we spent in the Cameron house was my favorite! I would like a spin-off!
I also listened to this book over audio and read it on my Kindle! I throughly enjoyed the audiobook. The narrator did a great job! This was such a fun immersive read!
Overall, I would say this is a good palate cleanser book. If you’ve been reading a lot of dark mystery/thriller books, this is a bit more lighthearted and less serious.
*Thank you so much to NetGalley and St Martins Press/Minotaur Books for an eARC as well as Macmillan Books for an ALC, both in exchange for an honest review!
This book is extremely character driven and I think it worked well for this story. The cast of characters were all fairly enjoyable and easy to get attached to. They all came with their own drama, which I loved. Give me a book with small town drama and arguments and I will be seated! Plus, there is that found family element that I am a sucker for in books!
The mystery was interesting, but it often didn’t feel like the overarching story. It often got lost to the drama unfolding, past and present. The mystery was still interesting, but not really what grabbed my attention with this story. I have more I want to say, but don’t want to spoil anything. I will just say, the time we spent in the Cameron house was my favorite! I would like a spin-off!
I also listened to this book over audio and read it on my Kindle! I throughly enjoyed the audiobook. The narrator did a great job! This was such a fun immersive read!
Overall, I would say this is a good palate cleanser book. If you’ve been reading a lot of dark mystery/thriller books, this is a bit more lighthearted and less serious.
*Thank you so much to NetGalley and St Martins Press/Minotaur Books for an eARC as well as Macmillan Books for an ALC, both in exchange for an honest review!
February 28, 2026
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Willow Stone used to spend summers on Little North Island, off the coast of Maine, with her godmother, “Aunt” Sue. She has many fond memories, but the visits stopped about 15 years ago, and she never knew why. She was surprised when she received a letter from Sue, begging her to come back to the island for her wedding. After a little research, Willow learns that Sue had recently passed away due to an accidental fall. She quickly decides to make the trip.
Sue had been the caretaker of Effie Cameron, who had lived at Cameron House for all of her 99 years. When she passed away, she left the large estate to Sue. Sue had some wonderful ideas to upgrade the place. Now the property will be passed on again, but Willow overhears the new heir being threatened. It concerns her enough to wonder if Sue’s death was truly an accident. Would someone actually commit murder to become the new owner of Cameron House?
Willow was a very interesting protagonist, and from the beginning, I knew it would be intriguing to see how she fit in with all the people she came to interact with. She wasn’t welcomed with open arms, so I was anxious to learn why and then how she would move forward. I was not disappointed. Willow felt so alone in the world when she arrived on Little North Island. Sue was an important part of her life that was stolen away. I don’t want to say too much, but Willow grows so much within these pages.
Cameron House was captivating, almost a character in itself. ” Cameron House and silence were old friends” until ” that chilly March afternoon, the silence in the massive old house was broken” . . . Its inhabitants, both living and dead, grabbed my attention. For me, this really gave the story a cozy mystery feel. Ghosts willing to help and hinder made the story even more appealing. Genealogies have always been an interest of mine, so I found the history of the estate compelling.
The residents of Little North Island are an eclectic group. Some with close bonds; some barely tolerated. Librarian Catherine was a font of information about almost everything and was willing to research anything she wasn’t familiar with. Rina was to be Sue’s wife and was trying her best to deal with the loss. One by one, Willow meets the residents of the island, trying to fit them together, and they trying to understand why she was really there.
The story unfolds at a deliberate pace as Willow and readers see that the island is full of secrets, some long-held, most hoping never to be revealed. Willow’s inquisitive nature is never-ending. She needs to find the truth, but her needs could land her in a world of trouble. The further I got into the story, the faster the pages turned.
Murder Will Out is Ms. Breedlove’s debut. She has put forth a rich, multigenerational mystery with twists and complex characters, set in a fascinating locale. She is definitely an author to watch.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
Willow Stone used to spend summers on Little North Island, off the coast of Maine, with her godmother, “Aunt” Sue. She has many fond memories, but the visits stopped about 15 years ago, and she never knew why. She was surprised when she received a letter from Sue, begging her to come back to the island for her wedding. After a little research, Willow learns that Sue had recently passed away due to an accidental fall. She quickly decides to make the trip.
Sue had been the caretaker of Effie Cameron, who had lived at Cameron House for all of her 99 years. When she passed away, she left the large estate to Sue. Sue had some wonderful ideas to upgrade the place. Now the property will be passed on again, but Willow overhears the new heir being threatened. It concerns her enough to wonder if Sue’s death was truly an accident. Would someone actually commit murder to become the new owner of Cameron House?
Willow was a very interesting protagonist, and from the beginning, I knew it would be intriguing to see how she fit in with all the people she came to interact with. She wasn’t welcomed with open arms, so I was anxious to learn why and then how she would move forward. I was not disappointed. Willow felt so alone in the world when she arrived on Little North Island. Sue was an important part of her life that was stolen away. I don’t want to say too much, but Willow grows so much within these pages.
Cameron House was captivating, almost a character in itself. ” Cameron House and silence were old friends” until ” that chilly March afternoon, the silence in the massive old house was broken” . . . Its inhabitants, both living and dead, grabbed my attention. For me, this really gave the story a cozy mystery feel. Ghosts willing to help and hinder made the story even more appealing. Genealogies have always been an interest of mine, so I found the history of the estate compelling.
The residents of Little North Island are an eclectic group. Some with close bonds; some barely tolerated. Librarian Catherine was a font of information about almost everything and was willing to research anything she wasn’t familiar with. Rina was to be Sue’s wife and was trying her best to deal with the loss. One by one, Willow meets the residents of the island, trying to fit them together, and they trying to understand why she was really there.
The story unfolds at a deliberate pace as Willow and readers see that the island is full of secrets, some long-held, most hoping never to be revealed. Willow’s inquisitive nature is never-ending. She needs to find the truth, but her needs could land her in a world of trouble. The further I got into the story, the faster the pages turned.
Murder Will Out is Ms. Breedlove’s debut. She has put forth a rich, multigenerational mystery with twists and complex characters, set in a fascinating locale. She is definitely an author to watch.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
December 8, 2025
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the ARC!
Unfortunately this is a DNF at 38%. I love the idea of this but the execution isn’t doing it for me. I love the setting but everything else kind of fell flat up to this point.
The dialogue between characters is really strange and formal but also cheesy? And kind of exaggerated? Like, the way Willow interacts with Nick is bizarre. And Willow could be either 15 or 60 but she’s in her late 20s and that just doesn’t seem right. She doesn’t act like that.
I’m mostly bored with it and don’t find myself excited to read it before bed or staying up late to keep reading. Instead I’m putting off picking it up and that’s never a good sign.
I can’t remember is if this was described as a thriller but it feels much more like a cozy mystery than even a regular mystery, which is fine, I like a good cozy mystery on occasion, but not this one. I debated pushing through but subjecting myself to weeks more with this book at this pace is not appealing.
There is definitely an audience for this book, I am just not it at this point.
Unfortunately this is a DNF at 38%. I love the idea of this but the execution isn’t doing it for me. I love the setting but everything else kind of fell flat up to this point.
The dialogue between characters is really strange and formal but also cheesy? And kind of exaggerated? Like, the way Willow interacts with Nick is bizarre. And Willow could be either 15 or 60 but she’s in her late 20s and that just doesn’t seem right. She doesn’t act like that.
I’m mostly bored with it and don’t find myself excited to read it before bed or staying up late to keep reading. Instead I’m putting off picking it up and that’s never a good sign.
I can’t remember is if this was described as a thriller but it feels much more like a cozy mystery than even a regular mystery, which is fine, I like a good cozy mystery on occasion, but not this one. I debated pushing through but subjecting myself to weeks more with this book at this pace is not appealing.
There is definitely an audience for this book, I am just not it at this point.
February 7, 2026
Murder Will Out is about Willow, who finds out her estranged godmother died and goes to the island where she lived to pay her respects, only to find herself at the heart of a murder mystery and an inheritance dispute, oh - and the inheritance is a haunted house.
I enjoyed this book but it felt hard to connect to some of the characters. Finn, the corgi, was probably the most exciting character until we started getting to know Catherine, Nick, and Willow a bit more. Also it felt like we were switching perspectives mid-paragraph at times so that was a bit confusing. The inclusion of the ghosts was interesting but I felt that the mystery felt lower stakes than the plot would have implied. I would recommend for cozy mystery lovers.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur for the ARC!
I enjoyed this book but it felt hard to connect to some of the characters. Finn, the corgi, was probably the most exciting character until we started getting to know Catherine, Nick, and Willow a bit more. Also it felt like we were switching perspectives mid-paragraph at times so that was a bit confusing. The inclusion of the ghosts was interesting but I felt that the mystery felt lower stakes than the plot would have implied. I would recommend for cozy mystery lovers.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur for the ARC!
February 19, 2026
Come for the memories. Stay for the murder…
I really enjoyed this book! It was cozy and spooky and also surprisingly emotional too. I really enjoyed the overall mystery and the paranormal vibes - and of course The Cameron House.
Willow receives a letter, urging her to return to Maine and she finds herself in the middle of a murder mystery. She has some secrets to uncover and there are some good twists and turn!
✨What To Expect:
🌊Small Coastal Town
🥀Gothic Mystery
👻Spooky / Paranormal
🔍Murder Mystery
👀Secrets
⁉️Suspense / Thriller
🦴Finn
I really enjoyed this book! It was cozy and spooky and also surprisingly emotional too. I really enjoyed the overall mystery and the paranormal vibes - and of course The Cameron House.
Willow receives a letter, urging her to return to Maine and she finds herself in the middle of a murder mystery. She has some secrets to uncover and there are some good twists and turn!
✨What To Expect:
🌊Small Coastal Town
🥀Gothic Mystery
👻Spooky / Paranormal
🔍Murder Mystery
👀Secrets
⁉️Suspense / Thriller
🦴Finn
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Murder, ghosts and a mystery. Full RTC
February 19, 2026
Thank you Goodreads, the author and publisher for the book. Interesting story with surised. Well written and easy to read. 4 stars
Stacey Bankey
Stacey Bankey
February 14, 2026
Murder Will Out by Jennifer K. Breedlove
Thank You NetGalley and Minotaur Books for a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review! All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
This is a paranormal gothic cozy mystery. It takes place in Maine. Willow Stone grew up visiting her godmother Sue, during the Summers as a child, but suddenly the visits stopped. Now, 15 years later, Willow receives a letter from Sue urging her to come. But when she arrives, Willow discovers Sue died suddenly by falling off the walkway atop Cameron House that Sue had inherited. Willow is pulled into a mysterious story and adventure regarding Cameron House, where she discovers other have died seemingly under suspicious causes. Presently, while there, Willow is witness to another death, Gerald, the current owner of Cameron House. Apparently, he had been the last known heir to Cameron House, and a Cameron heir must always be living in the house or else the otherworldly beings will cease to exist. Is there another heir to the Cameron House? If so, can Willow locate them before it is too late, and more people die?
For the most part, I enjoyed this novel, but while fiction, the ghosts seemed a bit too much. Not very believable. But made for an interesting story. Otherwise, I enjoyed the mystery of it. AVAILABLE February 17, 2026
Thank You NetGalley and Minotaur Books for a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review! All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
This is a paranormal gothic cozy mystery. It takes place in Maine. Willow Stone grew up visiting her godmother Sue, during the Summers as a child, but suddenly the visits stopped. Now, 15 years later, Willow receives a letter from Sue urging her to come. But when she arrives, Willow discovers Sue died suddenly by falling off the walkway atop Cameron House that Sue had inherited. Willow is pulled into a mysterious story and adventure regarding Cameron House, where she discovers other have died seemingly under suspicious causes. Presently, while there, Willow is witness to another death, Gerald, the current owner of Cameron House. Apparently, he had been the last known heir to Cameron House, and a Cameron heir must always be living in the house or else the otherworldly beings will cease to exist. Is there another heir to the Cameron House? If so, can Willow locate them before it is too late, and more people die?
For the most part, I enjoyed this novel, but while fiction, the ghosts seemed a bit too much. Not very believable. But made for an interesting story. Otherwise, I enjoyed the mystery of it. AVAILABLE February 17, 2026
February 17, 2026
3.5 rounded up. This is the first book in a new series featuring some elements that I like in a cozy story. It’s a little Gothic with a bit of paranormal thrown in. It takes place on a n island off the coast of Maine and is centered around a n old house that more than a few people want to take over. Willow is the protagonist that used to spend summers there as a child.For reasons Willow doesn’t know, her family abruptly stopped allowing her to go there fifteen years ago. Willow’s aunt, who owned the house back then left the place to her friend that Willow had been close to as a child. Willow receives a letter from Sue, her aunt’s friend inviting her to visit but Sue dies before Willow makes it to the island. There are a lot of questions she wants to find answers to so she sets out to get them.
The premise for this new series intrigued me and I did enjoy it but I had difficulty feeling a connection to the characters. From reading other reviews,It seems I’m not the only one who felt this way. Some people simply didn’t care for Willow,but I actually did like her. She also has a dog and I liked him too.
Though this story felt just a bit short in some ways, I think it has potential and I am curious to find out where the next installment will take us.
Special thanks to #MinotaurBooks for an early review copy through #netgalley.
The premise for this new series intrigued me and I did enjoy it but I had difficulty feeling a connection to the characters. From reading other reviews,It seems I’m not the only one who felt this way. Some people simply didn’t care for Willow,but I actually did like her. She also has a dog and I liked him too.
Though this story felt just a bit short in some ways, I think it has potential and I am curious to find out where the next installment will take us.
Special thanks to #MinotaurBooks for an early review copy through #netgalley.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you to St Martins Press, Minotaur & the author for the gifted arc!
This one had everything that will 100% pull me into a story … small town coastal setting with an old haunted mansion, a mysterious death, a disputed inheritance & ghosts on a mission to protect it all.
BUT (and it’s a big one) … this one just didn’t deliver for me. The characters were meh. The story was meh. The ending was meh. And there were just too many things included in the plot that personally I don’t care for. I almost dnf’d this thing several times, but I didn’t want to be too judgey before I gave it a full chance! So there’s that. Sigh.
But hey, just because it wasn't my cup of tea, doesn't mean you won't enjoy it! Plenty of people out there are giving this book really great reviews with all the stars, so please give it a go if it sounds like something you would eat right up! Best of luck to ya!
This one had everything that will 100% pull me into a story … small town coastal setting with an old haunted mansion, a mysterious death, a disputed inheritance & ghosts on a mission to protect it all.
BUT (and it’s a big one) … this one just didn’t deliver for me. The characters were meh. The story was meh. The ending was meh. And there were just too many things included in the plot that personally I don’t care for. I almost dnf’d this thing several times, but I didn’t want to be too judgey before I gave it a full chance! So there’s that. Sigh.
But hey, just because it wasn't my cup of tea, doesn't mean you won't enjoy it! Plenty of people out there are giving this book really great reviews with all the stars, so please give it a go if it sounds like something you would eat right up! Best of luck to ya!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Murder Will Out reads like a paranormal cozy mystery with Cameron House and its surroundings leaning heavily towards a Gothic manor setting.
I found as we were introduced to our FMC Willow the story held promise. I was intrigued with her and her developing story. The introduction to Cameron House and the characters that came along with that held my attention. I wanted to read more about the side characters. The layered mystery felt smart and kept it moving forward at a good pace. Overall I enjoyed this as more of a cozy mystery and I did enjoy most of our characters.
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted e-ARC through Netgalley.
I found as we were introduced to our FMC Willow the story held promise. I was intrigued with her and her developing story. The introduction to Cameron House and the characters that came along with that held my attention. I wanted to read more about the side characters. The layered mystery felt smart and kept it moving forward at a good pace. Overall I enjoyed this as more of a cozy mystery and I did enjoy most of our characters.
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted e-ARC through Netgalley.
February 10, 2026
At first glance, Little North Island is your typical quaint Maine island. However, once you get to know its inhabitants, nothing is as it seems. After fifteen years and a mysterious letter, Willow Stone is back on the island to pay her respects to her godmother, Sue. As Willow spends more time on the island, the bodies start to pile up, and there's a fight for who is the rightful heir to the Cameron House. Someone on the island is out for blood, and they'll stop at nothing to get what they want.
This mystery was a bit slow to start, and I was left wondering when the action would finally pick up (after 50%). I didn't love any of the characters, which made it that much more difficult to get through. However, I did not see the two main twists coming! I thought I had it all figured out, and I was way off. This mystery would be a good summer read - especially if you are in New England. Normally, I love multiple POVs, but at times the POVs jump around, and you aren't sure who is telling the story. Overall, once the story picked up, I couldn't put it down. Not my favorite read of 2026 so far, but a solid mystery!
Thank you to NetGalley, Jennifer K. Breedlove, and Minotaur Books for a copy of this book. I received this ARC for free and am leaving a review voluntarily.
This mystery was a bit slow to start, and I was left wondering when the action would finally pick up (after 50%). I didn't love any of the characters, which made it that much more difficult to get through. However, I did not see the two main twists coming! I thought I had it all figured out, and I was way off. This mystery would be a good summer read - especially if you are in New England. Normally, I love multiple POVs, but at times the POVs jump around, and you aren't sure who is telling the story. Overall, once the story picked up, I couldn't put it down. Not my favorite read of 2026 so far, but a solid mystery!
Thank you to NetGalley, Jennifer K. Breedlove, and Minotaur Books for a copy of this book. I received this ARC for free and am leaving a review voluntarily.
January 25, 2026
3.5 stars. A murder mystery, a house full of ghosts, and a genealogical mystery, too.
The pacing was slow; some things were drawn out that shouldn’t have been.
I thought there were hints to point towards a relationship blooming for Nick and Willow, but it was never explained why they were so snarky with one another. They supposedly had history, but who knows what it was. I still feel like I don’t know anything about Willow, i.e. who she is or what she wants. She wanted to solve the mystery, but everyone on the island kept telling her she didn’t belong, and she didn’t have much personality. I liked a dead character more than all the other characters (Sue).
Some of the genealogy got hard to follow, as well.
The point of view changed multiple times, even within chapters, which didn’t make any sense. I didn’t care about most of the POVs besides Willow’s, because I didn’t need other characters’ thoughts to add anything to the story.
My favorite thing were the ghosts and Finn. Willow wouldn’t have solved it without them.
* I received an eARC from NetGalley, thanks! All opinions are my own.
The pacing was slow; some things were drawn out that shouldn’t have been.
I thought there were hints to point towards a relationship blooming for Nick and Willow, but it was never explained why they were so snarky with one another. They supposedly had history, but who knows what it was. I still feel like I don’t know anything about Willow, i.e. who she is or what she wants. She wanted to solve the mystery, but everyone on the island kept telling her she didn’t belong, and she didn’t have much personality. I liked a dead character more than all the other characters (Sue).
Some of the genealogy got hard to follow, as well.
The point of view changed multiple times, even within chapters, which didn’t make any sense. I didn’t care about most of the POVs besides Willow’s, because I didn’t need other characters’ thoughts to add anything to the story.
My favorite thing were the ghosts and Finn. Willow wouldn’t have solved it without them.
* I received an eARC from NetGalley, thanks! All opinions are my own.
February 6, 2026
The thing I liked best about this book was that it included actual ghosts, which I wasn’t expecting. I was ready for a mystery with metaphorical ghosts, but Cameron House was quite literally haunted and I was pleased.
The intricate plotlines were well done, but I struggled a bit with the delivery of it all. I couldn’t seem to get invested in the story, and some parts felt dull to me.
But in saying that, I could see this being a winner for a lot of people. I think it’s one of those books you just have to try to see if you like it.
Thank you to Minotaur Books for my gifted copy!
The intricate plotlines were well done, but I struggled a bit with the delivery of it all. I couldn’t seem to get invested in the story, and some parts felt dull to me.
But in saying that, I could see this being a winner for a lot of people. I think it’s one of those books you just have to try to see if you like it.
Thank you to Minotaur Books for my gifted copy!
April 5, 2026
Thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and Minotaur Books for the early copy for review!
While I'm generally a sucker for a good slow burn mystery, MURDER WILL OUT is an outlier for me in that regard.
Set on a small island off the coast of Maine and featuring a gothic mansion (and inheritance 👀) this story seemed like it was built for me... Unfortunately, I had a hard time feeling connected to any of the characters, the mystery really dragged out, and the deaths lacked any real gravitas.
Cozy mysteries can often be hit or miss for me and this one falls in the latter category.
While I'm generally a sucker for a good slow burn mystery, MURDER WILL OUT is an outlier for me in that regard.
Set on a small island off the coast of Maine and featuring a gothic mansion (and inheritance 👀) this story seemed like it was built for me... Unfortunately, I had a hard time feeling connected to any of the characters, the mystery really dragged out, and the deaths lacked any real gravitas.
Cozy mysteries can often be hit or miss for me and this one falls in the latter category.
February 17, 2026
Willow has returned for the funeral of her Aunt Sue, and discovers a mystery in regards to the Cameron House. Willow is an interesting character as she comes to terms with her life. The supporting characters fit the story well. A mysterious plot with some creepiness. The story flowed well and kept the readers attention. I loved the ending as the author wrapped everything up for the reader. A solid read.
My review is voluntary and all comments and opinions are my own.
My review is voluntary and all comments and opinions are my own.
April 13, 2026
it’s not your typical fast paced, twist every five pages mystery. It’s slower, moodier, and honestly feels like stepping into a place that’s quietly holding onto secrets.The story follows Willow Stone, an organist who returns to Little North Island in coastal Maine after more than fifteen years away. She used to spend summers there with her godmother Sue, but something happened that cut those visits short, and they lost contact. Now Sue has passed away, leaving behind a letter and a lot of unanswered questions. When Willow gets back, she quickly realizes the island hasn’t forgotten Sue especially when it comes to Cameron House, the massive, controversial mansion Sue inherited.What starts as a visit filled with nostalgia turns into something much more unsettling. Willow overhears threats about the next heir to the house and begins to suspect Sue’s death might not have been an accident at all. As she digs deeper, it becomes clear that beneath the island’s postcard perfect charm, there’s tension, resentment, and people who may be willing to go very far to get what they want.What I really liked about this book is the vibe. It leans into that “modern gothic” feel there are whispers of ghosts, heavy atmosphere, and a sense that the past is never really gone. But at the same time, it’s not overly dark. how Willow reconnects with the island and pieces together her memories.The mystery unfolds through multiple perspectives, which adds layers without making it confusing. It’s less about shocking twists and more about slowly realizing how everything and everyone is connected.Overall, this felt like a quiet but compelling read. It’s the kind of book you sink into rather than race through. If you like mysteries with strong settings, a touch of haunting energy, and a focus on uncovering long buried secrets, this one is definitely worth picking up.
February 3, 2026
Book 11 of 2026 was “Murder Will Out” by Jennifer K. Breedlove, and is her debut novel. This was an Advanced Readers Copy, which was @goodreads giveaway win. A mystery with layers of drama and supernatural, this story will captivate you, and keep you guessing. 4.5 out of 5 ⭐️
Did Not Finish
February 16, 2026No me atrapa. Está tan lento. Y todo es como repetitivo. Están peleando entre ellos, con la muchacha y no dan explicaciones. Lo paranormal llama la atención pero no puedo seguir.
February 20, 2026
This was a light read and an interesting story with colorful characters. I enjoyed the Maine setting and the landscape.
Thank you to #Netgalley and #MacmillanAudio for this ARC.
Thank you to #Netgalley and #MacmillanAudio for this ARC.
March 12, 2026
3.5 STARS
I really enjoyed this story of a family that is very secretive - as well they should since they have so many secrets to maintain. One of the sons falls for someone and brings her to his house to meet the family. Big mistake. I loved this disfunctional family, but I hope she never gets married to them! I listened to the audiobook and thought narration was excellent. I hope you use him again. I want to thank the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for giving me an advanced copy of this audiobook, in return for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this story of a family that is very secretive - as well they should since they have so many secrets to maintain. One of the sons falls for someone and brings her to his house to meet the family. Big mistake. I loved this disfunctional family, but I hope she never gets married to them! I listened to the audiobook and thought narration was excellent. I hope you use him again. I want to thank the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for giving me an advanced copy of this audiobook, in return for an honest review.
March 26, 2026
I didn’t care for this. Not a fan.
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