A Deadly Clue

Hunter and Clewe #3

by Victoria Gilbert

Hunter and Clewe are back in the third Hunter and Clewe mystery, from acclaimed author Victoria Gilbert, when a closed case is reopened after another member of a prominent family is murdered.

Cameron Clewe and Jane Hunter, lovers of all things bookish, are slowly cataloging Cam’s private collection of first edition books acquired from the deceased patriarch of the wealthy Stewart family. When Jane finds a note from Kimberly Stewart Ward, one of the daughters of the Stewart patriarch—who supposedly committed suicide—she discovers someone was actually targeting her with the intention of killing her.  

Jane and Cam decide to look into the supposedly closed case, but their investigation becomes urgent when another member of the Stewart family is found dead from a drug overdose. The victim’s friends claim he’d been clean and sober for years and refuse to accept the cause of death. 

Believing both cases to be connected, Jane and Cam are determined to solve them before any other direct heirs of the family are targeted.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy

288 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication January 13, 2026

About the author

Victoria Gilbert, raised in the shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountain, turned her early obsession with reading into a dual career as an author and librarian.

When not writing or reading, she likes to spend her time watching films, gardening, or traveling. She lives in North Carolina with her husband, son, and some very spoiled cats.

Victoria is a member of Sisters in Crime and Mystery Writers of America, and is represented by Frances Black of Literary Counsel, NY, NY.

Reviews

[Cozybooklady · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an intriguing cozy mystery that pulled me in from the beginning.
Jane and Cameron have a comfortable work relationship and often help to unravel strange things when needed.
In this book, the mystery revolves around A death that happened years ago, and one that happens early in the book.
Jane and Cam are asked to look into the death, but others wish they'd stay out of it.
I was on the edge of my seat the whole time and am pleased with the outcome.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.

[Kathy Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This case begins when Jane Hunter goes to the Stewart family home to pick up some books the man sold to Cameron. She went for ten books but came home with eleven. The extra book was a first edition but a marked up and battered copy. The only thing of interest was a note from Kimberley Stewart Ward - a daughter of the house - indicating that she felt she was in danger. Since Kimberley had died years earlier of an apparent suicide, Cam and Jane are puzzled and look to have discovered their next mystery.

The book must have been added to Jane's bag by a cousin of the family - a cousin who dies of a supposed drug overdose just days after Jane picks up the books.

Deciding to look into the two overdoses, Jane and Cam discover a family used to covering up secrets. After all, there was that mysterious car accident years earlier which killed a woman and child. There are questions about who caused it and who was driving that were covered up at the time.

I enjoyed this mystery. I like the characters of Cam and Jane. Jane is a no-nonsense former librarian who at age 62 is willing to tell Cam when she sees something she doesn't like. Cam is a wealthy young man who suffers from anxiety and some assorted mental quirks. He seldom leaves home and uses Jane as he representative to the world.

Fans of the series will want to read this one.

[Karen Stallman · Rating 5 out of 5]

“A Deadly Clue” by Victoria Gilbert is the 3rd instalment in the Hunter and Clewe Mystery series. I was hooked from start to finish, devouring the entire book in almost one day!

This entertaining page-turner is full of twists, turns, and surprises that kept me guessing. While I did figure out the killer's identity before Jane did, I still found this to be a fun, easy read.

I’m eagerly looking forward to the next book to catch up with Jane, Cam, and their friends. Highly recommended for all fans of cozy mysteries - a must-read!

I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my OWN.

[Beau · Rating 4 out of 5]

After a book appears to be accidentally included in a bulk purchase from a private collection, Jane finds a note that will set her down a path that will unravel a family’s secrets. Meanwhile, Cam is dealing with the unraveled secrets of his own family when a suspicious character comes along claiming his biological father is in danger and only she can help.

There is a small part of me that wants to make this entire review just me going, “Cam... Why are you like that?” but not only do I know why he’s like that, I also owe Victoria Gilbert, NetGalley, and Crooked Lane Books a more thorough review than that. I can’t express in words how excited I was to be approved for an eARC of A Deadly Clue, book three in the Hunter and Clewe Mystery series. So, just imagine a high-pitched screaming noise for a moment.

I adore every single book of Gilbert’s I have had the chance to read, and A Deadly Clue is no exception. I love the role Cam and Jane fulfill for each other—not just partners in crime solving, but two people who didn’t know they needed someone like the other in their lives. I love that Jane nurtures Cam in a way he’s never experienced while also needling him just enough that it encourages him to step outside of his comfort zone and grow as a person. Meanwhile, Cam provides the opportunity for Jane to satisfy her professional interests, her innate curiosity, her sense of justice, and her caring nature. I love getting to read about these two. I love that Jane is the badass of the duo, I love their dynamic, and I love that all of this happens in the background of a fun murder mystery. Although this story was, admittedly, a little sadder than usual, the book embodies exactly why I love the cozy genre so much.

Anyway, if you need me, I shall interchangeably be rubbing the bridge of my nose in exasperation at a certain main character and going “Aww” while making silly little heart eyes at him.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Deadly Clue by Victoria Gilbert is the third book in the Hunter and Clewe series and is every bit as good as the previous two books were. This investigative duo complement each other in their personalities and how they accomplish their sleuthing.

This time Jane Hunter and Cameron Clewe investigate a cold case as well as a recent death, all involving the power Stewart family. Was Kimberly Stewart Ward’s death many years ago at the age of 26 really commit suicide or was she murdered? Did Gabe, a relative of the Stewarts, relapse on drugs or was he murdered? There is a lot of murdering in the Stewart family, if they were indeed murdered.

As they snoop into these deaths, they become acquainted with Malcom Stewart, son of the head of the family, who becomes interested in Lauren, Cam’s assistant. As I read about Lauren’s unrequited love for Cam for about five years, I wonder why she waited for so long. Kind of crazy, I think.

There is a side story of Cam searching for his birth father, who is missing, and the relationship he is forging with Lily and Gordy Glenn (grandmother and great uncle). There are bumps along the way and you can see why as they didn’t make themselves known when he could have used family when he was younger.

The final setting of the dinner party when everything is revealed is a great ending to the story with the killer being revealed. This series has great characters and the setting seems like a lovely place to live. I like Jane’s landlord/friend and his girlfriend, and Jane’s daughter’s blossoming relationship with Taylor is sweet. I like how Jane is patiently working on Cam to bring him out of his awkwardness. I don’t think he’ll ever not be awkward, but he has his moments.

Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Scilla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jane Hunter and Cameron Clewe are sleuthing again in this exciting book. Jane is back home after a visit to her daughter in NY. Cameron asks Jane to get some books he had purchased from Mac in the wealthy Stewart family before Mac's sudden death. When she arrives at the Stewart home she in directed to the Library. She sees a pile of books, and finds all 10 in the pile match her list. Then she sees Gabe Neri there, and he packs up her bag for her. The next morning, she finds that someone has packed up an additional book in her bag which was a well used copy of a Daphne de Maurier book. A note in the back says that says someone wants to harm her but supposedly she died of suicide. Maybe someone did kill her. They then find that Gabe Neri has died unexpectedly. Was Gabe sending a message to Jane and Cameron with the book? Jane later hears from Malcolm that he believes Gabe was murdered.

Meanwhile, Cam is still trying to find his father, and a woman who had claimed she knew where he was wanted a lot of money to find him. As Cam and Jane continue their sleuthing about the Stewart family, Jane gets warnings from from a man who tells her to stop interfering in other people's business. Cam and Jane still go to talk to the lawyer who "helped" with a law case about a car accident many years before. He is not helpful! As the book nears the end, the Stewart family invites Cam to dinner and he can bring three guests. The dinner is to bring Malcom back into the family and he suggested they invite Cam. Malcolm has invited Lauren, so Cam will take Jane, Bailey, and Taylor. Things get a little dicey from here, but it's very exciting.

I thank Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books the ARC so that I could read the book before publication.

[Deborah Almada · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy this series, and the newest addition is no exception. Jayne and Cam are really interesting and wonderful characters, they each have their own baggage and assets, and it adds to the realness of who they are! The fact that they have come to respect and care for each other really add an extra dimension to our stories. In this case, Cam asks Jayne to go to the estate of a fellow book collector and pick up some books he had recently purchased from him before the man passed. Jayne meets a family member who appears to be trying to tell her something before he is interrupted. When Jayne gets to catalog the new purchases, she realizes that an extra book had been given to her in the bag. Inside, she finds a well loved first edition of a book owned by a young woman from the family of the original collector who had committed suicide, as well as a note asking for help. When the gentleman who helped her gather the books at the estate soon turns up dead, can Jayne and Cam just let the coincidences go? What is going on here? What history is the family trying to hide? This was an interesting mystery, Cam is also trying to deal with new information about his family, and Jayne's daughter may actually get "that" part, all this contributes to a really good read! I found the solution a little contrived, but that didn't take away from the overall enjoyment of the book! Thanks to #Netgally, #CrookedLaneBooks, and the author for an opportunity to read! #DeadlyClue #HunterandCleweMysteries #VictoriaGilbert #bookreview #bookideas #retiredreader

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

It looks as if murder stalks the Stewart family.
After being forced into retirement from the university library at 62, Jane Hunter took a position in the private library on the Clewe estate owned by the rather reclusive and phobic thirtysomething Cam Clewe and rents a garage apartment from retired journalist Vince Fisher who abets Hunter and Clewe in their investigations.

Clewe has ordered ten books from the Stewart estate. When Hunter goes to pick them up, she meets more than one family member and finds that she has inadvertently picked up an extra one which contains a note written by a family member who had evidently died by suicide several years ago. But the note is one of frustration that no one believes her insistence that someone was out to murder her. Hmm. In a few days, one of the family members is dead and ruled a suicide. Clewe doesn't believe in that decision and initiates a complex and frustrating investigation. Expect the author's usual fast pace, engaging characters, and really surprising twists. Great!
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected review galley from Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley. Preorder for Jan. 13, 2026.
#ADeadlyClue by #victoriagilbertauthor #HunterandCleweBk3 #crookedlanebooks
#mysterybooks #mysterybookstagram #hunterandclewemystery #preorder #netgalley #familydrama #familydynamics

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

In A DEADLY CLUE by Victoria Gilbert, the next book in the Hunter and Clewe series, Jane Hunter works for Cam (Cameron) Clewe at the Aircroft estate in North Carolina as Cam’s librarian responsible for cataloging his book collection. After Mac Stewart (a friend and rival of Cam’s grandfather) dies, Jane retrieves books from Mac’s collection. My curiosity is piqued when Jane becomes privy to information while visiting her neighbor/landlord, Vince Fisher. One of Mac’s daughters committed suicide, and I want to know more.

Victoria Gilbert does a good job describing the essential characters from the series, so I feel comfortable recommending this book as a standalone. The first two chapters also introduce a lot of new people to keep track of. Cam is an interesting main character, and I want to know more about his relationship with his personal assistant, Lauren. Once things get rolling, the plot moves along at a good pace. I look forward to reading future books in the Hunter and Clewe series. Thank you, Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley, for the chance to read and review an advance reader copy.

[Marion · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been enjoying this series by Gilbert. Especially because of the main characters, Jane and Cameron. Because they are so well-developed. Each of these characters have their quirks, fears, and curiosity to solve cold cases. Jane is a retired librarian that works with Cameron to catalog his rare book collection. Cameron is an intelligent and wealthy young man who has a fear of leaving his house. Cameron asks Jane to pick up some books that he purchased. The owner has died, and Cameron wants to make sure he receives the correct editions of the books. Then Jane and Cam are asked to investigate a recent death and a death that happened many years ago. When they start to investigate, they find out that others don’t want them involved and danger is lurking around every corner. You will find plenty of action, twists and so much more in this book. I highly recommend this series and book and hope that you will pick up a copy. Thank you Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for the ARC in Exchange for an honest review

[SD · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have enjoyed this series from the beginning. The imperfect main characters have grown on me. Their friendship and sleuthing prowess have continued to grow, complementing each other’s strengths and weaknesses. They are stretched as they juggle a couple of murders, emotional challenges, and work. Bailey, Jane’s daughter, is a worldwide, breezing in and cutting the point where others dance around. She is definitely her mother’s daughter with her moxy. Glad to see that Taylor is still around.

This story had a bit more darkness to it; it needed to force an outcome. I didn’t try to guess who or why, I just tucked for the ride. I look forward to seeing what is next in store for this sleuthing team.

Thank you, #NetGalley and #CrookedLaneBooks, for the opportunity to do an early read and share my thoughts on the story.

Happy Reading!

[Joanie Hinton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jane Hunter works for Cameron Clewe as a cataloger for his enormous and growing book collection. They also solve cold case crimes on the side, when they find it necessary. After Jane finds an old note in a book that someone slipped in her tote bag when she went to collect some books Cam purchased. The note is intriguing, but becomes more so when the man who put the book with the note in her bag is found dead. While researching, the pair find way more than they thought they would, many secrets about a very wealth family that it seems will do anything to keep those secrets hidden, even commit murder or murders when they feel it necessary.
(Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy)

[Agatha Marplewood · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Deadly Clue is exactly the kind of cozy mystery I love: smart, tightly plotted, and blissfully free of filler.

Victoria Gilbert brings Jane Hunter and Cam Clewe back for a third outing, and their partnership feels like a true yin and yang, with Jane’s grounded diligence perfectly balancing Cam’s sharp, slightly eccentric brilliance.

The mystery itself blends a cold case and a current death with clues peppered throughout to help you guess along. The cast is compact and easy to track, and there are no random side-plots dragging the story off course.

With satisfying surprises, a great reveal, and a lead who avoids the usual “ditzy sleuth” clichés, this is another winner from Victoria Gilbert and a must-read for cozy fans.

[Kathleen Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jane and Cam have a cold case and a new one on their hands in this third in the delightful series that can also be read just fine as a standalone. She's a 60ish (reluctantly) retired librarian and he's a younger tech whiz with a lot of money and a love of books who rarely leaves his home. This time out Jane finds a note in a volume owned by Kimberly who alleged died by her own hand that suggests that not what happens. Of course she's got to investigate but then another member of the family is killed and well, are Jane and Cam in danger as well? Family secrets, lies, and an old tragedy all combine. I've been a fan of this series for the characters but the mystery is good too. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A good read.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in the series that brings together an older woman and a younger man in the cozy mystery genre. Jane is still cataloging Cameron's personal library while the two of them get involved in another murder mystery. There is both a cold case and a new murder, related but mysterious. At the same time, Cameron finally takes the next step with Lauren, his assistant and potential love interest. Jane's daughter also makes an appearance, with her new beau. I did not find this mystery very interesting, but I still enjoyed the character dynamics. Thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing an ARC.

[M Steinbrink · Rating 4 out of 5]

Victoria Gilbert’s books are always a nice easy read. They aren’t particularly complicated, but it’s fun to read the mystery and see how the characters figure out a resolution to the mystery. I was interested in this series initially because one of the main characters was neurodivergent and had anxiety issues, but I have to say I find that character’s portrayal to be somewhat disappointing. It seems to me that he spends way too much time trying to change to be “normal” rather than his friends being accepting of who he is. All in all though, it was an enjoyable story and interesting mystery.

Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read this book. All opinions are my own.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cam and Jane wander into a cold case that turns into a new case as they catalog books donated from the Stewart family. Many years ago, three members of the family were involved in a car accident that killed a mother and her young daughter. Although they were found innocent, the husband and driver of the other car was found negligent but things become more complicated as one of the family members involved in the accident dies suddenly. Very intriguing story.

[literarilia · Rating 3 out of 5]

A pleasantly cozy mystery that'd be great to pick up if you're in the mood for one or have been following the series along. But I personally didn't connect with the characters nor the plot, so I think my journey with it ends here.


Thank you to Crooked Lane Books and Netgalley for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Barbi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I hadn't read any of the previous books in the series, but I don't think that it hurt the storyline in this book. The 2 main characters were interesting and the mystery itself was intriguing with past and present murders being investigated. I found it dragging a little in the middle, but it wrapped up nicely.

Thanks for the ARC Netgalley.

[eesee · Rating 3 out of 5]

— 2.5 stars, dnf @ 35%, RIL

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

review to come