A Field Guide to Murder

by Michelle L. Cullen

A cranky widower and his spirited caregiver team up to solve his neighbor’s murder in this charming and original mystery, perfect for fans of Richard Osman and Benjamin Stevenson.

Once a globe-trotting anthropologist, Harry Lancaster is now certain that all his grand adventures are behind him. Recently widowed and suffering from a fractured hip, Harry spends his days and nights behind a pair of binoculars, nose-deep in his neighbors’ affairs. His millennial caregiver, Emma, is determined to get him out of his armchair and back into the world.

Fate intervenes when Harry’s mysterious neighbor Sue phones, pleading for help. But instead of rescuing her, Harry and Emma find Sue dead: poisoned, days after a break-in at Sue’s house. Harry resolves to find out what happened, and Emma insists on going along for the ride. Together, they discover motives and suspects abound in Harry’s quaint condominium community—putting them both in the crosshairs of a cold-blooded killer.

Readers of Kristen Perrin and Deanna Raybourn will be charmed by this quirky, cross-generational murder mystery.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Cozy, Fiction, Audiobook, Murder Mystery, Crime

320 pages, Paperback

First published January 27, 2026

About the author

Michelle L. Cullen's books are informed by her experiences as an anthropologist.

She has lived and traveled all over the world: from working as a (decent if powered by enough espresso) bilingual secretary in Paris to backpacking around Europe, Central America, and Southern Africa, to helping rebuild communities after war throughout Africa, East Asia, South Asia, and the Pacific. She studied sociology at the London School of Economics in England and anthropology at Melbourne University in Australia.

She currently lives in Annapolis, Maryland.

Reviews

[Linzie (suspenseisthrillingme) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A puzzle-like whodunnit perfect for anyone who loved the feel of The Thursday Murder Club or the the characters in Only Murders in the Building, A Field Guide to Murder managed to combine the two into the perfect cozy mystery for this crime fiction lover. The first book in a brand-spanking-new series, this debut novel had everything I could want in a contemporary Agatha Christie-esque read. You see, with a heavy dose of dry humor, quirky characters, and an unguessable surprise ending, I had a blast with this unlikely duo of amateur sleuths. True-to-life and endearing, Harry and Emma were not only strong characters in their own right thanks to their well-developed personas but their sweet friendship easily sealed the deal for me on this novel. After all, their story was a tender exploration of grief and companionship that I just flat out wasn’t expecting.

All said and done, despite a somewhat slow start as we got to know each of the characters, this modern-day mystery won me over hook, line, and sinker with its classic whodunnit vibe, even pacing, and palpable emotion. Yup…that’s right. It was most definitely a feel-good kind of read. Complete with heart and humor as well as plenty of suspicious behaviors and twist-hiding red herrings, it was the perfect palate cleanser between two seriously dark thrillers. That being said, the tight-knit community where this book was set also offered up plenty of secrets and suspects. Packed with eccentric side characters that made this book come alive, I couldn’t stop grinning the entire time I was reading. So if you’re looking for your next sure-to-be winner, grab this one now. After all, you’re going to want to meet Harry and Emma ASAP. Rating of 4.5 stars (upgraded).

SYNOPSIS:

Once a globe-trotting anthropologist, Harry Lancaster is now certain that all his grand adventures are behind him. Recently widowed and suffering from a fractured hip, Harry spends his days and nights behind a pair of binoculars, nose-deep in his neighbors’ affairs. His millennial caregiver, Emma, is determined to get him out of his armchair and back into the world.

Fate intervenes when Harry’s mysterious neighbor, Sue, phones, pleading for help. But instead of rescuing her, Harry and Emma find Sue dead: poisoned, days after a break-in at Sue’s house. Harry resolves to find out what happened, and Emma insists on going along for the ride. Together, they discover motives and suspects abound in Harry’s quaint condominium community—putting them both in the crosshairs of a cold-blooded killer.

Thank you Michelle L. Cullen and Crooked Lane Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are mine.

PUB DATE: January 27, 2026

Content warning: none of significance

[Tracy Wood · Rating 4 out of 5]

No longer being a globetrotting anthropologist was something Harry Lancaster thought he could handle until his beloved wife, Margaret, died, his daughter and her family moved to India, and he had a fall resulting in a broken hip! Depressed and lonely, he watches his neighbours from his window, but his caregiver, Emma, is gradually getting him to step outside his front door. The sudden death of an unpopular neighbour seems to change everything, and Harry soon discovers everyone in his neighbourhood is hiding something. As he gets more mobile he and Emma begin investigating, much to the dismay of Detective Nate Bradford, and they're sure things are falling into place until there's another attack and things get a little muddled! Determined to discover the person responsible once and for all Harry and Emma double their efforts, but secrets abound in Lakeview Lane and no-one is as they seem. In fact, someone might be down right lethal!

I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Crooked Lane Books, but the opinions expressed are my own. This is the author's debut novel, which I thoroughly enjoyed. The two main protagonists are easy to like, as is Detective Bradford, and I was rooting for them throughout. There are quite a few characters here, but I didn't find it difficult to follow even though I wasn't at all sure who the killer would turn out to be! Once I had read a couple of chapters, I was hooked, and the whole book was a pleasure. I shall definitely be on the lookout for more from this author in the future.

[LORI CASWELL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dollycas’s Thoughts

Harry Lancaster is not used to sitting still. His career as an anthropologist has taken him around the world, but he recently lost his wife and is now dealing with a broken hip. He may be sidelined, but that doesn’t mean his big adventures are over. For now, he is keeping his eyes on his neighbors and the neighborhood.

Emma Stockton is Harry’s caregiver. Her job as a critical care nurse had taken its toll, and caregiving is a role she can easily handle. She is young, friendly, and knows how to put Harry through his paces for a successful recovery.

When Harry receives a phone call from his neighbor, Sue Daniels, begging for help, Emma rushes to Sue’s home, and Harry follows. They find the woman has died, apparently poisoned. Harry is determined to find out who killed her and why. Emma is ready, willing, and able to help. As they work to uncover what has been happening in their community, they realize they both have become targets of the person they want to put behind bars.

Will Harry and Emma get to the truth and catch the killer? Or will the killer catch them first?

Harry is a cantankerous human being right now because of his current situation. He has lost most of his independence because of his lack of mobility. His mind is not lacking, though; his knowledge about many things sets him up to be a great amateur sleuth. Millennial Emma is on a mission to help Harry get back on his feet while dealing with a variety of things in her personal life. She is a wonderful Watson to Harry’s Sherlock. The author impressed me by taking the time to introduce these characters, and gave this reader time to get invested in their lives. Then we witnessed a friendship that bloomed naturally as Harry and Emma came to trust each other and realize their importance to each other overall.

Something was happening in Harry’s neighborhood. He watched some strange happenings behind a pair of binoculars. Sue’s death was thought to be an accident, but Harry did not believe it. Detective Bradford soon learned Harry was not going to back down. There were plenty of suspects to observe and question. After another neighbor was attacked, people started to open up to Harry and Emma while the police were hitting walls. Clues started to come together during a gathering, but the actual killer remained unclear. Harry has an a-ha moment that sets up a tragic showdown in the middle of a powerful thunderstorm. Ms. Cullen’s vivid descriptions enable readers to feel they are right on the scene. But wait, that’s not the end of the story; Harry is still following clues.

A Field Guide to Murder contains a clever, twisted whodunit with engaging protagonists and quirky supporting characters set in an intriguing condominium community. It’s an emotional story with a feel-good ending. Harry and Emma’s relationship is genuinely heartwarming. The ending hints at a new adventure, which put a huge smile on my face, knowing this is not the end of their story. A Field Guide to Death and Deceit is coming September 15, 2026. I am excited to tag along on Harry and Emma’s next adventure.

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 Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.

[Treena · Rating 5 out of 5]

♥️ WHAT I LOVED
Harry and Emma’s friendship is hands-down the heart of this story. Harry’s still grieving his wife, hobbling around with a healing hip, and missing his daughter and grandkids who live overseas. Emma shows up as his hired caregiver—but honestly, she becomes so much more than that. She’s a former nurse in the middle of her own life wobble: a wedding she’s not sure she wants, a career shift she didn’t plan for, and a whole lot of ”what now?” energy.

Together, they click in this wonderfully natural, father-daughter way. Emma lost her dad young, Harry’s aching for family connection, and they just… fill those empty spaces for each other. It’s tender, grounding, and honestly the best part of the book. The surrounding neighbours bring that warm, slightly nosy community vibe—everyone with their own little secrets and quirks, but all adding colour to the mystery without ever being confusing. You really get that cozy-condo-village feeling.

💡 OVERALL
Overall, this was such a feel-good read. I adored Harry and Emma’s bond, and the mystery delivered too—classic whodunnit energy with a twisty little ending that landed perfectly.

💫Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review💫

[Nikki · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This is a slow-paced cozy with quirky characters and a puzzle for the main characters to solve that will have them getting into all kinds of trouble, so your typical whodunnit. I enjoyed the book as I was reading it, but I finished a few days ago and I cannot remember much of anything that happened, so it was pretty par for the course. I would read another book by the author and even another book if this became a series, but I would have zero retention of this book a week from now. It just wasn't unique, memorable, or standout enough.

[Jenni DaVinCat · Rating 1 out of 5]

I won this one as a giveaway. Unfortunately, DNF @ 100 pages. That's how it goes with giveaways occasionally. I'm thankful for the opportunity to have been able to get an advanced copy.

Since my TBR shelf is already overflowing, if a book hasn't grabbed me by 100 pages then it's time to put it down. No sense in forcing my way through a book that I'm not enjoying.

This one sounded really interesting. An older man teaming up with his young caregiver to investigate a potential murder in his neighborhood filled with unique and interesting characters. He's a former anthropologist with a ton of travel, experience and knowledge. I can see where people who enjoy The Thursday Murder Club series would be drawn to the synopsis of this one. I loved TMC, but this book couldn't quite live up to what it's selling itself as.

Basically, I had 3 major problems with the book.

1. I do not understand the hair obsession. After 30 pages, it became eye rollingly frustrating to read yet another sentence about someone's hair. What color it was, what style it was cut in, whether or not they used hair dye to maintain their russet hues, the texture of it, and how the hair was moving in the wind...or swaying in a ponytail as they walked. By page 100...when every chapter had something like this...I was just ready to throw the book across the room. I have my suspicions as to why this was so prevalent in the writing, but there's no way to know for sure.

2. While the characters had some interesting and unique traits, they mostly spoke in the same voice. Using Agatha Christie as the GOAT example, her mysteries were also populated by an often large cast of unique and interesting people. They all had unique voices and accents which came through in her writing. I don't believe it's fair to compare anyone to Christie, particularly a debut novel, but it became tedious to read when every voice was the same. Beyond the characters, the flow of the book felt slow. I found myself re-reading sentences and really struggling. I'm typically a pretty fast reader, but when the flow of the words is as clunky as it was with this book, I struggle to find that pace that I normally read at.

3. I'm not really sure what to call this one. Continuity, I guess? Towards the beginning, we are told that it's October but it feels like June. Very common for the Midwest, I agree. Then, we are told that people are wearing winter jackets and there's a chill. Shortly after that, the humidity is causing someone's hair to be frizzy. Granted, October-December in the Midwest has a huge range of temperatures, this feels more like either the author couldn't make up her mind about the weather or just didn't go back to look at how she had described it in the previous chapter and just kept going. But...also...why do we need to hear about the weather in every chapter? Or people's hair?

So...overall this book just didn't end up appealing to me. I love mysteries and this seemed like it would be perfect for me but because of the three things I listed above, I couldn't keep reading this one. My frustration grew right along with the page numbers. I began to dread going back to pick up the book, which I hate saying because books are my favorite. But...not every book is going to appeal to every reader, as was the case here. I wish the author the best of luck in the future and I hope that I'm an outlier in my opinion of it. It looks like so far I am so...who knows? Maybe it's me and not the book.

[The Honest Book Reviewer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a warm and engaging cosy mystery with great main characters and a strong sense of community. While the mystery itself doesn’t have the same strength as other debut cosies I’ve read, the heart of this book is the characters and that’s where it shines the brightest.

Harry is an elderly protagonist recovering from a hip injury and he is a standout. He’s smart, thoughtful, stubborn, and full of warmth. Emma is his carer and is just as wonderful. She's grounded, compassionate, and believable. Their dynamic is the highlight of the story, and I adored spending time with them.

Supporting characters also add colour to this mystery. Diana brings humour and emotional weight, Grace provides delightful lighter moments, and the wider community feels genuine and well suited to the setting.

The mystery and setup is engaging. A poisoning initially brushed off as a foraging accident. But the eventual conclusion feels a bit rushed and not as strong or surprising as it could have been. Still enjoyable but just not a standout.

Despite that, the characters have so much potential that I’d read more from this author in a heartbeat. If this turns into a series, I’d be curious to see how future mysteries get introduced into Harry and Emma’s world.

A solid debut with heart, warmth, and two protagonists I genuinely adore.

Thanks to Netgalley for providing a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

What a fun book!

Harry Lancaster, a widower recovering from a fractured hip, and his caregiver Emma stumble into a murder case. This book follows the two as they subtly question members of Harry's community, trying to uncover the truth behind what happened to Harry's neighbor, Sue.

I love reading from the perspective of older main characters, and this book reminded me of the joy I get from watching and reading about Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple. Harry and Emma make a wonderful team, and their interactions throughout the story are wholesome and heartwarming as their friendship gradually deepens.

I found the pacing at the beginning to be a bit slow, and it tended to remain that way at times throughout the book. It was also a bit difficult to keep track of all the characters as they were introduced, but that mostly resolved itself about halfway through.

Overall, I enjoyed this book!

Thank you to Michelle L. Cullen, Crooked Lane Books, and NetGalley for the ARC of this book!

[Wanda Pedersen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ever since Richard Osman published The Thursday Murder Club, its success has inspired other authors to jump on the older character bandwagon. I don't mind because I'm an older adult myself and I have been enjoying fiction that features characters of my own age. Often the main character is a woman, but this novel features a man, Harry Lancaster, who has had a fall and injured a hip. He has hired a caregiver, Emma, to help out while he heals. This is an excellent way of introducing a younger sidekick to the action.

I appreciated that Harry was written as still being intellectually sharp and curious, just hindered by a temporary physical ailment. He assumes a somewhat paternal relationship with Emma, but isn't pushy with his opinions. Emma is supposed to be happily planning her wedding but is actually experiencing ice cold feet. Her fiancé seems to expect to run her life because he will make more money than her, which is bothering her (as it should). Harry encourages Emma to trust her feelings, even as she is pressured by her family to go ahead with the wedding.

The title of this volume inspired me to hope for a birding connection, what with the crow and binoculars on the dust jacket and the title including Field Guide. It turns out that Harry keeps an eye on his neighbours as a way of distracting himself from his grief for his late wife, not birds. So that was a tiny disappointment. More distracting was the stiff writing style. The author is an anthropologist turned writer and this appears to be her first novel. There is potential here, as I managed to lose myself in the action from time to time despite what I perceived as stilted expression. As usual with an amateur sleuth book, I found the level of meddling in an active investigation to be unrealistic and the detective involved puts up with far more interference than he should. This is a perennial complaint of mine, however, and Cullen is just following the established pattern of the cozy mystery genre.

Publicity for this novel recommends it for readers of Osman or Deanna Raybourn. Take that advice with a grain of salt, as Cullen is not nearly as skilled as either of those authors, but you could certainly do worse in the cozy mystery category.

[Léa Lombard · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded

This was such a charming and enjoyable cozy mystery. What I loved most was the unlikely sleuthing duo of Harry and Emma. Harry, grumpy and recovering from a fractured hip, brings dry humor and sharp observations, while Emma gradually finds her confidence and voice throughout the story. Their relationship feels warm and authentic, sometimes like a father–daughter bond, sometimes like true partners, and their dynamic adds so much heart to the mystery.

The murder itself is set in a small community brimming with secrets and eccentric neighbors. There are plenty of suspects and clues to sift through, and while the pacing is a bit slow in the first half, the gradual buildup worked well once the pieces started to fall into place. It reminded me of classic detective fiction, with shades of Miss Marple or even The Thursday Murder Club.

Overall, this is a calm yet engaging whodunit, more about the characters and their journey than shocking twists. If you enjoy cozy mysteries with gentle humor, emotional warmth, and a touch of old-school charm, this one is definitely worth picking up.

[McKenna Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook Review⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to the author @michellelcullen, @spotify, @spotifyforauthors and @tlcbooktours for the #gifted audiobook.

If you’re craving the perfect cozy mystery, this one absolutely delivers. Quirky, charming, and delightfully clever, this debut hooked me fast.

Harry is a cranky widower recovering from a broken hip, and Emma is his spirited, no-nonsense caregiver. When his neighbor turns up dead, these two unlikely allies team up to solve the case—and I adored every minute of their crime-solving partnership. Harry + Emma = instant favorite cozy duo.

The mystery itself feels like a puzzle-box whodunit with dry humor, quirky characters, and that comforting, feel-good vibe cozy fans love. It’s original, charming, and so enjoyable—and yes, this is book one in a series, which makes me very happy.

🎧 Audiobook lovers—don’t skip this one. Narrated by Eric Fox and Shaina Summerville, the audio was fantastic and truly brought the characters to life. It enhanced the humor, heart, and charm in the best way.

A delightful, cozy mystery with amateur sleuths you’ll want to spend more time with. Highly recommend!

[VickydpBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the storyline was a slow burn for me but it didn’t pick up!!

Once a globe-trotting anthropologist, Harry Lancaster is now certain that all his grand adventures are behind him. Recently widowed and suffering from a fractured hip, Harry spends his days and nights behind a pair of binoculars, nose-deep in his neighbors' affairs. His millennial caregiver, Emma, is determined to get him out of his armchair and back into the world. Fate intervenes when Harry's mysterious neighbor Sue phones, pleading for help. But instead of rescuing her, Harry and Emma find Sue dead: poisoned, days after a break-in at Sue's house. Harry resolves to find out what happened, and Emma insists on going along for the ride. Together, they discover motives and suspects abound in Harry's quaint condominium community-putting them both in the crosshairs of a cold-blooded killer.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The main character of this mystery is Harry, a retired anthropologist and recent widower. Having recently had a fall, he reluctantly hires a caregiver, Emma, who recently left her intensive care nursing job. The form not only an unlikely intergenerational friendship, but a sleuthing team when Harry’s neighbor ends up dead and they’re both sure she was murdered.

This was a fun read, combining the burgeoning “old people solve a mystery” genre with the intergenerational friendship novel, as Harry and Emma are definitely better together and solving a mystery gives them both the pep they need to improve their lives. I don’t know if this one is intended to be a stand alone or a series, but I’ll definitely read a sequel if there is one, and if not I’ll check out whatever Michelle Cullen writes next.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy (out now); all opinions are my own.

[aundrea]

unfortunately this is a dnf on chapter 3 💀 it seems interesting i guess…but the mc is nonstop casually mentioning pagan things and witchcraft and whatnot so imma pass
thank you to netgalley for the arc though!

[Cozybooklady · Rating 3 out of 5]

#AFieldGuidetoMurder #NetGalley is a unique cozy mystery featuring two main characters, Harry and Emma, and not your typical pair of sleuths.
Harry is recovering from hip surgery and his cranky demeanor seems off putting in the beginning.
Harry spends his days spying on his neighbors, worrying about falling again, as well as trying not to feel like a burden. Once a strong man with an exciting career, Harry hates depending on others, even though his caretaker seems content helping him.
Emma, now responsible for Harry, was a nurse previously, but she's decided that career is no longer what she wants.
Taking care of Harry isn't bad, he's stubborn, but she cares about him and wants him to be independent again.
Harry's neighbors are very odd, and when one of them calls him, gasping for breath and asking for help, he and Emma embark on a wild investigation of possible murder.

There were parts that seemed to drag on, but overall I liked the book, and Harry and Emma made quite the team.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.

[Get Your Tinsel in a Tangle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Harry Lancaster spends his golden years rage-watching his neighbors through binoculars like a suburban cryptid with trust issues. Once a swashbuckling anthropologist, now a cranky widower with a bad hip and a worse attitude, Harry is basically one “Back in my day…” away from turning to dust. Enter Emma, a millennial caregiver with a burnout halo and a fiancé she probably wouldn’t miss if he got eaten by wolves.

Their lives do what cozy mysteries do best, go completely off the rails when someone gets dead. Neighbor Sue calls Harry in a panic, and by the time he and Emma hobble over like the world’s most reluctant Scooby-Doo duo, Sue is very much poisoned and very much not living her best life anymore. The police shrug it off, but Harry smells murder and Emma’s too nosy to walk away. Let the amateur sleuthing commence.

Now, this is not a high-speed, cliffhangers-every-chapter kind of book. The first half ambles like Harry on stairs. But once the story finds its rhythm, it’s delightfully nosy. It’s all HOA politics, back porch gossip, and neighbors who definitely have matching alibis and matching wallpaper. The actual mystery is a classic cozy puzzle, twisty, fun, slightly predictable, but you’re not here for the body count. You’re here because Harry and Emma are pure chaos wrapped in dry wit and unresolved trauma.

Harry, bless his grouchy soul, is one of the most emotionally stunted men I’ve ever loved. He’s still mourning his wife, deeply unsure of his place in the world, and fighting to matter again without admitting that’s what he’s doing. His sharp observational skills make him a great detective and a terrible neighbor. I would 100% be scared of him at book club. But then you watch him quietly support Emma, cheering her on with book recommendations and hard truths, and you realize the man is a crusty cinnamon roll with abandonment issues.

And Emma. EMMA. This girl is trying so hard not to collapse into a pile of stress-eating and people-pleasing. She’s overworked, underwhelmed by her life choices, and engaged to a man who probably lists “networking” as a hobby. Watching her unravel that mess, reclaim her voice, and low-key adopt Harry as her found family? That was the real plot twist. I didn’t cry, you cried, okay?

Their dynamic is what absolutely sells this book. It’s not romantic, thank god, but it’s intimate in that way that only trauma bonding over neighborhood homicides can be. They bicker. They protect each other. They make wildly bad decisions with full confidence and no backup plan. It’s giving The Intern meets Only Murders in the Building with a side of please someone stop them before they interrogate another Pilates instructor.

Is it a perfect book? Nah. Too many neighbors to track early on. The pacing is sleepy. The killer’s reveal doesn’t slap as hard as it could. But honestly? I didn’t care. This is a book about two lonely, broken people deciding they’re not done living yet. And they’re gonna live loudly. In orthopedic shoes. 3.5 stars of cozy mystery serotonin.

Whodunity Award: For That One Condo Board Meeting That Probably Should’ve Ended in a Mistrial

Thank you to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for the ARC. Y’all gave me a gift wrapped in grief, poison, and peak elder sass, and I would absolutely show up to the sequel with a casserole and a murder board. Appreciate you for letting me ride shotgun on this weird little emotional rollercoaster. Love you. Don’t change.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a perfectly charming debut novel with enough quirky characters to make it a standout. Roughly on a “Thursday Murder Club” type scenario, retiree and widower Harry Lancaster has had a recent hip injury and has an in home caregiver for the time being named Emma. Emma is younger and has left critical care nursing thanks to burnout. Harry is her career “next step.” Harry lives in a small community of mostly retirees and with many hours to kill, he spends many of them looking out his large front window and watching the goings on in the neighborhood.

When he gets a call from his neighbor Sue, asking him to call 911 uttering the word “poison” before the call cuts off, he and Emma race over to Sue’s only to find her looking like death on her kitchen floor. She does in fact die. The police eventually rule it accidental, but, unconvinced, Harry and Emma continue to investigate Harry’s neighbors and there are plenty of suspicious goings on to keep their sleuthing active.

The introduction of the neighbors – a nicely varied group – serves also to shade in their personalities and traits, and all of them become familiar to the reader. With this large a group of secondary characters, that’s no small feat on the author’s part. We get to know the churchgoer, the Indian couple who worked in tech, the chef/artist, the philanderer, the inappropriate couple. None of them seemed to have liked Sue, and she seems to have had her nose in everybody’s business, and not in a good way.

When there’s another shooting the detective in charge begins to take Harry’s and Emma’s observations more seriously though he still begs them to butt out. Like any other amateur sleuths in all mysterious history, they do not. Harry and Emma bring their own expertise to the table. Emma is of course a trained nurse; Harry, a retired anthropologist who worked with USAID and has connections in Washington that come in handy during their investigation. The deep background he’s able to obtain pushes the case ahead.

Newbie author Cullen makes good use of traditional detective tropes including red herring(s) and keeps a good surprise ending in store for the reader. Harry and Emma are also fleshed out as characters. Harry is missing his wife of 50 years but is starting to think he should use the time he has left constructively; Emma is caught up in an engagement she’s not so sure of. The two manage to bring out the strengths in each other. This book brought to mind my first delighted reading of Charlotte MacLeod’s classic Rest You Merry, where the sleuths utilize their own expertise to solve the case. This is my very favorite kind of amateur sleuth, and like MacLeod, Cullen seems to share her gently humorous hand with a story.

Cullen nicely sets this up for a sequel and there is happily one scheduled for September, A Field Guide to Death and Deceit. This is a very strong first outing and I look forward to a long lived series.

[Gali · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fans of The Thursday Murder Club and Only Murders in the Building will find plenty to love in Michelle L. Cullen’s engaging mystery, A Field Guide to Murder. The book follows 69-year-old Harry Lancaster and his caregiver, Emma, as they team up to solve a neighbor’s murder.

Harry, a globe-trotting anthropologist and recent widower, is bedridden after a bad fall that left him with a broken hip. His daughter and her family have moved to India, so she hires Emma — a nurse and millennial caregiver — to help him get back on his feet. Harry feels down, believing his glory days are behind him, and he still hasn’t recovered from the death of his wife, despite the well-meaning support of his quaint condominium community.

The plot thickens when one of his neighbors is found dead. Detective Nate Bradford, assigned to the case, rules it an accidental death, but Harry and Emma suspect foul play. As they begin their investigation, Emma also struggles with personal challenges, including a presumptuous fiancé and doubts about her future prospects. As their digging uncovers tidbits about their neighbors, they soon find themselves in the crosshairs of a murderer.

I enjoyed this debut novel very much. The main protagonists are likeable, and I loved the dynamic between Emma and Harry — their bond felt authentic. I appreciated the fatherly care Harry showed Emma and the way he encouraged her by subtly leaving books with inspiring titles on the table. Emma was caring, too, and I liked seeing her personal growth. At times, I wanted to shake them both for the unnecessary risks they took — I cared that much about them.

The characterization was excellent, bringing each person to life, even the minor ones. The pace was steady, and the writing smooth. The book explores themes of grief, friendship, learning to listen to your heart, doing what’s right for you (not what others think is right), and finding the courage to follow your own path despite external pressures.

Overall, I enjoyed this book immensely and give it full stars. I didn’t guess the perpetrator’s identity until the very end — the author truly managed to deceive me. The tone strikes a perfect balance between cozy and suspenseful, with touches of humor and heartwarming moments, set against the backdrop of a tight-knit condo community full of shadows. I loved this book and highly recommend it to readers who enjoy character-driven mysteries with heart, humor, and a touch of cozy intrigue.

* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc. All opinions are my own.
* Review on my blog: https://galibookish.blogspot.com/2025...

[Shawna Borman · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s book review time! This month, I went with a cozy mystery. A Field Guide to Murder by Michelle L. Cullen was released yesterday (the 27th) from Crooked Lane Books. As usual, I must thank them and NetGalley for access to an ARC in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. Let’s do the thing!

A Field Guide to Murder follows Harry, who has recently fractured his hip and believes his globetrotting life is behind him, and Emma, his caregiver who is trying to get Harry back into the world while avoiding her own problems. When a neighbor calls him during her death throes, Harry finds life in trying to solve her (maybe) murder. Emma gets dragged along for the ride until she realizes she’s finding herself as well. Can they help each other find renewed purposes for their lives? Can they solve the case?

Plot: enjoyable. I’m growing fond of stories that follow people post-retirement. Harry is an older gentlemen and Emma becomes like a second daughter to him. Found family! The mystery part of the plot is standard, but with little twists that make it fun. An upscale gated neighborhood basically (not sure if it’s actually gated or just has that feel) where everyone knows each other and it turns out most of them are shady. One of them dies mysteriously. Drama is revealed. Plus Emma’s drama. It’s all woven together pretty well for the most part. No real complaints here.

Characters: there are too many. This is my only real complaint about this book. There are far too many named characters that don’t really need to exist. It happens a lot when stories are weak, so the author throws in a bunch of names to confuse the reader in an attempt to hide what’s happening. I hate it, especially when it isn’t needed. This story is strong. We don’t need to meet every single neighbor. I knew who the bad guy was, but I kept confusing another name with his, so it was super weird. There are like 12 neighbors plus Emma’s family and Harry’s family and his acquaintances. Oh, and the police officers. It was an unnecessary amount. That said, I loved Harry and Emma. There wasn’t enough page time to get to know everyone else properly.

Writing: smooth. There wasn’t anything particularly special about the writing. It was unobtrusive and let the story shine. Made for a quick, smooth read.

Ultimately, I really enjoyed A Field Guide to Murder. Aside from the annoying amount of characters, I liked this one. I’ll definitely pick up book two if there is one.

Overall, I gave it 4 out of 5 stars. I do recommend it for anyone who loves cozy mysteries, older protagonists, or even just found family stories.

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - a solid 4/5 star!

have y'all seen that Anne Hathaway movie with Robert De Niro, "The Intern"? now take that, add a murder mystery, and make Robert's character under Anne's care. it's very much giving that as they become amateur detectives in this murder mystery. (or maybe it's just because i happened to have that movie playing in the background at one point, so they kind of fit this book. 😅)

it's a cozy, mystery read. so if you're expecting a suspenseful, fast-paced thriller... this isn't that. but it's for sure a fun read. there's an eccentric cast of characters/neighbors that get introduced to the reader as both Harry and Emma try to solve the whodunit. they all tend to kind of blur together at first, but you get the hang of it somewhere in the middle, and some of them are quite interesting.

i initially fell in love with the premise of this book because i used to be a caregiver for the elderly. i know how tough they can be to handle at times. Harry's character stayed true to that in some of the most amusing ways, and it made him lovable tbh. Emma's character growth was real, believable, and refreshing. when you're a caregiver, you learn a lot about life from the people you take care of. it doesn't matter how much older they are than you, or even younger. Emma's proximity to Harry gave her the confidence she never thought she had. i loved that for her.

would i recommend this? absolutely! it was such a pleasure to read this. it's a well-written story about more than just solving a mystery. it's got heart and humor from an unlikely duo sent out to solve a mystery. their journey as individuals, and as a team, make the story what it is. and i loved it!

thank you to the author and publisher for allowing me the opportunity to read an advanced copy via NetGalley. i leave this review of my own volition. all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Missi Martin (Stockwell) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had so much fun reading A Field Guide to Murder by Michelle L. Cullen. I did not want it to end. You cannot help but fall in love with Harry and Emma.

In A Field Guide to Murder main character Harry is recovering from injuring his hip from a fall and he has Emma as his temporary caregiver. Harry lives on Lakeview Lane with a cast of colorful and fun neighbors. Unfortunately, one day one of his neighbors, Sue, calls him and is having trouble talking and breathing. Luckily Emma is there so she rushes over to help until the paramedics arrive. Sadly, it is too late and Sue passes away. But Harry believes that she said she was poisoned during the distressing phone call.

When the detective informs Harry that Sue's death is ruled an accident and closes the case, Harry knows that something isn't right. It takes a while but eventually Emma comes around to that conclusion also and the two team up and begin investigating the neighbors. During this investigating harry learns that he doesn't know his neighbors like he thought he did.

Emma, who was a critical care nurse but needed a change so she went into the caregiving job, is having some personal issues that are weighing heavily on her. Harry doesn't want to overstep so he tries to help in his own unique way.

I love Harry and Emma together and hope that they continue working together or at least keep their friendship going. They complimented each other very well throughout the story. Getting to know them as well as the neighbors on Harry's street was fun and having the murder case centralized helped me keep track of things. I look forward to whatever Cullen comes up with next.

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25/5 stars

It's thrilling when you read several great books in a row. This was one of those books you start at 10pm, realize what an utter mistake that was because you can't put it down, and finally go to bed at 1am regretting because it was such a pleasure to read.

The story centers around a cranky old widow, who has recently had some health scares and a fall, resulting in the need of a home caregiver. Harry used to be a globetrotter, but is struggling to accept his new life, apparently bereft of adventure. His caregiver, Emma, is committed to helping him back to full health. During this time, Harry's neighbor dies. With her last breaths, she calls him with a haunting message: "poison." Fueled by the belief that Sue's death is not just an unfortunate case of mistakenly consuming poisonous mushrooms, Harry investigates, pulling Emma along for the ride. Before long, the two bond over their unique situation and their fledgling amateur investigations.

I came for the mystery, but I stayed for the incredibly compassionate portrayal of Harry and Emma. Harry grapples with his desire for independence alongside his recognition of his new limitations, and Emma has a plethora of personal issues to deal with, including a pushy fiancé, and an indecision about what to do with her life after quitting nursing. I really, really connected with the characters and their growing relationship. I strongly recommend this book, and eagerly await future novels. Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane books for this advanced reader copy!

[Kerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

After his neighbor’s untimely and suspicious death, lonely widower Harry can’t ignore the nagging feeling that something isn’t right. What starts as quiet curiosity quickly turns him into an amateur sleuth. This is a classic whodunit set in a close-knit community where plenty of people had reasons to dislike the deceased. As secrets unravel, nearly everyone emerges with a motive — and the suspect list keeps growing.

Harry is independent, sharp-minded, and recovering from an injury that has left him bored, restless, and maybe a little grumpy. His caretaker, Emma, also senses that something about the death doesn’t add up. Before long, she’s drawn into the investigation, partnering with Harry to piece together the truth.

But the real heart of the book is their relationship. Harry — an anthropologist and parent himself — becomes a steady, wise presence in Emma’s life. He encourages her to trust her instincts and follow her own path, even when it conflicts with the advice of those closest to her. Their dynamic feels less like employer and caretaker and more like an unexpected mentorship. Harry often communicates in his own subtle way — by strategically leaving books for Emma to find — which adds a thoughtful, layered touch to the story.

This is a fun, bingeable mystery that kept me engaged from start to finish. If you love character-driven whodunits with plenty of suspects and an enjoyable partnership, this one is worth picking up. I’m already looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Dilhani ~ Tiny Popsicle · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Field Guide to Murder turned out to be a surprisingly fun and engaging read — even though, yes, it revolves around a murder. Michelle L. Cullen manages to balance mystery with warmth, creating a story that feels entertaining rather than overly dark.

The characters are definitely one of the highlights. The two main leads have such a strong dynamic that they almost feel like a father-daughter duo. Their interactions bring heart and humor to the story, making the investigation feel personal and grounded. That relationship adds an emotional layer beyond simply solving clues.

Speaking of clues — the mystery itself is well constructed, with enough twists and suspicious details to keep things interesting. It’s not overwhelmingly complex, but it keeps you guessing and engaged. The pacing moves along nicely, never dragging, which makes it an easy and enjoyable read.

What I especially liked is how the story weaves in personal decisions about life ahead — career paths, future goals, and figuring out one’s direction. Those elements make the characters feel real and relatable, as they’re not just chasing a killer but also navigating their own crossroads.

Overall, I’d give this a solid 3.5 stars. It’s a cool, entertaining mystery with charming characters and a warm core, proving that even a murder story can feel surprisingly light and heartfelt.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Retired, elderly, recently widowed anthropologist, Harry Lancaster, recovering from breaking his hip is spending his time at his window in a comfy armchair with his binoculars watching what his neighbours in Lakeview Lane are up to. After he gets a call from his neighbour, Sue calling for help and subsequently finds her dead in her kitchen, he teams up with his young care nurse, Emma, to investigate Sue’s death. Detective Nate Bradford assures Harry and Emma it was an accidental death and warns them to stay away from the case. Of course, neither of them can help spying on the neighbours and getting in the way of danger.

This is an excellent debut and very enjoyable cosy mystery with lots of intrigue and a touch of humour. It’s well written and evenly paced with a suspenseful and well-developed plot that is more complex than most in this genre. Emma and Harry are both realistically depicted characters to care about and there is a cast of interesting secondary characters who live at Lakeview Lane, as well as a handsome (and exasperated detective).

Harry and Emma develop a close relationship, with Harry concerned about Emma’s decision to marry a man who seems more intent on organising her life than making her happy. It was good to watch Emma’s personal growth and confidence increase as Harry leaves hints (in the form of books) to help her to see that she needs to decide what she wants to do in life. 4.5★

With thanks to Crooked Lane Books for a copy to read via Netgalley

[Kylie H · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was such a delightful blend of cosy mystery and contemporary life. Harry is in his late 60's, recently widowed and recovering from a hip fracture. He has compromised with his daughter to bring in a home 'caregiver' to assist him with therapy and improving his mobility.
Emma, due to a series of events has stepped down from her role as an ICU nurse and trying out a new role as a caregiver. In addition to this she is newly engaged and feels that the wedding date is hurtling towards her. She is feeling quite conflicted about her future career and her future as the wife of a surgeon.
Harry and Emma come together at a time where they are both at a significant crossroad in their lives. They have a wonderful dynamic together, but more in a father/daughter way than anything else. Each caring for the other from a place of kindness that is wonderfully wholesome.
However, when one of Harry's neighbours calls him in a state of distress, claiming to have been poisoned, he and Emma become involved in a series of events that distracts both of them from their immediate worries and fills them with a sense of purpose.
This is a wonderfully crafted book that is a 'murder mystery' but without the graphic, crass bits that usually enter this space. A great read for people of all ages and tastes. I am very happy to recommend this.
Thank you Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for the opportunity to read this digital ARC.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"A Field Guide to Murder" is an amateur detective mystery novel. It's a clue-based puzzle mystery. Emma and Harry were both very observant (noticing even small details) and were logical in how they considered the things they heard and observed. Harry used his life experience in observing people and discovering what motivated them along with his skill in leading people in casual conversation to provide the information he desired. It seemed like everyone in the community had secrets so there were many potential clues to expose and sort through. I was certain of whodunit several chapters before Harry figured it out, but I didn't identified whodunit until near the end of the book.

The characters were likable and reacted realistically to events. There was actual character development, too. Emma was engaged to a handsome, successful man who was nice but who had different goals in life. Emma wanted to use her skills to help people, but he wanted to primarily make money. Harry tried to help her find the confidence to chose the life she really wanted while she tried to get him engaged with life again rather than feeling like a has-been. They were a good team.

There were only a few uses of bad language. There were no sex scenes. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable puzzle mystery.

I received a free ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.

[Jason Lavoie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the Advanced Reader’s Copy of A Field Guide to Murder by Michelle L. Cullen. The book is to be published on January 27, 2026.

Harry is a widower dealing with a fractured hip. Emma is the caregiver he hired to get him back on his feet. A neighbour in the HOA, Sue, is murdered and Harry is the last one to speak with her as she calls him for assistance. Emma, formerly a nurse, runs over and finds that Sue is already deceased.

The case is closed as an accidental death but Harry and Emma join forces to solve the murder as the facts just don’t add up.

This has been a well written, fast-paced, engaging murder mystery with a unique cast of characters in the HOA. There are lots of suspects in this quaint community.

Harry and Emma show us that two people from differing generations can connect and work well with one another. Though Harry is described as cranky, he is an intelligent, sincere, thoughtful, endearing and charming father-figure and grandfather-figure, especially in the way he dotes on Emma like a daughter.

If you enjoyed the Thursday Murder Club series by Richard Osman, you will definitely enjoy this one.

This was a quick read and an easy five stars! I’d love to see the author make a series out of this to see what’s next for Harry and Emma.

[Stephanie Carlson · Rating 4 out of 5]

**My thanks to Crooked Lane Books for providing me with an advanced review copy via NetGalley**

4 stars

This cozy murder mystery, starring a retired anthropologist recovering from a hip injury and his at-a-crossroads-in-her-career nurse-caretaker as amateur sleuths, was enormous fun. I think the plot itself was steadily paced and the dialogue clear in a way that would make this book an excellent choice for English language learners; the story itself is so interesting as to keep an adult learner engaged while the language was simple, clear, and easy to follow.

The murder mystery itself was done in a classic way; the suspects are all neighbors whom our sleuths observe closely over a period of time, discovering their secrets and their potential motives for killing one of the community. There’s an exciting bit of danger for our sleuths, but the overall mood remained cozy and comforting; over the course of the novel retiree Harry and caretaker Emma come to be close and valued friends, whose presence in each other’s lives gives each of them a new drive towards pursuing their passions.

If you’re a fan of inter-generational friendships, classic murder mysteries, and adventurous dining, this is the book for you. And if you’re looking for a title to give a struggling older reader or English language learner, this would be an excellent candidate.

[boogleloo · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 stars: This is Cullen's stand-alone Senior Sleuth Cozy Mystery that's set in Ohio. Featuring a retired globe-trotting anthropologist, who's suffering from a fractured hip, and his millennial caregiver as they team up to turn sleuth after his neighbor's poisoning death. Resolved to find out what happened, the cranky widower and the spirited former critical care nurse, who insists on tagging along, discover motives and suspects abound in his quaint condominium community. They'll have to work fast as their snooping has put them both in the crosshairs of a cold-blooded killer and their running out of time.

With plenty of twists and turns, Cullen has masterfully crafted a mystery that deftly balances the suspects, clues and red herrings and will leave you pondering the whodunit until the final reveal. Heartfelt and humorous, Cullen's writing and character work are brilliant; the characters are well-rounded and complex while remaining incredibly likable with a secondary cast that are well crafted and uniquely voiced.

• Features a great cross-generational sleuthing duo (MC's are 69 and 28 years old).

Loved this and I would so read more of this duo's sleuthing adventures; Highly recommend!

I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.