Murder by the Book

A Cosy Crime Club Mystery #1

by M.R.G. Davies

'Utterly captivating. Perfect for fans of The Marlow Murder Club Mysteries' Michael Wood, bestselling crime fiction author Nothing is deadlier than angry readers… especially when you murder one of their own.

When the manager of The Quaint Bookshop is found slumped between the shelves, the four members of the shop's reading group decide to put into action all the skills they’ve picked up from their favourite fictional detectives.

If anyone knows how to solve a killer of a crime, it’s a team of murder-mystery superfans. The police might be investigating but the reading group are on the case…

Genres: Mystery, Fiction

Audible Audio

Expected publication January 23, 2026

About the author

AKA Michael Davies

Reviews

[Jack Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

With thanks to HarperCollins and One More Chapter for the advanced reader copy.

Murder by the Book is a cosy mystery with alternating perspectives, centred on an unlikely group of amateur detectives brought together through a reading group, each with complex lives of their own. It’s an immediately engaging premise, and one that feels especially resonant for anyone who belongs to a book club themselves.

From the outset, the village of Norcester feels well realised. It’s the kind of setting you can picture clearly, with a strong sense of place that grounds the mystery and gives the story real texture. The murder itself is intriguing from the very beginning, and the pacing is one of the book’s real strengths. This is a genuine page-turner. Each member of the reading group is well developed, with Bella and Lauren in particular standing out as characters I’m keen to spend more time with in the future. The mystery-solving feels amateur in the best possible way: realistic, intuitive, and grounded in how ordinary people might actually approach such a situation. I love how the police play a role here - I often find murder mysteries don't pay enough attention to them, but it's done very well here.

The conclusions makes complete sense and is believable, though I would have liked a few more clues pointing in that direction to strengthen the final reveal. Still, the humour and charm throughout more than make up for this, with delightful touches - including the memorable presence of a certain character, despite never hearing directly from him.

This is easy, accessible reading, and very much a love letter to readers who enjoy piecing together mysteries as they go. Fans of Agatha Christie, Richard Osman, and Janice Hallett will feel right at home. With slightly tighter language, future books could be even stronger, and I’ll definitely be picking up the sequel.

[Jen Ryland (jenrylandreviews & yaallday)]

While this is pitched as similar to The Thursday Murder Club, I felt it was more similar to the Aurora Teagarden books. In The Quaint Bookshop located in central England, a book club is meeting. The members: a professor, a housewife, a middle aged and still struggling actor, a nursery school teacher and undercover author, and the bookstore manager, who is looking in on the group.

By the end of their meeting, one of them will be dead, and the rest receive clues to help solve the murder.

I'm still trying to get into cozies. While this didn't quite have the humor and plotting of TMC, I did like the inclusion of a reporter, who manages to get all the witnesses to talk even after the police sternly told them to talk to no one.

Thanks to the publisher for providing an advance copy for review!

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[Farah G · Rating 3 out of 5]

Readers may be nerds, but you do *not* want to come between them and their precious books - or their favourite bookstore! So, when a bookshop owner is murdered, a set of avid crime story junkies decide to do their own investigation...

This is a charming cozy mystery that will have particular appeal for bibliophiles, thanks to the setting. And it easily earns 3.5 stars.

I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

[Jess Robinson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read as an ARC from NetGalley, to be published in Jan 2026

Thank god it’s over holy shit. This book was highly predictable and felt like it was trying to hit a word count the entire time.
I only finished it because I wanted to know who committed the murder and I’m not going to lie I skimmed so so so much. There was so many parts that were so unnecessary they should have been cut out and this could have made a great novella.
For example - “he watched a squirrel gambolling in a tree. It was definitely gambolling. He knew it was gambolling, even though he couldn’t remember ever actually hearing the word defined. There was something about the squirrel’s acrobatic insouciance; it lacked the purposefulness of running and the frivolousness of mere scampering. It was definitely gambolling.”
HOW DID THIS END UP IN THE BOOK

[PamG · Rating 3 out of 5]

Murder By the Book by M.R. G. Davies is the first book in the Cozy Crime Club Mystery series. It features four members of a reading group who meet at The Quaint Bookshop. One night as soon as they leave, they hear a scream. The manager, Felicity Penman, has been murdered. The four decide to use what they’ve picked up from their fictional detectives to solve the cases. Surely, the murder mystery fans can solve the case since it doesn’t seem like the police are doing much to solve it.

Professor Stone is the leader of the group. He’s analytical and logical. Lauren is forthright, as well as bringing empathy and character insight. Harrison is optimistic, but he can be irritating. Bella has a quiet resilience and tends to be a team player. They all have a shared interest in literature, especially mysteries.

The novel switches points of view frequently with transitions that don’t always work smoothly. The story has plenty of literary references and is descriptive. However, the amount of description tends to slow the pace. The author did a great job on characterization and showing how the group worked well together. The reveal wasn’t much of a surprise, but it was well done.

Overall, this is a charming mystery with likeable characters, but slow pacing.

HarperCollins UL, One More Chapter and M.R.G. Davies provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for January 23, 2026.
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My 2.94 rounded to 3 stars review is coming soon.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

There’s something irresistibly charming about a mystery that begins in a bookshop. Murder by the Book invites us into The Quaint Bookshop, where the shelves hold more than stories—they hide secrets, danger, and ultimately, a body. When the manager is found dead among the novels, it’s not the police who capture our hearts, but a reading group of devoted crime-fiction fans who decide to put their fictional sleuthing skills to the test.

This is a cozy mystery that sparkles with humour and warmth, yet never loses its grip on suspense. Davies cleverly balances the playful energy of amateur detectives with the darker undercurrent of murder, creating a tale that feels both comforting and thrilling. The camaraderie of the reading group is delightful—like sitting in on a lively book club where the stakes suddenly turn deadly.

The narrative is peppered with nods to classic detective fiction, making it a treat for seasoned mystery lovers, while the accessible style ensures newcomers will feel right at home. It’s witty, engaging, and brimming with atmosphere—the kind of story you want to curl up with by the fire, blanket wrapped tight, as the pages turn effortlessly.

Fans of The Marlow Murder Club will find themselves right at home here, but Davies brings his own flair: a knowing wink to the genre, a warmth in characterisation, and a pace that keeps you guessing until the final chapter.

With thanks to MRG Davies, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC.

[Tracy Wood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Professor Stone, Lauren Sherwood, Harrison Fforde, and Bella Bourton, not names to strike fear into any type of criminal let alone a murderer! When their friend is killed however, and the police investigation seems to be going nowhere, they are ready to leap into the breach and look at the clues which seem to have been laid out for them. When the discovery of another body leads the police in their direction the four reading club members know they have to up their game but they've read crime novels, how hard can it be?

I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter, but the opinions expressed are my own. The first book in a new series, this is an absolute joy. The four main protagonists are easy to read about, their personal lives are all completely different but they need each other in ways none of them has acknowledged before. There is quite a lot of internal thought and problem solving which did become quite noticeable but a first book is like a blank canvas and it gave an early insight into the way the four of them work both individually and as a group. The culprit was well hidden in plain sight and I was surprised by their reveal but in a good way. If you're considering trying a new cosy crime series this is definitely work a look.

[Gail · Rating 3 out of 5]

This cozy has been compared to the Marlowe Murder Club mysteries, and, indeed, it does bring together a group of disparate personalities (members of a mystery book club) to investigate the murder of the Quaint Bookshop's manager.

The murder takes place immediately after a club meeting, and Professor Stone, Lauren Sherwood, Harrison Fforde, and Bella Bourton find themselves compelled to get involved in the case, especially after the police seem less than enthusiastic and each book club member receives a mysterious literary work that appear to constitute clues in the case.

All in all, a pleasant, if not compelling, read for cozy devotees that is the first in a new series.

Full Disclosure--NetGalley and the publisher provided me with a digital ARC of this book. This is my honest review.

[Marion · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first in the series of “A Cosy Crime Club Mystery”. We meet Professor Stone, Lauren Sherwood, Harrison Fforde and Bella Bourton, who are in a book club at the Quaint Bookshop. When the manager is found dead in between the shelves, the book club decides to do some investigating themselves. Davies did a great job developing the four protagonists and made it easy for you to like them. These four are so different in personality but work so well together. During their investigation each member finds a book that connects to the crime. These clues help them along the way to solve the crime. I did feel that some of the story dragged in places, but I liked the final reveal by the book club. I would like to thank Netgalley and Harper Collins and One More Chapter for providing me with an ARC for an honest review.

[Elizabeth Veit · Rating 4 out of 5]

If there is one type of book that I'm guaranteed to jump for, it's a cozy mystery. I really love when the author of said cozy mystery also seems to really love the genre. This author did a great job of weaving in some mystery touchstones throughout the book and even included nods to greats such as Agatha Christie, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and G. K. Chesterton.

This book was told from various points of view. I think The Professor might be my favorite character. Bella threw me a bit. I'm glad she showed some growth. Harrison was just sad. Lauren was intriguing, and I wish we'd heard more about her brother. I feel like there were some unanswered questions especially regarding Carlton.

Overall, this book kept me on my toes and kept me guessing throughout. I enjoyed the plot, and I wish I'd been able to get to know Lucy better

Thanks to Net Galley for the book to review.

[Amela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Murder by the Book was an entertaining mystery with a fun cast of characters, reminiscent of a younger Thursday Murder Club. The amateur detectives in this book are a mystery reading group at The Quaint Bookshop, who have to put their sleuthing skills to the test when the manager of the bookshop, Felicity, is suddenly murdered.

I enjoyed this story but it was very slow to be quite honest, and it felt like we didn't actually start digging into the mystery until the 65% point of the book. Once you actually start getting into it you keep turning pages to find out what happens next, but the beginning does drag.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK/One More Chapter for the opportunity to read this ARC!

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Quaint Bookshop sounds like the sort of bookshop we’d all like to get lost in for a few hours. The Manager, Felicity Penman is warm and welcoming and has encouraged four of her regular mystery readers to form a reading group, meeting in a room of the shop. One night, after their regular meeting, the group left Felicity locking up only to hear a blood curdling scream as Felicity was murdered.

Of course, the group decide they must investigate the murder in this delightful mystery. Not entirely a cosy mystery, it is witty and suspenseful with darker undertones giving a nod to golden age mysteries. The characters are a mixed bunch – a professor, an out of work actor, an older unmarried woman aspiring to write a novel and the newest recruit, a young woman with a controlling husband. Each handpicked by Felicity, their attributes make them an excellent bunch of sleuths. Along the way they also learn much more about each other as well as their own strengths. The mystery is very entertaining, with good pacing and well placed twists which I enjoyed very much.

With thanks to Harper Collins UK for a copy to read via Netgalley

[Joni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murder by the Book introduces us to Professor Stone, Bella Bourton, Lauren Sherwood, and Harrison Fforde as members of a local reading group (don't call it a book club!) who discover the manager of The Quaint Bookshop dead after their meeting. The work together to discover the killer and discover more about each other in the process.
This was an enjoyable read. The characters are likeable and the story moved along quickly. I had an idea of who the murderer was but I was wrong as there are enough red herrings to keep you wondering until the end. I hope we get to see more of this reading group and The Quaint Bookshop.
Thank you NetGalley, Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter for the ARC.

[Kate Hardy · Rating 4 out of 5]

After a meeting of the local reading group, its four members discover Felicity, the manager of the Quaint Bookshop, dead among the shelves. The police don't seem to be making much headway in finding the murderer. And when they each receive a parcel from the manager, they put their sleuthing skills to the test to find out who killed Felicity...

I did find Bella a bit annoying, and the character of the DCI was a little too hostile for my taste, but I enjoyed all the nods to classic Golden Age mysteries.

Lots of red herrings, the characterisation grew on me, and it was a quick, easy read.

Thank you to the publisher, the author and Netgalley for the ARC.

[J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A reading club (not a book club) meet at a local bookstore to discuss their current read. They are a diverse group with a retired math professor, an old actor, a wannabe author, and an unhappy housewife. When the bookstore manager is murdered, the group decides to investigate. The police investigator is focused on finding a member of their group guilty, so they are more determined than ever to solve the mystery themselves. The chapters alternate between characters, but everything stays cohesive and the solution is a surprise, but makes sense. This is an enjoyable cozy mystery.
Thanks to HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter, and NetGalley for the ARC.

[Tamara Hamilton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Murder By the Book is a cozy murder mystery set to be released Jan 23 2026. It is the first book of the library detectives series. When the manager of the local book club, is found dead. The for members of the book club work to solve the murder mystery. If you liked the Aurora Teagarden Mysteries on Hallmark You will love this book. I give 3.5 out of 5 stars.
I think this will be a fun series.

Thank you Netgalley and HarperCollins UK, one more chapter for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Andi · Rating 3 out of 5]

MURDER BY THE BOOK was a cozy mystery featuring a group of four book club participants who take it upon themselves to try to find out who murdered the manager of the bookstore where they meet.

The plot lagged a bit in the middle, but picked up nicely in the end. I liked the characters, with the exception of overly hostile DCI Carlton. But I’m not sure I liked this series enough to continue.

🌟Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.🌟

[Miki Jacobs · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Quaint Bookshop's Reading Group have just left for the evening leaving the Manager Felicity to lock up. They haven't gone far and heard a scream from the bookshop. When they can't get back in they call the Police and it is found that Felicity has been murdered.
They are not enamoured with the police investigation and decide to investigate on their own despite being warned off by the DCI in charge.
This leads them down many rabbit holes and puts one of the directly in the sights of the DCI.
A very readable book which I whizzed through.

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

An eclectic group of characters is corralled together for a weekly mystery reading group at the Quaint Bookshop. When the bookshop manager is murdered seconds after they leave her, the group uses all their murder mystery knowledge to "help" the police find the killer. I enjoyed all the different elements, mystery twists, and characters. While I'm not sure I understand why some aspects were even in the book (looking at you Bella's husband), ir didn't take away from the story. The setting and descriptions were imaginative and the characters were enjoyable as themselves.

[Sharon Valler: Live Love Read Review · Rating 3 out of 5]

Four amateur sleuths from a book club set out to solve the murder of the beloved book store owner. The four characters are all very different in personality and background and I loved their close bond over books, despite their unlikely friendship.

The pace was slower than I would have liked, but it picked up towards the clever and unexpected ending.

3 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for an ARC of this book.

[Jean · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good cosy mystery.
The monthly book club is just finishing at the independent book shop when they hear a noise and find the manager murdered, all of them are suspects and told not to talk to each other but they all get together and try and solve the murder themselves.
Very likeable characters and secrets are revealed.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC and I give my honest review.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This cosy mystery has a fun premise that will appeal to book lovers, with a murder in a bookshop and a group of reading group sleuths on the case. The characters are likeable and the bookshop setting adds plenty of charm.

While the mystery is enjoyable, it is fairly predictable and more focused on comfort than tension. Overall, this is a pleasant, easy read for fans of gentle cosy crime.

[Beth Younge · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was quite predictable in what it was trying to do but none of it was awful. The writing was fine and i thought the plot worked for the most part. I think the variety of character voices worked well and they were all distinctive for each other. My main issue with this was that it did not have a singular big hook or difference than all the other cosy mystery novels out there. This was an acceptable read nothing that really blew me away.

I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.

[Dawn Probert · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great ensemble murder book. Good friendships, good story a strong community.
This had warmth, fun, character growth and a great plot that kept me hooked.
Thank you netgalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book one in this cosy little mystery. I liked that it took place in a bookstore. That might be all I liked about it. It was too wordy at times. I didn’t really care for the characters. I had high hopes for this book and was looking forward to a really good mystery

[Cassie Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/ I think fans of Only Murders in the Building would enjoy this one. A quaint, cozy mystery with a good plot, but the introspection into the reading club characters is a bit much sometimes and I found myself skimming those chunks.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the eARC!

[Tiffany (areyoutellingstories) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A charming and cozy murder mystery for bibliophiles! When the beloved manager of their favorite bookstore is found slumped between the shelves, the bookclub...err reading group, is on the case.

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

review to come

[J R · Rating 5 out of 5]

captivating and fun murder mystery book with some fantastic characters and a gorgeous final twist to boot. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.

[Deborah Almada]

This was a DNF for me. I really could not get into this book at all!