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The Frequency of Murder: A Kowhai Bay Mystery
He’s better with radio waves than people, until a murder leaves a message just for him.
Eliot Harrow prefers frequencies to friendships. As the quirky, brilliant host of Kowhai Bay’s late-night radio show, The Night Wave, he’s content with tea, muffins, and the comfort of precise patterns. But when a beloved local baker is found dead, face down in a tray of apricot danishes, Eli stumbles onto a mystery only he seems able to tune into.
The final clue? A single word, broadcast live during his Crimson.
With dry wit, razor-sharp logic, and help from his code-breaking aunt (and her suspiciously therapeutic cupcakes), Eli must decipher hidden recipes, unearth small-town secrets, and dodge a muffin-wielding attacker, all while navigating the emotional chaos of people who don’t come with clear instructions.
Set in a charming New Zealand-style coastal town full of gossip, pastries, and red herrings, The Frequency of Murder is a feel-good, laugh-out-loud, short cosy mystery with heart, hijinks, and a hero who’s learning that connection might be messier than radio... but just as powerful.
Eliot Harrow prefers frequencies to friendships. As the quirky, brilliant host of Kowhai Bay’s late-night radio show, The Night Wave, he’s content with tea, muffins, and the comfort of precise patterns. But when a beloved local baker is found dead, face down in a tray of apricot danishes, Eli stumbles onto a mystery only he seems able to tune into.
The final clue? A single word, broadcast live during his Crimson.
With dry wit, razor-sharp logic, and help from his code-breaking aunt (and her suspiciously therapeutic cupcakes), Eli must decipher hidden recipes, unearth small-town secrets, and dodge a muffin-wielding attacker, all while navigating the emotional chaos of people who don’t come with clear instructions.
Set in a charming New Zealand-style coastal town full of gossip, pastries, and red herrings, The Frequency of Murder is a feel-good, laugh-out-loud, short cosy mystery with heart, hijinks, and a hero who’s learning that connection might be messier than radio... but just as powerful.
38 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 9, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 1 of 1 review
November 4, 2026
A Brilliant Little Mystery with a Whole Lot of Heart
The Frequency of Murder: A Kowhai Bay Mystery by Emily Thornton is a short but absolutely brilliant cozy mystery! I thoroughly enjoyed this entertaining little gem, set in a charming New Zealand coastal town filled with quirky characters, small-town secrets, and plenty of unexpected twists.
What makes this story especially enjoyable is Eliot Harrow, a wonderfully distinctive neurodiverse autistic sleuth whose brilliant mind, sharp logic, and preference for radio frequencies over social interactions make him such a refreshing protagonist. I loved seeing an autistic character take center stage as the hero of a mystery.
The combination of clever clues, dry humor, delicious pastries, and an engaging murder investigation makes this a delightful read. It's wonderfully entertaining, has plenty of personality, and manages to pack a lot of charm into a shorter story.
A fantastic five-star cozy mystery! Highly recommended for anyone who loves clever mysteries, quirky detectives, and stories with heart. I'd happily spend more time in Kowhai Bay and would love to read another adventure featuring Eliot Harrow!
The Frequency of Murder: A Kowhai Bay Mystery by Emily Thornton is a short but absolutely brilliant cozy mystery! I thoroughly enjoyed this entertaining little gem, set in a charming New Zealand coastal town filled with quirky characters, small-town secrets, and plenty of unexpected twists.
What makes this story especially enjoyable is Eliot Harrow, a wonderfully distinctive neurodiverse autistic sleuth whose brilliant mind, sharp logic, and preference for radio frequencies over social interactions make him such a refreshing protagonist. I loved seeing an autistic character take center stage as the hero of a mystery.
The combination of clever clues, dry humor, delicious pastries, and an engaging murder investigation makes this a delightful read. It's wonderfully entertaining, has plenty of personality, and manages to pack a lot of charm into a shorter story.
A fantastic five-star cozy mystery! Highly recommended for anyone who loves clever mysteries, quirky detectives, and stories with heart. I'd happily spend more time in Kowhai Bay and would love to read another adventure featuring Eliot Harrow!
Displaying 1 - 1 of 1 review