The Primrose Murder Society

by Stacy Hackney

Witty, endearing, and wildly entertaining, this Southern cozy mystery is a little bit Gilmore Girls, a little bit Finlay Donovan, with a big helping of Only Murders in the Building.

Lila Shaw stopped trusting anyone the minute her husband went to jail for white-collar crime, taking their country club lifestyle with him. Now Lila is broke, friendless, and losing her house—and to make things worse, her true-crime-obsessed daughter, Bea, was just expelled from fourth grade. Desperate for a fresh start, Lila agrees to temporarily move in and clean out an abandoned junk-filled apartment in Richmond’s palatial Primrose building. The luxurious Virginia landmark is filled with retirees who start their days early drinking bourbon and gossiping, in that order.

Soon after Lila’s arrival, the Primrose is thrown into chaos. The owner of the building’s splendid penthouse has died and in his final days he set up a two-million-dollar reward for any resident who helps to solve the 21-year-old murder of his granddaughter at the Primrose. A fan of all detective stories and true-crime podcasts, Bea is inspired to investigate. They really could use the reward money, so Lila reluctantly agrees, in a questionable attempt at family bonding. She’s certain the killer is long-gone after all these years anyway. That is, until another resident is murdered… and Lila becomes the prime suspect.

Now Lila needs to solve both murders to avoid jail, and even worse, losing her daughter to her snobby in-laws. To catch a killer and clear Lila's name, she and Bea must rely on their elderly neighbors—Jasper, a shy former detective, and Evelyn, an opinionated socialite—along with Nate, a good-looking reporter who keeps appearing at the most inconvenient moments. As the amateur sleuths expose the truth about the Primrose, Lila hopes she can also unravel the trickiest parts of her own life and start fresh.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Audiobook, Cozy, Fiction, Mystery Thriller, Adult

352 pages, Paperback

First published March 3, 2026

About the author

Stacy Hackney lives in Richmond, Virginia, with her husband and four sons. She graduated from Wake Forest University and University of Virginia School of Law. After her legal briefs started bordering on a little too dramatic, she started writing fiction and never stopped. Stacy has published two children's books, Forever Glimmer Creek and The Sisters of Luna Island. The Primrose Murder Society is her first book for adults.

Reviews

[JanB]

DNF @ 25%

I couldn’t take one more second of these characters, especially 4th grader Bea. I have a granddaughter in 4th grade so I feel qualified to judge Bea (lol).

I was drawn in by the comp to Murders in the Building but found no similarities other than there were murders in an actual building for those 55+

Not for me but I hope the author finds success with her audience

[Marta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoughts immediately upon finishing: Book 2 please!!! (3/4/26)
More thoughts to come.

—————-More thoughts👇——————-

The Primrose Murder Society was wonderfully narrated by Stephanie Nemeth-Parker.
When I saw reviews mention the loveable Murder She Wrote obsessed ten year old Bea, I knew I had needed to listen to this. I have loved MSW since I was probably 11.

It’s been a year for Lila. Long story short, she and 10 year old Bea have no choice but to move in to the Primrose, a 55 and better, fancy apartment. Lila has two months to clean out an apartment that has been sitting for years and she and Bea can live there while she does that.
20+ years ago there was an unsolved murder. As a sort of bonding time with her daughter and to cheer her up, she tells Bea they can try and solve the crime. With the help of neighbors Jasper and Evelyn, the little murder solving society is formed. Soon after, a fresh murder occurs and Lila is under suspicion. So this new one definitely needs to be solved asap.

This book has such fun lead characters. And Bea, bless her murder loving soul, is just darling. I feel for Lila though! She’s a handful.

So glad I listened to this one and I hope there is a follow-up to their story.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Audio for the alc of this book. All thoughts are my own.

The book is out now.

Rating posted:3/4/26
Thoughts posted: 3/5/36

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy of, The Primrose Murder Society, by Stacy Hackney, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Lila Shaw is not having a great year, either is her daughter Bea. If she can solve a murder, it could turn her world around. This was a clever read.

[BiblioPeeks · Rating 4 out of 5]

" 'But first can you tell me about the murder of Sophia Kent?' Bea asked. 'I love murders.' "

Lila and her ten-year-old daughter, Bea, attempt to solve a cold case murder, along with their elderly neighbors in this warm-hearted mystery wrapped in found family and rich-people shenanigans. Bea is precocious, obsessed with 𝘔𝘶𝘳𝘥𝘦𝘳, 𝘚𝘩𝘦 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘵𝘦, and loves murder mysteries. Lila is dealing with scandal—and a fall from grace financially—due to her husband's activities, so they are temporarily staying in The Primrose, an estate for somewhat prominent elderly folks. Soon they are embroiled in solving the decades-old death of a teenage girl, along with their quirky—but lovable—neighbors.

𝙎𝙩𝙚𝙥𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙞𝙚 𝙉é𝙢𝙚𝙩𝙝-𝙋𝙖𝙧𝙠𝙚𝙧's audiobook performance is utterly engaging as she brings to life the vast array of unique characters that live in and are involved with The Primrose, as well as Lila and Bea. No two voices sound alike, and each person brims with personality thanks to her superb narration of 𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙘𝙮 𝙃𝙖𝙘𝙠𝙣𝙚𝙮'𝙨 laughter-inducing dialogue.

There are several characters to keep track of—which keeps things interesting—and if you don't get picky about technical details, this is a sweet and humorous character-driven whodunit. Readers entertained by camaraderie, antics of ornery and eccentric senior citizens, and even light romance will enjoy 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗺𝗿𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗠𝘂𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗲𝘁𝘆!
____

Thank you to William Morrow Books and Harper Audio for my gifted copies. All opinions are my own and left voluntarily.

[Keri Stone]

The description of this sounded very cute and like something I would like. A young mother whose husband was arrested for white-collar crime, who has lost everything she owns. She has a ten-year-old daughter who she is focused on taking care of, so she jumps at the opportunity to help clean out an abandoned apartment that was owned by a hoarder. It's a beautiful old building, full of senior citizens. The opportunity comes through her mother's boyfriend.

Once there, she realizes the task is monumental... but she doesn't have much other choice. Then the elderly penthouse owner dies, and the building's tenants find out he set up a two-million-dollar reward for anyone that discovers who murdered his granddaughter many years ago.

The premise is interesting and I was looking forward to this, and perhaps I would enjoy the book more than the audiobook... but the young daughter is such a brat. And the mom does nothing to try to correct her behavior. I know the mom is overwhelmed and the kid is adjusting to new life circumstances, and none of us are perfect parents with perfect kids. But I really get irritated with this kind of parenting and behaviors. In addition, the main character's mother has a boyfriend who supports her, but she has no autonomy and basically tells her daughter she can't question him or ask him for anything additional. I just didn't enjoy any of these characters. A lot of people really enjoyed the book, so please give it a try yourself. When I'm at 30% and not liking a book, it's time for me to DNF.

I do appreciate the opportunity to listen to this audiobook through Net Galley and Harper Audio publishing.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

As much as I don't think a fourth-grader should teamed up with her mom and a couple senior citizens to solve murder, I really hope this turns into a series. Then again, Nancy Drew was solving murders all the time, and she didn't have any adult supervision, so I guess this is much better???

I do see Bea's point (not that her mom did lol). Solving the murder and getting a two million dollars reward is so much more important than graduating the fourth grade. I would be soooo willing to repeat a grade for two million dollars, and I bet none of the kids would judge you for it (other than being mad they didn't have the money).

This was definitely one of the best cozies I have read in awhile. I will be making a note to see what else the author writes (hopefully making this into a series). Definitely would recommend this!

Thanks so much to NetGalley for the free Kindle book. My review is voluntarily given, and my opinions are my own.

[Lexi]

DNF: 7%

Wait?!?! I am supposed to believe that an 8 year old is obsessed with True-Crime all because she watches Murder, She Wrote on her downtime and listens to True-Crime Podcast occasionally??? YYYEEEAAAHHH…Nope!!!
~~~~~~~
Thank you NetGalley and William Morrow Paperbacks for granting my request of an Advance Reader’s Copy in exchange for my honest and personal opinion!!!

[Jill · Rating 3 out of 5]

"The Primrose Murder Society" is a sweet and cozy mystery. This book was described as "Gilmore Girls" meets "Only Murders in the Building—two of my favorite shows—so it immediately grabbed my attention. Overall, it was an enjoyable read. I liked the main characters, Lila, and her 10-year-old daughter, Bea. The charming and quirky side characters, the many residents of the Primrose, were very entertaining and stole the show. The story didn't completely hook me. It was more character-driven, so it was a bit on the slower side at times. Based on the “Gilmore Girls” comparison, I think I had expected Bea to be older. But overall it was a quick and light read. I could see this becoming a series, and I would definitely read a sequel.

I listened to the audiobook narrated by Stephanie Németh-Parker. She is one of my favorites for cozy mysteries, and, as always, she was an excellent narrator. Her expressive narration really brought the story to life. She did a great job voicing a wide range of characters of all different ages and backgrounds.

Thank you to NetGalley, William Morrow, and HarperAudio Adult for the ARC and ALC in exchange for an honest review.

[Heather~ Nature.books.and.coffee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really fun cozy mystery. I loved it. Described as a southern cozy mystery, with a little bit of Gilmore Girls, Finlay Donovan, and Only Murders in the Building, it definitely grabbed my attention. I'm so happy I got to it. I loved Lila and Bea's characters and the older side characters were great. Very entertaining. I think anyone who loves cozy mysteries, would enjoy this one.

Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun , cozy, and smart mystery with a touch of murder.

I definitely enjoyed reading this author’s first novel for adults. It kept my attention with a cast characters that could fill a retirement village along with mom, Lila and ten year old daughter, Bea.

They all became amateur sleuths as they tried to solve a twenty-one year old murder occurred in their building, that was never solved.

High jinx and chaos abound!

Thanks Edelweiss and William Morrow.

Pubs March 2026.

[Kit · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really fun, cozy mystery that was easy to get into and kept me interested the whole time. I liked the mix of humor and mystery, and the setting in the Primrose building with all the older residents made the story feel different from a lot of other murder mysteries. The main character Lila and her daughter Bea were entertaining, and I liked how the investigation had a bit of a true crime vibe to it.

The plot got a little unrealistic in parts, but honestly that didn’t bother me too much because the characters were so likable and the story moved at a good pace. It felt like one of those books you read to relax rather than something super serious. Overall, a solid cozy mystery, and I’d read another one if this turns into a series.

[Sue Em · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐
You got quirky, you got great characters with a pitch perfect setting...and, yes, a cold case murder too. It all adds up to a captivating, with a slight touch of side eye, story. Oh my, was it entertaining! Lila and her murder obsessed daughter end up agreeing to clear out/ready for sale an exclusive condo in Richmond for the 55+ crowd, except the building is famous for an unsolved murder.

[Angela Verry · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Primrose Murder Society

This book was freaking AWESOME! 🤯🔍

I know this is her first “adult” book —and I already know it won’t be the last! 🙌✨

I’d move into the Primrose for the drama… but I’m definitely taking the stairs 🚫🛗😅

📖 Once Upon a Book Club StoryGraph Read Along
Question 1:
If you could step into the Primrose for one day, who would you want as your neighbor — and who would you avoid in the elevator at all costs?
Jasper—I would absolutely need to run into Jasper in the elevator 👀
Avoid: Ruth and her rules… no thank you 😅

Question 2:
Were you able to guess who the killer was before it was revealed? What clues did you use?
Absolutely NOT! 😱 I was shocked—like OMG, really?! I still can’t believe it.
But spoiler… Helene did hint at dealing with family problems herself 👀

Question 3:
Lila has to reinvent herself after losing everything. What does her journey say about second chances and self-worth?
You always have a second chance 💛
Wake up and try again with each new day.

Question 4:
The novel features two murders—one cold case and one very recent. How do the dual mysteries enhance the suspense?
Two murders—wait, WHAT?! 😳
I loved the dynamic the second murder created. It added layers and ultimately helped solve not just the first case, but even the earlier “accident.” So good! 🔎

Question 5:
Mother-daughter relationships, the good and the bad, are a big theme. How did this enhance the story?
The mother-daughter relationships added so much emotional depth 💔💛
It showed how past wounds and complicated family dynamics can shape decisions, secrets, and even motivations. It made the mystery feel more personal and layered, not just about who did it—but why.

[Dana Vit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Harper Audio, William Marrow Paperbacks, and NetGalley for providing this audio ARC!

I adored this book! Newly divorced single mom, Lila, and her daughter Bea, temporarily move into a 55 and older senior housing complex called The Primrose. Bea is 10 and her favorite show is Murder She Wrote. Need I say more?? 😂

I liked the southern feel of this book. I liked how Lila grows into a new version of herself. But the best part: the elderly group living in the complex. I adore sweet old ladies, and snarky old ladies, and old ladies that start drinking wine at 10am. I want to be friends with all of them! Evelyn and Jasper give this book so much heart. They made me laugh out loud several times, and they even made me cry. This is a feel good murder mystery, if that’s such a thing. Highly recommend!!

[Chapters & Chives · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a cute and quirky book - I loved it! Narrator Stephanie Nemeth-Parker does such a good job of capturing the characters' quirkiness, charm, sass, and intelligence!

The description compares the book to the charming relationship between mother and daughter in Gilmore Girls. I do agree, however I actually liked their characters more than Gilmore Girls!

This book is written in such a way that you'll enjoy it whether it's a print copy, ebook, or audiobook!

Thank you Netgalley, HarperCollins, and HarperAudio for the gifted ALC in exchange for my honest review. I really enjoyed this one!

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun audio book. It is a Finlay Donavan/cozy mystery book with lots of fun characters.

Ten year old Bea and her mom Lila are living in a 55+ community temporarily until they get back on their feet. Bea wants to be a detective and begs her mom to help her solve a murder that happened in the building several years ago. They enlist the help of a couple of the elderly residents and the character relationships that develop are great.

This worked well on audio, however there are lots of characters. It is not a mindless listen. Thank you to NetGalley for the arl!

[Of Paper & Planes · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Mothers protected…but that didn’t mean they could fix everything. It didn’t mean they could make every problem go away. It didn’t mean they wouldn’t make a million small and big mistakes. It meant they loved, and they loved, and they loved. In the end, that had to be enough.”

“The Primrose Murder Society” was such a fun escape—a little cozy, a little twisty, and full of charm. Marketed as a blend of Only Murders in the Building and Gilmore Girls (Lila and Bea are definitely giving young Emily and Lorelai…iykyk!), the vibes were perfect for fall. Overall, I had a great time with this one!

When Lila’s husband is accused of embezzlement and fraud, she and her young daughter, Bea’s, perfect life comes crashing down. She takes a job cleaning out an apartment in a glamorous 55+ apartment building, that also happens to be the site of a famous cold case murder. When murder-obsessed Bea enlists the help of her mother and some of the residents to solve the case, things escalate quickly.

The characters are likable and engaging, though some of the elderly residents run together a bit. Lila was sweet and easy to root for, though I felt she spent a bit too much time focused on self-blame. Considering her husband was the criminal, I wanted her to step out of her guilt a little sooner. She’s such a compelling character once she allows herself to start moving forward. Additionally, while Bea is adorable, I had some trouble with her as I felt she acted much younger than her stated age of nine. My five-year-old daughter has a more mature understanding of appropriate behavior than she does at times, which pulled me out of the story occasionally. However, the nuances of a mother-daughter relationship are approached with empathy, wit, and realism that made the story very relatable.

While I felt the book had a bit of a slow start, it was a joy to read once the story found its rhythm. The mystery builds in tension nicely and delivers a satisfying payoff. Hackney’s writing style is sharp and witty, making even the quieter moments engaging. I loved the society dynamic of the Primrose building; the secondary characters made a fun and relatable community that I thoroughly enjoyed being a part of. The overall tone was wonderfully balanced: cozy not cloying, humorous but with heart.

Despite minor character quirks and a few pacing hiccups, I had so much fun reading this one. With a blend of glamour, nostalgia, intrigue, and found family, this story is best enjoyed with a pot of tea on a rainy afternoon. Quirky, cozy, and satisfying, “The Primrose Murder Society” hits that sweet spot between comfort read and clever mystery—definitely one I’ll be recommending.

A heartfelt thank you to William Morrow via NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. 4.5 stars.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. It was a perfect cozy-ish mystery. Excellent for fans of Only Murders in the Building. Writing was great and I did find myself tearing up at certain moments. Sincerely hoping that it will be a series.

[JennaJustReading · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cozy Mystery Meets Heart, Humor, and Found Family
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5
Plot / Story ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Characters ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Writing Style ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Atmosphere/Vibes ⭐⭐⭐
Spice 🫑
Okay friend, let’s talk about this one, because this book completely surprised me in the best way.
I went into The Primrose Murder Society expecting a fun, light cozy mystery, and while it absolutely delivered on that, it also gave me something deeper and more meaningful than I anticipated. I’m giving this ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5 stars), and honestly, the characters are what made this book shine.
This story follows Lila Shaw, whose life has basically imploded overnight after her husband’s fraud scandal leaves her broke, abandoned, and trying to hold things together for her daughter. When she ends up at the Primrose - a grand, slightly eccentric building filled with equally eccentric residents - she gets pulled into a murder investigation tied to a decades-old cold case… and things spiral from there in the most entertaining way.
But here’s the thing: while the mystery is definitely central, this book is 100% character-driven, and I mean that in the best possible way.
I loved these characters.
Like… genuinely, deeply loved them.
Evelyn and Jasper? ICONS. They absolutely stole the show for me. Their dynamic, their personalities, their humor - everything about them brought this story to life. They reminded me so much of the energy in Only Murders in the Building (which you know I love), but with a cozier, slightly softer feel. That same quirky, found-family, “we’re all a little chaotic but we get the job done” vibe.
And that’s really what this book does so well. It builds this unlikely little team of characters who shouldn’t work together… but somehow do.
Even Lila and her daughter Bea add so much emotional depth to the story. Bea, especially, brings that true-crime-obsessed, slightly chaotic energy that somehow fits perfectly into this older, more traditional setting . The mix of generations creates such a fun and unique dynamic that keeps the story feeling fresh and engaging.
Now, let’s talk vibes, because this book leans hard into that cozy mystery atmosphere. Think closed-circle setting, a slightly glamorous but secret-filled building, a group of residents who all know more than they’re saying, and just enough danger to keep things interesting without ever tipping into dark or heavy.
It’s the kind of book you want to curl up with.
BUT, while I really enjoyed the journey, I do have one main complaint…
The resolution of the mystery itself.
For me, it just wasn’t the most satisfying payoff. It wasn’t bad, and it did fit the tone of the story, but after all the buildup, I wanted something just a little more impactful or surprising. It felt a bit softer than I expected.
That said, I actually think that ties into what this book is really about.
Because underneath the mystery, there’s a quiet, thoughtful exploration of relationships, especially mother-child relationships.
We see it everywhere:
Lila and her daughter Bea navigating life after betrayal
Lila’s complicated relationship with her mother-in-law
Ryan’s (Lila’s husband’s) relationship with his mother
Even the dynamics surrounding the victim and her family
And Evelyn’s relationship with her son
It’s not heavy-handed, but it’s there, and it adds this emotional layer that gives the story more depth than your typical cozy mystery.
It’s less about “whodunnit” and more about how people carry hurt, loyalty, and love through complicated family ties.
And I actually really appreciated that.
The writing style is easy to read, engaging, and flows well. The pacing keeps things moving, and while there are a lot of moving parts (between the cold case, the present-day murder, and all the character dynamics), it never felt overwhelming, just busy in that cozy mystery way.
Overall, The Primrose Murder Society is a character-driven cozy mystery that blends humor, heart, and a touch of intrigue into a really enjoyable read. If you love:
Found family dynamics
Quirky, lovable characters
Cozy mysteries with a bit of depth
Only Murders in the Building vibes (but softer and warmer)
…then this is absolutely worth picking up.
Would I have loved a stronger, more jaw-dropping mystery reveal? Yes.
Did I still really enjoy my time with these characters and this world? Also yes.
And honestly… I would 100% read more from this author just to spend time with characters like Evelyn and Jasper again.

Thank you NetGalley and Harper Audio Adult for the alc. #NetGalley #ThePrimroseMurderSociety

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprised to read that this is a debut ‘adult novel’ for this author! (She does have two children’s books under her belt already though!)

Lila is not having a great year… Her husband left her…threatened divorce… and is being sought by the police for a huge fraud scheme. Additionally, her daughter Bea keeps asking when Daddy is coming home?
Mind you, Bea is 10… going on 30!!!! 😮🤣😮🤣. And loves watching ‘Murder She Wrote’…so apparently an Old Soul too! And… just got expelled from her private school… (She’s in FOURTH GRADE!) 😳

When Lila’s husband left, he also took the lifestyle she was accustomed to with him… and, all of their money is gone! The lawyers just told her she needs to vacate their home, too. And… she was fired from her job for taking time off to take care of Bea. 😳😮😮😳

Where can she go? With nowhere else to turn, she reaches out to her Mom… who tells her that her latest boyfriend can offer her an apt in a prestigious retiree building in Virginia. For a short time. BUT… she’ll need to clean out the apt while she’s there! Lila agrees, and is horrified to find the apt is packed, top to bottom, with stuff… probably all junk… that she’ll have to go through…

She slowly meets the neighbors… none of them seem happy that she or her daughter are there. and, they all seem to be very wealthy…not so nice… people. And 55++…

She does meet an elderly man who seems to be having a hard time with one of his helpers/staff… and she stands up for him! He is surprised, but also happy! And thankful! But, shortly after… he’s dead.

Did I mention that the building had a young girl die there many years ago? Well, Lila later finds out that the old man and the girl were related… and he’s offered a reward for anyone who can find her killer…now… all these years later. And…after his death.

Bea is Thrilled! She is going to solve this! But, the stakes keep going up as someone else is murdered there! And then, they seem to be after Lila! 🛑 Stopping. Right. Here! 🛑 if this piqued your interest… pick it up soon!

This was witty, charming, funny, sad, enlightening and oh so spirited!

What a welcome read! And a great choice if you just need a break from a heavy week, or some tough books! Definitely highly recommend! And, can’t wait to see what this author comes up with in the future!

4 bold, sassy, sweet, bright stars for me! ⭐️🌟⭐️🌟

#ThePrimroseMurderSociety by @StacyHackney and narrated wonderfully by @StephanieNemethParker.

THIS ONE HAS NOT BEEN RELEASED YET, BUT, LOOK FOR IT SOON! RELEASE DATE IS: 3/3/26!

Thanks so much to #NetGalley, @HarperAudioAdult and @WilliamMorrowPaperbacks for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review!!

You can also find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Instagram: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine

Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a solid start to what I hope will be an ongoing series. By the end of this I toyed with rating it five stars but the first roughly 30% was tough to get through. The side characters really made this book for me.

I loved all of the people living in the Primrose. This had a really fun Only Murders in the Building meets Golden Girls vibe that really worked for me. I loved the little murder club and the nuttiness of the side characters.

It kind of made me think of Stephanie Plum’s grandmother in the best way. I loved the way the relationships between Bea and the other residents developed. And as a person who grew up watching Murder, She Wrote from approximately age 6 I loved how much Bea loved the show.

I found Lila and Bea really irritating to read from at the beginning. I know there are reasons (very justifiable) both are struggling but I HATED the way that Lila just refused to act like a parent and how passive she was about her own life. She came around in the end but that first part of this book was ROUGH and I had to fight not to DNF.

Sidebar: (this is so dumb of me) I watch Murder, She Wrote religiously and it felt like there was a lot of love for it throughout the book but it also felt like the author may or may not have watched a lot of it. At one point Bea mentions there’s a lot of hiding under the bed in the show and that’s just not the case. There are a couple other throw away lines about the show that are wrong and it didn’t affect my enjoyment of the book as a whole but it did irk me.

Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for an advance copy of this audiobook.

[ᴄᴀᴛ · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5☆ ┆I really loved this book, very much cozy murder mystery. I would love to see these characters again in another book, (though what could be done if it was turned into a series? I don't know)

𝑻𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔:

I read half of this as an ebook, and listened to the other half. And I really enjoyed the narrator and how she voiced the characters. I don't think I've listened to anything she's narrated before but she did an amazing job here.

I really loved all (or most) of the characters and surprisingly, I didn't really hate anyone and no one really made me especially mad or anything.

I liked the little bits of romance, and how Lila didn't completely rush into dating or anything. At the end (or near) she said something like "and hopefully Nate" as for him being in their lives and dating each other.

I loved the mystery parts of the book, and the investigating. It was engaging and kept me interested. I was definitely guessing what was going to happen next and trying to figure out who did what, to think I figured it out only to second guess myself a chapter or two later.

I was also invested in all the old people drama..☕☕☕

𝑶𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒍𝒍:
I really adored this book, and if you're looking for a nice, cozy read, I would absolutely recommend this book.
Thank you so much to Netgalley and the publishers for allowing me to have an advanced copy of this ebook 𝘢𝘯𝘥 an audio copy in exchange for an honest review!
Ebook & audiobook - 0🌶 - 4.5☆

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in return for my honest review.

This is such a cozy and quirky murder mystery - I absolutely adored it. It is full of southern charm and fast paced wit. If you love Gilmore Girls and Only Murders in the Building, definitely pick this up.

Lila is trying to start over and escape the scandal that her husband left behind, all while keeping life as normal as possible for her daughter. But, her daughter, Bea, is anything but normal - she outspoken, brilliant, and obsessed with murder.

When the two of them move into the Primrose the opportunity to solve a decades old murder falls at their feet. But when one murder turns into two, there is more at stake than just the prize money. Lila is suddenly a suspect and if she doesn't clear her name then Bea will have nowhere to go but Florida with a grandmother who wants to turn her into a proper little girl.

The cast of characters are unique, charming, and bring so much life to the story. Sometimes a large cast can overwhelm the story but that is not the case here. While the story truly centers around Lila, Bea, and their relationship - every character we meet enriches the story. I am hoping we have not seen the last of them and there is a sequel on the way!

[Mel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm really hoping this turns into a series.

Lila is a newly single mother who has to temporarily move into an apartment building with her 10-year-old daughter Bea. A building that is meant for ages 55+.

While there, they start investigating the cold case murder of a former resident and things go wrong from there.

There's another murder and Lila is the suspect.

You really get to know the other residents of the Primrose building and they're each such wonderful characters.

It's a little bit 'Only Murders in the Building' mixed with Nancy Drew if she was an adult who solved murders with her daughter and a couple of her new neighbours.

It's fun and I ended up listening to it on evening once I got into it.

This was an audio arc provided by NetGalley and the narration was fantastic and production quality top-notch.

[Debbie De Salvo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok, I have to be honest. I fell for this novel because it was described as “a little bit Gilmore Girls.” Well, as a “Gilmore Girls” fan having watched the show from the beginning and having seen each episode multiple times, this novel didn’t even remotely resemble Lorelai & Rory’s relationship.
And that’s ok. Well, sort of. Who is this person that described the novel as such?!
Also, I almost abandoned the book several times as Lila’s ten year old daughter, Bea, was INSUFFERABLE the first 50 pages. She was such a precocious brat and it definitely tried my patience.
But something told me to stick with it and I’m glad I did. Bea definitely evolved over time and the author handled that with deft writing skills. Thank you!!!
I really loved how the murder mystery unfolded in the apartment building with such great tenants. They were funny and witty and charming and bitchy and gossipy and really believable. The author did a great job creating each character. But mostly what I loved was that this was a believable story with a mother and daughter struggling in their relationship, and it explored trust in friendships and witnessing character growth. Props to author Stacy Hackney for well placed humor. It was so spot on and bode well each and every time. And finally, the ending wasn’t rushed or ridiculous. It was real. And it was a damn good murder mystery.

[Alexandra Garcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this as an ARC from NetGalley. I really enjoyed this book! I think I rate it a 4.5! The characters were believable and the plot was very well written! I was intrigued throughout the book and wanted to continue reading. The chapters were good lengths that kept me engaged. There were quite a few characters, but I was able to easily pick up on who was who. I loved the connections that Lila made, her growth as a character and how the story progresses. Definitely a fun read that I recommend!

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audio and reading on this one- thanks to Net Galley for the ARC of both. I like the narrator of the audio. I thought it was a funny little cozy mystery despite Bea is only 10 years old and her mother let her full-send her obsession into murder mysteries. It did sound like a child finding “her people” and I think Lila did as well. Despite her own family drama with her husband and tense relationship with her mom, she comes full circle. I hope the author writes some more for adults! I’d say my rating is more a 3.5 rounded up!

[Franny · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid 4/5 stars. This is a cute, cozy, murder mystery that follows Lila and her daughter, Bea. The best part is that Bea is obsessed with true crime and a great show called Murder, She Wrote. If you don’t know what that show is, please go watch it. A fun read and a great palate cleanser if you’re in a reading slump.

The narrator for this audiobook, Stephanie Németh-Parker, did a fantastic job!

Thank you NetGalley and HarperAudio for this ALC.

[Afsha (caffeineandcrime) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Primrose Murder Society - Stacy Hackney
Pub Date - 3/3/26 ; Harper Audio/William Morrow
Rating - ☕️☕️☕️☕️/5
Thoughts - Thank you to Netgalley, Harper Audio, and the author for this gifted advanced listener copy in exchange for my honest review. I had so much fun listening to this book! It's a great one to pick up after reading something very heavy since it scratches that itch of reading about a murder, but also makes it more lighthearted and witty.

A mother daughter duo Lila and Bea move into a 55 and older community when Lila's husband gets arrested for embezzlement and she loses her home. While there, a resident of the community dies and Lila has a chance to win $2M by solving a cold case. Mother and daughter bond over the investigation and make new friends with two of the residents who help them crack the case!

I really enjoyed the audiobook. The narrator did a great job of embodying the different characters and truly brought the story to life!

Read if you like:
- only murderers in the building
- cold cases investigations
- cozy mystery vibes

[Emilene LeBlanc · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so adorable and mysterious at the same time. It was a cozy little mystery that kept me wanting more. I really enjoyed all the characters. At first it was a little tricky keeping track of them but it got easier the further into it I got. The troubles that Lila goes through as a mom stayed relevant through the book. Often times people forget the child in a book exists to push a plot through but I loved how Bea always stayed a constant in the story. I loved the twist and it kept me on my toes.