The Primrose Murder Society: A Novel

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, Cozy, Mystery Thriller, Fiction, Adult

352 pages, Paperback

Expected publication March 3, 2026

Reviews

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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!

[Karyn Silverman]

Enjoyable, strongly in the vein of Only Murders in the Building but with no podcast — younger woman with older residents, luxury building, old mystery — but different in all the particulars. Definitely hits the same spot though so if you like the show this will also be a pleasure.

[Christian Boyd Neumann · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5!!!

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC!!

Guys this book was IT!!!! I read it in 2 days and that’s because I couldn’t put it down. I LOVE a cozy mystery and this delivered. Minus half a star because I actually cannot stand the word mama and when people use it in writing or just in general tbh. That word choice irked me and I couldn’t get over it.

This is the authors first adult mystery book and I will continue reading more books from her. Would love a sequel to this book. The vibe of this book is Thursday Murder Club plus Only Murders in the Building, so if you are a fan of both - I suggest reading this book!

[Rachyl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Synopsis: a mother and daughter have to move into a retirement community as a last hope of finding some sort of footing after their life has gone to pieces. Solving a twenty-year-old murder mystery wasn’t part of the plan, but when two million dollars is on the line, they may as well try!

My thoughts: this was such a fun read! I am a sucker for quirky characters and this book was full of them. It really was like reading a novel set in the show Only Murders in the Building. The mother-daughter dynamic was real and raw yet humorous at times. I admired the character growth! I didn’t love the ending of the mystery but I for sure will be reading more of this series if it features the same characters!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great story this was. I loved the setting in Richmond in a retirement apartment building. The characters were very amusing and fun to follow. Lila and her daughter, Bea, each had a great character arc and were very sympathetic. And I didn't guess the murderer at all. I hope this is the first of a series because I'd love to dive back in this world. Thanks to William Morrow for an ARC of this book won through a Goodreads giveaway.

[Becca ₊˚ʚ ᗢ₊˚✧ ﾟ. · Rating 4 out of 5]

quick and fun murder mystery that reads like a play. enjoyable for the most part, some minor grammar and spelling errors.

good read for a rainy day or palette cleanser

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. If you like Only Murders in the building you are going to enjoy this book. Loved the characters and I need a second book!

[Tiara Keener · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given a free advanced copy of Primrose Murder Society. I loved and adored every character, especially Evelyn. My only complaint was some grammatical errors on either page 220 or 222. On the fourth line they used the word “together” twice in the line, almost like they were changing the placement but didn’t delete one of them. I only comment on it because it took my attention away from the story and I had to reread through it to get back in the flow. But I loved every second of the novel!

[Jules Gray · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute story of redemption, a mother’s love, and a murder mystery all at once. A bit hallmark-y, but it was great to read during a long flight.

[Nicolette Ehrhardt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was wonderful! It was descriptive, intriguing, and the plot twist had my jaw on the floor.
Lila, the mother of Bea, was betrayed by her husband and kicked out of her home. As a single mother with no other option, she took her mom’s boyfriend’s help by accepting the offer to clean out his mother’s condo/apt un exchange for living there rent-free. The apartment was in a 55+ community but they made this exception for Lila based on her mother’s boyfriend’s standing with the committee and the reason she was there. Once they arrived, her daughter, Bea, became friendly with the residents and discovered that a murder occurred at the Primrose and it went unsolved in addition to a girl falling off the cliff nearby. She loves mysteries and crime and was intrigued about this cold case from the jump. Lila met a man, Conrad, who was the grandfather of the deceased victim. Unfortunately, he ended up passing away but upon passing he left his trust to whoever can solve his granddaughter’s murder. Bea was psyched for this offer considering crime was her thing and all she watched was Murder, She Wrote. Lila although not convinced, began investigating with Bea and their two neighbors, Evelyn and Jasper. Jasper was a retired detective so they felt a little more confident, but Lila still wasn’t sure. As they began investigating, they uncovered secrets throughout the Primrose. Emily - a neighbor who had apparently knew who murdered the young girl, was found murdered in her apartment after calling the detective to reveal the killer years later. This caused a huge issue and made Lila even more motivated to solve the cold case because she was being accused of murdering Emily. With the clock ticking the four - Evelyn, Jasper, Lila, and Bea, worked tirelessly trying to find out what happened. Turns out - Ruth, the head of the committee, was the Burglar who was around during the same time as the young girl was murdered. Still investigating, they discovered that Helene, the deceased young girl’s mother, was there during when she died. Then went in her room to discuss this new information with her and were instead held at gunpoint by Helene. Her other daughter, Alice, appeared in the room when Helene thought she wasn’t home - essentially saving the three lives. Helene revealed that she was there when her daughter passed because she was having an altercation with Conrad and her wrist was slit by a knife during this so she actually committed suicide. Moreover, the deceased young girl was the one who accidentally pushed her friend off the cliff (the prior death on this property). This turn of events was mind blowing. Sure, Helene seemed suspicious from the start because she didn’t want to open her daughters cold case and finally have closure, but to have witnessed her daughter take her life and not want this information to come to life is a whole different take I wasn’t expecting this book to take. It was a great book and I enjoyed reading this to see what the final result was!

[Savannah Fernelius · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

Thank you NetGalley, William Morrow, and Stacy Hackney for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

After being introduced to the cozy mystery Finlay Donovan and Riley Thorn series earlier this year, it has become my soul mission to devour every funny, entertaining, and tenderhearted mystery I can get my hands on. There’s such a delicate balance to writing a truly great cozy mystery. They need to be clever but not overly convoluted, heartfelt without being saccharine, and self-aware enough to make you smile even amid the murder. The Primrose Murder Society nails that balance effortlessly.

Stacy Hackney delivers a gem of a mystery that feels equal parts Only Murders in the Building and classic Agatha Christie, yet still refreshingly original. The cast of characters who inhabit the Primrose building are all delightfully eccentric, elderly, and full of secrets. They provide the perfect backdrop for a story that’s equal parts whodunit and warmhearted community portrait. The banter between them is sharp and funny, their quirks feel authentic rather than caricatured, and their devotion to each other gives the novel unexpected emotional depth.

But it’s Lila Shaw who completely stole the show for me. Multifaceted, sharp, and wonderfully human, she’s one of those rare protagonists who feels both relatable and aspirational. She’s carrying her own grief, navigating reinvention, and yet she still tries approach the chaos around her with empathy and curiosity. Watching her evolve throughout the story while balancing vulnerability, resilience, and humor was one of the most rewarding parts of the book.

As much as I’d love for this to become a full-fledged series (and I really hope there are plans to expand this universe), The Primrose Murder Society also stands beautifully on its own. It wraps up its mystery in a satisfying way, while still leaving readers like me desperately wanting more time with Lila, Bea, and their delightfully nosy neighbors.

[Holley Desigio · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an eBook copy of "The Primrose Murder Society" from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All thoughts and critiques are my own. Lila and Be a have has a rough year. Lila's husband is on the run after being accused of fraud, her friends won't talk to her, and Be a has been ostracized from school. After Be a is expelled and the money runs out, Lila's mom offers her an apartment at a senior living center and work cleaning out junk from this old This apartment has a well known history, with a cold case murder that needs to be solved, and just as Lila moves in, a reward is offered to solve this murder. Bea, being a lonely bored little girl who is obsessed with murder wants to try and solve it, but Lila wants to keep Be a safe. Reluctantly agreeing to look for clues in her job, Lila and Be a work through their issues while interviewing the murdered girls best friend, mother, sister, and many of the other residents of the home. As Lila investigates the case, she learns what it means to be a mother, a woman, and starts to feel more like herself again. But with a thief in the building, and a murderer possibly living there too, can Lila really trust the people there? Can she make a new life for herself, or does her past define her. I found this book cozy, heartwarming, and fun. I appreciated including Jasper, a retired detective, and Evelyn as neighbors who grow into friends, and how much of the story relied on the budding friendships in the building. While the mystery is always there, this feels just as much about second chances as about the murder mystery, and the character growth is much appreciated. I wasn't a fan of Nate's abrasiveness at first, but came to appreciate his character and their flirty banter that could turn into more. While I did guess the twist early in the story, this does not detract from enjoying it, and I would recommend it for readers who appreciate a blend of genres.

[Anna J · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked how this was described as Golden Girls meets Only murders in the building. It intrigued me and this book was hilarious and a fun cozy mystery.

Lila Shaw is down on her luck as her husband is wanted for a white collar crime. He runs away leaving Lila to face the consequences of his actions. The house gets seized and her daughter is suspended from school and she is left with a beat up car and little money. Lila is desperate so she reaches out to her mother for help. She is offered a chance to live in Primrose House a senior living home in exchange for cleaning up the apartment and getting it ready to put on the market.

Bea is a feisty fourth grader who loves to watch Murder She Wrote and talks nonstop and usually says things inappropriate which made me laugh. Once Conrad Kent dies and leaves in his will that if someone solves the murder of his granddaughter that he will give them 2 million dollars. Bea is determined to solve this murder and get the money. She gets help from neighbors in the building Jasper and Evelyn. She was already curious about the murder that took place in the building. I loved all the quirky residents and the fights and witty banter they had and how everyone was in everyone else's business. Bea baking cookies with Jasper was so sweet. The residents all really looked out for Bea.

Another murder takes place in the building and this time Lila is the main suspect. She must investigate with the others to clear her name. She is a mother who wants to protect and provide for Bea. This was a fun, cozy, who done it mystery. It did remind me of murders in the building in all the best ways. It kept me laughing and trying to figure out who did it.

Thank you Netgalley for advance copy for honest review.

[Becca Wilder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lila Shaw’s husband has disappeared amid some dubious business practices, leaving her and their daughter, Bea, in dire straits. They have lost their house, their friends, and have no money to help start over. Her mother’s husband has a recently deceased aunt whose unit in a swanky senior living high rise sits vacant. If Lila agrees to clean out the unit, she and Bea can stay there until he is ready to sell it. The problem is, the unit is a hoarding nightmare, and Lila has her hands full with sorting, tossing, and cleaning. In the meantime, Bea has entered public school for the first time and is having trouble making friends.

For someone so young, Bea has an intense interest in murder and is obsessed with the death of a teenager that occurred nearly twenty years ago in the penthouse unit of the building. The girl’s grandfather wants the case reopened and offers a substantial reward for anyone who can solve what happened. Bit by bit, Bea wears Lila down and gets her to begin investigating the girl’s death. Together, with the help of the elderly neighbors who live on the same floor, they solve the cold case, and in the process become friends and a sort of extended family. Bea also tells tall tales about their investigation at school, thereby arresting the attention of her peers. A small group of friends are fascinated with her story and they create a new club at school–a murder club.

I loved this clever, cozy mystery and look forward to reading more from this author.

Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Leila Coppala · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lila loses everything when her husband flees the country after getting caught committing a white-collar crime. With nowhere for her and her daughter Bea to go after the FBI seizes their house, Lila accepts a job cleaning out the apartment of a hoarder in an upscale 55+ apartment complex in exchange for living there. Shortly after they move in, one of the wealthy tenants passes away and leaves a large sum of money to whoever solves the murder of his granddaughter that occurred in the building over 20 years ago. Bea is obsessed with murder and the money could solve all their problems, so the investigation is on!

I wanted to love this, but the two FMCs, Lila and Bea, are difficult to like. Bea is pretty awful and a full-on brat, and Lila is a pushover. Somehow, after moving into the apartment, Lila suddenly knows how to deal with Bea. Sometimes Lila's thoughts on parenting come across as preachy. Lila going from dish rag to getting everything she wanted seems to happen overnight. I also struggled to keep some of the side characters straight, as there are a lot of them. That said, I did enjoy some of the folks who lived in the building quite a bit, and as an '80s kid who watched Murder, She Wrote, I liked that cultural touchstone. The mystery itself was interesting but seemed far-fetched with so many major clues never being told to the police but willingly shared with virtual stranger Lila. That being said, I would read another book by this author.

Thanks to NetGalley, William Marlow, and Stacy Hackney for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Stacey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have really mixed feelings about this one. The setting and the people at the Primrose completely won me over. The building itself sounded gorgeous and full of character, and the cast of rich, eccentric retirees had me laughing and smiling more than once. Jasper and his baking was such a highlight and Evelyn, who at first is grumpy and self absorbed, actually grew on me. Zoey also showed herself to be a genuine friend which I really liked.

Where I struggled was with Lila and her daughter Bea. Lila’s situation was tough with her husband on the run for white collar crimes, the FBI taking everything, and her left to pick up the pieces. But when it came to her parenting, I found myself frustrated. Bea acts out constantly. She is expelled from her school for bad behavior that even turns violent, she is back talking and full of attitude, and she walks all over Lila. Instead of setting limits, Lila just gives in to her over and over and even rewards the behavior. It got to the point where I debated not finishing the book because of how much Bea grated on me.

The only reason I kept going was because I did want to know who the murderer was. I am glad I did because the mystery and the side characters made it worth finishing. If you love colorful casts and eccentric settings, this will be a fun read. Just know that if bratty kid characters and indulgent parenting drive you crazy, that part may be a struggle.

[Vivid Vega · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like your mysteries cozy, your humor sharp, and your characters unforgettable, pack your bags for the Primrose!

Lila Shaw’s once perfect life fell apart after her husband’s white collar crimes left her broke, friendless, and struggling to raise her daughter Bea. When they move into the Primrose to clean out an old apartment, Lila expects nothing but dust and regrets but instead finds herself in the middle of a murder mystery, a two million dollar reward, and a cast of unforgettable neighbors who may just change her life.

This book was such a cozy delight. I loved how every character shined in their own way and how their personalities mixed together perfectly. Lila’s determination to make a better life for her and Bea was both relatable and inspiring. Bea, the true crime junkie with a Wednesday Addams personality, absolutely stole the show. Evelyn, the proper but hilarious socialite, delivered some of the best one liners, and Jasper, the quiet former detective, was a subtle gem who really came into his own by the end.

There is a beautiful underlying theme about motherhood and how far a mother will go for her child. The ending was so satisfying and tied everything together perfectly. Bravo to the author for such a strong adult debut! I would love to see more of Bea and Lila’s adventures in a sequel.

5 stars from this very picky reader.

Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow Publishing for the digital ARC.

That’s my Vivid take ✔️📚

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have had this ARC sitting unread on my Kindle since August because, for some reason, I was worried I wouldn't like it. Well, what a mistake that was because I adored this novel! For one thing, it's hilarious. The elderly residents of the Primrose were a hoot and frequently had me laughing out loud. For another, the mystery is excellent. I thoroughly enjoyed the investigation and the answer to whodunnit was genuinely shocking. The best thing though is the characters and their relationships. Lila and Bea have an imperfect relationship, and Lila makes mistakes and decisions I didn't always agree with, but it was so genuine. There's an underlying theme throughout of motherhood and what mothers will do for their children that was very well done. I also loved the found family aspect. The friends they made were utterly delightful and I enjoyed watching their bonds grow and seeing Lila learn to trust again. In fact, Lila's whole character arc was fantastic and I appreciated the growth she showed. The ending was extremely satisfying as well. I really can't say enough good things about The Primrose Murder Society. It's heartwarming, hilarious, and full of wonderful characters and surprising plot twists. At the end I was left with tears in my eyes and a strong desire to see these characters again. I hope it becomes a series! Stacy Hackney's adult debut is a must read. Highly recommended!

Thank you NetGalley and William Morrow for the ARC.

[Kristie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lila and her daughter Bea had been through the ringer with Lila's ex-husband. Desperate for a fresh start, Lila agrees to clean out a hoarders apartment in a 55+ building. But soon after they move in, the building owner's dies and his will sets up a reward for anyone who solves the cold case of his granddaughters murder that also happened in the building. Bea is obsessed with true crime, so immediately wants to investigate even though Lila is worried about the danger that could come with digging into this crime from the past.

This was a rough read for me. I had two big qualms with this book. One is Bea was such a bratty child that just made me so mad and Lila as a mother had no control over her and constantly rewarded her bad behavior. She is the epidemy of annoying child character. Two is that so many characters opened up to Lila about things they never told the police about for no apparent reason, which I know is fairly common in amateur detective novels, but this felt excessive because it was the same excuse at least 5 times. That being said, I did love all the characters at Primrose and the mystery was fun to follow. Unfortunately this book drug on for me, but I do think it would be a great read for other people.

Tropes
* Only Murders in the Building vibes
* Cold Case
* Amateur Detectives
* Found Family
* Precocious (or annoying?) child

2.5 stars

[Mystyc Metrik · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good murder mystery, and this gave me strong Only Murders in the Building vibes. Lila and her daughter Bea are forced to move into the Promrose, a fancy apartment building for those 55 and older, after they lose their home when Lila's husband, Ryan, absconds after embezzling funds from his business. While Lila and Bea don't fit the bill, Lila's mother's boyfriend, Stanley, recently inherited his mother's apartment in the building and needs some help cleaning it out. The Primrose was the home of a murder many years ago, a young girl named Sophia Kent, that was never solved. When her grandfather, Conrad Kent, passes away, he leaves a trust with a reward for $2 million for anyone who solves Sophia's murder. While Lila and Bea weren't living there at the time, Bea is a murder mystery afficionado and she's excited to try and help solve the mystery. Along with their neighbors, Evelyn, a wealthy socialite, and Jasper, a retired police investigator, Lila and Bea dig into the cold case, tracking down leads and coming closer and closer to the mystery. Although, digging into a mystery isn't without danger...This book had a cozy mystery feel, and I thoroughly enjoyed it, and I would strongly recommend to all mystery fans!

[Olivia Lanier · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so cute! I loved how it felt like a combination of The Thursday Murder Club and Only Murders in the Building, with a sprinkle of sassy, too-smart-for-her-own-good 10 year old. I also never would have guessed that this was the author's first book for adults. She did a great job showing readers why Lila was struggling so much with just about every aspect of her and Bea's life at the beginning of the book. I also appreciated that the author took the time to give each resident of The Primrose their own story and distinct personality, instead of taking the easier way out and creating a cast of anonymous background characters.
This story was both heartbreaking and heartwarming. While Lila and Bea dealt with the heartbreak of losing their old life, and uncovering the about truth the decades-old murder. At the same time, it was heartwarming to watch Lila and Bea revive their relationship, as well as create new friendships with the Primrose residents. I liked reading a murder mystery where the subplot was family dynamics and interpersonal relationships and NOT a romance. Though this did have a sprinkle of romance, it really wasn't a primary focus. For me, this was a quick and enjoyable read.

Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!

[Ashli Rich · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Primrose Murder Society is a delightfully charming Southern cozy with a witty mother-daughter duo at its heart. Stacy Hackney balances humor, heart, and mystery in a way that feels effortlessly entertaining — think Gilmore Girls meets Only Murders in the Building, with a splash of bourbon and plenty of sass.

Lila Shaw is a lovable mess of a protagonist — sharp-tongued, self-deprecating, and just trying to hold it all together after her world falls apart. Her daughter Bea absolutely steals the show, bringing the kind of curious, true-crime energy that makes every scene sparkle. Their evolving relationship gives the story surprising emotional depth beneath all the banter and whodunit fun.

The setting of the Primrose is another star — full of quirky retirees, whispered secrets, and a Southern charm that keeps you turning the pages. The mystery itself is clever and layered, with just enough twists to keep you guessing (and smiling) the whole way through.

While the pacing dips slightly in the middle, the payoff is satisfying and the characters make the journey worth it.

Warm, funny, and irresistibly cozy — The Primrose Murder Society is the perfect blend of mystery and heart. Fans of Finlay Donovan and classic cozy capers will eat this one up.

[Kristen · Rating 3 out of 5]

We should be so lucky to end up in a complex like the Primrose! The residents of this building are AMAZING. The building itself was cool. Hackney did a great job setting the scene and creating a location. Even the Speakeasy is a place I'd like to visit.

Jasper and Evelyn are amazing. They are so different from one another and Evelyn's curmudgeonly exterior is so easy seen through, she's likable even though she tries so hard not to be. Jasper is such a sweet person they just pair well together.

The case they're solving has its own twists and turns throughout the investigation, and while I kind of got there a little before it was revealed, it was a solid mystery.

Where the story loses me a little bit, is Lila's inability to parent Bea. Bea is 10, she needs a mom. And while I get that Lila is dealing with her own issues and her own mom who wasn't a great role model, it's just a mess of parenting which took me out of the story.

That said, I really hope this becomes a series, because I would LOVE to revisit the Primrose and hopefully with all of Lila's growth my issues with this book will be resolved! Yay to more Murder, She Wrote.

Thank you to the publisher via NetGalley for this book.

[Homerun2 · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars

This one was a slow starter for me that ended up being a fun read. The beginning is a classic he done her wrong, featuring former yuppie wife and mom Lila and her 10 year old daughter Bea. Lila's soon to be ex has been accused of felony embezzlement and has fled the country. Lila lost everything -- her house, clothes along with her lifestyle and friends. It takes her a few chapters to finish wallowing and become functional.

She and Bea move into a ritzy condo formerly owned by the mother of Lila's mom's boyfriend. His mom was a hoarder and the condo is a total mess. He agrees reluctantly to let them stay there while Lila clears the place.

The other residents, all over 55, are an interesting bunch. Bea is a precocious child obsessed with Murder She Wrote and true crime. She is hot to investigate the years old murder of one of the former resident's daughters. When a $2 million reward is offered, Bea, Lila and two of the other residents (one a retired detective) decide to see what they can find out.

We see Lila come into her own and throw off her subservient ways. It's enjoyable to see her strike out on her own and find her way. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Mary Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lila & Bea are down on their luck after Lucy's husband gets in trouble with the FBI....they are suddenly homeless and relying on help from Lily's mother's latest boyfriend who allows them to live in his recently deceased mother's apartment (in exchange for cleaning it up...surprise! she's a hoarder....) in the retirement building called The Primrose. While there they meet lots of interesting residents and find themselves curious about murder that happened in the building over 25 years ago. This is all just fine to Bea, Lila's 9 year old murder obsessed daughter. After another murder occurs that is connected with the first murder, Lily finds herself at the center of the investigation and must work with retirement residents Evelyn and Jasper for find the real murderer and prove her innocence!
This is a cute cozy murder mystery that would be a fun read for anyone looking for something light and easy...it has a few elements of a light romance and there are strong family themes throughout the book amongst almost all of the main and secondary characters. I enjoyed this book, the setting and the characters and thought it was a great debut adult by this author!

Thank you to NetGalley for this ebook ARC!

[Kara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Only Murders in the Building meets Murder, She Wrote....
*Immediately yes*

🔪Found Family
🔪Redemption Arc
🔪Cozy Murder Mystery

Lila is desperate for a fresh start for herself and her 10-year-old daughter, Bea, after her red-flag husband, Ryan, abandons them, running away from fraud allegations. Leaving them with a frozen bank account and nowhere to live, Lila agrees to clear out an apartment for her mother’s boyfriend, so they have a place to live. She finds herself thrust into the Primrose, full of mysteries and quite the cast of characters.
When a 2-million-dollar reward is promised to anyone who solves the decades old murder mystery that still haunts the residents of the Primrose, wannabe detective & murder curious Bea, bulldozes her way past Lilas reservations to find the culprit and solve the mystery.

Lila, with the help of fellow Primrose residents Jasper & Evelyn, discovers she's actually pretty great at getting people to open up to her and quickly unearths long lost clues. Along the way Lila begins to accept their new situation and is able to really discover who she is.

With a hilarious cast of Octogenarians, twist & turns throughout the whole book, The Primrose Murder Society is an absolute delight! Fingers crossed this turns into a series!

**Huge thank you to Netgalley for the ARC**