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Murder in the Footnotes
When a stranger turns up stabbed in the library aisle, clutching a photo of a long-demolished building, the quiet town of Acorn Hill is anything but. Suddenly, there are whispers of cover-ups, buried secrets, and a hidden treasure—and, as usual, I’m right in the middle of it.
I never meant to make sleuthing my side hustle, but here I am—independent author, reluctant small-town resident, and apparently, the town’s go-to problem solver. Teaming up (again) with Michael, Acorn Hill’s by-the-book cop—and my too-good-to-be-true boyfriend—I find myself dodging suspects, unraveling cryptic clues, and overthinking whether Michael is in this for the long haul…or about to join the long list of exes in my rearview mirror.
With danger lurking in the most unexpected corners and the past refusing to stay shelved, I’ll need every ounce of wit—and maybe the help of my clever cat—to solve a mystery that’s been simmering for more than a decade.
I never meant to make sleuthing my side hustle, but here I am—independent author, reluctant small-town resident, and apparently, the town’s go-to problem solver. Teaming up (again) with Michael, Acorn Hill’s by-the-book cop—and my too-good-to-be-true boyfriend—I find myself dodging suspects, unraveling cryptic clues, and overthinking whether Michael is in this for the long haul…or about to join the long list of exes in my rearview mirror.
With danger lurking in the most unexpected corners and the past refusing to stay shelved, I’ll need every ounce of wit—and maybe the help of my clever cat—to solve a mystery that’s been simmering for more than a decade.
193 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 3, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
December 17, 2025
Eliza Floretta does not disappoint in her sequel to Killer in the Margins! I was captivated since page one jumping back into Jess and Michael’s relationship and the new murder they needed to solve! All of Jess’s quirks are back as the amateur sleuth takes on her new case and things start to untangle in her relationship as doubt creeps in. I felt a lot of that as a girl with her thoughts trying to take over. I’m anxiously awaiting the third book!
Listened via audiobook narrated by the amazing Lisa Sandlin.
Listened via audiobook narrated by the amazing Lisa Sandlin.
November 2, 2025
This series just keeps getting better and better! Honestly, who doesn’t love clean murder mysteries thats based in a small town and involves a witty librarian, an amateur female sleuth, a murdered book thief, and crooked police with their own ulterior motives. I wish I could give Murder In The Footnotes a 10 star rating!
October 7, 2025
"Murder In The Footnotes" is book #2 in the "Red Pen Mysteries" by Eliza Floretta.
Someone is stealing books from the local library. Of course the police aren't interested, so once again, Jessica Larsen is called on to solve a the mystery. She's barely started when the librarian calls in a panic that there is a dead body in the library! Most of the police aren't much help but Jess and her by-the-book boyfriend Michael know there is more going on. They step in to do the sleuthing and uncover some long held secrets and grudges.
Of course there are a couple of threatening and very dangerous moments for Jessica along the way before the truth is revealed.
Figuring out who was responsible for the fires and the killing took me a bit of time but I did get there before Jess and Michael did. The story had several layers and was an interesting read.
I do like the core characters of this book. Jess is constantly struggling with her anxiety - which is definitely exhausting - but she also has a good support system around her. Michael may seem to good to be true but he is loyal and truly loves Jess and her perceived faults. Her friends Grace and Juniper are there for her as are her staff at the mansion. Jess's relationship with her sister and mom can get a bit awkward but they are family and make it all work. Her cat Watson is an adorable companion -and protector!
Overall a good cozy mystery and I've already pre-ordered the Kindle edition of book #3 which comes out in April 2026.
Someone is stealing books from the local library. Of course the police aren't interested, so once again, Jessica Larsen is called on to solve a the mystery. She's barely started when the librarian calls in a panic that there is a dead body in the library! Most of the police aren't much help but Jess and her by-the-book boyfriend Michael know there is more going on. They step in to do the sleuthing and uncover some long held secrets and grudges.
Of course there are a couple of threatening and very dangerous moments for Jessica along the way before the truth is revealed.
Figuring out who was responsible for the fires and the killing took me a bit of time but I did get there before Jess and Michael did. The story had several layers and was an interesting read.
I do like the core characters of this book. Jess is constantly struggling with her anxiety - which is definitely exhausting - but she also has a good support system around her. Michael may seem to good to be true but he is loyal and truly loves Jess and her perceived faults. Her friends Grace and Juniper are there for her as are her staff at the mansion. Jess's relationship with her sister and mom can get a bit awkward but they are family and make it all work. Her cat Watson is an adorable companion -and protector!
Overall a good cozy mystery and I've already pre-ordered the Kindle edition of book #3 which comes out in April 2026.
September 23, 2025
Jess is not your typical amateur sleuth- she's anxious and has ADHD. She lives in a small town with a police force that the locals don't trust. So much so, that when a body is found in the library, the librarian reaches out to Jess instead of the police.
Having read the first book, I can say that Jess has grown a lot as a sleuth. And as a person. I really like seeing that growth. She is still who she is, but learning to be a skilled sleuth and challenge some of her anxious thoughts.
A lot of great characters: I like Grace; she's such a supportive and solid friend. The kind of friend everyone needs. Michael is a good character too. He's so respectful and supportive of Jess.
No spoilers, of course, but the case was interesting, combining some past and present events. Some sad moments that helped make this case feel real without being overly sad. Definitely some twists in this case, which is always fun and keeps me guessing. I wasn't expecting the ending to play out like it did, it was definitely getting my adrenaline pumping a little bit.
I loved that we ran into characters from the last book. The scene with Thomas was gold. It's so nice to see her evolution with that as well. I do wish the ending had been a little longer. It seemed just a tad rushed. The relationship with Michael feels quick; she's pretty anxiously wishy washy with him. I hope she continues to grow and feel more secure.
Having read the first book, I can say that Jess has grown a lot as a sleuth. And as a person. I really like seeing that growth. She is still who she is, but learning to be a skilled sleuth and challenge some of her anxious thoughts.
A lot of great characters: I like Grace; she's such a supportive and solid friend. The kind of friend everyone needs. Michael is a good character too. He's so respectful and supportive of Jess.
No spoilers, of course, but the case was interesting, combining some past and present events. Some sad moments that helped make this case feel real without being overly sad. Definitely some twists in this case, which is always fun and keeps me guessing. I wasn't expecting the ending to play out like it did, it was definitely getting my adrenaline pumping a little bit.
I loved that we ran into characters from the last book. The scene with Thomas was gold. It's so nice to see her evolution with that as well. I do wish the ending had been a little longer. It seemed just a tad rushed. The relationship with Michael feels quick; she's pretty anxiously wishy washy with him. I hope she continues to grow and feel more secure.
September 15, 2025
𝑭𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒔𝒉𝒆𝒅!!
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𝕋𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙𝕥𝕤:
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𝘐 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘙𝘦𝘥 𝘗𝘦𝘯 𝘮𝘺𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘣𝘺 𝘌𝘭𝘪𝘻𝘢 𝘍𝘭𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘢. 𝘐𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘢 𝘲𝘶𝘪𝘤𝘬, 𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵, 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐 𝘢𝘣𝘴𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘥. 𝘐 𝘴𝘢𝘺 𝘪𝘵 𝘰𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯, 𝘪𝘵 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘣𝘪𝘵 𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘸𝘳𝘢𝘱 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘶𝘱 𝘢 𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘸𝘪𝘴𝘦 𝘢 𝘸𝘰𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬.
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𝓢𝓸𝓶𝓮 ℕ𝕆𝕋𝔼𝕊 𝓪𝓫𝓸𝓾𝓽 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓼𝓽𝓸𝓻𝔂:
✦ 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐞𝐥𝐭 𝐚 𝐛𝐢𝐭 𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈 𝐝𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐰𝐡𝐲. 𝐈’𝐦 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐬𝐚𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐛𝐚𝐝 𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐢𝐭 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐚 𝐛𝐢𝐭 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐰𝐫𝐚𝐩 𝐢𝐭 𝐮𝐩 𝐬𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐰𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬, 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐚 𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡, 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐭, 𝐲𝐤?
✦ 𝐈’𝐦 𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐞 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐠𝐨𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐤𝐢𝐬𝐬. 𝐈 𝐜𝐚𝐧’𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐟 𝐰𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐝 𝐨𝐫 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐈 𝐚𝐦 𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐢𝐭 𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝, 𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦.
✦ 𝐈 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐚 𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐲 𝐛𝐢𝐭 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐢𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐝𝐢𝐝 𝐢𝐭, 𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐚 𝐝𝐢𝐝𝐧’𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐞. 𝐈𝐟 𝐰𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐠𝐨𝐭 𝐚 𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐬𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐰𝐚𝐬, 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫
✦ 𝐈 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐝𝐢𝐝 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡. 𝐈𝐭𝐬 𝐚 𝐰𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐝𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐠𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐢𝐭 𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐮𝐭! 𝐈 𝐚𝐦 𝐬𝐨 𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐈 𝐠𝐨𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤!!
Thank you to Eliza Floretta on Instagram for giving me an Advanced Readers Copy. All thoughts expressed are my own and I was not required to leave a positive review.
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𝕋𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙𝕥𝕤:
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𝘐 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘙𝘦𝘥 𝘗𝘦𝘯 𝘮𝘺𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘣𝘺 𝘌𝘭𝘪𝘻𝘢 𝘍𝘭𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘢. 𝘐𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘢 𝘲𝘶𝘪𝘤𝘬, 𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵, 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐 𝘢𝘣𝘴𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘥. 𝘐 𝘴𝘢𝘺 𝘪𝘵 𝘰𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯, 𝘪𝘵 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘣𝘪𝘵 𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘸𝘳𝘢𝘱 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘶𝘱 𝘢 𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘸𝘪𝘴𝘦 𝘢 𝘸𝘰𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬.
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𝓢𝓸𝓶𝓮 ℕ𝕆𝕋𝔼𝕊 𝓪𝓫𝓸𝓾𝓽 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓼𝓽𝓸𝓻𝔂:
✦ 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐞𝐥𝐭 𝐚 𝐛𝐢𝐭 𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈 𝐝𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐰𝐡𝐲. 𝐈’𝐦 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐬𝐚𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐛𝐚𝐝 𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐢𝐭 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐚 𝐛𝐢𝐭 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐰𝐫𝐚𝐩 𝐢𝐭 𝐮𝐩 𝐬𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐰𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬, 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐚 𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡, 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐭, 𝐲𝐤?
✦ 𝐈’𝐦 𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐞 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐠𝐨𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐤𝐢𝐬𝐬. 𝐈 𝐜𝐚𝐧’𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐟 𝐰𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐝 𝐨𝐫 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐈 𝐚𝐦 𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐢𝐭 𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝, 𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦.
✦ 𝐈 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐚 𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐲 𝐛𝐢𝐭 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐢𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐝𝐢𝐝 𝐢𝐭, 𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐚 𝐝𝐢𝐝𝐧’𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐞. 𝐈𝐟 𝐰𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐠𝐨𝐭 𝐚 𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐬𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐰𝐚𝐬, 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫
✦ 𝐈 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐝𝐢𝐝 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡. 𝐈𝐭𝐬 𝐚 𝐰𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐝𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐠𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐢𝐭 𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐮𝐭! 𝐈 𝐚𝐦 𝐬𝐨 𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐈 𝐠𝐨𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤!!
Thank you to Eliza Floretta on Instagram for giving me an Advanced Readers Copy. All thoughts expressed are my own and I was not required to leave a positive review.
October 5, 2025
Suddenly wealthy romance writer and amateur sleuth Jess Larsen is back in action when the town librarian asks for her help in figuring out why someone is stealing historical books. The case gets a lot more interesting when a body is found in the library, and the cause of death isn’t natural. She and her detective boyfriend Michael work together to solve the mysteries.
This is a “clean” mystery in that the violence occurs offscreen and there is no profanity, excessive gore, or explicit scenes. Normally this would send me running the other way because I prefer my books to have a little grit, but Jess is an appealing neurodivergent character, and Michael is a sweetheart, the kind of boyfriend every woman would like to have. Add in Jess’s rescued watch cat, Watson, and the books are even more appealing. This book, like the first in the series, skirts the line of romance dressed in mystery clothing, but the characters were likeable, and the entertaining plot kept me occupied at the gym, which is what I was looking for. I will read more in this series. Best to start with book 1 so you can enjoy the character growth.
This is a “clean” mystery in that the violence occurs offscreen and there is no profanity, excessive gore, or explicit scenes. Normally this would send me running the other way because I prefer my books to have a little grit, but Jess is an appealing neurodivergent character, and Michael is a sweetheart, the kind of boyfriend every woman would like to have. Add in Jess’s rescued watch cat, Watson, and the books are even more appealing. This book, like the first in the series, skirts the line of romance dressed in mystery clothing, but the characters were likeable, and the entertaining plot kept me occupied at the gym, which is what I was looking for. I will read more in this series. Best to start with book 1 so you can enjoy the character growth.
December 11, 2025
Jessica is back this time she is called upon to help the local library as someone is stealing books. The mystery only grows larger as a body is found inside the library. Jess finds herself teaming up with her boyfriend Michael, the only helpful police officer in the town. It’s sweet to watch Jessica and Michael interact. They’ve obviously grown closer since book 1 and they have such a sweet relationship. Jess still has her quirks and I love her still. She’s so relatable and I have to love her cat Watson! This is an entertaining “cozy” mystery, nothing gruesome is shown on page but there is death mentioned.
If you loved Nancy Drew growing up this series should be right up your alley.
The narration is again done by Lisa, she always knocks her narrations out of the park and this story was no exception. Her voice for Jessica shows Jessica’s nervousness and insecurity so well. But unlike book 1 Jess does have a little bit of confidence coming out in her voice. I chalk that up to her healthy relationship with Michael and the friends she’s made.
If you loved Nancy Drew growing up this series should be right up your alley.
The narration is again done by Lisa, she always knocks her narrations out of the park and this story was no exception. Her voice for Jessica shows Jessica’s nervousness and insecurity so well. But unlike book 1 Jess does have a little bit of confidence coming out in her voice. I chalk that up to her healthy relationship with Michael and the friends she’s made.
October 11, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 4.75
Murder in the Footnotes picks up seamlessly right where Book 1 left off—which I absolutely loved—making it so easy to fall right back into the world and characters. The continuation of the charming romance was everything I hoped for, with the FMC working through her insecurities and anxiety in such a relatable, heartfelt way. Her perseverance and selflessness make her incredibly endearing.
The murder mystery kept me hooked from start to finish, with just the right balance of suspense and surprise. I also really appreciated how the cozy small-town atmosphere and tight-knit community added layers of warmth and depth to the story.
This series continues to deliver both heart and intrigue. It’s also a perfect YA read. I’m already counting down the days until Book 3!
Murder in the Footnotes picks up seamlessly right where Book 1 left off—which I absolutely loved—making it so easy to fall right back into the world and characters. The continuation of the charming romance was everything I hoped for, with the FMC working through her insecurities and anxiety in such a relatable, heartfelt way. Her perseverance and selflessness make her incredibly endearing.
The murder mystery kept me hooked from start to finish, with just the right balance of suspense and surprise. I also really appreciated how the cozy small-town atmosphere and tight-knit community added layers of warmth and depth to the story.
This series continues to deliver both heart and intrigue. It’s also a perfect YA read. I’m already counting down the days until Book 3!
December 28, 2025
Another great mystery!
I love Jessica and Michael and seeing their relationship develop from the first book. They are so cute together! I will say that their relationship moves very quickly, so if that bothers you, maybe skip this one, but I, for one, think it works for them. I like how Jessica can recognize when her trauma is influencing her, but that knowledge doesn't immediately fix the way she views the world and her relationship. It feels very authentic and realistic.
This series feels very nostalgic to series I read when I was a kid, like Nancy Drew, but with a slightly older protagonist. It's perfect for those looking for a cozy mystery.
The audio book narrator did a fantastic job of getting into Jessica's head and bringing her to life.
I love Jessica and Michael and seeing their relationship develop from the first book. They are so cute together! I will say that their relationship moves very quickly, so if that bothers you, maybe skip this one, but I, for one, think it works for them. I like how Jessica can recognize when her trauma is influencing her, but that knowledge doesn't immediately fix the way she views the world and her relationship. It feels very authentic and realistic.
This series feels very nostalgic to series I read when I was a kid, like Nancy Drew, but with a slightly older protagonist. It's perfect for those looking for a cozy mystery.
The audio book narrator did a fantastic job of getting into Jessica's head and bringing her to life.
September 27, 2025
Amateur sleuth Jess Larsen and police boyfriend Michael Callahan are back in action in “Murder in the Footnotes,” book 2 of Eliza Floretta’s Red Pen Mysteries. Jess is dealing with anxiety regarding her relationship with Michael, now a detective. She worries about him, his feelings for her, and why he hasn’t said those three little words. Enter the town librarian telling Jess that someone is stealing local history books from the library and the police won’t do anything. Then a dead body is found in the library. No one in town seems to trust the police department so once again Jess is called to investigate. She and Michael must first figure out the victim’s identity, and that discovery opens up a tangled web of old grief, old friends, regret, and a lost treasure to boot. This is a fast moving, cozy whodunit with multiple hidden motives to keep you guessing. And Watson, Jess’ kitten, once again saves his mistress from bodily harm. The perpetrator and accomplice surprised me. Jess got her three little words and a happy ending.
October 21, 2025
If you enjoy small town charm, cold case mysteries with a recent murder, a cuddly cat companion, and an amatuer sleth on the case, then Murder in the Footnotes is for you! And, if all these tropes are not enough, pair them with a neurodivergent FMC...Yes, please! Jess is AMAZING and so relatable!
Murder in the Footnotes is book two in the Red Pen Mysteries, and I was here for it! I was hooked from the beginning, and just like in book one, I couldn’t put this down!
I highly recomend this one! Don’t miss it!
Murder in the Footnotes is book two in the Red Pen Mysteries, and I was here for it! I was hooked from the beginning, and just like in book one, I couldn’t put this down!
I highly recomend this one! Don’t miss it!
October 18, 2025
Absolutely loved this continuation of Jessica and Michael’s story as they solve yet another murder. Flew through this book. Couldn’t put it down!
December 28, 2025
This was a great book! I read it very quickly. Jess is such a relatable character.
October 14, 2025
Michael is an officer of the Acorn Hill Police Department. Jess has taken over her grandfathers investigating business. The town librarian has asked her to investigate theft of books from the library. Why Jess? The police dismissed her concerns, now she does not trust the police. Jess agrees to look into it, and while having morning coffee with Michael at the diner she gets messages. The librarian is messaging her like crazy. Why? She has discovered a dead man among a tumble of books. Could this be the book thief? And if so, who murdered him! Finding one of the stolen books, there were notations in the margin mentioning the name of someone he believed to have been part of a buried town secret.This falls right in with the fact that few trust the police as it seems there are still hidden secrets involving covering up little town happenings. A murdered book thief, an arson where someone died, possible cover ups by police and the mayor!Michael and Jess Michael and Jess have their hands full. Everything ties in even with twists and turns. This is yet another feel good clean and active mystery book That Ms. Floretta has woven for us.
October 11, 2025
Loving the series! The mystery plot was good and I liked how Jess doesn't take unnecessary risks.
Also loving her relationship with Michael.
Also loving her relationship with Michael.
January 10, 2026
- First Person, Single POV
- Cozy Mystery
- kisses only romance
- book 2: The Red Pen Mysteries series
Murder In The Footnotes is book 2 in the Red Pen Mysteries series. I've also read the ebook (and listened to the audiobook) for book 1, Killer In The Margins.
Both books are fun and cozy reads. I really like Jessica's character, and of course Michael is still a big sweetheart. Each book sets out to solve a different mystery. And just like book 1, this one was intriguing and kept me entertained the entire way.
It's also worth noting that the artwork is so adorable. I love the cover, title page, and super cute chapter header cat.
I can't wait to read the next one in this wonderful series. If you're a fan of cozy mysteries, this quick read won't let you down.
I received an advanced review copy of this book. This review is my honest opinion and thoughts
- Cozy Mystery
- kisses only romance
- book 2: The Red Pen Mysteries series
Murder In The Footnotes is book 2 in the Red Pen Mysteries series. I've also read the ebook (and listened to the audiobook) for book 1, Killer In The Margins.
Both books are fun and cozy reads. I really like Jessica's character, and of course Michael is still a big sweetheart. Each book sets out to solve a different mystery. And just like book 1, this one was intriguing and kept me entertained the entire way.
It's also worth noting that the artwork is so adorable. I love the cover, title page, and super cute chapter header cat.
I can't wait to read the next one in this wonderful series. If you're a fan of cozy mysteries, this quick read won't let you down.
I received an advanced review copy of this book. This review is my honest opinion and thoughts
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