Pomona Afton Can Totally Catch a Killer: A Novel

Pomona Afton #2

by Bellamy Rose

In this witty and delightful follow-up to the “glam and glorious” (Kat Ailes, author of the Expectant Detectives Mysteries) Pomona Afton Can So Solve a Murder, Pom finds herself in the middle of a murder mystery that threatens her up-and-coming charity foundation and—worst of all—her romantic life.

Pomona Afton knows how to throw a memorable party. After all, for her twenty-fifth birthday, she hosted a global extravaganza that included a masquerade ball in a Scottish castle, clubbing in Ibiza, and skinny dipping on a private island. So, throwing a gala for her fledgling nonprofit should be a breeze.

Unfortunately, she has to navigate the high-stakes (and snobby) world of philanthropy, a beloved boyfriend who just can’t seem to fit in, and of course, her dysfunctional family, all while planning a party that won't only affect the future of her charity, but her own future in society.

But Pom is no quitter. She pushes forward and perseveres…until, right in the middle of her party, she discovers the body of one of her biggest donors. Suddenly all her hard work is going up in flames. If she’s going to salvage her new life path, she must put on her (incredibly stylish) detective hat again and figure out who wants to bring her down. One more measly little murder mystery shouldn’t be that hard, right?

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

272 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 14, 2026

Reviews

[ari [gin’s vrsn 🩵] [semi ia]]

one of my first ever arcs was the first book in this series so i’m SO excited to be getting the chance to read the second early too !!

tysm netgalley and atria publishing for the arc!!

[Sonja · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pomona Afton is the second book in this wonderful, quirky, frivolous series. It 's not trying to be something it's not, and the book never takes anything too seriously. The characters are fun and flawed, the plot is not too deep, and overall it is a quick, likable read perfect for the beach or when you have just come off reading a heavy and dark book.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this novel.

[Toni · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun and witty who-done-it with rich girl, Pomona Afton as amateur detective. She previously solved the murder of her own grandmother so she’s game to solve another.

Pom is trying to give up her party girl image and do good in the world by starting a foundation to give scholarships to kids without funds for school. She organizes a gala to have her rich friends donate to her cause.

Unfortunately a wealthy man ends up murdered at her fashionable function. She’s off and running to solve his murder and still maintain her charitable foundation.

A bit verbose at times, kind of like a mind-dump of thoughts and commentary, but so humorous. Lots of fun characters including her dysfunctional family. I didn’t read the first book which did not present any problems. Enjoy!

Thanks Edelweiss and Atria.

[Meredith Schorr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fun ride with Pomona Afton solving another murder (or totally catching a killer). I enjoyed this mystery and how it unfolded and appreciated Pomona's continued character development. Here's hoping for a third installment!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my complimentary ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Bethany Tann · Rating 2 out of 5]

The first book was great, we saw character development, we saw Pomona fall in love, and we saw a touch of mystery.

This book had none of those things. Pomona was a dreadful character in this sequel. Not only did she revert back to the spoiled attitude that she had in the opening scenes of the first book but she actually got worse as the book went on. I hated her. Also the writing felt beyond cheesy at multiple points (like literally rolling my eyes questioning if it was AI generated or just truly that bad).

Tldr: I’m mad I read this book and I want my time back.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

[Christi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pomona Afton, the heiress turned baker and amateur sleuth, is back! She has her trust fund again (phew!) and a new apartment. She is trying to balance her old high society life with running a bakery, starting a foundation, and building a life with boyfriend Gabe, a teacher from Queens. When the foundation's key benefactor is murdered at her debut fundraising gala, it's up to Pom to find the killer.

I do enjoy Pom and her hilarious observations and inner dialogue. I would have like to see more of Pomona working at the bakery and interacting with the 'regular people'. That was where the first book shined.

Thank you Atria/Emily Bestler Books and Edelweiss for the advance reader copy.

[Angie Miale · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pomona Anton has a lot in common with Paris Hilton- starring in a Razzie movie, being in a reality show with her best friend in her 20’s, being a clubbing tabloid ridden heiress to a hotel empire. But in personality, Pom reminds me of Cher Horowitz from Clueless. Silly on the surface, but determined and kind hearted on the inside.

In this second installment, the biggest donor to her new non-profit ends up murdered at the gala she has been planning for weeks. She solved her grandmothers murder a few months ago, so why not this one? After all, he promised her a building to use and now that is completely up in the air.

With less of the “fish out of water” storyline from the first book, this story instead has more insecurity about her relationship and in her place in high society. She is still struggling with her place in the world.

Although the murder wasn’t as impactful, I loved the imagery and the world building that came right out of the shoot. Pom is funny and loyal to her friends as she figures out who she is. I liked the story but it didn’t grip me as much as the first. The murder itself is just. It as consequential.

That said, I’d definitely put this in the “to read” pile for those who like more campiness, gala, and cozy mystery vibes.

Thanks to NetGalley and Atria for the ARC. Book to be published April 13, 2026

[Lily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I feel like the first novel in any new cozy mystery series requires a bit of table-setting: An author has to not just do all of the world-building and character introductions but also explain how a rando gets into the business of solving major crimes despite having no qualifications. After that, the second book is where you really find out if the whole premise has legs.

In this regard, Bellamy Rose did an excellent job with this sophomore outing for Pomona Afton. I enjoyed the first book in this series, but this one felt a lot more assured and lived-in. I loved the stakes of Pomona and Gabe's relationship, I continued to get a kick out of the people in Pomona's orbit, and I had fun following the murder mystery itself.

Reading ARCs has one major drawback though — and it's that I won't get to read the third book in this series for a while. SIGH.

[Athénia · Rating 3 out of 5]

*Netgalley ARC read*

This was my first murder mystery, and it was such a fun read! Pomona Afton may be a bit extravagant and eager to impress socialites, but when Conrad Phlume is murdered at her very first gala, she’s determined to find the killer. We follow her as she interrogates suspects, uncovers secrets, and forges new friendships, all while untangling the truth behind that night. The story gave me major Clue and Knives Out vibes, and I especially loved the unique touch of each chapter flowing seamlessly from the last. If you enjoy witty murder mysteries, definitely pick up Pomona Afton Can Totally Catch a Killer on April 14, 2026!

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book two leans even further into the glitz, chaos, and humor, and I had such a good time with it. Pom is now fully in her “I solve murders now” era, and watching her juggle high society expectations, her charity gala, and a very inconvenient dead body made for such a fast paced, witty ride. The tone stays light and a little silly in the best way, never taking itself too seriously while still delivering a satisfying mystery. I loved seeing Pom and Gabe as an established couple—their dynamic felt natural, fun, and added heart to all the drama of merging their very different worlds. And again, Jennifer Jill Araya completely shines in the narration, she captures Pom’s humor and spirit so effortlessly, making this another super engaging, can’t stop listening kind of audiobook.

[Mylissa B · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cozy mystery series with a flare for the dramatic, think Alexa from "Schitt's Creek" meets New York glitz and glam & The Who's-who's of the city. Pomona Afton is still not taken seriously even after solving her grandma's murder last year and setting up a very successful bakery franchise. Now she has her sights set on establishing a gala to help a non profit she is passionate about but things don't work out as expected.

This novel is quirky, cozy and laugh out loud funny at times. It has eliminates of mystery and suspense that leave the reader engaged without feeling like they are sitting at the edge of their seat. I found this to be an enjoyable and fun mystery that I just flew through.

Thank you Atria books for the ARC!

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay I love Pomona. She’s such a fun character - her life is ridiculous but in the most entertaining way. Rose manages to balance the crazy world of the ultra-wealthy with somewhat normal problems like lifestyle changes with a partner. And all of that while Pomona has to solve a murder. AGAIN. Girl can’t catch a break.

This is such a fun series and I could read a million of them. I did guess the killer but it was still a delight to get there.

Thank you to NetGalley, Bellamy Rose, and Atria / Emily Bestler Books for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Sasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun and low angst murder mystery starring my new favorite investigator, Pomona! The mystery itself was interesting and I enjoyed being once against in Pomona’s world with the private islands and sharp dialogue. I liked seeing her relationship with Gabe develop as well, although I hate the miscommunication trope so so much, I do love where they ended up at the end of the book!

Can’t wait to read more of Pomona’s adventures!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this arc in exchange for my honest review

[Delaney]

The second book for Pomona Afton, if you enjoyed the first you’ll be happy to read this one! It was a super fast read, the story kept moving and never lagged. I do wish we hadn’t gotten *as much* backsliding to old Pomona as we did, I would’ve liked a bit more of her being sure in her new self but I still enjoyed the read.

Thank you to the publisher for the gifted arc

[Melanie Belson (melanielovesbooks) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25

I didn't realize this was book 2 in a series so I feel like I did miss just a bit from the backstory but it's easy enough to fall into. It did go a bit over the top in the middle and lost me a bit but overall it was a good fun time. I'm interested to see if there will be more mysteries in Pomona's life.

Thank you to Atria publishers and Netgalley for access to an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

[saskia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was fun, just as the first book, but wasn’t as good. I liked the grand finale, but there wasn’t a ton of actual investigating and a lot more focus on Pom’s personal life throughout most of the story. Would still read the next installment if there is one, though :)

3/5

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ My review: I read the first Pomona book to get ready for this one (will release in April). The first book was a slow start for me, mostly because Pomona started off as a pretentious, selfish, judgey snob. Over the course of the first book though, she evolved into a funny, thoughtful more mature woman. I really enjoyed the first mystery where she caught her grandmothers murderer and reclaimed her family's millions.
Onto book 2!

This time it's not a family member murdered but a rich jerk. Pom continues to navigate her way toward being a "better person" and helping others and being less shallow...and trying to solve a murder that happened at her "first gala". This one was a little less clear cut and I did figure out the murderer but it took longer....there were a lot of new characters. Pom is a good friend and girlfriend (for the most part) and works hard to grow and change. ("Did you know some people don't have washing machines in their apartments?") I love her realizations in this book and I still dislike her awful mother. And Gabe is a loyal, loving boyfriend AND a teacher. I like that ;)
This series could go on and I would definitely keep reading.

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for an advance digital copy in exchange for my review.

[Mikes Bookstagram · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pomona Afton Can Totally Catch A Killer is the follow up to Pomona Afton Can So Solve A Murder. In this book Pomona is working to revamp herself and help those in need by launching her nonprofit. At her first gala surrounded by friends, family, and donors someone is murdered. 

I like the feeling of being back in Pomona’s world! I think Bellamy did a great job of recapping book one in a sprinkled in kind of way and not shoe horned into the first chapters. The writing and feel are still the same as book 1 which was fantastic.

As the story continues I couldn’t help but think “Is Pomona going back to her hoitytoity ways?” I think her return to the money side of things has tainted most of the change she accomplished by the end of book 1. I liked who Pomona became but now I’m starting to feel like she’s slipping back to her old self. She seemed meaner, less considerate, and entitled, more so than where she ended in book 1. I am sad to say I actually ended up hating Pomona in this book. It was hard to root for her in any aspect as she seemed to not only revert back to her old privileged ways, but she just seemed worse. 

Unfortunately I did not enjoy Pomona in this book, and I wish she had maintained her character growth. Overall the murder mystery itself was fun. The characters were interesting and the story was engaging. 

I received an ARC of this ebook from Atria Books egalley via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Vanessa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pomona Afton Can Totally Catch A Killer is the follow up to Pomona Afton Can So Solve A Murder. In this book Pomona is working to revamp herself and help those in need by launching her nonprofit. At her first gala surrounded by friends, family, and donors someone is murdered.

This book started off very well. It did a good job of easing the reader back into the world of Pomona Afton and giving gentle reminders of what happened in the first book which I appreciated. As the story continues our feisty FMC seems to be worse than she was in book 1. It felt like all of her character growth was erased. She seemed meaner, less considerate, and entitled, more so than where she ended in book 1. I am sad to say I actually ended up hating Pomona in this book. It was hard to root for her in any aspect as she seemed to not only revert back to her old privileged way, but she just seemed worse.

Unfortunately I did not enjoy the FMC in this book, and I wish she had more character growth. Overall the murder mystery itself was fun. The characters were interesting and the story was engaging.



I received an ARC of this ebook from Atria Books egalley via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 

[Lindsay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Happy Pub Day, Pom!

If you’re looking for a fast paced mystery that is both campy and cozy, with a (large) side of romance and a heroine at least partially inspired by Paris Hilton, look no further.

In this second installment, Pomona Afton is just as delightful as she is in the first… which is to say a little bit spoiled, sometimes selfish, and occasionally not delightful at all - but I still enjoy her quite a bit! I will never forget the first sentence of the entire series being, “The first time Grandma called, I ignored her.” You can’t say we as readers aren’t aware of who the character is. Deep down, however, Pomona has a heart of gold. She’s loyal to her friends and family, and she wants to help people and live a more meaningful life. She narrates the story in witty, entertaining way, and I can’t help rooting for her despite the occasional frustrated eye roll.

Still… did I think, when we left her at the end of the first book, she had experienced a tiny bit more growth and maturity than she wound up displaying in this one? Yes I did. She might have regressed a little. She’s rich again, after all. I got particularly exasperated with her relationship insecurities and how that storyline sometimes seemed to take over the mystery plot line. However, I do hope that this series will continue, so I understand that Pomona can’t have had a complete character arc and achieved a perfect relationship in one book. The books wouldn’t be as much fun to read if she wasn’t herself messy self!

Overall, this was a fun, lighthearted and witty story that will be perfect for the summer (and also the fall, it is a murder mystery after all). Fans of Clueless, Legally Blonde, or the Finlay Donovan series by Elle Cosimano will probably enjoy these as well. The Pomona Afton series has been a lot of fun so far! While I enjoyed this one slightly less than the first, I still had a good time reading it, and I hope to see news of a third installment soon!

Thank you so much to Bellamy Rose, Atria/Emily Bestler Books, and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advanced copy in exchange for this review.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5 stars

This is a review of the ebook and audiobook. The audiobook is performed by Jennifer Jill Araya.

Pomona Afton Can Totally Catch A Killer is the second book in the Pomona Afton cozy mystery/humor/romance series.

The book is about a spoiled hotel heiress who is now a bakery owner and a philanthropist.

This is the second book in the series. While the mystery is self-contained to this book you will get so much more out of it if you read the series in order. The romance, her family, the supporting characters, her baking … everything is prominently explained in the first book.

The book is set in New York City. Pomona has organized her first charity gala.

I loved this book so much. This is such a fun whodunit. This book has everything. It’s hilarious. There are so many laugh out loud moments. The mystery is awesome. The supporting characters are the best! And the romance will make you swoon

Audiobook thoughts:

Jennifer Jill Araya is the audiobook performer. I’ve listened to her a few times previously.

I really enjoyed her performance here so much. She is very expressive. And she portrayed Pom so well. A few of my favorite supporting characters whose voices she did amazingly well include: Bibi, Vienna and Pom’s mom.

Overall I really liked listening to this audiobook. Jennifer Jill Araya is really good and made the listening experience super enjoyable.

Thanks to Atria Books and netgalley for allowing me to read this book.

[Rachel Drummond · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was pure chaotic, clever, small-town mystery gold. Bellamy Rose gives us a heroine you can’t help but root for—Pomona Afton—whose sharp wit, lovable awkwardness, and unshakable determination make her one of the most relatable amateur sleuths I’ve ever read.

When a murder shakes her quiet town, Pomona is all in—armed with questionable plans, a knack for stumbling into suspicious situations, and a “totally under control” approach to investigating (read: absolutely not under control). The blend of humor, small-town gossip, and genuine stakes makes the mystery addictive without losing its cozy charm.

The suspects were layered and interesting, the clues sprinkled in so perfectly that I was sure I had it figured out… until the reveal blindsided me. The banter was sharp, the pacing kept me hooked, and I found myself laughing one moment and speed-flipping pages the next.

✨ If you love cozy mysteries with big personality, hilarious hijinks, and a heroine who’s equal parts determined and delightfully human—Pomona Afton is your girl.

Thank you to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Angie Frakes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books. I received an advance copy of Pomona Afton Can Totally Catch a Killer at no charge. This is my honest, voluntary review.

Bellamy Rose knocked it out of Central Park with this second installment in the Pomona Afton series. I didn’t think she could top all of the drama, intrigue, and heart from book 1, but she did just that!

In book 2, we find Pomona doing her best to drag herself out of her party-girl phase so she can do some good in the world, but everyone is determined to see her as an airhead partier who doesn’t know what she’s doing. She’s determined to rise above the naysayers and gossip magazines and really give back to the community.

This book is equal parts hilarious, dramatic, intriguing, and heartfelt. The romance is adorable. The drama makes me feel like I’m watching reality TV shenanigans. The crime is so twisty and well-written. I was guessing who the killer was up until that final reveal at the end.

Pomona Afton is an icon, and I can’t wait to see what she gets up to in (I hope!) the next book in the series!

[McKaylee Drake · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay, so this book was fun, but not exactly mind-blowing. Pomona Afton is back, trying to be more than just a party heiress. I mean, she’s launching a non-profit, planning a fancy gala, and of course, ends up solving another murder when one of her big donors turns up dead. 

Pom is still her chaotic, slightly extra self, which is part of the charm. Her inner monologue is hilarious, but it also gets… a little much.  The mystery itself is decent with enough red herrings and suspects to keep you guessing, but it doesn’t feel super high-stakes. 

Unfortunate, I feel like all the character growth that happened in the first book is undone, she reverts to her old entitled ways and that was a little disappointing.

All in all, it’s a cozy, light mystery with glam vibes…good for when you want something breezy, but not the kind of thriller that keeps you up all night or is going to have you making your own murder board to solve it.

Thank you NetGalley and publishers for this arc

[Barbara Powell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like that this series doesnt take itself too seriously. The author isnt trying to make this something it's not Our FMC is quirky and flawed and the plot isnt super deep and yet there is still a story being told and a mystery to solve Pom is a witty rich girl who's trying to turn her image around and in the previous book she solved the murky her grandmother and in this one, someone gets murdered at her fundraiser and amateur detective Pomona gets to work to figure out who killed him so that people will take her seriousiy and give to her toundation There's lots of funny moments and silly characters, especially Pomona's dysfunctional family If you havent read the first book you can still read this one, but you definitely benent from having read it Thanks to Atria Books and NotGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun, campy, tongue-in-cheek cozy mystery featuring hotel heiress with a conscience Pomona Afton who finds herself caught up in solving another murder mystery where her parents become suspects while also trying to talk her high school teacher boyfriend into proposing.

Pomona is a hilarious mix of Paris Hilton and Elle Woods who people tend to think of as a wealthy dumb blonde and she uses this to her advantage perfectly in this book to outwit the killer. Twisty, romantic and full of equal parts humor and smarts.

It was good on audio narrated by Jennifer Jill Araya and I'd recommend it for fans of books like the Finley Donovan or Eleanor Dash of the Vacation mysteries series. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review. I'm excited to see what happens in the next book!

[Lilly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel is a fun, cozy mystery with a witty twist. We follow heiress Pomona Afton as she hosts a high stakes gala for her nonprofit. only for one of her major donors to turn up dead in the middle pof her event. Pomona’s world of good intentions, social climbing family drama, and budding romance provides plenty of fun contrast to the murder investigation she must lead. While the tone stays light and the characters are quirky and entertaining, the mystery itself sometimes feels predictable and the culprit reveal may not pack a surprising punch for seasoned mystery readers. On the plus side, Pomona is a lively and audacious character. If you’re looking for a glamorous whodunit that doesn’t take itself too seriously, this one checks the boxes.

[Bookluvr7 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you netgalley and atria for the arc!

After reading the first book I was excited to see where the story went with Pomona and Gabe. Pom definitely is still as headstrong and sometimes oblivious as she was in the first book but we really see some character development and trying on her end in this one. She still has her moments but she is learning better how to interact with the people in her life and communicate.

Gabe definitely is her partner in every way. She needs him to calm her down. And they just make sense. Seeing them work together again on a mystery was so fun. And the mystery was definitely crazy. A fun addition to this world and definitely has a possibility for a third based on the ending!

3/5⭐️

[Danielle Shearer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a little difficult for me to get through. Between the long chapters and struggling to keep up with the characters, it wasn’t the easiest to read. The story line seemed a little dragged out. And it took me 5 chapters before actually understanding that it’s more than just about a gala. I think a big part of it was not reading the first book in this series. I feel like I would have been more connected to the characters and able to keep up better with the plot had I read the first one. All-in-all it was still an interesting read and I would have never guessed the ending.

Thank you Netgalley and Atria Books publisher for this ARC to review!

[Rhys · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.3 ⭐️ Pomona would of course demand it be nothing less than 5 (Sorry Pom!).

I was lucky to snag an eARC of the follow up in this series and had to quickly catch up. I am so glad I had the opportunity to dive into this series because it is just delightful. So lighthearted, fun, and quirky little murder mystery with Miss Socialite herself, Pomona Afton (a mix between Paris Hilton and Legally Blonde). The follow up in the series was wonderful with hunky Gabe by her side. Who knew the city’s most talked about socialite would wind up with a second murder mystery to solve?! Good thing she is the best detective in the city!

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this wonderful eARC!