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A Murder Is Going Down
A brilliant and hilarious cosy YA crime from the author of My Family and Other Suspects, with a mystery that will keep readers guessing to the very last page. For fans of Karen McManus and Holly Jackson.
This is what happens when you put a pair of unemployed teenagers in charge of a murder investigation. What we lack in investigative skills we make up for in free time.
Heidi's meant to be having the time of her life on exchange in Switzerland, but instead she's cold, alone and on an involuntary dairy-free diet. So when she hears the news of her brother Felix's death, she's quick to jump on the first plane home to Perth.
To be completely honest, Felix wasn't that much of a brother, so Heidi's not that sad – but she's not exactly happy either. Thanks to an epic betrayal by her (ex) best friend and (ex) boyfriend, Heidi has absolutely nothing to do and no one to talk to. No one, that is, except Patrick, the wisecracking younger brother of Felix's widow, who convinces her that they need to investigate her brother's mysterious demise.
Can Heidi and Patrick get to the bottom of Felix's death – and do they really want to?
Kate Emery is the queen of cosy crime and the bestselling author of My Family and Other Suspects, which won the John Marsden Book of the Year for Older Children at the 2025 ABIAs and the 2025 Indie Book Award for Young Adult Fiction.
'Will keep young sleuths hooked and make this modern-day Agatha Christie, with amusingly snarky teenage characters, a hit with cosy crime readers.' Books+Publishing
Perfect for YA readers looking
- A twisty, unpredictable plot and a satisfying, edge-of-your-seat ending
- A light, cosy narrative voice with plenty of humour
- The perfect engrossing summer read
This is what happens when you put a pair of unemployed teenagers in charge of a murder investigation. What we lack in investigative skills we make up for in free time.
Heidi's meant to be having the time of her life on exchange in Switzerland, but instead she's cold, alone and on an involuntary dairy-free diet. So when she hears the news of her brother Felix's death, she's quick to jump on the first plane home to Perth.
To be completely honest, Felix wasn't that much of a brother, so Heidi's not that sad – but she's not exactly happy either. Thanks to an epic betrayal by her (ex) best friend and (ex) boyfriend, Heidi has absolutely nothing to do and no one to talk to. No one, that is, except Patrick, the wisecracking younger brother of Felix's widow, who convinces her that they need to investigate her brother's mysterious demise.
Can Heidi and Patrick get to the bottom of Felix's death – and do they really want to?
Kate Emery is the queen of cosy crime and the bestselling author of My Family and Other Suspects, which won the John Marsden Book of the Year for Older Children at the 2025 ABIAs and the 2025 Indie Book Award for Young Adult Fiction.
'Will keep young sleuths hooked and make this modern-day Agatha Christie, with amusingly snarky teenage characters, a hit with cosy crime readers.' Books+Publishing
Perfect for YA readers looking
- A twisty, unpredictable plot and a satisfying, edge-of-your-seat ending
- A light, cosy narrative voice with plenty of humour
- The perfect engrossing summer read
399 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 4, 2025
25 people are currently reading
236 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
January 6, 2026
such a well executed book omg
November 10, 2025
This was a fun book to read. It’s a fast paced, cosy YA crime/mystery that can be enjoyed in one sitting. Set in Perth, Australia the story follows Heidi and her friends who work together to discover how her older brother Felix died.
It’s an easy story to follow and it was fun gathering the clues and spotting the mistakes that some of the characters made throughout the story. My detective skills went into gear and I managed to piece together what truly happened to Felix. The author was great at leaving a trail a breadcrumbs and i loved it when my theory was correct.
I love the concept of 4 teenagers trying to solve a murder and it was interesting to see how they interpreted the pieces of information that they had gathered. Their interview process may not have been cleverly orchestrated but in all fairness they were only 15-16 years old and were doing what they could with very limited resources.
If you’re looking for a palette cleanser and love a cosy mystery then this book is for you.
It’s an easy story to follow and it was fun gathering the clues and spotting the mistakes that some of the characters made throughout the story. My detective skills went into gear and I managed to piece together what truly happened to Felix. The author was great at leaving a trail a breadcrumbs and i loved it when my theory was correct.
I love the concept of 4 teenagers trying to solve a murder and it was interesting to see how they interpreted the pieces of information that they had gathered. Their interview process may not have been cleverly orchestrated but in all fairness they were only 15-16 years old and were doing what they could with very limited resources.
If you’re looking for a palette cleanser and love a cosy mystery then this book is for you.
January 7, 2026
4.5 stars.
When Heidi hears the news of her brother Felix's death, she's quick to jump on the first plane home to Perth. To be completely honest, Felix wasn't that much of a brother, so Heidi's not that sad – but she's not exactly happy either. Thanks to an epic betrayal by her (ex) best friend and (ex) boyfriend, Heidi has absolutely nothing to do and no one to talk to. No one, that is, except Patrick, the wisecracking younger brother of Felix's widow, who convinces her that they need to investigate her brother's mysterious demise.
Just like Kate Emery’s previous book, this was so much fun! It was again full of interesting characters, sassy dialogues and twisty subplots. The dual scenes between the elevator and the murder mystery were done so well, I couldn’t stop turning the pages. The story inside the story worked really well in transitioning between events.
I really liked Heidi and her interactions with Patrick. I suspected everyone! So it was so much fun to see all the red herrings and misdirections - I really couldn’t guess where it was going. Did I guess the whodunnit? Nope. And I didn’t even guess the motivation. But everything nicely converged into a great conclusion, and I was thoroughly entertained by the end of it. Looking forward to Kate’s next book!
(Thanks to Allen & Unwin for a gifted review copy)
See my bookstagram review.
When Heidi hears the news of her brother Felix's death, she's quick to jump on the first plane home to Perth. To be completely honest, Felix wasn't that much of a brother, so Heidi's not that sad – but she's not exactly happy either. Thanks to an epic betrayal by her (ex) best friend and (ex) boyfriend, Heidi has absolutely nothing to do and no one to talk to. No one, that is, except Patrick, the wisecracking younger brother of Felix's widow, who convinces her that they need to investigate her brother's mysterious demise.
Just like Kate Emery’s previous book, this was so much fun! It was again full of interesting characters, sassy dialogues and twisty subplots. The dual scenes between the elevator and the murder mystery were done so well, I couldn’t stop turning the pages. The story inside the story worked really well in transitioning between events.
I really liked Heidi and her interactions with Patrick. I suspected everyone! So it was so much fun to see all the red herrings and misdirections - I really couldn’t guess where it was going. Did I guess the whodunnit? Nope. And I didn’t even guess the motivation. But everything nicely converged into a great conclusion, and I was thoroughly entertained by the end of it. Looking forward to Kate’s next book!
(Thanks to Allen & Unwin for a gifted review copy)
See my bookstagram review.
November 29, 2025
My Veronica Mars loving ass absolutely. Ate. This. Up.
I liked the duel timeline double mystery element (though I’m still a bit confused whhhhy exactly they chose to do what they did with the lift aspect, seems risky).
Such a fun read. I had zero expectations for this one so I’m really glad I had a good time with it.
3.5 stars
I liked the duel timeline double mystery element (though I’m still a bit confused whhhhy exactly they chose to do what they did with the lift aspect, seems risky).
Such a fun read. I had zero expectations for this one so I’m really glad I had a good time with it.
3.5 stars
February 7, 2026
"Aunty Sam could never handle the logistics of getting away wth murder. She's not a planner."
There are things I like about this, but others I didn't.
My main problem was with the motive and an incident that happened in (real) Mosman Park while I was reading, but I'll put it under a spoiler
I found this at the 2nd hand bookshop 2mths after it was published. Did someone else have the same problem? It had a bookshop price label so it wasn't a review copy, and now it's going back
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December 14, 2025Want to see more...
Bookstagram
Thank you Allen & Unwin for this book in exchange for an honest review
A Murder Is Going Down is the kinda of book you want toad to your TBR if unpredictable yet edge of your seat plot, humour, twists, secrets, and YA crime energy! You’ll get to meet Heidi, a teenager on exchange in Switzerland gets derailed when she hears that her brother Felix has died, apparently a suicide. But when things don’t add up, Heidi and Patrick decide to dig deeper into Felix’s passing. Their amateur detective skills kicks off a wild investigation that you will love!
What makes this book a standout is the snarky banter, teenage angst, and that classic “we’ll outsmart the police” vibe which is all set against the backdrop of a suburban Australian town. The story flips between past and present, keeping you guessing to the very end. If you love mysteries with teenage detectives, betrayal, and enough clues to play armchair detective, this one’s a total win.
Overall, A Murder Is Going Down is cosy-crime fun for YA readers, perfect for when you crave mystery, drama, and a little bit of teenage sass.
Bookstagram
Thank you Allen & Unwin for this book in exchange for an honest review
A Murder Is Going Down is the kinda of book you want toad to your TBR if unpredictable yet edge of your seat plot, humour, twists, secrets, and YA crime energy! You’ll get to meet Heidi, a teenager on exchange in Switzerland gets derailed when she hears that her brother Felix has died, apparently a suicide. But when things don’t add up, Heidi and Patrick decide to dig deeper into Felix’s passing. Their amateur detective skills kicks off a wild investigation that you will love!
What makes this book a standout is the snarky banter, teenage angst, and that classic “we’ll outsmart the police” vibe which is all set against the backdrop of a suburban Australian town. The story flips between past and present, keeping you guessing to the very end. If you love mysteries with teenage detectives, betrayal, and enough clues to play armchair detective, this one’s a total win.
Overall, A Murder Is Going Down is cosy-crime fun for YA readers, perfect for when you crave mystery, drama, and a little bit of teenage sass.
December 23, 2025
Did I tell you how much I adored ‘My family and other suspects’? Longlisted for CBCA 2025 Older Readers, I gobbled that book up and gave to heaps of people to read after - occupational hazard.
So, when this book came along, I couldn’t buy it fast enough.
Both books are suggested for readers ‘12-16 years old’ on the publisher’s website. I work with 5-13year olds, and expected more of the same.
The covers, being predominately red, look similar also. But, after reading closely, this second title really is more YA Fiction/high school (+13 years old). There’s a mild bit of swearing, but it was the sexual content that nudges it up to older readers.
But, the concept, the characters, the twists and the banter were great fun. I would definitely recommend this book to all fans of cosy-murder-YACrime-mystery.
The setting being unashamedly West Australian was delightful too.
Kate Emery has been a new discovery for me as a reader in 2025, and I’m a firm fan now. 4.5 stars
So, when this book came along, I couldn’t buy it fast enough.
Both books are suggested for readers ‘12-16 years old’ on the publisher’s website. I work with 5-13year olds, and expected more of the same.
The covers, being predominately red, look similar also. But, after reading closely, this second title really is more YA Fiction/high school (+13 years old). There’s a mild bit of swearing, but it was the sexual content that nudges it up to older readers.
But, the concept, the characters, the twists and the banter were great fun. I would definitely recommend this book to all fans of cosy-murder-YACrime-mystery.
The setting being unashamedly West Australian was delightful too.
Kate Emery has been a new discovery for me as a reader in 2025, and I’m a firm fan now. 4.5 stars
October 26, 2025
ARC review: A Murder Is Going Down by @kemery82 and published by @allenandunwin
Release date: 4 November 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“This is what happens when you put a pair of unemployed teenagers in charge of a murder investigation. What we lack in investigative skills, we make up for in free time.”
Well this book grabbed me right from the first chapter (no one wants to be trapped in an elevator!). This story is told over dual timelines by our narrator Heidi who has returned home to Perth after the unexpected, and possibly suspicious, death of her brother Felix. Along with her sister-in-law’s younger brother Patrick, Heidi sets out to uncover the truth of what happened to Felix. Was it an accident or was it something more sinister?
I highly recommend this book to those who love YA mysteries and a fast paced read.
Release date: 4 November 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“This is what happens when you put a pair of unemployed teenagers in charge of a murder investigation. What we lack in investigative skills, we make up for in free time.”
Well this book grabbed me right from the first chapter (no one wants to be trapped in an elevator!). This story is told over dual timelines by our narrator Heidi who has returned home to Perth after the unexpected, and possibly suspicious, death of her brother Felix. Along with her sister-in-law’s younger brother Patrick, Heidi sets out to uncover the truth of what happened to Felix. Was it an accident or was it something more sinister?
I highly recommend this book to those who love YA mysteries and a fast paced read.
January 6, 2026
Loved the story and the format of narration. Books that go back and forth in time can get tiring, but I loved the storyteller setup for this and the way the plot played out. Heidi was so entertaining as a narrator, even if she wasn't like any 15-year-old Ive ever met before.
The references to pop-culture usually feel out of place, but this was so naturally done that I didn't even mind agreeing with their takes on things. And it has to be said, who doesn't know Hardy Boys? Nancy Drew? Lil' miss detective, you're breaking my heart.
There were some parts that felt a teensy bit repetitive towards the end, when all of it becomes obvious but you have to wait another 30 pages for them to confess to everything. Their motivations for going through all this trouble to bring this story too the world are also a little unconvincing, but maybe that's just me nitpicking.
The references to pop-culture usually feel out of place, but this was so naturally done that I didn't even mind agreeing with their takes on things. And it has to be said, who doesn't know Hardy Boys? Nancy Drew? Lil' miss detective, you're breaking my heart.
There were some parts that felt a teensy bit repetitive towards the end, when all of it becomes obvious but you have to wait another 30 pages for them to confess to everything. Their motivations for going through all this trouble to bring this story too the world are also a little unconvincing, but maybe that's just me nitpicking.
November 26, 2025
This was so fun! The twists kept on twisting and it was fast paced, engaging and mysterious, whilst also being a super lighthearted YA murder mystery read.
Perfect for fans of A Good Girls Guide to Murder!
I do wish the ending was fleshed out a tiny bit more, but definitely worth the read!!
Perfect for fans of A Good Girls Guide to Murder!
I do wish the ending was fleshed out a tiny bit more, but definitely worth the read!!
December 23, 2025
This was honestly so fun. I loved this claustrophobic thriller haha. The narration and flicking between then and now was so well done. I just wish the ending was a bit more fleshed tbh but otherwise, such an entertaining story!
September 3, 2025
Well, that was fun. But also clever. And satisfying.
(I only have a few questions)
(I only have a few questions)
December 12, 2025
absolutely love the train of thought writing style
and obviously i love almost anyone named patrick so that was ideal
and obviously i love almost anyone named patrick so that was ideal
January 25, 2026
phewff. this was such an interesting one. the premise is two characters get stuck in an elevator and one of them tells a story of a murder to try and pass the time but it is eventually revealed that their meeting in this space is not necessarily coincidence. Heidi (the storyteller) was a mixed bag for me. I had to keep remembering just how much trauma she had been through to counter the fact that she was often a dick (something she knew about herself too) and she was easier to like when around other people like Patrick and even Lilia. though I felt suspicious of the story simply with the names Heidi and Lilia because they felt too out of place. anyway, her character was also a bit inconsistent, coming across as mousier to begin with but then referring to herself as a 'snarky bitch' later on. her brother Felix (the victim) was also supposed to be hideously vile but this wasn't made clear until very close to the end and because he died before the book started there was no time spent with him so he felt very absent despite being the cause of everything.
it got exhausting towards the end reading all of Heidi's internal monologue and explanations and additions to the conversation and also made the pacing slow down which was at odds with the fact that Marianne was pushing for the end of the story but Heidi continually said 'we'll get there' and then took a long time about it. I liked the back and forth between then and now but sometimes the interruptions from the elevator felt clunky.
despite the shitty behaviour of Lilia and Ben I am glad there were some positive friendship moments because those felt the most natural and also enjoyable to read. I was initially a bit pissed off at the way the twist was going but by the end I realised how genius of a move it was by the characters. it was also very bizarre but fun to read about so many current pop culture references and as someone reading from auckland the banter between Perth and Melbourne cracked me up.
it got exhausting towards the end reading all of Heidi's internal monologue and explanations and additions to the conversation and also made the pacing slow down which was at odds with the fact that Marianne was pushing for the end of the story but Heidi continually said 'we'll get there' and then took a long time about it. I liked the back and forth between then and now but sometimes the interruptions from the elevator felt clunky.
despite the shitty behaviour of Lilia and Ben I am glad there were some positive friendship moments because those felt the most natural and also enjoyable to read. I was initially a bit pissed off at the way the twist was going but by the end I realised how genius of a move it was by the characters. it was also very bizarre but fun to read about so many current pop culture references and as someone reading from auckland the banter between Perth and Melbourne cracked me up.
January 28, 2026
A Murder Is Going Down by Kate Emery
Back in October, Allen & Unwin held a book scavenger hunt on Halloween. If you solved a location-based clue and managed to get to that location, an advanced copy of 'A Murder Is Going Down' by Kate Emery was waiting. I knew where one of the books was located based on the clue, but I was working from home and nowhere near the location. I posted my gripe on Allen & Unwin's Instagram page. Their response was to encourage me to work with someone else... it was then that I realised my son was working in the city, very near the clue location. I sent him a text, and he was off and running (in the rain), so I have to thank Allen & Unwin, Kate Emery, and my kid for this copy of the book.
While I don't usually read YA fiction, I do love a cosy crime, and this book is very cosy. The blurb says, "This is what happens when you put a pair of unemployed teenagers in charge of a murder investigation. What we lack in investigative skills, we make up for in free time." Although I'd argue that they are actually students during the school holiday, much like Veronica Mars.
Heidi is supposed to be on a student exchange in Switzerland with her best friend, but after her brother Felix's death, she jumps on the first plane back to Perth. Once back in Perth, she and her brothers widows brother (follow that red bouncy ball - wait a minute, her brothers' brother-in-law?) and her (ex) best friend and (ex) boyfriend, (reluctantly) join forces to investigate Felix's death.
This is very Veronica Mars or maybe an older Harriet the Spy, full of snarky teenagers, trash adults, and being stuck in a lift as a plot device. I'm giving the book a thumbs up, and I'll also have to find a teenager to gift it to.
#Thumbsup A Murder Is Going Down by Kate Emery is out now. If you have a kid who loves a cosy mystery, they'd like this one.
#allenandunwin, #kemery82 #booksdeevaareads #2026bookshelf
Back in October, Allen & Unwin held a book scavenger hunt on Halloween. If you solved a location-based clue and managed to get to that location, an advanced copy of 'A Murder Is Going Down' by Kate Emery was waiting. I knew where one of the books was located based on the clue, but I was working from home and nowhere near the location. I posted my gripe on Allen & Unwin's Instagram page. Their response was to encourage me to work with someone else... it was then that I realised my son was working in the city, very near the clue location. I sent him a text, and he was off and running (in the rain), so I have to thank Allen & Unwin, Kate Emery, and my kid for this copy of the book.
While I don't usually read YA fiction, I do love a cosy crime, and this book is very cosy. The blurb says, "This is what happens when you put a pair of unemployed teenagers in charge of a murder investigation. What we lack in investigative skills, we make up for in free time." Although I'd argue that they are actually students during the school holiday, much like Veronica Mars.
Heidi is supposed to be on a student exchange in Switzerland with her best friend, but after her brother Felix's death, she jumps on the first plane back to Perth. Once back in Perth, she and her brothers widows brother (follow that red bouncy ball - wait a minute, her brothers' brother-in-law?) and her (ex) best friend and (ex) boyfriend, (reluctantly) join forces to investigate Felix's death.
This is very Veronica Mars or maybe an older Harriet the Spy, full of snarky teenagers, trash adults, and being stuck in a lift as a plot device. I'm giving the book a thumbs up, and I'll also have to find a teenager to gift it to.
#Thumbsup A Murder Is Going Down by Kate Emery is out now. If you have a kid who loves a cosy mystery, they'd like this one.
#allenandunwin, #kemery82 #booksdeevaareads #2026bookshelf
January 9, 2026
Okay, first things first. A Murder Is Going Down has such a fun cover! Bright, playful, and instantly gives you those YA murder mystery vibes. Honestly, it makes you want to pick it up before you even know what it’s about. 😍
I went in expecting a fun mystery, and this being a YA read, it totally delivered. The writing is super fun, engaging, and clever, and it really pulls you in from the first chapter. You feel like the book is having a good time with you while you’re reading it.
One of my favourite things? The dual past and present timeline. Every switch gives you new clues, new perspectives, and makes you rethink everything you thought you knew. It’s so satisfying when the pieces start to come together.
And the characters… wow. You love who you’re meant to love and hate who you’re meant to hate, which makes reading this such a joy. They’re witty, messy, and just so fun to follow their personalities really bring the story to life.
Plus, that little touch of teenage romance is so sweet! It makes you smile, adds depth to the characters, and the best part? It doesn’t take away from the mystery at all. The balance between the romance, humor, and suspense is perfect. 💖
The plot is clever and engaging, full of twists that kept me guessing and made it impossible to put down. If you love YA murder mysteries with smart writing, dual timelines, fun characters, and just a hint of romance, this one should 100% be on your TBR.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Have you read it yet, or is this going straight onto your list? 👀📚
I went in expecting a fun mystery, and this being a YA read, it totally delivered. The writing is super fun, engaging, and clever, and it really pulls you in from the first chapter. You feel like the book is having a good time with you while you’re reading it.
One of my favourite things? The dual past and present timeline. Every switch gives you new clues, new perspectives, and makes you rethink everything you thought you knew. It’s so satisfying when the pieces start to come together.
And the characters… wow. You love who you’re meant to love and hate who you’re meant to hate, which makes reading this such a joy. They’re witty, messy, and just so fun to follow their personalities really bring the story to life.
Plus, that little touch of teenage romance is so sweet! It makes you smile, adds depth to the characters, and the best part? It doesn’t take away from the mystery at all. The balance between the romance, humor, and suspense is perfect. 💖
The plot is clever and engaging, full of twists that kept me guessing and made it impossible to put down. If you love YA murder mysteries with smart writing, dual timelines, fun characters, and just a hint of romance, this one should 100% be on your TBR.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Have you read it yet, or is this going straight onto your list? 👀📚
Read
November 16, 2025First of all, thank you to A&U for my beautiful ARC and PR box! It's always an honour to read from A&U, and in particular one of my favourite authors, Kate Emery.
This Perth-based murder mystery deals with a dual timeline - two fun mysteries to figure out - and with young protagonists deals with themes of family and loss (especially when that loss doesn't really feel like a loss).
Kate's writing always draws me in. She's SO funny, and her books have a wonderful fast pace and cast of characters to fall in love with. I was laughing so hard I had to hold on tight not to fall off the edge of my seat. Towards the end, I was fighting sleep because I didn't want to put the book down and go to bed. The reveals were a little predictable but I liked how they rang true with the themes of the book.
I really loved this, which is why it's a shame that my experience was brought down by there being a couple of H*rry P*tter references. It's 2025, we all know what JKR is doing, and I don't think it's ever appropriate to call back to her work and (even indirectly) encourage others to read it. For that reason, I've left off a star rating, as I'm unsure how I feel about recommending this book as much as I for the most part enjoyed it.
This book definitely fits in the younger YA range, suitable for readers coming out of MG and wanting something a bit more gritty and mature, but nothing too complex. I'll look forward to reading Kate's future works!
This Perth-based murder mystery deals with a dual timeline - two fun mysteries to figure out - and with young protagonists deals with themes of family and loss (especially when that loss doesn't really feel like a loss).
Kate's writing always draws me in. She's SO funny, and her books have a wonderful fast pace and cast of characters to fall in love with. I was laughing so hard I had to hold on tight not to fall off the edge of my seat. Towards the end, I was fighting sleep because I didn't want to put the book down and go to bed. The reveals were a little predictable but I liked how they rang true with the themes of the book.
I really loved this, which is why it's a shame that my experience was brought down by there being a couple of H*rry P*tter references. It's 2025, we all know what JKR is doing, and I don't think it's ever appropriate to call back to her work and (even indirectly) encourage others to read it. For that reason, I've left off a star rating, as I'm unsure how I feel about recommending this book as much as I for the most part enjoyed it.
This book definitely fits in the younger YA range, suitable for readers coming out of MG and wanting something a bit more gritty and mature, but nothing too complex. I'll look forward to reading Kate's future works!
January 9, 2026
It has been a while since I picked up a YA murder mystery that really grabbed me, not since A Good Girl's Guide to Murder, but A Murder is Going Down by Kate Emery gave me those exact same thrilling vibes. This was a solid 4-star read that I would definitely recommend to anyone looking for a fun, suspenseful mystery. The story follows Heidi, who teams up with her brother-in-law to investigate the suspicious death of her brother, Felix. Emery does a fantastic job of balancing the humor of two teenagers playing detective with a genuinely twisty mystery that keeps you guessing.
The book uses a unique "Then" and "Now" structure to tell the story, and while the "Then" sections drive the actual murder investigation, I honestly found myself more invested in the "Now" timeline. These sections feature Heidi stuck in an elevator with a woman named Marianne, and their interactions were the highlight of the book for me. The claustrophobic setting and the banter between them added such a fun layer to the narrative that I found myself eager to get back to the elevator scenes every time the timeline switched. If you want a fresh mystery with a clever setup and great character dynamics, definitely give this a read.
The book uses a unique "Then" and "Now" structure to tell the story, and while the "Then" sections drive the actual murder investigation, I honestly found myself more invested in the "Now" timeline. These sections feature Heidi stuck in an elevator with a woman named Marianne, and their interactions were the highlight of the book for me. The claustrophobic setting and the banter between them added such a fun layer to the narrative that I found myself eager to get back to the elevator scenes every time the timeline switched. If you want a fresh mystery with a clever setup and great character dynamics, definitely give this a read.
November 22, 2025
Another entertaining YA crime read from Kate Emery.
Loved the breaking of the 4th wall à la Benjamin Stevenson’s Ernest Cunningham series - the book writing is also another connection.
And I loved the feel of the YA crime - not too drastic (like Holly Jackson or Karen M. McManus as none of our main characters were ever in trouble) but the same feel of suspense and intense investigation and perhaps closer to the cosier side of things. Not a cozy crime, but definitely less gruesome or dangerous than adult crime novels.
Enjoyed the back and forth with the stuck elevator and past scenes.
The only part I didn’t like was that the whole elevator part was an elaborate ruse for a book pitch. I guess in one way it really highlighted the cutthroat and competitive aspect of writing and publishing, but also, as a writer, the tacky desperation was a bit off-putting, and kind of illegal… 😂
Will most definitely read future works from this author.
Loved the breaking of the 4th wall à la Benjamin Stevenson’s Ernest Cunningham series - the book writing is also another connection.
And I loved the feel of the YA crime - not too drastic (like Holly Jackson or Karen M. McManus as none of our main characters were ever in trouble) but the same feel of suspense and intense investigation and perhaps closer to the cosier side of things. Not a cozy crime, but definitely less gruesome or dangerous than adult crime novels.
Enjoyed the back and forth with the stuck elevator and past scenes.
The only part I didn’t like was that the whole elevator part was an elaborate ruse for a book pitch. I guess in one way it really highlighted the cutthroat and competitive aspect of writing and publishing, but also, as a writer, the tacky desperation was a bit off-putting, and kind of illegal… 😂
Will most definitely read future works from this author.
January 26, 2026
I don’t even know where to begin. First off, I guessed the ENTIRE PLOT LINE (or at least the part about Michael actually being Felix ect) 200 pages before that book ended. Like, it could just be because I love true crime and have enough books to buy a small house if I was ever to sell them, but the moment Michael said ‘I’ll knock next-‘ and The sister cut him off I knew they were involved. And the whole Rigor thing? Obviously he isn’t going to be stiff after him being out there lie 20mins max.
I only give this book 4 stars because it truly had me hooked, and I did like Patrick quite a lot. The now and then chapters worked well, but I do think some of them were unnecessary, like the ones that are two lines.
Anyway, all in all not a bad book and if I had read/listened to less true crime I doubt I would have guessed it.
I only give this book 4 stars because it truly had me hooked, and I did like Patrick quite a lot. The now and then chapters worked well, but I do think some of them were unnecessary, like the ones that are two lines.
Anyway, all in all not a bad book and if I had read/listened to less true crime I doubt I would have guessed it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 4, 2025
This murder mystery was fantastic 👏 I had the best time reading this novel. It had me gripped from the very beginning, I couldn't put it down. I was constantly changing my mind on who I thought did it. The wit and humour in here was hilarious. The main characters chemistry and banter was perfection!
I quite liked the Now and Then set-up of the chapters, it made it so easy to jump from past to present. I love love loved the characters. I often felt like I had no idea who it was while also picking up those hidden details so that when the big reveal happened I was pleased with myself for figuring out the mystery (or at least most of it).
I enjoyed this so much, it's probably one of the best YA murder mysteries I have read. I was engaged the entire time. It was such a clever story idea and execution. It's a satisfying read for sure.
It definitely had an Agatha Christie novel vibe to it and we know those are some of my fave books to read. So I absolutely loved it and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves murder mysteries and Agatha Christie novels!
Perfect cozy murder mystery!
Thank you so much to Kate Emery and Allen and Unwin for gifting me an early copy of this amazing book and giving me the opportunity to experience and enjoy this story. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I quite liked the Now and Then set-up of the chapters, it made it so easy to jump from past to present. I love love loved the characters. I often felt like I had no idea who it was while also picking up those hidden details so that when the big reveal happened I was pleased with myself for figuring out the mystery (or at least most of it).
I enjoyed this so much, it's probably one of the best YA murder mysteries I have read. I was engaged the entire time. It was such a clever story idea and execution. It's a satisfying read for sure.
It definitely had an Agatha Christie novel vibe to it and we know those are some of my fave books to read. So I absolutely loved it and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves murder mysteries and Agatha Christie novels!
Perfect cozy murder mystery!
Thank you so much to Kate Emery and Allen and Unwin for gifting me an early copy of this amazing book and giving me the opportunity to experience and enjoy this story. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 24, 2025
✨💖 A Murder Is Going Down 💖✨
Thank you SO much @allenandunwin for sending me this incredible PR box I am so grateful!!! 🥹💖
I recently listened to another book by Kate Emery as my first ever audio and absolutely loved it, so I went into this one knowing her vibe would be right up my alley and it DID NOT disappoint!!! 🙌
The writing style is so fun! 🤩 It feels like the narrator is talking directly to you, which makes it such an easy, addictive read (or listen!) I was hooked from the start and had so much fun!
I loved the short “Now” sections especially the random questions Marianne asks. They had me giggling and theorising at the same time!
And omggg the plot twists?? I had suspicions but honestly I was just suspecting everyone and I had no clue 😅 Every time I thought I’d figured something out, something else happened and I was like ??? But then I eventually did figure it out 🤭 And don’t even get me started on the elevator scenes. THE ELEVATOR. What was happening??? I laughed way too hard when I found out at the end 😂
I read this in one sitting because I physically could not put it down!! It was such a fun, fast, bingeable mystery with great humour and chaotic teen-detective energy! 🤩
The perfect book to devour in one go… (or when you’re stuck in an elevator, iykyk ��)
If you’re looking for a cosy, YA murder mystery you should definitely read this!!
A Murder is Going Down is out now! ✨
Thank you SO much @allenandunwin for sending me this incredible PR box I am so grateful!!! 🥹💖
I recently listened to another book by Kate Emery as my first ever audio and absolutely loved it, so I went into this one knowing her vibe would be right up my alley and it DID NOT disappoint!!! 🙌
The writing style is so fun! 🤩 It feels like the narrator is talking directly to you, which makes it such an easy, addictive read (or listen!) I was hooked from the start and had so much fun!
I loved the short “Now” sections especially the random questions Marianne asks. They had me giggling and theorising at the same time!
And omggg the plot twists?? I had suspicions but honestly I was just suspecting everyone and I had no clue 😅 Every time I thought I’d figured something out, something else happened and I was like ??? But then I eventually did figure it out 🤭 And don’t even get me started on the elevator scenes. THE ELEVATOR. What was happening??? I laughed way too hard when I found out at the end 😂
I read this in one sitting because I physically could not put it down!! It was such a fun, fast, bingeable mystery with great humour and chaotic teen-detective energy! 🤩
The perfect book to devour in one go… (or when you’re stuck in an elevator, iykyk ��)
If you’re looking for a cosy, YA murder mystery you should definitely read this!!
A Murder is Going Down is out now! ✨
September 16, 2025
"This is what happens when you put a pair of unemployed teenagers in charge of a sudden death investigation. What we lack in investigative skills we make up for in free time"
You know that feeling when a book grabs you and makes you not want to put the book down? This book hooked me from the very start.
Heidi is away on an exchange in Switzerland when she gets a phone call that stops her in her tracks. Her brother Felix has been found, dead. She jumps on the first plane home back to Perth to be with her family. Heidi meets Patrick again and the two of them decide to investigate the death. Was it an accident or was it suicide like the police seem to think.
Told in two timelines with then and now and in an interesting way. Heidi gets stuck in a lift with Marianne. A unsuspected by stander and a claustrophobe. Heidi tells Marianne the story of her brothers death to calm her down while they waited for the lift to be operational.
I really loved this YA cozy mystery. It had everything. I loved how it was all told in the elevator through storytelling.
Thank you Netgalley and Allen & Unwin for the gifted copy in exchange for my honest book review.
You know that feeling when a book grabs you and makes you not want to put the book down? This book hooked me from the very start.
Heidi is away on an exchange in Switzerland when she gets a phone call that stops her in her tracks. Her brother Felix has been found, dead. She jumps on the first plane home back to Perth to be with her family. Heidi meets Patrick again and the two of them decide to investigate the death. Was it an accident or was it suicide like the police seem to think.
Told in two timelines with then and now and in an interesting way. Heidi gets stuck in a lift with Marianne. A unsuspected by stander and a claustrophobe. Heidi tells Marianne the story of her brothers death to calm her down while they waited for the lift to be operational.
I really loved this YA cozy mystery. It had everything. I loved how it was all told in the elevator through storytelling.
Thank you Netgalley and Allen & Unwin for the gifted copy in exchange for my honest book review.
January 21, 2026
Age 14+ / grade 8+
More complicated themes and sexual suggestions push it into the high school age group.
For readers of the Eleanor Jones series.
Duel time-line.
3 1/2 stars for me but teen mystery readers would probably give it 4 or 5 stars.
More complicated themes and sexual suggestions push it into the high school age group.
For readers of the Eleanor Jones series.
Duel time-line.
3 1/2 stars for me but teen mystery readers would probably give it 4 or 5 stars.
January 7, 2026
A wonderful and hilarious YA mystery novel. Can Heidi and Felix solve the mystery of her brothers death? It's always wonderful to read authentic and realisitc teen characters by a wonderful Australia author.
Thanks to Netgally to Allen and Unwin for a review copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Thanks to Netgally to Allen and Unwin for a review copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.
August 20, 2025
I was lucky to get the ARC for this one and it didn’t disappoint. It was witty, fast-paced and had a great plot. The side story with the characters stuck in the elevator was just the perfect cherry on top. If you like mysteries with a scooby gang vibe, this is definitely a great choice.
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November 15, 2025
Loved it!!! Gobbled it all up in a single day!!
November 22, 2025
A fun, twisty read!
Read
December 24, 2025Funny (as Kate Emery always is!) and fast. A mystery in a mystery (and the old chestnut, my best friend hooked up with my ex.)
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