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It Happened One Murder
Not yet published
Expected 26 May 26Murder has a way of bringing people together…
Harriet Baker thought that when she left Logan Island, she was leaving for good. But after getting fired from her dream magazine job, she finds herself stuck back in the sleepy New Jersey beach town living with her eccentric mother and desperate to escape.
And her ticket out might be…murder?
When Harriet's extravagant birthday party ends with a dead body, all fingers point to Sara Allbright, the troublesome sister of none other than Nic, Harriet's short-lived fling from years ago that she's been eager to forget. And the feeling is entirely mutual. But murder makes for a good story, and when Harriet is told that she can get her old job back if she writes an article uncovering what really happened the night of her party, she readily agrees. To write her piece, Harriet will need Nic's full cooperation, and if Nic wants to clear his sister's name, he'll need Harriet's investigative skills. But working together? That's less than ideal.
As the two team up to find the real killer, they'll uncover the dark underbelly of their seemingly perfect hometown, uncover long buried feelings, and maybe, just maybe, realize that they might work well together after all.
Harriet Baker thought that when she left Logan Island, she was leaving for good. But after getting fired from her dream magazine job, she finds herself stuck back in the sleepy New Jersey beach town living with her eccentric mother and desperate to escape.
And her ticket out might be…murder?
When Harriet's extravagant birthday party ends with a dead body, all fingers point to Sara Allbright, the troublesome sister of none other than Nic, Harriet's short-lived fling from years ago that she's been eager to forget. And the feeling is entirely mutual. But murder makes for a good story, and when Harriet is told that she can get her old job back if she writes an article uncovering what really happened the night of her party, she readily agrees. To write her piece, Harriet will need Nic's full cooperation, and if Nic wants to clear his sister's name, he'll need Harriet's investigative skills. But working together? That's less than ideal.
As the two team up to find the real killer, they'll uncover the dark underbelly of their seemingly perfect hometown, uncover long buried feelings, and maybe, just maybe, realize that they might work well together after all.
400 pages, Paperback
Expected publication May 26, 2026
6456 people want to read
About the author
Liz Lawson
8 books652 followersLiz Lawson is the New York Times bestselling author of The Agathas series (co-written with Kathleen Glasgow), Murder Between Friends, and The Lucky Ones. Her books have been translated into fourteen languages, been book club picks for Barnes and Noble, Target, and Read With Jenna, and been written about in national publications like The New York Times (that was a very exciting day).
She lives in the DC metro area with her family and two very bratty cats. It Happened One Murder is her adult debut (and she’s thrilled).
Visit her on TikTok and Instagram @lzlwsn or her website lizlawsonauthor.com
She lives in the DC metro area with her family and two very bratty cats. It Happened One Murder is her adult debut (and she’s thrilled).
Visit her on TikTok and Instagram @lzlwsn or her website lizlawsonauthor.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
November 5, 2025
4,5⭐️
This book had no reason to be SO GOOD. I’m not even kidding, it brought me back to my prime where I used to read everywhere, all the time. ✊
After losing her job and having to move back home, Harriet’s mother decided to throw her a birthday party. At the unwanted birthday party, no one seems to be having a good time. Especially the Allbright family. Nic doesn’t get recognised by his long time crush. Sara, his sister, gets in a fight with the host and when he mysteriously dies, she, of course, is the one getting blamed for his murder. Nick can’t let her go to prison but what can he do alone?
The story had the perfect mix of mystery and romance. From the beginning, it had my complete attention and it never lost it. The plot was so balanced between the two categories and it kept just getting better.
I loved Nic and Harriet’s past and their personalities. Each of them were unique in their own ways. Harriet is stubborn and strong willed. Whereas Nic is calmer, mature and protective. He is afraid to be hurt again that’s why he stands his ground. It does take him more time to give in but I still had the feeling that everything happened in perfect timing.
The End (and Epilouge) were amazing. It was extremely fitting and satisfying.
Thanks to SOURCEBOOKS Landmark for providing this book via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
This book had no reason to be SO GOOD. I’m not even kidding, it brought me back to my prime where I used to read everywhere, all the time. ✊
After losing her job and having to move back home, Harriet’s mother decided to throw her a birthday party. At the unwanted birthday party, no one seems to be having a good time. Especially the Allbright family. Nic doesn’t get recognised by his long time crush. Sara, his sister, gets in a fight with the host and when he mysteriously dies, she, of course, is the one getting blamed for his murder. Nick can’t let her go to prison but what can he do alone?
The story had the perfect mix of mystery and romance. From the beginning, it had my complete attention and it never lost it. The plot was so balanced between the two categories and it kept just getting better.
I loved Nic and Harriet’s past and their personalities. Each of them were unique in their own ways. Harriet is stubborn and strong willed. Whereas Nic is calmer, mature and protective. He is afraid to be hurt again that’s why he stands his ground. It does take him more time to give in but I still had the feeling that everything happened in perfect timing.
The End (and Epilouge) were amazing. It was extremely fitting and satisfying.
Thanks to SOURCEBOOKS Landmark for providing this book via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
November 1, 2025
✨I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review ✨
I don’t think I have ever read a romance-murder-mystery before that I enjoyed as much as this! Harriet bumps into her ex Nic at her birthday party, which quickly turns into disaster when a body is found on the beach. Harriet and Nic are both connected to the murder in different ways and determined to solve the case which is quickly discarded by the police and ruining their lives. It Happened One Murder was such a fun reading experience and I struggled to put it down. Every time I thought I had figured out what happened a new twist appeared! I loved the unexpected enemies-to-lovers-who-got-a-second-chance romance and the falling in love that happened as they went on adventures and tried to solve the crime. This is a great read and my only complaint is that the knife on the cover should have a pretty white handle - if you know, you know!
I don’t think I have ever read a romance-murder-mystery before that I enjoyed as much as this! Harriet bumps into her ex Nic at her birthday party, which quickly turns into disaster when a body is found on the beach. Harriet and Nic are both connected to the murder in different ways and determined to solve the case which is quickly discarded by the police and ruining their lives. It Happened One Murder was such a fun reading experience and I struggled to put it down. Every time I thought I had figured out what happened a new twist appeared! I loved the unexpected enemies-to-lovers-who-got-a-second-chance romance and the falling in love that happened as they went on adventures and tried to solve the crime. This is a great read and my only complaint is that the knife on the cover should have a pretty white handle - if you know, you know!
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October 25, 2025pre-read notes:
ARC copy secured! Let’s manifest a good reading time 🤭✨
ARC copy secured! Let’s manifest a good reading time 🤭✨
October 30, 2025
It Happened One Murder broke me out of my reading slump so quickly! I tore through this book!
Harriet is having an awful time at her own birthday party when she quite literally bumps into an ex-hookup, Nic. She's already shaken up from losing her writing job in NYC, moving back in with her mum and step-father in coastal New Jersey, and running into an ex is not helping the situation! Nic, on the other hand, is busy running his family's catering business, and finding himself in the home of his teenage sweetheart isn't where he wanted to spend his night. Harriet not recognising him is the cherry on top of an already uncomfortable situation. Then, a body is found on the beach out the front of Harriet's house, and both their worlds collide to try to find the truth of what happened.
Liz Lawson writes excellent characters. Harriet is stubborn, strong willed and not afraid to get her hands dirty. Nic is mature, loyal to fault and desperate to protect those he cares about. They have great chemistry, and the will-they-won't-they had me swooning. As for the whodunnit aspect of It Happened One Murder, I thought I had the killer picked early on, but I should have known there'd be many more twists before the final reveal! This definitely kept me on my toes, and the novel has a very satisfying outcome.
A big thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for providing me with a copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Harriet is having an awful time at her own birthday party when she quite literally bumps into an ex-hookup, Nic. She's already shaken up from losing her writing job in NYC, moving back in with her mum and step-father in coastal New Jersey, and running into an ex is not helping the situation! Nic, on the other hand, is busy running his family's catering business, and finding himself in the home of his teenage sweetheart isn't where he wanted to spend his night. Harriet not recognising him is the cherry on top of an already uncomfortable situation. Then, a body is found on the beach out the front of Harriet's house, and both their worlds collide to try to find the truth of what happened.
Liz Lawson writes excellent characters. Harriet is stubborn, strong willed and not afraid to get her hands dirty. Nic is mature, loyal to fault and desperate to protect those he cares about. They have great chemistry, and the will-they-won't-they had me swooning. As for the whodunnit aspect of It Happened One Murder, I thought I had the killer picked early on, but I should have known there'd be many more twists before the final reveal! This definitely kept me on my toes, and the novel has a very satisfying outcome.
A big thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for providing me with a copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 30, 2025
From page one, this book felt like a tangled web of secrets: a sleepy beach town beneath a shiny veneer, old relationships simmering with unspoken truths, and a murder that refuses to stay buried.
Harriet Baker’s return to Logan Island isn’t just an “I’m home for a while” — it’s a collision course with her past. Losing her job, uprooting her life, and then being thrust into a murder mystery she never signed up for? That alone had me curious. But once the body drops and suspicion lands where she least expects it — on the sister of her old fling — the stakes become deeply personal.
What works wonderfully: the push-and-pull between Harriet and Nic. They have history, baggage, awkward silences, and painful misunderstandings — but also tension, curiosity, and that messy “maybe there’s still something here” energy that never quite dies. Their forced teamwork to hunt down a killer becomes a perfect metaphor for trying to rebuild trust — uncertain, fragile, and potent.
And the mystery itself? Sneaky. Just when I thought I had a handle on who the culprit might be — bam, plot twist. The author drops clues, misleads with subtle red herrings, and still manages to surprise. The small-town setting makes secrets even more dangerous, because almost everyone knows everyone.
Yes — there are moments of frustration. Sometimes the characters’ lack of communication feels like stumbling over the same old problems again. Especially in a slow-burn romance, that kind of repeated miscommunication can feel heavy.
But if you ask me: that messy tension, unresolved frictions, dark secrets under holiday-town lights, and the wild ride of trying to find truth and maybe love again — this book delivers. It’s clever, cozy, twisty, and emotionally messy in the best way.
My Verdict: A solid ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐ (5/5). A wildly fun, addictive blend of cozy-town mystery, tension-filled romance, and dark secrets — ideal if you like your rom-mystery with a side of chaos, chemistry, and “who’s the killer?” suspense.
Harriet Baker’s return to Logan Island isn’t just an “I’m home for a while” — it’s a collision course with her past. Losing her job, uprooting her life, and then being thrust into a murder mystery she never signed up for? That alone had me curious. But once the body drops and suspicion lands where she least expects it — on the sister of her old fling — the stakes become deeply personal.
What works wonderfully: the push-and-pull between Harriet and Nic. They have history, baggage, awkward silences, and painful misunderstandings — but also tension, curiosity, and that messy “maybe there’s still something here” energy that never quite dies. Their forced teamwork to hunt down a killer becomes a perfect metaphor for trying to rebuild trust — uncertain, fragile, and potent.
And the mystery itself? Sneaky. Just when I thought I had a handle on who the culprit might be — bam, plot twist. The author drops clues, misleads with subtle red herrings, and still manages to surprise. The small-town setting makes secrets even more dangerous, because almost everyone knows everyone.
Yes — there are moments of frustration. Sometimes the characters’ lack of communication feels like stumbling over the same old problems again. Especially in a slow-burn romance, that kind of repeated miscommunication can feel heavy.
But if you ask me: that messy tension, unresolved frictions, dark secrets under holiday-town lights, and the wild ride of trying to find truth and maybe love again — this book delivers. It’s clever, cozy, twisty, and emotionally messy in the best way.
My Verdict: A solid ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐ (5/5). A wildly fun, addictive blend of cozy-town mystery, tension-filled romance, and dark secrets — ideal if you like your rom-mystery with a side of chaos, chemistry, and “who’s the killer?” suspense.
October 25, 2025
Liz Lawson first made her mark with some really terrific YA novels, including the Agathas series (more books in that series are needed - hint hint).
Now she is delivering a fun, twisty adult mystery thriller with enough surprises to keep you reading right through the night. No spoilers here, but just know that you are going to love, love love the writing and the mystery. And the ending will leave you asking for more, that is for sure!!
Now she is delivering a fun, twisty adult mystery thriller with enough surprises to keep you reading right through the night. No spoilers here, but just know that you are going to love, love love the writing and the mystery. And the ending will leave you asking for more, that is for sure!!
November 3, 2025
It Happened One Murder
I really enjoyed this book! This book is a great mix of who done it mystery, romance and a couple of funny moments. I think the author did a great job holding my attention from the interesting storyline, to the great characters. Imagine having to move back home and living with your mom, and her rich husband who throws a party, and you run into a sexy man that you don't realize is the guy you use to hook up with. Oh and her step dad is a murder, and his sister is arrested. Sound interesting?! Then I would highly recommend adding this book to your TBR!!
I really enjoyed this book! This book is a great mix of who done it mystery, romance and a couple of funny moments. I think the author did a great job holding my attention from the interesting storyline, to the great characters. Imagine having to move back home and living with your mom, and her rich husband who throws a party, and you run into a sexy man that you don't realize is the guy you use to hook up with. Oh and her step dad is a murder, and his sister is arrested. Sound interesting?! Then I would highly recommend adding this book to your TBR!!
October 29, 2025
This is a fun romance/cozy mystery that grabbed my attention and kept me reading until the end.
Harriet has returned home after being fired from her job. She's living with her mother and step father, two very annoying people.
Her mother throws Harriet a birthday party, and she finds herself face to face with a caterer, Nic, who she had a two week fling with.
Nic's sister is accused of killing Harriet's step father, but Harriet doesn't think she did it, so she convinces Nic that they should investigate and save his sister.
Things heat up with Nic and Harriet, and the two of them find the answers they've been looking for.
Harriet has returned home after being fired from her job. She's living with her mother and step father, two very annoying people.
Her mother throws Harriet a birthday party, and she finds herself face to face with a caterer, Nic, who she had a two week fling with.
Nic's sister is accused of killing Harriet's step father, but Harriet doesn't think she did it, so she convinces Nic that they should investigate and save his sister.
Things heat up with Nic and Harriet, and the two of them find the answers they've been looking for.
October 26, 2025
What a fun read! A perfect blend of mystery and romance. An interesting plot about a murder but was there a falsely accused murderer? And was the victim actually innocent?
Really enjoyed the different characters and felt the supporting characters worked in well too! Definitely didn’t see the twist coming, making it an overall enjoyable mystery read.
Really enjoyed the different characters and felt the supporting characters worked in well too! Definitely didn’t see the twist coming, making it an overall enjoyable mystery read.
November 6, 2025
⭐ 3.75 - rounded up to 4 for GoodReads
thank you so much to NetGalley, the author and their team for allowing me a copy of this super fun book in exchange for an honest review 🫶
a murder mystery with a messy second-chance romance? sign me up! It happened One Murder brings tension, banter and a little chaos wrapped up in a small town whodunit mystery.
Harriet is forced to move back home after losing her job, much to her dismay, only to find herself tangled up in investigating the murder of her stepfather (who sucks btw). she takes on the role of figuring out exactly who the guilty one is, and who ends up being our main girl's partner in this murder mystery? none other than her two weeks friends with benefits from 8 years ago. with a heavy load of unresolved feelings and a bunch of tension mind you.
though this book was very fun and entertaining i did find myself feeling a little frustrated by the two main characters and their complete lack of straight forwardness. one of my least favorite tropes is the miscommunication trope and characters just not taking a couple minutes to just TALK. i love a slow burn, but not with the added complications and setbacks from a lack of communication.
that being said, i still quite enjoyed the book. i loved trying to solve the mystery and piece together the clues alongside Harriet and Nic, and i will admit i did not guess that the killer was who it was! which is always super fun
thank you so much to NetGalley, the author and their team for allowing me a copy of this super fun book in exchange for an honest review 🫶
a murder mystery with a messy second-chance romance? sign me up! It happened One Murder brings tension, banter and a little chaos wrapped up in a small town whodunit mystery.
Harriet is forced to move back home after losing her job, much to her dismay, only to find herself tangled up in investigating the murder of her stepfather (who sucks btw). she takes on the role of figuring out exactly who the guilty one is, and who ends up being our main girl's partner in this murder mystery? none other than her two weeks friends with benefits from 8 years ago. with a heavy load of unresolved feelings and a bunch of tension mind you.
though this book was very fun and entertaining i did find myself feeling a little frustrated by the two main characters and their complete lack of straight forwardness. one of my least favorite tropes is the miscommunication trope and characters just not taking a couple minutes to just TALK. i love a slow burn, but not with the added complications and setbacks from a lack of communication.
that being said, i still quite enjoyed the book. i loved trying to solve the mystery and piece together the clues alongside Harriet and Nic, and i will admit i did not guess that the killer was who it was! which is always super fun
November 11, 2025
Thank you NetGalley, Sourcebooks Landmark, and Liz Lawson for this ARC!
After enjoying Liz Lawson’s Agathas series earlier this year, I was excited to see It Happened One Murder pop up on NetGalley. Lawson’s blend of humor, mystery, and teen drama made her earlier books such a joy, and I was ready for another round of twisty fun. This book definitely had that light, entertaining energy and some enjoyable moments, but it didn’t quite reach the same level.
There were quite a few inconsistencies throughout the story that pulled me out of the narrative, and while I appreciated the attempt to weave romance into the mystery, it didn’t always land for me. Nic, in particular, was frustrating; his repeated arguments with Harriet became more exhausting than endearing. He had legitimate reasons to be upset, but after the third or fourth time, the conflict felt recycled and started to weigh down the pacing.
That said, Lawson’s knack for writing witty, fast-moving dialogue and creating cozy, small-town intrigue still shone through. Overall, It Happened One Murder is an easy, fun read and a great way to pass the time.
After enjoying Liz Lawson’s Agathas series earlier this year, I was excited to see It Happened One Murder pop up on NetGalley. Lawson’s blend of humor, mystery, and teen drama made her earlier books such a joy, and I was ready for another round of twisty fun. This book definitely had that light, entertaining energy and some enjoyable moments, but it didn’t quite reach the same level.
There were quite a few inconsistencies throughout the story that pulled me out of the narrative, and while I appreciated the attempt to weave romance into the mystery, it didn’t always land for me. Nic, in particular, was frustrating; his repeated arguments with Harriet became more exhausting than endearing. He had legitimate reasons to be upset, but after the third or fourth time, the conflict felt recycled and started to weigh down the pacing.
That said, Lawson’s knack for writing witty, fast-moving dialogue and creating cozy, small-town intrigue still shone through. Overall, It Happened One Murder is an easy, fun read and a great way to pass the time.
December 23, 2025
I love books where the MCs are having to solve a mystery together but it’s hard to find ones that are really done well. I was excited for this but it fell flat for me. Too much dialogue and just talking to other characters. There was not enough mystery or suspense and not enough romance to carry the book either. I felt like the ending came out of left field; there weren’t enough clues to lead us there and I was left feeling unsatisfied and uninvested by the time we figure out who the killer was and why. The MCs had this whole good cop, bad cop thing going at times which sometimes led to fun banter but was also verged on annoying. Sadly, I didn’t get the chemistry between them and when we did finally get some it was just too late and I was over it all.
October 27, 2025
Thanks to Sourcebooks and NetGalley for an ARC of Larson’s upcoming novel. The story centers around Harriet, a journalist who returns to her family home after being unfairly fired from her job at a New York magazine. When her stepfather is murdered, Harriet finds herself at the center of the investigation. Joining forces with Nic, who she had a steamy summer romance with eight years prior, Harriet works to solve the murder, while also resurrecting her career, and helping to prove the innocence of Nic’s sister, Sara, who is considered the main suspect. Lawson does a great job of blending romance and mystery and keeps readers guessing to the very end. Highly recommend reading this book when it’s released in May!
November 21, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for granting my request to read this e-ARC and provide my honest opinion.
I love a good ol' mystery, and this one didn’t just hit. Harriet’s stepfather has just been found dead—brutally stabbed—on the beach during her birthday party, and that’s just the beginning. When all hands point towards Nic’s sister, Sara, Nic and Harriet begin working together (forgetting their history—Nic being Harriet’s short-lived fling from years ago) to try and find ways to exonerate his sister.
If you ask me, it felt so convenient to pin it on Sara, and as the investigation went on, my interest waned. I just wanted to know who did it and finish the book. The ending felt a bit lackluster, especially compared to the promising start.
Overall, I was a bit let down because I was so hyped for this one (I mean, look at that cover!), but it ended up being disappointing. The ending left a bit of a distaste in my mouth 😒.
Thank you once again for the e-ARC.
I love a good ol' mystery, and this one didn’t just hit. Harriet’s stepfather has just been found dead—brutally stabbed—on the beach during her birthday party, and that’s just the beginning. When all hands point towards Nic’s sister, Sara, Nic and Harriet begin working together (forgetting their history—Nic being Harriet’s short-lived fling from years ago) to try and find ways to exonerate his sister.
If you ask me, it felt so convenient to pin it on Sara, and as the investigation went on, my interest waned. I just wanted to know who did it and finish the book. The ending felt a bit lackluster, especially compared to the promising start.
Overall, I was a bit let down because I was so hyped for this one (I mean, look at that cover!), but it ended up being disappointing. The ending left a bit of a distaste in my mouth 😒.
Thank you once again for the e-ARC.
December 4, 2025
Is this a romance? Is it a cosy murder mystery? The answer to both questions is yes. Usually, with stories like this, one of the genres takes precedence and the other takes a smaller part of the story. This isn't the case here, it's just as much a romance as it is a murder mystery and vice versa.
Having said all of that, I didn't feel that this was the kind of mystery that you can solve alongside our amateur detectives. There are a few clues thrown in there, but I felt that the reveal, when it came, was a little out of left field. I'm not entirely sure that I was happy with the conclusion of the book either, although I don't want to say too much that might give things away.
I liked Harriet and Nic together and enjoyed following their story. The murder side of the book was interesting if a little far-fetched. All in all, quite a good read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and given voluntarily.
Having said all of that, I didn't feel that this was the kind of mystery that you can solve alongside our amateur detectives. There are a few clues thrown in there, but I felt that the reveal, when it came, was a little out of left field. I'm not entirely sure that I was happy with the conclusion of the book either, although I don't want to say too much that might give things away.
I liked Harriet and Nic together and enjoyed following their story. The murder side of the book was interesting if a little far-fetched. All in all, quite a good read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and given voluntarily.
December 3, 2025
If she’s serving it, I’m going to read whatever she dishes up.
A fired gossip columnists and a cater waiter, who briefly dated 10 years ago and have unresolved feelings for each other, join forces to solve the murder of George George. What could possibly go wrong?!
Enjoyed reading this cozy whodunnit, was a good balance of laughs, near misses, misunderstandings and mistakes in the romance between Nic and Harriet while they tried to clear Sara, Nic’s sister, of the murder of George George, Harriet’s stepfather, and by all accounts a very deserving murder victim.
My only criticism- Blurb for the book describes Harriet’s mother as eccentric, but I didn’t get those vibes from her character, she tends to ignore/blame Harriet more than anything, maybe dismissive or indifferent would be better options.
Thank you Netgallery and sourcebooks landmark for the opportunity to read and review this book.
A fired gossip columnists and a cater waiter, who briefly dated 10 years ago and have unresolved feelings for each other, join forces to solve the murder of George George. What could possibly go wrong?!
Enjoyed reading this cozy whodunnit, was a good balance of laughs, near misses, misunderstandings and mistakes in the romance between Nic and Harriet while they tried to clear Sara, Nic’s sister, of the murder of George George, Harriet’s stepfather, and by all accounts a very deserving murder victim.
My only criticism- Blurb for the book describes Harriet’s mother as eccentric, but I didn’t get those vibes from her character, she tends to ignore/blame Harriet more than anything, maybe dismissive or indifferent would be better options.
Thank you Netgallery and sourcebooks landmark for the opportunity to read and review this book.
November 4, 2025
I really enjoyed this book!!! Take murder mystery with humor and touch of romance and that’s what this book felt like to me. It was entertaining from start to finish. I loved the main characters and the storyline kept me guessing at who the murderer really was. I loved that there was romance, but the author used humor to keep it light hearted.
Thank you SOURCEBOOKS Landmark publishing and Netgalley for this Arc!
Thank you SOURCEBOOKS Landmark publishing and Netgalley for this Arc!
November 7, 2025
It Happened One Murder is a fun romance, murder mystery. The characters were fun to follow and the book kept me guessing until the end. The story was entertaining and reminded of a fun Hallmark murder mystery. It wasn’t scary or creepy.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC. Opinions are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC. Opinions are my own.
October 27, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley, Sourcebooks Landmark and Liz Lawson for sharing this ARC with me, in exchange for my honest review.
It Happened One Murder is a very enjoyable read. Ms. Liz's writing and world building is perfect. The flow was easy. It is truly a page-turner. Just when you think you know who did it, BAM, Ms. Liz hits you with a twist. I also liked the side characters, I feel they were integrated in very well.
So, I have a question for y'all...Do y'all tihink the victim is innocent?
I wholeheartedly recommend this book to all y'all.
It Happened One Murder is a very enjoyable read. Ms. Liz's writing and world building is perfect. The flow was easy. It is truly a page-turner. Just when you think you know who did it, BAM, Ms. Liz hits you with a twist. I also liked the side characters, I feel they were integrated in very well.
So, I have a question for y'all...Do y'all tihink the victim is innocent?
I wholeheartedly recommend this book to all y'all.
October 21, 2025
It’s simple. This one from Lawson is her best. So good you won’t be able to put it down. Total must read!
November 3, 2025
Thanks net galley for this arc
I absolutely loved it, this is such a cozy cute murder mystery read - the twist I never saw coming.
Harriet and Nic are brilliant main characters who you get fully invested in. 5***** read for sure.
I absolutely loved it, this is such a cozy cute murder mystery read - the twist I never saw coming.
Harriet and Nic are brilliant main characters who you get fully invested in. 5***** read for sure.
October 28, 2025
down the shore everything is NOT, in fact, all right
November 26, 2025
I loved this! Fast-paced and voicey narration, entertaining cast of characters (particularly Harriet's mom lol), and great balance of sexual tension and how-much-actual-danger-are-we-in? tension.
November 27, 2025
thanks to netgalley for the arc of it happened one murder, a romantic mystery that caught my attention from the very first lines. this book is a mix of mystery and romance that grabs you right away and manages to balance suspense and humor in a really engaging way.
tropes:
second chance romance
miscommunication
enemies to lovers
dual pov
the story starts on logan island, a small seaside town where harriet baker, a former successful journalist, is forced to return after getting fired from a job that, until recently, felt like her big break. she now lives with her mother and a stepfather she can’t stand, and on the night of her birthday he ends up found dead on the beach behind their house. at that point, harriet understands that the only way to get back on her feet is to take the investigation into her own hands, hoping she can also use it to restart her career.
things get complicated when the only suspect seems to be sara, the sister of nic, the guy harriet had a short but intense relationship with eight years earlier. he wants to clear his sister’s name at all costs, and she wants to discover the truth and feel competent again. teaming up isn’t easy, yet they find themselves chasing clues, tracking suspicious movements, and running into shady stuff involving half-truths, corruption, and small-town secrets. the more the investigation moves forward, the more details come out that never seem to fit perfectly together. and that’s exactly where the story gets interesting: the ending comes, but not in an obvious way, and it leaves you wanting to fully understand how they actually got there.
harriet is a tough protagonist, often impulsive, and she has no problem getting into places she shouldn’t if she thinks she can get back what she’s lost. she’s determined, stubborn, and sometimes so focused on herself that she feels immature for her age, especially in the first parts of the story. but she’s also the kind of character who never gives up and who goes all the way when something gets stuck in her mind.
nic is almost her opposite: calmer, more mature, very attached to his family. he’s loyal to an extreme, and the way he protects the people he loves makes him a character you understand right away. he does have that slightly whiny side when it comes to his past with harriet, and their arguments don’t always work, because they often circle around the same issues. even so, it’s clear he still feels a lot, even when he pretends not to care.
their relationship is built on a past left unresolved. they meet again after years and, even if things start off badly, the chemistry is there immediately. their dialogues are sometimes sharp, but they make them believable as a couple who never really dealt with what happened. at the same time, the lack of communication that pushed them apart before is still there, creating both tension and frustration. the romantic part often blends with the investigation, but it doesn’t always develop naturally, and in some moments it feels a bit forced, as if the love story had to stay in the spotlight even when it didn’t need to.
liz lawson’s writing style is smooth and quick to read. you can tell she knows how to handle dialogue and light moments well, and the mystery part moves at a steady pace. some twists work nicely, others feel a bit too easy considering the initial setup, but the overall story stays enjoyable. the author does a good job balancing humor and tension, even if sometimes the romance tends to overshadow the mystery instead of blending with it.
overall, it happened one murder is a fun mix of romance and investigation, with imperfect characters who don’t hide behind a facade. it’s a light but engaging read, perfect for anyone who wants a mystery with a second chance that comes knocking right when the characters thought everything was over for good.
tropes:
second chance romance
miscommunication
enemies to lovers
dual pov
the story starts on logan island, a small seaside town where harriet baker, a former successful journalist, is forced to return after getting fired from a job that, until recently, felt like her big break. she now lives with her mother and a stepfather she can’t stand, and on the night of her birthday he ends up found dead on the beach behind their house. at that point, harriet understands that the only way to get back on her feet is to take the investigation into her own hands, hoping she can also use it to restart her career.
things get complicated when the only suspect seems to be sara, the sister of nic, the guy harriet had a short but intense relationship with eight years earlier. he wants to clear his sister’s name at all costs, and she wants to discover the truth and feel competent again. teaming up isn’t easy, yet they find themselves chasing clues, tracking suspicious movements, and running into shady stuff involving half-truths, corruption, and small-town secrets. the more the investigation moves forward, the more details come out that never seem to fit perfectly together. and that’s exactly where the story gets interesting: the ending comes, but not in an obvious way, and it leaves you wanting to fully understand how they actually got there.
harriet is a tough protagonist, often impulsive, and she has no problem getting into places she shouldn’t if she thinks she can get back what she’s lost. she’s determined, stubborn, and sometimes so focused on herself that she feels immature for her age, especially in the first parts of the story. but she’s also the kind of character who never gives up and who goes all the way when something gets stuck in her mind.
nic is almost her opposite: calmer, more mature, very attached to his family. he’s loyal to an extreme, and the way he protects the people he loves makes him a character you understand right away. he does have that slightly whiny side when it comes to his past with harriet, and their arguments don’t always work, because they often circle around the same issues. even so, it’s clear he still feels a lot, even when he pretends not to care.
their relationship is built on a past left unresolved. they meet again after years and, even if things start off badly, the chemistry is there immediately. their dialogues are sometimes sharp, but they make them believable as a couple who never really dealt with what happened. at the same time, the lack of communication that pushed them apart before is still there, creating both tension and frustration. the romantic part often blends with the investigation, but it doesn’t always develop naturally, and in some moments it feels a bit forced, as if the love story had to stay in the spotlight even when it didn’t need to.
liz lawson’s writing style is smooth and quick to read. you can tell she knows how to handle dialogue and light moments well, and the mystery part moves at a steady pace. some twists work nicely, others feel a bit too easy considering the initial setup, but the overall story stays enjoyable. the author does a good job balancing humor and tension, even if sometimes the romance tends to overshadow the mystery instead of blending with it.
overall, it happened one murder is a fun mix of romance and investigation, with imperfect characters who don’t hide behind a facade. it’s a light but engaging read, perfect for anyone who wants a mystery with a second chance that comes knocking right when the characters thought everything was over for good.
November 22, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for providing me with this arc!
When Harriet Baker’s birthday party ends with a dead body on the beach, she tasks herself with uncovering the killer. Along for the ride is her former flame, Nic, who’s looking to clear his sister’s name. While they fall deeper into the mystery, they find themselves drawn closer together and perhaps, reignite long forgotten feelings.
I really wanted to enjoy this one. A quick mystery romcom is something I feel is lacking in the genre, but this wasn’t the book for me. Nic and Harriet do share a fun dynamic, especially as the story progresses. It’s always nice to see a second chance romance, especially when the characters have grown from young and dumb to mature and still dumb with feelings.
The story started a bit too slow for me, despite the murder happening within the first few chapters. I felt the real meat of the plot took a bit too long, despite swift moving chapters. I nearly DNF’ed the novel, but I wanted to see through the resolution. Despite the second chance romance sitting at the heart of the novel, miscommunication and failure to properly communicate are the overarching tropes guiding much of Harriet and Nic’s interactions. Neither of which are my favorite and probably steered me away from falling in love with the story.
While this wasn’t the book for me, I’d like to think anyone who loves a good Hallmark mystery might find themselves enjoying it more! Definitely worth a peek if that’s up your alley!
When Harriet Baker’s birthday party ends with a dead body on the beach, she tasks herself with uncovering the killer. Along for the ride is her former flame, Nic, who’s looking to clear his sister’s name. While they fall deeper into the mystery, they find themselves drawn closer together and perhaps, reignite long forgotten feelings.
I really wanted to enjoy this one. A quick mystery romcom is something I feel is lacking in the genre, but this wasn’t the book for me. Nic and Harriet do share a fun dynamic, especially as the story progresses. It’s always nice to see a second chance romance, especially when the characters have grown from young and dumb to mature and still dumb with feelings.
The story started a bit too slow for me, despite the murder happening within the first few chapters. I felt the real meat of the plot took a bit too long, despite swift moving chapters. I nearly DNF’ed the novel, but I wanted to see through the resolution. Despite the second chance romance sitting at the heart of the novel, miscommunication and failure to properly communicate are the overarching tropes guiding much of Harriet and Nic’s interactions. Neither of which are my favorite and probably steered me away from falling in love with the story.
While this wasn’t the book for me, I’d like to think anyone who loves a good Hallmark mystery might find themselves enjoying it more! Definitely worth a peek if that’s up your alley!
December 7, 2025
💫: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🎧: “You should capture my view, cause I don't want nothing else but you.” (Drive Away My Heart; Ida Maria)
⏳: 5 days
🔜 (arc read)
—
OH. MY. GOODNESS!!! Someone get me a romance like Harriet and Nic’s (except maybe minus the murder part)
This book is the perfect mix of romance and murder mystery, bringing levels of yearning that are perfect and a mystery to keep you on your toes at all times!
—
“I think most people call that blackmail”
Nico. The MAN you are. Seriously, add this man to your book boyfriend list immediately!!!
After his sister is arrested for a murder he’s sure she didn’t commit. His main problem is his accomplice in finding the real killer ends up being none other than his fling from years ago. But he needs Harriet in order to get his sister out of jail, and the real killer in.
—
“Screw — and I mean this with every fibre of my being — you”
When people ask for a book with an iconic FMC, this book is now going to be one of my default responses.
Following getting fired from her job as a journalist in New York, Harriet is back where she grew up; Logan Island. However, having a murder happen at your birthday celebration isn’t ideal, and if wanting to solve it means working with your ex-fling, even less ideal. But, in a desperate attempt to get her job back, Harriet is now attempting to write an article with the truth involved, alongside her ex-fling.
—
Thank you NetGalley, Liz Lawson and Sourcebooks for this e-arc in return for an honest review.
🎧: “You should capture my view, cause I don't want nothing else but you.” (Drive Away My Heart; Ida Maria)
⏳: 5 days
🔜 (arc read)
—
OH. MY. GOODNESS!!! Someone get me a romance like Harriet and Nic’s (except maybe minus the murder part)
This book is the perfect mix of romance and murder mystery, bringing levels of yearning that are perfect and a mystery to keep you on your toes at all times!
—
“I think most people call that blackmail”
Nico. The MAN you are. Seriously, add this man to your book boyfriend list immediately!!!
After his sister is arrested for a murder he’s sure she didn’t commit. His main problem is his accomplice in finding the real killer ends up being none other than his fling from years ago. But he needs Harriet in order to get his sister out of jail, and the real killer in.
—
“Screw — and I mean this with every fibre of my being — you”
When people ask for a book with an iconic FMC, this book is now going to be one of my default responses.
Following getting fired from her job as a journalist in New York, Harriet is back where she grew up; Logan Island. However, having a murder happen at your birthday celebration isn’t ideal, and if wanting to solve it means working with your ex-fling, even less ideal. But, in a desperate attempt to get her job back, Harriet is now attempting to write an article with the truth involved, alongside her ex-fling.
—
Thank you NetGalley, Liz Lawson and Sourcebooks for this e-arc in return for an honest review.
November 10, 2025
I went in blind in this book to be honest, and I was intrigued from the title itself. The novel begins with the female lead's birthday party where she meets her once rebound fling who is our Male lead, she couldn't remember him and he got hurt because he lost his virginity to her and so they start at wrong footing. Things go south when her step father is murdered and the suspect is male lead's sister, they decide to work together to find the killer.
From the very beginning I found both the characters to be childish for people who are in late twenties. They seem to not know about the concept of 'communication' I felt the conflict shown between them was forced and could've been solved easily if they sat and actually talked it out. There was no relationship development, they didn't actually know each other well so it was hard for me to accept the Romance part.
However I liked the mystery elements and keeping their immature behaviors aside I liked the whole search for the killer phase. There were twists not shocking but still rightly placed and I felt that was the redeeming part of the book. I think the book was not for me because I went in thinking There will be romantic suspense but the romance was not well written. The story had potential but didn't meet my expectations.
From the very beginning I found both the characters to be childish for people who are in late twenties. They seem to not know about the concept of 'communication' I felt the conflict shown between them was forced and could've been solved easily if they sat and actually talked it out. There was no relationship development, they didn't actually know each other well so it was hard for me to accept the Romance part.
However I liked the mystery elements and keeping their immature behaviors aside I liked the whole search for the killer phase. There were twists not shocking but still rightly placed and I felt that was the redeeming part of the book. I think the book was not for me because I went in thinking There will be romantic suspense but the romance was not well written. The story had potential but didn't meet my expectations.
December 22, 2025
Harriet Baker got fired from her dream job at a magazine and moved back to her hometown. She begins to feel stuck in the small town of Logan Island, New Jersey, living with her eccentric mother. Things get interesting when her birthday party ends in a dead body. All signs point to Sara Allbright, the sister of none other than Nic, Harriet's short-lived fling from years ago. Murder makes for a good story, and is told that she can get her old job back if she writes an article covering what really happened. In order to write her article, she has to team up with Nic to clear his sister's name. Throughout the process, they uncover dark secrets of their hometown and long-forgotten feelings.
THIS BOOK!!!!! I saw the cover and expected it to be a 4-star read for me. I typically do not gravitate towards murder mysteries; I am a hardcore romance fan through and through. This book started out giving me Hallmark mystery vibes and then PLOT TWISTS. It went from predictable to oh my word, I was so wrong. I have been obsessed with Holly Jackson right now, and this gave me Holly Jackson meets cozy romance. READ THIS BOOK!
Spice Rating 3/5
Star Rating 5/5
THIS BOOK!!!!! I saw the cover and expected it to be a 4-star read for me. I typically do not gravitate towards murder mysteries; I am a hardcore romance fan through and through. This book started out giving me Hallmark mystery vibes and then PLOT TWISTS. It went from predictable to oh my word, I was so wrong. I have been obsessed with Holly Jackson right now, and this gave me Holly Jackson meets cozy romance. READ THIS BOOK!
Spice Rating 3/5
Star Rating 5/5
October 30, 2025
ARC for review from Netgalley. To be published May, 2026
4.5 star rounded up, This was one of my favourite books to read so far this year, it blended two of my favourite genres - thriller/mystery and rom/com - perfectly. From the first chapter I was hooked, the writing is so easy to follow while also being deliciously complex. The characters were thought out and their character arcs completed the whole story picture.
One of the first books this year where I didn't guess the killer and wow did I love reading it all unfold. At times during the first half of the book I found that Harriet's character was slightly annoying and I was wishing to go back to Nic's point of view but gradually throughout the book that feeling was alleviated and I feel it may have been a character choice well written to the point I felt it.
Highly highly highly recommend this book as it was something very different and fulfilled every craving I had over both genres. So glad I got the chance to read this early and I will definitely be looking at her other novels.
4.5 star rounded up, This was one of my favourite books to read so far this year, it blended two of my favourite genres - thriller/mystery and rom/com - perfectly. From the first chapter I was hooked, the writing is so easy to follow while also being deliciously complex. The characters were thought out and their character arcs completed the whole story picture.
One of the first books this year where I didn't guess the killer and wow did I love reading it all unfold. At times during the first half of the book I found that Harriet's character was slightly annoying and I was wishing to go back to Nic's point of view but gradually throughout the book that feeling was alleviated and I feel it may have been a character choice well written to the point I felt it.
Highly highly highly recommend this book as it was something very different and fulfilled every craving I had over both genres. So glad I got the chance to read this early and I will definitely be looking at her other novels.
December 1, 2025
Romance and mystery? Sign me up. Liz Lawson has always done a great job of giving us a taste of romance in all her thrillers, but this time, we got more than a taste, and I love how she seamlessly blended the two genres together. Every page was a page turner, whether it was to learn more about the murder, or to see if our two main characters were going to overcome their issues and finally get together.
As a big YA reader, it was fun to step into the adult world with this story. I often struggle with adult fiction (adult mysteries can be too dark or bleak, lacking the fun of often messy characters), but Liz did an excellent job of keeping the plot and characters fun and exciting. Much like Holly Jackson's "Not Quite Dead Yet", this book has convinced me that it is possible to expand genres and get exactly what I'm looking for. More like this, please!
"It Happened One Murder" delivers a thrilling plot and characters to fall in love with. Bravo Liz, can't wait to see what's next for you!
As a big YA reader, it was fun to step into the adult world with this story. I often struggle with adult fiction (adult mysteries can be too dark or bleak, lacking the fun of often messy characters), but Liz did an excellent job of keeping the plot and characters fun and exciting. Much like Holly Jackson's "Not Quite Dead Yet", this book has convinced me that it is possible to expand genres and get exactly what I'm looking for. More like this, please!
"It Happened One Murder" delivers a thrilling plot and characters to fall in love with. Bravo Liz, can't wait to see what's next for you!
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