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A Murder Most Camp
Not yet published
Expected 28 Apr 26The Guncle meets Every Time I Go On Vacation Someone Dies in this fun, twisty mystery following a spoiled nepo baby forced to work at a struggling summer camp who stumbles into a real-life murder mystery he has no choice but to solve.
Rustic cabins. Lakefront bonfires. A painfully hot lifeguard. And a murder? Summer has never been this camp.
Mikey Hartford IV has coasted through his twenties in a distracted blur of yachts and sex and partying. But when his father discovers his latest million-dollar impulse buy and changes the terms of his trust, the party's finally over. Now, unless Mikey can make a positive contribution to the world before his thirtieth birthday—one that doesn't involve throwing cash at his problems—he'll never see another yacht again. (Or even so much as a canoe.)
Camp Lore, a struggling summer camp in upstate New York where Mikey has to work as the oldest, least-qualified staffer to prove that he can "do good" alongside his twelve-year-old aunt. (Yes, aunt.) But Mikey isn't sure he'll be able to survive the camp's ramshackle living conditions, let alone the gaggle of preteens who won't leave his side. And when his campers become obsessed with a local legend set at an abandoned cabin on the grounds, Mikey's chances of not making it through the summer become dangerously real—because it turns out there's a murder hidden beneath Camp Lore. And someone there will stop at nothing to keep it that way.
Solving a decade-old cold case will surely be enough "good" for Mikey to earn his inheritance. He just has to stay alive long enough to do it…
Rustic cabins. Lakefront bonfires. A painfully hot lifeguard. And a murder? Summer has never been this camp.
Mikey Hartford IV has coasted through his twenties in a distracted blur of yachts and sex and partying. But when his father discovers his latest million-dollar impulse buy and changes the terms of his trust, the party's finally over. Now, unless Mikey can make a positive contribution to the world before his thirtieth birthday—one that doesn't involve throwing cash at his problems—he'll never see another yacht again. (Or even so much as a canoe.)
Camp Lore, a struggling summer camp in upstate New York where Mikey has to work as the oldest, least-qualified staffer to prove that he can "do good" alongside his twelve-year-old aunt. (Yes, aunt.) But Mikey isn't sure he'll be able to survive the camp's ramshackle living conditions, let alone the gaggle of preteens who won't leave his side. And when his campers become obsessed with a local legend set at an abandoned cabin on the grounds, Mikey's chances of not making it through the summer become dangerously real—because it turns out there's a murder hidden beneath Camp Lore. And someone there will stop at nothing to keep it that way.
Solving a decade-old cold case will surely be enough "good" for Mikey to earn his inheritance. He just has to stay alive long enough to do it…
368 pages, Paperback
Expected publication April 28, 2026
16 people are currently reading
11972 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
✰ 3 stars ✰
Not to start off on a serious note, but how come no one ever writes fiction about the adverse effects of cutting off someone from something that pretty much has been a certainty all of their lives? It's always the argument that it's for your own good to be a better person, but why do we never get a glimpse of how they may at first struggle from being deprived of that assured dependency?
Just saying. 🙆🏻♀️
Anyhoo, I did enjoy my trifecta with DiDomizio's works. Very easy breezy, pumpkin cheesy (literally) kind of a read for Saturday morning. Where as a millennial, thankfully, the many cultural pop references did not go over my head. 💪🏻 But, also, yes, sadly, were a tad too much, like I get that Mikey is a film aficionado, and it made for a great ringing endorsement of Clueless' revival, but yeah, it got a bit unnecessary pushed in at times. 😮💨
But not knowing Bonnie Tyler? What an affront! 😆 Although nowadays teens and tweens would probably only ever pick up on anything only when it's a viral sensation - on TikTok or the gram. 🤷🏻♀️ I can't say for certain if Annabelle and the SAG party were realistically portrayed, what with their offhand gay comments, but it was fun to see how Mikey dealt with their enthusiastic obsession into investigating Camp Lore's decade old cold case.
“It was just about getting you to a place where you care about your life.”
The mystery itself is a predictable chase, fairly reminiscent of Mikey's love of 90s cult campy classics. But, as an ode to those flicks that still make me smile and laugh for their campiness, there is that layer of trauma and self-reflection that shines amidst the adversity. 😤 One which even Mikey was struggling with, but burying deep, until he found his niche that allowed him to admit that he was someone with feelings allowed to care.
For it truly does live up to its name, of how A Murder Most Camp, not only in the literal sense, but one taking place at a summer camp exclusive for trust fund babies, packed with their own share of cliché family strife and a limited supporting cast. It's obvious, pretty early on, who is the likely culprit, which I suppose also fits the bill of campy teen thrillers. 😏
Ah, take me back to those good ole days. ⏳🙃
“But if this is truly what Mikey wanted, then why does it feel less like a victory and more like a sad inevitability?”
I'm not sure if it was a good thing that not everyone was of sound moral with traces of the f the darkest parts of humanity, his li, Jackson, included. but Jackson helping Mikey see that he was more than just the years of trauma, otherness, and rejection he was shouldering was sweet. 🥺 Their repartee had some endearing quips, and as a tag team that buoyed on conflicting emotions also nicely played out. And ew, Jamie. 😬 What a horrid little person. Good riddance to cheapskate rubbish.
And I hate to be that guy, but pretty smooth sailing in terms of editing till the end, where I picked up a couple of spelling errors. There was also a comment that I think might offend some. Maybe I'm reading too much into it, but there was a comment that I think might be offensive to some - 😕
“... trying to define camp is perhaps the least campy thing one can do in the first place.”
Not to start off on a serious note, but how come no one ever writes fiction about the adverse effects of cutting off someone from something that pretty much has been a certainty all of their lives? It's always the argument that it's for your own good to be a better person, but why do we never get a glimpse of how they may at first struggle from being deprived of that assured dependency?
Just saying. 🙆🏻♀️
Anyhoo, I did enjoy my trifecta with DiDomizio's works. Very easy breezy, pumpkin cheesy (literally) kind of a read for Saturday morning. Where as a millennial, thankfully, the many cultural pop references did not go over my head. 💪🏻 But, also, yes, sadly, were a tad too much, like I get that Mikey is a film aficionado, and it made for a great ringing endorsement of Clueless' revival, but yeah, it got a bit unnecessary pushed in at times. 😮💨
But not knowing Bonnie Tyler? What an affront! 😆 Although nowadays teens and tweens would probably only ever pick up on anything only when it's a viral sensation - on TikTok or the gram. 🤷🏻♀️ I can't say for certain if Annabelle and the SAG party were realistically portrayed, what with their offhand gay comments, but it was fun to see how Mikey dealt with their enthusiastic obsession into investigating Camp Lore's decade old cold case.
“It was just about getting you to a place where you care about your life.”
The mystery itself is a predictable chase, fairly reminiscent of Mikey's love of 90s cult campy classics. But, as an ode to those flicks that still make me smile and laugh for their campiness, there is that layer of trauma and self-reflection that shines amidst the adversity. 😤 One which even Mikey was struggling with, but burying deep, until he found his niche that allowed him to admit that he was someone with feelings allowed to care.
For it truly does live up to its name, of how A Murder Most Camp, not only in the literal sense, but one taking place at a summer camp exclusive for trust fund babies, packed with their own share of cliché family strife and a limited supporting cast. It's obvious, pretty early on, who is the likely culprit, which I suppose also fits the bill of campy teen thrillers. 😏
Ah, take me back to those good ole days. ⏳🙃
“But if this is truly what Mikey wanted, then why does it feel less like a victory and more like a sad inevitability?”
I'm not sure if it was a good thing that not everyone was of sound moral with traces of the f the darkest parts of humanity, his li, Jackson, included. but Jackson helping Mikey see that he was more than just the years of trauma, otherness, and rejection he was shouldering was sweet. 🥺 Their repartee had some endearing quips, and as a tag team that buoyed on conflicting emotions also nicely played out. And ew, Jamie. 😬 What a horrid little person. Good riddance to cheapskate rubbish.
And I hate to be that guy, but pretty smooth sailing in terms of editing till the end, where I picked up a couple of spelling errors. There was also a comment that I think might offend some. Maybe I'm reading too much into it, but there was a comment that I think might be offensive to some - 😕
Review of advance copy received from Éditeur
Funny, cute, full of heart, my favourite dated references, and lovable characters.
Add a mystery that kept my interest until the very end and the charming setting of a rustic summer camp, and I really enjoyed myself with this book.
I think this is the perfect mystery read for this summer.
Than you Poisoned Pen Press for this ARC!
Add a mystery that kept my interest until the very end and the charming setting of a rustic summer camp, and I really enjoyed myself with this book.
I think this is the perfect mystery read for this summer.
Than you Poisoned Pen Press for this ARC!
December 8, 2025
4.5
Guncle meets How to Solve Your Own Murder.
Mikey is a nepo baby with Dad's credit card and was doing JUST FINE thank you. Until Dad came down with the hammer - prove yourself before your 30 or kiss that inheritance buh-bye. The solution? Be a camp counsellor at Camp Lore where his 12 year old "Aunt" (think You've Got Mail) Annabelle is scheduled to attend for the first time
Mikey is APPALLED but the inheritance is worth it so off he goes. Except his group of kids has a different idea for their summer then campfires and archery. They want to solve the murder that happened a decade ago at Camp Lore and need Mikey's assistance to do so. Thank goodness his roommate Jackson is a dreamboat.
Read this book. Laugh out loud and fall in love with Mikey as he starts to think about who he really wants to be, how much he cares about his family and this group of kids at camp and find out how he suffered through dinner at Panera.
Guncle meets How to Solve Your Own Murder.
Mikey is a nepo baby with Dad's credit card and was doing JUST FINE thank you. Until Dad came down with the hammer - prove yourself before your 30 or kiss that inheritance buh-bye. The solution? Be a camp counsellor at Camp Lore where his 12 year old "Aunt" (think You've Got Mail) Annabelle is scheduled to attend for the first time
Mikey is APPALLED but the inheritance is worth it so off he goes. Except his group of kids has a different idea for their summer then campfires and archery. They want to solve the murder that happened a decade ago at Camp Lore and need Mikey's assistance to do so. Thank goodness his roommate Jackson is a dreamboat.
Read this book. Laugh out loud and fall in love with Mikey as he starts to think about who he really wants to be, how much he cares about his family and this group of kids at camp and find out how he suffered through dinner at Panera.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Review to follow
December 27, 2025
This was an enjoyable summer mystery. I loved the summer camp setting and following Mickey and the campers as they tried to solve the camp’s decade-old mystery. I initially wasn’t a huge fan of Mickey as a character, but I appreciated his character’s growth and liked him more as the story went on. I liked the overall mystery of what happened to Rose Churchill and found myself guessing alongside the characters. Overall this was a great read.
Read this if you like:
📖 Summer camp settings
📖 Great character growth
📖 Pop culture references
📖 LGBTQ rep
Thank you to @poisonedpenpress for the gifted arc.
Read this if you like:
📖 Summer camp settings
📖 Great character growth
📖 Pop culture references
📖 LGBTQ rep
Thank you to @poisonedpenpress for the gifted arc.
November 30, 2025
Imagine a mystery set at an Adirondack summer camp with all the red herrings of an Agatha Christie infused with Andy Cohen's camp sensibility. A Murder Most Camp is bitchy fun from the very first page. Stick with our annoyingly privileged protagonist and you'll be rewarded with a heartfelt portrait of personal growth that rings true. Who-done-it mystery meets will-they-won't-they romance in this wild ride of a novel that I slurped up faster than an espresso martini!
Want to read
February 10, 2026this sounds so fun! I can't wait to read it!!
ARC REC'D THANK YOU!
ARC REC'D THANK YOU!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A Murder Most Camp by Nicholas DiDomizio, Michael Stewart Hartford hails from a family that made their fortune on Walmart type stores in his dad Michael Hartford the third is not happy. It seems Michael Mickey Hartford the fourth bought his best friend a $5 million brownstone and Mickey‘s dad believes he has to do something before it’s too late. This is how he learns there is an amendment put into his trust fund that before he turns 30 in four months he has to do something that benefits others and his step grandmother who he went to high school with has a perfect idea. He’s to work at a summer camp on George Lake in New York and he has to bring his 12 year old aunt with him. he tries to put his best foot forward but Annabelle his aunt refuses to engage with him she’s more intent on reading gone girl and listening to her headphones. As if things couldn’t get worse they soon arrive at Camp Lore and it isn’t anything like the surfing club in the Hamptons that he went to. After trying to get out of it or at the very least get his own cabin and this includes the empty cabin one that has a macobb mystery attached to it. his new boss Judy Weathers tells him his roommate is going to be a medical student from California named Jackson and he’s going to be the lifeguard while Michael will be activity director for the campers that don’t want to play tennis swim all day or hike in the forest. When Michael was younger he was obsessed with film and even went to LA to try and make it big as a independent director feeling like he was laughed out of California he then came home and became the Micky we meet. This is why he decides to get the kids to make a movie previously learning that cabin one was where a Syracuse student named Rose Churchill went missing they beg him to investigate the mystery something he is at first opposed to but soon they’ll all be obsessed with the case and risk everything to solve it. While all this is going on his love hate relationship with his roommate Jackson soon just becomes love but when he betrays him in the worst way he may not only lose his inheritance but Jackson as well and compared to Jackson he doesn’t even care about the inheritance. I loved love love this book so much it was so much fun I love Michael’s growth immaturity sorta and his relationship with Raymond, Annabelle not to mention with Jackson even when they would quarel which was mainly Michael because Jackson just seemed entertained by him most of the book I loved it I recommend this to anyone who wants a fun feel good happy ending story I just loved it. I love when books are written about camp adventures that don’t turn out the way they’re supposed to I just love this book read it read it read it so good! #NetGalley, #TheBlindReviewer, #MyHonestReview,
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
BOOK REPORT
Received a complimentary copy of Murder Most Camp, by Nicolas DiDomizio, from Poisoned Pen Press/NetGalley, for which I am appreciative, in exchange for a fair and honest review. Scroll past the BOOK REPORT section for a cut-and-paste of the DESCRIPTION of it from them if you want to read my thoughts on the book in the context of that summary.
⭐ 3.5 ⭐
Oh what fun!
Smart, witty, laugh-out-loud funny in parts. Perfect for reading outside in the pretty winter sunshine—would be even better if you’re able to get yourself to a warm ocean locale and enjoy it with a frozen adult beverage in hand.
“Whodunit” was painfully obvious to me, but that’s probably because I’ve read a jillion or so of these type books.
Definitely appreciated that the author took the less-is-more approach when it came to the romance (y’all know what a prude I am).
Look forward to reading more by Nicolas DiDomizio.
DESCRIPTION
The Guncle meets Every Time I Go On Vacation Someone Dies in this fun, twisty mystery following a spoiled nepo baby forced to work at a struggling summer camp who stumbles into a real-life murder mystery he has no choice but to solve.
Rustic cabins. Lakefront bonfires. A painfully hot lifeguard. And a murder? Summer has never been this camp.
Mikey Hartford IV has coasted through his twenties in a distracted blur of yachts and sex and partying. But when his father discovers his latest million-dollar impulse buy and changes the terms of his trust, the party's finally over. Now, unless Mikey can make a positive contribution to the world before his thirtieth birthday—one that doesn't involve throwing cash at his problems—he'll never see another yacht again. (Or even so much as a canoe.)
Enter: Camp Lore, a struggling summer camp in upstate New York where Mikey has to work as the oldest, least-qualified staffer to prove that he can "do good" alongside his twelve-year-old aunt. (Yes, aunt.) But Mikey isn't sure he'll be able to survive the camp's ramshackle living conditions, let alone the gaggle of preteens who won't leave his side. And when his campers become obsessed with a local legend set at an abandoned cabin on the grounds, Mikey's chances of not making it through the summer become dangerously real—because it turns out there's a murder hidden beneath Camp Lore. And someone there will stop at nothing to keep it that way.
Solving a decade-old cold case will surely be enough "good" for Mikey to earn his inheritance. He just has to stay alive long enough to do it.
Received a complimentary copy of Murder Most Camp, by Nicolas DiDomizio, from Poisoned Pen Press/NetGalley, for which I am appreciative, in exchange for a fair and honest review. Scroll past the BOOK REPORT section for a cut-and-paste of the DESCRIPTION of it from them if you want to read my thoughts on the book in the context of that summary.
⭐ 3.5 ⭐
Oh what fun!
Smart, witty, laugh-out-loud funny in parts. Perfect for reading outside in the pretty winter sunshine—would be even better if you’re able to get yourself to a warm ocean locale and enjoy it with a frozen adult beverage in hand.
“Whodunit” was painfully obvious to me, but that’s probably because I’ve read a jillion or so of these type books.
Definitely appreciated that the author took the less-is-more approach when it came to the romance (y’all know what a prude I am).
Look forward to reading more by Nicolas DiDomizio.
DESCRIPTION
The Guncle meets Every Time I Go On Vacation Someone Dies in this fun, twisty mystery following a spoiled nepo baby forced to work at a struggling summer camp who stumbles into a real-life murder mystery he has no choice but to solve.
Rustic cabins. Lakefront bonfires. A painfully hot lifeguard. And a murder? Summer has never been this camp.
Mikey Hartford IV has coasted through his twenties in a distracted blur of yachts and sex and partying. But when his father discovers his latest million-dollar impulse buy and changes the terms of his trust, the party's finally over. Now, unless Mikey can make a positive contribution to the world before his thirtieth birthday—one that doesn't involve throwing cash at his problems—he'll never see another yacht again. (Or even so much as a canoe.)
Enter: Camp Lore, a struggling summer camp in upstate New York where Mikey has to work as the oldest, least-qualified staffer to prove that he can "do good" alongside his twelve-year-old aunt. (Yes, aunt.) But Mikey isn't sure he'll be able to survive the camp's ramshackle living conditions, let alone the gaggle of preteens who won't leave his side. And when his campers become obsessed with a local legend set at an abandoned cabin on the grounds, Mikey's chances of not making it through the summer become dangerously real—because it turns out there's a murder hidden beneath Camp Lore. And someone there will stop at nothing to keep it that way.
Solving a decade-old cold case will surely be enough "good" for Mikey to earn his inheritance. He just has to stay alive long enough to do it.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you Poisoned Pen Press and Netgalley for this eARC, these opinions are my own. I absolutely loved this! Mikey Hartford spends his days living the lavish life full of yachts and foreign locations. He’s counting down the days till his 30th birthday and which he’ll get full access to his trust fund and no longer have to have his purchases monitored. That is until his father changes the terms of his trust, now in order to get it Mikey must do good by his 30th birthday or he’ll have to wait till after his father passes. But how is that even possible? Lucky for him, his step-grandmother, who’s only a few years older than him, has it all figured out. He’ll be a counselor at a summer camp, the same summer camp that his 12 year old aunt is attending. Mikey is horrified at the ramshackle like conditions of the camp and its buildings not to mention its food and total like of cell service or WiFi. He can’t possibly stay here for three months can he? But then the group of kids he’s in charge of, that includes his aunt, tells of a missing counselor, one who disappeared without a trace 13 years ago. They’re determined to solve her disappearance and this could be just the thing Mikey needs to get his life back on track, after all solving a missing persons case has to be “doing good” right? Their only problem is no one seems to want to dredge up the past, not the camp director, the locals, or the hot camp lifeguard who also happens to be his roommate. It seems many people have something to hide and someone really doesn’t want Mikey and his kids looking into the disappearance. Could they figure out what happens? Or will they be the next ones to disappear? A fun twisty queer mystery that is full of camp, grief, humor, thrills, some romance, and plenty of heartfelt moments between Mikey and the kids, especially his aunt! Mikey is a somewhat selfish rich out of touch character that is still incredibly likable (if you’ve seen Schitt’s Creek he’s a total David Rose!) Mikey’s growth and rediscovering himself was every bit as exciting as the mystery! Nicolas DiDomizio writes a fun mystery that I completely consumed!
February 5, 2026
Another hit from one of my favorite genres: murder mystery + romance! Extra points for being so fun that I pretty much read it in one sitting.
Mikey, the spoiled trust fund baby nearing his 30th birthday, is given an ultimatum by his father: get it together or get cut off. He is allowed to prove his mettle by working at a rugged summer camp for tweens for one summer, proving that he has what it takes to do more with his life than spend it on a yacht.
Weirdly enough, Mikey is a likeable character. Yes, he is spoiled. He does things that would make me want to punch him in real life, but he also knows that what he is doing/saying is wrong and wants to do better. He’s sometimes rude but it’s because he puts up a facade since he’s afraid of being vulnerable. He is also quite funny, which goes a long way towards creating a character you want to root for.
Overall through, the most surprising and heartwarming aspect of the story was the relationships Mikey built with his special activities campers, especially his 12-year old aunt. For a book that leans more in the campy/funny direction, there were a lot of sweet and moving conversations about being different, about making friends, and being true to yourself.
I don’t want to say much about the mystery elements because it’s tough to without spoilers—there were some good twists that I don’t want to give away!
Overall, all I really wanted more from was the romance. The focus of the book is more on the mystery, and it’s relatively short, which didn’t leave as much time to watch Mikey and Jackson create a deep and intimate romance. Realistically this makes sense considering the book takes place over just one summer, but I usually prefer my romances to have just a bit more oomph. I definitely think the book could have been longer (I would have read another 100 pages of it!) but in the end I was satisfied how everything wrapped up. I’ll definitely be on the lookout for more from this author in the future.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the free e-ARC!
4.25/5
Mikey, the spoiled trust fund baby nearing his 30th birthday, is given an ultimatum by his father: get it together or get cut off. He is allowed to prove his mettle by working at a rugged summer camp for tweens for one summer, proving that he has what it takes to do more with his life than spend it on a yacht.
Weirdly enough, Mikey is a likeable character. Yes, he is spoiled. He does things that would make me want to punch him in real life, but he also knows that what he is doing/saying is wrong and wants to do better. He’s sometimes rude but it’s because he puts up a facade since he’s afraid of being vulnerable. He is also quite funny, which goes a long way towards creating a character you want to root for.
Overall through, the most surprising and heartwarming aspect of the story was the relationships Mikey built with his special activities campers, especially his 12-year old aunt. For a book that leans more in the campy/funny direction, there were a lot of sweet and moving conversations about being different, about making friends, and being true to yourself.
I don’t want to say much about the mystery elements because it’s tough to without spoilers—there were some good twists that I don’t want to give away!
Overall, all I really wanted more from was the romance. The focus of the book is more on the mystery, and it’s relatively short, which didn’t leave as much time to watch Mikey and Jackson create a deep and intimate romance. Realistically this makes sense considering the book takes place over just one summer, but I usually prefer my romances to have just a bit more oomph. I definitely think the book could have been longer (I would have read another 100 pages of it!) but in the end I was satisfied how everything wrapped up. I’ll definitely be on the lookout for more from this author in the future.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the free e-ARC!
4.25/5
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Campy, Delightful Chaos & Murder
DiDomizio absolutely delivered the witty chaos I was hoping for in A Murder Most Camp. Nicola DiDomizio returns with another book that is as delightful as it is heartwarming and suspenseful. The book leans hard into its camp (pun fully intended), serving pop‑culture quips, self‑aware humor, and a delightfully exaggerated sense of melodrama that feels like Clueless meets a lakeside cold case. Watching Mikey Hartford IV trudge into Camp Lore as a pampered, yacht‑polished nepo baby who thinks “rustic” is a personal attack is comedy gold. He’s supposed to be deeply unlikable at the start, and honestly, he succeeds. This speaks to the writing skill of DiDomizio because Mikey is HARD TO LOVE when this story starts. But as the story rolls on and the layers peel back, you find yourself evolving with him. He’s still dramatic, still ridiculous, but there’s a sweetness in his core that sneaks up on you. By the time he’s bonding with Annabelle and bumbling through actual detective work, you kind of can’t help rooting for him.
And don’t even get me started on the twists. This book may be light and silly on the surface, but the murder mystery will consume readers as they progress in this story. There are dead ends, red herrings, leads, and evidence around every corner. There is some shady camp history, and all of it builds towards a reveal that had my jaw on the floor. DiDomizio juggles suspects and clues so deftly that by the time you reach that final reveal, you’re yelling, “Wait, WHAT?” at the page like you just saw everything happen in real time. It’s fun, it’s twisty, it’s wildly entertaining, and the ending is one nobody is ever going to predict. A perfect pick for when you want a mystery that’s as sharp and surprising as it is gloriously over‑the‑top. OH, and if you wanted some romantic charm, there just might be some of that for readers in this story too and it SWEETENS the story in all the best ways!
DiDomizio absolutely delivered the witty chaos I was hoping for in A Murder Most Camp. Nicola DiDomizio returns with another book that is as delightful as it is heartwarming and suspenseful. The book leans hard into its camp (pun fully intended), serving pop‑culture quips, self‑aware humor, and a delightfully exaggerated sense of melodrama that feels like Clueless meets a lakeside cold case. Watching Mikey Hartford IV trudge into Camp Lore as a pampered, yacht‑polished nepo baby who thinks “rustic” is a personal attack is comedy gold. He’s supposed to be deeply unlikable at the start, and honestly, he succeeds. This speaks to the writing skill of DiDomizio because Mikey is HARD TO LOVE when this story starts. But as the story rolls on and the layers peel back, you find yourself evolving with him. He’s still dramatic, still ridiculous, but there’s a sweetness in his core that sneaks up on you. By the time he’s bonding with Annabelle and bumbling through actual detective work, you kind of can’t help rooting for him.
And don’t even get me started on the twists. This book may be light and silly on the surface, but the murder mystery will consume readers as they progress in this story. There are dead ends, red herrings, leads, and evidence around every corner. There is some shady camp history, and all of it builds towards a reveal that had my jaw on the floor. DiDomizio juggles suspects and clues so deftly that by the time you reach that final reveal, you’re yelling, “Wait, WHAT?” at the page like you just saw everything happen in real time. It’s fun, it’s twisty, it’s wildly entertaining, and the ending is one nobody is ever going to predict. A perfect pick for when you want a mystery that’s as sharp and surprising as it is gloriously over‑the‑top. OH, and if you wanted some romantic charm, there just might be some of that for readers in this story too and it SWEETENS the story in all the best ways!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Imagine that David from Schitt's Creek was forced to spend a summer as a counselor special activities coordinator at a rustic summer camp for privileged rich kids, and then add in a decade-plus old murder mystery. That is this book. It's entertaining, kind of campy (ha!), and a whole lot of fun.
Our main character, Mikey, is a self-absorbed rich “kid” (he's 29) who spends his days flitting around from party to party and generally not doing much of importance. When his exasperated father puts new conditions on his inheritance, Mikey must spend the summer “doing good” in order to regain access to his trust fund. Enter Camp Lore.
While this book is entertaining, it's not exactly a deep read. You know from the very beginning how things are going to play out (as far as Mikey's character growth goes, anyway, not necessarily with the murder mystery) because it's been done a bazillion times in a bazillion books. It's light and fluffy and heartwarming, but it's not exactly surprising.
The murder mystery, though? I mean, it's not Agatha Christie, but there are some twists and turns and I had no idea who the villain of the story was until the big reveal. There are humorous investigation hijinks and unconventional death threats and weaponized sloppy joes, and it's all pretty delightful.
Also, I love all of the shade thrown at Panera in this book. $12 for a microwaved bowl of macaroni and cheese is just criminal.
So, yeah. This one doesn't require a lot of deep thinking, but it's fun nevertheless. If you generally appreciate not-quite-cozy murder mysteries with humor and heart and rich people behaving badly, there's a pretty good chance you'll enjoy this one too.
4 stars.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review. Its expected publication date is April 28, 2026.
Our main character, Mikey, is a self-absorbed rich “kid” (he's 29) who spends his days flitting around from party to party and generally not doing much of importance. When his exasperated father puts new conditions on his inheritance, Mikey must spend the summer “doing good” in order to regain access to his trust fund. Enter Camp Lore.
While this book is entertaining, it's not exactly a deep read. You know from the very beginning how things are going to play out (as far as Mikey's character growth goes, anyway, not necessarily with the murder mystery) because it's been done a bazillion times in a bazillion books. It's light and fluffy and heartwarming, but it's not exactly surprising.
The murder mystery, though? I mean, it's not Agatha Christie, but there are some twists and turns and I had no idea who the villain of the story was until the big reveal. There are humorous investigation hijinks and unconventional death threats and weaponized sloppy joes, and it's all pretty delightful.
Also, I love all of the shade thrown at Panera in this book. $12 for a microwaved bowl of macaroni and cheese is just criminal.
So, yeah. This one doesn't require a lot of deep thinking, but it's fun nevertheless. If you generally appreciate not-quite-cozy murder mysteries with humor and heart and rich people behaving badly, there's a pretty good chance you'll enjoy this one too.
4 stars.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review. Its expected publication date is April 28, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press for the ARC in exchange for a little review!
Mikey Hartford IV is an aimless, privileged somebody with zero concept of reality. Like David Rose before him, all of that is taken away from him in an instant when his father puts him on a timeclock to make some sort of valuable contribution to the world by his 30th, or he’ll be destitute and on his own. Dear old dad already has an idea in mind and sends Mikey with his teenage aunt (long story) Annabelle to Camp Lore, whether Annabelle will be a camper and Mikey will step into the role of activities director. Camp Lore is everything expected and everything Mikey dreads it to be (outdoors! cheerful! not internet friendly!) As if stepping into these ancient conditions isn’t already a horror movie, the camp boasts a history of murder and legend that Mikey will get wrapped up in with his curious campers.
Cozy, kid-friendly chaos awaits. Nicolas DiDomizio charms with this summer mystery about rediscovering yourself and growing as a person, against all odds. Mikey is lovable, if comically ignorant, and so he’s really starting at the bottom of the barrel in terms of self-awareness and selflessness. Camp Lore gives him the opportunity to not only step out of his comfort zone, but step into parts of himself rarely explored. While less of a straight up romance, DiDomizio still gives Mikey plenty to contend with when he bunks in close quarters with the handsome lifeguard Jackson. A little forced proximity and pre-conceived notions educated and dismissed, if you dare. The murder mystery is fun, but this book remains more of a light hearted nature hike versus anything too thrilling. No scary ledges or precarious paths, but perhaps a few trust falls. It’s never too late to try something different.
What could go wrong??! Or just maybe – what could go right?
Mikey Hartford IV is an aimless, privileged somebody with zero concept of reality. Like David Rose before him, all of that is taken away from him in an instant when his father puts him on a timeclock to make some sort of valuable contribution to the world by his 30th, or he’ll be destitute and on his own. Dear old dad already has an idea in mind and sends Mikey with his teenage aunt (long story) Annabelle to Camp Lore, whether Annabelle will be a camper and Mikey will step into the role of activities director. Camp Lore is everything expected and everything Mikey dreads it to be (outdoors! cheerful! not internet friendly!) As if stepping into these ancient conditions isn’t already a horror movie, the camp boasts a history of murder and legend that Mikey will get wrapped up in with his curious campers.
Cozy, kid-friendly chaos awaits. Nicolas DiDomizio charms with this summer mystery about rediscovering yourself and growing as a person, against all odds. Mikey is lovable, if comically ignorant, and so he’s really starting at the bottom of the barrel in terms of self-awareness and selflessness. Camp Lore gives him the opportunity to not only step out of his comfort zone, but step into parts of himself rarely explored. While less of a straight up romance, DiDomizio still gives Mikey plenty to contend with when he bunks in close quarters with the handsome lifeguard Jackson. A little forced proximity and pre-conceived notions educated and dismissed, if you dare. The murder mystery is fun, but this book remains more of a light hearted nature hike versus anything too thrilling. No scary ledges or precarious paths, but perhaps a few trust falls. It’s never too late to try something different.
What could go wrong??! Or just maybe – what could go right?
December 5, 2025
I stumbled upon A Murder Most Camp by chance on Netgalley. Seeing the cover and reading the synopsis, I decided it looked promising and requested the ARC (thank u for this). However, the book gave me more than I expected. It's a mystery, a novel about a murder, but it is also completely and absolutely hilarious. It is a cozy crime without a doubt, because it left me with a very pleasant feeling.
The story revolves around Mikey, who must volunteer at a summer camp for teenagers along with his twelve-year-old aunt in order to recover his inheritance. During their stay, both of them, along with another group of children, decide to investigate the disappearance of Rose Churchill and why no one uses cabin number one.
Throughout the entire process, we encounter references to movies, series, and books, which, for me, was one of the strong points of the story because I love the use of comments, scenes, or nods to other narratives. Furthermore, the necessity of fitting into a specific social group, the search for social acceptance, and summer love that might turn into something more, all come into play.
The mystery even managed to surprise me because I was so focused on knowing the why that I didn't see the who coming. As I said before, everything was blended with a rather intelligent humor that made everything more enjoyable and succeeded in making me empathize and fall in love with all the characters.
In conclusion, I highly recommend the story at any time of the year because, being a mystery, it's perfect for winter, but as it's a summer camp, it also goes well with the arrival of warm weather. It's fun, it makes you reflect, and it keeps you intrigued the entire time.
The story revolves around Mikey, who must volunteer at a summer camp for teenagers along with his twelve-year-old aunt in order to recover his inheritance. During their stay, both of them, along with another group of children, decide to investigate the disappearance of Rose Churchill and why no one uses cabin number one.
Throughout the entire process, we encounter references to movies, series, and books, which, for me, was one of the strong points of the story because I love the use of comments, scenes, or nods to other narratives. Furthermore, the necessity of fitting into a specific social group, the search for social acceptance, and summer love that might turn into something more, all come into play.
The mystery even managed to surprise me because I was so focused on knowing the why that I didn't see the who coming. As I said before, everything was blended with a rather intelligent humor that made everything more enjoyable and succeeded in making me empathize and fall in love with all the characters.
In conclusion, I highly recommend the story at any time of the year because, being a mystery, it's perfect for winter, but as it's a summer camp, it also goes well with the arrival of warm weather. It's fun, it makes you reflect, and it keeps you intrigued the entire time.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received an ARC of from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Having worked at summer camps and lover of mysteries, this book is so far up my alley its insane.
I couldn't put it down, literally done and dusted in one day! It's so addicting I couldn't stop myself from reading!!
Mikey is told to stop spending money his inhertiance in an attempt to buy love from a wannabe activist but really six figure earning free loader - more on him later. to satisfy his father, and his family reputation he is packed off to a summer camp with 12 year old auntie in tow - the family are off their rocker richer and seem to be somewhat insane too when it comes to familial ties.
Mikey's mini breakdowns aside he arrives at said camp and we find out that cabin one has something wrong with it, really wrong with it in fact. begin the scooby doo style investigation of what the hell happened and why no one will talk about it. and so begins the children including auntie Anna-b and Mikey in trying to figure it all out with more twists and turns than you may have expected - in the best way possible!!
I never get the murderer right and as per usual I didn't with this one but I was so caught up with being in love with the book that I truly don't mind. Mikey is so easy to like once he stops trying to be the rich boy everyone expects him to be and instead goes with his heart. Jackson is a good guy at heart, Judy gives weird vibes - mini dictator ish and resembles more than a few people I've met at summer camp and then there's the baby auntie - I love her, she's so me, and I find her character hilarious.
It was such a good book truly go read it, maybe read it AFTER a summer job at a summer camp just in case...
Having worked at summer camps and lover of mysteries, this book is so far up my alley its insane.
I couldn't put it down, literally done and dusted in one day! It's so addicting I couldn't stop myself from reading!!
Mikey is told to stop spending money his inhertiance in an attempt to buy love from a wannabe activist but really six figure earning free loader - more on him later. to satisfy his father, and his family reputation he is packed off to a summer camp with 12 year old auntie in tow - the family are off their rocker richer and seem to be somewhat insane too when it comes to familial ties.
Mikey's mini breakdowns aside he arrives at said camp and we find out that cabin one has something wrong with it, really wrong with it in fact. begin the scooby doo style investigation of what the hell happened and why no one will talk about it. and so begins the children including auntie Anna-b and Mikey in trying to figure it all out with more twists and turns than you may have expected - in the best way possible!!
I never get the murderer right and as per usual I didn't with this one but I was so caught up with being in love with the book that I truly don't mind. Mikey is so easy to like once he stops trying to be the rich boy everyone expects him to be and instead goes with his heart. Jackson is a good guy at heart, Judy gives weird vibes - mini dictator ish and resembles more than a few people I've met at summer camp and then there's the baby auntie - I love her, she's so me, and I find her character hilarious.
It was such a good book truly go read it, maybe read it AFTER a summer job at a summer camp just in case...
January 7, 2026
Nicolas Didomizio does it again! I’ve been a huge fan of everything he’s written, and A Murder Most Camp feels like a welcome addition to his growing catalogue. From the first pages, it’s clear that Didomizio is once again playing to his strengths while also having a bit of fun pushing into new territory with a murder mystery.
One of the things Didomizio does best in my opinion is building rich, chaotic ensembles, and it was such a pleasure to see that skill applied to this genre. Every character feels intentional, flawed, and delightfully messy. Taking a spoiled rich kid and throwing them headfirst into squalor is a classic trope, but the execution here feels perfectly paired to the story being told. The way the book explores unrequited lust, entitlement, and self-sabotage adds real emotional texture, making the characters feel three dimensional rather than caricatures, even when they’re at their most absurd.
The pop culture references are sharp and deeply satisfying without ever feeling forced, the bubbling romance is genuinely steamy without tipping into excess, and THE CAMP, both literally and of the homosexual variety, is dialed up to exactly the right level. This is a book that knows what it is and fully commits, which makes it such a joy to read.
While some elements of the storyline are a bit predictable, the way Didomizio tells the story is so engaging and enrapturing that it’s easy to forgive. The pacing, the voice, and the sheer fun of the experience matter far more than being shocked at every turn. This is the kind of book you race through because you’re enjoying yourself, not because you’re trying to just figure out “whodunnit”
Thank you NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the ARC copy!
One of the things Didomizio does best in my opinion is building rich, chaotic ensembles, and it was such a pleasure to see that skill applied to this genre. Every character feels intentional, flawed, and delightfully messy. Taking a spoiled rich kid and throwing them headfirst into squalor is a classic trope, but the execution here feels perfectly paired to the story being told. The way the book explores unrequited lust, entitlement, and self-sabotage adds real emotional texture, making the characters feel three dimensional rather than caricatures, even when they’re at their most absurd.
The pop culture references are sharp and deeply satisfying without ever feeling forced, the bubbling romance is genuinely steamy without tipping into excess, and THE CAMP, both literally and of the homosexual variety, is dialed up to exactly the right level. This is a book that knows what it is and fully commits, which makes it such a joy to read.
While some elements of the storyline are a bit predictable, the way Didomizio tells the story is so engaging and enrapturing that it’s easy to forgive. The pacing, the voice, and the sheer fun of the experience matter far more than being shocked at every turn. This is the kind of book you race through because you’re enjoying yourself, not because you’re trying to just figure out “whodunnit”
Thank you NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the ARC copy!
January 23, 2026
This was a fun, cozy mystery with a surprising amount of heart beneath the humor. The summer camp setting is used really well, both as a nostalgic backdrop and as a contained space where secrets, old wounds, and a long buried crime can resurface naturally. It felt campy in the best way while still giving the story emotional weight.
Mikey is an entertaining protagonist to follow. Watching him get pushed out of his comfort zone and slowly confront who he is without money or privilege cushioning every decision made his arc genuinely satisfying. His relationships, especially the found family elements, added depth to the story and gave the mystery more impact than I initially expected.
The supporting cast is a standout. The campers and counselors feel intentionally messy and human, and the dialogue and pop culture references add personality without completely overpowering the plot. There is a strong sense of community here, and the emotional beats land because the characters feel lived in rather than exaggerated.
The mystery itself is fairly predictable, especially for readers familiar with the genre, but that did not detract from my enjoyment. This is very much a cozy mystery where the experience matters more than the final reveal. The pacing is quick, the tone balances humor and introspection well, and the campiness feels intentional rather than forced.
Overall, this is an engaging and enjoyable read that blends humor, queerness, nostalgia, and mystery into something charming and easy to sink into. It may not reinvent the genre, but it knows exactly what it is and delivers on that promise.
Mikey is an entertaining protagonist to follow. Watching him get pushed out of his comfort zone and slowly confront who he is without money or privilege cushioning every decision made his arc genuinely satisfying. His relationships, especially the found family elements, added depth to the story and gave the mystery more impact than I initially expected.
The supporting cast is a standout. The campers and counselors feel intentionally messy and human, and the dialogue and pop culture references add personality without completely overpowering the plot. There is a strong sense of community here, and the emotional beats land because the characters feel lived in rather than exaggerated.
The mystery itself is fairly predictable, especially for readers familiar with the genre, but that did not detract from my enjoyment. This is very much a cozy mystery where the experience matters more than the final reveal. The pacing is quick, the tone balances humor and introspection well, and the campiness feels intentional rather than forced.
Overall, this is an engaging and enjoyable read that blends humor, queerness, nostalgia, and mystery into something charming and easy to sink into. It may not reinvent the genre, but it knows exactly what it is and delivers on that promise.
January 26, 2026
I received an advance copy of this book courtesy of the publisher. All thoughts are my own.
This book is exactly what it promises to be. Campy, funny, queer, and self-aware. I’ve enjoyed every Nicolas DiDomizio book I’ve read so far, and this one was no exception. This time around, he steps away from the rom-com structure and leans fully into a cozy-ish murder mystery with a heavy dose of humor and nostalgia.
The main character, Mikey Hartford IV, is basically the gay millennial version of Cher Horowitz. He’s a spoiled nepo baby who’s never had to work a day in his life until his father cuts him off and sends him to work at a struggling summer camp. That alone is entertaining. Add in a precocious group of true crime obsessed preteens, an abandoned cabin and a long-buried murder, and suddenly Mikey is in way over his head.
This is not a tense thriller, and it doesn’t try to be. The mystery is cozy-ish and playful, with humor driving the story just as much as the whodunit. I figured out who was probably behind the murder about halfway through, but I didn’t mind at all. Watching it play out was still a lot of fun.
The characters are great, the 90s nostalgia is on point, and there’s even a light “will they or won’t they” romance that adds some sweetness without taking over the plot. Mikey is ridiculous but likable, and his slow, reluctant growth is handled really well.
The pacing is perfect, and the tone never wavers. This book knows exactly what it’s doing and sticks the landing.
If you’re looking for a campy, funny, queer cozy mystery with a summer camp setting and zero interest in being gritty or scary, this book is absolutely worth picking up.
This book is exactly what it promises to be. Campy, funny, queer, and self-aware. I’ve enjoyed every Nicolas DiDomizio book I’ve read so far, and this one was no exception. This time around, he steps away from the rom-com structure and leans fully into a cozy-ish murder mystery with a heavy dose of humor and nostalgia.
The main character, Mikey Hartford IV, is basically the gay millennial version of Cher Horowitz. He’s a spoiled nepo baby who’s never had to work a day in his life until his father cuts him off and sends him to work at a struggling summer camp. That alone is entertaining. Add in a precocious group of true crime obsessed preteens, an abandoned cabin and a long-buried murder, and suddenly Mikey is in way over his head.
This is not a tense thriller, and it doesn’t try to be. The mystery is cozy-ish and playful, with humor driving the story just as much as the whodunit. I figured out who was probably behind the murder about halfway through, but I didn’t mind at all. Watching it play out was still a lot of fun.
The characters are great, the 90s nostalgia is on point, and there’s even a light “will they or won’t they” romance that adds some sweetness without taking over the plot. Mikey is ridiculous but likable, and his slow, reluctant growth is handled really well.
The pacing is perfect, and the tone never wavers. This book knows exactly what it’s doing and sticks the landing.
If you’re looking for a campy, funny, queer cozy mystery with a summer camp setting and zero interest in being gritty or scary, this book is absolutely worth picking up.
January 8, 2026
Thank you Poisoned Pen Press, NetGalley and the author for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
The story follows *almost 30 year old* Mikey Hartford IV as he spends his summer at the struggling summer camp in upstate New York, known as Camp Lore. Mikey must spend the summer there working due to his father changing the terms of his trust fund. If he wishes for the terms to stay the same then he must prove to his father that he can remain at the camp for the summer and give back to the community/world. But along the way, him and a group of kids that he is responsible for, come across a potential murder that happened at the camp long ago. Can they solve it before the summer ends? Or will someone stop them before they can figure it out?
Mikey is a very interesting character and I think you do end up warming up to him by the end. I still felt like I had a hard time connecting with him though. I think it was because of the way his character speaks and acts. He’s referred to as a “Gilmore Girl” at one point and I think that’s a pretty spot on description of his mannerisms,etc.
The plot itself I found interesting and I wasn’t really able to figure it out until a few pages before everything was revealed. I think all of the pop-culture references really bogged this down though. At first I thought it was funny and quirky, but then it just got to a point where I was rolling my eyes over it.
The story follows *almost 30 year old* Mikey Hartford IV as he spends his summer at the struggling summer camp in upstate New York, known as Camp Lore. Mikey must spend the summer there working due to his father changing the terms of his trust fund. If he wishes for the terms to stay the same then he must prove to his father that he can remain at the camp for the summer and give back to the community/world. But along the way, him and a group of kids that he is responsible for, come across a potential murder that happened at the camp long ago. Can they solve it before the summer ends? Or will someone stop them before they can figure it out?
Mikey is a very interesting character and I think you do end up warming up to him by the end. I still felt like I had a hard time connecting with him though. I think it was because of the way his character speaks and acts. He’s referred to as a “Gilmore Girl” at one point and I think that’s a pretty spot on description of his mannerisms,etc.
The plot itself I found interesting and I wasn’t really able to figure it out until a few pages before everything was revealed. I think all of the pop-culture references really bogged this down though. At first I thought it was funny and quirky, but then it just got to a point where I was rolling my eyes over it.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book is absolutely hilarious. The writing didn't skip a beat! Witty humour, metaphors sharp as a knife and various throwback pop culture references were sprinkled in perfectly and seamlessly woven into the story without disrupting the flow.
Meet Mikey, 29 years old, living a glamorous yet unfulfilling high life, who ends up in a summer camp in the middle of nowhere with his feisty 12-year-old aunt Annabelle. At camp, the unlikely duo find themselves solving an old murder case with the help of a chosen few campers.
I loved how the younger characters were written. Sidekick Annabelle with her taste for adult thrillers and the smart, quirky bunch of perceptive and quick-witted wannabe sleuths she befriends at the camp. Including Danny and his obsession with jackalopes. 😂
Mikey's banter with pretty much any character in the book, including his love interest Jackson, was top-tier. The back-and-forth dialogue between Mikey and Judy in chapter 30 had me in absolute stitches and lives in my brain rent-free.
But as funny as the book is, it also touches on loss, belonging, the journey of self-discovery and a coming-of-age of sorts which add some layers to the story.
My verdict: I absolutely adored this book in all its madness and as an 80s baby, the retro vibes were a very sweet cherry on top. I'm ready for a sequel! There will be a sequel? Right?
4,25 ⭐
Meet Mikey, 29 years old, living a glamorous yet unfulfilling high life, who ends up in a summer camp in the middle of nowhere with his feisty 12-year-old aunt Annabelle. At camp, the unlikely duo find themselves solving an old murder case with the help of a chosen few campers.
I loved how the younger characters were written. Sidekick Annabelle with her taste for adult thrillers and the smart, quirky bunch of perceptive and quick-witted wannabe sleuths she befriends at the camp. Including Danny and his obsession with jackalopes. 😂
Mikey's banter with pretty much any character in the book, including his love interest Jackson, was top-tier. The back-and-forth dialogue between Mikey and Judy in chapter 30 had me in absolute stitches and lives in my brain rent-free.
But as funny as the book is, it also touches on loss, belonging, the journey of self-discovery and a coming-of-age of sorts which add some layers to the story.
My verdict: I absolutely adored this book in all its madness and as an 80s baby, the retro vibes were a very sweet cherry on top. I'm ready for a sequel! There will be a sequel? Right?
4,25 ⭐
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Entertaining cosy murder mystery set at a rustic rural summer camp for regrettably rich kids.
Although I liked the premise enough to request an ARC, it started as a bit of a hard sell, because our MC, Mikey Hartford IV is an awful nepo baby plenty old enough (29!) to know better. As it turns out, he is quite self-aware of how his upbringing and lifestyle comes across, and hates himself for the worst of it, which made me feel better about the setup. And watching him forced for the sake of his inheritance to have to "slum" it in a spider-filled cabin with an actual roommate -- and to be responsible for a little gaggle of pre-teens -- is fun. The gap between haves and have-nots is never lost touch with, but it also doesn't become too a worthy slog as Mikey learns to be a slightly better human, builds a relationship with his 12-yr old aunt (yes, it's a Whole Thing), romances a love interest and investigates a mysterious disappearance.
It's a busy book! And also not the deepest mystery you'll ever read, but did have enough twists and turns to keep me interested. A fun time, and recommended!
This review is based upon a complimentary advance reading copy provided by the publisher.
Although I liked the premise enough to request an ARC, it started as a bit of a hard sell, because our MC, Mikey Hartford IV is an awful nepo baby plenty old enough (29!) to know better. As it turns out, he is quite self-aware of how his upbringing and lifestyle comes across, and hates himself for the worst of it, which made me feel better about the setup. And watching him forced for the sake of his inheritance to have to "slum" it in a spider-filled cabin with an actual roommate -- and to be responsible for a little gaggle of pre-teens -- is fun. The gap between haves and have-nots is never lost touch with, but it also doesn't become too a worthy slog as Mikey learns to be a slightly better human, builds a relationship with his 12-yr old aunt (yes, it's a Whole Thing), romances a love interest and investigates a mysterious disappearance.
It's a busy book! And also not the deepest mystery you'll ever read, but did have enough twists and turns to keep me interested. A fun time, and recommended!
This review is based upon a complimentary advance reading copy provided by the publisher.
December 3, 2025
I had such a fun time reading this and am so glad that the publisher sent me a gifted e-ARC.
Michael Stewart Hartford IV is living his life with the abundance that comes with being extremely wealthy. That is until his father decides to teach him a lesson, a lesson Mikey must learn if he wants to carry on with that life.
Mikey is sent to a summer camp in hopes of helping all the campers he doesn't know. And more importantly the one camper he does know. Annabelle, his 12 year old Aunt from his Grandfather and his Stepgrandma.
In the midst of trying to keep his inheritance, he learns of an unsolved disappearance of a former camper. Of course Mikey and a group of 12 year olds decide that they will solve it.
The first few chapters Mikey came off as nothing more than an entitled man child. As the story progresses you learn a little bit more about him. And although he still acts entitled what you learn about him makes it a bit more bearable. I couldn't stop picturing David Rose in Mikey's place and it made it even more of an enjoyable read. Highly recommend this for lovers of a cozy mystery but with a bit more of an edge.
Michael Stewart Hartford IV is living his life with the abundance that comes with being extremely wealthy. That is until his father decides to teach him a lesson, a lesson Mikey must learn if he wants to carry on with that life.
Mikey is sent to a summer camp in hopes of helping all the campers he doesn't know. And more importantly the one camper he does know. Annabelle, his 12 year old Aunt from his Grandfather and his Stepgrandma.
In the midst of trying to keep his inheritance, he learns of an unsolved disappearance of a former camper. Of course Mikey and a group of 12 year olds decide that they will solve it.
The first few chapters Mikey came off as nothing more than an entitled man child. As the story progresses you learn a little bit more about him. And although he still acts entitled what you learn about him makes it a bit more bearable. I couldn't stop picturing David Rose in Mikey's place and it made it even more of an enjoyable read. Highly recommend this for lovers of a cozy mystery but with a bit more of an edge.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Overall, quite a decent book! Especially for an author’s first foray into the murder mystery genre. A classic fish-out-of-water tale intertwined with suspense, which made for a very entertaining experience. You could also tell that there was a lot of heart put into the story.
I really enjoyed watching Mikey connect with his aunt and (albeit very slowly) watch him develop from a one-note character to someone with more emotional capacity.
As an enormous Swiftie, horror person and a Scream fanatic, I loved all the references throughout the book!
My main critiques:
It didn’t quite nail the sharp wit that Nic DiDomizio delivered with ease in The Gay Best Friend and Nearlyweds. The delivery of some of the dialogue didn’t land and felt a bit inorganic.
The mystery elements were fun, but a bit simplistic.
As for the ending — I wish there was more of an epilogue / afterwards. There were several things I wish we had more of a resolution with. (Jamie, I hate you!)
—
All of this to say — There’s a lot to enjoy here. A cozy mystery with some real emotion under its surface.
Big thanks to NetGalley for an eARC of this book!
I really enjoyed watching Mikey connect with his aunt and (albeit very slowly) watch him develop from a one-note character to someone with more emotional capacity.
As an enormous Swiftie, horror person and a Scream fanatic, I loved all the references throughout the book!
My main critiques:
It didn’t quite nail the sharp wit that Nic DiDomizio delivered with ease in The Gay Best Friend and Nearlyweds. The delivery of some of the dialogue didn’t land and felt a bit inorganic.
The mystery elements were fun, but a bit simplistic.
As for the ending — I wish there was more of an epilogue / afterwards. There were several things I wish we had more of a resolution with. (Jamie, I hate you!)
—
All of this to say — There’s a lot to enjoy here. A cozy mystery with some real emotion under its surface.
Big thanks to NetGalley for an eARC of this book!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Mikey Hartford has coasted through life spending his family money and never having to work for anything. He has no concept of money as he buys his friend a brownstone for $5 million and says thats practically free???? His father is sick of him wasting money and gives him new stipulations for his trust he must make a positive contribution to the world before he turns 30.
Now Mikey goes off to Camp Lore a struggling camp on Lake George with his twelve year old Aunt Annabelle. He is shocked by the cabin he is assigned too for it's lack of amenities for staff. He is determined to make this work. Annabelle and the her group want to solve an old murder that happened at camp of a camp counselor. Ruth Churchill disappeared one night at camp and it has never been solved. He is drawn in by the campers enthusiasm and leads them to look for clues.
Annabelle was such a fun quirky character with her love for mysteries and love of books. I enjoyed all the funny movie and song references through out the book. This was a fun who done it mystery.
It was nice to see Mickey transform being a self centered jerk to caring about others.
Thank you Poisoned Pen Press for gifted copy.
Now Mikey goes off to Camp Lore a struggling camp on Lake George with his twelve year old Aunt Annabelle. He is shocked by the cabin he is assigned too for it's lack of amenities for staff. He is determined to make this work. Annabelle and the her group want to solve an old murder that happened at camp of a camp counselor. Ruth Churchill disappeared one night at camp and it has never been solved. He is drawn in by the campers enthusiasm and leads them to look for clues.
Annabelle was such a fun quirky character with her love for mysteries and love of books. I enjoyed all the funny movie and song references through out the book. This was a fun who done it mystery.
It was nice to see Mickey transform being a self centered jerk to caring about others.
Thank you Poisoned Pen Press for gifted copy.
December 3, 2025
A special thank you to Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for the ARC of Nicolas DiDomizio’s upcoming novel, A Murder Most Camp!
Nicolas DiDomizio, please keep writing books.
Nicolas DiDomizo became an auto-buy author after I read The Gay Best Friend a few years back. When I saw that his newest novel, A Murder Most Camp, was labeled as a mystery, I wasn’t sure how it would fare compared to his other few novels. However, my expectations were well exceeded!
This novel, as the title says, was camp as could be and I LOVED it.
Mikey’s character progression throughout the novel was so sweet and silly and it was great to see him go from a snobby, millionaire nepo baby to a humbled, endearing character.
The summer camp/murder mystery trope has been done before, but never like this. The level of camp made it fun and witty, while still maintaining a sense of mystery. The “whodunnit” actually kept me guessing until the very end and left me pleasantly satisfied.
Overall, I really enjoyed Nicolas DiDomizio’s newest novel and already can’t wait for his next!
Nicolas DiDomizio, please keep writing books.
Nicolas DiDomizo became an auto-buy author after I read The Gay Best Friend a few years back. When I saw that his newest novel, A Murder Most Camp, was labeled as a mystery, I wasn’t sure how it would fare compared to his other few novels. However, my expectations were well exceeded!
This novel, as the title says, was camp as could be and I LOVED it.
Mikey’s character progression throughout the novel was so sweet and silly and it was great to see him go from a snobby, millionaire nepo baby to a humbled, endearing character.
The summer camp/murder mystery trope has been done before, but never like this. The level of camp made it fun and witty, while still maintaining a sense of mystery. The “whodunnit” actually kept me guessing until the very end and left me pleasantly satisfied.
Overall, I really enjoyed Nicolas DiDomizio’s newest novel and already can’t wait for his next!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I haven’t read a mystery for the mystery part in quite a while and I actually just picked this book up because of the cover and the fact that Nicolas DiDomizio Books have been on my radar for some time and I am so glad I did.
Rich, bored and aimless heir to a shopping mart fortune Mikey Hartford needs to spend the three month until his 30th birthday with his 12 year old aunt (not a typo!) „doing good“ in a summer camp in order to get unlimited access to his trust fund. So far so good until they stumble upon a mystery. Which I will not disclose but will say that it was engaging and full of twisty turns.
All in all a good cast, cinematic scene setting and a mysterious secret made me read this in one go. Could not and did not want to put it down. A holiday read regardless wether that means on a yacht, at camp or on the couch.
Also i loved all the little references and side notes of sorts made me feel so seen.
Thank you Netgalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the opportunity to read this as an ARC.
Rich, bored and aimless heir to a shopping mart fortune Mikey Hartford needs to spend the three month until his 30th birthday with his 12 year old aunt (not a typo!) „doing good“ in a summer camp in order to get unlimited access to his trust fund. So far so good until they stumble upon a mystery. Which I will not disclose but will say that it was engaging and full of twisty turns.
All in all a good cast, cinematic scene setting and a mysterious secret made me read this in one go. Could not and did not want to put it down. A holiday read regardless wether that means on a yacht, at camp or on the couch.
Also i loved all the little references and side notes of sorts made me feel so seen.
Thank you Netgalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the opportunity to read this as an ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.5
Really fun and ultimately heart-warming mystery about Mikey, a wealthy nepo baby who spends his time attending parties and supporting his leech-like crush. In an effort to help him grow up, his Dad determines that Mikey must spend a summer working at a rural camp or risk losing his inheritance. Also attending the camp will be his friendless, bookish pre-teen aunt -- daughter of Mikey's grandfather and decades younger trophy wife. The story is told through Mikey's POV and, at first, it is difficult to like him but a mystery at the camp helps him figure out what kind of a person he wants to be and also brings him closer to his aunt and her group of camp misfits. This character-arc might appear a big cliched -- spoiled kid finds his purpose over a summer -- but the characters, dialogue and knotty mystery really elevate the well-paced story. I highly enjoyed this; it would be a perfect summer read even for those people -- like me -- who never went to camp.
Thank you Netgalley and author Nicolas DiDomizio for the Advanced Reader Copy.
Really fun and ultimately heart-warming mystery about Mikey, a wealthy nepo baby who spends his time attending parties and supporting his leech-like crush. In an effort to help him grow up, his Dad determines that Mikey must spend a summer working at a rural camp or risk losing his inheritance. Also attending the camp will be his friendless, bookish pre-teen aunt -- daughter of Mikey's grandfather and decades younger trophy wife. The story is told through Mikey's POV and, at first, it is difficult to like him but a mystery at the camp helps him figure out what kind of a person he wants to be and also brings him closer to his aunt and her group of camp misfits. This character-arc might appear a big cliched -- spoiled kid finds his purpose over a summer -- but the characters, dialogue and knotty mystery really elevate the well-paced story. I highly enjoyed this; it would be a perfect summer read even for those people -- like me -- who never went to camp.
Thank you Netgalley and author Nicolas DiDomizio for the Advanced Reader Copy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you Poisoned Pen Press for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
As soon as I saw the description “The Guncle meets Every Time I Go On Vacation, Someone Dies,” I was in. I’m a longtime mystery thriller reader, but I don’t think I’ve ever read one with a snarky gay lead—and this was absolutely right up my alley. It didn’t disappoint.
This falls more into the cozy mystery category than a traditional thriller. It’s not the most inventive mystery I’ve ever read, but it’s fun, fast, and not gory at all. The romantic subplot actually ended up being my favorite part. The investigation and twists kept things moving, but I’d recommend this most to readers who love a campy queer romance with a murder on the side.
If I were rating it purely on plot, it might’ve been a four, but I’m giving it five stars because I genuinely want more books like this on the market.
As soon as I saw the description “The Guncle meets Every Time I Go On Vacation, Someone Dies,” I was in. I’m a longtime mystery thriller reader, but I don’t think I’ve ever read one with a snarky gay lead—and this was absolutely right up my alley. It didn’t disappoint.
This falls more into the cozy mystery category than a traditional thriller. It’s not the most inventive mystery I’ve ever read, but it’s fun, fast, and not gory at all. The romantic subplot actually ended up being my favorite part. The investigation and twists kept things moving, but I’d recommend this most to readers who love a campy queer romance with a murder on the side.
If I were rating it purely on plot, it might’ve been a four, but I’m giving it five stars because I genuinely want more books like this on the market.
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