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A Cute Little Murder
Not yet published
Expected 21 Apr 26She used to be the sidekick. Now she might be the only one who can survive.
As teens, Harlow Drake and Lainey Piper built an online fandom solving small-town crimes. Harlow was the star, Lainey the behind-the-scenes genius (and often, Harlow’s scapegoat). Years later, Harlow’s hosting a hit true crime tv show. Lainey? She’s working in forensic. Well, forensic accounting…from home. In pajamas. With her cat.
But when Harlow faces significant backlash over fumbling a case, she needs a quick win—like a special investigation into the decades-old disappearance of a starlet from a once-glamorous, now decrepit island hotel. The catch? It’s bankrolled by Deke and Bryce of DBag Games, who are looking to shed their “frat bro” reputations. As long-time fans, they have one requirement for their Lainey has to play the sidekick again.
Lainey is wary, but the offer is a lifeline in sea of unpaid student loans. After reaching the Crossings Hotel, she realizes she’s not content to be Harlow’s helper anymore. As the cold case heats up, a crew member falls over dead, presenting Harlow and Lainey with a more current Are they really alone on the island?
It's clear the hotel hides more secrets in its walls. With sabotage, hidden staircases, and a killer in their midst, Lainey steps into the spotlight and takes charge of the investigation. It’s up to her to crack the case—as long as she can stay alive.
As teens, Harlow Drake and Lainey Piper built an online fandom solving small-town crimes. Harlow was the star, Lainey the behind-the-scenes genius (and often, Harlow’s scapegoat). Years later, Harlow’s hosting a hit true crime tv show. Lainey? She’s working in forensic. Well, forensic accounting…from home. In pajamas. With her cat.
But when Harlow faces significant backlash over fumbling a case, she needs a quick win—like a special investigation into the decades-old disappearance of a starlet from a once-glamorous, now decrepit island hotel. The catch? It’s bankrolled by Deke and Bryce of DBag Games, who are looking to shed their “frat bro” reputations. As long-time fans, they have one requirement for their Lainey has to play the sidekick again.
Lainey is wary, but the offer is a lifeline in sea of unpaid student loans. After reaching the Crossings Hotel, she realizes she’s not content to be Harlow’s helper anymore. As the cold case heats up, a crew member falls over dead, presenting Harlow and Lainey with a more current Are they really alone on the island?
It's clear the hotel hides more secrets in its walls. With sabotage, hidden staircases, and a killer in their midst, Lainey steps into the spotlight and takes charge of the investigation. It’s up to her to crack the case—as long as she can stay alive.
368 pages, Paperback
Expected publication April 21, 2026
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About the author
Molly Harper
61 books8,159 followersMolly Harper is the author of more than 40 romance titles including the Half-Moon Hollow series, the Mystic Bayou, the Starfall Point series, and her first murder mystery, A PROPOSAL TO DIE FOR. She lives in Michigan with her family. For more information, go to www.mollyharper.com.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
"Cute" is definitely the operative word (complimentary.) There were two mysteries going on at the same time and both wrapped up fairly believably, if not very quickly. Not the best paced cozy I've read, and not the worst. But I'm a sucker for a closed circle mystery, so this definitely scratched that itch.
December 2, 2025
This is such a great closed room mystery. It has all the exciting elements: a secluded setting, fun characters, mystery rooms, and true crime podcasts. The fast pace made me fly through the book.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews