A Cute Little Murder

by Molly Harper

She 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 forensics. 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 funding: Lainey has to play the sidekick again.

Lainey is wary, but the offer is a lifeline in a 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 modern mystery: what secrets does this hotel hide within 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.

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

349 pages, Paperback

First published April 21, 2026

About the author

Molly 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.

Reviews

[Wanda Pedersen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I usually love Molly Harper novels. I was a little unsure when she pivoted from urban fantasy to mystery, but A Proposal to Die For was fun, so I approached this novel expecting a similar experience. I got off to a bad start with this one. I am used to Harper's sense of humour and I like it, but it seemed subdued in this book. I felt like she didn't hit her stride until page 130. That's a long time to wait.

I started to warm up to Lainey halfway through the book, but once again, that's a long time to wait. Add to that, when I noticed that I was 60% through, there was still no murder. It made me doubt the book's title. Shortly thereafter a death occurred and suddenly the pace increased exponentially. Harper is also known for including a romance angle to her books. Lainey's romance story line also took a long time to get moving. The final 40% of the novel had a lot of ground to cover.

It pains me to give a Molly Harper book less than four stars, but this one started off so sluggishly that I can't in good conscience give it full marks.

[Tina Loves To Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a Mystery/Thriller. I enjoyed reading this book, and I found it so much fun to read. There were some points in this book that I felt it was moving to slow, and I got bored. Those parts were few. I really enjoyed getting to know the characters. The main character in this book is a true crime podcast, and there are parts in this book that are the podcast, and I enjoyed the podcast stuff in this book. The murder that was being solved in this book is a very old bootleggers murder. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much fun! I’ve always enjoyed Molly Harper’s paranormal romcoms, but I’m loving her cozy mysteries (with romance) even more.

[Miranda English · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a good read. It's basically a locked room mystery gone reality tv. It had enough suspense to keep the mystery interesting, while also being lighthearted and fun. It made me laugh out loud more than once, and the littlest bit of romance was just enough.
The narrator for the audiobook did a great job as well! I highly recommend both the book and narrator.

[Corinne’s Chapter Chatter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was really cute!! I feel like it goes beyond a “cozy” as it has a little more grit. However it is a typical locked room mystery in a secluded location with no communication.

I enjoyed the plot where they were making a tv show as it was like a reality version of “only murder in the building” type of situation. The mentions of the popularity of true crime content online and TV and equally shows reverence as well as pokes fun.

I enjoyed the audio book which was narrated by Amanda Ronconi. She did such a fabulous job with her voices and reactions. She didn’t go Uber board with dramatics but gave it just the right amount of whimsy.

I’ll definitely be checking out this author in the future!

[Darcy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one should have rated higher for me, a favorite author, a favorite narrator, sadly I was bored for most of the book. I found Lainey to be the only likeable character, Harlow was awful, the Dbag boys made me roll my eyes, the tv people blah, the other guest boring too. It was interesting all that came out, wished Harlow would have gotten what was coming to her, glad that others were laid to rest, glad the bad guys were caught, but mostly I was glad to be done with the book.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting book. The mystery was quite good and I liked some of the characters, but it got a bit confusing at times. Plus, it was way too wordy ! I would read another one if it wasn’t quite so long.

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Cute Little Murder by Molly Harper, this book is about two women who met in high school had a podcast where they solve mysterie’s, everything from what’s really in the meatloaf, to who put the dead body in the football field? After their graduation they drifted apart although Marlow continued podcasting Laney however became a fraud accountant or at least that’s what she does look at people’s finances and fines the embezzlement, fraud, etc. She was making decent money but with her mom’s illness and having to support her she really is in desperate need for more funds that’s why when Harlow offers her a great deal to come be her sidekick once again she reluctantly goes. she’s meeting Harlow on Bantom Island and staying in a historical home that may have seen its last heyday and a missing woman who may or may not appear in the house from time to time. The crew is hoping the historical home still has secrets to on earth. Laney despite her misgivings in OCD habits isn’t surprised to see Harlow has a bigger attitude than she did back in high school Laney couldn’t leave that she wanted to all the fairies are docked in they’re stuck there for the interim while Laney appreciates its history she also soon learns there’s a murderer in their group. I just want to say this is a terrible horrible review about a really good book that I truly enjoyed I loved Laney and Milo’s progressive relationship I wish I could’ve seen the historical clothes and other items in the home it sounded like a place I would love to go to not with a murderer though. I thought the investigation was a good one and I in no way knew who was the killer I know people say it was predictable but I did not predict it. I really enjoyed this book and highly recommended. #NetGalley, #TheBlindReviewer, #MyHonestReview,

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve enjoyed other titles by Molly Harper so I thought I would give this cozy mystery a try and, while I did enjoy this, it took some time for me to really get into it. It started out a little confusing, and I felt like I started a book mid-series but there were no others listed when I checked so maybe it was just me. As it went on, I was drawn into the locked room/house mystery and the relationship between Harlow and Lainey in particular; their dynamics added another level to the story. I did enjoy the ending but this took just a little too long to get going for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for the review copy.

[marita lazarus · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up

Cute, entertaining mystery taking us back to prohibition era in the upper mid west. Will have you reading quickly to find out how everything ties together.

A little slow at the beginning, but then developed nicely. I loved the old mystery and I'm thankful Harlow got her comeuppance....

[katayoun Masoodi · Rating 3 out of 5]

super easy read. the focus on the mystery or the clues were mediocre, so not interesting mystery wise the characters were fun if lots of them just one dimensional and the writing was flowing. so good to read for a break though won't miss much if you don't read it. i would definitely be reading another book of molly harper.

[Linniegayl · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is a DNF for me. This just drags on and on. I made it to about the 40% point and I have no idea where the "cute little murder" is. We are introduced to an endless string of characters on an island off Michigan (after the introduction set when the two women were in HS). Nothing happens, other than pages of unending dialog.

[Sana Zameer · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm sad to rate this so low. Molly Harper is one of my favorite author and I love her Jane Jameson and Half-Moon Hollow series. This book was soo boring it became a chore for me to finish it.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Molly Harper does a murder mystery? HECK YES!!!

[Emalyn]

this was fun but why was it called this lol

[Jules Poet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harlow & Lainie run a webcast as teens where they solve all sorts of things - lunchroom money, grades, recommendations, and even a murder.

Years later, they are both in a financial storm and team up once more. Reunited friends they are not. But, allies in trying to straighten out their financial woes? Yes.

The setting: A hotel closing on a small island
The mystery: A lost diamond, a lost man from the 20’s and the lost woman from the same time, who wanted to be a starlet

The book title is a little bit deceptive, because I count at least 3 murders and 5 attempted murders. The mystery is slow and steady and addictive!!

Love, love, love Molly Harper & Amanda Ronconi!!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[Darinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Harlow and Lainey were teen sleuths with a large online following. Harlow was the leader, and Lainey the sidekick. Now, Harlow hosts a true crime show, and Lainey is an accountant. Harlow needs Lainey's help on a new project solving an old case at an isolated hotel. Lainey is wary, but agrees.

A Cute Little Murder is a fun cozy mystery. What starts as the duo investigating a cold case, soon leads to a modern case when someone on the crew dies.

This mystery isn't too deep, and is great for a light and entertaining summer read. A Cute Little Murder is good for fans of cozy mysteries with friendship, humor, and a little romance.

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the pubkisher for the eARC! Thoughts are all mine!

This was a super cute cozy mystery! I loved the characters of Lainey and Milo (and the subplot romance aspect). Harlow was the absolute worst and I was honestly wishing for her to be murdered for basically the entire story. 😅

I was a bit disappointed that we never found out what happened to Lainey's dad by the end of the book. I felt like there were so many clues dropped throughout Lainey's backstory, but then we didn't actually learn what happened? Maybe this was set up for another book??? 🤷🏻‍♀️

Would I recommend? If you like cozy mysteries, then yes! This was a fun one, but be warned that you will want to punch Harlow.

What to expect:
• Old Hotel Setting
• Cold Case Mixed w/ Murder Mystery
• Tech Bros
• Secret Passages
• New Friendships

[Bernadette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great mystery. Fun and interesting characters, mini homage to the first mystery by Molly. Plenty of twists and plot surprises.

[Laura • lauralovestoread · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

[Laura Harder · Rating 2 out of 5]

Via Audiobook. Not gonna lie, I kinda wasn’t able to follow the story that well. I was probably distracted some so that didn’t help. It felt kinda rushed and I didn’t really feel the chemistry at all

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️.75

[Brooke Zielke · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5 ⭐️ s
I enjoyed this book a lot, I enjoyed lainey as a character a lot, and obvi love a little romance side plot (more Milo honestly). I could see this adapting really well into a movie or limited series, especially with the background of each character. I would’ve liked it to feel less rushed at the climax, but overall still a fun read!

[Lora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fantastic mystery!

[Alyson Corry · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for this eARC to read and review.

I felt like I kept going back and forth whether I liked this or not, the 20+ page prologue was rough to get through and I didn't feel like it helped with the story over all, other than to describe Harlow's backstory on being a POS...

This is best described as an Agatha Christie/Scooby-Doo inspired "who dunnit" with the Cute coming from a budding romance while solving a mystery. The location and plot for solving a cold case of a rising starlet was intriguing. The actual characters and plot surrounding the murders/attempted murders at the hotel were not so great.

Overall I felt like this was a great debut novel for a new author, until I read the author bio at the end that said she has written over 40 paranormal romance mysteries.

This review will be cross-posted to NetGalley, but will not be posted socially to Instagram.

[S · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was painful. It seemed the book was all over the place from the beginning, with tons of characters with inane and unimportant dialogue. It took forever to get to the main part of the plot and a murder. I took a chance because someone recommended this author, but this was NOT for me. Thanks for the ARC from Net Galley.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Molly Harper, so there was no doubt in my mind that I wouldn't love A CUTE LITTLE MURDER. And I did. As much as I enjoy her paranormal romances, which I love, there is something about an ordinary woman who uses her intelligence and skill to win the day that is much more satisfying than a witch using her powers. I mean, I still want witchy powers, but in lieu of that ever happening, give me smart and sassy women all day long!

Actually, Lainey Piper is surprisingly sass-free at first, which is a little unusual for a Molly Harper character. But watching Lainey move more to center stage instead of always being downstage right or left is half the fun of A CUTE LITTLE MURDER. As is the support she receives from Harlow's film crew. Ms. Harper knows all about karma and makes sure it proves to be a little bitch.

The best thing about all of Ms. Harper's novels is her characters. They are always memorable and always provide their own form of entertainment. In A CUTE LITTLE MURDER, my favorites have to be the absolutely clueless tech bros. They are literally 13-year-olds in grown-up bodies, surprisingly innocent in their cluelessness, but adorable in their eagerness to be better. They are the human equivalent of puppies, and the story is so much better for their inclusion.

In addition to the always fabulous banter among the vibrant characters, I enjoyed the exploration of the old hotel, Lainey's excellent knowledge of the 1920s, and her well-honed observational skills. The mystery wasn't too heavy, and the danger wasn't too intense. The worn-down hotel provides the perfect creepy atmosphere for a murder mystery, complete with secret passageways and a crypt. The little flashbacks to Lainey's and Harlow's past are a natural extension of the story, adding important character development and context for their current relationship. A CUTE LITTLE MURDER is another fun Molly Harper mystery, containing a lot of what I have come to expect in her stories with a few fun surprises too!

[(NurseLisa) Square Granny from Ohio · Rating 4 out of 5]

Molly Harper + Amanda Ronconi = FUN LISTEN! 3.5/5 (:

[Snowy · Rating 2 out of 5]

During high school, Lainey and Harlow had a web series dedicated to solving crimes and mysteries in their small town. When an investigation into a bribery case leads to a murderous confrontation, Lainey decides she's had enough. After parting ways in college, Lainey becomes a broke forensic accountant while Harlow becomes a popular true crime host. After a scandal breaks out, Harlow is exiled to work on a cold case and the channel she works for invites Lainey in order to reignite their old chemistry.

I would've given this book 4 stars if not for the characters. Lainey brought down my rating to 2. I heavily dislike her. She's always harping on the consequences of solving cases/stirring things up. She complains that everyone hates her in their hometown and throws stuff at her because they blew up some college recommendations. Boo freaking hoo. Harlow is completely right in saying that without the investigation into the bribery, the teacher would still be buried under the football field. Sure, some crappy people threw a drink at you because you did the right thing. But I guess we shouldn't investigate things because it's INCONVENIENT to you, Lainey. I guess we should've just let all those rich parents off in the 'Varsity Blues Scandal'. Act like an adult. No one cares about high school.

She complains about being broke and in debt. Guess what? It's entirely her fault. She went into debt because she told her mom she could pay for house repairs. Maybe don't? Especially when she became self-employed after she leaves her job for being just TOO GOOD at forensic accounting and for some reason her company hates her for doing her job right and the customers are mad that they find out their family is...embezzling? That's pretty crazy. Maybe sue the customer for throwing things at you or the company for wrongful termination since they fired you multiple times for being *checks notes* too good at your job? I guess we shouldn't investigate things that make people UNCOMFORTABLE, right???

The fact that she immediately falls in love and starts flirting with the lawyer who basically specializes in sexual harassment is a CHOICE. They've known each other for about a day and she tells him he's hot and they make out the next day. Wait, what? Milo is such a boring, vanilla guy version of her. Also, if she says, "think of the zeros" one more time I think I'm going to stick my hand in boiling water.

The thing is, I liked the book otherwise. The high school mystery web series gave Scooby-Doo vibes (which I LOVE), there's an island with a historical hotel and great potential for atmosphere (which was lacking), and I liked seeing Lainey solving the little mysteries. How unfortunate.

Actual spoilers - the cold case lady died from drinking bad moonshine basically. The employees kept quiet about it. Present day old man who died from a nut allergy happened because Harlow was the target. Since high school, Harlow has lied about having a pistachio allergy so the killer smeared nut dust everywhere. THEN the killer spikes Harlow's drink with arsenic which the producer drinks on accident from sheer inattentiveness. THEN the daughter (secret second family illegitimate daughter) and friend of the hot dog man (who Harlow insinuated was a mafia serial killer/hitman and died of a heart attack after being harassed) tried to poison Harlow and blame it on the real killer. The actual killer is caught after drugging Lainey and co. and she's been trying to kill Harlow because Harlow bullied her daughter (Harlow's roommate) in college to the point where the daughter drove home in the middle of the night, fell asleep at the wheel, and died.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25⭐️

Former teenage amateur sleuth and podcasters Harlow Drake and Lainey Piper reunite on a secluded island resort to solve a cold case mystery form the Prohibition Era. Back in their podcasting days, Harlow was the star, while Lainey was the mostly off-screen brains of the operation. Years later, Harlow is the host of a true crime TV show and desperately needs this show to be a hit, while Lainey, now a forensics accountant, needs the paycheck attached to this reunion job, though she would prefer to never see Harlow again.

This was a great read! This opens up with an adult Lainey heading to an isolated Michigan island resort that’s set to be demolished, in a last ditch effort to solve a Prohibition Era disappearance and potentially find a cursed missing diamond necklace for Harlow’s show. Upon arrival, a guest is found dead, and things just get worse from there. It’s a fun, witty and charming cozy mystery with just a hint of romance. It has the classic closed-circle/locked room mystery feel, but with layers of complexity due to the true crime podcast aspect and the colorful cast of characters. We also get glimpses into the teenage podcast transcripts highlighting the strained and uneven dynamic between Harlow and Lainey, adding depth and pertinent clarification into their adult dynamic.

The present-day murder mystery is compounded by their investigation into the cold case disappearance which keeps things interesting while keeping both plots moving! The setting is perfect: you’ve got a secluded island cut off from the outside world, a historic hotel with themes of heaven and hell falling into disrepair and plenty of secrets, hidden passageways and creepy cemeteries! The overall atmosphere is perfectly eerie for this story!

There’s also a romantic subplot between Lainey and Milo, the attorney tasked with managing the bumbling idiots funding the operation. Their dialogue and banter feels fresh and fun. Though the emphasis is very much on the mystery, there’s just enough romantic tension and development to make it enjoyable! The eccentric cast of supporting characters (and suspects) also adds to the intrigue and keeps things entertaining! I did find the sheer number of different characters initially overwhelming and hard to follow, but as the story progressed I was able to keep track of everyone and their roles.

The writing is engaging, the plot moves steadily and the tone strikes the perfect balance of humour and suspense without ever getting too heavy or too cliché! I really just had a great time reading this and did not want to put it down!

Overall, this was an entertaining, clever and delightful read with a great mix of murder mystery, suspense and a hint of romcom thrown into just the right eerie atmosphere! Highly recommend if you want a cozy mystery with just enough edge to keep you on your toes and maybe a hint of nostalgia!

Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

Out April 21, 2026!