What do you think?
Rate this book
Death Wasn't Invited: A June's Journey Mystery
Based on the hit mobile game, a cozy murder mystery set in 1920s Paris by a USA Today bestselling author, perfect for fans of Richard Osman and Agatha Christie. June's friend has been brutally murdered and the police have the wrong man, can she solve the case before the killer catches up to her?
Paris, 1922. The marriage between the Auclair and the Picard family is the talk of the town. June can't wait to attend the engagement party with her friends, Nate and Jack. But Nate has an ulterior motive, he's there to stop the wedding. Before he can complete his task, he's stabbed in the chest, with Jack's knife. Jack is arrested, but June knows he wouldn't hurt a fly.
In this throwback to the classic whodunnits of Agatha Christie, June must find the real killer and clear Jack's name. As she becomes embroiled deeper and deeper into a corrupt web of Parisian old-money, high society and politics, she uncovers deadly secrets. Can June solve the case before the killer strikes again?
Paris, 1922. The marriage between the Auclair and the Picard family is the talk of the town. June can't wait to attend the engagement party with her friends, Nate and Jack. But Nate has an ulterior motive, he's there to stop the wedding. Before he can complete his task, he's stabbed in the chest, with Jack's knife. Jack is arrested, but June knows he wouldn't hurt a fly.
In this throwback to the classic whodunnits of Agatha Christie, June must find the real killer and clear Jack's name. As she becomes embroiled deeper and deeper into a corrupt web of Parisian old-money, high society and politics, she uncovers deadly secrets. Can June solve the case before the killer strikes again?
288 pages, Paperback
Published March 17, 2026
About the author
Carlene O'Connor
40 books2,694 followersCarlene O’Connor is the USA Today Bestselling author of The Irish Village Mystery Series, The Home to Ireland Series and the County Kerry Mystery series. The first in the County Kerry Series, NO STRANGERS HERE received a starred review from Kirkus and was the Mystery Pick of the Month at Barnes and Noble in September of 2023. Of all the places across the pond she’s wandered, she fell most in love with a walled town in County Limerick and was inspired to create the town of Kilbane, County Cork. She currently lives in New Mexico.
https://carleneoconnor.net/
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
June's Journey game fans won't want to miss this!
I have been playing the game, June’s Journey, since I was invited to the beta test over 7 years ago. My team and I have had many great times as we participate in all the game activities. Can’t wait to see how this story measures up to the characters we love and hate.
I wanted to wait for the audio book to give a full review, but no ARC copies of that have been made available yet and I don’t think I can wait any longer as I want to post before the book goes on sale.
https://www.goodreads.com/photo/user/...
This was a cute historical cozy mystery set in Paris, 1922, when June Parker visits Paris and meets up with her old friend, Jack. When a pilot friend of Jack’s invites them out for an evening of celebration, they end up crashing a lavish engagement party on a riverboat. The couple are from wealthy Parisian families and this union is desirable for both. When Nate reveals his true purpose for coming aboard, Jack and June express dismay as they realize Nate doesn’t want the bride-to-be to marry because he is in love with her. Then, the lights go out and when they come back on, Nate is dead.
Of course June, as all know her from the game, is an amateur detective and she’s determined to prove that Jack did not kill his friend despite his knife being the murder weapon. Although there are red herrings, the story line is fairly predictable. The best part of the book, however, is that the characters of June and Jack come from the June’s Journey universe and the pair act like they do in the game world. It was fun to read of their adventures in Paris in that time period. The way June manages to get the job done is amusing as you have to suspend a lot of disbelief.
I think the audience for this book, the game players, will enjoy this mystery that reads like adult Nancy Drew. I’d like to thank Titan Books for the e-book ARC to read, review and recommend and wonder if there will be additional installments.
I have been playing the game, June’s Journey, since I was invited to the beta test over 7 years ago. My team and I have had many great times as we participate in all the game activities. Can’t wait to see how this story measures up to the characters we love and hate.
I wanted to wait for the audio book to give a full review, but no ARC copies of that have been made available yet and I don’t think I can wait any longer as I want to post before the book goes on sale.
https://www.goodreads.com/photo/user/...
This was a cute historical cozy mystery set in Paris, 1922, when June Parker visits Paris and meets up with her old friend, Jack. When a pilot friend of Jack’s invites them out for an evening of celebration, they end up crashing a lavish engagement party on a riverboat. The couple are from wealthy Parisian families and this union is desirable for both. When Nate reveals his true purpose for coming aboard, Jack and June express dismay as they realize Nate doesn’t want the bride-to-be to marry because he is in love with her. Then, the lights go out and when they come back on, Nate is dead.
Of course June, as all know her from the game, is an amateur detective and she’s determined to prove that Jack did not kill his friend despite his knife being the murder weapon. Although there are red herrings, the story line is fairly predictable. The best part of the book, however, is that the characters of June and Jack come from the June’s Journey universe and the pair act like they do in the game world. It was fun to read of their adventures in Paris in that time period. The way June manages to get the job done is amusing as you have to suspend a lot of disbelief.
I think the audience for this book, the game players, will enjoy this mystery that reads like adult Nancy Drew. I’d like to thank Titan Books for the e-book ARC to read, review and recommend and wonder if there will be additional installments.
March 26, 2026
interesting mystery
This book was written in the third person. The narration felt flat. The relationship between Jack and June was sweet. I play Junes game and know many of the adventures she’s been on. I think I would have enjoyed this more if it was June speaking and not broken up by narration. As a mystery goes it was well thought out. It wasn’t directly obvious until the very end of the story “who done it. “ this story takes place in 1922
Paris and it is years before Jack and June become a couple. Although it is implied here that they are. It would be fun to see them solving mysteries together as a couple. Maybe the author will write another book.
This book was written in the third person. The narration felt flat. The relationship between Jack and June was sweet. I play Junes game and know many of the adventures she’s been on. I think I would have enjoyed this more if it was June speaking and not broken up by narration. As a mystery goes it was well thought out. It wasn’t directly obvious until the very end of the story “who done it. “ this story takes place in 1922
Paris and it is years before Jack and June become a couple. Although it is implied here that they are. It would be fun to see them solving mysteries together as a couple. Maybe the author will write another book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
June Parker - ex-nurse, expert finder of things and amateur sleuth - heads to Paris. It's a city she loves and has friends in, one of whom happens to be her fetching ex Jack. Jack introduces her to Nate, who suggests a night of celebration. When the evening takes a turn, the trio try to keep a low profile - but when one of them is killed and the other arrested for murder, June is determined to uncover the truth and finds herself in the middle of a family drama in the process.
This is a fun read - I have to say the main reason I wanted to read it was the link to June's Journey, the hidden object game. Someone took that game and based a book on it? Yes please! The book and characters are actually pretty faithful to the game, the settings and descriptions were a lovely nod to it. That said, you don't need to have knowledge of the game to enjoy this, the plot and characters don't assume any knowledge on the part of the reader.
My biggest frustration with this was that at points it felt rushed, or like things had been missed. There were a number of occasions when I found myself doubling back in a chapter to see if I had skipped a line of dialogue or a previous scene. There were a couple of other jarring moments, for instance the dialogue being associated with the wrong character, and the moment when a very well known and easily Googled phrase is mistranslated in French- small things but again, led to the that feeling of the writing of this having been a little rushed.
June is a good lead character as you'd expect, she does some good investigating and is a feisty character. Paris as a location works beautifully and is used to good effect, I liked the variety of settings and the links which were made between them. As the reader you are given plenty of clues to follow, and some of them turn out to be great red herrings which I appreciated. There are plenty of suspects and a couple of different motives so you can try to work out who the killer is but still be pleasantly surprised in the event you make the wrong guess. Definitely an entertaining tale, and I genuinely hope there's a sequel.
- Thanks to NetGalley for granting me this ARC in exchange for an honest review -
This is a fun read - I have to say the main reason I wanted to read it was the link to June's Journey, the hidden object game. Someone took that game and based a book on it? Yes please! The book and characters are actually pretty faithful to the game, the settings and descriptions were a lovely nod to it. That said, you don't need to have knowledge of the game to enjoy this, the plot and characters don't assume any knowledge on the part of the reader.
My biggest frustration with this was that at points it felt rushed, or like things had been missed. There were a number of occasions when I found myself doubling back in a chapter to see if I had skipped a line of dialogue or a previous scene. There were a couple of other jarring moments, for instance the dialogue being associated with the wrong character, and the moment when a very well known and easily Googled phrase is mistranslated in French- small things but again, led to the that feeling of the writing of this having been a little rushed.
June is a good lead character as you'd expect, she does some good investigating and is a feisty character. Paris as a location works beautifully and is used to good effect, I liked the variety of settings and the links which were made between them. As the reader you are given plenty of clues to follow, and some of them turn out to be great red herrings which I appreciated. There are plenty of suspects and a couple of different motives so you can try to work out who the killer is but still be pleasantly surprised in the event you make the wrong guess. Definitely an entertaining tale, and I genuinely hope there's a sequel.
- Thanks to NetGalley for granting me this ARC in exchange for an honest review -
Review of advance copy
Death Wasn't Invited: A June's Journey Mystery
By Carlene O'Connor
Published by Titan Books
Goodread's Rating: 4/5
My Rating: 4.5/5
"I should have known. We could have been friends. Why did you have to stick your nose where it does not belong?" "Friends that kill are no friends of mine!"
There is something quietly intriguing about watching a character step out of a digital landscape and into prose. Death Wasn’t Invited carries June Parker from the familiar mechanics of hidden-object puzzles into the refined world of 1922 Paris, where celebration and suspicion coexist with unsettling ease. An engagement party between two influential families should have been an evening of elegance; instead, it collapses into scandal when a murder leaves Jack as the most convenient suspect.
The structure is unmistakably classical: a glittering gathering, a well-placed weapon, reputations poised on the brink of ruin. June’s refusal to accept the obvious accusation forms the spine of the narrative. She navigates drawing rooms, whispered alliances, and carefully guarded secrets with composure, assembling fragments of truth from beneath layers of privilege. The investigative rhythm mirrors the game’s cadence 'observe, deduce, uncover', now translated into literary form.
Paris serves as an atmospheric frame rather than an indulgent spectacle. Old money, fragile social contracts, and quiet ambition shape the tension without overwhelming it. The tone remains polished and accessible, favouring intrigue over brutality. This is a whodunit that leans into elegance rather than darkness.
The influence of the cozy mystery tradition is evident, echoing the restrained sophistication of classic crime fiction. Yet the novel’s distinct appeal lies in its familiarity: a beloved heroine placed in peril, a puzzle unfolding with deliberate steadiness, and the promise of order restored.
"Jack and Nate were like brothers and sometimes they bickered like brothers do." "Cain and Abel were brothers too."
P.S.: Thank you June’s Journey by Wooga for this book – as delicious as framboise macaron by Pierre Hermé!
By Carlene O'Connor
Published by Titan Books
Goodread's Rating: 4/5
My Rating: 4.5/5
"I should have known. We could have been friends. Why did you have to stick your nose where it does not belong?" "Friends that kill are no friends of mine!"
There is something quietly intriguing about watching a character step out of a digital landscape and into prose. Death Wasn’t Invited carries June Parker from the familiar mechanics of hidden-object puzzles into the refined world of 1922 Paris, where celebration and suspicion coexist with unsettling ease. An engagement party between two influential families should have been an evening of elegance; instead, it collapses into scandal when a murder leaves Jack as the most convenient suspect.
The structure is unmistakably classical: a glittering gathering, a well-placed weapon, reputations poised on the brink of ruin. June’s refusal to accept the obvious accusation forms the spine of the narrative. She navigates drawing rooms, whispered alliances, and carefully guarded secrets with composure, assembling fragments of truth from beneath layers of privilege. The investigative rhythm mirrors the game’s cadence 'observe, deduce, uncover', now translated into literary form.
Paris serves as an atmospheric frame rather than an indulgent spectacle. Old money, fragile social contracts, and quiet ambition shape the tension without overwhelming it. The tone remains polished and accessible, favouring intrigue over brutality. This is a whodunit that leans into elegance rather than darkness.
The influence of the cozy mystery tradition is evident, echoing the restrained sophistication of classic crime fiction. Yet the novel’s distinct appeal lies in its familiarity: a beloved heroine placed in peril, a puzzle unfolding with deliberate steadiness, and the promise of order restored.
"Jack and Nate were like brothers and sometimes they bickered like brothers do." "Cain and Abel were brothers too."
P.S.: Thank you June’s Journey by Wooga for this book – as delicious as framboise macaron by Pierre Hermé!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Death Wasn't Invited : A June's Journey Mystery by Carlene O'Connor
Rating : 4⭐
Format : eBook 💻
Pages : 288
Duration : 3 Days
----------------
Apparently this is set in the same world as a Mobile Game, I downloaded it, gave it a try and deleted it, all for research, wasn't for me. The book however is.
I can't put my finger on why though, it's a cozy murder mystery set in Paris 1920's, it's atmospheric, it's colourful but I felt like it was just almost too safe of that makes sense, almost too soft? But despite all that I was well and truly charmed by this book and couldn't put it down.
June, with friends Jack and Nate finds themselves on a steam boat crashing a engagement party of the children from the two esteemed families of the time and area. As the journey commences secrets are revealed before a body hits the floor.
Full of delightfully fleshed out characters in a colourfully described Paris in the midst of the roaring twenties.
For some reason I was reminded of the old Broken Sword point and click games whilst reading this and once I had that in mind I noticed that a few of the puzzles and action sequences took me back to the heady days of my childhood playing the old LucasArts games, ahhh nostalgia!
This feels like the start of a series and one that I would be looking to follow on and see where June goes next.
A very comfy murder mystery that tries to teach you French as you go, Nice!
----------------
Thank you to Netgalley & Penguin Random House for the Advanced Review Copy of this book, though I am grateful for the ARC the words above are my own
----------------
You can find more reviews on my blog here : https://bookshelf018.wordpress.com/
----------------
Rating : 4⭐
Format : eBook 💻
Pages : 288
Duration : 3 Days
----------------
Apparently this is set in the same world as a Mobile Game, I downloaded it, gave it a try and deleted it, all for research, wasn't for me. The book however is.
I can't put my finger on why though, it's a cozy murder mystery set in Paris 1920's, it's atmospheric, it's colourful but I felt like it was just almost too safe of that makes sense, almost too soft? But despite all that I was well and truly charmed by this book and couldn't put it down.
June, with friends Jack and Nate finds themselves on a steam boat crashing a engagement party of the children from the two esteemed families of the time and area. As the journey commences secrets are revealed before a body hits the floor.
Full of delightfully fleshed out characters in a colourfully described Paris in the midst of the roaring twenties.
For some reason I was reminded of the old Broken Sword point and click games whilst reading this and once I had that in mind I noticed that a few of the puzzles and action sequences took me back to the heady days of my childhood playing the old LucasArts games, ahhh nostalgia!
This feels like the start of a series and one that I would be looking to follow on and see where June goes next.
A very comfy murder mystery that tries to teach you French as you go, Nice!
----------------
Thank you to Netgalley & Penguin Random House for the Advanced Review Copy of this book, though I am grateful for the ARC the words above are my own
----------------
You can find more reviews on my blog here : https://bookshelf018.wordpress.com/
----------------
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
June Parker, star of June's Journey, one of the more famous mobile games, makes her novel debut in 1920's Paris. City of light, of love... of murder.
This was a fairly solid cosy murder mystery which has June trying to solve the murder of one friend and prove the innocence of another. There were plenty of nods to the game. I have a passing knowledge of it, and recognized a couple of things. I'm sure there were plenty more Easter eggs that went over my head but they never felt overwhelming or that it detracted from the story. I also really liked the nods to the concept of the mobile game, its a hidden object game and so objects play a major part in this tale.
I loved the setting. Plenty of cosy murder mysteries will have one or two locations, usually in a small area. This book really embraces the Paris location and offers us so many wonderful and invocative places. We travel all over and it was a real delight.
The characters by and large are fun, I felt for Elizabeth, some of the men were (to use a term of the era) utter cads and I am glad about how the plot resolved, both the murder and the strands along side it.
It did have its issues however. While I understand this is an ARC, we are close to the publication date and some of the errors - using the wrong name when there are literally only two characters in a scene for example - are pretty bad. Plus there felt like there were strands missing, we jumped to the denouncement when a scene or two before we were nowhere near.
Still entertaining and I really hope that we get another in this series because it was silly fun.
~Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review~
This was a fairly solid cosy murder mystery which has June trying to solve the murder of one friend and prove the innocence of another. There were plenty of nods to the game. I have a passing knowledge of it, and recognized a couple of things. I'm sure there were plenty more Easter eggs that went over my head but they never felt overwhelming or that it detracted from the story. I also really liked the nods to the concept of the mobile game, its a hidden object game and so objects play a major part in this tale.
I loved the setting. Plenty of cosy murder mysteries will have one or two locations, usually in a small area. This book really embraces the Paris location and offers us so many wonderful and invocative places. We travel all over and it was a real delight.
The characters by and large are fun, I felt for Elizabeth, some of the men were (to use a term of the era) utter cads and I am glad about how the plot resolved, both the murder and the strands along side it.
It did have its issues however. While I understand this is an ARC, we are close to the publication date and some of the errors - using the wrong name when there are literally only two characters in a scene for example - are pretty bad. Plus there felt like there were strands missing, we jumped to the denouncement when a scene or two before we were nowhere near.
Still entertaining and I really hope that we get another in this series because it was silly fun.
~Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review~
February 1, 2026
Death Wasn’t Invited is a charmingly classic whodunnit wrapped in the glamour and grit of 1920s Paris. Inspired by the hit mobile game, it blends cozy mystery comforts with a dash of high‑society intrigue, making it an easy pick for fans of Agatha Christie, Richard Osman, and anyone who loves a clever amateur sleuth with heart.
June is a wonderfully engaging heroine—curious, determined, and just reckless enough to be fun. When her friend Nate is murdered at a glittering engagement party and another friend, Jack, is swiftly arrested, June refuses to accept the obvious explanation. What follows is a lively investigation through smoky jazz clubs, opulent salons, and the shadowy corners of Parisian old money. The setting is vivid without ever feeling heavy, and the pacing keeps the pages turning as June uncovers secrets that are far more dangerous than she expects.
The mystery itself has that satisfying, Christie‑esque structure: a tight cast, shifting motives, and clues that feel fair but never too easy. I especially enjoyed the interplay between June, Nate, and Jack—there’s a warmth to their dynamic that gives the story emotional weight beneath the puzzle.
Overall, this is a delightful, atmospheric mystery with a nostalgic feel and a heroine you can’t help rooting for. Perfect for readers who want something cozy but clever, with just enough danger to keep things interesting.
With thanks to Carlene O'Connor, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC.
June is a wonderfully engaging heroine—curious, determined, and just reckless enough to be fun. When her friend Nate is murdered at a glittering engagement party and another friend, Jack, is swiftly arrested, June refuses to accept the obvious explanation. What follows is a lively investigation through smoky jazz clubs, opulent salons, and the shadowy corners of Parisian old money. The setting is vivid without ever feeling heavy, and the pacing keeps the pages turning as June uncovers secrets that are far more dangerous than she expects.
The mystery itself has that satisfying, Christie‑esque structure: a tight cast, shifting motives, and clues that feel fair but never too easy. I especially enjoyed the interplay between June, Nate, and Jack—there’s a warmth to their dynamic that gives the story emotional weight beneath the puzzle.
Overall, this is a delightful, atmospheric mystery with a nostalgic feel and a heroine you can’t help rooting for. Perfect for readers who want something cozy but clever, with just enough danger to keep things interesting.
With thanks to Carlene O'Connor, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC.
March 20, 2026
"Death Wasn't Invited: A June's Journey Mystery" by Carlene O'Connor is an offshoot of the "June's Journey" hidden object mobile game. As I am legally blind, I've never been able to play hidden object games. However, I am a fan of Carlene O'Connor and the blurb for the story intrigued me.
The story drew me in from the start! June Parke is visiting Paris in 1922 and quickly finds herself involved in a murder investigation. Her friend, Jack Hayes, is accused of murdering their friend Nate Sparks when the three crashed a lavish engagement party on a steamboat for Nate's former girlfriend.
Reputations and livelihoods are at stake. Objects go missing, a fumbling magician takes ill, old money melding with new, secret arrangements, accusations and more all rolled into an unforgettable evening.
June knows Jack could never kill his friend but convincing the police inspector as well as the Picard's and Auclair's will take more than luck and magic. June isn't afraid of a challenge and will do whatever it takes to clear Jack and find a killer! Along the way she finds some unlikely alliances (or are they?).
I thoroughly enjoyed this cozy mystery. It kept me turning the pages to see how it all played out! I sincerely hope that Ms. O'Connor will craft more stories with June and Jack!
The story drew me in from the start! June Parke is visiting Paris in 1922 and quickly finds herself involved in a murder investigation. Her friend, Jack Hayes, is accused of murdering their friend Nate Sparks when the three crashed a lavish engagement party on a steamboat for Nate's former girlfriend.
Reputations and livelihoods are at stake. Objects go missing, a fumbling magician takes ill, old money melding with new, secret arrangements, accusations and more all rolled into an unforgettable evening.
June knows Jack could never kill his friend but convincing the police inspector as well as the Picard's and Auclair's will take more than luck and magic. June isn't afraid of a challenge and will do whatever it takes to clear Jack and find a killer! Along the way she finds some unlikely alliances (or are they?).
I thoroughly enjoyed this cozy mystery. It kept me turning the pages to see how it all played out! I sincerely hope that Ms. O'Connor will craft more stories with June and Jack!
March 20, 2026
4/5 stars: This O'Connor's first entry in the June's Journey Mystery series which is a Historical Mystery set in France, 1922. Featuring an American nurse, who joins two friends as they crash a high society engagement party onboard a steamboat. Only to find herself turning sleuth to unmask a thief, a possible poisoner and the stabbing murder of one of her companions, who was onboard in an attempt to stop the wedding, after the police arrest her friend. As she works to clear her friends name, she becomes embroiled deeper and deeper into a corrupt web of Parisian old-money, high society and politics and uncovers deadly secrets. She'll have to solve the case fast before the killer strikes again.
With plenty of twists and turns, O'Connor has crafted a mystery that deftly balances the suspects and weaves in plenty of clues and red herrings that will leave you pondering the whodunit until the final reveal. Heartfelt and humorous, O'Connor's writing and character work are excellent; the characters are well-rounded and complex while remaining likable with a secondary cast that are well crafted and uniquely voiced. The MC's based on the hit mobile game, June's Journey.
I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and Titan Books in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.
With plenty of twists and turns, O'Connor has crafted a mystery that deftly balances the suspects and weaves in plenty of clues and red herrings that will leave you pondering the whodunit until the final reveal. Heartfelt and humorous, O'Connor's writing and character work are excellent; the characters are well-rounded and complex while remaining likable with a secondary cast that are well crafted and uniquely voiced. The MC's based on the hit mobile game, June's Journey.
I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and Titan Books in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I read an eARC of this book on NetGalley so thank you to the author and the publisher.
I knew absolutely nothing about June’s Journey before reading this book. The key draw for me was the time period and the Parisian setting. However I had no trouble following the book at all, even without this prior knowledge. I’m sure it would have provided fun recognition of parts of the story, but it didn’t create any issues with immersing myself in this tale.
This is an easy to read mystery. We have a strong, female main character, determined to insert herself into the middle of a mystery to save a friend, who she believes has been falsely accused. This leads her to embroil herself in the scandals and misbehaviour of two wealthy and important families in Parisian society. She’s creative, smart and strong-willed.
I expected to enjoy the time period and setting, and I wasn’t disappointed. There’s enough detail to evoke and sense of time and place, without overwhelming the plot.
This was an entertaining mystery, plenty of bold and memorable characters, and a core friendship that acts as a strong motivator.
I knew absolutely nothing about June’s Journey before reading this book. The key draw for me was the time period and the Parisian setting. However I had no trouble following the book at all, even without this prior knowledge. I’m sure it would have provided fun recognition of parts of the story, but it didn’t create any issues with immersing myself in this tale.
This is an easy to read mystery. We have a strong, female main character, determined to insert herself into the middle of a mystery to save a friend, who she believes has been falsely accused. This leads her to embroil herself in the scandals and misbehaviour of two wealthy and important families in Parisian society. She’s creative, smart and strong-willed.
I expected to enjoy the time period and setting, and I wasn’t disappointed. There’s enough detail to evoke and sense of time and place, without overwhelming the plot.
This was an entertaining mystery, plenty of bold and memorable characters, and a core friendship that acts as a strong motivator.
Review of advance copy
As someone who has spent more hours than I’d like to admit decorating Orchid Island and hunting for clues, I had incredibly high expectations for this novel. Transitioning a hidden object game to a full length mystery is a challenge, but this book nails it.
The Paris scenes are absolute standouts. The prose is so vivid that it felt like playing one of the game's chapters and I could almost smell the croissant and coffee in the coble stone streets of Paris! It captures that specific June’s Journey aesthetic: glamorous, slightly dangerous, and deeply atmospheric.
What really surprised me was the character depth. Seeing the relationship between June and Jack evolve on the page adds a layer of emotion that we only get glimpses of in the game. Jack is written with the perfect blend of charm and mystery, and the 'will-they-won't-they' tension is palpable! The twists kept me guessing, and even as a player who knows the lore, I found myself shocked by the final reveal.
If you’re a fan of the game, this is a must-have for your collection. If you’ve never played, it’s simply a fantastic, high-quality historical mystery.
The Paris scenes are absolute standouts. The prose is so vivid that it felt like playing one of the game's chapters and I could almost smell the croissant and coffee in the coble stone streets of Paris! It captures that specific June’s Journey aesthetic: glamorous, slightly dangerous, and deeply atmospheric.
What really surprised me was the character depth. Seeing the relationship between June and Jack evolve on the page adds a layer of emotion that we only get glimpses of in the game. Jack is written with the perfect blend of charm and mystery, and the 'will-they-won't-they' tension is palpable! The twists kept me guessing, and even as a player who knows the lore, I found myself shocked by the final reveal.
If you’re a fan of the game, this is a must-have for your collection. If you’ve never played, it’s simply a fantastic, high-quality historical mystery.
April 15, 2026
The best thing about this book was being able to read an adventure of June and Jack without having to spend hours and hours playing the game. I've played June's Journey for over 7 years, and I always tell the creators I wish I could just buy the book so I could read the story. So when it came out, I bought the book and read the story. The writing wasn't bad, though I did encounter a couple of mistakes. The story was pretty lame as far as real literature is concerned. Most of the characters were flat stereotypes at best, and far too many of them were introduced all at once. The wrap-up was thorough if a bit trite, and I was relieved to be finished reading it. June made too many mistakes and got caught too many times, even for an amateur detective. I would never have picked this book up to read if I saw it in a store; I bought it because I was curious and because I love the game. But truthfully, I don't care for mysteries, and especially not murder mysteries; they all seem to be written to a formula without any real depth of character. Still, if you like murder mysteries, you'll probably like this one.
March 28, 2026
Be careful of the details ie-Last page of Chapter 4
“…Elizabeth’s screams had turned to sobs and she was kneeling on the deck next to a prone man….She did not want to believe it, but it was Nate. He lay on his back, and the blood was emanating from his chest. His eyes, once so full of mischief and mirth, were open and staring,…..”
If Elizabeth knelt beside a “prone” man then how was Nate lying on his back bleeding from a chest wound? That word “prone” pre-pandemic might have only been caught by medical professionals and wordsmiths. But the pandemic taught everyone “proning”-a means of turning patients onto their abdomen in hopes of improving the patient’s ability to breathe. So again how did Elizabeth kneel to a prone man only to realize it was Nate bleeding from a chest wound?
“…Elizabeth’s screams had turned to sobs and she was kneeling on the deck next to a prone man….She did not want to believe it, but it was Nate. He lay on his back, and the blood was emanating from his chest. His eyes, once so full of mischief and mirth, were open and staring,…..”
If Elizabeth knelt beside a “prone” man then how was Nate lying on his back bleeding from a chest wound? That word “prone” pre-pandemic might have only been caught by medical professionals and wordsmiths. But the pandemic taught everyone “proning”-a means of turning patients onto their abdomen in hopes of improving the patient’s ability to breathe. So again how did Elizabeth kneel to a prone man only to realize it was Nate bleeding from a chest wound?
April 14, 2026
A cosy crime mystery set in Paris in 1922. June’s friend, Jack, has been wrongly accused of the murder of his friend, Nate. She is determined to prove that the French detective has the wrong man.
The murder takes place during the run up to the marriage between the Auclair and Picard families. The three friends manage to gate crash the engagement party - but Nate has an ulterior motive - he wants to stop the wedding. But before he can do anything he is stabbed in the chest with Jack’s knife.
June has to uncover secrets from both families and find a way to clear Jack’s name.
I felt the plot was a little too rushed at points but overall an enjoyable read. There are plenty of suspects and a range of motives - I did not anticipate the ending so overall a fun read.
The murder takes place during the run up to the marriage between the Auclair and Picard families. The three friends manage to gate crash the engagement party - but Nate has an ulterior motive - he wants to stop the wedding. But before he can do anything he is stabbed in the chest with Jack’s knife.
June has to uncover secrets from both families and find a way to clear Jack’s name.
I felt the plot was a little too rushed at points but overall an enjoyable read. There are plenty of suspects and a range of motives - I did not anticipate the ending so overall a fun read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I got the advanced readers copy of the book at a recent Wooga event. Being a longtime fan and player of the game, I was fascinated to see the more depth in the relationships between June & Jack. I always pay attention to the stories in-game, not just the events, so diving into this felt really, really good.
I don't want to spoil the story, just to say - it's very well-crafted and it feels both natural to the game, but also as an exciting, murder mystery that grabs you and you can't let the book go until you actually finish the last page. I already recommended it to my club members in-game, so I definitely liked it.
I hope one day we see even a version on a tv screen!
I don't want to spoil the story, just to say - it's very well-crafted and it feels both natural to the game, but also as an exciting, murder mystery that grabs you and you can't let the book go until you actually finish the last page. I already recommended it to my club members in-game, so I definitely liked it.
I hope one day we see even a version on a tv screen!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Death Wasn’t Invited had everything you’d expect in a murder mystery book! The red herrings, plot twists and reveals were cleverly layered, creating a mystery for the reader too! I DID NOT expect the reveal at all but everything did add up…
I’ve never played the game but I can definitely see how the book would fit into it- specifically the 1920s Paris theme! I loved how there was a romance sub-plot between June and Jack, especially when she was fighting for his freedom. They genuinely cared for one another amid the danger and suspicion surrounding them, adding emotional weight to the high-stakes mystery.
I’ve never played the game but I can definitely see how the book would fit into it- specifically the 1920s Paris theme! I loved how there was a romance sub-plot between June and Jack, especially when she was fighting for his freedom. They genuinely cared for one another amid the danger and suspicion surrounding them, adding emotional weight to the high-stakes mystery.
April 11, 2026
Death Wasn't Invited: June's Journey was such a fast paced and compelling story and as an avid player of the mobile game I was really able to visualize the various characters throughout the story.
The plot was very interesting and really suspenseful kept me guessing until June started putting the various clue together to solve the murder of her and Jacks dear friend Nate and catch the killer.
A very well executed story with a lovely ending.
A huge thankyou to Netgalley and Titan for an early arc of this amazing book.
The plot was very interesting and really suspenseful kept me guessing until June started putting the various clue together to solve the murder of her and Jacks dear friend Nate and catch the killer.
A very well executed story with a lovely ending.
A huge thankyou to Netgalley and Titan for an early arc of this amazing book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 30, 2026
I love Carlene but she missed on this one
I had no idea when I started this book it was based on characters of a video game. I may not have read it had I known at the beginning. I am a huge fan of Carlene O’Connor’s books, but this one was a big miss for me. I couldn’t relate to any of the characters or the chaotic action. Once I got to the end, I really felt like someone had taken the plot of the video game itself and tried to narrate it in book form. It just didn’t pan out well.
I had no idea when I started this book it was based on characters of a video game. I may not have read it had I known at the beginning. I am a huge fan of Carlene O’Connor’s books, but this one was a big miss for me. I couldn’t relate to any of the characters or the chaotic action. Once I got to the end, I really felt like someone had taken the plot of the video game itself and tried to narrate it in book form. It just didn’t pan out well.
May 5, 2026
Cozy mystery based on a game
Carlene O’Connor knows how to write a great cozy mystery. This one was set in the early 1920’s using characters from an online game. I play that game, but you don’t need to play it in order to enjoy the book. I liked the interactions between the characters and I certainly didn’t have it figured out until the end. My disappointment is the use of modern terms, specifically “lookie-loo” , in a story set in a time period where that phrase hadn’t been invented.
Carlene O’Connor knows how to write a great cozy mystery. This one was set in the early 1920’s using characters from an online game. I play that game, but you don’t need to play it in order to enjoy the book. I liked the interactions between the characters and I certainly didn’t have it figured out until the end. My disappointment is the use of modern terms, specifically “lookie-loo” , in a story set in a time period where that phrase hadn’t been invented.
March 26, 2026
I really enjoyed this book. Ha! Based on a hidden object game! One of the reasons I love the game is to read the continuing story. Makes me think of the Phryne Fisher mysteries. I was so excited when I saw there was going to be a book & I was not disappointed. I sure hope it’s going to be a series because I’m ready for the next one. I don’t know if Carlene O’Connor is a fan of the game but she’s got the characters spot on.
April 13, 2026
NetGalley Advanced Copy Review.
I’d give Death Wasn’t Invited by Carlene O’Connor 3 out of 5 stars. The premise fits well within the cozy mystery genre. The mystery itself was interesting, but a bit predictable—I found myself guessing the outcome earlier than expected. The characters were likable enough. The dialogue occasionally felt a bit forced.
Overall, it’s an enjoyable, light read if you’re a fan of cozy mysteries, just don’t expect too many surprises.
I’d give Death Wasn’t Invited by Carlene O’Connor 3 out of 5 stars. The premise fits well within the cozy mystery genre. The mystery itself was interesting, but a bit predictable—I found myself guessing the outcome earlier than expected. The characters were likable enough. The dialogue occasionally felt a bit forced.
Overall, it’s an enjoyable, light read if you’re a fan of cozy mysteries, just don’t expect too many surprises.
April 18, 2026
intriguing mystery
This novel is a little hard to review. It’s the first novel from the June’s Journey game. The game is continuing mysteries and the story of June Parker, detective. The story telling is good, characters interesting with a solid mystery. For someone who has played June’s Journey for years, it seemed a bit disjointed, but I realized how difficult writing this novel had to have been. There are players at different levels which means we have different knowledge of June’s life. Kudos to the author and staff. I look forward to more.
This novel is a little hard to review. It’s the first novel from the June’s Journey game. The game is continuing mysteries and the story of June Parker, detective. The story telling is good, characters interesting with a solid mystery. For someone who has played June’s Journey for years, it seemed a bit disjointed, but I realized how difficult writing this novel had to have been. There are players at different levels which means we have different knowledge of June’s life. Kudos to the author and staff. I look forward to more.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Nate, Jack and June decide to go out apron the town when Nate talks them into gaining entry into a private party. On board Nate is stabbed in the heart and Jack is charged with murder as the knife was his. While Jack sits in prison, June investigates the crime with a little help from friends and non- friends. Based off the game June’s Journey.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I don’t know what expected when I accepted the arc of this book. The book is based on a video game I have no knowledge of. I don’t normally read books based on video games. I enjoy Carlene O’Connor’s books.
I loved the book. I loved the story line and the characters. I would definitely read a sequel.
74 female. #NetGalley
I loved the book. I loved the story line and the characters. I would definitely read a sequel.
74 female. #NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Nate, Jack and June sneak aboard the boat hosting an engagement party for the glamorous Parisian couple of the moment. What Jack and June do not know is that Nate doesn’t plan to celebrate the engagement; he wants to stop the wedding. But when a party guest is killed with Jack’s knife and Jack is arrested, June takes it upon herself to clear his name… and find the real killer.
I enjoy this author’s Irish Village series, and looked forward to starting what appears to be a new series by her. Unfortunately, I’m not at all familiar with the June’s Journey game that apparently was the forerunner to this book, so I was confused about the relationships and felt lost trying to keep track of all the characters. Not knowing their backstories made it hard to care about any of them.
The mystery was good, but I figured out who the killer was well before it was revealed in the story, which probably contributed to my disenchantment with the book. I’m glad I finished the book, but if this becomes a series, I doubt I will search out any additional books.
Thank you to NetGalley and Titan Books for the opportunity to read and review this book.
I enjoy this author’s Irish Village series, and looked forward to starting what appears to be a new series by her. Unfortunately, I’m not at all familiar with the June’s Journey game that apparently was the forerunner to this book, so I was confused about the relationships and felt lost trying to keep track of all the characters. Not knowing their backstories made it hard to care about any of them.
The mystery was good, but I figured out who the killer was well before it was revealed in the story, which probably contributed to my disenchantment with the book. I’m glad I finished the book, but if this becomes a series, I doubt I will search out any additional books.
Thank you to NetGalley and Titan Books for the opportunity to read and review this book.
March 19, 2026
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Carlene O'Connor for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Death Wasn't Invited coming out March 17, 2026. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.
This author is one of my favorites! I love cozy mysteries. It was interesting it was based off of the game. If there were more books in the series, I would check them out.
This author is one of my favorites! I love cozy mysteries. It was interesting it was based off of the game. If there were more books in the series, I would check them out.
March 29, 2026
A great addition to JJ lover's mystery game
Well worth a digital investment! The story true to June's Journey mysteries. Fun to read a June story more fleshed out than the game can offer, more depth with a fun plot & more characters. Also enjoyed the humor and wink-winks at play.
Well worth a digital investment! The story true to June's Journey mysteries. Fun to read a June story more fleshed out than the game can offer, more depth with a fun plot & more characters. Also enjoyed the humor and wink-winks at play.
April 1, 2026
The author and team did an excellent job in creating a mystery to provide lots of background development to the main characters in the June’s Journey online game. As an avid player of that game, I found the book to be a fun and too quick read. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone looking for a good 1920s mystery set in France and hope that a follow-on book will be in the works soon.
April 7, 2026
Follow your clues and your heart.
Intriguing and spellbindingans it certainly bring the June's Journey Game to life with a different twist. I would like to think this series will continue as it was extremely well written and I would love to read another adventure with June and Jack in another city.
Intriguing and spellbindingans it certainly bring the June's Journey Game to life with a different twist. I would like to think this series will continue as it was extremely well written and I would love to read another adventure with June and Jack in another city.
April 27, 2026
3.75 stars. This was a fun little read. I don’t play the mobile game it’s based on, but I do enjoy a decent cozy mystery. I like the relationship between June and Jack, and lived a few of the characters. But a lot of them were fairly one-dimensional. Maybe there were just too many. But overall, it was an enjoyable, easy read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews