The Mysterious Case of the Missing House

by Michele Pariza Wacek

Emily has a big decision in front of her. But before she can make it, Amelia Clark, one of Aunt Tilde's friends call The Redemption Detective Agency with an emergency.

Apparently Amelia can't get a hold of her niece, who's been house sitting, and she's worried that her niece forgot to water her rose bushes.

Should be fairly straight forward, right? Drive to the house, see if the niece is there, and make sure the roses aren't dead as well.

Except...the house is no longer there. It's now a fancy health club.

Nor is the niece.

Needless to say, Emily has no choice but to figure out what happened to Amelia's house and her niece before she makes any decisions about her career. Or her love life.

A spin-off from the Charlie Kingsley Mystery series! The Redemption Detective Agency is a funny, twisty, romcom cozy mystery series set in the 1990s featuring silver sleuths solving cold cases, cats, dogs and an opposites attract love triangle. Great for fans of the Thursday Murder Club.

Genres: Cozy

184 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 15, 2026

About the author

A USA Today Bestselling, award-winning author, Michele taught herself to read at 3 years old because she wanted to write stories so badly. It took some time (and some detours) but she does spend much of her time writing stories now. Mystery stories, to be exact. They're clean and twisty, and range from psychological thrillers to cozies, with a dash of romance and supernatural thrown into the mix. If that wasn't enough, she posts lots of fun things on her blog, including short stories, recipes and more, at MPWNovels.com.

Michele grew up in Wisconsin, (hence why all her books take place there), and currently lives there with her husband and Harvey, her rescue beagle, after spending nearly 30 years living in the mountains of Prescott, Arizona.

When she's not writing, she's usually reading, hanging out with her dog, or watching the Food Network and imagining she's an awesome cook. (Spoiler alert, she's not. Luckily for the whole family, Mr. PW is in charge of the cooking.)

Reviews

[Vanna Book-Mage · Rating 5 out of 5]

Redemption, Wisconsin is up to its shenanigans again and we meet Amelia who hires the Redemption Detective Agency to check on her niece and house in order to make sure her roses are being taken care of, but when Emily and the gang go to investigate of course the house is missing and so is Amelia’s niece. Is it gargoyles, aliens, fairies or just Redemption being its weird little self? The Mysterious Case of the Missing House by Michele Pariza Wacek picks up where book 3 leaves off, throwing us directly into another mystery for the agency and decisions decisions for Emily regarding work and romance.


The quirky banter between Mildred and Aunt Tilde is on point, coupled with the loving disbelief and exasperation from Emily and pop up moments by Nora and Smoke; our favourite pup Scout is here and Nick and Jeremiah… wait Jeremy? are also around, adding to the enjoyment of the story and making it so easy to go on the journey to crack the case of the missing house.


Overall, this is a character driven cozy mystery, filled with a touch of romance, a heaping of found family, a dash of finding oneself, a whole bunch of crazy and meddling, a wallop of small town 90s vibes but make it weird and a definite pinch of real stakes (content warning: death), but make it not gritty or dark.

This story ate and left no crumbs with its quips, Easter eggs and cameos. If you are a fan of the series or its inspiration the Charlie Kingsley Mysteries then I doubt you’ll be disappointed with this instalment.


Thanks to Book Sirens for this free arc/copy of The Mysterious Case of the Missing House by Michele Pariza Wacek; all opinions are my own and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Anna Serfass · Rating 2 out of 5]

I haven’t given a book a 2 star review in a while. This book just wasn’t my cup of tea. I found it very annoying and the only thing I liked was it was under 200 pages.

***ARC Review***

What You’ll Find:
🤎Takes place in the 1990s
🐶Fish-out-of-water amateur sleuth
🤎Senior sleuths
🐶Pet detectives
🤎Opposites attract romance
🐶Humor
🤎Small Wisconsin Town

Thank you partners @bookedwiththeemilys and @themichelepw for this #gifted arc.

Synopsis:
Emily has a big decision in front of her. But before she can make it, Amelia Clark, one of Aunt Tilde's friends call The Redemption Detective Agency with an emergency.

Apparently Amelia can't get a hold of her niece, who's been house sitting, and she's worried that her niece forgot to water her rose bushes.

Should be fairly straight forward, right? Drive to the house, see if the niece is there, and make sure the roses aren't dead as well.

Except...the house is no longer there. It's now a fancy health club.

Nor is the niece.

Needless to say, Emily has no choice but to figure out what happened to Amelia's house and her niece before she makes any decisions about her career. Or her love life.

A spin-off from the Charlie Kingsley Mystery series! The Redemption Detective Agency is a funny, twisty, romcom cozy mystery series set in the 1990s featuring silver sleuths solving cold cases, cats, dogs and an opposites attract love triangle. Great for fans of the Thursday Murder Club, Only Murders in the Building, Murder She Wrote, Gilmore Girls (if they were also amateur detectives) and The Golden Girls (if they decided to start solving mysteries).

[Mairi Swan · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Cozy mystery
*Humour
*Small town
*A pinch of romance

Emily, after losing her job, house, fiance and friends, goes back to Redemption, a small town with some very interesting and peculiar events happening every now and then. Along with her Aunt Tilde and Mildred they ran the Redemption Detective Agency where they solve unexpected cases.
In this story there's a house missing, along with some rose bushes and a niece. And they're trying to solve the mystery not in that order particularly.
I must say I came across Redemption in Charlie Kingston's series and I really really loved seeing some familiar places and faces. Charlie is one of my favourite mysteries and I believe Emily will be the second one.
I LOVED Tilde and Mildred! They were hilarious! I was gasping in several scenes from excessive laughter! The things their mouths spewed were unbelievable. And Emily, my sweet Emily, trying to get on track in order to solve the actual case was even hilarious. Seriously that duo was how I would like to envision myself when I get older.
Emily is a smart woman, feeling at a disadvantage by the way she lost her previous life and trying to get back to it. But is it actually what will make her happy?
Although it's an interconnected standalone it's quite easy to read without feeling something amiss. And I love M.P. Wacek because it's so easy to read the series or just one in between and still makes sense to you.
Now I can't wait for the next one.
I received this arc and this is my honest opinion.

[Kair · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Mysterious Case of the Missing House is the fourth book of the "Redemption Detective Agency" cozy mystery series by Michele Pariza Wacek. I received an advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Set in Redemption Wisconsin, it is the story of Emily Hildebrandt who after losing her job, car, apartment, fiancé, and all her money, is forced to move in with her eccentric Aunt Tilde and join her aunt’s new Detective Agency. Other members of the Detective Agency are Tilde's friends, a former high school teacher Mildred and a bookstore owner Nora. In this fourth book of the series, Emily is trying to solve the mystery of a missing house and niece of Aunt Tilde’s good friend Amelia. However, there is more to the story, than just a missing house and niece, Emily has personal decisions to make about her career and love life. Should Emily take a new job at the local school district or stay helping her aunt at the Detective Agency. There is lots of banter between all the members of the Detective Agency, that causes lots of chaos. As with all cozy mysteries the book has lots of twists and turns. The series also has a backstory love interest/romance between Emily and Nick, that is fraught with misunderstandings and lack of communication. The book solves the case and ends in a way that suggests there are future books planned for this series. If you enjoy easy to read, comical cozy mystery stories, I highly recommend this series and book.

[Estelle Bouldin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Mysterious Case of the Missing House is the kind of cozy mystery that reminds me why I love this genre in the first place—quirky characters, laugh-out-loud dialogue, small-town charm, and a mystery so delightfully absurd that I couldn't stop turning the pages to discover what on earth had happened.

The premise: a woman returns from years of traveling only to discover that her house—and her beloved prize-winning roses—have apparently vanished, replaced by a country club tennis court. In Redemption, Wisconsin, however, even the impossible somehow feels perfectly plausible.

Emily continues to be a wonderfully relatable protagonist, struggling to rebuild her life while questioning what success and purpose really mean. Her practical, corporate mindset provides the perfect counterbalance to Aunt Tilde and Mildred, whose eccentric logic and unforgettable banter steal nearly every scene they're in. Their conversations about wandering gargoyles, hostile takeovers, and missing rose bushes had me laughing more than once.

If you enjoy mysteries with memorable characters, witty dialogue, a touch of whimsy, and a healthy dose of small-town eccentricity, The Mysterious Case of the Missing House deserves a spot on your reading list.

[Smithers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Book Sirens and Love Based Publishing for this free ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

How do you find a missing house? What if you don’t know how long it’s been missing? You call the ladies of The Redemption Detective Agency. They aren’t your average detectives but this isn’t an average mystery.

Emily is still helping her Aunt Tilde at the agency. The secondary plot line revolves around Emily - is she staying or leaving for a a “real paying job” at a school? Does lawyer Nick like her or not? That plays out a little like a cat toying with a mouse!

Tilde’s friend Meli can’t get ahold of her niece. Said niece has been housesitting for Meli for years. You see, Meli won the lottery. Her hubby was dead and she went off on a cruise, and another, and another. It’s been years since she was home. She was worried about her niece, and her prized rose bushes, but couldn’t get ahold of her niece.

Things start unraveling (or is it all piecing together) when Meli comes home and we find out her husband is not dead!

This was a quick cozy read. While I didn’t like it as much as the Christmas book mainly because of Emily’s waffling and whining. The rest was a fun ride.

[Lise · Rating 5 out of 5]

It seemed like a simple request: the client, a lottery winner who has been cruising for several years, wants the Redemption Detective Agency to check on her roses. And maybe discover why her niece isn't responding. But when the ladies visit the house, it isn't there! Who could have stolen a house?

Oh, Redemption! Never will I tire of returning. This particular case had so many twists and turns that I nearly was dizzy. And, Emily (our heroine), of course, was stuck being the voice of reason, reffing arguments such as: if stone gargoyles can move at Hallowe'en, what stops a house from relocating itself? I have no answer for that one.

I knew I'd regret reading this book in one sitting. Now the wait for the next one begins.

If this is your first time in Redemption, you're in for a treat. The Mysterious Case of the Missing House can be read as a standalone. But seriously, read the other books, too. They're so much fun!

Thank you to Michele Pariza Wacek and BookSirens for the opportunity to read this digital ARC. As always, my opinions are my own, honest and true.

[Kymm · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was lovely getting to hang out with Aunt Tilde, her niece Emily and the other ladies of the Redemption Detective Agency again. In this one Amelia a friend of Aunt Tilde's calls to ask her to check on her prized roses at her house, but when Aunt Tilde gets there the house and roses are gone. In its place is a new country club and Amelia has no idea what's happened. Emily has another job opportunity that would be her first step to getting back her former life but was she really happy before or is she fooling herself? Everything comes together to make a very enjoyable read with lots of twists and turns I've come to expect in this series. My favorite part is watching Emily try to direct these senior women in a more businesslike manner including taking payment for their services, but Aunt Tilde ever the generous soul never asks for money which drives Emily nuts. This book was so much fun to read and as always there was a great mystery to be solved, which was done in their usual scattered sometimes baffling way. I highly recommend this book and the entire series. Happy Reading!

[Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am an ARC reader for Book Sirens and this is my honest opinion. I've been following this series, and the Charlie Kingsley series since reading the Redemption series that begins with "It started with a lie" that is set in today's time. This Series and Charlie Kingsley are actually intertwined and decades earlier. The Redemption Detective Agency is a bit of fun, with two retired women, Tilde and Mildred, both a bit dotty, plus Tilde's niece, Emily, who is the efficient, sensible - and attractive one. They take on bizarre cases and somehow actually solve them with help from Nick, a lawyer friend of Aunt Tilde's - and attractive. This, like the previous cases was complicated - Alien abduction or Fairy is one of Tilde and Mlidred's theories - but it gets sorted in the end. A great Cozy mystery with lots of twists!

[Mary Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is great, each one is perfect for a quick light and funny read and this is no exception. This time, the ladies go to check on an old acquaintance's house only to find it gone, as well as her niece who was house-sitting.

I loved the banter throughout amongst the ladies, so far-fetched and ridiculous at times and you can't but read this with a smile on your face. This is much more than a house no longer existing. The missing niece situation is more serious than initially thought. At the same time Emily has a decision to make which is weighing heavily on her. I do like the potential for romance here and hope something happens soon. I look forward to seeing what weird case the agency takes on next.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sandy T · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series. I laugh out loud when Aunt Tilda and Mildred start their zany conversations and state their bizarre conclusions. Emily has her hands full trying to control the interviews and questioning of potential witnesses when these two are with her.

This book introduces another zany but loveable character, Meli, who is their new client. She is the owner of the missing house, plus her niece, who was housesitting, has also disappeared. If you enjoy lighthearted cozy murder mysteries with quirky loveable characters then you will like this fun quick read and I recommend the whole series.

I received a free advance copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Delphia Von Heeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Mysterious Case of the Missing House is Book 4 in The Redemption Detective Agency by Michele Pariza Wacek. Aunt Tilde friend, Meli, niece is missing. Emily drives to Meli's house to discover it was gone. This leads to the Redemption Detective Agency getting busy to find Mel's niece. The story has surprises and I believe that it is an excellent mystery. I was surprised wit the ending. Jump on the bandwagon and get your copy and dive into a fascinating story. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought Fred was an uncouth, vile, ejet to act as he did, while his wife was away. I was blaming the wrong people and my suspects kept changing!! When it came down to it Emily was a pretty good sleuth, and her instincts were sharp. Her and the dog, Scout, get to the bottom of it all. The real truth sickened me and made me feel dirty just knowing that truth about Brandy and Brian!!! See if you agree.

I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest review.

[Dwayne Keller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amelia hires the Redemption Detective Agency to check on her house, make sure her roses are watered, and see why her niece isn’t responding to her calls. However, when they get to the address, the house and niece are gone, and a health club is there instead. Such starts this weird mystery that has the team now searching for the missing niece and what happened the house. The usual banter, weird characters, and twisted mystery make this another enjoyable visit to Redemption.

[Linda K Goodwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

So enjoying this series.

Emily is a cool young lady, with her dog Scout. Love the 2 ladies, Aunt Tilda and Mildred. Course there is also Nora, and then the lawyer Nick. A little bit of heart throbbing there.

This is an interesting mystery, that is actually a cozy murder mystery, but starts with trying to figure out what happened to Aunt Tilda's friend's house, and niece.

Very well written and very entertaining. Full of intrigue and suspense.

Can't wait for the next in the series.

[K · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to BookSirens for the ARC.

The thing I love most about this series is how genuinely funny some of the lines are - for a gentle, cosy mystery series, the laugh-out-loud moments are always a surprise! The premise of this book was just as bizarre as others in the series, and it might well have been my favourite yet. There's something at the end that had me SO relieved when it happened.

[Danette Fowlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love the shenanigans that the Redemption Detective Agency gets into. This mystery takes you through so many emotional expressions from laughter to curiosity. It's so nice to follow along and see where these mysteries lead in this series. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely love this series! The characters are enjoyable, some are very quirky, and that makes the story so much better IMO.

The main character has an important decision to make, as soon as she can figure out what happened to their clients house and where it went!

Highly recommend this series if you want a good laugh, an easy read and a good plot.

[Sharmani Jayaram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emily of Redemption Detective Agency gets a call from her Aunt Tilde's friend which leads to something strange going on . Lots of suspense, humour to this intriguing read. I received this ARC copy via Booksirans and leave a voluntary review. I recommend this book to other readers.

[Lynseygibs · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thanks to BookSirens, publishers and author for an ARC of The Mysterious Case of the Missing House.

I couldn't full take to this book. Enjoyed the characters, but other than that I wasn't drawn to it

[Lee Brothers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tilde and Mildred are arguing for the sake of arguing. And a missing house how Ludacris can that be? It's like who's on first only it's a house and rosebushes. But it all plays well.

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of the story. I like every book by the author and the Mysterious town of Redemption. Aunt Tilde and Mildred are a duo of what appears to be dingbat friends. Somehow, they solve mysteries. Emily comes off as unsure of herself and her potential. When a house goes missing, a series of events are discovered in unconventional ways. I look forward to the next book in the series.

[Michele Wacek]

Book 4 of a spin-off from the Charlie Kingsley Mystery series! The Redemption Detective Agency is a funny, twisty, romcom cozy mystery series set in the 1990s featuring silver sleuths solving cold cases, cats, dogs and an opposites attract love triangle. Great for fans of the Thursday Murder Club, Only Murders in the Building, Murder She Wrote, Gilmore Girls (if they were also amateur detectives) and The Golden Girls (if they decided to start solving mysteries).

eBook available on Amazon (in KU) and signed paperbacks and audio on my Direct Store.
https://mpwnovels.com/book/the-myster...

[Christie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Emily and her crew are so much fun. I love how they never give up and how they keep trying to figure out what happened to the house. Seriously, how did one lose a house? I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily I look forward to reading about their next case.