What do you think?
A Killer Event Mystery #1
Invitation to Murder
Nothing spoils a party like an uninvited corpse, which is just Lacey Langdon’s luck as she inherits a printing and party-planning business in this letter-perfect debut mystery.
After inheriting her mother’s printing and party-planning business, Lacey Langdon moves back to her sleepy hometown of Willow Bluffs, perched on New Jersey’s Palisades. When her great aunt, Tessa Langdon Vander Horn, a well-known and beloved soap opera star, sells her nineteenth-century estate and donates ten acres to the development of a community park, Lacey’s new venture is put at the helm of the opening ceremony. But the festivities quickly come to an end when the body of town councilman Glenn Hartman is found on the bank of the Hudson River.
Partnering with her former classmate, lawyer Derek Conover, they dig deep into the case to find out who is behind the murder. Suspicions abound, but Lacey and Derek hit a snag when one of their prime suspects drops dead at Lacey’s next event. With a second body added to the count, tensions rise in Willow Bluffs.
Caught in the crossfire when remnants of a family tragedy resurface, Lacey and Derek must act swiftly before another body drops dead.
Perfect for readers of Ellie Brannigan and Laurien Berenson, this cozy mystery is a charming small-town read.
After inheriting her mother’s printing and party-planning business, Lacey Langdon moves back to her sleepy hometown of Willow Bluffs, perched on New Jersey’s Palisades. When her great aunt, Tessa Langdon Vander Horn, a well-known and beloved soap opera star, sells her nineteenth-century estate and donates ten acres to the development of a community park, Lacey’s new venture is put at the helm of the opening ceremony. But the festivities quickly come to an end when the body of town councilman Glenn Hartman is found on the bank of the Hudson River.
Partnering with her former classmate, lawyer Derek Conover, they dig deep into the case to find out who is behind the murder. Suspicions abound, but Lacey and Derek hit a snag when one of their prime suspects drops dead at Lacey’s next event. With a second body added to the count, tensions rise in Willow Bluffs.
Caught in the crossfire when remnants of a family tragedy resurface, Lacey and Derek must act swiftly before another body drops dead.
Perfect for readers of Ellie Brannigan and Laurien Berenson, this cozy mystery is a charming small-town read.
304 pages, Paperback
Published May 26, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is one of the few books that I've read whose rating have dropped as I read the last chapter/ the grand revelation. WTAF was the last chapter. It was not it 🥀 and this was supposed to be and it was supposed to be a murder mystery iss okay tho life be like so sometimes right? RIGHT?
༉‧₊˚🕯️🖤❀༉‧₊˚.
I was genuinely intrigued by the concept. I mean, doesn't a small town murder mystery where everyone keeps dying in the parties hosted by the same person sound intriguing to you? (It can't jst be me right?).I can't believe this was such a let down
⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾𖤓 ⋆⁺₊⋆
Now, there's a fine line between making a good plot twist and thinking that your readers are stupid. This one missed that line so bad it's almost sad. I'm always down for a good plot twist and being like "oH wAiT wHy dIdNt i tHiNk oF tHaT", but when the "twist" is so out of the blue it's implausible, thats a red flag 😔 like wdym there was no foreshadowing and there was no room for my crazy theories to even fit (rip my notes, where I was connecting the dots like a cia agent, you will be missed 🪦) . A good plot twist has foreshadowing, hidden clues that I'll think of AFTER the grand reveal. A good plot twist would mean that when I reread the book I would facepal cuz the clues were so subtly hidden yet obvious when you know the end.
─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──
Let's talk ✨characters✨. The fmc was a huge miss cuz she didn't care about the mystery at all. The evidence just kept falling in place around her without her even having to lift a finger. She seemed like a side character in her own story. Idk about you, but I'm always in for a girl who's after the mystery like her life depends on it, the kinda gurl who'd be making notes app pages to connect the dots like crazy (does this reminds you of someone, cuz this reminds me of someone hmmm). She lacked the energy that she needed to solve any mystery. Let alone two. She was concerned with her business most of the time and the murder mystery seemed like a side quest in her life ಠ︵ಠ
There were too many side characters. I was zoning out cuz there were too many side characters with no job or just filling the plot like just holding the place for a while with no real reason to?? It's not a red herring if I'm annoyed with the characters. (⌐■-■) (ಠ_ಠ)>⌐■-■
── ⋆⋅𖤓⋅⋆ ──
The writing was okay I suppose. I thought it would be an Agatha Christie-esque murder mystery with the way it felt when I started reading it so that has to count for something right? (More probably not tho)
˙✧˖°📷 ༘ ⋆｡˚
This book can also be exquisitely (and accurately) be summarised by this
66% - The Bean (a local cafe)
33%- actual plot
‧₊˚ ⋅ ☕︎ 𓎩 ‧₊˚ ⋅
1.7-i-will-scream-if-she-mentions-punpkin-spice-latte-or-crossiant-one-more-time/5
⏔⏔⏔ ꒰ ᧔ෆ᧓ ꒱ ⏔⏔⏔
✮⋆˙𝐩𝐫𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝
Another murder mystery!are you starting to see a pattern cuz I can
First chapter in and this is giving ✨Agatha Christie✨ 👏
Thank you Netgalley, Carol Floriani and Crooked Lane Books for the eARC.
༉‧₊˚🕯️🖤❀༉‧₊˚.
I was genuinely intrigued by the concept. I mean, doesn't a small town murder mystery where everyone keeps dying in the parties hosted by the same person sound intriguing to you? (It can't jst be me right?).
⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾𖤓 ⋆⁺₊⋆
Now, there's a fine line between making a good plot twist and thinking that your readers are stupid. This one missed that line so bad it's almost sad. I'm always down for a good plot twist and being like "oH wAiT wHy dIdNt i tHiNk oF tHaT", but when the "twist" is so out of the blue it's implausible, thats a red flag 😔 like wdym there was no foreshadowing and there was no room for my crazy theories to even fit (rip my notes, where I was connecting the dots like a cia agent, you will be missed 🪦) . A good plot twist has foreshadowing, hidden clues that I'll think of AFTER the grand reveal. A good plot twist would mean that when I reread the book I would facepal cuz the clues were so subtly hidden yet obvious when you know the end.
─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──
Let's talk ✨characters✨. The fmc was a huge miss cuz she didn't care about the mystery at all. The evidence just kept falling in place around her without her even having to lift a finger. She seemed like a side character in her own story. Idk about you, but I'm always in for a girl who's after the mystery like her life depends on it, the kinda gurl who'd be making notes app pages to connect the dots like crazy (does this reminds you of someone, cuz this reminds me of someone hmmm). She lacked the energy that she needed to solve any mystery. Let alone two. She was concerned with her business most of the time and the murder mystery seemed like a side quest in her life ಠ︵ಠ
There were too many side characters. I was zoning out cuz there were too many side characters with no job or just filling the plot like just holding the place for a while with no real reason to?? It's not a red herring if I'm annoyed with the characters. (⌐■-■) (ಠ_ಠ)>⌐■-■
── ⋆⋅𖤓⋅⋆ ──
The writing was okay I suppose. I thought it would be an Agatha Christie-esque murder mystery with the way it felt when I started reading it so that has to count for something right? (More probably not tho)
˙✧˖°📷 ༘ ⋆｡˚
This book can also be exquisitely (and accurately) be summarised by this
66% - The Bean (a local cafe)
33%- actual plot
‧₊˚ ⋅ ☕︎ 𓎩 ‧₊˚ ⋅
1.7-i-will-scream-if-she-mentions-punpkin-spice-latte-or-crossiant-one-more-time/5
⏔⏔⏔ ꒰ ᧔ෆ᧓ ꒱ ⏔⏔⏔
✮⋆˙𝐩𝐫𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝
Another murder mystery!
First chapter in and this is giving ✨Agatha Christie✨ 👏
Thank you Netgalley, Carol Floriani and Crooked Lane Books for the eARC.
November 26, 2025
This was such a cozy read!!
We are thrust right into the action as a mysterious death is announced right away in Lacey’s hometown, Willow Buffs. I really liked our main character and her relationship with Derek, I thought they were sweet. The small-town feel was immaculate, so cozy, and the story wrapped up nicely. Aunt Tessa was an interesting character but felt at times like too much of a stereotype.
And my only negative: the twist at the end didn’t really live up to my expectations, a bit predictable.
Overall, I would recommend it for the atmosphere and if you want a quick, easy-to-read murder mystery.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
We are thrust right into the action as a mysterious death is announced right away in Lacey’s hometown, Willow Buffs. I really liked our main character and her relationship with Derek, I thought they were sweet. The small-town feel was immaculate, so cozy, and the story wrapped up nicely. Aunt Tessa was an interesting character but felt at times like too much of a stereotype.
And my only negative: the twist at the end didn’t really live up to my expectations, a bit predictable.
Overall, I would recommend it for the atmosphere and if you want a quick, easy-to-read murder mystery.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 22, 2026
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Lacey Langdon’s parents were killed in a horrific car accident. This brings her from New York to Willow Bluffs, New Jersey, to take over her mother’s printing and party-planning business. She is welcomed home by her great-aunt Tessa Langdon Vander Horn, a well-known and beloved soap opera star. Tessa has decided to sell the family estate, carving out 10 acres for the city for a community park, and a cottage on the property where Lacey will live and Tessa will stay when she is in town. Lacey’s first project is an opening ceremony to be held after the property is transferred from Tessa to the building developers. The event is going well until the police arrive, informing the guests that the dead body of councilman Glenn Hartman has been found below the estate on the bank of the Hudson River.
Is this death going to impact the land purchase? Will plans be able to move forward? Or put on hold? Is there a killer lurking on the grounds? Lacey and Derek, a former classmate of Lacey, decide to investigate the councilman’s death. They soon focus on one individual, but that person becomes the killer’s next victim; another dead body at another of Lacey’s events. Lacey and Derek need to kick their investigation into high gear before the body count continues to rise, or one of them is the next victim.
In this first Killer Event Mystery, Ms. Floriani introduces several characters. Protagonist Lacey Langdon is dealing with the loss of her parents and wants to make her mother proud by taking over the party-planning business. Her great-aunt Tessa is there for her, whatever she needs, but has returned to work on the soap opera that made her famous. Her agent, Julian LaFontaine, is very hands-on with his client. He drives her to the studio, goes over the scripts, and even suggests plot ideas. They have become good friends over the years. Derek Conover went to school with Lacey; he is now a lawyer and on the town council. Much to Tessa’s delight, they are rekindling their friendship. As in most small towns, Mayor Ariana Nikolas is very involved in anything that happens in Willow Bluffs. As this is just the first book in the series, we have just scratched the surface on these characters. There is plenty of room for growth. I really enjoyed Tessa; she has a big heart, and she reminds me of the matriarchs on my favorite soap, Days of Our Lives.
The mysteries were straightforward; the clues were all there to foretell where the story was headed, but the way everything played out was entertaining. I appreciated all the family stories and the tragic secrets that were revealed. That mansion was a treasure trove with an interesting discovery.
One thing stuck with me as it was Lacey’s mother’s mantra, repeated a few times in the book because of its importance to Lacey. “Give up, give in, or give it all you got.” She knew there was only one option. It gave her a little kick when things felt overwhelming.
Invitation to Murder is the author’s debut in the wild world of cozy mysteries, and she has done a great job. With interesting characters, an intriguing trip through Vander Horn history, local drama, and a stirring mystery, set in a small town close to New York City, she has laid a foundation for the series going forward.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
Lacey Langdon’s parents were killed in a horrific car accident. This brings her from New York to Willow Bluffs, New Jersey, to take over her mother’s printing and party-planning business. She is welcomed home by her great-aunt Tessa Langdon Vander Horn, a well-known and beloved soap opera star. Tessa has decided to sell the family estate, carving out 10 acres for the city for a community park, and a cottage on the property where Lacey will live and Tessa will stay when she is in town. Lacey’s first project is an opening ceremony to be held after the property is transferred from Tessa to the building developers. The event is going well until the police arrive, informing the guests that the dead body of councilman Glenn Hartman has been found below the estate on the bank of the Hudson River.
Is this death going to impact the land purchase? Will plans be able to move forward? Or put on hold? Is there a killer lurking on the grounds? Lacey and Derek, a former classmate of Lacey, decide to investigate the councilman’s death. They soon focus on one individual, but that person becomes the killer’s next victim; another dead body at another of Lacey’s events. Lacey and Derek need to kick their investigation into high gear before the body count continues to rise, or one of them is the next victim.
In this first Killer Event Mystery, Ms. Floriani introduces several characters. Protagonist Lacey Langdon is dealing with the loss of her parents and wants to make her mother proud by taking over the party-planning business. Her great-aunt Tessa is there for her, whatever she needs, but has returned to work on the soap opera that made her famous. Her agent, Julian LaFontaine, is very hands-on with his client. He drives her to the studio, goes over the scripts, and even suggests plot ideas. They have become good friends over the years. Derek Conover went to school with Lacey; he is now a lawyer and on the town council. Much to Tessa’s delight, they are rekindling their friendship. As in most small towns, Mayor Ariana Nikolas is very involved in anything that happens in Willow Bluffs. As this is just the first book in the series, we have just scratched the surface on these characters. There is plenty of room for growth. I really enjoyed Tessa; she has a big heart, and she reminds me of the matriarchs on my favorite soap, Days of Our Lives.
The mysteries were straightforward; the clues were all there to foretell where the story was headed, but the way everything played out was entertaining. I appreciated all the family stories and the tragic secrets that were revealed. That mansion was a treasure trove with an interesting discovery.
One thing stuck with me as it was Lacey’s mother’s mantra, repeated a few times in the book because of its importance to Lacey. “Give up, give in, or give it all you got.” She knew there was only one option. It gave her a little kick when things felt overwhelming.
Invitation to Murder is the author’s debut in the wild world of cozy mysteries, and she has done a great job. With interesting characters, an intriguing trip through Vander Horn history, local drama, and a stirring mystery, set in a small town close to New York City, she has laid a foundation for the series going forward.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
March 18, 2026
This was a fun, cozy murder mystery. I enjoyed the feel of an Agatha Christie book that I got while reading this. I did end up guessing the twist and who did it about halfway through, which meant the ending didn’t land for me as well as I’d hoped, but overall it was an enjoyable read.
October 29, 2025
Look, I love a cozy mystery as much as the next person who owns seven different novelty mugs, but this book, Invitation to Murder, is the epitome of a literary gentle breeze, and not in a good way. It follows Lacey Langdon, who inherits a party-planning and printing business and moves back to her "sleepy hometown" of Willow Bluffs. Willow Bluffs, by the way, sounds less like a town and more like the name of a scented candle you’d find at an artisanal soap shop.
The whole premise feels contrived. She gets to throw an opening ceremony for a community park, and—shocking, I know—a dead body shows up. It’s like the universe knew Lacey was bored and decided to hand her a hobby. The unfortunate town councilman, Glenn Hartman, is found near the Hudson River, which is apparently the local designated corpse drop-off point.
Lacey teams up with her former classmate, the lawyer Derek Conover, who is clearly the obligatory handsome, slightly rugged, and entirely too competent male co-star. Their partnership, if the summaries are accurate, is the central engine, but I’m going to be unsolicitedly critical and assume their chemistry is about as sizzling as lukewarm tap water. They are the definition of "serviceable," plodding along with their "investigation" which, let's be real, mostly consists of talking to gossipy locals and occasionally stumbling into a clue.
The narrative commits the cardinal sin of the cozy genre: it doubles down on the death count. Just when you think the Lacey/Derek duo might be running out of steam solving the first, a second suspect—a prime suspect, no less—drops dead at Lacey's next event. This isn't tension; it's overkill. It’s the author saying, "See? Stakes!" when really it just feels like narrative exhaustion. The whole thing about a resurfacing family tragedy just makes the plot sclerotic, dragging the pace down with unnecessary historical baggage.
Overall, it’s a perfectly unctuous read if you want something that requires zero cerebral activity. But if you’re looking for a genuinely clever, deleterious critique of society or a mystery that requires you to exercise your frontal lobe, this is disappointingly jejune. It's cute, it's cozy, and it’s about as memorable as that third cousin you only see at weddings.
#InvitationtoMurder #NetGalley
The whole premise feels contrived. She gets to throw an opening ceremony for a community park, and—shocking, I know—a dead body shows up. It’s like the universe knew Lacey was bored and decided to hand her a hobby. The unfortunate town councilman, Glenn Hartman, is found near the Hudson River, which is apparently the local designated corpse drop-off point.
Lacey teams up with her former classmate, the lawyer Derek Conover, who is clearly the obligatory handsome, slightly rugged, and entirely too competent male co-star. Their partnership, if the summaries are accurate, is the central engine, but I’m going to be unsolicitedly critical and assume their chemistry is about as sizzling as lukewarm tap water. They are the definition of "serviceable," plodding along with their "investigation" which, let's be real, mostly consists of talking to gossipy locals and occasionally stumbling into a clue.
The narrative commits the cardinal sin of the cozy genre: it doubles down on the death count. Just when you think the Lacey/Derek duo might be running out of steam solving the first, a second suspect—a prime suspect, no less—drops dead at Lacey's next event. This isn't tension; it's overkill. It’s the author saying, "See? Stakes!" when really it just feels like narrative exhaustion. The whole thing about a resurfacing family tragedy just makes the plot sclerotic, dragging the pace down with unnecessary historical baggage.
Overall, it’s a perfectly unctuous read if you want something that requires zero cerebral activity. But if you’re looking for a genuinely clever, deleterious critique of society or a mystery that requires you to exercise your frontal lobe, this is disappointingly jejune. It's cute, it's cozy, and it’s about as memorable as that third cousin you only see at weddings.
#InvitationtoMurder #NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you, Netgalley, for an early copy of this fun cozy mystery.
As someone who doesn't read many cozy mysteries, I found that I quite enjoyed myself. I loved the aspect of there being a mystery within a mystery and the challenge of trying to solve it along with the characters.
Aunt Tessa was such a character, and I completely envisioned her as a 90s soap star that I would watch along with my mom.
There was one event that took place that did throw me off a bit, but I was happy to see it clarified later on in the book.
I would recommend this as a starter cozy mystery to those like me who may not read all that many.
As someone who doesn't read many cozy mysteries, I found that I quite enjoyed myself. I loved the aspect of there being a mystery within a mystery and the challenge of trying to solve it along with the characters.
Aunt Tessa was such a character, and I completely envisioned her as a 90s soap star that I would watch along with my mom.
There was one event that took place that did throw me off a bit, but I was happy to see it clarified later on in the book.
I would recommend this as a starter cozy mystery to those like me who may not read all that many.
May 6, 2026
Received as an ARC from Netgalley.
If you're a fan of cozy reads this is for you. Lacey has comeback home to run her mother's Party Planning shop after her parents passed in an accident. Lacey is also helping her Aunt Tessa, a famous Soap Opera star; with the sale of her families estate. While at the groundbreaking ceremony for the sale a member of the town council is found dead on the cliffs behind the house.
With the death comes memories of the past, this isn't the first person to meet their untimely end on these cliffs. The reader is thrown into the mysterious tale of Tessa's families past and secrets long since buried. In this story the lines between the past and the present begin to blur and the once quiet town of Willow Bluffs is turned upside down with not one but two mysterious deaths.
NetGalley Badges
If you're a fan of cozy reads this is for you. Lacey has comeback home to run her mother's Party Planning shop after her parents passed in an accident. Lacey is also helping her Aunt Tessa, a famous Soap Opera star; with the sale of her families estate. While at the groundbreaking ceremony for the sale a member of the town council is found dead on the cliffs behind the house.
With the death comes memories of the past, this isn't the first person to meet their untimely end on these cliffs. The reader is thrown into the mysterious tale of Tessa's families past and secrets long since buried. In this story the lines between the past and the present begin to blur and the once quiet town of Willow Bluffs is turned upside down with not one but two mysterious deaths.
NetGalley Badges
June 20, 2026
What a cozy, smart read!
Lacey is navigating a small town/dramatic life with a famous aunt and surrounded by quirky characters. Waters get mirky with all sorts of rumors and small town gossip but throughout the story her life seems more dramatic than the soap opera her Aunt acts in.
I could have done with a little more cozy romance vibes between Lacey and Derek, but all in all, I enjoyed this one.
Thank you to Net Galley, Crooked Lane Books, and Carol Floriani for an eARC of this story.
Lacey is navigating a small town/dramatic life with a famous aunt and surrounded by quirky characters. Waters get mirky with all sorts of rumors and small town gossip but throughout the story her life seems more dramatic than the soap opera her Aunt acts in.
I could have done with a little more cozy romance vibes between Lacey and Derek, but all in all, I enjoyed this one.
Thank you to Net Galley, Crooked Lane Books, and Carol Floriani for an eARC of this story.
January 3, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Invitation to Murder by Carol Floriani due to be published on 26th May 2026 was a fun, cozy-style mystery with plenty of suspects and secrets to keep me guessing. The premise hooked me right away, and I enjoyed playing detective as the story unfolded. Some twists were predictable, but the ride was still entertaining. Not a total jaw-dropper, but a solid, enjoyable mystery that made for a good time.
Invitation to Murder by Carol Floriani due to be published on 26th May 2026 was a fun, cozy-style mystery with plenty of suspects and secrets to keep me guessing. The premise hooked me right away, and I enjoyed playing detective as the story unfolded. Some twists were predictable, but the ride was still entertaining. Not a total jaw-dropper, but a solid, enjoyable mystery that made for a good time.
Read
April 13, 2026Review to come after publication date.
September 12, 2026
the ending was HORRIBLE idk who let her publish this
March 10, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ebook ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
We’re dropped into the story right before the first big event of the book: a celebration of the sale of the Vander Horn estate. Lacey’s planned the party perfectly for her famous soap opera star aunt, and everything’s gone to plan. That is until a murder seems to have taken place on the edge of the estate.
What ensues is a mystery Lacey and her friends down a rabbit hole that is her family’s past. How could it be related to this murder? And who is obsessed with her family so much?
This was a fun read. I did enjoy the few red herrings of the story, and the twist and turns were simple and kept the story going. I will say, it got to seem pretty predictable a little more than halfway through. Nonetheless, it was a nice, easy read! Definitely something to read and just dive into when in need of a good book
3/5 stars
We’re dropped into the story right before the first big event of the book: a celebration of the sale of the Vander Horn estate. Lacey’s planned the party perfectly for her famous soap opera star aunt, and everything’s gone to plan. That is until a murder seems to have taken place on the edge of the estate.
What ensues is a mystery Lacey and her friends down a rabbit hole that is her family’s past. How could it be related to this murder? And who is obsessed with her family so much?
This was a fun read. I did enjoy the few red herrings of the story, and the twist and turns were simple and kept the story going. I will say, it got to seem pretty predictable a little more than halfway through. Nonetheless, it was a nice, easy read! Definitely something to read and just dive into when in need of a good book
3/5 stars
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I enjoyed this book. I also loved the fact that she calls her aunt "Aunt T". It made it more relatable to me as my made me think of my sister in law (even though my sister in law is much younger) as my kids also call he Aunt T.
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC copy to review!
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC copy to review!
November 20, 2025
3.5 ⭐
I enjoyed this book. It’s a charming, cozy small-town mystery, and the author’s writing style has a touch of Agatha Christie, which I’ve always appreciated. My only critique is the plot twist; I felt it could have been stronger, with a more cohesive connection between the crimes.
Overall, though, it was an enjoyable read.
I enjoyed this book. It’s a charming, cozy small-town mystery, and the author’s writing style has a touch of Agatha Christie, which I’ve always appreciated. My only critique is the plot twist; I felt it could have been stronger, with a more cohesive connection between the crimes.
Overall, though, it was an enjoyable read.
Want to Read
January 6, 2026pre-read: first arc of 2026! tryna get ahead with reading a few books before going back to school again next week 🙂↕️the reviews seem to like it so far and I like the cover so hopefully I enjoy this!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Running a party-planning business is stressful enough without your events accidentally becoming crime scenes, yet that is exactly the nightmare Lacey Langdon walks into in Invitation to Murder. She returns to her sleepy hometown of Willow Bluffs to take over her late mother’s printing and event planning business, hoping for a fresh start… and immediately gets handed a dead town councilman at the grand opening of a community park. Truly the worst possible Yelp review situation. “Great floral arrangements, but unfortunately there was a body.”
The setup is extremely cozy mystery catnip. Small town perched on the New Jersey Palisades. Everyone knows everyone’s business. Half the town is politely smiling while hiding twenty years of grudges. And overseeing it all is Lacey’s great aunt Tessa, a beloved soap opera star who sold the family’s sprawling nineteenth-century estate and donated land for the park. Honestly, Aunt Tessa alone feels like someone who could walk into a room, sip a martini, and casually reveal three family scandals before dinner.
Lacey herself is a perfectly likable amateur sleuth. She’s competent, curious, and trying very hard to rebuild her life after losing her parents in a tragic accident. Unfortunately for her, she also appears to have the magical ability to attract homicide like a murder-themed magnet. What starts as one shocking death quickly spirals into a full-blown mystery when town councilman Glenn Hartman is found dead near the Hudson River during the celebration she organized.
Naturally, Lacey decides the best way to deal with this situation is to investigate it herself, which is cozy mystery law. She teams up with Derek Conover, a former classmate who is now a lawyer and very much occupying the “possible future love interest who shows up to help solve crimes” role. Their dynamic is pleasant and easy, the kind of partnership that feels like it’s slowly warming up for a romance subplot while they question suspects and dig into town secrets.
And just when you think the investigation might calm down a little… another body drops.
One of their prime suspects dies at Lacey’s next event, which at that point would absolutely make me reconsider my entire career path. If every cocktail reception I hosted resulted in a homicide investigation, I would pivot immediately into something safer. Like alligator wrestling.
The mystery itself weaves together town politics, buried family history, and long simmering tensions in Willow Bluffs. There’s a lot of small-town atmosphere here, and the story clearly enjoys wandering through the community gossip, local history, and Vander Horn family legacy while Lacey and Derek slowly piece things together. The town feels lived-in and full of personalities, which is honestly one of the big charms of the book.
Where the story lands for me is comfortably in the cozy middle. The premise is fun, the characters are likable, and the setting has that warm small-town vibe that makes you want to settle in for the ride. But the mystery itself never quite hits that gasp-out-loud twist moment. If you’ve spent a decent amount of time reading cozy mysteries, you might start to see where things are heading before the final reveal arrives.
Still, I had a good time. Invitation to Murder feels like the opening chapter of a series where the real joy is watching Lacey navigate life, parties, and increasingly inconvenient murders while surrounded by a cast of quirky townspeople. And honestly, Aunt Tessa alone deserves several more books.
For me this lands at a solid three stars. It’s charming, easy to read, and full of cozy mystery vibes, even if the killer reveal doesn’t quite knock the wind out of you.
Whodunity Award: For Hosting the Most Accidentally Deadly Parties in Willow Bluffs
Huge thanks to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for the ARC, which I promise I read in a perfectly normal environment that contained zero suspicious councilmen or mysteriously timed party deaths. Always appreciated… though if my next dinner party ends in a homicide investigation, I will be sending questions.
The setup is extremely cozy mystery catnip. Small town perched on the New Jersey Palisades. Everyone knows everyone’s business. Half the town is politely smiling while hiding twenty years of grudges. And overseeing it all is Lacey’s great aunt Tessa, a beloved soap opera star who sold the family’s sprawling nineteenth-century estate and donated land for the park. Honestly, Aunt Tessa alone feels like someone who could walk into a room, sip a martini, and casually reveal three family scandals before dinner.
Lacey herself is a perfectly likable amateur sleuth. She’s competent, curious, and trying very hard to rebuild her life after losing her parents in a tragic accident. Unfortunately for her, she also appears to have the magical ability to attract homicide like a murder-themed magnet. What starts as one shocking death quickly spirals into a full-blown mystery when town councilman Glenn Hartman is found dead near the Hudson River during the celebration she organized.
Naturally, Lacey decides the best way to deal with this situation is to investigate it herself, which is cozy mystery law. She teams up with Derek Conover, a former classmate who is now a lawyer and very much occupying the “possible future love interest who shows up to help solve crimes” role. Their dynamic is pleasant and easy, the kind of partnership that feels like it’s slowly warming up for a romance subplot while they question suspects and dig into town secrets.
And just when you think the investigation might calm down a little… another body drops.
One of their prime suspects dies at Lacey’s next event, which at that point would absolutely make me reconsider my entire career path. If every cocktail reception I hosted resulted in a homicide investigation, I would pivot immediately into something safer. Like alligator wrestling.
The mystery itself weaves together town politics, buried family history, and long simmering tensions in Willow Bluffs. There’s a lot of small-town atmosphere here, and the story clearly enjoys wandering through the community gossip, local history, and Vander Horn family legacy while Lacey and Derek slowly piece things together. The town feels lived-in and full of personalities, which is honestly one of the big charms of the book.
Where the story lands for me is comfortably in the cozy middle. The premise is fun, the characters are likable, and the setting has that warm small-town vibe that makes you want to settle in for the ride. But the mystery itself never quite hits that gasp-out-loud twist moment. If you’ve spent a decent amount of time reading cozy mysteries, you might start to see where things are heading before the final reveal arrives.
Still, I had a good time. Invitation to Murder feels like the opening chapter of a series where the real joy is watching Lacey navigate life, parties, and increasingly inconvenient murders while surrounded by a cast of quirky townspeople. And honestly, Aunt Tessa alone deserves several more books.
For me this lands at a solid three stars. It’s charming, easy to read, and full of cozy mystery vibes, even if the killer reveal doesn’t quite knock the wind out of you.
Whodunity Award: For Hosting the Most Accidentally Deadly Parties in Willow Bluffs
Huge thanks to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for the ARC, which I promise I read in a perfectly normal environment that contained zero suspicious councilmen or mysteriously timed party deaths. Always appreciated… though if my next dinner party ends in a homicide investigation, I will be sending questions.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A dead councillor, a small American town, secrets buried within layers of complex family history? Sign me up! On paper this has everything I want from a cozy mystery. The establishing descriptions do their job well, conjuring atmosphere with some confidence. There are funny moments too, where genuine personality breaks through. But unfortunately the promise of the premise is almost entirely squandered by the execution.
The main character Lacey is interesting, as is her aunt, but the rest of the characters feel pretty two-dimensional. But crucially Lacey herself never seems particularly invested in what's happening, and if she isn't, why should I be? She doesn't really do much sleuthing, everything kind of falls in her lap inexplicably.
The woman at the centre of much of the drama is written like a cartoon seductress villain rather than a credible person. The reporter character is so thinly drawn that the supposed ambiguity around her feels almost insulting - you're presumably meant to be suspicious, but the telegraphing is so heavy-handed it defeats the purpose of a red herring entirely. A lot of the potentially interesting character plot points are just never resolved.
The prose has a persistent habit of telling rather than showing. If something is eerie, I want to feel that rather than just being told that it is. There's also a tendency toward over-explanation in the wrong places "he had become a good friend, maybe something more" is exactly the kind of thing a reader should be allowed to infer. The dialogue rarely sounds natural or hunan, and there's a broader problem I find difficult to fully articulate - the whole thing feels incredibly artificial. The names (Vander Horns, Willow Bluffs, Sebastian DesChamps etc) are so aggressively fictional they break any sense of immersion.
Here's the fundamental problem: there's no real mystery. There are no real clues. Things just sort of happen, and the stakes feel incredibly low throughout. A good mystery compels you to find out whodunit, even if the writing frustrates you, even if the characters irritate you, you push through for the reveal. I never felt that compulsion. When strange things started happening, I found I wasn't especially bothered. And the reveal, when it comes, doesn't justify the wait, it arrives somewhat out of nowhere and leans heavily on quite a flimsy narrative choice as a catch-all explanation. Several threads are simply never acknowledged again.The twists need to be at least somewhat believable to land, and these don't. Also I'd say that the book is too short, it's actually closer to 200 than 300 pages, and it feels undercooked.
With thanks to Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for the advanced reader copy.
The main character Lacey is interesting, as is her aunt, but the rest of the characters feel pretty two-dimensional. But crucially Lacey herself never seems particularly invested in what's happening, and if she isn't, why should I be? She doesn't really do much sleuthing, everything kind of falls in her lap inexplicably.
The woman at the centre of much of the drama is written like a cartoon seductress villain rather than a credible person. The reporter character is so thinly drawn that the supposed ambiguity around her feels almost insulting - you're presumably meant to be suspicious, but the telegraphing is so heavy-handed it defeats the purpose of a red herring entirely. A lot of the potentially interesting character plot points are just never resolved.
The prose has a persistent habit of telling rather than showing. If something is eerie, I want to feel that rather than just being told that it is. There's also a tendency toward over-explanation in the wrong places "he had become a good friend, maybe something more" is exactly the kind of thing a reader should be allowed to infer. The dialogue rarely sounds natural or hunan, and there's a broader problem I find difficult to fully articulate - the whole thing feels incredibly artificial. The names (Vander Horns, Willow Bluffs, Sebastian DesChamps etc) are so aggressively fictional they break any sense of immersion.
Here's the fundamental problem: there's no real mystery. There are no real clues. Things just sort of happen, and the stakes feel incredibly low throughout. A good mystery compels you to find out whodunit, even if the writing frustrates you, even if the characters irritate you, you push through for the reveal. I never felt that compulsion. When strange things started happening, I found I wasn't especially bothered. And the reveal, when it comes, doesn't justify the wait, it arrives somewhat out of nowhere and leans heavily on quite a flimsy narrative choice as a catch-all explanation. Several threads are simply never acknowledged again.The twists need to be at least somewhat believable to land, and these don't. Also I'd say that the book is too short, it's actually closer to 200 than 300 pages, and it feels undercooked.
With thanks to Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for the advanced reader copy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
2☆ | what's it with all these bad books I'm reading recently? 💔
𝑻𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔:
Okay so actually WHAT WAS THAT ENDING. NO. NOPE❌❌TERRIBLE ENDINGGG. I mean like the whole book was just eh, but then there was that ending and it just went and ruined what wasn't even amazing to begin with🤦♀️
Also like, the mystery, tell me why 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 fell into the fmc's lap. Like what. Girlie didn't even have to try. Like I get it, shes the fmc, things are supposed to go her way and we're supposed to root for her but uhhhh, they also have to actually 𝘵𝘳𝘺.
She could've been the next one to be killed and I probably would've clapped.
I personally think that there were too many side characters and that they were two dimensional. I also thought that the main character, Lacey had literally not interest in investigating. Like isn't that the whole point of the book?? Shouldn't she be caring about what she's doing??
Also the mystery was pretty much non-existent, and like I said, everything literally fell right into Lacey's lap. Where's the actual investigating and the clues any everything else you get from a mystery?? The story itself didn't draw me in either, I wasn't too interested in it and didn't care what would happen to the fmc, if she was in danger or not.
This was described as a cozy mystery, but I found absolutely nothing about this to be cozy, but that could just be me🤷♀️
𝑶𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒍𝒍:
It was fine, a so-so debut novel, there is so much more that could be done, and done better (loose ends that need to be tied up, better reveal for as to who the killer is, etc.), the writing was also just okay as well, nothing phenomenal or anything.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me to have an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Ebook - 0🌶 - 2☆
𝑻𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔:
Okay so actually WHAT WAS THAT ENDING. NO. NOPE❌❌TERRIBLE ENDINGGG. I mean like the whole book was just eh, but then there was that ending and it just went and ruined what wasn't even amazing to begin with🤦♀️
Also like, the mystery, tell me why 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 fell into the fmc's lap. Like what. Girlie didn't even have to try. Like I get it, shes the fmc, things are supposed to go her way and we're supposed to root for her but uhhhh, they also have to actually 𝘵𝘳𝘺.
She could've been the next one to be killed and I probably would've clapped.
I personally think that there were too many side characters and that they were two dimensional. I also thought that the main character, Lacey had literally not interest in investigating. Like isn't that the whole point of the book?? Shouldn't she be caring about what she's doing??
Also the mystery was pretty much non-existent, and like I said, everything literally fell right into Lacey's lap. Where's the actual investigating and the clues any everything else you get from a mystery?? The story itself didn't draw me in either, I wasn't too interested in it and didn't care what would happen to the fmc, if she was in danger or not.
This was described as a cozy mystery, but I found absolutely nothing about this to be cozy, but that could just be me🤷♀️
𝑶𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒍𝒍:
It was fine, a so-so debut novel, there is so much more that could be done, and done better (loose ends that need to be tied up, better reveal for as to who the killer is, etc.), the writing was also just okay as well, nothing phenomenal or anything.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me to have an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Ebook - 0🌶 - 2☆
November 5, 2025
Carol Floriani’s The Invitation to Murder checks all the boxes for cozy mystery fans: small-town charm, quirky characters, and just the right sprinkle of intrigue. The setting feels lived-in and comfortable, making it easy to get swept up in the community’s drama. Unfortunately, Aunt Tessa, who seems pivotal, became more frustrating as the story unfolded with her guarded communication style.
She’s one of those characters who only talks when you drag the truth out of her. And sure, she’s willing enough to answer once asked, but if you have no qualms sharing vital information, why wait to be asked? Especially when there’s a possible stalker lurking in the background? It’s one of those character choices that makes you want to reach into the book and shake someone.
The partnership with ex-classmate Derek adds cute banter, blending old tragedies with fresh kills, but the killer reveal was a letdown. Even though I added a note in the middle of the book guessing the killer correctly, the reason why did not sit well with me. Cozy elements shine in the party-planning chaos and NJ setting, but predictability dulled the edge.
It's a breezy debut with enough small-town sleuthing and event mishaps to entertain, though the emotional family ties felt underdeveloped amid the annoyances.
Would I recommend it?
It’s a mixed bag. I liked the small-town setting, the party-planning hook, and the undercurrent of family secrets, but I wanted sharper character logic and a more earned ending. A solid debut with promise, but not one that left me wowed.
💭 Let’s talk mysteries that miss the mark
Have you ever read a book where the big reveal just didn’t land for you? What makes or breaks a good killer twist in your opinion? Tell me your thoughts below 👇
She’s one of those characters who only talks when you drag the truth out of her. And sure, she’s willing enough to answer once asked, but if you have no qualms sharing vital information, why wait to be asked? Especially when there’s a possible stalker lurking in the background? It’s one of those character choices that makes you want to reach into the book and shake someone.
The partnership with ex-classmate Derek adds cute banter, blending old tragedies with fresh kills, but the killer reveal was a letdown. Even though I added a note in the middle of the book guessing the killer correctly, the reason why did not sit well with me. Cozy elements shine in the party-planning chaos and NJ setting, but predictability dulled the edge.
It's a breezy debut with enough small-town sleuthing and event mishaps to entertain, though the emotional family ties felt underdeveloped amid the annoyances.
Would I recommend it?
It’s a mixed bag. I liked the small-town setting, the party-planning hook, and the undercurrent of family secrets, but I wanted sharper character logic and a more earned ending. A solid debut with promise, but not one that left me wowed.
💭 Let’s talk mysteries that miss the mark
Have you ever read a book where the big reveal just didn’t land for you? What makes or breaks a good killer twist in your opinion? Tell me your thoughts below 👇
December 10, 2025
Lacey has been turned upside down. Her parents' tragic death was followed by her moving in with her Aunt Tessa and taking over her mom's printing and event planning business. Aunt Tessa, a soap opera star whose family has lived in Willow Bluffs for generations, has sold the family estate and land. This touches off a series of events. The most serious, the death of a councilman.
The story setup was interesting and not something seen every day. However, for me at times it felt like the story worked too hard to follow a cozy mystery formula.
The "romance" between Derek and Lacey seemed forced, more like Lacey was trying to convince herself because Aunt Tessa kept referring to Derek as Lacey's "young man". That, coupled with moments where Lacey is contemplating whether or not she could date Derek. The dinners together and such showed a budding relationship of sorts, the "moments" in my opinion were not necessary.
The murder mystery was more of a historical mystery wrapped in a cozy. It was unexpected, and I didn't mind it. Unfortunately, I'd guessed a lot of it early on, so the twists didn't land quite like they probably were intended.
I am interested in what happens next for Lacey, Derek, Aunt Tessa, Jess, and James in Willow Bluffs.
Thank you #NetGalley and #CrookedLaneBooks for the opportunity to read and share my thoughts on this book.
Happy Reading!
The story setup was interesting and not something seen every day. However, for me at times it felt like the story worked too hard to follow a cozy mystery formula.
The "romance" between Derek and Lacey seemed forced, more like Lacey was trying to convince herself because Aunt Tessa kept referring to Derek as Lacey's "young man". That, coupled with moments where Lacey is contemplating whether or not she could date Derek. The dinners together and such showed a budding relationship of sorts, the "moments" in my opinion were not necessary.
The murder mystery was more of a historical mystery wrapped in a cozy. It was unexpected, and I didn't mind it. Unfortunately, I'd guessed a lot of it early on, so the twists didn't land quite like they probably were intended.
I am interested in what happens next for Lacey, Derek, Aunt Tessa, Jess, and James in Willow Bluffs.
Thank you #NetGalley and #CrookedLaneBooks for the opportunity to read and share my thoughts on this book.
Happy Reading!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Invitation to Murder is hopefully the first in a new cozy mystery series, as I thoroughly enjoyed it and would absolutely read more books in the series.
Our main character, Lacey Langdon, has inherited her party planning business from her late mother. The business is located in Willow Bluffs, New Jersey. She lives with her famous Great Aunt Tessa in a cute cottage on what part of what used to be her great estate. Tessa sold most of her estate to a developer with part of it being gifted to the city for a park. But when a town counselor winds up dead at the base of the cliff on the estate on the day of the big groundbreaking ceremony and strange messages start arriving for Lacey, her and her friend Derek Conover are determined to get to the bottom of things.
There were quite a few possible suspects in this story, but I was pretty sure I knew who was behind everything. Although, I was surprised at the reason why the town counselor ended up becoming a victim.
This story was full of some great main and secondary characters. The setting was perfect for the story. Set on a sweeping estate, overlooking a bluff, with some strange goings on, gave it a bit of a gothic feel. Even though I was pretty sure I had things figured out, the mystery and how it was solved was still pretty interesting.
Overall, if you are a cozy mystery fan I would recommend this one.
Thank you to Crooked Lane Books for the advanced digital copy of Invitation to Murder.
Our main character, Lacey Langdon, has inherited her party planning business from her late mother. The business is located in Willow Bluffs, New Jersey. She lives with her famous Great Aunt Tessa in a cute cottage on what part of what used to be her great estate. Tessa sold most of her estate to a developer with part of it being gifted to the city for a park. But when a town counselor winds up dead at the base of the cliff on the estate on the day of the big groundbreaking ceremony and strange messages start arriving for Lacey, her and her friend Derek Conover are determined to get to the bottom of things.
There were quite a few possible suspects in this story, but I was pretty sure I knew who was behind everything. Although, I was surprised at the reason why the town counselor ended up becoming a victim.
This story was full of some great main and secondary characters. The setting was perfect for the story. Set on a sweeping estate, overlooking a bluff, with some strange goings on, gave it a bit of a gothic feel. Even though I was pretty sure I had things figured out, the mystery and how it was solved was still pretty interesting.
Overall, if you are a cozy mystery fan I would recommend this one.
Thank you to Crooked Lane Books for the advanced digital copy of Invitation to Murder.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
⭐⭐
Invitation to Murder by Carol Floriani is a debut mystery that unfortunately didn't work for me.
Lacey Langdon moves back to her hometown of Willow Bluffs, New Jersey after inheriting her mother's printing and party-planning business. Her great aunt Tessa, who was a soap opera star, is selling her big estate and giving some of the land to the town for a park. Lacey gets hired to plan the opening ceremony. But then a town councilman turns up dead by the Hudson River. Lacey teams up with Derek Conover, an old classmate who's now a lawyer, to figure out who did it. Then one of their main suspects dies at Lacey's next event. Now there are two bodies and tensions are running high. Some old family drama surfaces, and Lacey and Derek are racing to solve this before someone else gets killed.
The party-planning business is a fun angle for a cozy mystery. The small-town New Jersey setting has potential.
But the twist is somehow both out of nowhere and very predictable at the same time. I was so frustrated by Lacey constantly ignoring clues she herself was pointing out. She'd notice the killer acting weird but then completely blow it off, only to be shocked when the truth comes out. It made her seem really oblivious.
A disappointing debut that needed better execution.
#InvitationToMurder #CarolFloriani #CozyMystery #MysteryBooks #DebutNovel
Invitation to Murder by Carol Floriani is a debut mystery that unfortunately didn't work for me.
Lacey Langdon moves back to her hometown of Willow Bluffs, New Jersey after inheriting her mother's printing and party-planning business. Her great aunt Tessa, who was a soap opera star, is selling her big estate and giving some of the land to the town for a park. Lacey gets hired to plan the opening ceremony. But then a town councilman turns up dead by the Hudson River. Lacey teams up with Derek Conover, an old classmate who's now a lawyer, to figure out who did it. Then one of their main suspects dies at Lacey's next event. Now there are two bodies and tensions are running high. Some old family drama surfaces, and Lacey and Derek are racing to solve this before someone else gets killed.
The party-planning business is a fun angle for a cozy mystery. The small-town New Jersey setting has potential.
But the twist is somehow both out of nowhere and very predictable at the same time. I was so frustrated by Lacey constantly ignoring clues she herself was pointing out. She'd notice the killer acting weird but then completely blow it off, only to be shocked when the truth comes out. It made her seem really oblivious.
A disappointing debut that needed better execution.
#InvitationToMurder #CarolFloriani #CozyMystery #MysteryBooks #DebutNovel
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an Advanced Readers Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I’m someone who loves mystery books, films and anything in between so when I saw this book, I just had to request it. I’ve seen Poirot (Murder on the Orient Express, Death in the Nile), etc and read many books in this genre so this book would have been right up my alley. With that being said, I’m going to keep this review quite short. I wanted to stop at chapter one but I pushed on to chapter four in hopes it would get better, but it didn’t for me. I would say the first chapter had a lot of information especially during the first half of the chapter so I did feel like I couldn’t digest or remember much of that information that was told. I just could not get into this book. I think the concept is interesting, but I think it’s just a me thing. It might also be that this is an ARC so hopefully the published version would be better.
Overall, I’d rate this book three out of five stars. I don’t want to rate it lower as it might be a me thing and not a problem with the book, but I do think other people might like this book more than I did.
I’m someone who loves mystery books, films and anything in between so when I saw this book, I just had to request it. I’ve seen Poirot (Murder on the Orient Express, Death in the Nile), etc and read many books in this genre so this book would have been right up my alley. With that being said, I’m going to keep this review quite short. I wanted to stop at chapter one but I pushed on to chapter four in hopes it would get better, but it didn’t for me. I would say the first chapter had a lot of information especially during the first half of the chapter so I did feel like I couldn’t digest or remember much of that information that was told. I just could not get into this book. I think the concept is interesting, but I think it’s just a me thing. It might also be that this is an ARC so hopefully the published version would be better.
Overall, I’d rate this book three out of five stars. I don’t want to rate it lower as it might be a me thing and not a problem with the book, but I do think other people might like this book more than I did.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Invitation to Murder by Carol Floriani is the perfect read for cozy-mystery enthusiasts. With its charming small-town setting, an old family estate full of secrets, and a delightful local coffee shop and a party planning business at the heart of the story, it checks all the right boxes for fans of the genre.
The book is well-paced with a a blend of clever twists, most you might see coming and others that will genuinely surprise you. I especially enjoyed the quirky cast of characters and how the author weaves humor and community life into the investigation (which is mostly town gossiping and lucky guesses but who cares)
The touch of romance wasn’t really necessary for me, but it stayed light and never distracted from the heart of the story. The writing has a comfortable, easy flow that makes it perfect for a weekend escape.
Overall, Invitation to Murder delivers everything a cozy mystery lover could want: atmosphere, intrigue, and a cast of small town folks. I’ll definitely be recommending it and keeping an eye out for Carol Floriani’s future books!
Thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the ARC, Invitation to Murder will be published May 26th 2026
The book is well-paced with a a blend of clever twists, most you might see coming and others that will genuinely surprise you. I especially enjoyed the quirky cast of characters and how the author weaves humor and community life into the investigation (which is mostly town gossiping and lucky guesses but who cares)
The touch of romance wasn’t really necessary for me, but it stayed light and never distracted from the heart of the story. The writing has a comfortable, easy flow that makes it perfect for a weekend escape.
Overall, Invitation to Murder delivers everything a cozy mystery lover could want: atmosphere, intrigue, and a cast of small town folks. I’ll definitely be recommending it and keeping an eye out for Carol Floriani’s future books!
Thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the ARC, Invitation to Murder will be published May 26th 2026
March 19, 2026
First off thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this early copy of this book.
This is a cozy murder mystery about a woman named Lacey Langdon who, after inheriting her mother’s printing and party supply business, returns to her hometown of Willow Bluffs. But during one of her events, the town’s councilman was murdered and the story goes from there.
I was excited when I saw this on NetGalley as I’ve been looking for more new books in different genres to try. The blurb intrigued me as how a councilman’s death was related to Lacey family and history but I was just disappointed. After reading 3 chapters I was just bored and confused but I still pushed through because I want to know if it’s going to get better, well it didn’t.
It began with the death of the councilman but as the story progresses, that plot seems to be forgotten. The focus turned to just Lacey’s Aunt Tessa’s family history and drama. And I couldn’t care less with the main characters Lacey and Derek. They’re boring and seem like they don’t have any personality.
The ending was just meh. The revelation on who killed the councilman and why was so shallow and anti climactic.
This is a cozy murder mystery about a woman named Lacey Langdon who, after inheriting her mother’s printing and party supply business, returns to her hometown of Willow Bluffs. But during one of her events, the town’s councilman was murdered and the story goes from there.
I was excited when I saw this on NetGalley as I’ve been looking for more new books in different genres to try. The blurb intrigued me as how a councilman’s death was related to Lacey family and history but I was just disappointed. After reading 3 chapters I was just bored and confused but I still pushed through because I want to know if it’s going to get better, well it didn’t.
It began with the death of the councilman but as the story progresses, that plot seems to be forgotten. The focus turned to just Lacey’s Aunt Tessa’s family history and drama. And I couldn’t care less with the main characters Lacey and Derek. They’re boring and seem like they don’t have any personality.
The ending was just meh. The revelation on who killed the councilman and why was so shallow and anti climactic.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A cute cozy mystery set in a small town is a great way to end your day.
Lucy Langdon returns to her small town home of Willow Bluffs after inheriting a printing and party planning business. Her great aunt, Tessa Vander Horn, a beloved soap opera star, has just given the town ten acres for development and is honoring her for that. But when the event is overtaken by a murder, Lucy is determined to find out what happened. With the help of former classmate and now lawyer, Derrick Conover, the two uncover a century-old secret that could impact others, so the two work furiously to uncover the murderer.
I liked the small town atmosphere and the quirky characters in the book. But I didn’t quite resonate with Lucy or her Aunt Tessa. Aunt Tessa held a lot of information that she was hesitant to share and thus seemed odd to me. I also felt the family secret that was integral to the mystery was not developed enough. And the murderer and reasons for the murder seemed unbelievable. Nonetheless, the pacing was good. The budding romance between Lucy and Derrick was nice. This book is worthy of a cozy read.
I’d like to thank NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for allowing me access to this ARC.
Lucy Langdon returns to her small town home of Willow Bluffs after inheriting a printing and party planning business. Her great aunt, Tessa Vander Horn, a beloved soap opera star, has just given the town ten acres for development and is honoring her for that. But when the event is overtaken by a murder, Lucy is determined to find out what happened. With the help of former classmate and now lawyer, Derrick Conover, the two uncover a century-old secret that could impact others, so the two work furiously to uncover the murderer.
I liked the small town atmosphere and the quirky characters in the book. But I didn’t quite resonate with Lucy or her Aunt Tessa. Aunt Tessa held a lot of information that she was hesitant to share and thus seemed odd to me. I also felt the family secret that was integral to the mystery was not developed enough. And the murderer and reasons for the murder seemed unbelievable. Nonetheless, the pacing was good. The budding romance between Lucy and Derrick was nice. This book is worthy of a cozy read.
I’d like to thank NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for allowing me access to this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was a solid cozy-ish murder mystery. I feel like I was frustrated by the main character seemingly ignoring all of the clues that she herself was mentioning. She would call attention to the killer’s odd behavior but then disregard it, only to act shocked at the final reveal. The plot did benefit from everything odd happening all at once in a town where nothing odd ever seems to happen. But I didn’t mind that too much, I actually enjoyed some of the side plots (like the soap reporter) more than the murders. Aunt T was a highlight; she was very easy to envision as a character, and she stayed consistent throughout. My only issue with her was, why must she refuse to just tell everything you know up front, rather than waiting for a creepy hint to force you to reveal what you’ve known this whole time? That actually captures another thought, which was that everyone was written to seem a little bit guilty or strange, which led to me not really caring about any of the characters the way I wanted to. Dylan was 10/10, though.
Thank you to the publisher for providing this ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to the publisher for providing this ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 25, 2025
I am personally offended and enraged.
WHAT WAS THE POINT.
Why is everyone wearing beige cashmere turtleneck sweaters. Why are they constantly eating rich people catering. Why can no one cook. Why are they so obsessed with that sweet, succulent, baby cow flesh.
There are so many commas.
Our protagonist is certified #quirky. She is obsessed with yellow. She drives a VW Beetle. She is 28 but sounds suspiciously old. She refers to a woman as a “dish,” for example.
Speaking of that dish woman!! Did you know that she is an evil devil gold-digger temptress TART?!???! Nothing like our perfect and pure protagonist who doesn’t so much as kiss the boring love interest.
Jeremy should have been the love interest, btw. Justice for Jeremy. Derek is lowkey villain-coded, sorry.
This was a bad time for me. However, there are worse cozy mysteries out there. If you are a fan of the genre and want to turn your brain off, give this book a try!
Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Publishing for the ARC! All opinions are my own.
WHAT WAS THE POINT.
Why is everyone wearing beige cashmere turtleneck sweaters. Why are they constantly eating rich people catering. Why can no one cook. Why are they so obsessed with that sweet, succulent, baby cow flesh.
There are so many commas.
Our protagonist is certified #quirky. She is obsessed with yellow. She drives a VW Beetle. She is 28 but sounds suspiciously old. She refers to a woman as a “dish,” for example.
Speaking of that dish woman!! Did you know that she is an evil devil gold-digger temptress TART?!???! Nothing like our perfect and pure protagonist who doesn’t so much as kiss the boring love interest.
Jeremy should have been the love interest, btw. Justice for Jeremy. Derek is lowkey villain-coded, sorry.
This was a bad time for me. However, there are worse cozy mysteries out there. If you are a fan of the genre and want to turn your brain off, give this book a try!
Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Publishing for the ARC! All opinions are my own.
May 27, 2026
After inheriting her mother’s printing and party-planning business, Lacey Langdon moves back to her sleepy hometown of Willow Bluffs, perched on New Jersey’s Palisades. When her great-aunt, Tessa Langdon Vander Horn, a well-known and beloved soap opera star, sells her nineteenth-century estate and donates ten acres to the development of a community park, Lacey’s new venture is put at the helm of the opening ceremony. But the festivities quickly come to an end when the body of town councilman Glenn Hartman is found on the bank of the Hudson River.
Partnering with her former classmate, lawyer Derek Conover, they dig deep into the case to find out who is behind the murder. Suspicions abound, but Lacey and Derek hit a snag when one of their prime suspects drops dead at Lacey’s next event. With a second body added to the count, tensions rise in Willow Bluffs.
Caught in the cross fire when remnants of a family tragedy resurface, Lacey and Derek must act swiftly before another body drops dead.
Really enjoyed Lacey and Derek's story. Cannot wait to read more from the author.
Partnering with her former classmate, lawyer Derek Conover, they dig deep into the case to find out who is behind the murder. Suspicions abound, but Lacey and Derek hit a snag when one of their prime suspects drops dead at Lacey’s next event. With a second body added to the count, tensions rise in Willow Bluffs.
Caught in the cross fire when remnants of a family tragedy resurface, Lacey and Derek must act swiftly before another body drops dead.
Really enjoyed Lacey and Derek's story. Cannot wait to read more from the author.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Get ready for small town charm, an unwitting amateur detective and a lot of fun.
Starting off like so many tales, Lacey inherits a family business back in her sleepy, quiet hometown — but instead of finding the true meaning of Christmas, she finds dead bodies.
Lacey was a delight; taking on her mothers party planning business with anxiety but excitement, ready for her next adventure before her first party ends up in tragedy and she finds herself working with the local detective and old friend to find the murderer. She was a bit chaotic in the best way,
We start with a slightly over-exposited introduction, throwing a lot of information and backstory at us in the first chapter but we meet an intriguing cast - the genuinely infuriatingly self absorbed wealthy residents, an out of town reporter, Lacey’s soap star auntie, and old childhood friends. They all carried the humour, the tension and the twists in such different ways.
Starting off like so many tales, Lacey inherits a family business back in her sleepy, quiet hometown — but instead of finding the true meaning of Christmas, she finds dead bodies.
Lacey was a delight; taking on her mothers party planning business with anxiety but excitement, ready for her next adventure before her first party ends up in tragedy and she finds herself working with the local detective and old friend to find the murderer. She was a bit chaotic in the best way,
We start with a slightly over-exposited introduction, throwing a lot of information and backstory at us in the first chapter but we meet an intriguing cast - the genuinely infuriatingly self absorbed wealthy residents, an out of town reporter, Lacey’s soap star auntie, and old childhood friends. They all carried the humour, the tension and the twists in such different ways.
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