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Hu Done It #2
The Mortal Enemy Murder Club
Not yet published
Expected 28 Jul 26Win a free print copy of this book!
1 day and 15:24:31
5 copies available
U.S. and Canada only
The Ex-Girlfriend Murder Club is back with a twist in this smart, hilarious mystery by USA TODAY bestselling author Gloria Chao.
Kathryn Hu is not getting into the business of solving murders. Yes, she and her friends Olivia and Elle figured out who killed their cheating ex-boyfriend. But now Kat can get back to her usual, murder-free existence.
Then she gets an unexpected plea for help. Mandy Thorne has ruined countless lives through her revenge podcast. She also did her best to frame the girls. Now, she claims, someone is trying to kill her. And the girls are the only ones who can save her.
But can the trio and Mandy put aside their mutual contempt long enough to prevent a murder and solve this case? Can they become…the Mortal Enemy Murder Club?
Kathryn Hu is not getting into the business of solving murders. Yes, she and her friends Olivia and Elle figured out who killed their cheating ex-boyfriend. But now Kat can get back to her usual, murder-free existence.
Then she gets an unexpected plea for help. Mandy Thorne has ruined countless lives through her revenge podcast. She also did her best to frame the girls. Now, she claims, someone is trying to kill her. And the girls are the only ones who can save her.
But can the trio and Mandy put aside their mutual contempt long enough to prevent a murder and solve this case? Can they become…the Mortal Enemy Murder Club?
352 pages, Paperback
Expected publication July 28, 2026
About the author
Gloria Chao
11 books1,157 followersGloria Chao is a USA Today bestselling author and a screenwriter. Her novels include The Mortal Enemy Murder Club (out 7.28.2026), The Ex-Girlfriend Murder Club, Ex Marks the Spot, When You Wish Upon a Lantern, Rent a Boyfriend, Our Wayward Fate, and American Panda. She graduated from MIT and became a dentist before realizing she'd rather spend her days in fictional characters’ heads instead of real people’s mouths. When she’s not writing, you can find her on the curling ice, where she and her husband are world-ranked in mixed doubles.
Visit her tea-and-book-filled world at GloriaChao.Wordpress.com, and find her on Twitter and Instagram @GloriacChao.
Visit her tea-and-book-filled world at GloriaChao.Wordpress.com, and find her on Twitter and Instagram @GloriacChao.
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February 5, 2026Dear Reader,
THE MORTAL ENEMY MURDER CLUB has all of my favorite things from the first book but even MORE:
–twists and turns
–suspects
–romance
–Kat's MOM
–Mandy Thorne
–and of course, many more shenanigans, including one of my favorite scenes I've ever written
I hope you enjoy this follow-up to THE EX-GIRLFRIEND MURDER CLUB. I am so grateful to all you readers for the love and support you’ve given this series. Thank you. To each and every one of you. For going on these adventures with this trio; for reviewing, posting, telling a friend. I am just so grateful. When I changed careers over a decade ago, I didn’t dare dream this big. Thank you for making it so I can do my dream job. Writing books filled with humor, shenanigans, and ride-or-die friendships brings me so much joy, and I hope in turn I was able to bring you some joy as well.
This book is for anyone who wishes to be part of the Ex-Girlfriend Murder Club. You are.
Happy reading!
Gloria
THE MORTAL ENEMY MURDER CLUB has all of my favorite things from the first book but even MORE:
–twists and turns
–suspects
–romance
–Kat's MOM
–Mandy Thorne
–and of course, many more shenanigans, including one of my favorite scenes I've ever written
I hope you enjoy this follow-up to THE EX-GIRLFRIEND MURDER CLUB. I am so grateful to all you readers for the love and support you’ve given this series. Thank you. To each and every one of you. For going on these adventures with this trio; for reviewing, posting, telling a friend. I am just so grateful. When I changed careers over a decade ago, I didn’t dare dream this big. Thank you for making it so I can do my dream job. Writing books filled with humor, shenanigans, and ride-or-die friendships brings me so much joy, and I hope in turn I was able to bring you some joy as well.
This book is for anyone who wishes to be part of the Ex-Girlfriend Murder Club. You are.
Happy reading!
Gloria
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for granting my request to read this e-ARC and provide my honest opinion.
Your enemy comes to you for help. She says someone wants to kill her, sending her threats online and such. You look at the situation and remember when you and your girls were in a similar position — your cheating boyfriend dies and someone tries to pin it on one of you, and you decide to help.
I really love a cozy murder mystery, and I love the close-knit friendship between Kat, Olivia, and Elle (who is in prison, by the way 😅). I also love the introduction of a budding romance, and oh my gosh, Kat's parents, most especially her mother 😂. The murder mystery kept me engaged. It wasn't as intense, but enough to keep you flipping the pages.
I didn't like the fact that phrases that Kat used had to be explained 🌚, and there were too many characters for me to follow.
If you love cozy murder mystery plus girls' friendship, you might enjoy this one.
Your enemy comes to you for help. She says someone wants to kill her, sending her threats online and such. You look at the situation and remember when you and your girls were in a similar position — your cheating boyfriend dies and someone tries to pin it on one of you, and you decide to help.
I really love a cozy murder mystery, and I love the close-knit friendship between Kat, Olivia, and Elle (who is in prison, by the way 😅). I also love the introduction of a budding romance, and oh my gosh, Kat's parents, most especially her mother 😂. The murder mystery kept me engaged. It wasn't as intense, but enough to keep you flipping the pages.
I didn't like the fact that phrases that Kat used had to be explained 🌚, and there were too many characters for me to follow.
If you love cozy murder mystery plus girls' friendship, you might enjoy this one.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
In the sequel to The Ex-Girlfriend Murder Club, Kathryn Hu and her friends are forced to reluctantly team up with a revenge podcaster who once framed them after she claims someone is now trying to kill her. The premise ties in wonderfully with the first book while also expanding the world and adding greater depth to the overarching story. Rather than relying on the same plot structure or mystery beats from the previous novel, this sequel feels fresh and engaging in its own right.
One aspect I particularly appreciated was how seamlessly the story connects to the first book while still remaining accessible to new readers. Chao includes just enough background information to provide context and establish connections to the larger mystery arc without overwhelming readers with exposition. While reading the first book certainly enhances the experience, it is not necessary to read to fully understand or enjoy this story.
I really enjoyed Chao’s writing style, which feels personal, distinct, and full of personality. The quirky humor, colorful banter, and entertaining scenarios Kathryn and her friends find themselves in brought a lively energy to the book. The dialogue and Kathryn’s internal monologue were especially engaging, balancing humor with insightful observations and emotional depth. The writing made even technical or investigative moments feel approachable and entertaining.
Another aspect I appreciated was the exploration of Kathryn’s strained familial relationships and the pressures placed on her by both her family and herself. These dynamics added emotional weight to the story and helped shape Kathryn into a more layered and relatable protagonist. Her struggles with expectations and identity felt authentic and added depth beyond the central mystery.
Although Kathryn works in forensics and has connections to law enforcement, the story still firmly embraces the sleuthing mystery genre. Kathryn approaches investigations with a more novice, hands-on perspective rather than functioning as a polished professional CSI. At the same time, her scientific background and forensic knowledge add an interesting technical dimension to the investigative process that helps distinguish the story from other cozy or amateur sleuth mysteries.
I also enjoyed the balance between character development and plot progression. The book blends fun, colorful interactions with investigative twists, technical details, and suspense in a way that keeps the pacing engaging throughout. Beyond Kathryn’s primary POV, Chao incorporates additional forms of writing and outside perspectives to provide readers with information Kathryn herself would not know, which helped broaden the scope of the mystery and added variety to the storytelling. I especially enjoyed the layered twists throughout the investigation because they felt rooted in the depth of the characters rather than existing solely for shock value. The reveals felt meaningful due to the emotional complexity and motivations behind them.
While the novel does lean into familiar sleuthing mystery tropes and conventions, these elements are handled subtly due to the strength of the characters, the engaging writing style, and the distinctiveness of the plot itself. More experienced mystery readers may be able to predict certain reveals, but the journey remains entertaining because of the compelling character dynamics and the way the twists and turns unfold. Whether readers solve the mystery early or not, the investigative developments and emotional progression of the characters make for a fun and satisfying read. With that being said, this was an engaging and entertaining sequel, and I cannot wait to read more from Gloria Chao in the future.
One aspect I particularly appreciated was how seamlessly the story connects to the first book while still remaining accessible to new readers. Chao includes just enough background information to provide context and establish connections to the larger mystery arc without overwhelming readers with exposition. While reading the first book certainly enhances the experience, it is not necessary to read to fully understand or enjoy this story.
I really enjoyed Chao’s writing style, which feels personal, distinct, and full of personality. The quirky humor, colorful banter, and entertaining scenarios Kathryn and her friends find themselves in brought a lively energy to the book. The dialogue and Kathryn’s internal monologue were especially engaging, balancing humor with insightful observations and emotional depth. The writing made even technical or investigative moments feel approachable and entertaining.
Another aspect I appreciated was the exploration of Kathryn’s strained familial relationships and the pressures placed on her by both her family and herself. These dynamics added emotional weight to the story and helped shape Kathryn into a more layered and relatable protagonist. Her struggles with expectations and identity felt authentic and added depth beyond the central mystery.
Although Kathryn works in forensics and has connections to law enforcement, the story still firmly embraces the sleuthing mystery genre. Kathryn approaches investigations with a more novice, hands-on perspective rather than functioning as a polished professional CSI. At the same time, her scientific background and forensic knowledge add an interesting technical dimension to the investigative process that helps distinguish the story from other cozy or amateur sleuth mysteries.
I also enjoyed the balance between character development and plot progression. The book blends fun, colorful interactions with investigative twists, technical details, and suspense in a way that keeps the pacing engaging throughout. Beyond Kathryn’s primary POV, Chao incorporates additional forms of writing and outside perspectives to provide readers with information Kathryn herself would not know, which helped broaden the scope of the mystery and added variety to the storytelling. I especially enjoyed the layered twists throughout the investigation because they felt rooted in the depth of the characters rather than existing solely for shock value. The reveals felt meaningful due to the emotional complexity and motivations behind them.
While the novel does lean into familiar sleuthing mystery tropes and conventions, these elements are handled subtly due to the strength of the characters, the engaging writing style, and the distinctiveness of the plot itself. More experienced mystery readers may be able to predict certain reveals, but the journey remains entertaining because of the compelling character dynamics and the way the twists and turns unfold. Whether readers solve the mystery early or not, the investigative developments and emotional progression of the characters make for a fun and satisfying read. With that being said, this was an engaging and entertaining sequel, and I cannot wait to read more from Gloria Chao in the future.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
📱📖 Read on Kindle
📃 352 pages
⏱ Duration: 5 hours
🏷️ Publisher: Park Row
📅 Release Date: July 28, 2026
🎁 ARC provided by NetGalley
I had doubts. Real doubts. How do you top a first book that hits? Especially when one of your core characters is ... in prison? I wasn't sure Gloria Chao could pull off a sequel that didn't feel like a rehash. But Chao didn't just meet expectations, she flipped them on their head and said, "watch this." The setup alone had me hooked: Mandy Thorne, chaos agent extraordinaire, now the one begging for help. Delicious.
Mandy Thorne is manipulative, sneaky, and maddeningly vague even when her life's on the line. Yet somehow, she only trusts Kathryn and Olivia to save her. The audacity! What really works here is how seamlessly these characters evolve. Kathryn, Olivia, and Elle aren't just strong individually. They are electric together. Even with Elle behind bars, the group dynamic doesn't lose momentum. If anything, it sharpens it. The found family vibes between these three are so strong that you root for them even when they are helping someone who tried to destroy them. Their sisterhood, forged in chaos and tempered by trauma, is the emotional backbone of this book, and watching them choose each other over and over again is heartwarming.
And can we talk about the idioms? Gloria Chao continues her signature linguistic flair, weaving in idioms and their origins in a way that feels both quirky, smart, and oddly comforting. As a fellow language nerd, I felt seen. It's a small detail, but it's these touches that make Chao's writing feel so distinctly hers. The mystery itself is twisty, the pacing is sharp, and the humor lands every single time. This series has officially become comfort reading with a body count, and I'm obsessed!
Would I recommend it?
This is one of those rare sequels that doesn't just carry the magic forward but expands it. It delivers heart, humor, and a genuinely clever plot. If you loved the first book, this will remind you why. If you're new to the series, start with book one. Gloria Chao is building something special here, and I can't wait to see where she takes these characters next.
📃 352 pages
⏱ Duration: 5 hours
🏷️ Publisher: Park Row
📅 Release Date: July 28, 2026
🎁 ARC provided by NetGalley
I had doubts. Real doubts. How do you top a first book that hits? Especially when one of your core characters is ... in prison? I wasn't sure Gloria Chao could pull off a sequel that didn't feel like a rehash. But Chao didn't just meet expectations, she flipped them on their head and said, "watch this." The setup alone had me hooked: Mandy Thorne, chaos agent extraordinaire, now the one begging for help. Delicious.
Mandy Thorne is manipulative, sneaky, and maddeningly vague even when her life's on the line. Yet somehow, she only trusts Kathryn and Olivia to save her. The audacity! What really works here is how seamlessly these characters evolve. Kathryn, Olivia, and Elle aren't just strong individually. They are electric together. Even with Elle behind bars, the group dynamic doesn't lose momentum. If anything, it sharpens it. The found family vibes between these three are so strong that you root for them even when they are helping someone who tried to destroy them. Their sisterhood, forged in chaos and tempered by trauma, is the emotional backbone of this book, and watching them choose each other over and over again is heartwarming.
And can we talk about the idioms? Gloria Chao continues her signature linguistic flair, weaving in idioms and their origins in a way that feels both quirky, smart, and oddly comforting. As a fellow language nerd, I felt seen. It's a small detail, but it's these touches that make Chao's writing feel so distinctly hers. The mystery itself is twisty, the pacing is sharp, and the humor lands every single time. This series has officially become comfort reading with a body count, and I'm obsessed!
Would I recommend it?
This is one of those rare sequels that doesn't just carry the magic forward but expands it. It delivers heart, humor, and a genuinely clever plot. If you loved the first book, this will remind you why. If you're new to the series, start with book one. Gloria Chao is building something special here, and I can't wait to see where she takes these characters next.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The sequel to the 'A Hu Dune It' series is finally out, and I am absolutely loving every moment of it! This charming cozy whodunit mystery features the trio we know and love: three ex-girlfriends and now the addition of Mandy Thorne.
Kathryn Hu and her friends, Olivia and Elle, want to leave their sleuthing days behind after solving a murder. However, they are approached by Mandy Thorne, who claims someone is trying to kill her. Despite their past conflicts, the girls must work with Mandy to prevent a murder and may form the Mortal Enemy Murder Club.
The story follows our characters, who have reasonably matured since we last joined their escapades, yet they’re still up to some mischief. I particularly enjoyed the inclusion of podcast transcripts and interrogation room dialogue, which added a realistic touch to the narrative. I missed the hilarious banter between Kat and her mom—it always brings a smile! When Kat finds herself in hot water, her helicopter mom swoops in to save the day with all her gadgets, resulting in some laugh-out-loud moments.
This book takes a serious turn, with plenty of twists and turns that kept me turning the pages as fast as my Kindle allowed. For a full character introduction, I recommend reading the first book before diving into the second; it’ll help everything click better, and you’ll understand the characters more fully. We also get a delightful glimpse of Mama Hu, especially toward the end of the story, which is a nice surprise. You can expect to learn a lesson or two along the way, and yes, there’s a bit of romance as well—perfectly appropriate for a YA audience, so no worries there!
This book is perfect for anyone who enjoys a fun, fast-paced read with quirky characters eager to solve a cozy mystery. It’s also great for fans following the ride-or-die friendship between these three friends. Grab this read for a day at the beach or for your next vacation—it’s absolutely ideal!
Thank you, the Hive, Harlequin Trade Publishing | Park Row, and NetGalley, for the gifted DRC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Kathryn Hu and her friends, Olivia and Elle, want to leave their sleuthing days behind after solving a murder. However, they are approached by Mandy Thorne, who claims someone is trying to kill her. Despite their past conflicts, the girls must work with Mandy to prevent a murder and may form the Mortal Enemy Murder Club.
The story follows our characters, who have reasonably matured since we last joined their escapades, yet they’re still up to some mischief. I particularly enjoyed the inclusion of podcast transcripts and interrogation room dialogue, which added a realistic touch to the narrative. I missed the hilarious banter between Kat and her mom—it always brings a smile! When Kat finds herself in hot water, her helicopter mom swoops in to save the day with all her gadgets, resulting in some laugh-out-loud moments.
This book takes a serious turn, with plenty of twists and turns that kept me turning the pages as fast as my Kindle allowed. For a full character introduction, I recommend reading the first book before diving into the second; it’ll help everything click better, and you’ll understand the characters more fully. We also get a delightful glimpse of Mama Hu, especially toward the end of the story, which is a nice surprise. You can expect to learn a lesson or two along the way, and yes, there’s a bit of romance as well—perfectly appropriate for a YA audience, so no worries there!
This book is perfect for anyone who enjoys a fun, fast-paced read with quirky characters eager to solve a cozy mystery. It’s also great for fans following the ride-or-die friendship between these three friends. Grab this read for a day at the beach or for your next vacation—it’s absolutely ideal!
Thank you, the Hive, Harlequin Trade Publishing | Park Row, and NetGalley, for the gifted DRC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
An entertaining sequel to The Ex-Girlfriend Murder Club! Although this one was less thrilling than the first book, I still laughed the whole way through. This is a comedic murder mystery full of best friend shenanigans and hilariously embarrassing moments. It was a fun and enjoyable read!
We got a lot of sweet moments in all of Kat’s relationships (with friends, her boyfriend, and her parents). For the actual murder mystery, there were a lot of guilty-looking suspects and some surprising twists along the way.
I personally loved Kat’s mom the most with all the hilarious packages she sent, the funny comments she made, and how involved she ended up getting in the case. The Glen Powell cardboard cutout was a nice touch 😂 It was also fun to see more of Mandy, whose humor and personality really grew on me.
I enjoyed this one, but it wasn’t a must-read for me. I was more invested in the humor and relationships than the actual case. Still a fun read overall, but I did like book one more.
Content Guide:
🤬 F words: 74
🌶️🌶️ Adult topics, but no on-page spice
I will say, the idioms and constant explanations of sayings did get old, but I know that’s supposed to be one of the FMC’s quirks.
I was surprised by how little Elle was in this one. With how big of a role she played in book one, I expected her to be much more involved. I understand why she wasn’t, but sometimes it felt like random scenes were thrown in just so she’d be mentioned rather than because they actually progressed the plot.
One thing that stood out as a potential plot hole was that Ricky was sleeping on the pullout couch, which I assumed was in the living room. Later, Kat and Olivia shared a midnight snack on the couch, but Ricky wasn’t sleeping there. I don’t remember him leaving, so maybe there was another couch in a different room? It’s a small detail, but it kept nagging at me.
•••••••
Received an eARC through The Hive Influencer Program with HTP Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
We got a lot of sweet moments in all of Kat’s relationships (with friends, her boyfriend, and her parents). For the actual murder mystery, there were a lot of guilty-looking suspects and some surprising twists along the way.
I personally loved Kat’s mom the most with all the hilarious packages she sent, the funny comments she made, and how involved she ended up getting in the case. The Glen Powell cardboard cutout was a nice touch 😂 It was also fun to see more of Mandy, whose humor and personality really grew on me.
I enjoyed this one, but it wasn’t a must-read for me. I was more invested in the humor and relationships than the actual case. Still a fun read overall, but I did like book one more.
Content Guide:
🤬 F words: 74
🌶️🌶️ Adult topics, but no on-page spice
I will say, the idioms and constant explanations of sayings did get old, but I know that’s supposed to be one of the FMC’s quirks.
I was surprised by how little Elle was in this one. With how big of a role she played in book one, I expected her to be much more involved. I understand why she wasn’t, but sometimes it felt like random scenes were thrown in just so she’d be mentioned rather than because they actually progressed the plot.
One thing that stood out as a potential plot hole was that Ricky was sleeping on the pullout couch, which I assumed was in the living room. Later, Kat and Olivia shared a midnight snack on the couch, but Ricky wasn’t sleeping there. I don’t remember him leaving, so maybe there was another couch in a different room? It’s a small detail, but it kept nagging at me.
•••••••
Received an eARC through The Hive Influencer Program with HTP Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I am absolutely not surprised this ended up being a five star read for me, especially with how much I loved the first one. But honestly? I think this sequel might have been better. I KNOW!
I completely devoured The Mortal Enemy Murder Club. This was one of those books where every time I had to put it down, I immediately wanted to pick it back up again. I can't wait to talk about this book. Gloria Chao has perfected the balance between mystery, humor, friendship, and romance.
First of all: Kat. I still love and adore her. Her humor is genuinely top tier, and the writing had me physically laughing out loud so many times. (Gloria please never change) Her dynamic with Olivia continues to be one of my favorite parts of this series (more books please?) I loved that their friendship and sisterhood stayed solid after everything that happened with Elle in book 1. There wasn't any of that forced drama / tension / bickering / mistrust, just genuine love and support (and hijinks). And I was so happy to see Elle, which I have mixed feelings about so I can only imagine how Kat & Olivia felt.
The mystery itself was SO good.. Every single time I thought I had it figured out, another twist or red herring sent me spiraling in a completely different direction. And honestly, it was perfect. This is exactly what I want in my mysteries. To keep me entertained and hooked. I want to be fooled. I want my jaw to drop. I want to reveal to make complete sense while still surprising me. This book nailed it and more. The characters followed the same paths my brain did, which made the reading experience even better. (At this point, I feel like I am an honorary member of the club.)
And Mandy was definitely interesting.....complicated feelings for sure but I also want more of her. (hint hint)
Also the romance between Kat and Adrian!!!! (also Olivia & Ricky I see yall too) But they are becoming one of my favorite couples. I love the way their relationship is developing naturally. Their dynamic!!! oh my heart. Kat love her grumpy man and he loves her brain.
Of course, Mama Hu needs no introduction our iconic queen.
Overall, this was such a strong sequel and honestly one of the most fun mysteries I've read in a while. The humor, twists, friendships, and romance were perfection. While this ending was satisfying, I am in desperate need of more. Gloria your brain is my favorite thing on this planet.
I received the ARC from Netgalley & HarperCollins, all opinions expressed above are my own.
I completely devoured The Mortal Enemy Murder Club. This was one of those books where every time I had to put it down, I immediately wanted to pick it back up again. I can't wait to talk about this book. Gloria Chao has perfected the balance between mystery, humor, friendship, and romance.
First of all: Kat. I still love and adore her. Her humor is genuinely top tier, and the writing had me physically laughing out loud so many times. (Gloria please never change) Her dynamic with Olivia continues to be one of my favorite parts of this series (more books please?) I loved that their friendship and sisterhood stayed solid after everything that happened with Elle in book 1. There wasn't any of that forced drama / tension / bickering / mistrust, just genuine love and support (and hijinks). And I was so happy to see Elle, which I have mixed feelings about so I can only imagine how Kat & Olivia felt.
The mystery itself was SO good.. Every single time I thought I had it figured out, another twist or red herring sent me spiraling in a completely different direction. And honestly, it was perfect. This is exactly what I want in my mysteries. To keep me entertained and hooked. I want to be fooled. I want my jaw to drop. I want to reveal to make complete sense while still surprising me. This book nailed it and more. The characters followed the same paths my brain did, which made the reading experience even better. (At this point, I feel like I am an honorary member of the club.)
And Mandy was definitely interesting.....complicated feelings for sure but I also want more of her. (hint hint)
Also the romance between Kat and Adrian!!!! (also Olivia & Ricky I see yall too) But they are becoming one of my favorite couples. I love the way their relationship is developing naturally. Their dynamic!!! oh my heart. Kat love her grumpy man and he loves her brain.
Of course, Mama Hu needs no introduction our iconic queen.
Overall, this was such a strong sequel and honestly one of the most fun mysteries I've read in a while. The humor, twists, friendships, and romance were perfection. While this ending was satisfying, I am in desperate need of more. Gloria your brain is my favorite thing on this planet.
I received the ARC from Netgalley & HarperCollins, all opinions expressed above are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
While I somewhat enjoyed the first book in this series (which is a must-read before starting this sequel, or else you'll be quite lost), Book 2 felt like more of the same, perhaps because it's filled once again with Kathryn's various laws of life, idiom origins, and unwanted gifts from Kat's mom. Those things were kind of quirky in the first book, but they felt like a ton of filler this time around. (Note: I listened to the first book on audio at a high speed, and read this one as an ebook, so perhaps the slower pace of reading made these things grate on me more.)
One big departure in this book is that, although the first book had a kind of limited cast, this one has loads of characters/suspects, and it can be hard to keep everyone straight. It's also hard to suspend disbelief that the MCs could get away with interfering in police work so much, regardless of who they have personal relationships with. Book 1 was a little more believable because they were suspects trying to clear their names, but this time they really shouldn't have been so involved. On a brighter note, I did like the parts with Mama Hu, who is frankly a more compelling character than Kat herself. I don't think I'll be continuing this series, as it's becoming clear that it's just not my cup of tea, but if you like a pretty unserious YA-ish mystery with hijinks like funny costumes and sleight of hand, give this a try. (Just remember to read Book 1 first!)
Many thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the opportunity to read this ARC and share my honest feedback!
One big departure in this book is that, although the first book had a kind of limited cast, this one has loads of characters/suspects, and it can be hard to keep everyone straight. It's also hard to suspend disbelief that the MCs could get away with interfering in police work so much, regardless of who they have personal relationships with. Book 1 was a little more believable because they were suspects trying to clear their names, but this time they really shouldn't have been so involved. On a brighter note, I did like the parts with Mama Hu, who is frankly a more compelling character than Kat herself. I don't think I'll be continuing this series, as it's becoming clear that it's just not my cup of tea, but if you like a pretty unserious YA-ish mystery with hijinks like funny costumes and sleight of hand, give this a try. (Just remember to read Book 1 first!)
Many thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the opportunity to read this ARC and share my honest feedback!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I immediately requested the eARC on Netgalley because I ADORED The Ex-Girlfriend Murder Club.
You get mystery, twists, sisterhood, bits of romance, and growth in familial relationships. You also see more growth from Kat as a person and a professional.
Her mom reminded me of Vera Wong from the Vera Wong mystery series.
Overall, I did enjoy this second installment of the Hu Done It mystery series, but I definitely have a lot of qualms too.
Perhaps I would've enjoyed it more if I waited for the final copy and continued in audiobook format. I think Carolyn Kang brings a lot of extra charm to Kat. In written form, I found Kat a lot more difficult to tolerate at times.
And I know that being adorkable is like, supposed to be her thing. In the first book, it's endearing as we see Kat working through her insecurities. I do think she's maybe written to be ND? But I couldn't find anything conclusive on that and it's not explicit in the story. So, I don't want to make any assumptions.
But the amount of repetition of the same who/Hu joke during the first several chapters was a little overkill, imo.
Also, like I really dislike when there's any mention of people being completely surprised by and new to common cultural foods. The moment with soup dumplings was an instant peeve.
I think this is an example of a story that interests me with characters I care about, but find the writing quality to hinder my full enjoyment. I think for the next installment, I'll wait for the final copy and stick to the audio.
You get mystery, twists, sisterhood, bits of romance, and growth in familial relationships. You also see more growth from Kat as a person and a professional.
Her mom reminded me of Vera Wong from the Vera Wong mystery series.
Overall, I did enjoy this second installment of the Hu Done It mystery series, but I definitely have a lot of qualms too.
Perhaps I would've enjoyed it more if I waited for the final copy and continued in audiobook format. I think Carolyn Kang brings a lot of extra charm to Kat. In written form, I found Kat a lot more difficult to tolerate at times.
And I know that being adorkable is like, supposed to be her thing. In the first book, it's endearing as we see Kat working through her insecurities. I do think she's maybe written to be ND? But I couldn't find anything conclusive on that and it's not explicit in the story. So, I don't want to make any assumptions.
But the amount of repetition of the same who/Hu joke during the first several chapters was a little overkill, imo.
Also, like I really dislike when there's any mention of people being completely surprised by and new to common cultural foods. The moment with soup dumplings was an instant peeve.
I think this is an example of a story that interests me with characters I care about, but find the writing quality to hinder my full enjoyment. I think for the next installment, I'll wait for the final copy and stick to the audio.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
While I did enjoy myself reading this book, it didn't live up to the first book, in my opinion. The Ex-Girlfriend Murder Club had such an interesting/fun premise and an amazing cast of characters. While most of those characters were also central in this book, Elle was not. She was one of my favorite characters in the first book, and her presence was missed. She made the first book so much funnier, and I wish that she could've been a larger part of this story.
The story itself also had less intrigue for me. While the first book had such an interesting plot, with the mystery going in so many different directions, this one fell a bit flat. I think the stakes of the first mystery felt a lot higher, and the personal connection to all of the main characters made me very invested. The mystery in this book felt far less consequential to the main characters and revolved around a character I don't really care for. I found myself having trouble keeping up with the details of the mystery because it felt much less interesting.
While this review may sound negative, I still enjoyed reading this book. I still really like the main characters, and there were many funny moments. I just think that The Ex-Girlfriend Murder Club set a high bar, and my expectations weren't really met. I'd definitely still give this book a try if you enjoyed the first book, though.
While I did enjoy myself reading this book, it didn't live up to the first book, in my opinion. The Ex-Girlfriend Murder Club had such an interesting/fun premise and an amazing cast of characters. While most of those characters were also central in this book, Elle was not. She was one of my favorite characters in the first book, and her presence was missed. She made the first book so much funnier, and I wish that she could've been a larger part of this story.
The story itself also had less intrigue for me. While the first book had such an interesting plot, with the mystery going in so many different directions, this one fell a bit flat. I think the stakes of the first mystery felt a lot higher, and the personal connection to all of the main characters made me very invested. The mystery in this book felt far less consequential to the main characters and revolved around a character I don't really care for. I found myself having trouble keeping up with the details of the mystery because it felt much less interesting.
While this review may sound negative, I still enjoyed reading this book. I still really like the main characters, and there were many funny moments. I just think that The Ex-Girlfriend Murder Club set a high bar, and my expectations weren't really met. I'd definitely still give this book a try if you enjoyed the first book, though.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this E-Arc!
As the biggest fan of the first book in this series, it truly was so heartwarming to be reconnected with the characters while also being completely different from the first book.
Although it is connected with the first book, it remains accessible to those who perhaps haven’t read the first in the series as it takes on a different plot with new characters while also revisiting some fan favourites!!
I also really loved the exploration of asian familial relation and reconciliation where it does highlight that one should follow their dreams. It added emotional weight to the story and helped with character development and small plot points.
I did have doubts about this book being able to top the absolute peak that was the first book with its humorous laugh out loud moments and perfect friendship dynamics but it succeeded wonderfully. I will admit, it wasn't as funny (the bathroom scene in the first book can never be topped) but the dynamic of Mama Hu and Mandy was funny in its own way.
If I could, I would sing this book’s praises at the top of my lungs. It is one of those sequels that genuinely can match the superiority that was book 1. If you read the first book, I promise you, you will love this one!! And if you didn’t read the first book but want to try it out, I so so so recommend it.
If you are looking for a plot twisty murder mystery (or a hu done it if I may), this book is perfect for you.
As the biggest fan of the first book in this series, it truly was so heartwarming to be reconnected with the characters while also being completely different from the first book.
Although it is connected with the first book, it remains accessible to those who perhaps haven’t read the first in the series as it takes on a different plot with new characters while also revisiting some fan favourites!!
I also really loved the exploration of asian familial relation and reconciliation where it does highlight that one should follow their dreams. It added emotional weight to the story and helped with character development and small plot points.
I did have doubts about this book being able to top the absolute peak that was the first book with its humorous laugh out loud moments and perfect friendship dynamics but it succeeded wonderfully. I will admit, it wasn't as funny (the bathroom scene in the first book can never be topped) but the dynamic of Mama Hu and Mandy was funny in its own way.
If I could, I would sing this book’s praises at the top of my lungs. It is one of those sequels that genuinely can match the superiority that was book 1. If you read the first book, I promise you, you will love this one!! And if you didn’t read the first book but want to try it out, I so so so recommend it.
If you are looking for a plot twisty murder mystery (or a hu done it if I may), this book is perfect for you.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Mortal Enemy Murder Club (Hu Done It #2) continues to follow the story of Kathryn Hu and her friends Olivia and Elle, as they try to figure out who is trying to kill a local podcaster. Hu’s boyfriend, Adrian (the lead police investigator) is also involved in the shenanigans.
I’ve seen several reviews that say that this is fine as a stand alone title. I did not read the first in the series, and while I managed to keep track of everything, I felt like I was missing a lot of background that would have been helpful from reading the first book. It almost felt like I started several books in rather than just the second. There were also quite a number of secondary characters with those that were the winners and losers of the podcast’s revenge stories. This made for quite a number of potential murderers.
There is a lot of quirkiness with Hu, and her parents, particularly. Usually that is something that I love in a novel but here it felt rather frantic. Quirky on top of quirky with no room to breathe.
Those things aside, I did like the strong bond between the friends, and the development of the romantic relationship. I enjoy plot driven mysteries that move quickly so this one was great for that.
Ultimately, it’s a cute cozy but maybe just not for me right now.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the eARC.
I’ve seen several reviews that say that this is fine as a stand alone title. I did not read the first in the series, and while I managed to keep track of everything, I felt like I was missing a lot of background that would have been helpful from reading the first book. It almost felt like I started several books in rather than just the second. There were also quite a number of secondary characters with those that were the winners and losers of the podcast’s revenge stories. This made for quite a number of potential murderers.
There is a lot of quirkiness with Hu, and her parents, particularly. Usually that is something that I love in a novel but here it felt rather frantic. Quirky on top of quirky with no room to breathe.
Those things aside, I did like the strong bond between the friends, and the development of the romantic relationship. I enjoy plot driven mysteries that move quickly so this one was great for that.
Ultimately, it’s a cute cozy but maybe just not for me right now.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the eARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins for the free version of this book! The Mortal Enemy Murder Club comes out July 28th!
🔍 Murder mystery
whodunit
🔍 Plot twists
Friendship
I have been anticipating this book since it was released so I was so excited when I got the email from NetGalley that I was approved for this book! It did not disappoint!
I loved reading about Kat, Elle and Olivia again in this book. In the last book they solved the murder of their ex-boyfriend and Kat was getting back to normal life. Until Mandy, who runs the revenge podcast reaches out for help because she thinks she’s in trouble. The same person who tried to frame the girls when their cheating ex boyfriend was murdered.
I loved reading this book, it was fast-paced, it was twisty and it gave you the nostalgic feeling from the first book from reading it. I also loved reading the scenes between Kat and Adrian and seeing them develop, and even Kat’s mom! Everytime her mom called I cracked up from all the things she’s always telling her to do and all the packages she always sends her! Overall such a great book, highly recommend reading the first one right now “The Ex-Girlfriend Murder Club” so you can read this one when it comes out! The Mortal Enemy Murder Club comes out July 28th!
🔍 Murder mystery
whodunit
🔍 Plot twists
Friendship
I have been anticipating this book since it was released so I was so excited when I got the email from NetGalley that I was approved for this book! It did not disappoint!
I loved reading about Kat, Elle and Olivia again in this book. In the last book they solved the murder of their ex-boyfriend and Kat was getting back to normal life. Until Mandy, who runs the revenge podcast reaches out for help because she thinks she’s in trouble. The same person who tried to frame the girls when their cheating ex boyfriend was murdered.
I loved reading this book, it was fast-paced, it was twisty and it gave you the nostalgic feeling from the first book from reading it. I also loved reading the scenes between Kat and Adrian and seeing them develop, and even Kat’s mom! Everytime her mom called I cracked up from all the things she’s always telling her to do and all the packages she always sends her! Overall such a great book, highly recommend reading the first one right now “The Ex-Girlfriend Murder Club” so you can read this one when it comes out! The Mortal Enemy Murder Club comes out July 28th!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The best part of this series continues to be the characters. Kathryn, Olivia, and Elle have such a fun dynamic, and even when they’re thrown into increasingly ridiculous situations, their friendship remains the heart of the story. This time around, being forced to work alongside someone they absolutely do not trust added a fresh layer of tension, humor, and plenty of entertaining banter.
The mystery kept me engaged from start to finish with enough twists, suspects, and secrets to keep me guessing. I especially enjoyed how Gloria Chao balances the investigation with family relationships, personal growth, and the emotional baggage these characters continue to carry from the first book. The humor landed well, and Kathryn’s observations and inner monologue once again brought so much personality to the story.
While I didn’t quite connect with this mystery as much as the first book, I still had a great time following the investigation and spending more time with these characters. If you enjoyed The Ex-Girlfriend Murder Club, this sequel delivers more friendship, more chaos, and another clever mystery wrapped in Gloria Chao’s signature wit and charm. I’m definitely looking forward to seeing where this series goes next. 📚🔍✨
The mystery kept me engaged from start to finish with enough twists, suspects, and secrets to keep me guessing. I especially enjoyed how Gloria Chao balances the investigation with family relationships, personal growth, and the emotional baggage these characters continue to carry from the first book. The humor landed well, and Kathryn’s observations and inner monologue once again brought so much personality to the story.
While I didn’t quite connect with this mystery as much as the first book, I still had a great time following the investigation and spending more time with these characters. If you enjoyed The Ex-Girlfriend Murder Club, this sequel delivers more friendship, more chaos, and another clever mystery wrapped in Gloria Chao’s signature wit and charm. I’m definitely looking forward to seeing where this series goes next. 📚🔍✨
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Cozy mystery, second in the “Hu Done It” series, offers fun, laughter and a good mystery. While I hadn’t read the first one, I think I might have appreciated this one better if I had. .
Kathryn Hu’s First Law of Life starts this book. That law is “Because there’s no luck in the world, you have to make everything happen for yourself, one step at a time.” It also ends with her second law: “There isn’t a universe that’s out to get you; turns out, life is just hard.” This gives a sense of the humor that runs throughout the book - and there are more of Kay’s laws as the book goes on.
Kathryn “Kat”and her friends, Elle and Olivia, team up with Mandy Thorne, she who has ruined so many lives through her revenge podcast, who is sure someone is out to get her. Mandy even tried to frame the Ex-Friends Murder Club in the first book. Even though there is animosity between Mandy and the club, Mandy only trusts them. And even though Elle is in jail, the Club has such strong vibes, you sense they will pull off this quest.
These women are strong and resilient. They have such a great bond they are willing to help out a frenemy. The pacing is great and the ending was a surprise. And the humor is the best part of the read.
My thanks to NetGalley and Park Row Books for granting me access to this book.
Kathryn Hu’s First Law of Life starts this book. That law is “Because there’s no luck in the world, you have to make everything happen for yourself, one step at a time.” It also ends with her second law: “There isn’t a universe that’s out to get you; turns out, life is just hard.” This gives a sense of the humor that runs throughout the book - and there are more of Kay’s laws as the book goes on.
Kathryn “Kat”and her friends, Elle and Olivia, team up with Mandy Thorne, she who has ruined so many lives through her revenge podcast, who is sure someone is out to get her. Mandy even tried to frame the Ex-Friends Murder Club in the first book. Even though there is animosity between Mandy and the club, Mandy only trusts them. And even though Elle is in jail, the Club has such strong vibes, you sense they will pull off this quest.
These women are strong and resilient. They have such a great bond they are willing to help out a frenemy. The pacing is great and the ending was a surprise. And the humor is the best part of the read.
My thanks to NetGalley and Park Row Books for granting me access to this book.
April 6, 2026
The Mortal Enemy Murder Club was one of my most anticipated reads of 2026 and it did not disappoint! I absolutely adored The Ex-Girlfriend Murder Club, so when I saw I had been approved for an ARC copy of book two, I genuinely squealed and couldn't wait to dive in.
Just like in book one, this book packed so many twists and turns, I found myself forming theory after theory and having them all be proved completely wrong. I love that in a good "Hu"-done-it book! There are also more hunky detectives, Glen "Power", and plenty of hilarious moments which genuinely had me laughing out loud. The "splotchy, stinky, small" conversation being blasted throughout Mandy's mansion for all to hear, I'm looking at you.
Kat and Olivia truly have my heart, and it was so much fun following them as they solved yet another crazy, twisted mystery with the help of some unlikely new Murder Club members.
Readers who are looking for a good murder mystery with some romance, plenty of laughs, and some pretty incredible FMCs, this is the book (and series!) for you!
It is truly an honor to be a part of the Murder Club.
A huge thank you to The Hive, NetGalley, and Gloria Chao for the opportunity to read and review this book!
Just like in book one, this book packed so many twists and turns, I found myself forming theory after theory and having them all be proved completely wrong. I love that in a good "Hu"-done-it book! There are also more hunky detectives, Glen "Power", and plenty of hilarious moments which genuinely had me laughing out loud. The "splotchy, stinky, small" conversation being blasted throughout Mandy's mansion for all to hear, I'm looking at you.
Kat and Olivia truly have my heart, and it was so much fun following them as they solved yet another crazy, twisted mystery with the help of some unlikely new Murder Club members.
Readers who are looking for a good murder mystery with some romance, plenty of laughs, and some pretty incredible FMCs, this is the book (and series!) for you!
It is truly an honor to be a part of the Murder Club.
A huge thank you to The Hive, NetGalley, and Gloria Chao for the opportunity to read and review this book!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I enjoyed the first book so much so I was so happy to get this book. I enjoyed the ride or die friendship between Olivia and Kat. I like how they know each other so well that they can have hand jesters between them and know what the other is thinking. The witty banter between them and the shenanigans they get into kept me laughing. This time their mortal enemy Mandy Thorne is asking for their help and she is being threatened. They only agree hoping if they solve this they can help Elle. I liked how Elle was still able to help them and be part of it even from jail.
Kat discovers a person unalive and needs to figure out who is behind it. There are plenty of suspects as Mandy has angered many people from her podcast. They must wear disguises and use code names to get information. I especially liked the sleuthing hats adding a nice visual in my head.
My favorite character was mama Hu with funny gifts and constantly worrying about her daughter while meddling in her business.
I enjoyed the mystery, sleuthing, and romance all tossed together with plenty of twists and moments that make your jaw drop.
All set up for another in series and I can’t wait to see what happens next.
Kat discovers a person unalive and needs to figure out who is behind it. There are plenty of suspects as Mandy has angered many people from her podcast. They must wear disguises and use code names to get information. I especially liked the sleuthing hats adding a nice visual in my head.
My favorite character was mama Hu with funny gifts and constantly worrying about her daughter while meddling in her business.
I enjoyed the mystery, sleuthing, and romance all tossed together with plenty of twists and moments that make your jaw drop.
All set up for another in series and I can’t wait to see what happens next.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I came across the first book in this series randomly on the Libby app and loved it. Immediately added this book to my want-to-read pile, so I was happy to be approved to read this on NetGalley. I enjoyed it as much as the first book! The main characters, Kat and Olivia, are a part of the Ex-Girlfriend Murder Club that was created in the first book. Their third member, Elle, is now in jail.
While this book works well as a standalone—there's enough background information to catch new readers up on the events of the first novel—I highly recommend reading the first book as well.
This book has a new mystery - Mandy Thorne is being framed for murder. Mandy Throrne is Kat and Oliva's mortal enemy (hence the title), but they decide to help her get out of trouble for their own reasons. The book kept me guessing until the end, and while there was maybe one too many red herrings, I enjoyed the book as much as I did the first. It does exactly what a cozy mystery should: laughs, warm and fuzzy feelings, and characters with whom you want to solve crimes.
Thank you, Harlequin Trade Publishing, for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley.
While this book works well as a standalone—there's enough background information to catch new readers up on the events of the first novel—I highly recommend reading the first book as well.
This book has a new mystery - Mandy Thorne is being framed for murder. Mandy Throrne is Kat and Oliva's mortal enemy (hence the title), but they decide to help her get out of trouble for their own reasons. The book kept me guessing until the end, and while there was maybe one too many red herrings, I enjoyed the book as much as I did the first. It does exactly what a cozy mystery should: laughs, warm and fuzzy feelings, and characters with whom you want to solve crimes.
Thank you, Harlequin Trade Publishing, for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley.
March 10, 2026
The plan was simple… again? Three women, one nemesis, and another murder to solve. Kathryn, Olivia, and Elle are back, and this time, their nemesis Mandy Thorne swears someone is trying to kill her. Despite their mutual hatred, the trio has to team up with Mandy to stop a murder—which, of course, leads to chaos, hilarious banter, and yes, more murder weapons than you’d ever expect in “everyday life.”
I loved book one for its mix of humor, suspense, and pure girl-gang energy, and this sequel absolutely delivers. Gloria Chao pulls you into a world that feels almost normal… until you realize there are murdered bodies involved. I was guessing who the culprit could be on every single page—suspecting everyone and anyone—which kept me racing through the book. That twisty, page-turning tension is exactly why I devour thrillers like this.
Bonus points for the hot detective alert returning in full force (because yes, we all need that). We also get more of Kat’s mom, who adds another hilarious, chaotic layer, and more of Mandy’s podcast, Dish Served Hot, all about getting back at people you’re dating and uncovering cheaters. I loved seeing the podcast threads expand—it was such a clever callback to book one and added another fun, modern twist to the story.
Beyond the murder and mayhem, it’s the friendships that really shine. Seeing Kathryn, Olivia, and Elle’s bond continue to thrive—even while reluctantly working with Mandy—is so satisfying. The dynamic between these four is pure comedy gold, full of sharp wit, petty insults, and grudging respect. Gloria Chao balances suspense, humor, and friendship so well that you’re laughing one moment and gasping the next.
Returning to this world felt like catching up with old friends. Full of twists, laughs, clever plotting, and just enough chaos to keep me on my toes, The Mortal Enemy Murder Club is a perfect follow-up that hits everything I loved about book one—and then some. I’m so thrilled I got to read it before its official release on July 28, 2026!
I loved book one for its mix of humor, suspense, and pure girl-gang energy, and this sequel absolutely delivers. Gloria Chao pulls you into a world that feels almost normal… until you realize there are murdered bodies involved. I was guessing who the culprit could be on every single page—suspecting everyone and anyone—which kept me racing through the book. That twisty, page-turning tension is exactly why I devour thrillers like this.
Bonus points for the hot detective alert returning in full force (because yes, we all need that). We also get more of Kat’s mom, who adds another hilarious, chaotic layer, and more of Mandy’s podcast, Dish Served Hot, all about getting back at people you’re dating and uncovering cheaters. I loved seeing the podcast threads expand—it was such a clever callback to book one and added another fun, modern twist to the story.
Beyond the murder and mayhem, it’s the friendships that really shine. Seeing Kathryn, Olivia, and Elle’s bond continue to thrive—even while reluctantly working with Mandy—is so satisfying. The dynamic between these four is pure comedy gold, full of sharp wit, petty insults, and grudging respect. Gloria Chao balances suspense, humor, and friendship so well that you’re laughing one moment and gasping the next.
Returning to this world felt like catching up with old friends. Full of twists, laughs, clever plotting, and just enough chaos to keep me on my toes, The Mortal Enemy Murder Club is a perfect follow-up that hits everything I loved about book one—and then some. I’m so thrilled I got to read it before its official release on July 28, 2026!
March 14, 2026
𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟
Thank you to NetGallery and Park Row publishers for the advanced copy of this book for an honest review!
As someone who rated the first book a 5 star read and did not see it coming at all who was the killer, this one did not disappoint. Back to back good books? Count me in!
This is something that you call the beautiful trinity of humor, mystery, and a little romance!!
Despite it being a trio, you feel so included in the plot and trying to figure out the pieces of clues together of who’s the killer. This time however, I was able to get an idea of who is the killer. I love the way that the author sneaks it right in for you but will drop these unsuspecting sneak attacks on you too.
One of the reasons why I love this series so much is because of the many and I say MANY drops of origins of sayings by Kathryn. But my favorite character is still Elle because of her bluntness and humor even though she’s helping from jail. Yikes.
Definitely recommend.
𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟
Thank you to NetGallery and Park Row publishers for the advanced copy of this book for an honest review!
As someone who rated the first book a 5 star read and did not see it coming at all who was the killer, this one did not disappoint. Back to back good books? Count me in!
This is something that you call the beautiful trinity of humor, mystery, and a little romance!!
Despite it being a trio, you feel so included in the plot and trying to figure out the pieces of clues together of who’s the killer. This time however, I was able to get an idea of who is the killer. I love the way that the author sneaks it right in for you but will drop these unsuspecting sneak attacks on you too.
One of the reasons why I love this series so much is because of the many and I say MANY drops of origins of sayings by Kathryn. But my favorite character is still Elle because of her bluntness and humor even though she’s helping from jail. Yikes.
Definitely recommend.
𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley, and I had a similar experience with the first book in the series—I went in not knowing what to expect and was pleasantly surprised. These books strike a great balance between mystery and lighthearted humor, which I really enjoy.
This installment was just as strong as the first. The plot kept me guessing for a good portion of the story, and I appreciated not being able to easily predict the ending. I continue to feel really connected to the characters, especially Kat and her dynamic with the group.
I did miss Elle (Lauren) being more present in this one, although she does make a few appearances from jail. There were some hints about the girls helping their nemesis in hopes of securing a pardon for Elle, but that storyline wasn’t fully resolved. It left me wanting more—perhaps it’s something that will be explored in a future book, if there is one.
Overall, this was a fun, engaging read with a solid sense of mystery. I finished it in three days, which is always a good sign.
This installment was just as strong as the first. The plot kept me guessing for a good portion of the story, and I appreciated not being able to easily predict the ending. I continue to feel really connected to the characters, especially Kat and her dynamic with the group.
I did miss Elle (Lauren) being more present in this one, although she does make a few appearances from jail. There were some hints about the girls helping their nemesis in hopes of securing a pardon for Elle, but that storyline wasn’t fully resolved. It left me wanting more—perhaps it’s something that will be explored in a future book, if there is one.
Overall, this was a fun, engaging read with a solid sense of mystery. I finished it in three days, which is always a good sign.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 30, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley, Gloria Chao, and Harper Collins Publishing for an advanced copy of this book.
I love a good murder mystery and this book fit that category perfectly. I love how witty, funny, and charming the characters are. I was absolutely sure that I had figured out the twist and who the culprit was and by the end of the book I was way off! I love a murder mystery that keeps me guessing until the last second.
Kat and Olivia have my heart. Their friendship is beautiful and how they grow together, trust eachother, and seem to read each others minds. I also love Kat and Adrian’s relationship. To see the honest and genuine love is so refreshing! I did miss the trio of Kat, Olivia, and Elle. While they did have their moments it wasn’t the same with the trio actually being together completely but I hope come time for book 3 they will be back in action.
This book completely delivered what I hoped it would and I highly recommend!
I love a good murder mystery and this book fit that category perfectly. I love how witty, funny, and charming the characters are. I was absolutely sure that I had figured out the twist and who the culprit was and by the end of the book I was way off! I love a murder mystery that keeps me guessing until the last second.
Kat and Olivia have my heart. Their friendship is beautiful and how they grow together, trust eachother, and seem to read each others minds. I also love Kat and Adrian’s relationship. To see the honest and genuine love is so refreshing! I did miss the trio of Kat, Olivia, and Elle. While they did have their moments it wasn’t the same with the trio actually being together completely but I hope come time for book 3 they will be back in action.
This book completely delivered what I hoped it would and I highly recommend!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
★★★★★
The Mortal Enemy Murder Club was such a fun, fast paced mystery. The minute I finished my eARC of The Ex-Girlfriend Murder Club, I immediately followed Gloria Chao and turned on notifications so I would know the moment the second book was available for an ARC. That first cliffhanger was brutal, and I was so excited to pick this one up and finally find out what happened next.
The dynamic between the women continues to be the highlight of the story. Their personalities clash in entertaining ways, and the reluctant teamwork makes the mystery even more fun to follow.
The plot moves quickly with plenty of twists, and it all comes together in a satisfying way. I loved getting to spend more time with these characters and would happily read another book with this group.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
The Mortal Enemy Murder Club was such a fun, fast paced mystery. The minute I finished my eARC of The Ex-Girlfriend Murder Club, I immediately followed Gloria Chao and turned on notifications so I would know the moment the second book was available for an ARC. That first cliffhanger was brutal, and I was so excited to pick this one up and finally find out what happened next.
The dynamic between the women continues to be the highlight of the story. Their personalities clash in entertaining ways, and the reluctant teamwork makes the mystery even more fun to follow.
The plot moves quickly with plenty of twists, and it all comes together in a satisfying way. I loved getting to spend more time with these characters and would happily read another book with this group.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I found the first mystery in this series fantastic, though I was definitely surprised when I found out there was going to be a sequel. In this one, Kat and Olivia (and Elle) (not long off of finding out the killer who killed their mutual cheating ex-bf) are asked for help by Mandy, the revenge podcast host who framed them (independent from the killer). She believes someone's trying to kill her, and claims that they are the only people who can save her. And of course, they decide to help
The characters here are absolutely fantastic, and feel very realistic and effective. The plotline is fantastic and the ultimate killer reveal is a bit of a surprise but ultimately makes a lot of sense in hindsight, and in general I found this one fantastic. 5 stars. Thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC.
The characters here are absolutely fantastic, and feel very realistic and effective. The plotline is fantastic and the ultimate killer reveal is a bit of a surprise but ultimately makes a lot of sense in hindsight, and in general I found this one fantastic. 5 stars. Thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC.
April 1, 2026
This book is the follow up to The Ex-Girlfriends Murder Club. The main characters, Kathryn, Olivia, and Elle (from prison) are back. The podcaster, Mandy Thorne, from the last book is back too. She is at the center of the new mystery, after having been framed for murder. Mandy enlists the ladies to solve the mystery and clear her name.
This is book two in the “Hu Done It” mystery series. Its funny and heartwarming. The main characters are smart, bad*** young women: a scientist, a lawyer, an author, and a podcaster entrepreneur. The main trio have an enviable friendship bond that the book centers around. But --there is some romance sprinkled in for both Kathryn and Olivia.
I definitely recommend reading the series in order for clarity. If you haven’t read Gloria Chao before, she writes a great funny, heartwarming mystery. I recommend this for fans of Elle Cosimano’s Finlay Donovan series and Jesse Q Sutanto’s Vera Wong series.
This is book two in the “Hu Done It” mystery series. Its funny and heartwarming. The main characters are smart, bad*** young women: a scientist, a lawyer, an author, and a podcaster entrepreneur. The main trio have an enviable friendship bond that the book centers around. But --there is some romance sprinkled in for both Kathryn and Olivia.
I definitely recommend reading the series in order for clarity. If you haven’t read Gloria Chao before, she writes a great funny, heartwarming mystery. I recommend this for fans of Elle Cosimano’s Finlay Donovan series and Jesse Q Sutanto’s Vera Wong series.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Park Row for the ARC of The Mortal Enemy Murder Club.
This was the second book in the "Hu Done It" series by Gloria Chao and it was just as good as the first book. All the characters from the first book are back in this laugh out loud, murder mystery. I loved all the twist and turns and laughs that this book provided. It was fast-paced, kept you hook and made you laugh. I also enjoyed how the book touched on some of the story-line from the first book. The character development of Kat and the growth between her and Adrian's character and their relationship was nice too. And as with the first book, the antics of Mrs. Hu (Kat's mom) and her dad, made me laugh out loud. If you are looking for a fun, laugh out loud, murder mystery, you won't regret reading this book!
This was the second book in the "Hu Done It" series by Gloria Chao and it was just as good as the first book. All the characters from the first book are back in this laugh out loud, murder mystery. I loved all the twist and turns and laughs that this book provided. It was fast-paced, kept you hook and made you laugh. I also enjoyed how the book touched on some of the story-line from the first book. The character development of Kat and the growth between her and Adrian's character and their relationship was nice too. And as with the first book, the antics of Mrs. Hu (Kat's mom) and her dad, made me laugh out loud. If you are looking for a fun, laugh out loud, murder mystery, you won't regret reading this book!
May 3, 2026
~ARC Review~
Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins for this arc.
I was so excited to get a chance to read the second book in the “Hu Done It” series early, since I loved the first book so much! When I started The Mortal Enemy Murder Club it instantly brought me back to when I read The Ex-Girlfriend Murder Club and all the things I adored about that book! The writing and storyline for this series is fantastic.
✿ cozy (murder) mystery
✿ “whodunit”
✿ humorous & witty
✿ enemies to allies & female friendship
✿ Asian American representation
I really enjoyed this book! I was excited to get to see where the characters were now and go along with them to solve another mystery. I also enjoyed the romance aspect of the storyline. It was a fast-paced, twisty and overall a really fun read!
If you’re a fan of cozy mysteries then I think you’ll really enjoy this book!
Comes out July 28th
Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins for this arc.
I was so excited to get a chance to read the second book in the “Hu Done It” series early, since I loved the first book so much! When I started The Mortal Enemy Murder Club it instantly brought me back to when I read The Ex-Girlfriend Murder Club and all the things I adored about that book! The writing and storyline for this series is fantastic.
✿ cozy (murder) mystery
✿ “whodunit”
✿ humorous & witty
✿ enemies to allies & female friendship
✿ Asian American representation
I really enjoyed this book! I was excited to get to see where the characters were now and go along with them to solve another mystery. I also enjoyed the romance aspect of the storyline. It was a fast-paced, twisty and overall a really fun read!
If you’re a fan of cozy mysteries then I think you’ll really enjoy this book!
Comes out July 28th
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Kat and Olivia are back at it to solve another mystery! But this time it's to help their mortal enemy... Mandy Thorpe. Mandy is convinced someone is trying to kill her, and when someone turns up dead at her convention, her suspicions are proven true. Olivia is against helping Mandy, but then again, Mandy might have the ticket to help free Elle from prison.
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This was another fun ride from Gloria Chao! These books are light hearted and fun while also keeping you on the edge of your seat. I was convinced I knew where the "A-S" was going, but man was I proven wrong! I also love the dynamics between all the characters (especially Kat's mom). I will say, it was a little confusing in the beginning keeping up with all the characters at the Mandy Thorne meet-up, but other that than, this was such a good read! Thank you to Net Galley and Harlequin for the ARC!!
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This was another fun ride from Gloria Chao! These books are light hearted and fun while also keeping you on the edge of your seat. I was convinced I knew where the "A-S" was going, but man was I proven wrong! I also love the dynamics between all the characters (especially Kat's mom). I will say, it was a little confusing in the beginning keeping up with all the characters at the Mandy Thorne meet-up, but other that than, this was such a good read! Thank you to Net Galley and Harlequin for the ARC!!
June 5, 2026
3.5 stars (rounded up for Goodreads) This series continues to be such a fun blend of cozy mystery and comedy, and I genuinely enjoy spending time with these characters, even when some of them are actually insufferable.
The premise of this series remains one of my favorite things about it, and this installment definitely delivered on the chaotic mystery energy.
That said, some of the dialogue felt a little forced which kept me from giving this a higher star rating.
Overall, though, I had a good time with it. The humor works, the mystery keeps things moving, and the characters, whether lovable or completely annoying, are memorable. I'll absolutely keep picking up books in this series.
Thank you to Netgalley and Harlequin Trader Publishing for the advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.
The premise of this series remains one of my favorite things about it, and this installment definitely delivered on the chaotic mystery energy.
That said, some of the dialogue felt a little forced which kept me from giving this a higher star rating.
Overall, though, I had a good time with it. The humor works, the mystery keeps things moving, and the characters, whether lovable or completely annoying, are memorable. I'll absolutely keep picking up books in this series.
Thank you to Netgalley and Harlequin Trader Publishing for the advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Netgalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the advance reader's copy of the Mortal Enemy Murder Club. When I first started reading this, I quickly realized it was a sequel and first had to read the Ex-Girlfriends Murder Club. You could not read this without reading it first, it was not good as a standalone. That being said, it was very similar to the first novel but with way too much going on. I could not keep any of the characters straight because there were far too many and I found the whole premise of the story confusing and nonsensical. The revenge podcast angle was ridiculous and read more like a "meet up". Podcast listeners/participants don't all live in the same city. The only good part of the novel was Mama and Papa Hu but it was far too little and too late.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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