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A Zoom with a View: A Mystery
A cozy murder mystery filled with hometown drama, social media influencers, an over-the-top mother, and two very attractive local men, A Zoom with a View will make you want to move to Blue Oak—if only the Fourth of July festivities didn’t end with a dead body.
Leo can't believe she's back in Blue Oak. Her small, quirky Texas hometown feels suffocating after trying to make it big as an English professor in New York—especially due to her strained relationship with her overly hair-sprayed mother, Karina. But with Leo’s career in academia in shambles, at least she's able to work as a photographer for her godmother's real estate business. And her best friend, Emily, is around to help her navigate through the mess—and maybe force her to reconnect with her old high school boyfriend, Mack.
But while at work, Leo makes a grisly discovery at one of her godmother's the dead body of rival real estate agent and social media influencer Chaz. Even worse, Leo and Emily have been secretly running a snarky Reddit page making fun of Chaz’s cringe-inducing advice and duck-faced selfies. When someone she loves is accused of the murder, Leo finds herself flung headfirst into a dangerous investigation, teaming up with a local detective who is a lot more attractive than she remembered when they were both teenagers. Meanwhile, Karina has been acting stranger and stranger, as if all her hair hides a big secret. . . .
A bold and hilarious introduction to a new sleuth who is looking to get her life back on track, but finds a man with his skull bashed in instead.
Leo can't believe she's back in Blue Oak. Her small, quirky Texas hometown feels suffocating after trying to make it big as an English professor in New York—especially due to her strained relationship with her overly hair-sprayed mother, Karina. But with Leo’s career in academia in shambles, at least she's able to work as a photographer for her godmother's real estate business. And her best friend, Emily, is around to help her navigate through the mess—and maybe force her to reconnect with her old high school boyfriend, Mack.
But while at work, Leo makes a grisly discovery at one of her godmother's the dead body of rival real estate agent and social media influencer Chaz. Even worse, Leo and Emily have been secretly running a snarky Reddit page making fun of Chaz’s cringe-inducing advice and duck-faced selfies. When someone she loves is accused of the murder, Leo finds herself flung headfirst into a dangerous investigation, teaming up with a local detective who is a lot more attractive than she remembered when they were both teenagers. Meanwhile, Karina has been acting stranger and stranger, as if all her hair hides a big secret. . . .
A bold and hilarious introduction to a new sleuth who is looking to get her life back on track, but finds a man with his skull bashed in instead.
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Published May 5, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 152 reviews
May 12, 2026
2.5 stars, rounded up as it's a debut. "Zoom with a View" sounded really cute and I was able to slot the title into several challenges, but it was not a good fit for me and if it hadn't been for said challenges I'd have DNF'd it so fast, sigh. 😩 As it was I skipped a good deal of it and felt like I missed nothing which isn't good in a Murder mystery. 😖 My biggest issue is that besides the titular Zoom call, there's just way, way too much social media - A 💩ton of Reddit - so, so much Reddit - plus many others - sometimes even simultaneously. And just so, so, so many characters (and yet the killer stood right out). And also there was just so much diversity that it felt so inauthentic - especially for a Texas small-town (even for close to Austin). Finally, it ends with a sequel set-up, which is just no way ever... sorry, not sorry, but I'm sorry I chose this.
Did Not Finish
June 4, 2026ೄྀ࿐ ˊˎ- 𝒫𝓇𝑒-𝓇𝑒𝒶𝒹
dnf at 11%, I truly was struggling to get into this
Thank you to Netgalley and Dutton for the arc
. . . . . ╰──╮╭──╯ . . . . .. . . . . ╰──╮╭──╯ . . . . .. . . . . ╰──╮╭──╯ . . . . .
dnf at 11%, I truly was struggling to get into this
Thank you to Netgalley and Dutton for the arc
. . . . . ╰──╮╭──╯ . . . . .. . . . . ╰──╮╭──╯ . . . . .. . . . . ╰──╮╭──╯ . . . . .
March 12, 2026
A Zoom with a View had an interesting premise, but unfortunately it was a difficult book for me to get into. The writing itself isn’t bad, and the author clearly put effort into the story. However, I struggled to stay engaged and found it hard to connect with what was happening.
May 31, 2026
I had high hopes for this book; it sounded so cute and right up my alley. The people and the town were quirky, I thought the Reddit page was hilarious, and the writing overall was good, but it just didn’t grab me. So many characters are thrown at you right away and it’s difficult to keep them straight. The multiple POVs added to the confusion. This was a solid three-star read for me until the ending, with a cliffhanger which just was too little too late to keep me hooked for the next one.
Thank you to NetGalley for the review copy.
Thank you to NetGalley for the review copy.
December 16, 2025
This was a well-written murder mystery that I’d recommend, but the ending really threw me off. It felt like a cliffhanger, and I’m left wondering if a sequel is planned because so many threads weren’t fully resolved. I appreciated the diverse cast and queer representation, especially in a small-town setting. The subreddit thread was also a fun touch.
That said, some key questions were never answered, which was frustrating for a mystery novel, and I noticed a couple of minor typos. I wish Beth had appeared on the page instead of just being discussed. Overall, the murder was solved yaaaay, but the ending didn’t feel fully satisfying.
Thanks to Netgallery for the ARC copy
That said, some key questions were never answered, which was frustrating for a mystery novel, and I noticed a couple of minor typos. I wish Beth had appeared on the page instead of just being discussed. Overall, the murder was solved yaaaay, but the ending didn’t feel fully satisfying.
Thanks to Netgallery for the ARC copy
May 10, 2026
“A Zoom with a View” is a perplexing modern day mystery set in the small town of Blue Oak, Texas. This third-person narrative portrays the experience of towns members, primarily Leo and her best friend Emily, as they experience Fourth of July festivities and a surprise murder the next day. My feelings on this book are mixed. Some elements I did not love, such as the significance of a subreddit and the character hopping. But regardless, I was entertained and interested in the mystery-solving. I guess that’s all that really matters!
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.
June 28, 2026
Too many characters and too many pages but I enjoyed the central Texas setting
Read
February 27, 2026Shout out to NetGalley and Dutton for the eArc in exchange of an honest review🫶🏻
Dnfed at 30%
Unfortunately this book did not do it for me, I love the premise of it but the writing wasn’t smooth and made me zone out.
I was really intrigued by the main characters dynamic but not enough to finish the book.
It’s not for me but if you’re into crime/ romance then this book is for you!!!
Dnfed at 30%
Unfortunately this book did not do it for me, I love the premise of it but the writing wasn’t smooth and made me zone out.
I was really intrigued by the main characters dynamic but not enough to finish the book.
It’s not for me but if you’re into crime/ romance then this book is for you!!!
May 23, 2026
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Leonora “Leo” Holloway’s career as an English professor in New York doesn’t go as planned, so she returns home to Blue Oak, Texas, and takes a job working for her Aunt Kay’s real estate business as her photographer. She is happy to have her BFF, Emily, by her side as she tries to get her life in order while reconnecting with her other Blue Oak friends.
After some despicable and dangerous acts at the 4th of July parade by Chaz Nickolson and Kymber Owens, Leo decides to find proof that they are the ones sabotaging Schneider Realty. Instead, she finds the social media influencer and competitive realtor, Chaz, dead in her Aunt Kay’s new listing. Sheriff Stan Quakenbush (boy, that name fits) decides Kay is guilty of the crime. An added element, Emily and Leo secretly host a Reddit page bashing Chaz. Plus, Leo’s mother is definitely up to something. Hopefully, Detective Jake Nguyen, who has grown into quite a handsome man, can help Leo zoom in on the real killer.
A Zoom with a View is what I assume to be the first book in a series. We meet Leonora “Leo” Holloway, a woman with her life in flux, typical for a cozy mystery. I liked her; she is an intelligent woman, relatable, and a little quirky. She also has a beautiful blue heeler named Derrida. That gives her major points, as I am a big blue/red heeler lover. I am dog mom to a beautiful red heeler named Daisy. The one thing I found off-putting was that a 33-year-old academic, wannabe college professor, hosts a Reddit page degrading someone. Doing something so childish, even though crucial to the plot, disappointed me. Leo’s mother, Karina, is out there and larger-than-life. I enjoyed her banter, but the woman has a huge secret. Emily and Leo are like sisters and the best of friends. Very quickly, Leo has two men in her life who could become true love interests. We have barely scratched the surface of what will be a romantic triangle.
The mystery was pretty straightforward to solve. It can be hard to introduce all the characters and the locale, and put forth a complicated mystery with a multitude of twists and turns. That being said, the story was still very entertaining. I had a good time following Leo through the mystery and all the additional subplots. While the murder mystery was wrapped up satisfactorily, the book ends with a cliffhanger and many questions.
In A Zoom with a View, Ms. Cannon has laid a nice foundation for the series to continue. I enjoy the author’s sense of humor and comedic timing, which was laced throughout the pages of this book. With Chaz dead, I hope we have heard the last of his Reddit page, and going forward, we can get to know Leo, Karina, and the other core characters better with a strong mystery or two to solve. I am rounding my rating up to 4 stars.
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 Dutton and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
Leonora “Leo” Holloway’s career as an English professor in New York doesn’t go as planned, so she returns home to Blue Oak, Texas, and takes a job working for her Aunt Kay’s real estate business as her photographer. She is happy to have her BFF, Emily, by her side as she tries to get her life in order while reconnecting with her other Blue Oak friends.
After some despicable and dangerous acts at the 4th of July parade by Chaz Nickolson and Kymber Owens, Leo decides to find proof that they are the ones sabotaging Schneider Realty. Instead, she finds the social media influencer and competitive realtor, Chaz, dead in her Aunt Kay’s new listing. Sheriff Stan Quakenbush (boy, that name fits) decides Kay is guilty of the crime. An added element, Emily and Leo secretly host a Reddit page bashing Chaz. Plus, Leo’s mother is definitely up to something. Hopefully, Detective Jake Nguyen, who has grown into quite a handsome man, can help Leo zoom in on the real killer.
A Zoom with a View is what I assume to be the first book in a series. We meet Leonora “Leo” Holloway, a woman with her life in flux, typical for a cozy mystery. I liked her; she is an intelligent woman, relatable, and a little quirky. She also has a beautiful blue heeler named Derrida. That gives her major points, as I am a big blue/red heeler lover. I am dog mom to a beautiful red heeler named Daisy. The one thing I found off-putting was that a 33-year-old academic, wannabe college professor, hosts a Reddit page degrading someone. Doing something so childish, even though crucial to the plot, disappointed me. Leo’s mother, Karina, is out there and larger-than-life. I enjoyed her banter, but the woman has a huge secret. Emily and Leo are like sisters and the best of friends. Very quickly, Leo has two men in her life who could become true love interests. We have barely scratched the surface of what will be a romantic triangle.
The mystery was pretty straightforward to solve. It can be hard to introduce all the characters and the locale, and put forth a complicated mystery with a multitude of twists and turns. That being said, the story was still very entertaining. I had a good time following Leo through the mystery and all the additional subplots. While the murder mystery was wrapped up satisfactorily, the book ends with a cliffhanger and many questions.
In A Zoom with a View, Ms. Cannon has laid a nice foundation for the series to continue. I enjoy the author’s sense of humor and comedic timing, which was laced throughout the pages of this book. With Chaz dead, I hope we have heard the last of his Reddit page, and going forward, we can get to know Leo, Karina, and the other core characters better with a strong mystery or two to solve. I am rounding my rating up to 4 stars.
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 Dutton and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
May 17, 2026
When her career as an academic professor hits a snag, Leonora “Leo” Holloway heads to her hometown of Blue Oak, Texas. She’ll be working for her best friend’s mother as a photographer for her real estate company. It’s not an easy transition, though. When Leo gets to Blue Oak, she has to deal with her difficult mother and a former high school boyfriend.
To add to Leo’s troubles, she discovers a dead body in one of the real estate properties. It happens to be a rival agent who is unliked by many and is the main focus of Leo’s Reddit page. When someone close to her is arrested for the murder, Leo joins the investigation to prove who really did the crime.
This new mystery is filled with humor and an intriguing plot. It has a quirky supporting cast. It took me a little time to get to know all the players, but they are a fun group.
I wasn’t really surprised at who the culprit turned out to be, but it didn’t stop me from enjoying the journey to the end. There are a few secondary plots that keep you thinking. The book ends with a cliffhanger, so I anticipate there will be a sequel at some point. This is a solid story and a good start to a potential series of books.
Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a free Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
To add to Leo’s troubles, she discovers a dead body in one of the real estate properties. It happens to be a rival agent who is unliked by many and is the main focus of Leo’s Reddit page. When someone close to her is arrested for the murder, Leo joins the investigation to prove who really did the crime.
This new mystery is filled with humor and an intriguing plot. It has a quirky supporting cast. It took me a little time to get to know all the players, but they are a fun group.
I wasn’t really surprised at who the culprit turned out to be, but it didn’t stop me from enjoying the journey to the end. There are a few secondary plots that keep you thinking. The book ends with a cliffhanger, so I anticipate there will be a sequel at some point. This is a solid story and a good start to a potential series of books.
Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a free Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
May 31, 2026
3.5/5
Very quirky and fun, and I appreciated the diverse cast of characters. However, at times it became a little too outlandish and cringy. I’m also surprised by how little photography Leo actually does in the book. The ending made it seem like this will be a series, so I might pick up the sequel.
Very quirky and fun, and I appreciated the diverse cast of characters. However, at times it became a little too outlandish and cringy. I’m also surprised by how little photography Leo actually does in the book. The ending made it seem like this will be a series, so I might pick up the sequel.
January 23, 2026
I received a copy of A Zoom with a View prior to publication from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review || 3.5 stars rounded up to 4. Definitely a cozy murder mystery in many ways. While it took a little while to get into the story, the journey was a lot of fun along the way. The ending is definitely a cliffhanger but I’m excited to read the next book in the series.
June 10, 2026
A Zoom with a View is hilariously — and somehow accurately — unhinged in the best possible way. Jess Cannon has created a cozy mystery world that feels like a chaotic hug: warm, weird, and full of characters who absolutely should not function together but somehow do.
Leo is instantly relatable as the girl dragged back to her quirky Texas hometown, Blue Oak — a place that is equal parts charming, eccentric, and “bless your heart” energy. She’s messy, she’s overwhelmed, she’s trying her best, and she’s surrounded by a cast of characters who are all delightfully off‑kilter. It’s the kind of small town where everyone knows everything (especially from behind a keyboard), and yet somehow no one knows anything useful.
The murder itself isn’t shocking — the victim is exactly the kind of person you expect to end up dead in a cozy mystery — but the journey to the who‑dun‑it is where this book shines. Cannon drops so many little clues, red herrings, and suspicious tidbits that I genuinely felt like a detective trying to piece it all together. Every time I thought I had it solved, she’d toss in another detail that sent me spiraling in a new direction. It’s fun, it’s engaging, and it keeps you turning pages.
And the drama? Oh, the drama is not resolved. The murder is wrapped up nicely, but the character chaos is still simmering, and I’m already dying for the next book. Blue Oak is the kind of town you want to escape from but also never leave — and I’m fully invested in whatever mess these people get into next.
This is a solid 4‑star read for me: funny, fast‑paced, and full of personality.
And I have to say — attending the local book signing for this was the cherry on top. It was genuinely the most fun book event I’ve ever been to. The panel questions, the activities, the energy in the room — and Jess Cannon herself? Absolutely amazing. Hearing her talk about having five books plotted out for this series made my entire night. I cannot wait to devour every single one of them.
Blue Oak, I’m ready for round two.
Leo is instantly relatable as the girl dragged back to her quirky Texas hometown, Blue Oak — a place that is equal parts charming, eccentric, and “bless your heart” energy. She’s messy, she’s overwhelmed, she’s trying her best, and she’s surrounded by a cast of characters who are all delightfully off‑kilter. It’s the kind of small town where everyone knows everything (especially from behind a keyboard), and yet somehow no one knows anything useful.
The murder itself isn’t shocking — the victim is exactly the kind of person you expect to end up dead in a cozy mystery — but the journey to the who‑dun‑it is where this book shines. Cannon drops so many little clues, red herrings, and suspicious tidbits that I genuinely felt like a detective trying to piece it all together. Every time I thought I had it solved, she’d toss in another detail that sent me spiraling in a new direction. It’s fun, it’s engaging, and it keeps you turning pages.
And the drama? Oh, the drama is not resolved. The murder is wrapped up nicely, but the character chaos is still simmering, and I’m already dying for the next book. Blue Oak is the kind of town you want to escape from but also never leave — and I’m fully invested in whatever mess these people get into next.
This is a solid 4‑star read for me: funny, fast‑paced, and full of personality.
And I have to say — attending the local book signing for this was the cherry on top. It was genuinely the most fun book event I’ve ever been to. The panel questions, the activities, the energy in the room — and Jess Cannon herself? Absolutely amazing. Hearing her talk about having five books plotted out for this series made my entire night. I cannot wait to devour every single one of them.
Blue Oak, I’m ready for round two.
May 4, 2026
A Zoom with a View is a witty, modern cozy mystery that blends small-town chaos, influencer culture, and sharp humor into an engaging whodunit.
Cannon’s writing is the standout. Her voice is fresh, playful, and observant, capturing awkward conversations and messy human behavior with humor and authenticity. The pacing works well—quick enough to keep the story moving, but with enough space for emotional moments to land naturally.
The use of multiple POVs adds depth and texture to the mystery, and the third-person narration feels like a refreshing choice for the genre. However, clearer transitions or subheadings indicating whose perspective we’re following would have helped, especially given the large cast of characters.
Where the book stumbles slightly is in its resolution. While the central mystery is solved, several key threads remain unresolved, making the ending feel more like a setup for a sequel than a fully satisfying conclusion. It doesn’t take away from the overall enjoyment, but it does leave lingering questions and a desire for tighter closure.
Overall, this is a funny, heartfelt, and distinctly contemporary cozy mystery with charm, romance, and a strong sense of voice. Perfect for readers who enjoy messy families, internet drama, and small-town intrigue—just be prepared to finish it wanting a second book.
Thank you to Jess Cannon and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Cannon’s writing is the standout. Her voice is fresh, playful, and observant, capturing awkward conversations and messy human behavior with humor and authenticity. The pacing works well—quick enough to keep the story moving, but with enough space for emotional moments to land naturally.
The use of multiple POVs adds depth and texture to the mystery, and the third-person narration feels like a refreshing choice for the genre. However, clearer transitions or subheadings indicating whose perspective we’re following would have helped, especially given the large cast of characters.
Where the book stumbles slightly is in its resolution. While the central mystery is solved, several key threads remain unresolved, making the ending feel more like a setup for a sequel than a fully satisfying conclusion. It doesn’t take away from the overall enjoyment, but it does leave lingering questions and a desire for tighter closure.
Overall, this is a funny, heartfelt, and distinctly contemporary cozy mystery with charm, romance, and a strong sense of voice. Perfect for readers who enjoy messy families, internet drama, and small-town intrigue—just be prepared to finish it wanting a second book.
Thank you to Jess Cannon and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 7, 2026
Leo finds herself thrown headfirst into a murder investigation. Despite the seriousness of what is going on around her, Leo is glad to have been able to spend time away for her position as an English professor. The setting of a professor turned snark Reddit page runner turned investigator is what we have in Jess Cannon’s enjoyable fiction debut.
This captivating mystery, infused with a delightful sense of humor, weaves a narrative that consistently references influencer culture. The ending left some intriguing questions unanswered, suggesting that this could be the first book in a series. Nevertheless, Jess Cannon’s exceptional creativity and storytelling prowess kept me engrossed throughout the entire read.
Many thanks to Dutton and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
This captivating mystery, infused with a delightful sense of humor, weaves a narrative that consistently references influencer culture. The ending left some intriguing questions unanswered, suggesting that this could be the first book in a series. Nevertheless, Jess Cannon’s exceptional creativity and storytelling prowess kept me engrossed throughout the entire read.
Many thanks to Dutton and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
May 23, 2026
“How many mysteries can one small town hold?” Well, as it turns out - MANY.
I don’t have much to say other than this book hit me in the right way at the right time. I was looking for an easy read after Life Out of Order by Audrey Niffenegger (out October 2026) absolutely broke my brain and it just fit the bill! It was easy, campy, a little murdery, and full of twists. I think this book will work for you if you are looking for a light and fun cozy mystery to read this summer, because yes! It’s a beach read - the murder in the small town of Blue Oak takes place over Fourth of July weekend. It also felt like a quite modern cozy mystery as there is a LOT of social media talk and Reddit (which admittedly I don’t know much about), but it all makes sense given the crime and it never felt like too much.
AND GUYS, this is also another book to add to my ever growing shelf of winning debuts of the year as this is Jess Cannon’s fiction debut!
🎧 I mostly did an immersive read for this and it was the way to go! I thought the narrator did a really good job voicing the other characters (with the exception of the kids. I never really like when adults voice children).
Thank you Dutton Books and PRH Audio for the gifted finished copy and ALC.
I don’t have much to say other than this book hit me in the right way at the right time. I was looking for an easy read after Life Out of Order by Audrey Niffenegger (out October 2026) absolutely broke my brain and it just fit the bill! It was easy, campy, a little murdery, and full of twists. I think this book will work for you if you are looking for a light and fun cozy mystery to read this summer, because yes! It’s a beach read - the murder in the small town of Blue Oak takes place over Fourth of July weekend. It also felt like a quite modern cozy mystery as there is a LOT of social media talk and Reddit (which admittedly I don’t know much about), but it all makes sense given the crime and it never felt like too much.
AND GUYS, this is also another book to add to my ever growing shelf of winning debuts of the year as this is Jess Cannon’s fiction debut!
🎧 I mostly did an immersive read for this and it was the way to go! I thought the narrator did a really good job voicing the other characters (with the exception of the kids. I never really like when adults voice children).
Thank you Dutton Books and PRH Audio for the gifted finished copy and ALC.
May 25, 2026
the book was okay, just it’s very confusing when there are different chapters where we are following a different character besides our main character. and the chapters don’t tell us who we are following, we have to figure it out.
received via Net Galley for my honest review
2.75⭐️
received via Net Galley for my honest review
2.75⭐️
June 27, 2026
So fun!! Loved—and was so excited there is a next one!
June 16, 2026
A Zoom With a View is a modern cozy - an amateur sleuth with a dog, that returns to her hometown, and a murder takes place. And her best friend's mother is arrested for the crime! Although I kept reading, the big reveal of her mom's "profession" felt a little over the top for me. It was fun, and a light fast read. Probably 2.5 stars for me? A lot of involvement with social media - featuring "Reddit"
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Firstly, thank you to netgalley for kindly gifting me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. A Zoom with a View is a cosy mystery book. I wanted to love this one but unfortunately it fell a little flat for me, however, it did pick up in the second half of the book. The beginning of the book I felt dragged a little with the author trying to set the scene, the family dynamics, explain the town and everyone's relationships which I felt could have been a little shorter. However, the book does have fun and quirky elements as well as the book showcasing messy family dynamics especially after grief.
The book is set in a fictionalized town called Blue Oak. Our main character Leo, can't believe she's back in her small town after failing to make it big as an English professor in New York. Blue Oak is no ordinary town and full of quirkiness. Leo has a strained relationship with her mother Karina especially after the death of her father so that makes the move even harder. With her career in shambles she returns to Blue Oak to help her godmother's real estate business by being a photographer of the homes. While at work Leo makes a haunting discovery, a dead body in one of the homes she's shooting. The dead body is the local influencer, loved by some, hated by others. Together with the cops, Leo helps to uncover the truth.
This book will be right up your street if you enjoy small town cosy mysterys. This small town is also deeply rooted in influencer culture and that element along with a subreddit page about the murdered Chaz made the book quite unique and interesting. I loved the subreddit side of things where the characters are gossiping about Chaz prior to his death and then also trying to figure out why he was murdered. The book also has a great range of diverse characters in this small town setting. There are also multiple POVs to keep the story interesting and a love triangle in the mix. I did enjoy the twists throughout, but a lot remained unsaid by the end and I didn't love the cliffhanger ending. It definitely setup for a sequel book.
Overall, an easy read with humour, romance, messy families and murder at the core.
#AZoomWithAView #NetGalley #bookblogger #bookreview #mysterybook
The book is set in a fictionalized town called Blue Oak. Our main character Leo, can't believe she's back in her small town after failing to make it big as an English professor in New York. Blue Oak is no ordinary town and full of quirkiness. Leo has a strained relationship with her mother Karina especially after the death of her father so that makes the move even harder. With her career in shambles she returns to Blue Oak to help her godmother's real estate business by being a photographer of the homes. While at work Leo makes a haunting discovery, a dead body in one of the homes she's shooting. The dead body is the local influencer, loved by some, hated by others. Together with the cops, Leo helps to uncover the truth.
This book will be right up your street if you enjoy small town cosy mysterys. This small town is also deeply rooted in influencer culture and that element along with a subreddit page about the murdered Chaz made the book quite unique and interesting. I loved the subreddit side of things where the characters are gossiping about Chaz prior to his death and then also trying to figure out why he was murdered. The book also has a great range of diverse characters in this small town setting. There are also multiple POVs to keep the story interesting and a love triangle in the mix. I did enjoy the twists throughout, but a lot remained unsaid by the end and I didn't love the cliffhanger ending. It definitely setup for a sequel book.
Overall, an easy read with humour, romance, messy families and murder at the core.
#AZoomWithAView #NetGalley #bookblogger #bookreview #mysterybook
May 7, 2026
🎇🧡📸 A Zoom with a View ARC Review 📸🎇🧡
What happens when the town gossip page becomes evidence in a murder? What happens after the life you imagined for yourself fall apart?
⭐⭐⭐
A Zoom with a View is a witty, chaotic, small town murder mystery packed with influencer drama, messy family secrets, Reddit snark/gossip, and simmering with romantic tension.
📓 After her academia career implodes, Leo Holloway returns to her quirky Blue Oak, Texas hometown expecting embarrassment, judgement, and way too much time with people she'd rather avoid. What she doesn't expect is to find the body of a smug real estate, gym bro influencer while she's photographing a house listing — or to get dragged into a murder investigation tangled up with online snark pages, old flames, and secrets long buried in Blue Oak.
📘 I thoroughly enjoyed the beginning - a character forced to return to her small, quirky yet charming hometown that's full of zany characters. But all those characters came at a cost for me. You meet a lot of characters early on, including two who have the same name but both change their names. Maybe it was just my brain, but all of them being introduced so close together made it difficult for me to keep up with who's who and how they know one another. Additionally, the limited omniscient POV, while well done, added a layer of complexity that combined with so many characters... It kept me from being truly attached to any of the characters. I was just trying to keep up, keep everyone and their connections straight. So I couldn't really form any attachments, or follow the mystery and try to piece the clues together myself. As a character-focused reader who loves piecing mysteries together and trying to figure it out before the reveal, this made it a bit frustrating and harder to get and stay invested, engaged.
And the ending? I'm still unsure how I feel. On one hand, it sets up for a potentially exciting follow up. But as much as it made sense looking back, it also felt out of place.
I liked the book ok enough, but I'm not sold on continuing the series.
🫵🏻 A Zoom with a View is for readers who:
• love a diverse and inclusive cast, with accessible writing
• enjoy messy, lovable, small town casts
• love contemporary, cozy mysteries with humor
• enjoy sharp, modern dialogue and internet culture references
• love amateur sleuths stumbling into chaos
• enjoy family drama mixed with romance and mystery
• enjoy books with Gilmore Girls style hometown, but with 💀
• enjoy cozy mysteries that feel very online, emotionally messy, and full of snarky humor
✍🏼 The prose is breezy, conversational, accessible, and very readable. I love that it's unapologetically online and feels intentionally modern. The sharp observations, internet-era humor, and emotionally honest narration that captures the exhausted millennial experience extremely well. For me, the writing shines most in internal dialogue, awkward social interactions, family tension, comedic timing, and small town observations.
Instead of lyrical or atmospheric writing, Cannon opts for accessibility and personality - I great choice for this book, I think. It feels intimate and voice-driven, almost like listening to a clever friend recount the most chaotic month of their life.
Limited omniscient POV took me a second to adjust to, but it works well for this story.
Read if you're looking for witty, contemporary fiction, character-first mystery, and/or humor mixed with vulnerability.
🎙️ Dialogue is one of the areas this book shines. The characters all speak distinctly and their conversations carry a lot of the plot weight. Dialogue masterfully conveys: layered emotional tension, sarcasm, passive-aggressive family dynamics, flirtation, and internet-savvy humor. The banter feels natural and does a great job capturing the pace and rhythm of small town conversations. I love that dialogue reveals relationships and nuances, without lengthy exposition. The humor will probably land best with readers familiar with online culture, academic burnout, millennial awkwardness, and social media performativity.
⏳ Character-driven pacing with a mystery that unfolds steadily. The emotional layering slows the plot down, which for this type of story, I didn't love. I think me reading this expecting the focus to be almost exclusively on the mystery, maybe some thriller, did the book a disservice. If you approach it as more of a contemporary dramedy with a murder mystery, you'd enjoy it more than I did.
👥 The cast is wonderfully and organically diverse and inclusive, which I love. I love that Leo isn't perfect and makes mistakes. I especially love that she often makes emotionally immature decisions, but in believable ways. I just found I couldn't connect or have feelings about the characters.
The supporting cast adds warmth and texture, and the town almost functions as a character itself, both comforting and suffocating.
🩵 While I love that the romantic dynamics feel mature, both characters carrying baggage and emotional scars, I didn't feel or see the chemistry as much as I prefer. I love that the romance complements the book's larger themes — Leo has to decide whether she's capable of letting herself belong somewhere again, both romantically and personally.
📚 Read if you liked: Arsenic and Adobo (Mia P Manansala), A Murder Most Camp (Nicolas DiDomizio), Finlay Donovan is Killing it (Elle Cosimano), Board to Death (CJ Connor), Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers (Jesse Q Sutanto), Mother-Daughter Murder Night (Nina Simon), or Only Murders in the Building.
Thank you to Jess Cannon, Dutton Publishing, and @netgalley for the opportunity to read this gifted eARC. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
What happens when the town gossip page becomes evidence in a murder? What happens after the life you imagined for yourself fall apart?
⭐⭐⭐
A Zoom with a View is a witty, chaotic, small town murder mystery packed with influencer drama, messy family secrets, Reddit snark/gossip, and simmering with romantic tension.
📓 After her academia career implodes, Leo Holloway returns to her quirky Blue Oak, Texas hometown expecting embarrassment, judgement, and way too much time with people she'd rather avoid. What she doesn't expect is to find the body of a smug real estate, gym bro influencer while she's photographing a house listing — or to get dragged into a murder investigation tangled up with online snark pages, old flames, and secrets long buried in Blue Oak.
📘 I thoroughly enjoyed the beginning - a character forced to return to her small, quirky yet charming hometown that's full of zany characters. But all those characters came at a cost for me. You meet a lot of characters early on, including two who have the same name but both change their names. Maybe it was just my brain, but all of them being introduced so close together made it difficult for me to keep up with who's who and how they know one another. Additionally, the limited omniscient POV, while well done, added a layer of complexity that combined with so many characters... It kept me from being truly attached to any of the characters. I was just trying to keep up, keep everyone and their connections straight. So I couldn't really form any attachments, or follow the mystery and try to piece the clues together myself. As a character-focused reader who loves piecing mysteries together and trying to figure it out before the reveal, this made it a bit frustrating and harder to get and stay invested, engaged.
And the ending? I'm still unsure how I feel. On one hand, it sets up for a potentially exciting follow up. But as much as it made sense looking back, it also felt out of place.
I liked the book ok enough, but I'm not sold on continuing the series.
🫵🏻 A Zoom with a View is for readers who:
• love a diverse and inclusive cast, with accessible writing
• enjoy messy, lovable, small town casts
• love contemporary, cozy mysteries with humor
• enjoy sharp, modern dialogue and internet culture references
• love amateur sleuths stumbling into chaos
• enjoy family drama mixed with romance and mystery
• enjoy books with Gilmore Girls style hometown, but with 💀
• enjoy cozy mysteries that feel very online, emotionally messy, and full of snarky humor
✍🏼 The prose is breezy, conversational, accessible, and very readable. I love that it's unapologetically online and feels intentionally modern. The sharp observations, internet-era humor, and emotionally honest narration that captures the exhausted millennial experience extremely well. For me, the writing shines most in internal dialogue, awkward social interactions, family tension, comedic timing, and small town observations.
Instead of lyrical or atmospheric writing, Cannon opts for accessibility and personality - I great choice for this book, I think. It feels intimate and voice-driven, almost like listening to a clever friend recount the most chaotic month of their life.
Limited omniscient POV took me a second to adjust to, but it works well for this story.
Read if you're looking for witty, contemporary fiction, character-first mystery, and/or humor mixed with vulnerability.
🎙️ Dialogue is one of the areas this book shines. The characters all speak distinctly and their conversations carry a lot of the plot weight. Dialogue masterfully conveys: layered emotional tension, sarcasm, passive-aggressive family dynamics, flirtation, and internet-savvy humor. The banter feels natural and does a great job capturing the pace and rhythm of small town conversations. I love that dialogue reveals relationships and nuances, without lengthy exposition. The humor will probably land best with readers familiar with online culture, academic burnout, millennial awkwardness, and social media performativity.
⏳ Character-driven pacing with a mystery that unfolds steadily. The emotional layering slows the plot down, which for this type of story, I didn't love. I think me reading this expecting the focus to be almost exclusively on the mystery, maybe some thriller, did the book a disservice. If you approach it as more of a contemporary dramedy with a murder mystery, you'd enjoy it more than I did.
👥 The cast is wonderfully and organically diverse and inclusive, which I love. I love that Leo isn't perfect and makes mistakes. I especially love that she often makes emotionally immature decisions, but in believable ways. I just found I couldn't connect or have feelings about the characters.
The supporting cast adds warmth and texture, and the town almost functions as a character itself, both comforting and suffocating.
🩵 While I love that the romantic dynamics feel mature, both characters carrying baggage and emotional scars, I didn't feel or see the chemistry as much as I prefer. I love that the romance complements the book's larger themes — Leo has to decide whether she's capable of letting herself belong somewhere again, both romantically and personally.
📚 Read if you liked: Arsenic and Adobo (Mia P Manansala), A Murder Most Camp (Nicolas DiDomizio), Finlay Donovan is Killing it (Elle Cosimano), Board to Death (CJ Connor), Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers (Jesse Q Sutanto), Mother-Daughter Murder Night (Nina Simon), or Only Murders in the Building.
Thank you to Jess Cannon, Dutton Publishing, and @netgalley for the opportunity to read this gifted eARC. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
January 14, 2026
I just did not like this book. This book was advertised for people who like Thursday Murder Club books, which is a series I love. But the characters in TMC are unique and endearing, while the characters in this book were annoying and dramatic. As far as mysteries go, it wasn’t very mysterious.
I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley.
I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
18 people were introduced / talking in the first forty pages. That's a bit much. We have over 300 pages to get into it. I would've liked it to be spread out more because it was overwhelming to start the book and feel like I was thrown into the deep end.
The limited omniscient pov is a little tough to get used to. There's a scene in the police station where, for a paragraph or two, it switches to a pov from one of the moms.
The caricature that's Quackenbush... Other than the fact that his view of Chaz is very different from everyone else's, he seems to be very high and mighty in his view of himself. What sheriff knocks on a door and says, "'I think you and I both know why I’m here. We can talk here, or down at the courthouse. But I know what you did. And you’re not getting away with it.'" I'm not familiar with the law or how law enforcement typically approaches these things. But nowhere before this statement did it say any evidence had been gathered. None at all. He didn't even visit the crime scene.
Back to the police station. Leo says she smelled Chaz's dead body yesterday and saw the pile of cloths. That would have to be a massive pile of cloths to cover his body. Plus, didn't she try to gather them up and offered to get rid of them for Emily? You'd think she would've seen something.
Karina is also a character. Your best friend was arrested, but without sufficient evidence, she can't be held or taken to trial. Calm down. (I'm guessing this was part of her cover, so I can overlook it.)
The reader assumes that Leo isn't the murderer, but how do the police believe that? Isn't she a suspect as well? Yet Jake is telling her details and setting her up as a paid consultant on the same case that she hasn't been absolved from. I understand that she has a lot of knowledge of these influencers, but how does that override her potential part in this as someone who was alone in the house the night before? He doesn't stop sharing information with her either. He tells her everything, including how Chaz was murdered. That's not realistic.
Why did Karina lie about the telegraph set being Phil's? Just tell the truth? How does a telegraph set equal potentially murdering Chaz?
The romance (?) between Jake and Leo feels so weird. It's a murder mystery. We don't need romance in every book. It just got thrown in there. The only possible link would have been Emily mentioning that Jake was attractive in the very beginning of the book.
The way Emily blew up at Leo when she told her that she told the police they moderated the subreddit was crazy. Of course the police would discover that. What's the point in lying? Especially when there may be info there that would exonerate Emily's mom. In addition to that, Macy could hack into their devices so quickly.
For all the talk about how good at her job Esquivel is, I'm shocked that she asked, "Melody, how do you know Chaz was killed?"
Of course Karina is a CIA agent. And yes, she revealed that to Leo on the sidewalk outside of Chaz's house after they apprehended Kymber. Where anyone could hear. Then Leo and Karina fight. I get that it was a shock but man. Leo overreacted. "Betrayal"? Girl, there are secrets that need to be kept from even family.
The final bit, to signal a sequel, is that Leo's dad was murdered and as long as she's in Blue Oak, she's in danger too.
I don't think I'll end up reading the next book. It was a little too dramatic at every turn to the point of being a comedic murder mystery. The in between chapters were meant to add intrigue, but I wasn't really interested in what it meant / what was going on. I found myself rolling my eyes at every outburst. Each time it happened, I remember thinking that the characters were overreacting. It just wasn't for me.
I also don't understand how the title ties into the book.
Thank you to Netgalley and Dutton for the eARC.
The limited omniscient pov is a little tough to get used to. There's a scene in the police station where, for a paragraph or two, it switches to a pov from one of the moms.
The caricature that's Quackenbush... Other than the fact that his view of Chaz is very different from everyone else's, he seems to be very high and mighty in his view of himself. What sheriff knocks on a door and says, "'I think you and I both know why I’m here. We can talk here, or down at the courthouse. But I know what you did. And you’re not getting away with it.'" I'm not familiar with the law or how law enforcement typically approaches these things. But nowhere before this statement did it say any evidence had been gathered. None at all. He didn't even visit the crime scene.
Back to the police station. Leo says she smelled Chaz's dead body yesterday and saw the pile of cloths. That would have to be a massive pile of cloths to cover his body. Plus, didn't she try to gather them up and offered to get rid of them for Emily? You'd think she would've seen something.
Karina is also a character. Your best friend was arrested, but without sufficient evidence, she can't be held or taken to trial. Calm down. (I'm guessing this was part of her cover, so I can overlook it.)
The reader assumes that Leo isn't the murderer, but how do the police believe that? Isn't she a suspect as well? Yet Jake is telling her details and setting her up as a paid consultant on the same case that she hasn't been absolved from. I understand that she has a lot of knowledge of these influencers, but how does that override her potential part in this as someone who was alone in the house the night before? He doesn't stop sharing information with her either. He tells her everything, including how Chaz was murdered. That's not realistic.
Why did Karina lie about the telegraph set being Phil's? Just tell the truth? How does a telegraph set equal potentially murdering Chaz?
The romance (?) between Jake and Leo feels so weird. It's a murder mystery. We don't need romance in every book. It just got thrown in there. The only possible link would have been Emily mentioning that Jake was attractive in the very beginning of the book.
The way Emily blew up at Leo when she told her that she told the police they moderated the subreddit was crazy. Of course the police would discover that. What's the point in lying? Especially when there may be info there that would exonerate Emily's mom. In addition to that, Macy could hack into their devices so quickly.
For all the talk about how good at her job Esquivel is, I'm shocked that she asked, "Melody, how do you know Chaz was killed?"
Of course Karina is a CIA agent. And yes, she revealed that to Leo on the sidewalk outside of Chaz's house after they apprehended Kymber. Where anyone could hear. Then Leo and Karina fight. I get that it was a shock but man. Leo overreacted. "Betrayal"? Girl, there are secrets that need to be kept from even family.
The final bit, to signal a sequel, is that Leo's dad was murdered and as long as she's in Blue Oak, she's in danger too.
I don't think I'll end up reading the next book. It was a little too dramatic at every turn to the point of being a comedic murder mystery. The in between chapters were meant to add intrigue, but I wasn't really interested in what it meant / what was going on. I found myself rolling my eyes at every outburst. Each time it happened, I remember thinking that the characters were overreacting. It just wasn't for me.
I also don't understand how the title ties into the book.
Thank you to Netgalley and Dutton for the eARC.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 10, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This cozy mystery was a page turner and a fast read that kept me guessing as I tried to figure out what was truly going on in Blue Oak, TX!
Quick Synopsis
When Leo loses her job as an English professor, she is convinced by her mom’s best friend, Kay, to move back home for the summer to capitalize on her photography skills as a photographer for Kay’s real estate business. Leo is reluctant but at least she’ll be able to spend more time with her best friend, Emily, as they work on their secret side project: as moderators of a subreddit devoted to snarky comments about the influencer they went to high school with, Chaz - who just happens to be Kay’s biggest real estate competitor.
But, when Chaz is found dead in one of Kay’s listings, and Kay is arrested for his murder, Leo puts her deep knowledge about Chaz to work to figure out who really killed him. She joins forces with local detective Jake, who got hot since Leo last saw him as a gangly teenager, to find the real killer and clear Kay’s name - all while dealing with a surprising attraction to Jake, reignited feelings for her high school ex, Mack, and her rocky relationship with her mom, Karina.
My Thoughts
I was thoroughly engaged with this story, and suffered from “just one more chapter-itis” as I tried to uncover all the secrets layered in this story. I LOVED the influencer aspect of the story, and the snarky subreddit angle - I only wish it were real, because I’d love to join! 😜 It was a unique angle to take on a murder mystery, and made Leo’s involvement in the murder investigation believable and credible.
So often with cozy mysteries, the main character has no expertise to actually help with an investigation but somehow manages to solve the mystery anyway - so, I really appreciated that Leo’s expertise in all things Chaz was the reason for her continued involvement in the investigation and the thing that helped her “crack the case” in the end. 🤓
I loved that there was more to the story than just figuring out who killed Chaz; I was very invested in uncovering Karina’s big secret 🙈 and it was a huge part of what kept me turning the pages. The author did a great job at dropping breadcrumbs throughout the story, but held off on Karina’s big reveal until the very end, although I never felt frustrated or annoyed to be in the dark. Instead, it heightened the tension between Leo and Karina, and gave the author lots of opportunities to provide clues as to what Karina was hiding. When Karina finally revealed the truth to Leo, I had basically guessed, but it still felt satisfying. 😊
There was a romance element to the story, but it didn’t overwhelm the story or take over from the murder investigation. I got the impression that the author was trying to build a case for a love triangle 🔺 between Leo, Mack and Jake however it didn’t feel like Leo was really trying to choose between Mack and Jake - more that she was surprised that they would each be interested in her. 🤨
I didn’t get the feeling that Leo was really invested in exploring a relationship with either one of them, so the end of book kiss was frankly shocking 😱 and felt a little bit like it came out of nowhere…but given the way the book ended, I’m hopeful that we’ll get more of the love triangle in the next book. 😄
Although Chaz’s murder was solved, the story did end on sort of a cliffhanger! 😧 But, now I’m invested and definitely want to read the next installment to get ALL the answers that weren’t revealed in this book!
Thank you to Dutton & NetGalley for providing this book for review consideration; all thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.
This cozy mystery was a page turner and a fast read that kept me guessing as I tried to figure out what was truly going on in Blue Oak, TX!
Quick Synopsis
When Leo loses her job as an English professor, she is convinced by her mom’s best friend, Kay, to move back home for the summer to capitalize on her photography skills as a photographer for Kay’s real estate business. Leo is reluctant but at least she’ll be able to spend more time with her best friend, Emily, as they work on their secret side project: as moderators of a subreddit devoted to snarky comments about the influencer they went to high school with, Chaz - who just happens to be Kay’s biggest real estate competitor.
But, when Chaz is found dead in one of Kay’s listings, and Kay is arrested for his murder, Leo puts her deep knowledge about Chaz to work to figure out who really killed him. She joins forces with local detective Jake, who got hot since Leo last saw him as a gangly teenager, to find the real killer and clear Kay’s name - all while dealing with a surprising attraction to Jake, reignited feelings for her high school ex, Mack, and her rocky relationship with her mom, Karina.
My Thoughts
I was thoroughly engaged with this story, and suffered from “just one more chapter-itis” as I tried to uncover all the secrets layered in this story. I LOVED the influencer aspect of the story, and the snarky subreddit angle - I only wish it were real, because I’d love to join! 😜 It was a unique angle to take on a murder mystery, and made Leo’s involvement in the murder investigation believable and credible.
So often with cozy mysteries, the main character has no expertise to actually help with an investigation but somehow manages to solve the mystery anyway - so, I really appreciated that Leo’s expertise in all things Chaz was the reason for her continued involvement in the investigation and the thing that helped her “crack the case” in the end. 🤓
I loved that there was more to the story than just figuring out who killed Chaz; I was very invested in uncovering Karina’s big secret 🙈 and it was a huge part of what kept me turning the pages. The author did a great job at dropping breadcrumbs throughout the story, but held off on Karina’s big reveal until the very end, although I never felt frustrated or annoyed to be in the dark. Instead, it heightened the tension between Leo and Karina, and gave the author lots of opportunities to provide clues as to what Karina was hiding. When Karina finally revealed the truth to Leo, I had basically guessed, but it still felt satisfying. 😊
There was a romance element to the story, but it didn’t overwhelm the story or take over from the murder investigation. I got the impression that the author was trying to build a case for a love triangle 🔺 between Leo, Mack and Jake however it didn’t feel like Leo was really trying to choose between Mack and Jake - more that she was surprised that they would each be interested in her. 🤨
I didn’t get the feeling that Leo was really invested in exploring a relationship with either one of them, so the end of book kiss was frankly shocking 😱 and felt a little bit like it came out of nowhere…but given the way the book ended, I’m hopeful that we’ll get more of the love triangle in the next book. 😄
Although Chaz’s murder was solved, the story did end on sort of a cliffhanger! 😧 But, now I’m invested and definitely want to read the next installment to get ALL the answers that weren’t revealed in this book!
Thank you to Dutton & NetGalley for providing this book for review consideration; all thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Rating: 3.25 out of 5
Series Status: First in a Series (didn’t realize it until the end of the book!)
Genre/Subgenres: (Small-town) mystery, romance (love triangle)
Point of View: 3rd person from multiple characters, the majority of which are the main protagonist Leo. Also, includes case reports, Reddit posts, etc. in addition to the narrative sections.
Leonora “Leo” was at a crossroads in her academic career and without a job on the East Coast. Her best friend Emily’s mom offers her a place to stay in their pool house and a job handling social media and real estate listing photos at her realty business in her hometown of Blue Oak, Texas, and she reluctantly agrees. The small town of Blue Oak is usually pretty quiet, but the morning after an event-filled Fourth of July, a body of one of their own is found. The death leaves everyone talking and the hunt to find his killer begins. Leo runs into her first love from high school, Mack, and agrees to have dinner to catch up. Leo also has some unexpected information that will assist in the investigation, so she helps the detective Jake, a friend’s younger brother who used to have a crush on her, as he diligently works to solve the case.
What Worked for Me:
I found Leo relatable, and I enjoyed her conversations with her best friend Emily. They had a lot more interaction in the first part of the book, but after they have a fight, even though they work it out, they don’t interact much after that, unfortunately. Besides Emily, I also liked the diversity and personalities of several of the side characters and seeing their perspectives, like Detective Esquivel and Karina (Leo’s mom).
Many years earlier, Leo and Emily had started a snarky but harmless subreddit on an influencer with whom they went to high school. The Reddit posts and case files presented the story via different media, and the variety was appreciated and added interest. It was enjoyable to see how Leo starts to see some of the people in her town differently vs. how she considered them for the subreddit.
What Didn’t Quite Work for Me: The relationship between Leo and her mom is strained, and it has been for years. As the story unfolds, the reader becomes aware of the history, but it just felt unnecessary and almost callous, given that her mom’s best friend was in the know.
This is minor, but I expected that photography would play a larger role in the plot, based on its title and cover. Leo did more zooming in on her phone than she did on
While a love triangle is implied at the end, it isn’t really explored. The kiss near the end felt off in its timing, given the events preceding it.
The confession felt too easy and neat, considering it’s stated that the killer is intelligent. Also, I didn’t realize this was the first book of a series, so the cliffhanger to the other story arc (not the main murder plot) was not only odd and abrupt, but it was unexpected since I thought this was a standalone.
Overall Thoughts:
This mystery is easy-to-read with several likable characters. I am interested to see how the story continues, although I will likely wait to read any other books until I know more about the plans for the series.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher Dutton, and the author for the advanced copy to read. All opinions expressed here are my own and given freely.
Series Status: First in a Series (didn’t realize it until the end of the book!)
Genre/Subgenres: (Small-town) mystery, romance (love triangle)
Point of View: 3rd person from multiple characters, the majority of which are the main protagonist Leo. Also, includes case reports, Reddit posts, etc. in addition to the narrative sections.
Leonora “Leo” was at a crossroads in her academic career and without a job on the East Coast. Her best friend Emily’s mom offers her a place to stay in their pool house and a job handling social media and real estate listing photos at her realty business in her hometown of Blue Oak, Texas, and she reluctantly agrees. The small town of Blue Oak is usually pretty quiet, but the morning after an event-filled Fourth of July, a body of one of their own is found. The death leaves everyone talking and the hunt to find his killer begins. Leo runs into her first love from high school, Mack, and agrees to have dinner to catch up. Leo also has some unexpected information that will assist in the investigation, so she helps the detective Jake, a friend’s younger brother who used to have a crush on her, as he diligently works to solve the case.
What Worked for Me:
I found Leo relatable, and I enjoyed her conversations with her best friend Emily. They had a lot more interaction in the first part of the book, but after they have a fight, even though they work it out, they don’t interact much after that, unfortunately. Besides Emily, I also liked the diversity and personalities of several of the side characters and seeing their perspectives, like Detective Esquivel and Karina (Leo’s mom).
Many years earlier, Leo and Emily had started a snarky but harmless subreddit on an influencer with whom they went to high school. The Reddit posts and case files presented the story via different media, and the variety was appreciated and added interest. It was enjoyable to see how Leo starts to see some of the people in her town differently vs. how she considered them for the subreddit.
What Didn’t Quite Work for Me: The relationship between Leo and her mom is strained, and it has been for years. As the story unfolds, the reader becomes aware of the history, but it just felt unnecessary and almost callous, given that her mom’s best friend was in the know.
This is minor, but I expected that photography would play a larger role in the plot, based on its title and cover. Leo did more zooming in on her phone than she did on
While a love triangle is implied at the end, it isn’t really explored. The kiss near the end felt off in its timing, given the events preceding it.
The confession felt too easy and neat, considering it’s stated that the killer is intelligent. Also, I didn’t realize this was the first book of a series, so the cliffhanger to the other story arc (not the main murder plot) was not only odd and abrupt, but it was unexpected since I thought this was a standalone.
Overall Thoughts:
This mystery is easy-to-read with several likable characters. I am interested to see how the story continues, although I will likely wait to read any other books until I know more about the plans for the series.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher Dutton, and the author for the advanced copy to read. All opinions expressed here are my own and given freely.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you NetGalley and Dutton for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
With sharp humor, small-town chaos, and a mystery rooted in influencer culture, “A Zoom with a View” is a cozy whodunit that delivers plenty of charm. Cannon’s debut brings the “returning-home-after-life-falls-apart” trope to Texas and gives it a contemporary spin involving Reddit threads, real estate listings, and a corpse inconveniently discovered during a photography gig.
Leo’s academic career has fizzled out, so she’s back in Blue Oak, trying to rebuild her life while dodging small-town gossip and her mother’s aerosol hair products. When Chaz who is the town’s former golden boy turned fitness influencer is found dead in a house Leo is photographing, she finds herself at the center of the investigation. The twist? She and her best friend are moderators of a snarky subreddit dedicated to roasting Chaz. Suddenly, Leo’s internet alter ego, her past relationships, and her complicated family dynamics all become potential motives or liabilities.
Cannon keeps the tone lively with multiple POVs that add texture to the mystery without overwhelming it. The third-person narration is refreshing for a cozy mystery, giving you access to several perspectives instead of being trapped inside one head. This structure also deepens the small-town vibe: everyone’s history with Chaz and with each other feels tangled, messy, and deeply believable. The cast is diverse, with meaningful queer representation that feels especially notable in a rural setting, and supporting character Macy is a standout presence.
Mixed into the mystery is a lightly chaotic love triangle, simmering with tension but never overshadowing the investigation. The romance elements add an extra layer of fun, especially as Leo tries to decide whether the charming detective is a love interest, a threat, or both. Between her misfires with family, her reliance on sarcasm and iced coffee, and her quietly sincere attempts to get her life back on track, Leo makes an easy protagonist to root for.
Where the story falters a bit is in its resolution. While the murder is solved, several key threads feel unresolved, enough that the ending reads like the setup for a sequel rather than a full closing of the case. I was left with several important questions regarding the mystery and all of its components. These lingering questions don’t undo the book’s strengths, but they may leave you craving tighter closure.
Still, Cannon’s playful voice, layered characters, and clever integration of online culture make “A Zoom with a View” a standout contemporary cozy. Even with a few loose threads, the ride is entertaining, heartfelt, and distinctly modern.
Overall, “A Zoom with a View” is a witty and engaging small-town mystery with heart, humor, and a dash of romance. It’s perfect for readers who love messy families, internet drama, and cozy mysteries with a contemporary flair. Just be prepared to reach the end wishing for a second book to tie up the rest.
With sharp humor, small-town chaos, and a mystery rooted in influencer culture, “A Zoom with a View” is a cozy whodunit that delivers plenty of charm. Cannon’s debut brings the “returning-home-after-life-falls-apart” trope to Texas and gives it a contemporary spin involving Reddit threads, real estate listings, and a corpse inconveniently discovered during a photography gig.
Leo’s academic career has fizzled out, so she’s back in Blue Oak, trying to rebuild her life while dodging small-town gossip and her mother’s aerosol hair products. When Chaz who is the town’s former golden boy turned fitness influencer is found dead in a house Leo is photographing, she finds herself at the center of the investigation. The twist? She and her best friend are moderators of a snarky subreddit dedicated to roasting Chaz. Suddenly, Leo’s internet alter ego, her past relationships, and her complicated family dynamics all become potential motives or liabilities.
Cannon keeps the tone lively with multiple POVs that add texture to the mystery without overwhelming it. The third-person narration is refreshing for a cozy mystery, giving you access to several perspectives instead of being trapped inside one head. This structure also deepens the small-town vibe: everyone’s history with Chaz and with each other feels tangled, messy, and deeply believable. The cast is diverse, with meaningful queer representation that feels especially notable in a rural setting, and supporting character Macy is a standout presence.
Mixed into the mystery is a lightly chaotic love triangle, simmering with tension but never overshadowing the investigation. The romance elements add an extra layer of fun, especially as Leo tries to decide whether the charming detective is a love interest, a threat, or both. Between her misfires with family, her reliance on sarcasm and iced coffee, and her quietly sincere attempts to get her life back on track, Leo makes an easy protagonist to root for.
Where the story falters a bit is in its resolution. While the murder is solved, several key threads feel unresolved, enough that the ending reads like the setup for a sequel rather than a full closing of the case. I was left with several important questions regarding the mystery and all of its components. These lingering questions don’t undo the book’s strengths, but they may leave you craving tighter closure.
Still, Cannon’s playful voice, layered characters, and clever integration of online culture make “A Zoom with a View” a standout contemporary cozy. Even with a few loose threads, the ride is entertaining, heartfelt, and distinctly modern.
Overall, “A Zoom with a View” is a witty and engaging small-town mystery with heart, humor, and a dash of romance. It’s perfect for readers who love messy families, internet drama, and cozy mysteries with a contemporary flair. Just be prepared to reach the end wishing for a second book to tie up the rest.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Set in a fictional Texas town with the most delightfully colorful cast I've encountered in a while, A Zoom with a View is a lively cozy mystery that kept me puzzling and chuckling until the final big reveal. I heartily enjoyed it!
*Thank you Dutton Books for the advanced copy of the book; this review is entirely my own opinion.
The story centers around main character, Leo, who has just returned to Blue Oaks for what she hopes is just the summer. The university jobs haven't been plentiful and Leo (short for Leonora) accepts an offer from her close family friends to help them manage the photography and social media for their family-owned real estate business. But days after her return, the controversial owner of a rival real estate firm turns up dead in a soon-to-be listed home, and Leo's friend is the number one suspect.
I went into this read expecting a typical cozy mystery -- full of memorable characters, a decent mystery, and probably a romance of some sort--and while those elements were happily there, this story also had more substance than I expected. Notably, from the beginning there was a sort of Bridgerton-esque colorblind cast of characters that I found delightful. It's revealed that Blue Oaks voted early on to embrace integration, so the town was gloriously diverse, and it was long-enough established that it didn't feel like a novelty to the citizens. I loved this--both the inclusion of so many diverse characters, but also that it's briefly explained and then left to be. If not for the murder and the scheming townsfolk, I'd be signing up to move there myself!
Author Jess Cannon also incorporates an interesting thread about social media and the parasocial relationships fans form with celebrities these days. In her story Leo is brought on by the police department as a consultant for her extensive knowledge of the victim, his social circles, his background, and his businesses because she and her friends were members of a sub-Reddit dedicated to the man and his daily outrageous social media content. It makes for a great plot device, picking apart suspects and motives by analyzing their own content, while also providing an interesting commentary on the current state of social media and its inherent dangers. It was food for thought I didn't expect in my mystery and I was very pleasantly surprised.
Of course I also enjoyed the traditional elements to the story. There's a love triangle introduced that had me repeatedly switching sides as each man showed off his various charms. And the wacky characters were charming in their colorful descriptions. It was honestly a joy to spend time with them as I moved through the pages.
In all, this was a very enjoyable mystery that by the end definitely felt like it was being set up for a Book Two and I'm already eager to read it! I have some unanswered questions I'd like resolved, and a charming Texas town I'd like to return to.
*Thank you Dutton Books for the advanced copy of the book; this review is entirely my own opinion.
The story centers around main character, Leo, who has just returned to Blue Oaks for what she hopes is just the summer. The university jobs haven't been plentiful and Leo (short for Leonora) accepts an offer from her close family friends to help them manage the photography and social media for their family-owned real estate business. But days after her return, the controversial owner of a rival real estate firm turns up dead in a soon-to-be listed home, and Leo's friend is the number one suspect.
I went into this read expecting a typical cozy mystery -- full of memorable characters, a decent mystery, and probably a romance of some sort--and while those elements were happily there, this story also had more substance than I expected. Notably, from the beginning there was a sort of Bridgerton-esque colorblind cast of characters that I found delightful. It's revealed that Blue Oaks voted early on to embrace integration, so the town was gloriously diverse, and it was long-enough established that it didn't feel like a novelty to the citizens. I loved this--both the inclusion of so many diverse characters, but also that it's briefly explained and then left to be. If not for the murder and the scheming townsfolk, I'd be signing up to move there myself!
Author Jess Cannon also incorporates an interesting thread about social media and the parasocial relationships fans form with celebrities these days. In her story Leo is brought on by the police department as a consultant for her extensive knowledge of the victim, his social circles, his background, and his businesses because she and her friends were members of a sub-Reddit dedicated to the man and his daily outrageous social media content. It makes for a great plot device, picking apart suspects and motives by analyzing their own content, while also providing an interesting commentary on the current state of social media and its inherent dangers. It was food for thought I didn't expect in my mystery and I was very pleasantly surprised.
Of course I also enjoyed the traditional elements to the story. There's a love triangle introduced that had me repeatedly switching sides as each man showed off his various charms. And the wacky characters were charming in their colorful descriptions. It was honestly a joy to spend time with them as I moved through the pages.
In all, this was a very enjoyable mystery that by the end definitely felt like it was being set up for a Book Two and I'm already eager to read it! I have some unanswered questions I'd like resolved, and a charming Texas town I'd like to return to.
May 12, 2026
A Zoom with a View feels like if a cozy mystery, a Hallmark movie, and a snarky subreddit had a baby together… and then someone immediately found a dead body in an open house.
Honestly? That’s a compliment.
Jess Cannon’s debut leans HARD into chaotic small-town energy, and based on reviews, that’s exactly why so I ended up loving it. You’ve got failed academia dreams, Texas gossip, messy family dynamics, old flames, influencer culture, real estate drama, Reddit detectives, and a murder victim almost everyone actively disliked. It’s a LOT — but in a fun, bingeable way.
The setup is immediately entertaining:
Leo returns to her hometown after her academic career implodes, planning to quietly regroup while working for her godmother’s real estate business. Instead, she discovers the body of local influencer/realtor menace Chaz during a house photoshoot… which becomes awkward VERY quickly when you learn she secretly moderates a snark subreddit devoted to mocking him.
And I was obsessed with the subreddit angle.
I loved how funny and modern the Reddit/influencer culture elements felt. Instead of the usual cozy mystery setup where everyone owns a bakery and solves crimes between scone recipes, this one brings in internet drama, social media personas, and “local celebrity” culture in a way that actually feels current.
Leo herself seems to be one of the stronger parts of the book. She’s sarcastic, awkward, smart, emotionally stalled, and deeply relatable to anyone who’s ever had a “my life was supposed to look VERY different by now” moment.
And the small-town setting?
Peak gossip energy.
I loved how interconnected everyone felt — old classmates, exes, parents, rival realtors, local cops, beauty salon drama, church politics… the town basically functions like one giant dysfunctional family where nobody minds their business.
That said, reviews were definitely mixed on the execution.
My BIGGEST criticism was that there are simply too many characters and POVs introduced too quickly. The first part of the book felt overwhelming because the book throws you into the deep end of Blue Oak immediately.
Another common complaint:
the ending.
While the mystery technically gets solved, but the book leaves behind enough unresolved emotional threads and cliffhanger-style reveals that it feels more like “Book One of a series” than a fully self-contained mystery.
This was a charming, contemporary cozy mystery with humor, heart, internet chaos, and strong small-town vibes — even if it occasionally tries to juggle a few too many storylines at once.
Honestly? That’s a compliment.
Jess Cannon’s debut leans HARD into chaotic small-town energy, and based on reviews, that’s exactly why so I ended up loving it. You’ve got failed academia dreams, Texas gossip, messy family dynamics, old flames, influencer culture, real estate drama, Reddit detectives, and a murder victim almost everyone actively disliked. It’s a LOT — but in a fun, bingeable way.
The setup is immediately entertaining:
Leo returns to her hometown after her academic career implodes, planning to quietly regroup while working for her godmother’s real estate business. Instead, she discovers the body of local influencer/realtor menace Chaz during a house photoshoot… which becomes awkward VERY quickly when you learn she secretly moderates a snark subreddit devoted to mocking him.
And I was obsessed with the subreddit angle.
I loved how funny and modern the Reddit/influencer culture elements felt. Instead of the usual cozy mystery setup where everyone owns a bakery and solves crimes between scone recipes, this one brings in internet drama, social media personas, and “local celebrity” culture in a way that actually feels current.
Leo herself seems to be one of the stronger parts of the book. She’s sarcastic, awkward, smart, emotionally stalled, and deeply relatable to anyone who’s ever had a “my life was supposed to look VERY different by now” moment.
And the small-town setting?
Peak gossip energy.
I loved how interconnected everyone felt — old classmates, exes, parents, rival realtors, local cops, beauty salon drama, church politics… the town basically functions like one giant dysfunctional family where nobody minds their business.
That said, reviews were definitely mixed on the execution.
My BIGGEST criticism was that there are simply too many characters and POVs introduced too quickly. The first part of the book felt overwhelming because the book throws you into the deep end of Blue Oak immediately.
Another common complaint:
the ending.
While the mystery technically gets solved, but the book leaves behind enough unresolved emotional threads and cliffhanger-style reveals that it feels more like “Book One of a series” than a fully self-contained mystery.
This was a charming, contemporary cozy mystery with humor, heart, internet chaos, and strong small-town vibes — even if it occasionally tries to juggle a few too many storylines at once.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A Zoom with a View by Jess Cannon
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 stars)
This book is the literary equivalent of showing up to your hometown for a “temporary reset” and immediately being handed chaos with a side of unresolved feelings. It’s warm, witty, and genuinely comforting—like a romcom wrapped inside a murder mystery that knows exactly how ridiculous life can be and leans into it with confidence.
What really works here is the writing. Cannon has a sharp, modern voice that makes even small moments entertaining. The humor comes from awkward conversations, bad timing, and people behaving exactly like people do when they’re stressed, defensive, or pretending they totally have their life together (they do not). The pacing strikes a nice balance—fast enough to stay fun, but patient enough to let emotional beats land without rushing everyone into feelings just because the plot demands it.
Leo is an easy protagonist to root for: smart, sarcastic, quietly spiraling, and trying to figure out who she is now that her Big Career Plan has face-planted. Her return to her Texas hometown is full of small-town energy—everyone knows everyone, everyone has opinions, and everyone is absolutely sure they’re right. The mystery kicks things into high gear quickly, and while the murder is the hook, the real joy is watching Leo navigate messy family dynamics, old relationships, and a town that hasn’t changed nearly as much as she hoped.
The cast is a standout. Even secondary characters feel fully formed, not just filler bodies wandering around to advance the plot. The multiple POVs add texture and humor, especially when you realize how wildly different people’s interpretations of the same events can be. No one feels cartoonish—even when they’re wrong, they’re wrong in a way that makes sense to them, which is oddly refreshing.
If I had one complaint, it’s that the ending leaves a few threads dangling just enough to make me suspicious this might be the start of a series. I wanted a little more closure in a couple of places, because the setup and characters could absolutely support it. Still, I was having such a good time that I mostly just felt greedy for more.
Overall, this is a funny, cozy, modern mystery with heart, charm, and a strong sense of voice. Come for the murder, stay for the writing, the humor, and the deeply relatable experience of trying to rebuild your life while everything around you insists on being inconvenient.
Thank you to Jess Cannon, NetGalley, and Dutton for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 stars)
This book is the literary equivalent of showing up to your hometown for a “temporary reset” and immediately being handed chaos with a side of unresolved feelings. It’s warm, witty, and genuinely comforting—like a romcom wrapped inside a murder mystery that knows exactly how ridiculous life can be and leans into it with confidence.
What really works here is the writing. Cannon has a sharp, modern voice that makes even small moments entertaining. The humor comes from awkward conversations, bad timing, and people behaving exactly like people do when they’re stressed, defensive, or pretending they totally have their life together (they do not). The pacing strikes a nice balance—fast enough to stay fun, but patient enough to let emotional beats land without rushing everyone into feelings just because the plot demands it.
Leo is an easy protagonist to root for: smart, sarcastic, quietly spiraling, and trying to figure out who she is now that her Big Career Plan has face-planted. Her return to her Texas hometown is full of small-town energy—everyone knows everyone, everyone has opinions, and everyone is absolutely sure they’re right. The mystery kicks things into high gear quickly, and while the murder is the hook, the real joy is watching Leo navigate messy family dynamics, old relationships, and a town that hasn’t changed nearly as much as she hoped.
The cast is a standout. Even secondary characters feel fully formed, not just filler bodies wandering around to advance the plot. The multiple POVs add texture and humor, especially when you realize how wildly different people’s interpretations of the same events can be. No one feels cartoonish—even when they’re wrong, they’re wrong in a way that makes sense to them, which is oddly refreshing.
If I had one complaint, it’s that the ending leaves a few threads dangling just enough to make me suspicious this might be the start of a series. I wanted a little more closure in a couple of places, because the setup and characters could absolutely support it. Still, I was having such a good time that I mostly just felt greedy for more.
Overall, this is a funny, cozy, modern mystery with heart, charm, and a strong sense of voice. Come for the murder, stay for the writing, the humor, and the deeply relatable experience of trying to rebuild your life while everything around you insists on being inconvenient.
Thank you to Jess Cannon, NetGalley, and Dutton for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received an advance reader copy from Dutton, via NetGalley. Thank you to the publisher!
This one started fun, but it eventually lost its steam with its execution. I liked the idea of the snark subreddit, the content posted there was sassy and funny, and how it played into solving the murder.
In the first part of the book, Leo and Emily were very two peas in a pod and then suddenly they were sporadic in communication. I get that they had a fight while they also focused on the investigation, but Emily (and in part, her mom) felt like a big part of the first half and then suddenly they're off the pages in the second half.
I didn't get why Leo was so hung up on Mack and vice versa. It felt a bit forced, especially in the end, when
Jake with his starry eyed crush wasn't any better. He was so dependent on Leo... like why. He's a grown man with a grown ass job, supposedly something he's good at, and yet he kept relying on Leo to lead the way, sometimes even dictate the pacing of the investigation? I get the forced proximity trope we're somewhat err, forcing here, but he seemed such a weak character. Leo was doing his job for him.
The female side characters seemed more interesting: Leo's mom, Esquivel, and Macy. Makes me wish this whodunnit was anchored on all the female characters instead, they had stronger characterization than the male ones. Leo, as the main character though, had the bossy, "I'm always right" energy and seemed to be deadset on steamrolling everyone, whether it's her mother, a murder suspect or her friend.
Sometimes the prose felt overwritten, overexplained, like it doesn't let the reader imagine or trust them to draw the context of what's happening. This isn't an exact quote, but things like "Character A takes a sip of her takeaway coffee. She puts down the coffee cup, then drives off. She arrives ten minutes later, parks her Toyota and walks to the bookstore."
I know this is mystery lite, but because it's written the way it is, the book overall lacked the tension to keep me engaged. It took me double the days to finish this book, when normally I'm in the three to five day range. I only speed read the last 40% in one sitting because I seriously wanted to get it over with and move on to my next book. 😅
This one started fun, but it eventually lost its steam with its execution. I liked the idea of the snark subreddit, the content posted there was sassy and funny, and how it played into solving the murder.
In the first part of the book, Leo and Emily were very two peas in a pod and then suddenly they were sporadic in communication. I get that they had a fight while they also focused on the investigation, but Emily (and in part, her mom) felt like a big part of the first half and then suddenly they're off the pages in the second half.
I didn't get why Leo was so hung up on Mack and vice versa. It felt a bit forced, especially in the end, when
Jake with his starry eyed crush wasn't any better. He was so dependent on Leo... like why. He's a grown man with a grown ass job, supposedly something he's good at, and yet he kept relying on Leo to lead the way, sometimes even dictate the pacing of the investigation? I get the forced proximity trope we're somewhat err, forcing here, but he seemed such a weak character. Leo was doing his job for him.
The female side characters seemed more interesting: Leo's mom, Esquivel, and Macy. Makes me wish this whodunnit was anchored on all the female characters instead, they had stronger characterization than the male ones. Leo, as the main character though, had the bossy, "I'm always right" energy and seemed to be deadset on steamrolling everyone, whether it's her mother, a murder suspect or her friend.
Sometimes the prose felt overwritten, overexplained, like it doesn't let the reader imagine or trust them to draw the context of what's happening. This isn't an exact quote, but things like "Character A takes a sip of her takeaway coffee. She puts down the coffee cup, then drives off. She arrives ten minutes later, parks her Toyota and walks to the bookstore."
I know this is mystery lite, but because it's written the way it is, the book overall lacked the tension to keep me engaged. It took me double the days to finish this book, when normally I'm in the three to five day range. I only speed read the last 40% in one sitting because I seriously wanted to get it over with and move on to my next book. 😅
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