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A Murder Most Camp: A Mystery
Not yet published
Expected 28 Apr 26The Guncle meets Every Time I Go On Vacation Someone Dies in this fun, twisty mystery following a spoiled nepo baby forced to work at a struggling summer camp who stumbles into a real-life murder mystery he has no choice but to solve.
Rustic cabins. Lakefront bonfires. A painfully hot lifeguard. And a murder? Summer has never been this camp.
Mikey Hartford IV has coasted through his twenties in a distracted blur of yachts and sex and partying. But when his father discovers his latest million-dollar impulse buy and changes the terms of his trust, the party's finally over. Now, unless Mikey can make a positive contribution to the world before his thirtieth birthday—one that doesn't involve throwing cash at his problems—he'll never see another yacht again. (Or even so much as a canoe.)
Camp Lore, a struggling summer camp in upstate New York where Mikey has to work as the oldest, least-qualified staffer to prove that he can "do good" alongside his twelve-year-old aunt. (Yes, aunt.) But Mikey isn't sure he'll be able to survive the camp's ramshackle living conditions, let alone the gaggle of preteens who won't leave his side. And when his campers become obsessed with a local legend set at an abandoned cabin on the grounds, Mikey's chances of not making it through the summer become dangerously real—because it turns out there's a murder hidden beneath Camp Lore. And someone there will stop at nothing to keep it that way.
Solving a decade-old cold case will surely be enough "good" for Mikey to earn his inheritance. He just has to stay alive long enough to do it…
Rustic cabins. Lakefront bonfires. A painfully hot lifeguard. And a murder? Summer has never been this camp.
Mikey Hartford IV has coasted through his twenties in a distracted blur of yachts and sex and partying. But when his father discovers his latest million-dollar impulse buy and changes the terms of his trust, the party's finally over. Now, unless Mikey can make a positive contribution to the world before his thirtieth birthday—one that doesn't involve throwing cash at his problems—he'll never see another yacht again. (Or even so much as a canoe.)
Camp Lore, a struggling summer camp in upstate New York where Mikey has to work as the oldest, least-qualified staffer to prove that he can "do good" alongside his twelve-year-old aunt. (Yes, aunt.) But Mikey isn't sure he'll be able to survive the camp's ramshackle living conditions, let alone the gaggle of preteens who won't leave his side. And when his campers become obsessed with a local legend set at an abandoned cabin on the grounds, Mikey's chances of not making it through the summer become dangerously real—because it turns out there's a murder hidden beneath Camp Lore. And someone there will stop at nothing to keep it that way.
Solving a decade-old cold case will surely be enough "good" for Mikey to earn his inheritance. He just has to stay alive long enough to do it…
Kindle Edition
Expected publication April 28, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
✰ 3 stars ✰
Not to start off on a serious note, but how come no one ever writes fiction about the adverse effects of cutting off someone from something that pretty much has been a certainty all of their lives? It's always the argument that it's for your own good to be a better person, but why do we never get a glimpse of how they may at first struggle from being deprived of that assured dependency?
Just saying. 🙆🏻♀️
Anyhoo, I did enjoy my trifecta with DiDomizio's works. Very easy breezy, pumpkin cheesy (literally) kind of a read for Saturday morning. Where as a millennial, thankfully, the many cultural pop references did not go over my head. 💪🏻 But, also, yes, sadly, were a tad too much, like I get that Mikey is a film aficionado, and it made for a great ringing endorsement of Clueless' revival, but yeah, it got a bit unnecessary pushed in at times. 😮💨
But not knowing Bonnie Tyler? What an affront! 😆 Although nowadays teens and tweens would probably only ever pick up on anything only when it's a viral sensation - on TikTok or the gram. 🤷🏻♀️ I can't say for certain if Annabelle and the SAG party were realistically portrayed, what with their offhand gay comments, but it was fun to see how Mikey dealt with their enthusiastic obsession into investigating Camp Lore's decade old cold case.
“It was just about getting you to a place where you care about your life.”
The mystery itself is a predictable chase, fairly reminiscent of Mikey's love of 90s cult campy classics. But, as an ode to those flicks that still make me smile and laugh for their campiness, there is that layer of trauma and self-reflection that shines amidst the adversity. 😤 One which even Mikey was struggling with, but burying deep, until he found his niche that allowed him to admit that he was someone with feelings allowed to care.
For it truly does live up to its name, of how A Murder Most Camp, not only in the literal sense, but one taking place at a summer camp exclusive for trust fund babies, packed with their own share of cliché family strife and a limited supporting cast. It's obvious, pretty early on, who is the likely culprit, which I suppose also fits the bill of campy teen thrillers. 😏
Ah, take me back to those good ole days. ⏳🙃
“But if this is truly what Mikey wanted, then why does it feel less like a victory and more like a sad inevitability?”
I'm not sure if it was a good thing that not everyone was of sound moral with traces of the f the darkest parts of humanity, his li, Jackson, included. but Jackson helping Mikey see that he was more than just the years of trauma, otherness, and rejection he was shouldering was sweet. 🥺 Their repartee had some endearing quips, and as a tag team that buoyed on conflicting emotions also nicely played out. And ew, Jamie. 😬 What a horrid little person. Good riddance to cheapskate rubbish.
And I hate to be that guy, but pretty smooth sailing in terms of editing till the end, where I picked up a couple of spelling errors. There was also a comment that I think might offend some. Maybe I'm reading too much into it, but there was a comment that I think might be offensive to some - 😕
“... trying to define camp is perhaps the least campy thing one can do in the first place.”
Not to start off on a serious note, but how come no one ever writes fiction about the adverse effects of cutting off someone from something that pretty much has been a certainty all of their lives? It's always the argument that it's for your own good to be a better person, but why do we never get a glimpse of how they may at first struggle from being deprived of that assured dependency?
Just saying. 🙆🏻♀️
Anyhoo, I did enjoy my trifecta with DiDomizio's works. Very easy breezy, pumpkin cheesy (literally) kind of a read for Saturday morning. Where as a millennial, thankfully, the many cultural pop references did not go over my head. 💪🏻 But, also, yes, sadly, were a tad too much, like I get that Mikey is a film aficionado, and it made for a great ringing endorsement of Clueless' revival, but yeah, it got a bit unnecessary pushed in at times. 😮💨
But not knowing Bonnie Tyler? What an affront! 😆 Although nowadays teens and tweens would probably only ever pick up on anything only when it's a viral sensation - on TikTok or the gram. 🤷🏻♀️ I can't say for certain if Annabelle and the SAG party were realistically portrayed, what with their offhand gay comments, but it was fun to see how Mikey dealt with their enthusiastic obsession into investigating Camp Lore's decade old cold case.
“It was just about getting you to a place where you care about your life.”
The mystery itself is a predictable chase, fairly reminiscent of Mikey's love of 90s cult campy classics. But, as an ode to those flicks that still make me smile and laugh for their campiness, there is that layer of trauma and self-reflection that shines amidst the adversity. 😤 One which even Mikey was struggling with, but burying deep, until he found his niche that allowed him to admit that he was someone with feelings allowed to care.
For it truly does live up to its name, of how A Murder Most Camp, not only in the literal sense, but one taking place at a summer camp exclusive for trust fund babies, packed with their own share of cliché family strife and a limited supporting cast. It's obvious, pretty early on, who is the likely culprit, which I suppose also fits the bill of campy teen thrillers. 😏
Ah, take me back to those good ole days. ⏳🙃
“But if this is truly what Mikey wanted, then why does it feel less like a victory and more like a sad inevitability?”
I'm not sure if it was a good thing that not everyone was of sound moral with traces of the f the darkest parts of humanity, his li, Jackson, included. but Jackson helping Mikey see that he was more than just the years of trauma, otherness, and rejection he was shouldering was sweet. 🥺 Their repartee had some endearing quips, and as a tag team that buoyed on conflicting emotions also nicely played out. And ew, Jamie. 😬 What a horrid little person. Good riddance to cheapskate rubbish.
And I hate to be that guy, but pretty smooth sailing in terms of editing till the end, where I picked up a couple of spelling errors. There was also a comment that I think might offend some. Maybe I'm reading too much into it, but there was a comment that I think might be offensive to some - 😕
December 8, 2025
4.5
Guncle meets How to Solve Your Own Murder.
Mikey is a nepo baby with Dad's credit card and was doing JUST FINE thank you. Until Dad came down with the hammer - prove yourself before your 30 or kiss that inheritance buh-bye. The solution? Be a camp counsellor at Camp Lore where his 12 year old "Aunt" (think You've Got Mail) Annabelle is scheduled to attend for the first time
Mikey is APPALLED but the inheritance is worth it so off he goes. Except his group of kids has a different idea for their summer then campfires and archery. They want to solve the murder that happened a decade ago at Camp Lore and need Mikey's assistance to do so. Thank goodness his roommate Jackson is a dreamboat.
Read this book. Laugh out loud and fall in love with Mikey as he starts to think about who he really wants to be, how much he cares about his family and this group of kids at camp and find out how he suffered through dinner at Panera.
Guncle meets How to Solve Your Own Murder.
Mikey is a nepo baby with Dad's credit card and was doing JUST FINE thank you. Until Dad came down with the hammer - prove yourself before your 30 or kiss that inheritance buh-bye. The solution? Be a camp counsellor at Camp Lore where his 12 year old "Aunt" (think You've Got Mail) Annabelle is scheduled to attend for the first time
Mikey is APPALLED but the inheritance is worth it so off he goes. Except his group of kids has a different idea for their summer then campfires and archery. They want to solve the murder that happened a decade ago at Camp Lore and need Mikey's assistance to do so. Thank goodness his roommate Jackson is a dreamboat.
Read this book. Laugh out loud and fall in love with Mikey as he starts to think about who he really wants to be, how much he cares about his family and this group of kids at camp and find out how he suffered through dinner at Panera.
December 27, 2025
This was an enjoyable summer mystery. I loved the summer camp setting and following Mickey and the campers as they tried to solve the camp’s decade-old mystery. I initially wasn’t a huge fan of Mickey as a character, but I appreciated his character’s growth and liked him more as the story went on. I liked the overall mystery of what happened to Rose Churchill and found myself guessing alongside the characters. Overall this was a great read.
Read this if you like:
📖 Summer camp settings
📖 Great character growth
📖 Pop culture references
📖 LGBTQ rep
Thank you to @poisonedpenpress for the gifted arc.
Read this if you like:
📖 Summer camp settings
📖 Great character growth
📖 Pop culture references
📖 LGBTQ rep
Thank you to @poisonedpenpress for the gifted arc.
November 30, 2025
Imagine a mystery set at an Adirondack summer camp with all the red herrings of an Agatha Christie infused with Andy Cohen's camp sensibility. A Murder Most Camp is bitchy fun from the very first page. Stick with our annoyingly privileged protagonist and you'll be rewarded with a heartfelt portrait of personal growth that rings true. Who-done-it mystery meets will-they-won't-they romance in this wild ride of a novel that I slurped up faster than an espresso martini!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Imagine that David from Schitt's Creek was forced to spend a summer as a counselor special activities coordinator at a rustic summer camp for privileged rich kids, and then add in a decade-plus old murder mystery. That is this book. It's entertaining, kind of campy (ha!), and a whole lot of fun.
Our main character, Mikey, is a self-absorbed rich “kid” (he's 29) who spends his days flitting around from party to party and generally not doing much of importance. When his exasperated father puts new conditions on his inheritance, Mikey must spend the summer “doing good” in order to regain access to his trust fund. Enter Camp Lore.
While this book is entertaining, it's not exactly a deep read. You know from the very beginning how things are going to play out (as far as Mikey's character growth goes, anyway, not necessarily with the murder mystery) because it's been done a bazillion times in a bazillion books. It's light and fluffy and heartwarming, but it's not exactly surprising.
The murder mystery, though? I mean, it's not Agatha Christie, but there are some twists and turns and I had no idea who the villain of the story was until the big reveal. There are humorous investigation hijinks and unconventional death threats and weaponized sloppy joes, and it's all pretty delightful.
Also, I love all of the shade thrown at Panera in this book. $12 for a microwaved bowl of macaroni and cheese is just criminal.
So, yeah. This one doesn't require a lot of deep thinking, but it's fun nevertheless. If you generally appreciate not-quite-cozy murder mysteries with humor and heart and rich people behaving badly, there's a pretty good chance you'll enjoy this one too.
4 stars.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review. Its expected publication date is April 28, 2026.
Our main character, Mikey, is a self-absorbed rich “kid” (he's 29) who spends his days flitting around from party to party and generally not doing much of importance. When his exasperated father puts new conditions on his inheritance, Mikey must spend the summer “doing good” in order to regain access to his trust fund. Enter Camp Lore.
While this book is entertaining, it's not exactly a deep read. You know from the very beginning how things are going to play out (as far as Mikey's character growth goes, anyway, not necessarily with the murder mystery) because it's been done a bazillion times in a bazillion books. It's light and fluffy and heartwarming, but it's not exactly surprising.
The murder mystery, though? I mean, it's not Agatha Christie, but there are some twists and turns and I had no idea who the villain of the story was until the big reveal. There are humorous investigation hijinks and unconventional death threats and weaponized sloppy joes, and it's all pretty delightful.
Also, I love all of the shade thrown at Panera in this book. $12 for a microwaved bowl of macaroni and cheese is just criminal.
So, yeah. This one doesn't require a lot of deep thinking, but it's fun nevertheless. If you generally appreciate not-quite-cozy murder mysteries with humor and heart and rich people behaving badly, there's a pretty good chance you'll enjoy this one too.
4 stars.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review. Its expected publication date is April 28, 2026.
December 5, 2025
I stumbled upon A Murder Most Camp by chance on Netgalley. Seeing the cover and reading the synopsis, I decided it looked promising and requested the ARC (thank u for this). However, the book gave me more than I expected. It's a mystery, a novel about a murder, but it is also completely and absolutely hilarious. It is a cozy crime without a doubt, because it left me with a very pleasant feeling.
The story revolves around Mikey, who must volunteer at a summer camp for teenagers along with his twelve-year-old aunt in order to recover his inheritance. During their stay, both of them, along with another group of children, decide to investigate the disappearance of Rose Churchill and why no one uses cabin number one.
Throughout the entire process, we encounter references to movies, series, and books, which, for me, was one of the strong points of the story because I love the use of comments, scenes, or nods to other narratives. Furthermore, the necessity of fitting into a specific social group, the search for social acceptance, and summer love that might turn into something more, all come into play.
The mystery even managed to surprise me because I was so focused on knowing the why that I didn't see the who coming. As I said before, everything was blended with a rather intelligent humor that made everything more enjoyable and succeeded in making me empathize and fall in love with all the characters.
In conclusion, I highly recommend the story at any time of the year because, being a mystery, it's perfect for winter, but as it's a summer camp, it also goes well with the arrival of warm weather. It's fun, it makes you reflect, and it keeps you intrigued the entire time.
The story revolves around Mikey, who must volunteer at a summer camp for teenagers along with his twelve-year-old aunt in order to recover his inheritance. During their stay, both of them, along with another group of children, decide to investigate the disappearance of Rose Churchill and why no one uses cabin number one.
Throughout the entire process, we encounter references to movies, series, and books, which, for me, was one of the strong points of the story because I love the use of comments, scenes, or nods to other narratives. Furthermore, the necessity of fitting into a specific social group, the search for social acceptance, and summer love that might turn into something more, all come into play.
The mystery even managed to surprise me because I was so focused on knowing the why that I didn't see the who coming. As I said before, everything was blended with a rather intelligent humor that made everything more enjoyable and succeeded in making me empathize and fall in love with all the characters.
In conclusion, I highly recommend the story at any time of the year because, being a mystery, it's perfect for winter, but as it's a summer camp, it also goes well with the arrival of warm weather. It's fun, it makes you reflect, and it keeps you intrigued the entire time.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received an ARC of from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Having worked at summer camps and lover of mysteries, this book is so far up my alley its insane.
I couldn't put it down, literally done and dusted in one day! It's so addicting I couldn't stop myself from reading!!
Mikey is told to stop spending money his inhertiance in an attempt to buy love from a wannabe activist but really six figure earning free loader - more on him later. to satisfy his father, and his family reputation he is packed off to a summer camp with 12 year old auntie in tow - the family are off their rocker richer and seem to be somewhat insane too when it comes to familial ties.
Mikey's mini breakdowns aside he arrives at said camp and we find out that cabin one has something wrong with it, really wrong with it in fact. begin the scooby doo style investigation of what the hell happened and why no one will talk about it. and so begins the children including auntie Anna-b and Mikey in trying to figure it all out with more twists and turns than you may have expected - in the best way possible!!
I never get the murderer right and as per usual I didn't with this one but I was so caught up with being in love with the book that I truly don't mind. Mikey is so easy to like once he stops trying to be the rich boy everyone expects him to be and instead goes with his heart. Jackson is a good guy at heart, Judy gives weird vibes - mini dictator ish and resembles more than a few people I've met at summer camp and then there's the baby auntie - I love her, she's so me, and I find her character hilarious.
It was such a good book truly go read it, maybe read it AFTER a summer job at a summer camp just in case...
Having worked at summer camps and lover of mysteries, this book is so far up my alley its insane.
I couldn't put it down, literally done and dusted in one day! It's so addicting I couldn't stop myself from reading!!
Mikey is told to stop spending money his inhertiance in an attempt to buy love from a wannabe activist but really six figure earning free loader - more on him later. to satisfy his father, and his family reputation he is packed off to a summer camp with 12 year old auntie in tow - the family are off their rocker richer and seem to be somewhat insane too when it comes to familial ties.
Mikey's mini breakdowns aside he arrives at said camp and we find out that cabin one has something wrong with it, really wrong with it in fact. begin the scooby doo style investigation of what the hell happened and why no one will talk about it. and so begins the children including auntie Anna-b and Mikey in trying to figure it all out with more twists and turns than you may have expected - in the best way possible!!
I never get the murderer right and as per usual I didn't with this one but I was so caught up with being in love with the book that I truly don't mind. Mikey is so easy to like once he stops trying to be the rich boy everyone expects him to be and instead goes with his heart. Jackson is a good guy at heart, Judy gives weird vibes - mini dictator ish and resembles more than a few people I've met at summer camp and then there's the baby auntie - I love her, she's so me, and I find her character hilarious.
It was such a good book truly go read it, maybe read it AFTER a summer job at a summer camp just in case...
January 7, 2026
Nicolas Didomizio does it again! I’ve been a huge fan of everything he’s written, and A Murder Most Camp feels like a welcome addition to his growing catalogue. From the first pages, it’s clear that Didomizio is once again playing to his strengths while also having a bit of fun pushing into new territory with a murder mystery.
One of the things Didomizio does best in my opinion is building rich, chaotic ensembles, and it was such a pleasure to see that skill applied to this genre. Every character feels intentional, flawed, and delightfully messy. Taking a spoiled rich kid and throwing them headfirst into squalor is a classic trope, but the execution here feels perfectly paired to the story being told. The way the book explores unrequited lust, entitlement, and self-sabotage adds real emotional texture, making the characters feel three dimensional rather than caricatures, even when they’re at their most absurd.
The pop culture references are sharp and deeply satisfying without ever feeling forced, the bubbling romance is genuinely steamy without tipping into excess, and THE CAMP, both literally and of the homosexual variety, is dialed up to exactly the right level. This is a book that knows what it is and fully commits, which makes it such a joy to read.
While some elements of the storyline are a bit predictable, the way Didomizio tells the story is so engaging and enrapturing that it’s easy to forgive. The pacing, the voice, and the sheer fun of the experience matter far more than being shocked at every turn. This is the kind of book you race through because you’re enjoying yourself, not because you’re trying to just figure out “whodunnit”
Thank you NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the ARC copy!
One of the things Didomizio does best in my opinion is building rich, chaotic ensembles, and it was such a pleasure to see that skill applied to this genre. Every character feels intentional, flawed, and delightfully messy. Taking a spoiled rich kid and throwing them headfirst into squalor is a classic trope, but the execution here feels perfectly paired to the story being told. The way the book explores unrequited lust, entitlement, and self-sabotage adds real emotional texture, making the characters feel three dimensional rather than caricatures, even when they’re at their most absurd.
The pop culture references are sharp and deeply satisfying without ever feeling forced, the bubbling romance is genuinely steamy without tipping into excess, and THE CAMP, both literally and of the homosexual variety, is dialed up to exactly the right level. This is a book that knows what it is and fully commits, which makes it such a joy to read.
While some elements of the storyline are a bit predictable, the way Didomizio tells the story is so engaging and enrapturing that it’s easy to forgive. The pacing, the voice, and the sheer fun of the experience matter far more than being shocked at every turn. This is the kind of book you race through because you’re enjoying yourself, not because you’re trying to just figure out “whodunnit”
Thank you NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the ARC copy!
December 3, 2025
I had such a fun time reading this and am so glad that the publisher sent me a gifted e-ARC.
Michael Stewart Hartford IV is living his life with the abundance that comes with being extremely wealthy. That is until his father decides to teach him a lesson, a lesson Mikey must learn if he wants to carry on with that life.
Mikey is sent to a summer camp in hopes of helping all the campers he doesn't know. And more importantly the one camper he does know. Annabelle, his 12 year old Aunt from his Grandfather and his Stepgrandma.
In the midst of trying to keep his inheritance, he learns of an unsolved disappearance of a former camper. Of course Mikey and a group of 12 year olds decide that they will solve it.
The first few chapters Mikey came off as nothing more than an entitled man child. As the story progresses you learn a little bit more about him. And although he still acts entitled what you learn about him makes it a bit more bearable. I couldn't stop picturing David Rose in Mikey's place and it made it even more of an enjoyable read. Highly recommend this for lovers of a cozy mystery but with a bit more of an edge.
Michael Stewart Hartford IV is living his life with the abundance that comes with being extremely wealthy. That is until his father decides to teach him a lesson, a lesson Mikey must learn if he wants to carry on with that life.
Mikey is sent to a summer camp in hopes of helping all the campers he doesn't know. And more importantly the one camper he does know. Annabelle, his 12 year old Aunt from his Grandfather and his Stepgrandma.
In the midst of trying to keep his inheritance, he learns of an unsolved disappearance of a former camper. Of course Mikey and a group of 12 year olds decide that they will solve it.
The first few chapters Mikey came off as nothing more than an entitled man child. As the story progresses you learn a little bit more about him. And although he still acts entitled what you learn about him makes it a bit more bearable. I couldn't stop picturing David Rose in Mikey's place and it made it even more of an enjoyable read. Highly recommend this for lovers of a cozy mystery but with a bit more of an edge.
December 3, 2025
A special thank you to Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for the ARC of Nicolas DiDomizio’s upcoming novel, A Murder Most Camp!
Nicolas DiDomizio, please keep writing books.
Nicolas DiDomizo became an auto-buy author after I read The Gay Best Friend a few years back. When I saw that his newest novel, A Murder Most Camp, was labeled as a mystery, I wasn’t sure how it would fare compared to his other few novels. However, my expectations were well exceeded!
This novel, as the title says, was camp as could be and I LOVED it.
Mikey’s character progression throughout the novel was so sweet and silly and it was great to see him go from a snobby, millionaire nepo baby to a humbled, endearing character.
The summer camp/murder mystery trope has been done before, but never like this. The level of camp made it fun and witty, while still maintaining a sense of mystery. The “whodunnit” actually kept me guessing until the very end and left me pleasantly satisfied.
Overall, I really enjoyed Nicolas DiDomizio’s newest novel and already can’t wait for his next!
Nicolas DiDomizio, please keep writing books.
Nicolas DiDomizo became an auto-buy author after I read The Gay Best Friend a few years back. When I saw that his newest novel, A Murder Most Camp, was labeled as a mystery, I wasn’t sure how it would fare compared to his other few novels. However, my expectations were well exceeded!
This novel, as the title says, was camp as could be and I LOVED it.
Mikey’s character progression throughout the novel was so sweet and silly and it was great to see him go from a snobby, millionaire nepo baby to a humbled, endearing character.
The summer camp/murder mystery trope has been done before, but never like this. The level of camp made it fun and witty, while still maintaining a sense of mystery. The “whodunnit” actually kept me guessing until the very end and left me pleasantly satisfied.
Overall, I really enjoyed Nicolas DiDomizio’s newest novel and already can’t wait for his next!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you Poisoned Pen Press for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
As soon as I saw the description “The Guncle meets Every Time I Go On Vacation, Someone Dies,” I was in. I’m a longtime mystery thriller reader, but I don’t think I’ve ever read one with a snarky gay lead—and this was absolutely right up my alley. It didn’t disappoint.
This falls more into the cozy mystery category than a traditional thriller. It’s not the most inventive mystery I’ve ever read, but it’s fun, fast, and not gory at all. The romantic subplot actually ended up being my favorite part. The investigation and twists kept things moving, but I’d recommend this most to readers who love a campy queer romance with a murder on the side.
If I were rating it purely on plot, it might’ve been a four, but I’m giving it five stars because I genuinely want more books like this on the market.
As soon as I saw the description “The Guncle meets Every Time I Go On Vacation, Someone Dies,” I was in. I’m a longtime mystery thriller reader, but I don’t think I’ve ever read one with a snarky gay lead—and this was absolutely right up my alley. It didn’t disappoint.
This falls more into the cozy mystery category than a traditional thriller. It’s not the most inventive mystery I’ve ever read, but it’s fun, fast, and not gory at all. The romantic subplot actually ended up being my favorite part. The investigation and twists kept things moving, but I’d recommend this most to readers who love a campy queer romance with a murder on the side.
If I were rating it purely on plot, it might’ve been a four, but I’m giving it five stars because I genuinely want more books like this on the market.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book was such a fun and cozy murder mystery, I really feel like I got exactly what I expected/wanted from it. I even liked the protagonist, Mikey, from the beginning, and I enjoyed seeing what was maybe not exactly your typical character development but more like his character/values coming to life in the external world instead of staying hidden within his walls. Maybe the movie references were a bit much and could bother some, and I honestly expected them to bother me more but somehow I was able to look past it, because for once they made sense for Mikey's history/background. And they were acknowledged within the novel in a way that made them less of a way to fill the gaps and more like a fundamental part of Mikey's character.
The mystery was just the right amount of juicy and well balanced with other elements for it to fall under the "cozy" label. And the kids were just precious 🥺 overall I can't but recommend this for fans of the cozy mystery genre!
The mystery was just the right amount of juicy and well balanced with other elements for it to fall under the "cozy" label. And the kids were just precious 🥺 overall I can't but recommend this for fans of the cozy mystery genre!
January 1, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC. It was a great book to start the year. Fun and incredibly readable, I raced through it.
Mikey is coasting through his twenties, spending money and waiting for his inheritance to come through, when he is deposited in a kids camp with his 12yo aunt and told to “do good” over the summer. He inevitably gets involved investigating the camp’s horror story, of a counsellor who disappeared 13 summers previously, with the preteens in a way that feels very Scooby Doo.
The main character reads as a whiny overgrown teen and, yes, the plot/mystery is pretty predictable but it’s all really well told and very engaging so it doesn’t matter. It has a side of romance, and a really great developing relationship between Mikey, his aunt and her new friendship group. For me, I think it would probably have been better as a YA book with a much younger main character but I still really enjoyed it and would definitely recommend.
Mikey is coasting through his twenties, spending money and waiting for his inheritance to come through, when he is deposited in a kids camp with his 12yo aunt and told to “do good” over the summer. He inevitably gets involved investigating the camp’s horror story, of a counsellor who disappeared 13 summers previously, with the preteens in a way that feels very Scooby Doo.
The main character reads as a whiny overgrown teen and, yes, the plot/mystery is pretty predictable but it’s all really well told and very engaging so it doesn’t matter. It has a side of romance, and a really great developing relationship between Mikey, his aunt and her new friendship group. For me, I think it would probably have been better as a YA book with a much younger main character but I still really enjoyed it and would definitely recommend.
December 17, 2025
A really fun premise and satisfying (though at time a bit obvious) mystery - it’s a bit like Scooby-Doo or the Box Car Kids but with an exasperated (and annoying) gay uncle sidekick. That said I struggled a bit as I did not care for Mikey the main character at all for like 3/4’s of the book. Mikey got called out for speaking like a Gilmore Girl and damn that was accurate but not my cup of tea for reading (it works on the show as its dialogue and not dialogue plus inner monologue). Eventually I came around to Mikey and liked the ending a lot. The kids, Jackson, and Raymond I loved and found them to be really compelling and fun characters and they thankfully softened Mikey’s edges. So I was a bit mixed overall but really glad I read it.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 29, 2025
3.75/5 rounded up because I had a lot of fun with this.
This follows the son of a wealthy family who gets cut off, finding himself working at a summer camp.
I liked that this story had a little bit of everything. It had a mystery to solve, some family drama, and a little bit of romance. And conversations of being gay.
And I was always entertained by what was going on.
I did find the SAG talk to be a bit repetitive and therefore boring. But that could just be because I am a film girlie. I don't know. I just know that this was a fun and easy read.
Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
This follows the son of a wealthy family who gets cut off, finding himself working at a summer camp.
I liked that this story had a little bit of everything. It had a mystery to solve, some family drama, and a little bit of romance. And conversations of being gay.
And I was always entertained by what was going on.
I did find the SAG talk to be a bit repetitive and therefore boring. But that could just be because I am a film girlie. I don't know. I just know that this was a fun and easy read.
Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
December 3, 2025
What a super fun "summer" read. Mikey, the heir to a supermarket chain, gets cut off by his father. To regain access to his trust, Mikey is required to complete "core requirements" by doing good. He is sent to work at "Camp Lore" with his 12 year old aunt. He is assigned thd Special Activities Group. He is also required to share a small cabin with a fellow counselor. Mikey and his group of campers d cide to film a true crime documentary about a missing camp counselor and a decades abandoned cabin. This was a very fun, fast paced mystery with a touch of romance.
Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press for the complimentary review copy
Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press for the complimentary review copy
December 6, 2025
This was such a good book! The main character reminded me of David Rose from Schitts Creek, and the story itself had me giggling and kicking my heels like a little schoolgirl. There’s romance, mystery, summer camp vibes, and danger. At first I was a little nervous because the main character, Mikey, is extremely unlikable. But his character arc was well written and by the end of the book I had fallen in love with most of the characters. The mystery itself gets wrapped up neatly with a bow on top, and the book provides a satisfying ending. It gives perfect campy vibes and I will be reminiscing on this story for a while.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was a very enjoyable read by a new-to-me author. I'm not sure I entirely bought the premise or some of the details, but for the most part, I was more than willing to suspend disbelief and make the most of the ride. The mystery was twisty-turny enough to keep me guessing for quite a while. I thought the romance was resolved a bit too easily, but that's a quibble. On the whole, I'd recommend this to people looking for a lighthearted but absorbing story.
My thanks to the publisher/NetGalley for an advance copy of this book.
My thanks to the publisher/NetGalley for an advance copy of this book.
December 24, 2025
This book was so fun! I really enjoyed reading it!
At first it toke me a bit to get into it but after I couldn’t help but binge it. Mikey was a fun character to follow along and to see his character development throughout. The humor in this book and the pop culture references made it so fun to read.
Thank you Netgalley and Poisoned Pen Press for granting me the ARC of this book. It was a delightful read.
At first it toke me a bit to get into it but after I couldn’t help but binge it. Mikey was a fun character to follow along and to see his character development throughout. The humor in this book and the pop culture references made it so fun to read.
Thank you Netgalley and Poisoned Pen Press for granting me the ARC of this book. It was a delightful read.
December 28, 2025
ARC provided by NetGalley and this is my honest review!
Overall, a fun and original mystery. Some beats were a bit predictable but that didn’t lessen the story. My only real complaint was the book was a bit rushed and short. Certain plot developments could have used more time to flesh out - such as the relationship and character development of Mikey. Side characters, such as Annabelle’s friends could have used more development too.
But, a solid four star mystery at the end of the day!
Overall, a fun and original mystery. Some beats were a bit predictable but that didn’t lessen the story. My only real complaint was the book was a bit rushed and short. Certain plot developments could have used more time to flesh out - such as the relationship and character development of Mikey. Side characters, such as Annabelle’s friends could have used more development too.
But, a solid four star mystery at the end of the day!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A Murder Most Camp by Nicolas DiDomizio is a delightful murder mystery with sweet found family and forced proximity tropes. Fans of the shows Schitt’s Creek and The Mighty Ducks, and the novels Dial A For Aunties and Finlay Donovan is Killing It will love DiDomizio’s goofy, adorable, and touching mystery. A big thank you goes to Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for the ARC.
December 19, 2025
This cozy mystery was funny, entertaining, and of course, campy. It kept me guessing and entertained the entire time. There was even a cute romance plot that didn’t take away from the main story at all. I highly recommend it for anyone looking for a laugh and a good mystery.
I received an ARC of this ebook from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
I received an ARC of this ebook from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
December 28, 2025
This book was witty, fun, endearing, and I had the best time reading it. It was one of those special books that had a good story involving elements of all genres. The characters were all lovable and had such good growth. Think a younger, less wise guncle goes to camp. Ugh just so good.
Thank you, NetGalley!!!
Thank you, NetGalley!!!
Want to read
December 16, 2025Thank you poisoned pen press and NetGalley for the arc
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