A Curious Journey

by Jess Lea

Quirky romance, deadly secrets, and Australia's oddest mystery duo.

Life is going swimmingly for haughty, sharp-tongued historian Margaret Gale and her sunshine-filled lover Bess Campbell. They have a beautiful new home, great jobs, and no one has tried to kill them in months. Then chaos arrives when an eccentric relative drags them off on a wild-goose chase across Australia involving a remote pink lake, a mysterious dead body, a creepy "wellness centre", and a Yorkipoo Enthusiasts Society.

Against the backdrop of eerie Lake Mirari, they uncover many dangerous secrets…including ones Margaret and Bess have been keeping from each other. Is this the end for lesbian fiction's most unlikely odd couple?

Genres: Lesbian

248 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 29, 2025

About the author

Jess writes lesbian fiction. Her novels, 'A Curious Woman', 'A Curious Visit', 'A Curious Journey', and 'Looking for Trouble', and her collection of short stories, 'The Taste of Her', are available from Ylva Publishing. You can also read her short stories in the collections 'Don't Be Shy', 'Laid Bare', 'First Kisses', 'Meet Cute', and 'Tales of the Grimoire'. https://www.ylva-publishing.com/autho... You can contact Jess on X at @JessLeaMusings.

Reviews

[Lady Olenna · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

More of the same from the leads but in a different setting. The mystery is still layered, is still very confounding and difficult to solve. I always enjoy reading these two characters since book 1.

[Carol Hutchinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will Bess and Margaret ever get a moment's peace?

Bess and Margaret have just moved into their new home when Bess’ relative, journalist Hattie, turns up. Hattie is investigating a wellness centre where something doesn’t seem right, and as usual Bess and Margaret find themselves embroiled in the madness that ensues as a result.

I love the Murder Under the Gum Trees series. They are all standalone and Margaret and Bess won my heart in the very first book. They are complete opposites but a perfect pairing and somehow murder and mayhem always seems to find them wherever they find themselves. This time they are pulled into the mayhem by Hattie turning up and using unconventional methods to get them to help clear her of alleged charges and uncover the truth about the suspicious wellness centre. No sooner had Hattie started sharing the details did I know Bess wouldn’t be able to resist helping. Her empathy for others is unmatched.

It’s always Margaret in these stories who I end up loving more and more. She's an ice queen through and through, but she sometimes melts a little for Bess but never fully. Her one liners, timing, presence all have me grinning and loving her no matter the situation. However this time the mask slipped a few times, unexpectedly showing more vulnerability than I’d ever thought possible, and it was great. It gave better understanding and only endeared her to me more.

Bess and Margaret are one of my favourite pairings and I really hope we’ll get more of them in future stories!

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t know why society has decided that all lesbian romance has to be so dark and dismal. Is that how we are as a people? Anyway, this book, and the entire series honestly, is not that. It’s got dark humor, but gratefully, I didn’t cry once. This, to me, is a good thing, in case you are asking. I don’t actually enjoy being sad and crying. Margaret and Bess are hilarious and endearing. They are complete opposite in the best way. In the story they buy their first house and cousin Hattie shows up at their door on move in day. Early on you decide you want Hattie to die a slow painful death, but that soon changes. As Margaret and Bess chase Hattie around the country, they end up in trouble with a shady group of overly happy people. I very much enjoyed the story and laughed the whole way through. One small wish would be that Margaret and Bess could help themselves out of dangerous situations. It seems like they are always being saved, which makes them feel sightly helpless. I wanted them to be the hero’s of their own story. Alas, it worked out and had a perfectly charming ending.

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Having a secret from Bess was bad enough. It had never occurred to her that Bess might be keeping a secret of her own.”

Okay, wow. This was one hell of a journey! Before even opening this book, I had already overthought everything. I was anxious — wondering what could possibly go wrong this time, worrying about how Margaret and Bess were going to survive yet another mess, and bracing myself for whatever emotional rollercoaster Jess Lea had in store. After two books, I knew better than to expect smooth sailing, but that didn’t stop me from stressing over it anyway!

I won’t lie, I had some hurdles to overcome at first. Hattie? Yeah… not my favourite. She came off too abrasive, too in-your-face, and I just couldn’t bring myself to care about whatever she was investigating at first. Plus, the way things were unraveling for Margaret and Bess at the start? Painful! I knew things had to go wrong — otherwise, why even have another book? — but still, watching their hard-earned happy ending from the previous books start to crack was frustrating! I just had to push through the first 20% of the book, where I felt lost and low-key irritated, and then? Things really picked up…

And by "picked up," I mean I was still awake at 2 AM flipping pages like my life depended on it! As expected from this series, so much was happening. The murder/crime investigation was gripping — not just because of the mystery itself but also because of how socially and politically relevant it felt. I appreciated how the book didn’t shy away from difficult topics, even if it did hit a little too close to reality. But if I’m being honest? The investigation wasn’t even my main focus. I was way more invested in the secrets Bess and Margaret were keeping from each other!!

Margaret’s internal struggle owned this book for me. I found myself way more absorbed in her dilemma than anything else, to the point that I was actually annoyed at Bess for being toooooo trusting! Like, girl. Please! If not for Margaret’s calculated thinking, they’d probably be dead. But then I remind myself that Bess’ relentless kindness isn’t just naïveté — it’s a response to the trauma she’s been carrying. And that makes her flaws make sense. Still, I wanted to shake her a few times 🤦🏻

Also, can we talk about Bess’ family? I don’t know if my memory is failing me or what, but I cannot recall their dynamic from the first two books. What I do know is that in this book, I absolutely did NOT like them—especially Bess’ mom and sister. They just rubbed me the wrong way!

But let’s end on a high note. Because the real highlight for me? Margaret’s love and loyalty to Bess. Every time she put aside her own reservations to accommodate Bess’ ideals and wants? Swooooooon! Margaret is that ice queen whose walls don’t just crumble for anyone, but when she loves, she loves. And I was here for it!!!!

All in all, this book had everything to keep me glued to the pages in one sitting. That said, am I hoping for another sequel? Honestly… I don’t know. As much as I love Margaret and Bess, I just want one of my favorite ice queens to finally get her peace and happiness. I mean, haven’t these two been through enough? 🙃

[queer_aussie_reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Curious Journey by Jess Lea is exactly the kind of story I didn’t realise I needed until I was halfway through, totally hooked, grinning like an idiot, and refusing to put it down until the very last page. Even if there hasn’t been much time between books, I tend to forget why I fell so hard for these characters in the first place.

Life has settled, and happiness has sunken deep into the souls of Margerat and Bess. That is until an eccentric relative drags Bess and Margaret on a whirlwind adventure across Australia. The mystery takes them deep into their own lives, and secrets are revealed. Bess and Margaret are forced to face their own truths, and their relationship is strained. It is together the truth unravels, and in each other’s arms, safety is actually found.

There’s something so distinctly satisfying about Jess Lea’s writing. It’s sharp, smart, and full of heart. The story manages to be funny, emotional, and romantic without ever feeling forced. I love it when an author lets their characters be flawed and messy and real, and that’s what we get here. It’s awkward, sometimes tense, always compelling. And when the payoff comes it’s so worth it.

The two leads have this undeniable chemistry from the get-go. But we know we knew that from book one. Banter with a bite, stolen glances, tension that simmers just under the surface until you need it to boil over. And when it does? Trust me, you’ll feel it in your toes.

What I loved most, though, is the journey.  Literal and emotional. It’s not just about falling in love, it’s about self-discovery, healing, and finding out where you truly belong. There’s vulnerability. There’s sass. There’s slow-burn tension. It’s got all the good stuff.

If you love a story that makes you laugh one minute, swoon the next, and ache just a little before it gives you that satisfying "yes!" moment—this one’s for you. Jess Lea has officially earned her place on my "must read everything they write" list.

Go grab it. You won’t regret it.

I received an ARC from Ylva publishing via NetGalley and am leaving a voluntary revie

[M the avid reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wild story pulls you in (I read it all in one sitting!)
A Curious Journey kicks off with main characters Bess and Margaret moving in together. What should be a time and cause for celebration is quickly disrupted by Bess's family. They get roped into dark shenanigans often with disastrous results and zero thanks for their help. Although I'm not a fan of the ice queen trope, Margaret (a former or semi reformed ice queen) is a highlight in the book when she lets loose sarcasm, sass, and deadpan snark either about the goings on affecting them or the people responsible for it. She is a large source of the humor in the story which is welcome every time it shows up; it helps to cut thru the tension and injustice. Despite the dark happenings, Margaret and Bess find time and opportunity to get frisky and be romantic in ways that totally suit their characters at this point in their development. I sat down to start reading the book - just a chapter or two - and ended up reading the entire thing in a sitting; fortunately, I finished before my e-reader's battery drained down to zero. There are disturbing things in the story with no quick or clear way to resolution and people are mistreated in various ways so heads up to those who find those kinds of things triggering. Things are not as they seem, there is corruption and character assassination at play, secrets are being kept, and chicken sitting figures into the story so a mixed bag of stuff to keep you turning pages. If you've read the other two books in this series you'll appreciate the growth of the main characters but if you've not read either of those books, this one (like the others) works well as a standalone story. There's tons of shenanigans in all the books and quirky characters to keep you amused or even thankful you don't know some of them in real life.
I believe this is the final story in the series however I'd be keen to read even a short story follow-up that checks in on our beloved mains given where they are in all respects by the end of this book.

[Cathy Geha · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Curious Journey by Jess Lea
Murder Under The Gum Trees #3

A few years have passed since Margaret and Bess met and worked together to solve a few murders. They are in love and have just purchased their own home. As they are hoping to settle in and christen their new living space, they are less than thrilled to have Bess’s Aunt Hattie show up wanting to move in with them. Tensions rise, Hattie does something they cannot forgive, and they are off to find her instead of settling in as they had hoped to.

What I liked:
* Bess Campbell: Focused in living a positive life, empathetic, open, honest, caring, good friend, has a difficult relationship with her family, loves Margaret, nurturer
* Margaret Gale: protective, strong personality, closed off, controlled, dark, snarky, softer with Bess, worried about her health, loves Bess
* Aunt Hattie: annoying, brilliant, pushy, bends the rules, journalist-writer, in a relationship with Len
* Len: driver, met Hattie through a yorkipoo dog club, strong, really likes Hattie,
* The way Hattie grew on me and also how Bess and Margaret began to see her differently
* How the death-murder of Nick Mantiatis was solved
* Being able to thoroughly dislike the Pyrite Center that was more cult than anything else – also hoping Karma would hit hard for a few of the henchmen and “gurus”
* That Margaret, Bess, and Hattie came through alright in the end
* Hattie not deferring to Bess’s mother’s wishes
* The plot, pacing, setting, and writing
* The way the story ended

What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* Thinking about how easily Kevin and his henchmen were able to do evil things for money

Did I like this book? Yes
Would I read more by this author? Yes

Thank you to NetGalley and Ylva Publishing for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4-5 Stars

[This · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this cosy crime/murder series.
I appreciate the appearance of spikiness of Margaret - abrasive to the world but adores Bess. Bess can be seen as the opposite of Margaret - colourful, optimistic, always needing to think the best of people - and adores Margaret. Yet somehow they end up in difficult situations where their lives are at risk - and they are sure the other is keeping secrets from them and is about to leave and blow their world apart.
They always have each others back, would sacrifice themselves, but thankfully never need to.
In this book they have literally just moved into the house that they have bought together when a relative is on their doorstep with their dog needing a place to stay. As this is fiction they let her in - I would not have done so but I am quite anti-social. The relative is a grumpy, rude, investigative journalist who soon needs their help.
They end up going undercover into a health resort that is based around the local pink salt lake - and investigating another murder. This is as always quite dangerous for them but ultimately brings them closer together and planning their future.
I do really like this couple - they have a realism to their relationship that probably to some looks unrealistic. Nothing goes quite how they want it to - until the point where it is literally life or death.

I really recommend this series. I love it.

Thanks to Ylva for the ARC in exchange for this honest review

[Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

(4.5 Stars) My favorite Australian cozy mystery solving duo return for another adventure. Bess Campbell and Margaret Gale are still together and showing their commitment by purchasing a house and sharing a mortgage. The first night in their new home is interrupted by the arrival of a relative of Bess. She is grumpy, demanding and ungrateful. But when she takes off with Bess’s car the pair follow her. The relative was once a successful investigative journalist. Along the way the pair discover a body and are seemingly drawn into another mystery.

Margaret and Bess continue to delight me. I’ve read their two previous adventures. Their opposite personalities and unflinching adoration of each other is lovely. Margaret’s acerbic wit made me laugh more than once. Bess is the free spirit to Margaret’s rigid personality. I’m not going to give details of the mystery but it does lead to learning a little more about Bess’s past. I saw one reviewer suggest this may be the last book for the pair. I hope not. I would read many more mysteries featuring these two. But if this is the final, it leaves them at a good place. Thank you to NetGalley and Ylva Publishing for the ARC and I am leaving an honest review.

[Tuba · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC from NetGalley and writing my review voluntarily.

“A Curious Journey” is yet another delightful chapter in the ever-evolving adventures of Bess and Margaret, a duo whose curiosity and courage continue to shine. What begins with the arrival of an insufferable relative quickly spirals into a maze of intrigue that flirts with murder and dives headfirst into the strange, shadowy world of cults and multi-level marketing.

The plot is vibrant and layered, never predictable, and the authors introduce us to a wide-ranging cast of characters, each distinct and memorable in their own way, some you’ll root for, others you’ll love to loathe. There’s something deeply satisfying in how this story blends suspense with sly humor and quiet emotional depth.

While the ending may not be entirely free of murder (as is their charming tradition), it does leave you with a warm sense of resolution and a twinkle of hope. If you’ve followed Bess and Margaret this far, “A Curious Journey” will not disappoint. And if you’re just arriving, welcome. You’re in for a quirky, clever, and thoroughly enjoyable ride.

[Fran Sappharc · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the gentle humour at the start.
The cover, for me, does not match the main’s descriptions (tho’ I do like the cover, and they have never matched the series!)
Early pacing is good. Just when the unbelievably bad houseguest gets irritating (I have a low tolerance for cartoonishly bad characters!) the plot moves on.
About 40% in, both mains are keeping a secret from each other….. they have gone to say several times but there has always been confensioninterruptus! That never goes well. There continues to be many lines that make me smile, but I would like things to move forward as I feel pace has stuttered slightly. However, just after that the pace picked up, and unusually I was really interested to find out how everything would work out. It all worked out in the end but a great job on keeping me guessing as to what would actually happen, or what did actually happen and why.
Some lines I loved! “After nearly being run over by a mobile library van…… “Is there a Dewey Decimal emergency? Is someone holding onto an overdue Maeve Binchy?””

[Doug Elliott · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Curious Journey is another update on Bess and Margaret’s continuing adventures. This time the tale begins with an annoying relative, segues into something that might be murder before plunging into the world of cults with multi-level marketing schemes. There is a large cast of interesting supporting characters, both good and bad. This is another good read with a happily, if not necessarily murder free, ever after.

[Donna Reed · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a Journey

What a great follow up to Curious Woman. This journey takes us to the salt lakes of Victoria in Australia. You can feel the heat and the dry off the page. Jess Lea builds on the characters of Margaret and Bess into a quirky well deserved romance that leaves you with a smile

[Red Dragon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great adventure of murder and mystery for Margaret and Bess.
Jess Lea writes a great layered mystery for this unlikely couple. Can’t wait for the next adventure!

[SerialReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is a great read. Jess Lea is an under rated author, she doesn't get enough attention for her writing. love this series and I hope there's more.

[SSA · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. I liked following an established and stable couple who along with solving the mystery continued to work on their relationship. And I appreciated how different but surprisingly compatible Bess and Margaret were.

The mystery followed a shady wellness company in a small town and a murder. And it had an entertaining final confrontation with the bad guys.

Bess’ Aunt Hattie was an absolute nightmare and I didn’t like her at all. I also didn’t like Bess’ family, they were terrible and so entitled and rude.

The lake with the pink salt sounded beautiful and I would love to see it in real life.

[S.S · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a funny read. The interplay between the two MC's had me laughing out loud at times. The mystery had me gripped and the hooks kept me turning the page. If you like quirky characters, great banter, original plots, you should definitely give this series a go.