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Sleuths
Not yet published
Expected 21 May 26Your favourite actor has been pictured with a missing woman. What would you do?
SHE’S A FAN
Melody runs a fan account for TV’s hottest actor, Griff Beckett. But when one of the photos she posts shows Griff kissing an unknown woman, angry fans turn on Melody and accuse her of posting a fake.
HE’S A CELEBRITY
Hurt and angry, Melody enlists the help of her closest friends to prove the photo is real and their favourite actor is no longer single…until, instead of a girlfriend, they find a missing person report.
AND HE’S…KIDNAPPED SOMEONE?
It should be a job for the authorities, but no cop will take them seriously. Armed with just two friends and one very sexy (and distracting) journalist, Levi, Melody is going to solve the crime, save the girl, and maybe get the guy, too. Surely it’s not that hard to be a real sleuth?
The laugh-out-loud, thrilling debut for fans of Only Murders in the Building and any Netflix true crime!
SHE’S A FAN
Melody runs a fan account for TV’s hottest actor, Griff Beckett. But when one of the photos she posts shows Griff kissing an unknown woman, angry fans turn on Melody and accuse her of posting a fake.
HE’S A CELEBRITY
Hurt and angry, Melody enlists the help of her closest friends to prove the photo is real and their favourite actor is no longer single…until, instead of a girlfriend, they find a missing person report.
AND HE’S…KIDNAPPED SOMEONE?
It should be a job for the authorities, but no cop will take them seriously. Armed with just two friends and one very sexy (and distracting) journalist, Levi, Melody is going to solve the crime, save the girl, and maybe get the guy, too. Surely it’s not that hard to be a real sleuth?
The laugh-out-loud, thrilling debut for fans of Only Murders in the Building and any Netflix true crime!
- GenresMystery Thriller
Audible Audio
Expected publication May 21, 2026
3 people are currently reading
95 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
November 15, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley and Avon / HaperCollins for my advanced copy.
This book is already compared to Only Murders In The Building, but it really shouldn't be. It is its own witty and dark stands alone story and doesn't need the comparison at all.
That said, let's talk about how 3 fans of a sexy period drama and most importantly of all the handsome leading man stumble upon a very dark secret and set out to save the day.
Mel is floundering at work and in life. She is living the London dream in a tiny flat, eking out an existence, but her fandom page and socials dedicated to Larksholm keep her going and are the centre of her world, that is until one day a grainy video from a night club brings her (virtual) world crashing down and she decides to make it right by finding out the why, where and what for behind the video. Helped (and often hindered) by her fellow fans Aggie and Priya she delves into full detective mode little realising it's going to be taking her to the dark underbelly of London and far away from her beloved regency world.
So I really enjoyed this book, although a lot of the fan stuff passed me by as I have never been a super fan of anything, but the story was captivating enough to keep me hooked. It was witty and dark in equal measure, and I absolutely loved how they just kept coming up with such ludicrous plans that worked.
The only downside for me was the sex scene between Mel and Levi. I just didn't add anything to the book or the plot!
This book is already compared to Only Murders In The Building, but it really shouldn't be. It is its own witty and dark stands alone story and doesn't need the comparison at all.
That said, let's talk about how 3 fans of a sexy period drama and most importantly of all the handsome leading man stumble upon a very dark secret and set out to save the day.
Mel is floundering at work and in life. She is living the London dream in a tiny flat, eking out an existence, but her fandom page and socials dedicated to Larksholm keep her going and are the centre of her world, that is until one day a grainy video from a night club brings her (virtual) world crashing down and she decides to make it right by finding out the why, where and what for behind the video. Helped (and often hindered) by her fellow fans Aggie and Priya she delves into full detective mode little realising it's going to be taking her to the dark underbelly of London and far away from her beloved regency world.
So I really enjoyed this book, although a lot of the fan stuff passed me by as I have never been a super fan of anything, but the story was captivating enough to keep me hooked. It was witty and dark in equal measure, and I absolutely loved how they just kept coming up with such ludicrous plans that worked.
The only downside for me was the sex scene between Mel and Levi. I just didn't add anything to the book or the plot!
December 4, 2025
I really enjoyed this book!
A solid 4 stars.
I enjoyed the pacing, the storyline, and the characters were very well written (mostly), and I just felt like I wanted to know how it ends!
A little unbelievable? Yes, maybe a little, but I was happy to suspend my belief that this all could happen in reality.
Some parts a little rushed, and some drag on a little too long? Maybe.
And add in a spicy intimacy scene for all too!
Overall, an enjoyable amateur sleuth thriller. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
A solid 4 stars.
I enjoyed the pacing, the storyline, and the characters were very well written (mostly), and I just felt like I wanted to know how it ends!
A little unbelievable? Yes, maybe a little, but I was happy to suspend my belief that this all could happen in reality.
Some parts a little rushed, and some drag on a little too long? Maybe.
And add in a spicy intimacy scene for all too!
Overall, an enjoyable amateur sleuth thriller. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Read
December 1, 2025TBR this. I loved it!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Melody runs a fan account for a Bridgerton-esque show, particularly focused on shipping the relationship between its two main actors. This leads to her getting involved in a huge investigation, which is way beyond discovering the identify of the actor's mystery girlfriend which she had in mind. The mystery that Melody ends up following was grittier and more serious than I expected, but that storyline didn't really match the sort of chaotic investigation style that Mel and her friends had. The first half of the book had me interested, but the second half went quite wild and it sort of lost me there. I think I was just confused about whether it was trying to be a screwball romcom, or a more serious romantic suspense.
Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy from NetGalley but this is my voluntary and honest review.
Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy from NetGalley but this is my voluntary and honest review.
December 11, 2025
3.75 stars
*I received this book as an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review*
I genuienly enjoyed this book. I will say that the beginning took a little bit to get going but once everyone came together and started actually planning things out and putting eachother to work it ramped up and became one of those books that I didn't want to put down. All of the characters felt like they were written very well and felt like they responded in a real way to the things happening around them, however I will never claim to completely understand the hardcore fandom individuals so maybe that isn't really how some of them act. I liked that there was a romantic interest included in the story but that it in no way took a front seat to the event they were trying to solve, it felt like an added bonus that made my heart happy.
*I received this book as an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review*
I genuienly enjoyed this book. I will say that the beginning took a little bit to get going but once everyone came together and started actually planning things out and putting eachother to work it ramped up and became one of those books that I didn't want to put down. All of the characters felt like they were written very well and felt like they responded in a real way to the things happening around them, however I will never claim to completely understand the hardcore fandom individuals so maybe that isn't really how some of them act. I liked that there was a romantic interest included in the story but that it in no way took a front seat to the event they were trying to solve, it felt like an added bonus that made my heart happy.
December 30, 2025
Fast paced, thrilling & full of humour ~ 4✨
Would I recommend? ☑️
⭑ Publication date: 21st May 2026
⭑ Format: Paperback & Audiobook (ebook?)
⭑ Genre: Thriller/Mystery/Suspense, Dark Comedy, Romance
⭑ Tropes: Online fandom culture, Found family, Slow-burn romance & Murder mystery
⭑ Great for : True Crime enthusiasts, Fans of Only Murders in the Building & Armchair detectives
❗️Inclusion/mention of murder, human trafficking, kidnapping/missing persons & exploitation.
✅ If you love dark humour, dry wit & sarcasm paired with a fast paced, thrilling yet entertaining plot - welcome to the world of Sleuths!
~
✧ S U M M A R Y ✧
• Murder, missing women & a shady secret nightclub…
• A toxic but surprisingly knowledgeable online fandom & a trio of friends who will stop at nothing to get to the truth…
• One infuriatingly charming but arrogant love interest & all the dry wit, sarcasm & dark humour you could hope for…
🟰One heck of a story.
~
Sleuths was the perfect balance of darkness & light. The fast paced gritty mystery had laugh out loud humour, found family vibes & a slow burn romance running throughout. I really enjoyed the inclusion of things like Aggie’s one liners & Priya’s innocent optimism which were always timed to perfection. However, it’s important to note that the hard hitting themes such as kidnapping, exploitation, trafficking & just downright shady behaviour were approached with great care & consideration.
Sleuths is a book I would definitely recommend ☑️
✧ C H A R A C T E R S ✧
Whilst I enjoyed Levi’s arrogant charm & Amir’s unexpected softer side, the female characters killed it. Mel, Aggie & Priya’s sisterhood was such a great dynamic. Their contrasting personalities made for some extremely entertaining moments but I loved how they all shared the same strong willed, determined, not afraid to jump feet first into the flames kind of nature. Yes ok, at times their behaviour was a little reckless. HOWEVER, it’s important to remember that their actions were always driven by a desire to help others!! Questionable behaviour with a strong motive - we’ve all been there 👀
✧ F I N A L • T H O U G H T S ✧
As a huge true crime fan everything about this book jumped out at me. I loved the cover - the bold colours against the dark background instantly drew my eye & the mention of Only Murders in the Building was like a beacon calling me home (If you haven’t watched the show, I cannot recommend it enough. Dark comedy, unlikely friendships, murder mystery & more).
I appreciated how Samantha explored not only the toxic nature that some fan cultures can exhibit but also the community coming together/strength in numbers aspect.
Overall Sleuths was an entertaining, exhilarating read that I would definitely recommend. OH & that open ending?
I’m definitely going to keep an eye out for more of Samantha’s work! > If you enjoy true crime, crazy toxic online fandom’s, mystery & intrigue, strong minded females & a slow burn steamy romance - you should too!
~
❣️A huge thank you to NetGalley, Avon Books UK & Samantha Moody for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC. This is my honest opinion & I’m sharing it voluntarily.
Would I recommend? ☑️
⭑ Publication date: 21st May 2026
⭑ Format: Paperback & Audiobook (ebook?)
⭑ Genre: Thriller/Mystery/Suspense, Dark Comedy, Romance
⭑ Tropes: Online fandom culture, Found family, Slow-burn romance & Murder mystery
⭑ Great for : True Crime enthusiasts, Fans of Only Murders in the Building & Armchair detectives
❗️Inclusion/mention of murder, human trafficking, kidnapping/missing persons & exploitation.
✅ If you love dark humour, dry wit & sarcasm paired with a fast paced, thrilling yet entertaining plot - welcome to the world of Sleuths!
~
✧ S U M M A R Y ✧
• Murder, missing women & a shady secret nightclub…
• A toxic but surprisingly knowledgeable online fandom & a trio of friends who will stop at nothing to get to the truth…
• One infuriatingly charming but arrogant love interest & all the dry wit, sarcasm & dark humour you could hope for…
🟰One heck of a story.
~
Sleuths was the perfect balance of darkness & light. The fast paced gritty mystery had laugh out loud humour, found family vibes & a slow burn romance running throughout. I really enjoyed the inclusion of things like Aggie’s one liners & Priya’s innocent optimism which were always timed to perfection. However, it’s important to note that the hard hitting themes such as kidnapping, exploitation, trafficking & just downright shady behaviour were approached with great care & consideration.
Sleuths is a book I would definitely recommend ☑️
✧ C H A R A C T E R S ✧
Whilst I enjoyed Levi’s arrogant charm & Amir’s unexpected softer side, the female characters killed it. Mel, Aggie & Priya’s sisterhood was such a great dynamic. Their contrasting personalities made for some extremely entertaining moments but I loved how they all shared the same strong willed, determined, not afraid to jump feet first into the flames kind of nature. Yes ok, at times their behaviour was a little reckless. HOWEVER, it’s important to remember that their actions were always driven by a desire to help others!! Questionable behaviour with a strong motive - we’ve all been there 👀
✧ F I N A L • T H O U G H T S ✧
As a huge true crime fan everything about this book jumped out at me. I loved the cover - the bold colours against the dark background instantly drew my eye & the mention of Only Murders in the Building was like a beacon calling me home (If you haven’t watched the show, I cannot recommend it enough. Dark comedy, unlikely friendships, murder mystery & more).
I appreciated how Samantha explored not only the toxic nature that some fan cultures can exhibit but also the community coming together/strength in numbers aspect.
Overall Sleuths was an entertaining, exhilarating read that I would definitely recommend. OH & that open ending?
I’m definitely going to keep an eye out for more of Samantha’s work! > If you enjoy true crime, crazy toxic online fandom’s, mystery & intrigue, strong minded females & a slow burn steamy romance - you should too!
~
❣️A huge thank you to NetGalley, Avon Books UK & Samantha Moody for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC. This is my honest opinion & I’m sharing it voluntarily.
March 12, 2026
This was an easy and entertaining, though the premise felt a bit far-fetched at times. The story leans heavily into fan culture, which gave it a lot of “fangirl” energy which was sometimes a bit too much for me. That said, the main characters were funny, loyal to each other, and their dynamic kept the story moving along nicely. While I didn’t find it particularly realistic, it was a fun, light read with enough humour and mystery to keep me turning the pages.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Rating: 3.3/5
Melody is heavily invested in the world of fandom. She is a superfan who runs a fan account for Griff Beckett, the handsome leading man in the television series, "Larksholm", which bears an uncanny resemblance to "Bridgerton". However, when Melody posts a photograph of Griff kissing a mystery woman in a nightclub it causes outrage amongst other fans and Melody becomes the target of their vitriol amid accusations of peddling fake news. Melody sets out to prove that the picture is genuine, but little does she know that her investigation is about to take her down an unexpectedly dark and dangerous path.
On the face of things, it could be said that I am not really in the target age demographic for this debut novel from Samantha Moody. However, it could also be argued that a well-written piece of work should be able to appeal to an audience beyond the parameters of its most obvious target market. The whole fandom culture is certainly quite foreign to me and I have to confess that, for the first 20-25% of this book, I was seriously questioning whether I would make it to the end. It really did seem to be speaking to a generation that I don't belong to and in a language that I was hard-pressed to comprehend. I had also seen some other reviews expressing a similar reaction that had resulted in the readers DNFing at quite an early stage. Thankfully, I persevered and was rewarded with a far more enjoyable reading experience than I had been beginning to fear.
As the narrative progresses, so this story develops into a highly entertaining mystery adventure. The crime at the heart of the story is actually quite dark and sinister, but although the author does not diminish the seriousness of what is being perpetrated, it is handled in a way that doesn't simply make for depressing subject matter. There is an awful lot of edgy humour as Melody along with her friends Aggie and Priya set about their task. Each member of this triumvirate is appealing in her own way, but Aggie, in particular, regularly brought a smile of amusement to my face. There is also a rom-com element to the plot, which does get quite steamy at one juncture, too. And, if you like to have even more variety in your fictional literature, there are scenes that wouldn't go amiss in a Mission: Impossible storyline.
Ultimately, I enjoyed "Sleuths" and I am glad that I resisted the temptation to abandon it. Sadly, as other reviews have testified, there will be people who don't make it far enough into the book to witness the quality of work that the author has to offer, which is a shame. Hopefully, Samantha Moody will be able to address this in her future novels and ensure that sections of the audience don't feel alienated.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for supplying an ARC in return for an honest review.
Melody is heavily invested in the world of fandom. She is a superfan who runs a fan account for Griff Beckett, the handsome leading man in the television series, "Larksholm", which bears an uncanny resemblance to "Bridgerton". However, when Melody posts a photograph of Griff kissing a mystery woman in a nightclub it causes outrage amongst other fans and Melody becomes the target of their vitriol amid accusations of peddling fake news. Melody sets out to prove that the picture is genuine, but little does she know that her investigation is about to take her down an unexpectedly dark and dangerous path.
On the face of things, it could be said that I am not really in the target age demographic for this debut novel from Samantha Moody. However, it could also be argued that a well-written piece of work should be able to appeal to an audience beyond the parameters of its most obvious target market. The whole fandom culture is certainly quite foreign to me and I have to confess that, for the first 20-25% of this book, I was seriously questioning whether I would make it to the end. It really did seem to be speaking to a generation that I don't belong to and in a language that I was hard-pressed to comprehend. I had also seen some other reviews expressing a similar reaction that had resulted in the readers DNFing at quite an early stage. Thankfully, I persevered and was rewarded with a far more enjoyable reading experience than I had been beginning to fear.
As the narrative progresses, so this story develops into a highly entertaining mystery adventure. The crime at the heart of the story is actually quite dark and sinister, but although the author does not diminish the seriousness of what is being perpetrated, it is handled in a way that doesn't simply make for depressing subject matter. There is an awful lot of edgy humour as Melody along with her friends Aggie and Priya set about their task. Each member of this triumvirate is appealing in her own way, but Aggie, in particular, regularly brought a smile of amusement to my face. There is also a rom-com element to the plot, which does get quite steamy at one juncture, too. And, if you like to have even more variety in your fictional literature, there are scenes that wouldn't go amiss in a Mission: Impossible storyline.
Ultimately, I enjoyed "Sleuths" and I am glad that I resisted the temptation to abandon it. Sadly, as other reviews have testified, there will be people who don't make it far enough into the book to witness the quality of work that the author has to offer, which is a shame. Hopefully, Samantha Moody will be able to address this in her future novels and ensure that sections of the audience don't feel alienated.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for supplying an ARC in return for an honest review.
November 16, 2025
Sleuths is a fun debut novel that is thoroughly of its time. It focuses on pop culture and super-fandom while introducing a dark and sinister plot possibility involving a celebrity. Incorporating social media posts and articles about fandom throughout the story makes for an interesting and enjoyable read that is certain to appeal to popcorn thriller fans who like to give new authors a try.
Melody is a fangirl: she is obsessed with the star of a British period drama and has created a popular fan social media account that analyzes the on-screen and personal activities of her idol. When he is captured on hidden video at an exclusive and secret night club with an unknown woman, the gossip begins to circulate. The fervor only escalates when the gossip account pulls the video a few hours after posting it. Melody tries to analyze the situation on a live video feed and gets massively misinterpreted, forcing her to close her accounts in the face of being canceled. She and two of her fellow fans embark on an investigation into who their idol's paramour might be, and in the process they uncover what may be evidence of a human trafficking ring. The plot is thickened by Melody's awkward involvement with a journalist whom she meets while trying to gain access to the secret night club.
The story is fast-paced and very entertaining, and while Melody makes some ridiculous choices, she is likable and easy to root for. The examination of the parasocial relationships between fans and celebrities is timely and spot-on, and this social commentary enhances the plot by making the story feel fresh and new. The author did a fantastic job of creating a fictional fandom very similar to the toxic communities that surround real-life productions and celebrities.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for providing me with a review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Melody is a fangirl: she is obsessed with the star of a British period drama and has created a popular fan social media account that analyzes the on-screen and personal activities of her idol. When he is captured on hidden video at an exclusive and secret night club with an unknown woman, the gossip begins to circulate. The fervor only escalates when the gossip account pulls the video a few hours after posting it. Melody tries to analyze the situation on a live video feed and gets massively misinterpreted, forcing her to close her accounts in the face of being canceled. She and two of her fellow fans embark on an investigation into who their idol's paramour might be, and in the process they uncover what may be evidence of a human trafficking ring. The plot is thickened by Melody's awkward involvement with a journalist whom she meets while trying to gain access to the secret night club.
The story is fast-paced and very entertaining, and while Melody makes some ridiculous choices, she is likable and easy to root for. The examination of the parasocial relationships between fans and celebrities is timely and spot-on, and this social commentary enhances the plot by making the story feel fresh and new. The author did a fantastic job of creating a fictional fandom very similar to the toxic communities that surround real-life productions and celebrities.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for providing me with a review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Did not finish
March 23, 2026Thank you to Avon Books for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.
Melody runs a fan account for TV’s hottest actor, Griff Beckett. But when one of the photos she posts shows Griff kissing an unknown woman, angry fans turn on Melody and accuse her of posting a fake. Hurt and angry, Melody enlists the help of her closest friends to prove the photo is real and their favourite actor is no longer single…until, instead of a girlfriend, they find a missing person report. It should be a job for the authorities, but no cop will take them seriously. Armed with just two friends and one very sexy (and distracting) journalist, Levi, Melody is going to solve the crime, save the girl, and maybe get the guy, too. Surely it’s not that hard to be a real sleuth?
This one is being marketed as perfect for fans of Only Murders in the Building - a show I absolutely adore! So I knew I needed to read this book. But, it unfortunately didn’t live up to my expectations at all. I really struggled to get into this book. I know there are dedicated fans in every fandom but it felt so unrealistic for a grown woman to be this obsessed with not just an actor, but his private life too. And to have these friends gleefully going along with it and enabling her? I just cannot get my head around it, or find enjoyment in the story. It’s such a shame because I was incredibly excited to start this book.
Overall, Sleuths is a book that just doesn’t fit well for me.
Thank you again to Avon Books for an advanced copy of this book.
Melody runs a fan account for TV’s hottest actor, Griff Beckett. But when one of the photos she posts shows Griff kissing an unknown woman, angry fans turn on Melody and accuse her of posting a fake. Hurt and angry, Melody enlists the help of her closest friends to prove the photo is real and their favourite actor is no longer single…until, instead of a girlfriend, they find a missing person report. It should be a job for the authorities, but no cop will take them seriously. Armed with just two friends and one very sexy (and distracting) journalist, Levi, Melody is going to solve the crime, save the girl, and maybe get the guy, too. Surely it’s not that hard to be a real sleuth?
This one is being marketed as perfect for fans of Only Murders in the Building - a show I absolutely adore! So I knew I needed to read this book. But, it unfortunately didn’t live up to my expectations at all. I really struggled to get into this book. I know there are dedicated fans in every fandom but it felt so unrealistic for a grown woman to be this obsessed with not just an actor, but his private life too. And to have these friends gleefully going along with it and enabling her? I just cannot get my head around it, or find enjoyment in the story. It’s such a shame because I was incredibly excited to start this book.
Overall, Sleuths is a book that just doesn’t fit well for me.
Thank you again to Avon Books for an advanced copy of this book.
March 15, 2026
I read an eARC of this book on NetGalley so thank you to the author and the publisher.
This was an interesting combination of noir detective stories with a modern setting and a lens on influencer and fandom culture. The combination worked really well, creating an intriguing mystery.
I felt there was a bit of a subtle undertone around privacy here. Content and gossip is necessary to the influencer characters to drive engagement, but at what cost? This does explore how damaging rumours can be. There’s a a conflict between wanting to create a community connected by something (in this case a historical romance TV programme) and the toxicity that comes from social media and the internet at times.
I enjoyed the lens of the fandom lead, it was something I hadn’t seen too much of before so it felt quite fresh. I also really liked the thing the fandom was based around. There was a richness to this TV programme and I enjoyed the brief forays into the episodes, plots and characters.
It was the surrounding detail that was the draw for me more than the main plot itself. That was fine but it wasn’t as engaging as some of the character quirks and interests. I really liked the central friendship in this novel between the three mega fans of the TV show. This was lovely and I loved how they connected over this thing they enjoyed so much. The female friendships were great and wholesome, the romance I could take or leave, it wasn’t particularly memorable, though I understood the necessity of that character for the plot.
This was an interesting combination of noir detective stories with a modern setting and a lens on influencer and fandom culture. The combination worked really well, creating an intriguing mystery.
I felt there was a bit of a subtle undertone around privacy here. Content and gossip is necessary to the influencer characters to drive engagement, but at what cost? This does explore how damaging rumours can be. There’s a a conflict between wanting to create a community connected by something (in this case a historical romance TV programme) and the toxicity that comes from social media and the internet at times.
I enjoyed the lens of the fandom lead, it was something I hadn’t seen too much of before so it felt quite fresh. I also really liked the thing the fandom was based around. There was a richness to this TV programme and I enjoyed the brief forays into the episodes, plots and characters.
It was the surrounding detail that was the draw for me more than the main plot itself. That was fine but it wasn’t as engaging as some of the character quirks and interests. I really liked the central friendship in this novel between the three mega fans of the TV show. This was lovely and I loved how they connected over this thing they enjoyed so much. The female friendships were great and wholesome, the romance I could take or leave, it wasn’t particularly memorable, though I understood the necessity of that character for the plot.
November 14, 2025
Improved. Investigated. Informed.
I’ll admit it: this book and I did not hit it off at first. The world of online fandoms and celebrity obsession? Not my scene, not my hobby, and not somewhere I’m hoping to vacation anytime soon. For the first few chapters, I was basically side-eyeing everyone.
But then… it clicked.
The writing is genuinely excellent — vivid, sharply observed, and surprisingly funny in places. And Melody, who initially baffled me, slowly shook off the fangirl fog and morphed into a rather determined little sleuth. Once she found her stride, I found mine too.
It ends up being a light, easy read that still manages to orbit around something far darker beneath the surface. And honestly? For a debut, Samantha Moody has done a cracking job.
My thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for the ARC of “Sleuths” by Samantha Moody.
I’ll admit it: this book and I did not hit it off at first. The world of online fandoms and celebrity obsession? Not my scene, not my hobby, and not somewhere I’m hoping to vacation anytime soon. For the first few chapters, I was basically side-eyeing everyone.
But then… it clicked.
The writing is genuinely excellent — vivid, sharply observed, and surprisingly funny in places. And Melody, who initially baffled me, slowly shook off the fangirl fog and morphed into a rather determined little sleuth. Once she found her stride, I found mine too.
It ends up being a light, easy read that still manages to orbit around something far darker beneath the surface. And honestly? For a debut, Samantha Moody has done a cracking job.
My thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for the ARC of “Sleuths” by Samantha Moody.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Netgalley for an advance copy of this book in return for an honest review.
I read this in one sitting and definitely enjoyed it. It reminded me of To Have and To Heist in a good way - a plucky band of amateur sleths putting their somewhat alarming skills to good use. Melody and her friends are part of a chronically online fandom, obsessing over one of the lead actors in a way that is quite hard to connect with initially. However, the story quickly takes a turn into crime after the actor is spotted in a club with someone who looks like a girl who disappeared a few years ago. As the gang investigate, we see more and more of the dark side of internet culture and organised crime before the story reaches its final caper/showdown, which is both terrifying and hilarious by turns.
Well worth a read.
I read this in one sitting and definitely enjoyed it. It reminded me of To Have and To Heist in a good way - a plucky band of amateur sleths putting their somewhat alarming skills to good use. Melody and her friends are part of a chronically online fandom, obsessing over one of the lead actors in a way that is quite hard to connect with initially. However, the story quickly takes a turn into crime after the actor is spotted in a club with someone who looks like a girl who disappeared a few years ago. As the gang investigate, we see more and more of the dark side of internet culture and organised crime before the story reaches its final caper/showdown, which is both terrifying and hilarious by turns.
Well worth a read.
November 18, 2025
3.5/5
This was fun and unique! I can definitely see myself rereading this book again in the future. For some reason I think it would also be really enjoyable in audiobook form. And I can also see this as a really fun and silly movie, think The Spy Who Dumped Me sort of situation.
We've got a fan account, an actor, a missing woman, angered fans, and the need to solve a mystery.
This was fun, quick, and had a touch of humor. And I found that humor to be quite successful (an important thing to note in my book).
And I really liked the conversation on fan culture that was this entire book. It took it to extremes, but it was very relevant and I liked it.
Would definitely recommend.
Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
This was fun and unique! I can definitely see myself rereading this book again in the future. For some reason I think it would also be really enjoyable in audiobook form. And I can also see this as a really fun and silly movie, think The Spy Who Dumped Me sort of situation.
We've got a fan account, an actor, a missing woman, angered fans, and the need to solve a mystery.
This was fun, quick, and had a touch of humor. And I found that humor to be quite successful (an important thing to note in my book).
And I really liked the conversation on fan culture that was this entire book. It took it to extremes, but it was very relevant and I liked it.
Would definitely recommend.
Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
November 8, 2025
3.5
setting: UK
Rep: n/a
If you enjoy fandom madness, Only murders in the building, true crime, and social media, you'll probably enjoy this. I flew through this book in a few hours thanks to a fast paced and action packed plot. the writing itself is fine, appropriate for the genre; I think Mel was a good balanced character though at times I did find her quite irritating and she was quick to throw herself into ridiculously dangerous situations, though I got the sense there was almost a satirical element to the story as there were several genre call outs.
setting: UK
Rep: n/a
If you enjoy fandom madness, Only murders in the building, true crime, and social media, you'll probably enjoy this. I flew through this book in a few hours thanks to a fast paced and action packed plot. the writing itself is fine, appropriate for the genre; I think Mel was a good balanced character though at times I did find her quite irritating and she was quick to throw herself into ridiculously dangerous situations, though I got the sense there was almost a satirical element to the story as there were several genre call outs.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I had no idea what I was getting myself into when I picked up this book! But I absolutely loved it!
First it has a great mystery sprinkle in some bad guys and a charming love interest with a smirk I’m in!
The story follows a woman and her friends who are part of a community interested in a tv show and its actors and trying to prove an actor has a girlfriend but they stumble upon a shady club with gangsters and trafficking of women! I read this in one setting and truly hope there is a book 2!
#Sleuths #NetGalley.
First it has a great mystery sprinkle in some bad guys and a charming love interest with a smirk I’m in!
The story follows a woman and her friends who are part of a community interested in a tv show and its actors and trying to prove an actor has a girlfriend but they stumble upon a shady club with gangsters and trafficking of women! I read this in one setting and truly hope there is a book 2!
#Sleuths #NetGalley.
December 7, 2025
This book was a little bit hit and miss at times for me, I enjoyed the friendship between Mel, Aggie and Priya but can’t say I was sold on the whole fandom thing.
In the end I went with 4 stars because it was fun overall despite being totally unbelievable but I think that just added to the story.
This was a great debut and I look forward to reading more in the future.
Thanks to netgalley for the eARC.
In the end I went with 4 stars because it was fun overall despite being totally unbelievable but I think that just added to the story.
This was a great debut and I look forward to reading more in the future.
Thanks to netgalley for the eARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
(3.5 stars)
The blurb for this one did not set me up for the full plot but I really loved the direction it went in!
This is a 'cozy' crime/mystery, with a sprinkling of romance, humour and action. Set in the modern day, the story follows a unique cast of characters brought together because of an online fandom and their love for a particular actor. What starts as a quest for the scoop on his love life leads to them banding together as amateur sleuths as they uncover something more sinister.
This is an easy and entertaining read about the power of friendship and online communities, with some darker parts woven in. It is a reminder that for all the vile people in the world, there are still some good eggs out there too.
Thank you to Avon Books & Netgalley for the ARC
The blurb for this one did not set me up for the full plot but I really loved the direction it went in!
This is a 'cozy' crime/mystery, with a sprinkling of romance, humour and action. Set in the modern day, the story follows a unique cast of characters brought together because of an online fandom and their love for a particular actor. What starts as a quest for the scoop on his love life leads to them banding together as amateur sleuths as they uncover something more sinister.
This is an easy and entertaining read about the power of friendship and online communities, with some darker parts woven in. It is a reminder that for all the vile people in the world, there are still some good eggs out there too.
Thank you to Avon Books & Netgalley for the ARC
March 17, 2026
This started of so strong and I couldn’t put it down.
Then it took a turn and I just wasn’t sure how I felt about it. Overall it’s easy fun and semi light hearted (the actual crime is pretty dark but it does feel like they are trying to not make it to heavy).
Although I didn’t laugh out loud I could see parts being funny. I just felt like it wasn’t sure of its self after 30% and I struggled to be motivated to finish.
Thank you to the NetGalley for this arc in exchange for a review.
Then it took a turn and I just wasn’t sure how I felt about it. Overall it’s easy fun and semi light hearted (the actual crime is pretty dark but it does feel like they are trying to not make it to heavy).
Although I didn’t laugh out loud I could see parts being funny. I just felt like it wasn’t sure of its self after 30% and I struggled to be motivated to finish.
Thank you to the NetGalley for this arc in exchange for a review.
January 22, 2026
3.5⭐️ this was such a fun, easy read. The pacing of the book was good and I got through it very quickly. I just wasn’t massively invested in the plot or the fandom; however, it was a great palette cleanser and a nice switch-up to the books I normally read! I probably would read a sequel if there was to be one.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
twisty and intense thriller with a strong focus on fan culture. it all worked quite well. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.
Read
December 28, 2025Too modern for me
December 11, 2025
The title and cover made me think this was a funny and cozy mystery, and I was hoping it was a cozy mystery, but it is a rom-com thriller. I did like how the book jumps right into the action. The situations Melody finds herself in at work are very funny and relatable.
A few trigger warnings: This book does bring up stalking, murder, and human trafficking. There is also a spicy scene.
This book draws attention to the world of Fandom. I can’t quote the book directly, since is an advanced reader copy, but essentially there is a line about how famous people don’t deserve threats just because the person isn’t with the person the fans want them to be with. Also, the star is a character on TV. They are not the same as the role they are playing. Don’t live vicariously through the character.
Melody, the main character and how quirky and awkward she is one completely lovable. I thought the romance she has wasn’t necessary. FYI, there is spice in this book.
Where the book lost me was how Melody and her friends go about investigating what was going on. Netflix documentaries have drawn a lot of attention to internet sleuths. Their methods can be genius. In this book, the methods used and the in-person physical investigations required me to suspend my beliefs. The situations were highly unlikely.
I feel the pacing was off on this book. It started off with a lot of action. Then there were the events of Melody getting cancelled, but the rest of the book fell off after that.
I’m having a difficult time on who I would recommend this book to. I would not recommend this to someone who wants a cozy mystery. The subject matter is almost too serious for romantic comedy, but not serious enough for a thriller novel. The information on fandom was interesting and drew me in, but I didn’t find the rest of the book kept my attention.
A few trigger warnings: This book does bring up stalking, murder, and human trafficking. There is also a spicy scene.
This book draws attention to the world of Fandom. I can’t quote the book directly, since is an advanced reader copy, but essentially there is a line about how famous people don’t deserve threats just because the person isn’t with the person the fans want them to be with. Also, the star is a character on TV. They are not the same as the role they are playing. Don’t live vicariously through the character.
Melody, the main character and how quirky and awkward she is one completely lovable. I thought the romance she has wasn’t necessary. FYI, there is spice in this book.
Where the book lost me was how Melody and her friends go about investigating what was going on. Netflix documentaries have drawn a lot of attention to internet sleuths. Their methods can be genius. In this book, the methods used and the in-person physical investigations required me to suspend my beliefs. The situations were highly unlikely.
I feel the pacing was off on this book. It started off with a lot of action. Then there were the events of Melody getting cancelled, but the rest of the book fell off after that.
I’m having a difficult time on who I would recommend this book to. I would not recommend this to someone who wants a cozy mystery. The subject matter is almost too serious for romantic comedy, but not serious enough for a thriller novel. The information on fandom was interesting and drew me in, but I didn’t find the rest of the book kept my attention.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Arc from netgalley.
If there's anything that Melody lives for, it is running her fan account for a hot actor Griff Beckett. But the same fan community she feels at home with turns on her when she posts photos of Griff kissing a mysterious woman. In trying to get to the identity of the unknown woman, she stumbles into a greater story that pretty much threatens and changes her life. She also stumbles into the arms of a handsome journalist named Levi...
Claimed to be meant for fans of Only Murders in the Building, this is a story about how celebrity fans unwittingly uncovers the dark secrets of the entertainment world. Perhaps inspired by real life accounts by victims of Epstein and Nickelodeon's Schneider, this book talks about the dark side of the blitzy world of entertainment. My issue with it touching this topic is the juxtaposition between the overall tone of the book being more unserious to tackling a heavy issue. The main characters scrambling to play heroes and flirting along the way to save the victims just felt somewhat off-putting to me. I also did not really enjoy the whole googly eyes over celebrities and fame part of the story.
That being said though, the story itself was not all bad, it was entertaining enough for me to finish reading it. The writing style itself also made for a pretty breezy read.
If there's anything that Melody lives for, it is running her fan account for a hot actor Griff Beckett. But the same fan community she feels at home with turns on her when she posts photos of Griff kissing a mysterious woman. In trying to get to the identity of the unknown woman, she stumbles into a greater story that pretty much threatens and changes her life. She also stumbles into the arms of a handsome journalist named Levi...
Claimed to be meant for fans of Only Murders in the Building, this is a story about how celebrity fans unwittingly uncovers the dark secrets of the entertainment world. Perhaps inspired by real life accounts by victims of Epstein and Nickelodeon's Schneider, this book talks about the dark side of the blitzy world of entertainment. My issue with it touching this topic is the juxtaposition between the overall tone of the book being more unserious to tackling a heavy issue. The main characters scrambling to play heroes and flirting along the way to save the victims just felt somewhat off-putting to me. I also did not really enjoy the whole googly eyes over celebrities and fame part of the story.
That being said though, the story itself was not all bad, it was entertaining enough for me to finish reading it. The writing style itself also made for a pretty breezy read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley.
I am not the right reader for this novel. The blurb sounded fun and mysterious, but at the 15% mark, which is where I am quitting, it just makes me feel old. I can't relate to the level of obsessive interest in minor celebrities, nor to the need to comment online about things that are nothing to do with you. Nothing has really happened to this point and nothing about it made me laugh, but as I say, maybe I am just too old to appreciate this book.
I am not the right reader for this novel. The blurb sounded fun and mysterious, but at the 15% mark, which is where I am quitting, it just makes me feel old. I can't relate to the level of obsessive interest in minor celebrities, nor to the need to comment online about things that are nothing to do with you. Nothing has really happened to this point and nothing about it made me laugh, but as I say, maybe I am just too old to appreciate this book.
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