Sleuths

by Samantha Moody

Your 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!

Genres: Mystery Thriller

Audible Audio

Expected publication May 21, 2026

Reviews

[Daniel Myatt · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Kristine · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Jessica Gadziala]

TBR this. I loved it!

[Faye Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Erin Wolak · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Chloë · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Tanya Hunter-Robinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book did not take me where I expected at all. In a good way. A very good way. A bit bonkers, with a very murky premise, but larger than life and utterly fabulous characters, it had me smiling from start to finish and completely and utterly invested in the both the story and the fate of our 'out of her depth but channeling her inner success' protagonist, Melody. Alongside her two online besties, Aggie and Priya, they make for the most unlikely of amateur detectives, but by heck, did their antics hit just the right spot.

This book encapsulates everything that is the best, and worst, of online influencer and fan/stan culture from the internet. Melody is the force behind a fan account for a highly popular TV series, making a pretty big name for herself on TikTok and considered one of the best when it comes to producing content around the shows top names. When one of her posts goes awry, leading to not only the loss of huge numbers of followers but numerous nasty, nigh on deadly, comments from followers, she sets out to clear her name and to prove that she hadn't posted what was being dismissed as a 'deep fake'. This leads her, and us, right into the heart of a kind of darkness none of the fans would ever believe it's lead actor could ever be involved in. And, despite Melody's best efforts, neither do the police. So, Melody and her chums take it into their own hands to right wrongs and overturn a dark and shadowy foe who will stop and nothing to protect their empire - even murder.

Picture the scene, a Brit, a German and an American walk into a club ... and attempt to bring down a network of very abhorrent personalities with a few tricks, some misdirection and a whole lot of passion and guile. Yes, you have to suspend disbelief a little. It's more 'Marlow/Soho Murder Club' than 'Line of Duty' in execution, but it is entertaining from start to finish. And, this is what made this such a fabulous book. Melody, Aggie and Priya are, without question, the most unlikely of crime heroes, and yet something about them really worked for me. Perhaps the banter, the witty back and forth between each of them as they plot and plan how to get their man - or men - that really did bring about a smile, and a laugh as I read along. In spite of the dark subject at the centre of this story, all too plausible and familiar based on recent history, there is something rather endearing about the trio that makes this story a little lighter than it might otherwise be.

Oh - and yes. There is more than a touch of romantic shenanigans threaded throughout the book. In her investigations, Melody bumps into journalist, Levi, and with a kind of 'Hart to Hart' style flair, from the moment they meet the sparks fly. It is by no means plain sailing for this budding relationship, in fact there is more conflict at times than passion, but the chemistry there rivals the tension that builds around the 'Team Sleuth' investigations, and if you like your crime fiction on the slightly saucier sides, there is plenty here to recommend.

It's got great pacing, brilliant banter, some fabulous characters, both central to the story and in supporting roles, and the foes are dark enough to get the hackles rising and to create some fear for the danger Melody and co willingly place themselves in. With several veins of mystery, huge question marks over the trustworthiness of both the stars and the fandom, and a canny look at the potential power - and pain - of a collective online community, this was a thoroughly entertaining read I'd happily recommend. A very pleasant surprise and, based on the closing chapter, I'd not be unhappy to see the team back together again for another investigation. Never say never, right?

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25. Thank you to Avon Books UK and NetGalley for sending me an ARC of Sleuths in exchange for an honest review.

Billed as “for fans of Butcher & Blackbird and Love in the Time of Serial Killers” - this could have gone either way for me. I LOVE Butcher & Blackbird and did not have a great time with LitToSK…ultimately, this was nothing like either of them and all the better for it!

Melody is a MEGA fan of hit TV regency romance Larksholm… or rather its star, Griff Beckett. She runs a hugely popular fan account, and reposts footage of Griff getting cosy with an unknown-to-fans woman. The highly obsessive, toxic fandom goes absolutely nuclear as he is frequently shipped with his co-star, and in a collective fit of denial the fandom turns on Melody and accuses her of posting fakes.

The backlash is huge and instant, and Melody has to take a step back from her socials. To try and clear her name and identify this mystery woman, she goes to the scene of the video - an exclusive members only club. She finds herself suddenly in way over her head, and the mystery of Griff’s lady friend suddenly gets a whole lot bigger and darker. With the help of her fellow fangirls and the hot journalist, Levi, she meets along the way, Melody starts pulling at threads she’s not sure she’s equipped to unravel.

This was so much more fun than I was expecting! It took me a minute to get into it, and I was worried it wasn’t for me, but I quickly got sucked right in and ended up tearing through this in one sitting! The mystery kept getting bigger and, in my opinion, the payoff was well worth the journey to get there.

I loved Melody, she was so chaotic and healthily unhinged. Who among us hasn’t engaged in some mildly obsessive parasocial behaviour with our favs?! She took everything in her stride and was a total boss in adapting her plans to figure out just how deep and dark this shit went. Her friendship with Aggie and Priya was delightful, their dynamic felt soooo very real to me. Three unhinged babes from totally disparate walks of life bonding over their shared obsession. Female friendships are elite ✨✨

I liked Levi, but I could have done with a bit more from him I think. Maybe a bit more backstory on him? I’m not quite sure, I just felt something was missing for me but can’t put my finger on what.

The plot and central mystery was surprisingly intense and important. The way the fandom came to work together to make real change and do something so SO good was 🤌 chef’s kiss.

Hoping that this is the start of a new series based on that ending, the characters’ relationship dynamics were great and I think this would make for a fun ongoing ride!

I would be remiss if I didn’t quickly cover the fandom behaviour. I’m not in any specific fandoms, but I see all sorts of peeks behind the curtain with hyper specific fandoms (particularly on Reddit). The regency TV romance aspect is obviously drawing on Bridgerton, and some of the fandom behaviour in that fandom is absolutely appalling! Social media has truly made being a fangirl so easy but also hugely problematic. The parasocial relationships that get developed and lead to reality being rewritten is terrifying, and I can’t imagine how it must be to be one of these actors. Agh, I digress!

Sleuths was a really fun mystery book with a wee bit of spice. The fandom aspect is a great hook and something I think a lot of us can recognise these days, even if we’re not actively partaking in unhinged behaviours. Highly recommend checking this one out!

[The Cookster · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Megan]

Thank 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.

[Rachel Gilbey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once I properly got into this book, it was practically unputdownable for me.

But it took me a while to get that stage, possibly as I wasn't overly keen on Melody, but once her investigation into something initially was rather frivolous - does Griff actually have a girlfriend and is it or isn't it his co-star, turns into something much darker I was intrigued and invested into the outcome.

Melody is a youtuber who posts specific fan relegated content for her favourite TV show, and is part of a ultra fan community for the programme. They are all obsessed with every single element of it, and it seems as though the story is highlighting just how toxic these sorts of fandoms can become.

But at the same time, it also celebrates a fandom in a totally unexpected way and this is part of why I ultimately loved the book. But to go into the most exciting and fabulous bits of the book would definitely be spoilers so I will refrain.

Melody isn't alone in her amateur detectives, her two moderators also are keen to help out and she also ends up involved with a journalist, but there is just something about him that makes you wonder just what side he is on.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, there are elements of danger, some romance, all manner of thrilling antics, and some engaging writing. And even a hint that I think there might be a sequel.

Loved this team of sleuths!

Thank you to Avon and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Melody is the queen of an online fandom for a Bridgerton-style show, but when people suspect she faked a video of its star with a woman who isn’t his co-star, she sets out to prove herself by finding him in a club. Here is where I almost quit reading, because a fanatic interest in the stars of a show is not my jam. But I’m glad I didn’t, because from here jt takes a turn. The woman she saw with the star seems to be a woman who went missing, and she finds evidence of other missing women. Now her fandom friends Aggie from Germany and Priya from the US, along with a journalist she met at the club, are following the trail of a trafficking ring with some obsessive online sleuths doing what they do best: tracking down the details.

Despite the arc having terrible formatting, I couldn’t put this down. I probably damaged my eyesight, and it was worth it. A huge coincidence is at the center, but I can suspend my disbelief. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, and it looks like this is first in a series.

[Catharine · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Nancy Pickering · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Zoe Lipman · Rating 3 out of 5]

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!

[Nadine-Sue Sargent · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fan or stalker? Mel is both I guess and her quest to find the truth about her favourite actor ends up leading her to danger.

It's a fun, cosy type crime story with Aggie and Priya as co-sleuths. There's an interesting dynamic to the trio and somewhat unlikely and yet, they work.

It does lead in a different direction as Mel picks up on a crime that she just can't leave be. Her social media status hinders but then helps and it shows the potential issues around having a big social media presence. People can be overly passionate and quite negative; which is exactly what Mel finds through her social media account.

It seems that Mel has found a new calling. Seems an odd change from where she started and not sure her credentials match but I don't think that would stop her.

[Lydia Hephzibah · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Jine · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[amandarose_mil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and Avon for this ARC!

I went into Sleuths by Samantha Moody a little unsure if it would feel too “online” for me—aside from Instagram and TikTok, I’m not big on social media—but it ended up being such an entertaining read!

The story was easy to keep up with, and I really enjoyed the pacing of the mystery. It kept me engaged without feeling overwhelming, and the tension between the FMC and MMC had me hooked 🫢

I loved it enough that I’ll definitely be picking up a physical copy!
202

[Kerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Lauren (teasandthankyou) · Rating 4 out of 5]

(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

[Sophia Terry · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Toni · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

An enjoyable read.

Amateur sleuths, unlikely but fabulous friendships, romance and an intriguing msytery - so many of my favourite tropes were packed into this!

And the story is infused with dark wit and humor, which added a clever, playful edge.

I will say however I found this slow to start and quite hard to get into. However the second half definitely picked up and drew me in.

I did like the commentary on parasocial relationships and keyboard warriors - felt so relevant!

[Dani C · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Elizabeth Quant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sleuths by Samantha Moody is a fun, fast-paced read that is quirky and surprisingly touching. I love how the protagonist’s very online life collides with her real life, resulting in a great future ahead and hopefully a sequel for the readers!

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon for the advanced reader copy.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC! I really enjoyed this one. It isn’t my usual genre but it was so much fun. It was fast paced and easy to read and had me laughing out loud. I loved the characters and their personalities and it had me guessing throughout!

[JXR · Rating 5 out of 5]

twisty and intense thriller with a strong focus on fan culture. it all worked quite well. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.