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Murder on the Set: An Amanda Pennyworth Mystery
A famous movie company, glamorous actors, a distinguished director, and a celebrated screenwriter descend on Puerto Vallarta to shoot a romantic film. Amanda Pennyworth, the American Consul to that Mexican city, is asked to act as liaison with local officials and help out however she can. It’s an exciting opportunity—what could go wrong?
Almost immediately, an expat who volunteered as an extra on the film is brutally murdered. Then his wife is bludgeoned to death. The police are intimidated and baffled by the Hollywood crew, and Amanda is called upon to help find the killer.
But her own life is her assignment in this beautiful resort city is ending, and her next posting may be in a dangerous Middle Eastern zone. Everything is suddenly in turmoil. Amanda must catch the killer before he strikes again—and decide what path her career and future will take. All of her ingenuity and daring may not be enough.
Almost immediately, an expat who volunteered as an extra on the film is brutally murdered. Then his wife is bludgeoned to death. The police are intimidated and baffled by the Hollywood crew, and Amanda is called upon to help find the killer.
But her own life is her assignment in this beautiful resort city is ending, and her next posting may be in a dangerous Middle Eastern zone. Everything is suddenly in turmoil. Amanda must catch the killer before he strikes again—and decide what path her career and future will take. All of her ingenuity and daring may not be enough.
243 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 13, 2026
1 person is currently reading
6 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
January 6, 2026
This novel followed an American Consul who has been requested to work with an American film crew to help navigate Puerto Vallarta and work alongside local authorities to ensure the smooth filming process.
During the filming, an extra on set is murdered and Amanda can’t let it go, she needs to find who murdered a local expat.
This novel was a quick easy read, it flowed nicely and kept you flipping pages to see whether they would find the killer. A beautiful story of taking control, choosing your own path and pushing for what you believe in. The setting description in Puerto Vallarta was beautifully descriptive too.
Thank you @atmospherepress and @netgalley for the opportunity to read this novel!
During the filming, an extra on set is murdered and Amanda can’t let it go, she needs to find who murdered a local expat.
This novel was a quick easy read, it flowed nicely and kept you flipping pages to see whether they would find the killer. A beautiful story of taking control, choosing your own path and pushing for what you believe in. The setting description in Puerto Vallarta was beautifully descriptive too.
Thank you @atmospherepress and @netgalley for the opportunity to read this novel!
January 6, 2026
This mystery is such a great read! Thrilling, great setting in Mexico and diabolical characters. Loved it! Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Murder on the Set: An Amanda Pennyworth Mystery by James Gilbert is a fast-paced, sun-soaked mystery with a dash of diplomatic intrigue. The setup is such a fun one: Amanda Pennyworth, the American Consul in Puerto Vallarta, gets pulled into helping an American movie company film on location in her city. It’s already a juggling act—politics, permits, personalities, and the usual behind-the-scenes chaos. Then a murder hits mid-production, and suddenly Amanda’s job shifts from “please keep this production from becoming an international incident” to “please don’t let a killer walk away on the next flight out.”
What really worked for me was Gilbert’s writing style. It moves. The chapters keep you turning pages, and he makes the whole situation feel urgent without getting messy or confusing. I also loved the setting—Puerto Vallarta isn’t just a backdrop; it feels lived-in, and Amanda’s role as consul adds a layer that’s different from your typical amateur sleuth. She isn’t snooping just because she’s bored—she’s trying to keep people safe while also navigating optics and pressure from all sides. And that ticking clock (solve it before the crew heads back to the U.S.) keeps the tension humming.
Amanda is a great lead for this kind of story. She’s capable, observant, and feels like someone who’s used to handling problems… right up until the problem is a dead body and who has something to hide. I liked that she’s not written as a superhero. She has to think, ask the right questions, read the room, and make decisions that aren’t always comfortable. The “movie set” angle was also a blast—different personalities, egos, and agendas all colliding in one place, which is basically perfect fuel for a mystery.
My one big hang-up: I figured out the murderer right away. I’m usually pretty forgiving about that (honestly, sometimes it’s satisfying to be right), but here it was so early that I kept hoping for a twist that would completely flip my assumption. That said… I still had a good time reading it. The pacing and the atmosphere carried me through, and even when you suspect you know who, it’s still fun to watch Amanda pull the thread and see how it all unravels.
If you like mysteries with a strong sense of place, a smart and steady main character, and an unusual “day job” angle that actually matters to the plot, this one is definitely worth picking up—especially if you enjoy stories that feel like you’re watching a sharp little crime drama unfold in bright sunlight.
Thank you to NetGalley and Atmosphere Press for the advance copy. All opinions are my own.
What really worked for me was Gilbert’s writing style. It moves. The chapters keep you turning pages, and he makes the whole situation feel urgent without getting messy or confusing. I also loved the setting—Puerto Vallarta isn’t just a backdrop; it feels lived-in, and Amanda’s role as consul adds a layer that’s different from your typical amateur sleuth. She isn’t snooping just because she’s bored—she’s trying to keep people safe while also navigating optics and pressure from all sides. And that ticking clock (solve it before the crew heads back to the U.S.) keeps the tension humming.
Amanda is a great lead for this kind of story. She’s capable, observant, and feels like someone who’s used to handling problems… right up until the problem is a dead body and who has something to hide. I liked that she’s not written as a superhero. She has to think, ask the right questions, read the room, and make decisions that aren’t always comfortable. The “movie set” angle was also a blast—different personalities, egos, and agendas all colliding in one place, which is basically perfect fuel for a mystery.
My one big hang-up: I figured out the murderer right away. I’m usually pretty forgiving about that (honestly, sometimes it’s satisfying to be right), but here it was so early that I kept hoping for a twist that would completely flip my assumption. That said… I still had a good time reading it. The pacing and the atmosphere carried me through, and even when you suspect you know who, it’s still fun to watch Amanda pull the thread and see how it all unravels.
If you like mysteries with a strong sense of place, a smart and steady main character, and an unusual “day job” angle that actually matters to the plot, this one is definitely worth picking up—especially if you enjoy stories that feel like you’re watching a sharp little crime drama unfold in bright sunlight.
Thank you to NetGalley and Atmosphere Press for the advance copy. All opinions are my own.
January 18, 2026
Murder on the Set is a wonderfully engaging mystery that blends the glitz of a Hollywood film crew with the charm and tension of a classic whodunnit. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Puerto Vallarta, the story follows Amanda Pennyworth — American Consul, reluctant fixer, and the only person willing to keep her head while everyone around her is losing theirs.
What begins as a glamorous assignment quickly spirals into chaos when an expat extra is brutally murdered, followed by his wife. The contrast between the sparkling resort setting and the dark, unsettling crimes gives the book a compelling energy. The local police are overwhelmed by the star‑studded production, and Amanda’s steady presence becomes essential as she’s pulled deeper into the investigation.
Amanda is a fantastic lead — intelligent, composed, and quietly resourceful, yet juggling her own uncertainties as her posting nears its end and a potentially dangerous new assignment looms. Her personal crossroads adds emotional depth to the unfolding mystery, grounding the story in something more human than just clues and suspects.
The Hollywood crew brings plenty of colour: egos, secrets, shifting alliances, and the sense that everyone is performing, even off‑camera. The author uses this beautifully, keeping the reader guessing who’s hiding what and why. The pacing is brisk, the twists land neatly, and the final reveal is satisfying without feeling over‑the‑top.
Atmospheric, clever, and full of sun‑soaked intrigue, Murder on the Set is a thoroughly enjoyable mystery perfect for readers who love crime fiction with a strong sense of place and a heroine worth rooting for.
With thanks to James Gilbert, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
What begins as a glamorous assignment quickly spirals into chaos when an expat extra is brutally murdered, followed by his wife. The contrast between the sparkling resort setting and the dark, unsettling crimes gives the book a compelling energy. The local police are overwhelmed by the star‑studded production, and Amanda’s steady presence becomes essential as she’s pulled deeper into the investigation.
Amanda is a fantastic lead — intelligent, composed, and quietly resourceful, yet juggling her own uncertainties as her posting nears its end and a potentially dangerous new assignment looms. Her personal crossroads adds emotional depth to the unfolding mystery, grounding the story in something more human than just clues and suspects.
The Hollywood crew brings plenty of colour: egos, secrets, shifting alliances, and the sense that everyone is performing, even off‑camera. The author uses this beautifully, keeping the reader guessing who’s hiding what and why. The pacing is brisk, the twists land neatly, and the final reveal is satisfying without feeling over‑the‑top.
Atmospheric, clever, and full of sun‑soaked intrigue, Murder on the Set is a thoroughly enjoyable mystery perfect for readers who love crime fiction with a strong sense of place and a heroine worth rooting for.
With thanks to James Gilbert, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Read on Netgalley.
Murder On The Set is a beautifully descripted and tense murder mystery set in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. We follow our wonderful heroine Amanda Pennyworth, the American Consul for the city as she deals with a movie studio set that is filming a romantic production. Almost immediately things begin to go wrong, including the body of an extra being found on the beach. Now Amanda, who is contemplating the details of a new Consul assignment, is called upon to help the police solve the murder, before they can strike again.
I was blown away by the story and especially the writing. James Gilbert's descriptions of Puerto Vallarta from the hotels, beaches, and streets, to Amanda's apartment and office were so detailed that I could perfectly imagine them in my mind. Amanda herself is a wonderfully written character and I felt both love and anxiety for her struggles throughout the novel. There were also characters that I despised with a passion and admire Gilbert for writing such characters that made my blood boil, alongside other great characters who Amanda interacts with like Nando and Sergeant Perez, who I greatly enjoyed.
The murder mystery itself had me questioning everyone on every page. The more people who were introduced, the more I questioned who did it. The little pieces of information that we are given, helped keeping me tense and always guessing.
A wonderful 5 star read.
Murder On The Set is a beautifully descripted and tense murder mystery set in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. We follow our wonderful heroine Amanda Pennyworth, the American Consul for the city as she deals with a movie studio set that is filming a romantic production. Almost immediately things begin to go wrong, including the body of an extra being found on the beach. Now Amanda, who is contemplating the details of a new Consul assignment, is called upon to help the police solve the murder, before they can strike again.
I was blown away by the story and especially the writing. James Gilbert's descriptions of Puerto Vallarta from the hotels, beaches, and streets, to Amanda's apartment and office were so detailed that I could perfectly imagine them in my mind. Amanda herself is a wonderfully written character and I felt both love and anxiety for her struggles throughout the novel. There were also characters that I despised with a passion and admire Gilbert for writing such characters that made my blood boil, alongside other great characters who Amanda interacts with like Nando and Sergeant Perez, who I greatly enjoyed.
The murder mystery itself had me questioning everyone on every page. The more people who were introduced, the more I questioned who did it. The little pieces of information that we are given, helped keeping me tense and always guessing.
A wonderful 5 star read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Murder on the Set introduces Amanda Pennyworth, the American Consul in Puerto Vallarta, who finds herself entangled in a murder mystery involving a film crew. The narrative blends elements of intrigue, cultural insights, and personal dilemmas, particularly as Amanda grapples with her impending transfer to a more dangerous post.
Gilbert vividly portrays Puerto Vallarta, making the locale almost a character in its own right. The descriptions of the vibrant culture and the tension of the film industry add depth to the story. Amanda is relatable, balancing her professional duties with personal challenges, including a budding romance and the pressures of her job. The mystery unfolds at a gripping pace, with twists that keep readers guessing about the motives behind the murder. At times, the narrative can feel a bit slow as it delves into Amanda's internal conflicts, potentially detracting from the suspense. Some supporting characters may come off as clichéd, particularly the Hollywood types, which can feel predictable. Murder on the Set is a compelling read for mystery lovers, especially those who appreciate a blend of personal stakes and cultural commentary. It effectively sets the stage for future installments in Amanda Pennyworth's journey, making it a worthwhile addition to the genre.
Gilbert vividly portrays Puerto Vallarta, making the locale almost a character in its own right. The descriptions of the vibrant culture and the tension of the film industry add depth to the story. Amanda is relatable, balancing her professional duties with personal challenges, including a budding romance and the pressures of her job. The mystery unfolds at a gripping pace, with twists that keep readers guessing about the motives behind the murder. At times, the narrative can feel a bit slow as it delves into Amanda's internal conflicts, potentially detracting from the suspense. Some supporting characters may come off as clichéd, particularly the Hollywood types, which can feel predictable. Murder on the Set is a compelling read for mystery lovers, especially those who appreciate a blend of personal stakes and cultural commentary. It effectively sets the stage for future installments in Amanda Pennyworth's journey, making it a worthwhile addition to the genre.
January 19, 2026
This was a fast paced ride into Puerto Vallarta sleuthing a murder of an extra on an American movie set.
From the Mexican locals to the American expats, and even the dramatic British director with his crew and actors, readers will find themselves absorbed amongst a cast of colorful personalities that really bring the story and the city to life. While the killer may be obvious from the get go, you’ll still enjoy watching how it all unfolds.
Thanks to Atmosphere Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this novel!
From the Mexican locals to the American expats, and even the dramatic British director with his crew and actors, readers will find themselves absorbed amongst a cast of colorful personalities that really bring the story and the city to life. While the killer may be obvious from the get go, you’ll still enjoy watching how it all unfolds.
Thanks to Atmosphere Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this novel!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
James Gilbert has wrote a mystery about Amanda Pennyworth who is an American Consul in Puerto Vallarta. She is asked to be on the set of a movie as a liaison. She wasn’t expecting there to be a murder!
This was a quick read. Gilbert could also make Pennyworth a character in future stories as well.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was a quick read. Gilbert could also make Pennyworth a character in future stories as well.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 16, 2026
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📖 Aaron Reads | Book Review
Title: Murder on the Set
Author: James Gilbert
Format: Ebook
ARC: NetGalley
⭐ Star Rating: 4/5
🔪 Thrill Rating: 0.5/5
📄 Page #: 191
Quick Descriptors
• Cozy mystery
• Wacky characters
• Fast-paced who-done-it
• One-sitting read
One-Sentence Take
This was a lot of fun, fast, cute, and different than what I typically read.
📖 Aaron Reads | Book Review
Title: Murder on the Set
Author: James Gilbert
Format: Ebook
ARC: NetGalley
⭐ Star Rating: 4/5
🔪 Thrill Rating: 0.5/5
📄 Page #: 191
Quick Descriptors
• Cozy mystery
• Wacky characters
• Fast-paced who-done-it
• One-sitting read
One-Sentence Take
This was a lot of fun, fast, cute, and different than what I typically read.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews