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Rachel Walker
The Jam Sandwich Detectives
Murder’s on the menu, and no one is safe from playground gossip . . . classic Tuesday.
From cocktails to cold tea, and swanky dinners to school-gate antics, Rachel Walker has lost her old life—and her identity. But when the new term begins, and she’s swept into the Parent WhatsApp group chat, she’s determined to find her purpose again. Then a fellow mum turns up dead after the PTA Bake-Off party . . . and Rachel was the last person to message the group.
With rumors flying and trial–by–mum–chat in full swing, Rachel joins forces with closest friend Jane and their new ally Frankie. Together, the trio swap the playground for playing detectives, and soon uncover that at this Bake-Off, poison was very much on the menu. But when Rachel stumbles on the juiciest secret of all, she has to ask how far will she go to clear her name?
Perfect for fans of Fiona Leitch and Verity Bright, The Jam Sandwich Detectives is a witty and addictive cozy crime mystery that will keep you listening long after lights out.
From cocktails to cold tea, and swanky dinners to school-gate antics, Rachel Walker has lost her old life—and her identity. But when the new term begins, and she’s swept into the Parent WhatsApp group chat, she’s determined to find her purpose again. Then a fellow mum turns up dead after the PTA Bake-Off party . . . and Rachel was the last person to message the group.
With rumors flying and trial–by–mum–chat in full swing, Rachel joins forces with closest friend Jane and their new ally Frankie. Together, the trio swap the playground for playing detectives, and soon uncover that at this Bake-Off, poison was very much on the menu. But when Rachel stumbles on the juiciest secret of all, she has to ask how far will she go to clear her name?
Perfect for fans of Fiona Leitch and Verity Bright, The Jam Sandwich Detectives is a witty and addictive cozy crime mystery that will keep you listening long after lights out.
Audible Audio
Published March 24, 2026
About the author
Clare Thompson
4 books12 followersAfter studying Film at university, Clare worked as a production co-ordinator in the television industry for several years, where she organised crews and made cups of tea for presenters. She now co-ordinates two young children, organises school bags and occasionally gets to drink a hot cup of tea herself!
Clare is a Penguin WriteNow shortlistee, who lives in Northamptonshire with her husband, two children and far too much Lego. She writes for both adults and children, and tapping away at her keyboard helps to keep her anxiety in check so that she can deal with the chaos of mum life.
Clare is a Penguin WriteNow shortlistee, who lives in Northamptonshire with her husband, two children and far too much Lego. She writes for both adults and children, and tapping away at her keyboard helps to keep her anxiety in check so that she can deal with the chaos of mum life.
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March 17, 2026
✨️ ALC REVIEW ✨️
The Jam Sandwich Detectives by Clare Thompson
Audiobook pub date: March 24th 2026
Thoughts
Been a while since I've picked up a cosy mystery and this one didn't disappoint! If you love witty, humorous, school run chaos with murder mystery, look no further! I thoroughly enjoyed this, well paced and easy to follow, I had my guesses after certain scenes but it definitely keeps you invested till the very end
Plot Summary
Rachel Walker’s life isn’t what it used to be, and joining the school’s chaotic parent WhatsApp group feels like her chance to find a new sense of purpose. But when a fellow mum is found dead after a PTA bake-off—and Rachel was the last to message the group—she suddenly finds herself at the centre of suspicion.
With gossip spreading fast, Rachel teams up with her friend Jane and a new ally, Frankie, to figure out what really happened. As they dig deeper into the tight-knit school community, they realise the truth behind the bake-off is far more dangerous than it first seemed—and uncovering it could come at a cost.
Many thanks to NetGalley and publishers for the ALC
My Bookstagram
The Jam Sandwich Detectives by Clare Thompson
Audiobook pub date: March 24th 2026
Thoughts
Been a while since I've picked up a cosy mystery and this one didn't disappoint! If you love witty, humorous, school run chaos with murder mystery, look no further! I thoroughly enjoyed this, well paced and easy to follow, I had my guesses after certain scenes but it definitely keeps you invested till the very end
Plot Summary
Rachel Walker’s life isn’t what it used to be, and joining the school’s chaotic parent WhatsApp group feels like her chance to find a new sense of purpose. But when a fellow mum is found dead after a PTA bake-off—and Rachel was the last to message the group—she suddenly finds herself at the centre of suspicion.
With gossip spreading fast, Rachel teams up with her friend Jane and a new ally, Frankie, to figure out what really happened. As they dig deeper into the tight-knit school community, they realise the truth behind the bake-off is far more dangerous than it first seemed—and uncovering it could come at a cost.
Many thanks to NetGalley and publishers for the ALC
My Bookstagram
March 17, 2026
There are two things I know for absolute certain about school parent WhatsApp groups. One, someone will always reply “Thanks!” to a message that did not require a response. Two, if a murder ever happens in that social circle, the killer will absolutely expose themselves through an overly enthusiastic thumbs-up emoji at 2:13 a.m. And The Jam Sandwich Detectives by Clare Thompson leans into that exact flavor of chaotic suburban drama like it knows the group chat receipts are coming.
Rachel Walker is living in that deeply weird life phase where your identity quietly evaporates and gets replaced with “someone’s mum.” She used to have a career, a life, a sense of self. Now she has school runs, cold tea, and the quiet realization that the most socially powerful institution in her world is a Parent WhatsApp thread that can destroy reputations faster than a season finale of The Real Housewives.
So when the new term starts and Rachel gets pulled deeper into the PTA orbit, she’s already feeling a little unmoored. Then the bake-off happens. A fellow mum drops dead after the event, poisoned, which honestly feels like the natural end point of competitive parenting culture. First it's homemade cupcakes. Then it's passive aggressive fundraising emails. Eventually someone escalates to weaponized Victoria sponge.
Unfortunately for Rachel, she was the last person to message the group chat before everything went sideways. Which means the playground rumor mill kicks into high gear and suddenly she’s one suspicious emoji away from being publicly tried in the court of Mum Chat.
Enter the detective squad that absolutely should not be solving crimes but is going to do it anyway. Rachel teams up with her friend Jane and their new ally Frankie, forming the kind of slightly chaotic amateur sleuth trio that feels less like True Detective and more like Motherland accidentally wandering into a murder investigation.
Their dynamic is genuinely the best part of the story. These women are juggling parenting, insecurity, gossip, and the general exhaustion of adult life while trying to untangle who might have slipped poison into a bake-off dessert. They’re messy in the most relatable way. Nobody is dramatically kicking down doors here. They’re investigating between school pickups, awkward conversations, and the quiet realization that half the parents at the school are a little suspicious if you stare at them long enough.
And underneath the humor, there’s actually a surprisingly real thread about identity and purpose. Rachel’s struggle with feeling like she lost herself in motherhood sneaks up on you in the middle of all the gossip and sleuthing. Cozy mysteries don’t always slow down long enough to look at that emotional layer, but here it adds a little depth to the chaos. You’re rooting for her not just to solve the murder, but to reclaim some part of herself in the process.
Now the audiobook narration by Rachel Atkins deserves its own little applause moment. She absolutely understands the tone of this story. The voices feel distinct without being cartoonish, and she leans into the humor in a way that makes the school gate drama feel like you're overhearing the most entertaining gossip session of your life. The comedic timing really lands in audio form, especially during the moments where the mums are circling each other socially like very polite but extremely judgmental sharks.
That said, this is firmly a cozy mystery, which means the pacing occasionally wanders through everyday life a bit longer than the mystery technically needs. There are stretches where we’re hanging out in the world of school runs and social politics while the murder investigation gently taps the brakes. If you love the slice-of-life chaos of parenting culture, it works. If you're here purely for fast paced sleuthing, you might occasionally find yourself whispering, “Okay but also… who poisoned the cake?”
Still, the charm carries the whole thing. The humor is sharp, the playground politics are hilariously petty, and the trio of Rachel, Jane, and Frankie feels like a group of friends you’d absolutely want investigating your murder. Preferably after they’ve had a glass of wine and a good gossip.
For me this lands at a very comfortable 3.5 stars, which is the exact rating of a book that made me laugh, kept me entertained, and also convinced me that joining a PTA is statistically more dangerous than skydiving.
Whodunity Award: Most Likely to Solve a Murder Using Only Playground Gossip, Emotional Support Tea, and an Extremely Messy WhatsApp Thread
And a big thank you to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the ALC, which I happily devoured while side-eyeing every PTA bake sale I’ve ever attended.
Rachel Walker is living in that deeply weird life phase where your identity quietly evaporates and gets replaced with “someone’s mum.” She used to have a career, a life, a sense of self. Now she has school runs, cold tea, and the quiet realization that the most socially powerful institution in her world is a Parent WhatsApp thread that can destroy reputations faster than a season finale of The Real Housewives.
So when the new term starts and Rachel gets pulled deeper into the PTA orbit, she’s already feeling a little unmoored. Then the bake-off happens. A fellow mum drops dead after the event, poisoned, which honestly feels like the natural end point of competitive parenting culture. First it's homemade cupcakes. Then it's passive aggressive fundraising emails. Eventually someone escalates to weaponized Victoria sponge.
Unfortunately for Rachel, she was the last person to message the group chat before everything went sideways. Which means the playground rumor mill kicks into high gear and suddenly she’s one suspicious emoji away from being publicly tried in the court of Mum Chat.
Enter the detective squad that absolutely should not be solving crimes but is going to do it anyway. Rachel teams up with her friend Jane and their new ally Frankie, forming the kind of slightly chaotic amateur sleuth trio that feels less like True Detective and more like Motherland accidentally wandering into a murder investigation.
Their dynamic is genuinely the best part of the story. These women are juggling parenting, insecurity, gossip, and the general exhaustion of adult life while trying to untangle who might have slipped poison into a bake-off dessert. They’re messy in the most relatable way. Nobody is dramatically kicking down doors here. They’re investigating between school pickups, awkward conversations, and the quiet realization that half the parents at the school are a little suspicious if you stare at them long enough.
And underneath the humor, there’s actually a surprisingly real thread about identity and purpose. Rachel’s struggle with feeling like she lost herself in motherhood sneaks up on you in the middle of all the gossip and sleuthing. Cozy mysteries don’t always slow down long enough to look at that emotional layer, but here it adds a little depth to the chaos. You’re rooting for her not just to solve the murder, but to reclaim some part of herself in the process.
Now the audiobook narration by Rachel Atkins deserves its own little applause moment. She absolutely understands the tone of this story. The voices feel distinct without being cartoonish, and she leans into the humor in a way that makes the school gate drama feel like you're overhearing the most entertaining gossip session of your life. The comedic timing really lands in audio form, especially during the moments where the mums are circling each other socially like very polite but extremely judgmental sharks.
That said, this is firmly a cozy mystery, which means the pacing occasionally wanders through everyday life a bit longer than the mystery technically needs. There are stretches where we’re hanging out in the world of school runs and social politics while the murder investigation gently taps the brakes. If you love the slice-of-life chaos of parenting culture, it works. If you're here purely for fast paced sleuthing, you might occasionally find yourself whispering, “Okay but also… who poisoned the cake?”
Still, the charm carries the whole thing. The humor is sharp, the playground politics are hilariously petty, and the trio of Rachel, Jane, and Frankie feels like a group of friends you’d absolutely want investigating your murder. Preferably after they’ve had a glass of wine and a good gossip.
For me this lands at a very comfortable 3.5 stars, which is the exact rating of a book that made me laugh, kept me entertained, and also convinced me that joining a PTA is statistically more dangerous than skydiving.
Whodunity Award: Most Likely to Solve a Murder Using Only Playground Gossip, Emotional Support Tea, and an Extremely Messy WhatsApp Thread
And a big thank you to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the ALC, which I happily devoured while side-eyeing every PTA bake sale I’ve ever attended.
April 20, 2026
Thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the audio ARC. It hasn't affected the contents of my review.
Okay, picture Big Little Lies, but less literary and more cozy mystery-esque. A group of moms attend a cake bake-off where everyone has baked a Victoria Sponge, but before many cakes can be tasted and judged, the host (whose name is also Victoria Sandwich!) drops dead. One of our main characters has the blame pinned on her by the other mothers because of some offhand comments she'd made on the playground and in a group chat, so she and two other mothers decide to clear Rachel's name and figure out who killed Ms. Sandwich.
This was a fun, breezy read. It's definitely above average for its genre and the themes it's tackling (the emotional labor of women and stay at home moms in particular), but it's not a genre breaker or anything. To say why would be spoilers, but this book impressed me. Clare Thompson knows how to construct a mystery, and she's pretty great at character work! She plays with reader expectations with aplomb. I thought this was one type of book, but it turned out to be another, but the way the author wrote the story, it was completely organic, when it could have been abrupt and weird. Anyway, I will happily read more books from this author, and wouldn't mind if this turned into a series. I also really liked the audiobook narrator.
30 Books in 30 Days—2026
Book 14/30
Okay, picture Big Little Lies, but less literary and more cozy mystery-esque. A group of moms attend a cake bake-off where everyone has baked a Victoria Sponge, but before many cakes can be tasted and judged, the host (whose name is also Victoria Sandwich!) drops dead. One of our main characters has the blame pinned on her by the other mothers because of some offhand comments she'd made on the playground and in a group chat, so she and two other mothers decide to clear Rachel's name and figure out who killed Ms. Sandwich.
This was a fun, breezy read. It's definitely above average for its genre and the themes it's tackling (the emotional labor of women and stay at home moms in particular), but it's not a genre breaker or anything. To say why would be spoilers, but this book impressed me. Clare Thompson knows how to construct a mystery, and she's pretty great at character work! She plays with reader expectations with aplomb. I thought this was one type of book, but it turned out to be another, but the way the author wrote the story, it was completely organic, when it could have been abrupt and weird. Anyway, I will happily read more books from this author, and wouldn't mind if this turned into a series. I also really liked the audiobook narrator.
30 Books in 30 Days—2026
Book 14/30
May 25, 2026
Book Review — Cozy Mystery
Just finished The Jam Sandwich Detectives by Clare Thompson
⭐ Star Rating: 4
This book felt like… trying to solve a murder while drowning in PTA drama and chaotic parent group chats.
Honestly, this was SUCH a fun cozy mystery.
Rachel is already struggling to figure out her new life when a fellow mum ends up dead after a PTA Bake-Off party — and suddenly playground gossip turns into an actual murder investigation. Add in suspicious WhatsApp messages, school-gate politics, and amateur detective chaos? I was immediately hooked.
Did I care about the characters? Absolutely. Rachel, Jane, and Frankie had such entertaining chemistry together, and I honestly wanted to follow them around solving crimes full-time.
Tropes included: amateur sleuths, small-town secrets, PTA drama, cozy crime, found friendship, gossip-fueled investigations, quirky suspects.
These tropes made the whole story feel cozy, chaotic, and ridiculously bingeable.
Pacing? Light, quick, and super easy to fly through.
This book made me feel: weirdly invested in both the murder AND the parent group chat drama.
What really worked for me was the humor. The story never takes itself too seriously, but the mystery still kept me genuinely curious about what was actually happening behind all the gossip and bake-sale smiles.
And honestly?
A murder mystery centered around PTA politics is peak cozy chaos.
Perfect for readers who love witty cozy mysteries, lovable amateur detectives, small-town drama, and stories where the gossip is almost as dangerous as the killer.
Just finished The Jam Sandwich Detectives by Clare Thompson
⭐ Star Rating: 4
This book felt like… trying to solve a murder while drowning in PTA drama and chaotic parent group chats.
Honestly, this was SUCH a fun cozy mystery.
Rachel is already struggling to figure out her new life when a fellow mum ends up dead after a PTA Bake-Off party — and suddenly playground gossip turns into an actual murder investigation. Add in suspicious WhatsApp messages, school-gate politics, and amateur detective chaos? I was immediately hooked.
Did I care about the characters? Absolutely. Rachel, Jane, and Frankie had such entertaining chemistry together, and I honestly wanted to follow them around solving crimes full-time.
Tropes included: amateur sleuths, small-town secrets, PTA drama, cozy crime, found friendship, gossip-fueled investigations, quirky suspects.
These tropes made the whole story feel cozy, chaotic, and ridiculously bingeable.
Pacing? Light, quick, and super easy to fly through.
This book made me feel: weirdly invested in both the murder AND the parent group chat drama.
What really worked for me was the humor. The story never takes itself too seriously, but the mystery still kept me genuinely curious about what was actually happening behind all the gossip and bake-sale smiles.
And honestly?
A murder mystery centered around PTA politics is peak cozy chaos.
Perfect for readers who love witty cozy mysteries, lovable amateur detectives, small-town drama, and stories where the gossip is almost as dangerous as the killer.
May 23, 2026
“𝘚𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘧 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘢𝘪𝘮 𝘩𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘢 𝘴𝘶𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘮𝘶𝘳𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘴 𝘢 𝘯𝘦𝘸 𝘧𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥…”
The quiet English village life is disrupted when motherhood, the PTA, and momfluencers come to a head in this witty cozy mystery!
Three mums - Jane, Frankie, and Rachel - band together when the leader of their PTA, Victoria Sandwich, is poisoned at a GBBO-style competition, and Rachel is the prime suspect. Eager to prove her innocence they set off to do their own investigation.
The challenges and sometimes isolation of motherhood, making friends, cliques, presenting a façade are some of the many things touched upon. Thompson serves that up with delicious banter and humor. The sharp dialogue adds to the fast-paced plot. I laughed so much while listening. Their amateur sleuthing isn’t always on point but it’s entertaining!
“𝘙𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘭 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘻𝘦𝘥 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘳𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘰𝘶𝘴 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘴 𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘸𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘢 𝘱𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸 𝘳𝘰𝘰𝘮. 𝘈 𝘳𝘰𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘣𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘺 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘥𝘳𝘶𝘨 𝘥𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘦𝘳𝘴, 𝘢𝘳𝘮𝘦𝘥 𝘳𝘰𝘣𝘣𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘶𝘢𝘭 𝘮𝘶𝘳𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘪𝘵 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘰𝘶𝘴𝘭𝘺. 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘴𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘤𝘶𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢 𝘤𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘣𝘢𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘴𝘵.”
Atkins’ narration shifts effortlessly between characters, and nailing the humor. She brings out their distinct personalities, and I especially loved her version of a very harried and quite often melodramatic Rachel. Her shifts between dialogue and inner monologue are perfect!
If you’re looking for something funny, lighthearted, and a bit silly, look no further! Thompson’s written a relatable story about mum life and friendship. I had a fabulous time hanging out with these women, and I hope there’ll be more!
Thanks @dreamscape_media for my ALC in exchange for an honest review.
The quiet English village life is disrupted when motherhood, the PTA, and momfluencers come to a head in this witty cozy mystery!
Three mums - Jane, Frankie, and Rachel - band together when the leader of their PTA, Victoria Sandwich, is poisoned at a GBBO-style competition, and Rachel is the prime suspect. Eager to prove her innocence they set off to do their own investigation.
The challenges and sometimes isolation of motherhood, making friends, cliques, presenting a façade are some of the many things touched upon. Thompson serves that up with delicious banter and humor. The sharp dialogue adds to the fast-paced plot. I laughed so much while listening. Their amateur sleuthing isn’t always on point but it’s entertaining!
“𝘙𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘭 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘻𝘦𝘥 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘳𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘰𝘶𝘴 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘴 𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘸𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘢 𝘱𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸 𝘳𝘰𝘰𝘮. 𝘈 𝘳𝘰𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘣𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘺 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘥𝘳𝘶𝘨 𝘥𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘦𝘳𝘴, 𝘢𝘳𝘮𝘦𝘥 𝘳𝘰𝘣𝘣𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘶𝘢𝘭 𝘮𝘶𝘳𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘪𝘵 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘰𝘶𝘴𝘭𝘺. 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘴𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘤𝘶𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢 𝘤𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘣𝘢𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘴𝘵.”
Atkins’ narration shifts effortlessly between characters, and nailing the humor. She brings out their distinct personalities, and I especially loved her version of a very harried and quite often melodramatic Rachel. Her shifts between dialogue and inner monologue are perfect!
If you’re looking for something funny, lighthearted, and a bit silly, look no further! Thompson’s written a relatable story about mum life and friendship. I had a fabulous time hanging out with these women, and I hope there’ll be more!
Thanks @dreamscape_media for my ALC in exchange for an honest review.
March 23, 2026
This was such a cute and cosy crime! As a mom I know very well that we put so much pressure on ourself to fit into that horrible click with all the PTA angels and here @clarethompsonbooks gave us a hilarious (yet serious!) Look into that world. When a PTA bake-off turns into murder - a group of moms decide to do some sleuthing of their own to find the Killer. Well Jane, Rachel and Frankie made the perfect trio and I enjoyed their investigation so much! There narration by Rachel Atkins was perfect, her voice gave the story some extra depth. This was not straight forward with many surprises and twists. I honestly was disappointed at the end - I really did not see that coming and I actually felt very sad about it. Fantastic read for the amateur sleuth in us all, would highly recommend!
March 25, 2026
This was hilariously clever with such dark humor and sarcasm, which I enjoyed most about this book. After a PTA bake off ends with a mom dead, the mystery circles whether it was due to an accidental nut allergy in one of the cakes or someone with a motive who’s had enough? The neighborhood group chat works together to solve a murder within their local moms. Filled with plenty of gossip and secrets making this the perfect book club pick or a cozy read to keep you laughing.
April 13, 2026
Great read
Very good book
Kept you wanting to read on
Very hilarious because how it relates to school mums
Highly recommend
Very good book
Kept you wanting to read on
Very hilarious because how it relates to school mums
Highly recommend
February 6, 2026
I loved this cosy crime novel. Well-paced, humorous read with a wicked twist. One of the school run mums is murdered, and a few of her friends decide they’re the ones to solve it! Between the chaos of the WhatsApp groups, drop off drama, and some laugh out loud moments, their amateur sleuthing is relatable and hilarious. Light, funny, and full of school-run energy. Would definitely like to read more from this author.
April 2, 2026
A very comfortable 4 stars which sits in the enjoyable was entertained throughout range.
Was it perfect? No. Were the characters sometimes annoying? Yes. Was the Plot a little ridiculous? A little yes. But that is exactly where the cozy mystery excels at entertaining you in a reality escape.
As a mother the whole chaos of the school term, extra curricular activities and the parent whatsapp groups are all too familiar and this leans into that perfectly 👌
The book had me in giggles that were all too familiar in mum life, been there done that.
When the president of the PTA is suddenly murdered at a PTA bake off and Rachel becomes the prime suspect then all bets are off and she take matters into her own hands to find out what really happened. Armed with her mum besties and a whole lot of winging it, the secrets of the mum's at this school can rival any desperate housewives show.
Super fun and relatable (exclude the murder), this lighthearted mystery will leave you giggling and sleuthing all by yourself!
Many thanks to Dreamscape Media who provided me with a copy of the audiobook via NetGalley for review. All opinions are my own.
Was it perfect? No. Were the characters sometimes annoying? Yes. Was the Plot a little ridiculous? A little yes. But that is exactly where the cozy mystery excels at entertaining you in a reality escape.
As a mother the whole chaos of the school term, extra curricular activities and the parent whatsapp groups are all too familiar and this leans into that perfectly 👌
The book had me in giggles that were all too familiar in mum life, been there done that.
When the president of the PTA is suddenly murdered at a PTA bake off and Rachel becomes the prime suspect then all bets are off and she take matters into her own hands to find out what really happened. Armed with her mum besties and a whole lot of winging it, the secrets of the mum's at this school can rival any desperate housewives show.
Super fun and relatable (exclude the murder), this lighthearted mystery will leave you giggling and sleuthing all by yourself!
Many thanks to Dreamscape Media who provided me with a copy of the audiobook via NetGalley for review. All opinions are my own.
March 15, 2026
3.6 rounded up. This is a light, cozy mystery about who killed the demanding Queen Bee of the PTA.
In the audiobook version, I sometimes had difficulty telling apart the two main female characters, Lucy and Rachel. They seemed to depend on each other yet didn’t yet feel like very close friends. They both had a lot to say about the Yummy Mummy group of perfectly polished mums who dressed for school drop-off then went day drinking. The mystery itself was good, with many red herrings and misdirection. I enjoyed the mystery even though the people didn’t pull me in.
The narration was fine, though the voices were not distinctive. Less voicing the characters and more simply reading the book.
My thanks to the author, publisher, @DreamscapeMedia, and #NetGalley for early access to the audiobook of #TheJamSandwichDetectives for review purposes. Publication date: 24 March 2026.
In the audiobook version, I sometimes had difficulty telling apart the two main female characters, Lucy and Rachel. They seemed to depend on each other yet didn’t yet feel like very close friends. They both had a lot to say about the Yummy Mummy group of perfectly polished mums who dressed for school drop-off then went day drinking. The mystery itself was good, with many red herrings and misdirection. I enjoyed the mystery even though the people didn’t pull me in.
The narration was fine, though the voices were not distinctive. Less voicing the characters and more simply reading the book.
My thanks to the author, publisher, @DreamscapeMedia, and #NetGalley for early access to the audiobook of #TheJamSandwichDetectives for review purposes. Publication date: 24 March 2026.
April 22, 2026
I recently finished The Jam Sandwich Detectives (thanks to The StoryGraph for the advance audiobook copy!), and it was such a delightful experience.
This story hit that perfect sweet spot of charm and intrigue. The writing is engaging, the pacing is tight, and the characters are instantly likable. But what really set this book apart for me was the pacing of the mystery, that plot twist truly caught me off guard! It was masterfully executed and completely shifted my perspective on the narrative in the best way possible.
The audiobook production was excellent, making the characters feel vibrant and real. If you’re looking for a clever, fun, and slightly suspenseful read that doesn’t take itself too seriously but still delivers on the mystery, this is a fantastic pick. Highly recommended!
This story hit that perfect sweet spot of charm and intrigue. The writing is engaging, the pacing is tight, and the characters are instantly likable. But what really set this book apart for me was the pacing of the mystery, that plot twist truly caught me off guard! It was masterfully executed and completely shifted my perspective on the narrative in the best way possible.
The audiobook production was excellent, making the characters feel vibrant and real. If you’re looking for a clever, fun, and slightly suspenseful read that doesn’t take itself too seriously but still delivers on the mystery, this is a fantastic pick. Highly recommended!
March 31, 2026
I got to listen to this audio book early through NetGalley and really enjoyed it. It was a cute cozy mystery that made me feel like I was reading the Thursday murder club again which I loved. I also felt like the narrators did a great job of bringing the story to life! Would definitely recommend this audiobook.
February 10, 2026
Loved this book and could not put it down.
It perfectly captures the playground mafia and the cliques that emerge especially with the PTA.
Good to see the messaging app included so you can see the group dynamics.
Amazed that this is their first book and proud to live near the author.
It perfectly captures the playground mafia and the cliques that emerge especially with the PTA.
Good to see the messaging app included so you can see the group dynamics.
Amazed that this is their first book and proud to live near the author.
April 15, 2026
I got this as earc for ah honest review.
this really kept me guessing. I liked how Rachel tried to solve the mystery herself.
it was so good!
this really kept me guessing. I liked how Rachel tried to solve the mystery herself.
it was so good!
April 8, 2026
A fun, fast paced, light read.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Murder's on the menu, and no one is safe from playground gossip…
From cocktails to cold tea, and swanky dinners to school-gate antics, Rachel Walker has lost her old life — and her identity. But when the new term begins, and she's swept into the Parent WhatsApp group chat, she's determined to find her purpose again.
Then a fellow mum turns up dead after the PTA Bake-Off party… and Rachel was the last person to message the group.
I really loved this book, which was fast paced, humorous and was told from several points of view. The characters were well developed; with some I liked and others had traits that I didn’t like. The author did a good job of some of the characters displaying some of the anxieties and confidence issues that can be felt when you are part of a group of people.
This was a cozy thriller to me, well written and kept me engaged from the start. There were elements of humour incorporated throughout. The plot wasn’t overly complex, and it made it quick to read. Whilst I enjoyed this book it wasn’t quite 5 stars for me, as after the main plot reveal there were a few further chapters that didn’t really reveal anything new. I would recommend this book.
My thanks to Bloodhound books for the copy of this book.
From cocktails to cold tea, and swanky dinners to school-gate antics, Rachel Walker has lost her old life — and her identity. But when the new term begins, and she's swept into the Parent WhatsApp group chat, she's determined to find her purpose again.
Then a fellow mum turns up dead after the PTA Bake-Off party… and Rachel was the last person to message the group.
I really loved this book, which was fast paced, humorous and was told from several points of view. The characters were well developed; with some I liked and others had traits that I didn’t like. The author did a good job of some of the characters displaying some of the anxieties and confidence issues that can be felt when you are part of a group of people.
This was a cozy thriller to me, well written and kept me engaged from the start. There were elements of humour incorporated throughout. The plot wasn’t overly complex, and it made it quick to read. Whilst I enjoyed this book it wasn’t quite 5 stars for me, as after the main plot reveal there were a few further chapters that didn’t really reveal anything new. I would recommend this book.
My thanks to Bloodhound books for the copy of this book.
April 3, 2026
I am all for theorizing with mysteries and this was such a fun girl drama! For all the PTA moms enduring gossip and endless drama-this one’s for you. I was genuinely surprised by many of the twists and turns, loved all the strong personalities, and, of course, I was hooked on finding out who the responsible party was for MURDER and why!?
March 24, 2026
Best book I have read in a while
Absolutely brilliant read.
I read every single night without fail and love a thriller/murder mystery. However, for a murder mystery, this is the first book of this genre where I feel I can totally relate to many of the characters. I am a mum to 2 young boys and I enjoyed every single page of this book, it was witty, authentic, engaging and relatable. I really loved Rachel and Frankie and even Jane at times, despite the murder… but shows how real the mumma bear can be. I’m so excited to read the next book Clare brings out! New favourite author x
Absolutely brilliant read.
I read every single night without fail and love a thriller/murder mystery. However, for a murder mystery, this is the first book of this genre where I feel I can totally relate to many of the characters. I am a mum to 2 young boys and I enjoyed every single page of this book, it was witty, authentic, engaging and relatable. I really loved Rachel and Frankie and even Jane at times, despite the murder… but shows how real the mumma bear can be. I’m so excited to read the next book Clare brings out! New favourite author x
March 19, 2026
Completely hilarious. I listened to the audiobook of this and loved it so much. As a PTA member myself and a mother, I’m in far too many WhatsApp groups, and so much of this story made me laugh. All the characters were brilliant and they were just enough twists and turns.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for sending me a free copy to listen and return for unbiased review.
I will be recommending this book or audiobook to all of my mummy friends!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for sending me a free copy to listen and return for unbiased review.
I will be recommending this book or audiobook to all of my mummy friends!
March 21, 2026
Overall a good read, with lots of fun snippets inserted throughout.
But, also a bunch of characters… mostly school moms, that were hard to keep track of…
We have Victoria, who has obviously established her place in the school chain.
She seems to be equally liked and disliked by the community.
And, she decides to host a bake off to see who she will ALLOW to bake for the school bake events… you know…the ones that get all the baked goods donated… (I found this oddly hysterical… but it’s probably right on the money for many schools! 😳🤔🤣)
BUT, during the hosted bake-off event, Victoria drops dead! Right here in the middle of everyone…
And so the police are called to investigate. And they do… but seem to get nowhere..
Soooo… some of the Moms decide to take on their own investigation… and that’s when it starts to get very interesting… and funny!
And so we go with these Moms/investigators as they trifle through all the ‘suspects’… on and on.
Funny. Scary. Enlightening. Sad…. But, oddly unrealistic and yet… relatable!
3 1/2 stars for me, founded up to 4!
#TheJamSandwichDetectives by @ClareThompson and narrated nicely by @RachelAtkins.
**** THIS ONE HAS NOT BEEN RELEASED YET! Look 👀 for it on 3/24/26! ****
Thanks so much to #NetGalley and @DreamscapeMedia for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review!!
You can also find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Instagram: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!!
And as always, thanks for reading along with me! 📚⭐️🩷
But, also a bunch of characters… mostly school moms, that were hard to keep track of…
We have Victoria, who has obviously established her place in the school chain.
She seems to be equally liked and disliked by the community.
And, she decides to host a bake off to see who she will ALLOW to bake for the school bake events… you know…the ones that get all the baked goods donated… (I found this oddly hysterical… but it’s probably right on the money for many schools! 😳🤔🤣)
BUT, during the hosted bake-off event, Victoria drops dead! Right here in the middle of everyone…
And so the police are called to investigate. And they do… but seem to get nowhere..
Soooo… some of the Moms decide to take on their own investigation… and that’s when it starts to get very interesting… and funny!
And so we go with these Moms/investigators as they trifle through all the ‘suspects’… on and on.
Funny. Scary. Enlightening. Sad…. But, oddly unrealistic and yet… relatable!
3 1/2 stars for me, founded up to 4!
#TheJamSandwichDetectives by @ClareThompson and narrated nicely by @RachelAtkins.
**** THIS ONE HAS NOT BEEN RELEASED YET! Look 👀 for it on 3/24/26! ****
Thanks so much to #NetGalley and @DreamscapeMedia for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review!!
You can also find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Instagram: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!!
And as always, thanks for reading along with me! 📚⭐️🩷
May 30, 2026
4⭐️
The Jam Sandwich Detectives was FUN. I enjoyed it more than I expected to. It definitely has the potential to be pretty cheesy and tropey with the PTA moms, there’s a murderer, whodunit kind of vibes, but I thought they did a good job with it. It was pretty entertaining, and it was funny enough that I was laughing out loud at times.
There are definitely elements in it that reflect how it feels to be a mom, so it felt pretty relatable. That is funny to say about a murder mystery, because obviously that part is not relatable, but the underlying feelings and the lived experience of it were. I thought they did a really good job making it light enough to be entertaining, but not so light that it felt stupid.
The murder mystery element could have been stronger. I did not really love how it all came together, and there were not enough clues throughout for me. But I also do not think that was really the focus. It felt more like it was going for the vibes of a murder mystery, and on that level I think it worked, even if the mystery itself was lacking.
Overall, I thought this was a good, fun, lighthearted read, especially for moms. As an audiobook, I did not love the narrator’s voice at first, and I was a little worried in the beginning that I was not going to like listening to it. But I got over that. The audio was fine overall. It just did not really elevate the book for me.
The Jam Sandwich Detectives was FUN. I enjoyed it more than I expected to. It definitely has the potential to be pretty cheesy and tropey with the PTA moms, there’s a murderer, whodunit kind of vibes, but I thought they did a good job with it. It was pretty entertaining, and it was funny enough that I was laughing out loud at times.
There are definitely elements in it that reflect how it feels to be a mom, so it felt pretty relatable. That is funny to say about a murder mystery, because obviously that part is not relatable, but the underlying feelings and the lived experience of it were. I thought they did a really good job making it light enough to be entertaining, but not so light that it felt stupid.
The murder mystery element could have been stronger. I did not really love how it all came together, and there were not enough clues throughout for me. But I also do not think that was really the focus. It felt more like it was going for the vibes of a murder mystery, and on that level I think it worked, even if the mystery itself was lacking.
Overall, I thought this was a good, fun, lighthearted read, especially for moms. As an audiobook, I did not love the narrator’s voice at first, and I was a little worried in the beginning that I was not going to like listening to it. But I got over that. The audio was fine overall. It just did not really elevate the book for me.
February 2, 2026
If Thursday Murder Club and Motherland had a baby… it would be The Jam Sandwich Detectives 🫖🔍
If you love your mysteries cosy, clever, and packed with gossip-fuelled tension, you need this on your TBR.
💥Synopsis💥
We follow Rachel Walker, who’s trying to rebuild her sense of self after life takes a turn, when a fellow mum turns up dead after the PTA Bake-Off party... and Rachel was the last person to message the group.
With rumours flying and trial-by-mum-chat in full swing, Rachel joins forces with her closest friend Jane and their new ally Frankie. Together, the trio swap the playground for playing detectives, and soon uncover that at this Bake-Off, poison was very much on the menu.
But when Rachel stumbles on the juiciest secret of all, she must ask herself: how far will she go to clear her name?
My thoughts 💭
✨ The perfect balance of school playground parent politics (it’s brutal, honestly)
✨ A mystery that keeps twisting right to the very end
✨ Rachel is a relatable main character - she’s messy, human, and easy to root for
✨ Loved the detective trio energy of Rachel, Jane & Frankie
✨ “just one more chapter” vibes
✨ Perfectly paced
✨ Every character felt suspicious at some point (in the best way)
✨ If you love Thursday Murder Club vibes with Motherland-style chaos… this is IT 😍📚
Received a free copy of the book in return for a review
If you love your mysteries cosy, clever, and packed with gossip-fuelled tension, you need this on your TBR.
💥Synopsis💥
We follow Rachel Walker, who’s trying to rebuild her sense of self after life takes a turn, when a fellow mum turns up dead after the PTA Bake-Off party... and Rachel was the last person to message the group.
With rumours flying and trial-by-mum-chat in full swing, Rachel joins forces with her closest friend Jane and their new ally Frankie. Together, the trio swap the playground for playing detectives, and soon uncover that at this Bake-Off, poison was very much on the menu.
But when Rachel stumbles on the juiciest secret of all, she must ask herself: how far will she go to clear her name?
My thoughts 💭
✨ The perfect balance of school playground parent politics (it’s brutal, honestly)
✨ A mystery that keeps twisting right to the very end
✨ Rachel is a relatable main character - she’s messy, human, and easy to root for
✨ Loved the detective trio energy of Rachel, Jane & Frankie
✨ “just one more chapter” vibes
✨ Perfectly paced
✨ Every character felt suspicious at some point (in the best way)
✨ If you love Thursday Murder Club vibes with Motherland-style chaos… this is IT 😍📚
Received a free copy of the book in return for a review
March 19, 2026
The Jam Sandwich Detectives is one of those cozy, charming little mysteries that sneaks up on you with how heartwarming it is. It has that perfect blend of small‑town sweetness, quirky characters, and light mystery vibes that make you want to curl up with a cup of tea and just vibe your way through the chapters. It feels like a warm blanket kind of book ... nothing too high stakes, just genuinely delightful storytelling.
I loved the community feel, the gentle humor, and the way the mystery unfolds without ever taking itself too seriously. It’s wholesome but not boring, cute without being saccharine, and just… joyful. Honestly, a great palate‑cleanser read.
I enjoyed the audiobook! The British accent was adorable. It totally added to the cozy charm and made the setting feel even more vivid. But I’ll be honest, I would’ve appreciated duet narration or at least multiple narrators. With only one narrator doing both Rachel and Jane, I kept getting confused about whose head I was in, especially when scenes shifted quickly. It wasn’t enough to take away from the story, though!
Still, if you’re in the mood for a cute, comforting mystery with British coziness baked right in, this one is a sweet treat.
Thanks to Dreamscape Media for an early listen in exchange for honest feedback!
I loved the community feel, the gentle humor, and the way the mystery unfolds without ever taking itself too seriously. It’s wholesome but not boring, cute without being saccharine, and just… joyful. Honestly, a great palate‑cleanser read.
I enjoyed the audiobook! The British accent was adorable. It totally added to the cozy charm and made the setting feel even more vivid. But I’ll be honest, I would’ve appreciated duet narration or at least multiple narrators. With only one narrator doing both Rachel and Jane, I kept getting confused about whose head I was in, especially when scenes shifted quickly. It wasn’t enough to take away from the story, though!
Still, if you’re in the mood for a cute, comforting mystery with British coziness baked right in, this one is a sweet treat.
Thanks to Dreamscape Media for an early listen in exchange for honest feedback!
April 8, 2026
You know an audio book is good when you start finding chores that need to be done, just so you can finish the last few chapters before bed. I absolutely adored this cozy mystery! Excellent narration by Rachel Atkins. I'm thrilled to find out that this is a first in a series.
I'm not a mom, but being an involved Aunty, I understand how parenthood friendships evolve and are different from the before kids and non-kid friendships. And the dynamics of the PTA and clubs and sports...... let's just say some of these participants would make better elected officials than the career politicians.
The mum's are highlighted in this comedic mystery when 3 mums join together to clear the suspicion on the playground that one of them is a murderer. There are scandals galore as some parents' secrets come to light. Instagram stories can be edited but we all know behind the perfect family photo is sink full of dishes, and a dead body.
Well written and engaging. Lots of humor. I could 100% picture this as a TV series as that is what was running in my head as I listened to it. Multi character views and narratives kept the story progressing quickly. The murderer was not a surprise to me when revealed, however, the reveal and conclusion was handled with grace. The story tackles what it is like to be the "responsible parent" for the kids and how often people forget that you're more than just "Jimmy's mom" and you're not perfect and shouldn't be held to a high standard just for picture perfect purposes.
Thank you #dreamscapemedia #netgalley for ALC version of #TheJamSandwichDetectives in exchange for a review.
I'm not a mom, but being an involved Aunty, I understand how parenthood friendships evolve and are different from the before kids and non-kid friendships. And the dynamics of the PTA and clubs and sports...... let's just say some of these participants would make better elected officials than the career politicians.
The mum's are highlighted in this comedic mystery when 3 mums join together to clear the suspicion on the playground that one of them is a murderer. There are scandals galore as some parents' secrets come to light. Instagram stories can be edited but we all know behind the perfect family photo is sink full of dishes, and a dead body.
Well written and engaging. Lots of humor. I could 100% picture this as a TV series as that is what was running in my head as I listened to it. Multi character views and narratives kept the story progressing quickly. The murderer was not a surprise to me when revealed, however, the reveal and conclusion was handled with grace. The story tackles what it is like to be the "responsible parent" for the kids and how often people forget that you're more than just "Jimmy's mom" and you're not perfect and shouldn't be held to a high standard just for picture perfect purposes.
Thank you #dreamscapemedia #netgalley for ALC version of #TheJamSandwichDetectives in exchange for a review.
March 18, 2026
This was SO FUN! I really enjoyed the drama - real and imagined - of the women's daily lives and interactions, with each other and with their families. It was melodramatic and overblown and all-too-real all at the same time, which made it very representative of what it feels like to be a mom! While I must admit I did see the Big Reveal coming, there were so many smaller but still high-impact revelations along the way that I did NOT see at all, that the overall read was still a fun and surprising one.
The writing was engaging, as was the narration. I think the various women's personalities were a great mix and allowed the author to play them off one another to keep things witty and snarky. It was fun(ny) but had heart too, and the balance was well-managed - never devolving into sappy but also allowing for genuine emotional relatability. I enjoyed this and will definitely look for more from Clare Thompson!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my obligation-free review copy.
The writing was engaging, as was the narration. I think the various women's personalities were a great mix and allowed the author to play them off one another to keep things witty and snarky. It was fun(ny) but had heart too, and the balance was well-managed - never devolving into sappy but also allowing for genuine emotional relatability. I enjoyed this and will definitely look for more from Clare Thompson!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my obligation-free review copy.
February 5, 2026
"Murder's on the menu, and no one is safe from playground gossip..."
The Jam Sandwich Detectives is cosy crime at its best! The PTA chair is murdered at her own bake off party and one of the mums attending stands accused of killing her. In order to clear the name of their friend, the mums band together to solve the murder.
I loved the multi POVs and the mixed media inclusion with the WhatsApp group messages. The characters felt real and relatable and the writing was witty.
This was the comfort read I needed and I highly recommend giving it a go if cosy crime is your jam! 🍓
The Jam Sandwich Detectives is cosy crime at its best! The PTA chair is murdered at her own bake off party and one of the mums attending stands accused of killing her. In order to clear the name of their friend, the mums band together to solve the murder.
I loved the multi POVs and the mixed media inclusion with the WhatsApp group messages. The characters felt real and relatable and the writing was witty.
This was the comfort read I needed and I highly recommend giving it a go if cosy crime is your jam! 🍓
March 16, 2026
A cutesy daily life of a bunch of moms with a twist. Things happened right away but then things felt like they got stale. I was unable to relate to any of the characters and i thought it was predictable.
Thanks NetGalley for this ARC and audio.
Thanks NetGalley for this ARC and audio.
March 24, 2026
This was a fun look at PTA and Mommy groups, and the evil may lurk within. I laughed at the ridiculousness of the competition for who could create the best cake for the bake sale and the investigation, though serious, had its’ lighthearted moments and hilarious escapades. I enjoyed getting to know the moms as they flushed out the guilty party and I was a little heartbroken at the ending. Otherwise, this was a witty, light adventure into the seedy underbelly of the PTA.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the review copy.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the review copy.
February 12, 2026
3 ⭐️ - Cosy little mystery. Being a school parent myself I loved all the little ‘mum chat’ text exchanges and the info on the PTA, so true to real life! Although I had figured out the ending by about 42% I still found this enjoyable, read in one sitting and would still read another about these characters.
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