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Killer Twist: A clever, twisty whodunnit set at a crime fiction festival
Not yet published
Expected 23 Jul 26When a celebrity author is murdered at a crime writing festival, a Scandinavian writer of Nordic noir and an English 'crim-ance' novelist form an unlikely team to catch the killer of a man they both love to hate. Perfect for fans of Anthony Horowitz's Magpie Murders and Benjamin Stevenson
Crime writer Aggie Catchlove can never forget how celebrity author Kit Stirling stole her famous 'twist'. When fellow novelist Jakob Hök learns Kit's next book is a rip-off of his long-running series at the Crème de la Crime festival, he and Aggie furiously plot the perfect murder of a man who is killing their careers. But when Kit Stirling is found dead for real, fingers point at Aggie and Jakob.
They decide the only way to clear their names is to investigate. As the police lock down the event, Aggie and Jakob split up to double their efforts, but paranoia is a third wheel that destabilises their alliance. Both writers want to tell the story, not be the story. And, when push comes to shove, they'll do anything to be the voice of the final chapter.
Crime writer Aggie Catchlove can never forget how celebrity author Kit Stirling stole her famous 'twist'. When fellow novelist Jakob Hök learns Kit's next book is a rip-off of his long-running series at the Crème de la Crime festival, he and Aggie furiously plot the perfect murder of a man who is killing their careers. But when Kit Stirling is found dead for real, fingers point at Aggie and Jakob.
They decide the only way to clear their names is to investigate. As the police lock down the event, Aggie and Jakob split up to double their efforts, but paranoia is a third wheel that destabilises their alliance. Both writers want to tell the story, not be the story. And, when push comes to shove, they'll do anything to be the voice of the final chapter.
358 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication July 23, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Killer Twist is a wonderfully playful, sharply plotted murder mystery that revels in the delicious chaos of crime writers behaving badly. Set against the lively backdrop of the Crème de la Crime festival, the novel brings together two authors who couldn’t be more different—Aggie Catchlove with her cosy “crim‑ance” charm and Jakob Hök with his brooding Nordic noir sensibilities. Their mutual loathing of celebrity author Kit Stirling is the one thing they agree on, which makes his very real murder all the more awkward.
The joy of the book lies in the dynamic between Aggie and Jakob. They’re prickly, competitive, and just self‑absorbed enough to be funny without ever tipping into caricature. Watching them attempt to clear their names while the festival goes into lockdown is a delight—equal parts farce, tension, and writerly ego. The paranoia that creeps in as they split up to investigate adds a lovely edge, reminding you that even the most charming narrators have their limits.
The mystery itself is clever and well‑paced, full of sly nods to the genre and the publishing world. Every character feels like someone you’ve met at a book event—the diva, the sycophant, the quietly brilliant outsider—and the setting is so vivid you can almost hear the panel discussions happening off‑page.
Smart, funny, and satisfyingly twisty, Killer Twist is a love letter to crime fiction wrapped inside a murder mystery that refuses to take itself too seriously. A perfect pick for readers who enjoy their whodunits with a wink.
with thanks to Jo Furniss, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
The joy of the book lies in the dynamic between Aggie and Jakob. They’re prickly, competitive, and just self‑absorbed enough to be funny without ever tipping into caricature. Watching them attempt to clear their names while the festival goes into lockdown is a delight—equal parts farce, tension, and writerly ego. The paranoia that creeps in as they split up to investigate adds a lovely edge, reminding you that even the most charming narrators have their limits.
The mystery itself is clever and well‑paced, full of sly nods to the genre and the publishing world. Every character feels like someone you’ve met at a book event—the diva, the sycophant, the quietly brilliant outsider—and the setting is so vivid you can almost hear the panel discussions happening off‑page.
Smart, funny, and satisfyingly twisty, Killer Twist is a love letter to crime fiction wrapped inside a murder mystery that refuses to take itself too seriously. A perfect pick for readers who enjoy their whodunits with a wink.
with thanks to Jo Furniss, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
May 28, 2026
Killer Twist was such a fun and clever crime mystery. A literary crime festival already feels like the perfect setting for murder, with bestselling authors, huge egos, professional jealousy and plenty of people who know exactly how to commit the perfect crime on paper.
The story follows Aggie Catchlove, whose career has never quite recovered after celebrity author Kit Stirling stole her famous plot twist and turned it into a bestseller. When Aggie and Scandinavian crime writer Jakob Hök arrive at the Crème de la Crime festival, tensions are already running high before Kit is found murdered and suspicion falls on both of them.
I really enjoyed the behind the scenes look at the world of publishing, literary festivals and crime writing. There is a sharpness and humour running underneath the story, especially around author rivalries and the desperation to stay relevant in such a competitive industry. Aggie and Jakob made a great pairing too, both flawed, suspicious and never entirely trusting each other.
The mystery itself kept me hooked and I liked how claustrophobic the festival setting became once the investigation started. It has that classic closed circle feel where everyone has secrets and motives of their own.
A witty, twisty murder mystery with plenty of atmosphere and a really entertaining premise.
With thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
The story follows Aggie Catchlove, whose career has never quite recovered after celebrity author Kit Stirling stole her famous plot twist and turned it into a bestseller. When Aggie and Scandinavian crime writer Jakob Hök arrive at the Crème de la Crime festival, tensions are already running high before Kit is found murdered and suspicion falls on both of them.
I really enjoyed the behind the scenes look at the world of publishing, literary festivals and crime writing. There is a sharpness and humour running underneath the story, especially around author rivalries and the desperation to stay relevant in such a competitive industry. Aggie and Jakob made a great pairing too, both flawed, suspicious and never entirely trusting each other.
The mystery itself kept me hooked and I liked how claustrophobic the festival setting became once the investigation started. It has that classic closed circle feel where everyone has secrets and motives of their own.
A witty, twisty murder mystery with plenty of atmosphere and a really entertaining premise.
With thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
If I could I would simply compile all the lines I highlighted. It would be more than enough to convince anyone to read Killer Twist. But I am not going to ruin the experience for you.
This novel is a hilarious, deeply real and amazing ode to anyone who 1) loves crime fiction, and all its subgenres, 1) has attended at least one book event 3) has the wicked sense of humor we share when we love blood and murders.
I found myself chuckling, laughing at out, puzzled, excited, nodding in agreement... or else, throughout the book. Having been part of the publishing world as well as a crazy book reader, I was bound to recognize myself in many pages. And I did. And you will too. Oh you will.
The writing is Furniss-sharp, the characters are intriguing and exquisite in their realness.
The plot? Oh, the plot! Who hasn't dreamed of a murder in the midst of a crime fiction festival? (I'd pick Stirling as a location!! :p ) I finished the novel an hour ago and I struggle to find the words to express the balance between what the author has magnificently captured from the crime fiction scene and the absolute banger of twists she serves in this murderous ride!
First time in 2026 that I read a book within 24h!
This novel is a hilarious, deeply real and amazing ode to anyone who 1) loves crime fiction, and all its subgenres, 1) has attended at least one book event 3) has the wicked sense of humor we share when we love blood and murders.
I found myself chuckling, laughing at out, puzzled, excited, nodding in agreement... or else, throughout the book. Having been part of the publishing world as well as a crazy book reader, I was bound to recognize myself in many pages. And I did. And you will too. Oh you will.
The writing is Furniss-sharp, the characters are intriguing and exquisite in their realness.
The plot? Oh, the plot! Who hasn't dreamed of a murder in the midst of a crime fiction festival? (I'd pick Stirling as a location!! :p ) I finished the novel an hour ago and I struggle to find the words to express the balance between what the author has magnificently captured from the crime fiction scene and the absolute banger of twists she serves in this murderous ride!
First time in 2026 that I read a book within 24h!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Killer Twist by Jo Furniss was my first read from this author, and it definitely won’t be my last. From the outset, I found it well written and fast-paced, with a clever and engaging concept,two authors trying to clear their names while a group of crime writers attempt to solve a real life death. The setting within literary festivals and the behind the scenes look at the publishing world added an extra layer of intrigue that I really enjoyed.
The plot is packed with twists that just keep coming,every time I thought I had it figured out, another turn kept me guessing.
The characters were a real highlight for me, especially Aggie, who was my favourite, with Jakob a close second. Their dynamic, along with the witty remarks throughout, made the story not only gripping but genuinely entertaining and often hilarious.
Overall, this was a smart, twisty, and highly enjoyable read. I had a great time with it and will definitely be picking up more books by Jo Furniss in the future.
The plot is packed with twists that just keep coming,every time I thought I had it figured out, another turn kept me guessing.
The characters were a real highlight for me, especially Aggie, who was my favourite, with Jakob a close second. Their dynamic, along with the witty remarks throughout, made the story not only gripping but genuinely entertaining and often hilarious.
Overall, this was a smart, twisty, and highly enjoyable read. I had a great time with it and will definitely be picking up more books by Jo Furniss in the future.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Killer Twist has an interesting premise - a murder at a crime writers' convention. Aggie and Jakob use their knowledge of fictional crimes in an attempt to solve a real one. It all becomes a bit meta at times, and there are way too many book puns.
The characters are interesting - and all seem to have closely held secrets that tumble out when suspicion falls on them. The plot has complexities that are difficult to resolve, especially as many are related to past novels "written" by the characters.
Early in the novel the author stops using speech marks, supposedly to mimic the writing style of one of the characters. This is odd and soon becomes annoying rather than quirky.
Killer Twist is a decent read but perhaps tries to be just a little too clever in places.
The characters are interesting - and all seem to have closely held secrets that tumble out when suspicion falls on them. The plot has complexities that are difficult to resolve, especially as many are related to past novels "written" by the characters.
Early in the novel the author stops using speech marks, supposedly to mimic the writing style of one of the characters. This is odd and soon becomes annoying rather than quirky.
Killer Twist is a decent read but perhaps tries to be just a little too clever in places.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Jo Furniss has done it again. This is a story of a mysterious death at a crime writers' festival where there is no death of suspects. But what can you expect, when the victim was both guilty of plagiarising the work of others and notorious for benefiting from the quirks of the publishing industry at considerable cost to his fellow authors?
No one is what they seem here, including the dashing writer of Nordic Noir, so finding the culprit will be easier said than done...
Humorously told, this is an entertaining murder mystery that will appeal to most readers. Worth checking out.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
No one is what they seem here, including the dashing writer of Nordic Noir, so finding the culprit will be easier said than done...
Humorously told, this is an entertaining murder mystery that will appeal to most readers. Worth checking out.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
June 19, 2026
Thank you so much to Netgalley for giving me this free advance copy, and I’m writing this review honestly and without bias.
This is my third book by the excellent Jo Furniss and it's another highly original fun read. This author likes to take a 'locked room' mystery to another level and is full of sublime characters none more so than Aggie and Jakob who are an absolute delight. Well written, perfectly plotted with a nice pace, Jo takes us on a fun packed, murderous adventure as the two authors try to clear their names. There are twists galore, it's full of humour and a great ending. My favourite of Jo's to date.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A very funny murder mystery. This was a delightful read, set in the most ironic setting of a crime fiction festival. An easy read with plenty of mystery to keep you hooked right until the final twist. The characters are really brought to life, they come across with super quirky personalities that add to the story. Highly recommended.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Ah such a good read! Fun, funny, engaging characters and an interesting glimpse into the world of publishing that makes me want to ask the author -you ok hun?
Aggie attends a crime writers awards event. After an “interesting” panel discussion things get awkward when one of the panelists is found dead shortly after Aggie jokes about setting up the perfect murder.
Who better to try and solve a crime than a group of authors who write about crime?
Lots of twists lots of fun
Aggie attends a crime writers awards event. After an “interesting” panel discussion things get awkward when one of the panelists is found dead shortly after Aggie jokes about setting up the perfect murder.
Who better to try and solve a crime than a group of authors who write about crime?
Lots of twists lots of fun
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews