What do you think?
Rate this book
The Paradise Heights Miniature Railway Bust-Up
A cosy crime/mystery novel from the beloved author of
Tuesday Evenings with the Copeton Craft Resistance
and
The Paradise Heights Craft Store Stitch-Up
.
Something is amiss at the Paradise Heights Miniature Railway. And this suits Fleck Parker just fine – she’s on the hunt for a new puzzle to solve. Expensive equipment and supplies have disappeared and nobody knows why. Who could possibly wish harm on a community group delivering Sunday afternoon fun on a fleet of jolly little engines?
Fleck is frenetic as ever as she feeds a hungry baby, placates a cranky toddler, executes an (almost) on-time school run and investigates crime – all without losing her Wordle streak. Her best friend, Trixie, is scrambling to manage the Many Hands Society Craft Shop, where volatile volunteers are becoming a real problem.
Fleck has never met a puzzle she didn’t want to solve, and this one is just the ticket. Nobody suspects the cheerful mum asking questions at the railway as she tries to untangle the conundrum. But idyllic bushland and miniature villages hide a sinister mystery, darker and more complex than anyone imagined. Will Fleck’s attempts to derail the thief land her on the wrong side of the tracks?
Something is amiss at the Paradise Heights Miniature Railway. And this suits Fleck Parker just fine – she’s on the hunt for a new puzzle to solve. Expensive equipment and supplies have disappeared and nobody knows why. Who could possibly wish harm on a community group delivering Sunday afternoon fun on a fleet of jolly little engines?
Fleck is frenetic as ever as she feeds a hungry baby, placates a cranky toddler, executes an (almost) on-time school run and investigates crime – all without losing her Wordle streak. Her best friend, Trixie, is scrambling to manage the Many Hands Society Craft Shop, where volatile volunteers are becoming a real problem.
Fleck has never met a puzzle she didn’t want to solve, and this one is just the ticket. Nobody suspects the cheerful mum asking questions at the railway as she tries to untangle the conundrum. But idyllic bushland and miniature villages hide a sinister mystery, darker and more complex than anyone imagined. Will Fleck’s attempts to derail the thief land her on the wrong side of the tracks?
286 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 31, 2026
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
May 8, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
Always a great read.
Always a great read.
April 1, 2026
Big thanks to Affirm Press for sending us a copy to read and review.
All aboard for cousin Kate’s latest.
A suburban cosy crime saga with a unique cast will definitely entertain readers.
A group of friends not only have the school run and activities to deal with, they are determined to solve mysteries relating to the community miniature railway.
Fleck is a problem solver and this puzzle was right up her alley.
Theft and dodgy accounting has her and her friends mystified.
Who would sabotage a fun and passionately run program…..
The dynamics and relationships play out among the group as they try to resolve the disturbing mystery.
Meanwhile one of the group, Lynette is pushing a potential pyramid scheme.
Her determination to succeed leads to bad decisions that the group discover.
Set amongst familiar Melbourne suburbs a tone of authenticity spotlights humour and situations that do occur among friend groups.
A dark shadow is exposed and the truth is set free.
The trademark long title is offset with the most beautiful green cover depicting trains made from crafts.
An enjoyable read with an element of crime to keep us and the characters guessing.
Links to previous books a nice touch.
I absolutely loved the side story of Lynette.
All aboard for cousin Kate’s latest.
A suburban cosy crime saga with a unique cast will definitely entertain readers.
A group of friends not only have the school run and activities to deal with, they are determined to solve mysteries relating to the community miniature railway.
Fleck is a problem solver and this puzzle was right up her alley.
Theft and dodgy accounting has her and her friends mystified.
Who would sabotage a fun and passionately run program…..
The dynamics and relationships play out among the group as they try to resolve the disturbing mystery.
Meanwhile one of the group, Lynette is pushing a potential pyramid scheme.
Her determination to succeed leads to bad decisions that the group discover.
Set amongst familiar Melbourne suburbs a tone of authenticity spotlights humour and situations that do occur among friend groups.
A dark shadow is exposed and the truth is set free.
The trademark long title is offset with the most beautiful green cover depicting trains made from crafts.
An enjoyable read with an element of crime to keep us and the characters guessing.
Links to previous books a nice touch.
I absolutely loved the side story of Lynette.
March 31, 2026
4.5 STARS ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Vibe check: Laugh Out Loud, Cosy Crochet Crime
full review ⬇️
This was my second time joining the Paradise Heights crew and their latest cosy crime mystery was an absolute delight.
The Paradise Heights Miniature Railway Bust Up is the kind of story that sounded a little bonkers to be reading from the title but somehow totally relatable once I was in it. Honestly I don’t think I’ve related to a character better than the wonderful, hilarious Fleck.
I could tell this would have been so much fun to research and write. The miniature railway setting is quirky in the best way and it adds such a unique backdrop to all the drama unfolding.
I found myself laughing out loud constantly (the pyramid scheme storyline - hilarious!) The banter is sharp, the mum stories are painfully accurate and the humour never feels forced, it just flows naturally from the characters and their wonderfully messy lives.
Underneath the humour there’s also a lot of heart with friendships, community dynamics and the chaos of everyday life woven through the story in a way that feels genuine. This was the perfect light read and I definitely recommend the Paradise Heights series if you want books that feel like a big warm hug.
Vibe check: Laugh Out Loud, Cosy Crochet Crime
full review ⬇️
This was my second time joining the Paradise Heights crew and their latest cosy crime mystery was an absolute delight.
The Paradise Heights Miniature Railway Bust Up is the kind of story that sounded a little bonkers to be reading from the title but somehow totally relatable once I was in it. Honestly I don’t think I’ve related to a character better than the wonderful, hilarious Fleck.
I could tell this would have been so much fun to research and write. The miniature railway setting is quirky in the best way and it adds such a unique backdrop to all the drama unfolding.
I found myself laughing out loud constantly (the pyramid scheme storyline - hilarious!) The banter is sharp, the mum stories are painfully accurate and the humour never feels forced, it just flows naturally from the characters and their wonderfully messy lives.
Underneath the humour there’s also a lot of heart with friendships, community dynamics and the chaos of everyday life woven through the story in a way that feels genuine. This was the perfect light read and I definitely recommend the Paradise Heights series if you want books that feel like a big warm hug.
April 7, 2026
4.3 ⭐️'s
Review to follow
Review to follow
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I was so thrilled when NetGalley andSimon & Schuster (Australia) | Affirm Press gave me access to the arc of Kate Solly's latest book. This author is a must read writer for me - whatever she creates I will consume. This is her third book and the second set in Paradise Heights.
Fleck aka Felicity Parker is coming into her strength as a detective - she is very very good at solving puzzles, mysteries and crimes. The book opens with her solving the mystery of the who grafittied her favourite cafe - a place she often goes for a coffee and a chance to work in peace without the distraction of home and family. With this crime solved, she is quick to look for a new challenge and her husband, Matthew offers up his minature train groups issue - a case of missing goods. Very quickly it is evident that things may be a little more serious than they appear - perhaps even a situation of sabotage. Fleck finds herself with several suspects and she absolutely has a new mystery to solve.
It was so lovely to return to Paradise Heights and revisit all the characters from the previous book. Fleck has the most wonderful support team of characters and her family is just charming. What is so strong about Kate Solly's work is she writes with an absolute understanding of people, community and circumstances - it feels real. It is as though you could walk down the street and into Many Hands, the community craft shop, and join in on crafting class or stop in at the park and let your children play on the equipment while catching up on the local gossip. There is a story running behind the main plot, that makes your teeth grind because it so captures the nature of someone trying to promote a very unsavory 'pyramid' scheme. You really want to slap the woman - I would have definitely had Trixie's back, Fleck's best friend and the coordinator of Many Hands, if she had walloped Lynette. There is a gentle charm to the storytelling in this book (yes, even though I wanted to be violent towards Lynette).
If you haven't had the chance to read Kate Sollly, an Australian author, and you like a good cosy mystery that is built on interesting female characters then it is absolutely worth picking up her books. I would definitely read The Paradise Heights Craft Store Stitch-Up first before this one as it really builds a sense of the characters and the community, however this book could be read as a stand alone. Her first book, Tuesday Evenings with the Copeton Craft Resistance, is fabulous as well. but not connected to this book. Please consider putting Kate Solly on your TBR list - you won't regret it.
Fleck aka Felicity Parker is coming into her strength as a detective - she is very very good at solving puzzles, mysteries and crimes. The book opens with her solving the mystery of the who grafittied her favourite cafe - a place she often goes for a coffee and a chance to work in peace without the distraction of home and family. With this crime solved, she is quick to look for a new challenge and her husband, Matthew offers up his minature train groups issue - a case of missing goods. Very quickly it is evident that things may be a little more serious than they appear - perhaps even a situation of sabotage. Fleck finds herself with several suspects and she absolutely has a new mystery to solve.
It was so lovely to return to Paradise Heights and revisit all the characters from the previous book. Fleck has the most wonderful support team of characters and her family is just charming. What is so strong about Kate Solly's work is she writes with an absolute understanding of people, community and circumstances - it feels real. It is as though you could walk down the street and into Many Hands, the community craft shop, and join in on crafting class or stop in at the park and let your children play on the equipment while catching up on the local gossip. There is a story running behind the main plot, that makes your teeth grind because it so captures the nature of someone trying to promote a very unsavory 'pyramid' scheme. You really want to slap the woman - I would have definitely had Trixie's back, Fleck's best friend and the coordinator of Many Hands, if she had walloped Lynette. There is a gentle charm to the storytelling in this book (yes, even though I wanted to be violent towards Lynette).
If you haven't had the chance to read Kate Sollly, an Australian author, and you like a good cosy mystery that is built on interesting female characters then it is absolutely worth picking up her books. I would definitely read The Paradise Heights Craft Store Stitch-Up first before this one as it really builds a sense of the characters and the community, however this book could be read as a stand alone. Her first book, Tuesday Evenings with the Copeton Craft Resistance, is fabulous as well. but not connected to this book. Please consider putting Kate Solly on your TBR list - you won't regret it.
March 31, 2026
ARC Review
TW: Mention of Domestic Violence and gaslighting
Thank you Simon and Schuster Australia for sending me this ARC to read. This book was definitely a cosy crime novel with all sorts of Aussie references that made me laugh - bunnies for sausage anyone? Aka do we have time to go to Bunnings to get something for a school outfit & the toddler knows this is the place with the sausages 😆
Also for the record you can see old Batman in the Batman Beyond TV series with Kevin Conroy or the classic series with Adam West
A cosy crime/mystery novel from the beloved author of Tuesday Evenings with the Copeton Craft Resistance and The Paradise Heights Craft Store Stitch-Up. From the beloved Australian author of Tuesday Evenings with the Copeton Craft Resistance and The Paradise Heights Craft Store Stitch-Up, this book is the second title in the Fleck Parker Mystery series but can be read as a standalone story.
Something is amiss at the Paradise Heights Miniature Railway. And this suits Fleck Parker just fine – she’s on the hunt for a new puzzle to solve. Expensive equipment and supplies have disappeared and nobody knows why. Who could possibly wish harm on a community group delivering Sunday afternoon fun on a fleet of jolly little engines?
Fleck is frenetic as ever as she feeds a hungry baby, placates a cranky toddler, executes an (almost) on-time school run and investigates crime – all without losing her Wordle streak. Meanwhile, her best friend, Trixie, is scrambling to manage the Many Hands Society Craft Shop, where volatile volunteers are becoming a real problem.
Fleck has never met a puzzle she didn’t want to solve, and this one is just the ticket. Nobody suspects the cheerful mum asking questions at the railway as she tries to untangle the conundrum. But idyllic bushland and miniature villages hide a sinister mystery, darker and more complex than anyone imagined. Will Fleck’s attempts to derail the thief land her on the wrong side of the tracks?
TW: Mention of Domestic Violence and gaslighting
Thank you Simon and Schuster Australia for sending me this ARC to read. This book was definitely a cosy crime novel with all sorts of Aussie references that made me laugh - bunnies for sausage anyone? Aka do we have time to go to Bunnings to get something for a school outfit & the toddler knows this is the place with the sausages 😆
Also for the record you can see old Batman in the Batman Beyond TV series with Kevin Conroy or the classic series with Adam West
A cosy crime/mystery novel from the beloved author of Tuesday Evenings with the Copeton Craft Resistance and The Paradise Heights Craft Store Stitch-Up. From the beloved Australian author of Tuesday Evenings with the Copeton Craft Resistance and The Paradise Heights Craft Store Stitch-Up, this book is the second title in the Fleck Parker Mystery series but can be read as a standalone story.
Something is amiss at the Paradise Heights Miniature Railway. And this suits Fleck Parker just fine – she’s on the hunt for a new puzzle to solve. Expensive equipment and supplies have disappeared and nobody knows why. Who could possibly wish harm on a community group delivering Sunday afternoon fun on a fleet of jolly little engines?
Fleck is frenetic as ever as she feeds a hungry baby, placates a cranky toddler, executes an (almost) on-time school run and investigates crime – all without losing her Wordle streak. Meanwhile, her best friend, Trixie, is scrambling to manage the Many Hands Society Craft Shop, where volatile volunteers are becoming a real problem.
Fleck has never met a puzzle she didn’t want to solve, and this one is just the ticket. Nobody suspects the cheerful mum asking questions at the railway as she tries to untangle the conundrum. But idyllic bushland and miniature villages hide a sinister mystery, darker and more complex than anyone imagined. Will Fleck’s attempts to derail the thief land her on the wrong side of the tracks?
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
⭐️ 4.5 stars
WOW!! firstly, a huge thank you to Kate, Simon & Schuster, and Affirm Press for sending me an early copy of this one!
We’re back following Fleck as she finds herself tangled up in yet another mystery, and honestly, I was hooked by page two. Not even exaggerating. From the very beginning, there’s this pull that just drags you straight into the story and refuses to let go.
Kate has this way of writing that feels completely addictive. It’s the perfect balance of everything I love! There are laugh out loud moments that catch you off guard, gut wrenching scenes that hit you right in the chest, and those chaotic “WTF just happened?!” twists that make you stop and reread a line just to make sure you didn’t imagine it. It’s such a fun but emotional ride, and it keeps the pacing feeling fresh the entire way through.
Fleck continues to be such a compelling main character. She feels real, layered, and easy to root for, and watching her piece things together while navigating everything thrown at her makes it impossible not to stay invested. The mystery itself is so well done too, just when you think you’ve got it figured out, something shifts and you’re second guessing everything again.
This book is genuinely packed with goodness, mystery, humour, heart, and just the right amount of chaos. It’s the kind of story that keeps you turning pages way past when you planned to stop.
I already know this is going to be one everyone needs on their shelves, and I cannot wait to see more people fall in love with it the way I did. 📚✨
WOW!! firstly, a huge thank you to Kate, Simon & Schuster, and Affirm Press for sending me an early copy of this one!
We’re back following Fleck as she finds herself tangled up in yet another mystery, and honestly, I was hooked by page two. Not even exaggerating. From the very beginning, there’s this pull that just drags you straight into the story and refuses to let go.
Kate has this way of writing that feels completely addictive. It’s the perfect balance of everything I love! There are laugh out loud moments that catch you off guard, gut wrenching scenes that hit you right in the chest, and those chaotic “WTF just happened?!” twists that make you stop and reread a line just to make sure you didn’t imagine it. It’s such a fun but emotional ride, and it keeps the pacing feeling fresh the entire way through.
Fleck continues to be such a compelling main character. She feels real, layered, and easy to root for, and watching her piece things together while navigating everything thrown at her makes it impossible not to stay invested. The mystery itself is so well done too, just when you think you’ve got it figured out, something shifts and you’re second guessing everything again.
This book is genuinely packed with goodness, mystery, humour, heart, and just the right amount of chaos. It’s the kind of story that keeps you turning pages way past when you planned to stop.
I already know this is going to be one everyone needs on their shelves, and I cannot wait to see more people fall in love with it the way I did. 📚✨
April 3, 2026
The Paradise Heights Miniature Railway Bust-Up by Kate Solly
Back in February last year, Ross and I went to a book launch event for Kate Solly's super-cosy-mystery, The Paradise Heights Craft Store Stitch-Up, which I read while poolside in Bali. After finishing it, I also added Kate's first book, Tuesday Evenings with the Copeton Craft Resistance, to my TBR pile. I read and reviewed it in December when I was looking for something light-hearted and a bit crafty.
When I saw Kate's third book on NetGalley, I hit that request button right away. I knew the next book on my TBR was going to be a bit heavier, so I was pleased to have this cosy crime/mystery as a buffer.
Fleck is on the hunt for a new puzzle to solve, and her husband lets her know that something is amiss at the Paradise Heights Miniature Railway; things are going missing, and no one knows why. Who could wish harm on a community group delivering Sunday afternoon fun on a fleet of jolly little engines?
Big thumbs up. If you love a cosy mystery or just warm-hearted, crafty books, this one is for you. @katesollywriter I think this is my favourite of your three.
Thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the eARC of The Paradise Heights Miniature Railway Bust-Up by Kate Solly. It's out now.
#Thumbsup
#2026bookshelf #DesignNerd #booksdeevaareads
@simonandschuster #simonandschuster @affirmpress @katesollywriter
#TheParadiseHeightsMiniatureRailwayBustUp #NetGalley @NetGalley
Back in February last year, Ross and I went to a book launch event for Kate Solly's super-cosy-mystery, The Paradise Heights Craft Store Stitch-Up, which I read while poolside in Bali. After finishing it, I also added Kate's first book, Tuesday Evenings with the Copeton Craft Resistance, to my TBR pile. I read and reviewed it in December when I was looking for something light-hearted and a bit crafty.
When I saw Kate's third book on NetGalley, I hit that request button right away. I knew the next book on my TBR was going to be a bit heavier, so I was pleased to have this cosy crime/mystery as a buffer.
Fleck is on the hunt for a new puzzle to solve, and her husband lets her know that something is amiss at the Paradise Heights Miniature Railway; things are going missing, and no one knows why. Who could wish harm on a community group delivering Sunday afternoon fun on a fleet of jolly little engines?
Big thumbs up. If you love a cosy mystery or just warm-hearted, crafty books, this one is for you. @katesollywriter I think this is my favourite of your three.
Thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the eARC of The Paradise Heights Miniature Railway Bust-Up by Kate Solly. It's out now.
#Thumbsup
#2026bookshelf #DesignNerd #booksdeevaareads
@simonandschuster #simonandschuster @affirmpress @katesollywriter
#TheParadiseHeightsMiniatureRailwayBustUp #NetGalley @NetGalley
March 9, 2026
I was lucky to receive an early review eARC of this book from Simon & Schuster via NetGalley and I was so delighted to jump back into Fleck's world!
Returning to Paradise Heights felt like catching up with familiar neighbours, and Kate Solly once again delivers a cosy mystery full of charm, humour, and small-town intrigue.
In this novel, which marks Kate Solly’s third book and her second set in Paradise Heights, Fleck finds herself drawn into another whodunnit, this time surrounding the local miniature railway. The mystery unfolds with Solly’s trademark wit and gentle pacing, making it an easy and enjoyable read that fans of cosy crime will happily settle into.
One of the highlights for me was revisiting the returning cast of characters. Seeing familiar faces like Trixie, Ranveer, Dima and Bev again added a lovely sense of continuity and nostalgia to the story, and the community dynamics remain one of the series’ strongest elements.
As with any small-town mystery, not every personality is easy to love. Lynette in particular will likely test readers’ patience, and I suspect many will have strong opinions about her throughout the story.
Overall, this was a fun and entertaining cosy mystery that delivers exactly what the genre promises: an engaging puzzle, memorable characters, and plenty of light-hearted moments along the way. It was thoroughly enjoyable to return to Paradise Heights and another solid story from Kate Solly that I'll be looking forward to adding a physical copy to my shelf at home!
If you enjoy cosy whodunnits with quirky community characters and a touch of humour, this one is well worth picking up.
Returning to Paradise Heights felt like catching up with familiar neighbours, and Kate Solly once again delivers a cosy mystery full of charm, humour, and small-town intrigue.
In this novel, which marks Kate Solly’s third book and her second set in Paradise Heights, Fleck finds herself drawn into another whodunnit, this time surrounding the local miniature railway. The mystery unfolds with Solly’s trademark wit and gentle pacing, making it an easy and enjoyable read that fans of cosy crime will happily settle into.
One of the highlights for me was revisiting the returning cast of characters. Seeing familiar faces like Trixie, Ranveer, Dima and Bev again added a lovely sense of continuity and nostalgia to the story, and the community dynamics remain one of the series’ strongest elements.
As with any small-town mystery, not every personality is easy to love. Lynette in particular will likely test readers’ patience, and I suspect many will have strong opinions about her throughout the story.
Overall, this was a fun and entertaining cosy mystery that delivers exactly what the genre promises: an engaging puzzle, memorable characters, and plenty of light-hearted moments along the way. It was thoroughly enjoyable to return to Paradise Heights and another solid story from Kate Solly that I'll be looking forward to adding a physical copy to my shelf at home!
If you enjoy cosy whodunnits with quirky community characters and a touch of humour, this one is well worth picking up.
March 31, 2026
If you like mysteries and are a yarn lover, this might be the one for you!
Meet Fleck Parker and her friends from the Many Hands Society Craft Shop! You will not only want to pick up your own craft project but might feel like joining a local craft group to share your passion.
In this second title, we are not only visiting the craft shop but are also joining Fleck at the Paradise Heights Miniature Railway. This is her husband’s passion but something seems to going on and he needs his wife’s skills to untangle a mystery. Fleck is of course delighted as she loves solving any kind of puzzle and dreams of being a private investigator.
I enjoyed meeting some of the characters from the previous book again but you can read this as standalone as well.
My copy was an Advance Reading Copy and I got extra excited as it also came with a ball of green yarn and a QR code to download a crochet pattern for a little locomotive 🚂. My crochet skills are largely forgotten but I am planning to enlist a relative to help me make a little 🚂 but in the interim I have started knitting a book pouch. Because one can’t have enough of them!
Thank you @affirmpress and @katesollywriter for sending me such a great ARC package! I will now have to circle back and find a copy of Tuesdays Evenings with the Copeton Craft Resistance.
Meet Fleck Parker and her friends from the Many Hands Society Craft Shop! You will not only want to pick up your own craft project but might feel like joining a local craft group to share your passion.
In this second title, we are not only visiting the craft shop but are also joining Fleck at the Paradise Heights Miniature Railway. This is her husband’s passion but something seems to going on and he needs his wife’s skills to untangle a mystery. Fleck is of course delighted as she loves solving any kind of puzzle and dreams of being a private investigator.
I enjoyed meeting some of the characters from the previous book again but you can read this as standalone as well.
My copy was an Advance Reading Copy and I got extra excited as it also came with a ball of green yarn and a QR code to download a crochet pattern for a little locomotive 🚂. My crochet skills are largely forgotten but I am planning to enlist a relative to help me make a little 🚂 but in the interim I have started knitting a book pouch. Because one can’t have enough of them!
Thank you @affirmpress and @katesollywriter for sending me such a great ARC package! I will now have to circle back and find a copy of Tuesdays Evenings with the Copeton Craft Resistance.
April 9, 2026
Copy received from Simon and Schuster Australia/Affirm Press for an honest review
This was my first Kate Solly story, so I did miss a few of the nuances, particularly about our leading lady Fleck that we learned in the previous book, however it is all discussed later in the book, so I caught up on all that. And it did not affect my enjoyment of this story.
Strange things are afoot at the miniature railway, and Fleck is on the case. This is a light and enjoyable mystery, which in turn has some darker undertones.
Fleck is at a bit of a loss after what happened in the previous mystery, so throws herself head first into what is happening at the railway. She is also a bit all over the place at times, however we get to understand why she does some things.
I think the ladies at the craft co-op are fun, loyal, but will also tell it like it is. I think they would be a lot of fun to hang around with, and the shop seems to be a home away from home for them all. And are there some sparks flying between some of them?
I do enjoy a cosy mystery, and this ticked all the boxes for me. I hope we get more mysteries in Paradise Heights in the future
This was my first Kate Solly story, so I did miss a few of the nuances, particularly about our leading lady Fleck that we learned in the previous book, however it is all discussed later in the book, so I caught up on all that. And it did not affect my enjoyment of this story.
Strange things are afoot at the miniature railway, and Fleck is on the case. This is a light and enjoyable mystery, which in turn has some darker undertones.
Fleck is at a bit of a loss after what happened in the previous mystery, so throws herself head first into what is happening at the railway. She is also a bit all over the place at times, however we get to understand why she does some things.
I think the ladies at the craft co-op are fun, loyal, but will also tell it like it is. I think they would be a lot of fun to hang around with, and the shop seems to be a home away from home for them all. And are there some sparks flying between some of them?
I do enjoy a cosy mystery, and this ticked all the boxes for me. I hope we get more mysteries in Paradise Heights in the future
March 23, 2026
What a beautiful cosy mystery! This was such a lovely story and I enjoyed being back in a town created by Kate Solly.
This story was well paced in a way that gently moved through the story whilst keeping you interested the whole time. It was a lovely relatively low stakes mystery told in such a way that you knew it was really important to Fleck and I enjoyed following her character.
The relationships between the characters were realistic and enjoyable to watch developing. I also really appreciated how accurate the children were portrayed when they featured in this story.
I enjoyed reading Kate Solly’s writing and look forward to reading more of her work.
I didn’t actually realise this was a sequel until I was partway into the book and enjoying it too much to put it down and read the first one. I was still able to enjoy the story and the characters as there was enough context given to the characters in discussions of their past. I am looking forward to going back and reading the Paradise Heights Craft Store Stitch Up and learning more about these characters.
This story was well paced in a way that gently moved through the story whilst keeping you interested the whole time. It was a lovely relatively low stakes mystery told in such a way that you knew it was really important to Fleck and I enjoyed following her character.
The relationships between the characters were realistic and enjoyable to watch developing. I also really appreciated how accurate the children were portrayed when they featured in this story.
I enjoyed reading Kate Solly’s writing and look forward to reading more of her work.
I didn’t actually realise this was a sequel until I was partway into the book and enjoying it too much to put it down and read the first one. I was still able to enjoy the story and the characters as there was enough context given to the characters in discussions of their past. I am looking forward to going back and reading the Paradise Heights Craft Store Stitch Up and learning more about these characters.
May 8, 2026
I had been looking forward to reading this after enjoying Solly's previous books, and it didn't disappoint.
In this follow up to the Paradise Heights Craft Store Stitch-up (but it doesn't matter if you haven't read that one) it was great to meet Fleck Parker again, and her friends.
Fleck is a busy mother of three young children who loves to solve puzzles and mysteries. Her best friend Trixie now runs the local craft shop and starts doing workshops there, attracting a mix of personalities.
When supplies start disappearing from the Miniature Railway (where Fleck's husband Matthew volunteers) Fleck is on the case.
It's a lot of fun but includes serious issues as well such as family stress, loneliness, politics and gaslighting.
I read that the author is a busy mother of six and often writes in ten-minute intervals. It made me wonder if Fleck is her alter ego, she certainly is real about motherhood.
Recommended.
In this follow up to the Paradise Heights Craft Store Stitch-up (but it doesn't matter if you haven't read that one) it was great to meet Fleck Parker again, and her friends.
Fleck is a busy mother of three young children who loves to solve puzzles and mysteries. Her best friend Trixie now runs the local craft shop and starts doing workshops there, attracting a mix of personalities.
When supplies start disappearing from the Miniature Railway (where Fleck's husband Matthew volunteers) Fleck is on the case.
It's a lot of fun but includes serious issues as well such as family stress, loneliness, politics and gaslighting.
I read that the author is a busy mother of six and often writes in ten-minute intervals. It made me wonder if Fleck is her alter ego, she certainly is real about motherhood.
Recommended.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Kate Solly had done it again - another crafty cosy crime with amazing characters, accurate depictions on life as a mother of young children, and such a fun plot.
Anyone who has ever met Kate will see her in every page of her books - and I think that just makes these books even more special.
Flick is such a relatable character - dealing with young children, school pickups, shopping in K-mart, but like all of us.... just wanting a little bit more out of life. Her love of puzzles, her going to the library to find a book on how to be a detective, her observations of the people around her, all have me delighting in every word.
An absolute train ride of a read, that will leave you feeling as if you have just had the world's largest warm hug.
Thanks for Affirm Press for the Advance Reading Copy of this book
Anyone who has ever met Kate will see her in every page of her books - and I think that just makes these books even more special.
Flick is such a relatable character - dealing with young children, school pickups, shopping in K-mart, but like all of us.... just wanting a little bit more out of life. Her love of puzzles, her going to the library to find a book on how to be a detective, her observations of the people around her, all have me delighting in every word.
An absolute train ride of a read, that will leave you feeling as if you have just had the world's largest warm hug.
Thanks for Affirm Press for the Advance Reading Copy of this book
May 15, 2026
Reading a Kate Solly novel is the equivalent to snuggling up in one’s favourite couch under their fave blankie wearing their fave PJs and then for added coziness there’s a crackling fire peripherally and the prettiest tea pot (with a crocheted tea cozy of course) filled with steaming peppermint & liquorice herbal tea. Fleck returns with her authenticity, curiosity and commitment to being the best (not perfect, but best) version of herself as Fleck, mum, wife, friend and detective she can be, and I am all in. Solly delivers on the cosy mystery and with seamless skill she weaves through the detailed essence of the life of a mother in such a way that mothers reading feel seen. Funny, light, shadowy and genuine.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I thoroughly enjoyed The Paradise Heights Miniature Railway Bust-Up. It’s a cosy mystery with so much heart, humour and everyday relatability woven through it.
Fleck Parker is such a fun main character. I loved that she doesn’t pretend she’s not investigating. She openly tells people she wants to be a detective, which makes her curiosity feel honest and endearing rather than sneaky. Watching her juggle babies, toddlers, school runs and sleuthing made her feel wonderfully real.
The miniature railway setting is charming and unique, and the Many Hands Society Craft Shop adds even more community flavour and personality. Beneath the bushland charm there’s a darker thread running through the mystery, which adds just enough tension without losing that comforting cosy feel.
Joyful, easy to read and thoroughly entertaining, this is another great story from Kate Solly.
Fleck Parker is such a fun main character. I loved that she doesn’t pretend she’s not investigating. She openly tells people she wants to be a detective, which makes her curiosity feel honest and endearing rather than sneaky. Watching her juggle babies, toddlers, school runs and sleuthing made her feel wonderfully real.
The miniature railway setting is charming and unique, and the Many Hands Society Craft Shop adds even more community flavour and personality. Beneath the bushland charm there’s a darker thread running through the mystery, which adds just enough tension without losing that comforting cosy feel.
Joyful, easy to read and thoroughly entertaining, this is another great story from Kate Solly.
April 13, 2026
When Fleck has an opportunity to delve into detective work at her husbands volunteer sisyuation at a miniature railway, she jumps in head first, especially if it means she gets some time to herself, away from her family and to do something she really loves doing.
But what if this leads to discovering something more than she expected and puts herself in harms way. She’ll do it anyway, because she loves the idea of working out the answers.
This book at times had me laughing, pulling my hair out, feeling that there is no control and an undercurrent of self worth in the story.
Definitely recommend this one.
But what if this leads to discovering something more than she expected and puts herself in harms way. She’ll do it anyway, because she loves the idea of working out the answers.
This book at times had me laughing, pulling my hair out, feeling that there is no control and an undercurrent of self worth in the story.
Definitely recommend this one.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I was thrilled to read another adventure with Fleck Parker and her friends in Paradise Heights, as I adore Kate Solly’s writing and humour. I felt like I knew all the characters in The Paradise Heights Miniature Railway Bust-Up, and that so many of them were friends.
I didn’t want this story to end and I hope we see a lot more of Fleck and her detectiving.
5 stars
Thank you NetGalley and Simon & Schuster (Australia) | Affirm Press for sending me an advance copy.
I didn’t want this story to end and I hope we see a lot more of Fleck and her detectiving.
5 stars
Thank you NetGalley and Simon & Schuster (Australia) | Affirm Press for sending me an advance copy.
April 23, 2026
I have read all of Kate Solly’s books so was very excited to be back in Paradise Heights with Fleck and Trixie. Another wonderful, rollicking mystery with our favourite girls as they enter the world of miniatures. I do recommend reading The Paradise Heights Craft Store Stitch-Up to learn the history of Fleck and Trixie. Definitely the perfect cozy read for Autumn.
Thanks to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Australia for the eARC!
Thanks to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Australia for the eARC!
April 27, 2026
This book is an enjoyable and lighthearted read with a playful sense of charm throughout. It brings together quirky characters and a setting that feels both unique and inviting, creating a story that’s easy to settle into. The tone strikes a nice balance between humour and gentle tension, keeping things engaging without becoming too heavy. Overall, it’s a fun and satisfying book that offers a pleasant escape and leaves a lasting, upbeat impression.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I loved this book. I didn’t want to leave the charming yet thrilling world of Paradise Heights. Fleck Parker is the perfect protagonist and amateur sleuth to guide us through this story. I have read all of Kate Solly’s books and, while I’ve loved them all, this is my favourite. Gripping, pacy, fun and filled with the heart and warmth I’ve come to expect from Kate.
April 24, 2026
I read this out of order, but it still worked well. What was going on at the miniature Train ride, things were going missing and grant applications were being lost. Fleck manages to unravel the story and work out who the perpetrator was, in between organising her three kids and loving her gorgeous husband. Great dialogue and gentle humour. I hope there is to be a third book in this series.
April 30, 2026
Entertaining cosy mystery set in Melbourne, it was a delight to catch up with Fleck Parker, her family and friends as Fleck looked into a new puzzle to solve. Stay at home Fleck has a wonderful time sorting through clues as she investigates items missing from the local miniature railway where her husband volunteers. There are plenty of humourous moments included.
May 13, 2026
A bit too mumsy cute for me! Lots of silly red herring side stories, including cat fishing. And sketchy characterisation of the cast. How does someone know where commenters on YouTube live? They don't! I also don't like that Fleck is such a busy body!
April 24, 2026
A sweet story. Not my usual read but I absolutely loved the book Tuesday evenings with Compton craft resistance. Thought I would give this a go, didn’t hook me but was a nice break from murders!
May 6, 2026
Reading about Fleck, is like reading about a friend, and the setting of the miniature railway just added to the delight.
May 7, 2026
I adore Fleck Parker and I hope that I get to read 30 more adventures with her. All the characters are written with so much humanity. A joy to read.
May 13, 2026
Another fantastic Fleck Parker mystery! Aussie author Kate Solly gets better and better... and this one has miniature trains!!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The Paradise Heights Miniature Railway Bust-Up is the second cozy mystery novel from Kate Solly to feature mother, crafter, and amateur sleuth Felicity (Fleck) Parker, though it can be read as a stand alone.
Having identified the person responsible for a spate of vandalism affecting her favourite coffee shop, Fleck is looking for a new puzzle to solve when her husband mentions supplies and equipment are disappearing from the community Miniature Railway Park where he volunteers.
Solly has created a well plotted mystery with several red herrings, and I enjoyed Fleck’s endeavours to identify the thief. While juggling the school run, potty training, and her craft projects, Fleck pokes around the Park, developing a list of suspects that includes a publicity-hungry mayoral candidate, a financially struggling university student, a secretive artist-in-residence, and a long-standing, pompous, member of the railway group. As Fleck narrows down her list of suspects the stakes rise, leading to a rather dramatic confrontation.
Meanwhile Fleck’s best friend, Trixie, working towards revitalising the craft shop which helps support the Many Hands Society for women in need, is flustered by the evangelical behaviour of a volunteer who is neck deep in a MLM scheme and alienating others, and needs her help.
With its strong sense of community, combined with humour and just the right amount of tension, The Paradise Heights Miniature Railway Bust-Up is an entertaining read however, Solly also weaves in more serious themes, including PTSD, domestic violence, and fraud. Her approach to these issues is thoughtful adding emotional depth while preserving the cozy tone.
Offering an appealing cast of characters and engaging, well-paced mystery, The Paradise Heights Miniature Railway Bust-Up is an easy and entertaining read.
Having identified the person responsible for a spate of vandalism affecting her favourite coffee shop, Fleck is looking for a new puzzle to solve when her husband mentions supplies and equipment are disappearing from the community Miniature Railway Park where he volunteers.
Solly has created a well plotted mystery with several red herrings, and I enjoyed Fleck’s endeavours to identify the thief. While juggling the school run, potty training, and her craft projects, Fleck pokes around the Park, developing a list of suspects that includes a publicity-hungry mayoral candidate, a financially struggling university student, a secretive artist-in-residence, and a long-standing, pompous, member of the railway group. As Fleck narrows down her list of suspects the stakes rise, leading to a rather dramatic confrontation.
Meanwhile Fleck’s best friend, Trixie, working towards revitalising the craft shop which helps support the Many Hands Society for women in need, is flustered by the evangelical behaviour of a volunteer who is neck deep in a MLM scheme and alienating others, and needs her help.
With its strong sense of community, combined with humour and just the right amount of tension, The Paradise Heights Miniature Railway Bust-Up is an entertaining read however, Solly also weaves in more serious themes, including PTSD, domestic violence, and fraud. Her approach to these issues is thoughtful adding emotional depth while preserving the cozy tone.
Offering an appealing cast of characters and engaging, well-paced mystery, The Paradise Heights Miniature Railway Bust-Up is an easy and entertaining read.
May 4, 2026
A delightfully cosy mystery, featuring
🚂 A fleet of jolly little engines
🏘️ The charming community of Paradise Heights
🧶 The Many Hands Society Craft Shop
💕 An eclectic cast of characters
🧩 A puzzle-solving FMC
I loved the return to Paradise Heights, with one of my favourite (and relatable) female characters - Fleck Parker. She is bookish, crafty, community-minded, resourceful, intelligent and great at unravelling a mystery. While this is the second Fleck Parker mystery, this can definitely be enjoyed as a standalone story.
I love the warmth and wisdom used to cover a wide variety of themes in this story, as well as a memorable cast of eclectic characters. I am looking forward to more Fleck Parker and Paradise Heights stories in the not-too-distant future.
Until I finished the story, I did not realise that this story is based on an actual miniature railway, located in Eltham, Victoria (Australia). How I would love to visit after reading this.
These stories have cemented Australian author Kate Solly as an auto-read author for me.
UPDATE: I just listened to the audiobook via Libby (Overdrive) and I loved the narration by Rebecca Macauley.
🚂 A fleet of jolly little engines
🏘️ The charming community of Paradise Heights
🧶 The Many Hands Society Craft Shop
💕 An eclectic cast of characters
🧩 A puzzle-solving FMC
I loved the return to Paradise Heights, with one of my favourite (and relatable) female characters - Fleck Parker. She is bookish, crafty, community-minded, resourceful, intelligent and great at unravelling a mystery. While this is the second Fleck Parker mystery, this can definitely be enjoyed as a standalone story.
I love the warmth and wisdom used to cover a wide variety of themes in this story, as well as a memorable cast of eclectic characters. I am looking forward to more Fleck Parker and Paradise Heights stories in the not-too-distant future.
Until I finished the story, I did not realise that this story is based on an actual miniature railway, located in Eltham, Victoria (Australia). How I would love to visit after reading this.
These stories have cemented Australian author Kate Solly as an auto-read author for me.
UPDATE: I just listened to the audiobook via Libby (Overdrive) and I loved the narration by Rebecca Macauley.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews