Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Novel Detectives Mystery #3

A Murder at the Mansion

Not yet published
Expected 21 Jul 26
Rate this book
In the charming town of Redwood Grove, even the grandest estates have something to hide…

When reclusive heiress Bernadette Garst vanishes from her sprawling mansion, bookshop owner and investigator Annie Murray is summoned to the scene.

Arriving at the legendary Garst property, Annie and her partner Fletcher discover a household riddled with secrets, bitter family rivalries, and suspicious staff members. When Bernadette’s lawyer also goes missing, it’s clear the case is escalating into something far more dangerous.

With her keen eye for detail and a little help from her friends, Annie must piece together the clues hidden within the opulent estate grounds. Can she solve the puzzle before it’s too late?

This cozy mystery sees the Novel Detectives facing their most high-profile case yet. Perfect for fans of Lauren Elliott, Merryn Allingham and M.C. Beaton.

248 pages, Paperback

Expected publication July 21, 2026

Loading...
Loading...

About the author

Ellie Alexander

94 books3,177 followers
Ellie is a voracious storyteller and a lover of words and all things bookish. She believes that stories have the ability to transport and transform us. With over forty published novels and counting, her goal is to tell stories that provide points of connection, escape, and understanding.

She loves inhabiting someone else’s skin through the pages of a book and is passionate about helping writers find their unique storytelling lens. As a writing teacher and coach, she guides writers in crafting the story they’ve always wanted to tell while navigating the path to publication that’s right for them.

Find out more about Ellie and her books by visiting her website at: http://www.elliealexander.co/ or following her on social media—
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellie_alexa...
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@elliealexande...
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/elliealexande...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elliealexand...
Pinterest:
https://www.pinterest.com/elliealexan...

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
15 (39%)
4 stars
22 (57%)
3 stars
1 (2%)
2 stars
0 (0%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
Profile Image for June Price.
Author 6 books82 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
June 11, 2026
Annie and Fletcher tackle what is surely their most high profile case yet. An elderly, reclusive heiress, Bernadette Garst, has gone missing and Detective Caldwell asks for their help. The story jumps right into the mystery, so you're pulled in immediately. Time is, of course, of the essence, although it's the one thing they don't have in abundance. Fletcher is now not only working as a detective while maintaining his bookshop job but is also immersed in college classes. Annie is happy to have hired some solid help but feels bad simply leaving them and, hey, maybe more importantly, her romance with Liam is getting serious and they are having some serious discussions about moving in together. Never mind, though, as everything else is now secondary, well, other than Fletcher's college demands, and they're on the case. I rather wonder when he sleeps.

I won't detail the plot much as encountering the clues as Annie does is part of the fun. I found myself wondering about a few, only to have the author answer that question for me soon thereafter, so you may have the same experience with your questions. Helps us wannabe sleuths sort out the meaningful clues from distractions. One distraction is the family's seeming disconnect and Bernadette's missing lawyer. The only one who seems to be the least bit genuine is teen Preston, who even that super hyped/trained up poodle seems to like. I decided I'd probably be giving it a wide berth, too, though I loved its name, Dorothy Barker. Dog person that I am, I was delighted to see dogs play a role in this go-round. Where is the lawyer? Who would have taken or, gulp, killed the elderly Bernadette? That mystery lingers awhile but, double gulp, the missing lawyer's body is found in a boat shed by the pond. So now Annie has two mysteries to solve. Detective Caldwell, known to Annie still as Dr. Caldwell due to her having been one of Annie's most admired college professors, is good about being on call but Annie does have a knack for stumbling into places she might want to leave for the police to investigate. What secrets are the family members hiding? Why? Could Paula really fly the dog to a doggie spa for grooming and pampering on Bernadette's dime? (Answer, yes. Read the author's notes at the end.)

Bottom line, I fully enjoy this series and fell into this one immediately. The quick start of the action was a real plus. The characters are well fleshed out and their connections shared early on even as Annie begins the investigation. I still have to marvel at how unlikable I found Annie way back when as opposed to how much I've grown to like and admire the character over the course of the books that feature her. The fact the characters are there for each other and have their own lives is a plus, too. It was fun to catch up with Annie's best friend, too, although she played a minor role. Liam is, as usual, a rock for Annie. Finally, the side mystery involving Hal and his belief in his connection to Agatha Christie has been a continuing story, so looking forward to seeing how that plays out. I'm leaving out lots but, well, want you to enjoy the discoveries as they happen and see how life is progressing for all of them. Thanks #StormPublishing for introducing me to Annie originally and providing the early peeks into life in Redwood Grove as the dynamics between the characters play out. Loved the ending and what it meant for Fletcher in particular and all that may happen as a result. Nope, not telling. Read the book. If you enjoy cozies, you'll like this one. Heck, you'll even pick up some sleuthing hints. Grin.
Profile Image for Barbara Schultz.
4,369 reviews312 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
June 9, 2026
Title: A Murder at the Manson
Series: Novel Detectives Mystery #3
Author: Ellie Alexander
Publisher: Storm Publishers
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Pub Date: July 21, 2026
My Rating: 4.5 Stars
Pages 245

I loved ‘The Secret Staircase series as well as the Bookstore Agatha Christie mystery book theme.
I could visualize sitting on sofa in the Miss Marple Sitting room reading or daydreaming in the Hercule Poirot Belgian apartment style room. I was sad when the series ended.
However, I was almost as excited as Annie Murray and partner Fletcher Hughes about the opening of their detective agency above Anne’s bookstore.
Here we are already at Book #3!
In this story Dr. Caldwell, who was the lead detective in Redwood Grove and she was Annie college criminology professor has Invited
the Novel Detectives Annie and Fletcher to help with the disappearance of heiress Bernadette Garst. Who has vanished from her grand sixty thousand square foot mansion in Northern California.
She was last seen at the Sunday family dinner, which was attended by Bernadette’s children Vivienne and Dansby, grandson Preston, Finlay Campbell the live-in caretaker, attorney Gabe Bowers and Paula Townson the dog trainer for the poodle’ Dorothy Barker’.

Dr. Caldwell had already informed our detectives that there is animosity between Bernadette children and Finlay the live-in caretaker. There are fears Bernadette is in danger.
When Bernadette’s lawyer Gabe Bowers also goes missing, it’s clear the case is escalating into something even more dangerous.

Story indeed had me racing for the end! – Do love this series!
Now has me anxious for the next Novel Detective Mysteries –#4 A Murder at Midnight and #5 A Fatal Frost!!!!

I always enjoy reading the “Letter from the Author”.
Ms. Alexander tells us that she is often asked how much of her books are fact and how much fiction. She tells us in the case of the posh Dog Spa that there is a place in California where dog owners helicopter their pets for a day of pampering.
She also tells us that she is obsessed with Agatha Christie and has read every biography and book about her life and writing.
So makes sense to me why the Bookstore has an Agatha Christie theme.

Personal comment ~
A reader described~ Redwood Grove is the ideal place to live, great weather, lovely, caring community, a great bookstore, amazing coffee shop, fabulous restaurants, as well as an up-and-coming
winery. Sounds like heaven to me!

I live in Southern California and although Redwood Grove is fictional, I can assure you there are many similar fabulous places.
Carmel-by the Sea comes to mind- It is a small beach city on California's Monterey Peninsula- known for the museums and library of the historic Carmel Mission, and the fairytale cottages and galleries of its village-like center.
However, Laguna Beach is my very favorite as it is somewhat close!!!
I am from “Almost Heaven” West Virginia”- so yes I know heavenly places!

Want to thank NetGalley and as Ms. Alexander says -the outstanding team at Storm Publishing who are creative as well as collaborative~
I add my appreciation for granting me this widget.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for July 21, 2026.
Profile Image for Marcia.
630 reviews5 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
June 5, 2026
Have Annie and Fletcher gone to the dogs? No, the subject of their newest investigation has. Bernadette Garst, the very wealthy benefactor of many charities and non-profits in Redwood Grove has gone missing and Dr. Caldwell invites the Novel Detectives to consult then the family hires them to find her. The more Annie and Fletcher hear from Vivienne and Dansby, Bernadette's children and Preston, the grandson, the more they are convinced they are not telling the truth. Meeting Finley the caregiver/pool boy and Paula, the dog trainer for Bernadette's beloved poodle, Dorothy Barkley and all have somewhat conflicting accounts raises suspicions that this is an inside job. When the body of the family attorney is found, concern for Bernadette's safety kicks into high gear. As Annie and Fletcher put the puzzle pieces together a picture begins to emerge until they find a way to solve both the murder and the missing person. No dogs were harmed in the solving of this case!
This is just such a fun series and I enjoy the ongoing secondary case that Annie and Fletcher are investigating without it absorbing a book of it's own. Feels more genuine to real life. How many of us get to focus on only one thing in our daily lives? I did appreciate the fact that this plot did not imperil our main characters for a change. I was ready for a "cozier" mystery and this gave me just that!
One of the other things I love about this series is the setting, the community as well as the bookstore. Redwood Grove is the ideal for a place to live, great weather, lovely, caring community, a great bookstore, amazing coffee shop, fabulous restaurants, a up and coming winery. Sounds like heaven to me!
My thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the opportunity to read an early copy of this wonderful story.
Profile Image for Meg Pearson.
640 reviews13 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
June 8, 2026
A Murder at the Mansion is another delightful installment in the Novel Detectives series, featuring the ever-resourceful Annie and Fletcher as they tackle their most intriguing case yet. When a wealthy heiress vanishes from her sprawling estate and secrets begin to surface at every turn, the duo find themselves navigating a household filled with family tensions, hidden motives, and plenty of suspects.

One of the things I continue to love about this series is the strong sense of community. Annie and Fletcher may be the investigators, but the supporting cast and the warmth of Redwood Grove play an important role in every story. Their friends provide both practical help and emotional support, making the town feel as much a character as the people themselves.

The mystery is engaging, with enough twists and conflicting stories to keep the reader guessing. The grand mansion setting adds a classic Golden Age mystery feel, while the family drama and long-buried secrets create plenty of tension. I especially enjoyed how Annie and Fletcher's detective skills were given center stage as they pieced together the truth.

The standout star of the book, however, is undoubtedly the wonderfully trained dog who steals every scene they appear in. Their presence adds charm, humor, and a unique touch that makes this mystery even more memorable.

Filled with likable characters, an atmospheric setting, and a satisfying mystery, A Murder at the Mansion is another winner from Ellie Alexander. Fans of cozy mysteries will find plenty to enjoy, and I can't wait to see what Annie and Fletcher investigate next.
Profile Image for Janine.
2,260 reviews19 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
June 17, 2026
Another cozy mystery winner from Elle Alexander! Book 3 in the Novel Mystery series can be read as a stand alone - but like Alexander’s other mysteries (and I’ve read quite a few), starting with the first gives better appreciation for the characters, the town and the mystery setting. Nonetheless this procedural mystery proves great “on the edge of your seat reading.”

The setting is the Garst Mansion in Redwood Grove. Annie and Fletcher, owners of the Secret Bookcase, a mystery-themed bookshop, have been called in to assist in locating a missing heiress, Bernadette Garst, on the sprawling Garst estate. Bernadette is known for her reclusive eccentricity but also for her philanthropic generosity. She’s been missing twelve hours when Annie and Fletcher arrive. As the rush to pursue finding Bernadette intensifies, Annie and Fletcher uncover buried secrets and a dead body - but not Bernadette.

The book is a longitudinal story - the Novel detectives proceed clue by clue to the finish. They have a fairly good cast of suspects to tackle, starting with the pool boy, Finley, who reported Bernadette missing, to Vivienne, the daughter, Preston, her son, Dorothy Parker, the poodle, Paula, the dog trainer, and Dansby, Paula’s brother. The motive is clever - I’d love to share but you’d be missing the surprise in finding out yourself if I did. The search for Bernadette is well done!

This is a good cozy mystery. It’s got suspense, good twists and two excellent detectives. A perfect read for lovers of cozy mysteries.

My thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for allowing me access to this ARC.
Profile Image for Leanne.
1,311 reviews107 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
June 15, 2026
A Murder at the Mansion is a delightfully cosy mystery that pairs a charming small-town setting with a satisfyingly layered puzzle. Ellie Alexander creates an inviting world in Redwood Grove, where beneath the polished surface of a grand estate lies a tangle of secrets waiting to be uncovered.

Annie Murray is an engaging and capable lead—observant, curious, and just the right amount of tenacious. Her partnership with Fletcher adds a steady warmth to the story, and together they make a compelling investigative duo as they navigate the tensions simmering within the Garst household.

The mystery itself is well paced, with enough twists, hidden motives, and suspicious characters to keep things interesting without ever becoming overly convoluted. The sprawling mansion setting works particularly well, adding both atmosphere and a sense of intrigue as clues are gradually revealed.

What stands out most is the balance between cosy charm and genuine stakes. While the tone remains light and accessible, there’s still a sense of urgency as the case escalates, keeping the reader invested throughout.

Overall, this is an enjoyable, cleverly constructed mystery—perfect for fans of character-driven whodunits with a touch of elegance and plenty of hidden secrets to unravel.

With thanks to Ellie Alexander, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
150 reviews5 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
June 18, 2026
This book is the third in the spin-off series from the author's "Secret Bookcase Mysteries". Annie and Fletcher now own and run the Agatha Christie themed indie bookstore in the cozy town of Redwood Grove, CA., and together have started a private detective agency, the "Novel Detectives".

A very rich heiress is missing and presumed dead and Annie and Fletcher must deal with the unreliable-witness relatives who all may profit from the woman's demise. The story is well-plotted and exciting! Everyone at the mansion is a suspect, and I like how the author keeps our suspicions shifting.

The main character Annie was a criminology student and knows and does all the proper procedures in an investigation, while Fletcher is an avid Sherlock Holmes fan who channels the Master's methods. They work so well together, and their mutual friends are both likable and supportive, making the story very enjoyable.

I highly recommend the book even if you have not read the earlier "Secret Bookcase" series.

Thank you to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for the advance copy.
Profile Image for Matthew W.
32 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
June 8, 2026
Annie and Fletcher are called to help assist Dr. Caldwell with the disappearance of Bernadette Garst. Bernadette is a wealthy heiress with a grand estate who supports her family along with members of staff that help look after the estate. Soon after Annie and Fletcher start digging into the disappearance, they realize the family lawyer has also disappeared. Can the novel detectives dig through the family secrets to find out what happened?
As always, I was so excited to dive into another mystery with my favorite detectives! Alexander knows how to write a tightly paced cozy mystery, and I eat it up every time! I love spending time with Annie and learning more about her life and her close circle of friends who bend over backwards to help her out! I especially enjoyed this installment due to reading all the rich people's drama with the Garst family. Definitely can't wait to read the next one!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC!
239 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
June 11, 2026
Thank you to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for the arc of this book. A Murder at the Mansion is book three in the A Novel Detectives Mystery series. Even though this is the third book in the series it can be read as a stand alone. If you like a good cozy murder mystery I recommend reading the rest of the series and also A Secret Bookcase Mystery series as well. In this book Annie and Fletcher are back with a new case. This book as with the rest of the series is told from Annie's point of view. This book had me from the first chapter. This book focused mainly on the new case but did touch some on their ongoing case for Caroline. This book did not feature the supporting characters as much as the previous books. I did wish there was more in the bookstore but understood why with this case there was not as much set in the bookstore. I absolutely loved this book and cannot stop recommending this series. I cannot wait to read the next book.
Profile Image for Katie (While I Read).
19 reviews20 followers
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
June 11, 2026
Thanks to Storm and NetGalley for the ARC of this book!

In this third book in the Novel Detectives series, Annie and her partner Fletcher are investigating the disappearance of reclusive Redwood Grove heiress Bernadette Garst. While Bernadette's family and employees seem worried about her and committed to finding her, the detectives discover that they are all hiding secrets.

This is another solid addition to the Novel Detectives series. As always, I loved the town of Redwood Grove, the Secret Bookcase bookstore, and Annie's friends. The cozy-meter is off the charts for this series! The mystery of Bernadette Garst is satisfying, and we find out more about the over-arching mystery of Hal's possible Agatha Christie ancestry. I recommend this book for anyone who loves cozy mysteries!

Follow me on YouTube for more book recommendations and reviews.
https://youtube.com/@whileireadwithka...
56 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
June 6, 2026
The Novel Detectives are back in Redwood Grove for book three in the series, this time investigating The disappearance of the elusive Bernadette Garst. The mystery Annie  and Fletcher set in a palatial mansion house, an extensive grounds which very much reminded me of Hearst Castle. 


These books are cosy yet captivating, the characters are now well fleshed out and if you haven't done so already, it's worth reading the previous instalments. The absolute standout to me is always the description of the food and drink, especially the speciality coffees from Cryptic. The setting is so well described and captivating, it's almost another character to enjoy. Twisty and turning mystery which kept me captivated and I read very quickly, keen to find out what happened. 


Thank you netgalley for allowing me to read in exchange for an honest review, this was an easy five stars
Profile Image for K McKenzie.
249 reviews6 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
June 2, 2026
This is an enjoyable cozy read, third in the author’s Novel Detectives series. Annie and partner Fletcher are called in to help the police with the disappearance of a wealthy local woman and quickly get drawn into some dysfunctional family dynamics. The mystery is interesting and moves along quickly, and the main characters are engaging and likeable. You could read this as a standalone if you haven’t followed the rest of the series, although a few side elements will make more sense if you have the background from earlier books. This one is definitely on the cozier rather grittier end of the mystery range, so it’s a good quick escapist read. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy. All views are entirely my own and offered voluntarily.
Profile Image for Kathleen.
265 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
June 5, 2026
In the next book in the Novel Detectives Mystery series, A MURDER AT THE MANSION by Ellie Alexander, Annie Murray is the investigator. Bernadette Garst, a reclusive heiress, is missing. Dr. Caldwell, the lead detective in Redwood Grove, asks Annie Murray and her partner (Fletcher Hughes) to be consultants and investigate.

This book can be read as a standalone. I like that the mystery gets going right away. Character introductions are made alongside the plot. The story moves along at a good pace and repeatedly captures my interest. There is a satisfying conclusion, and I look forward to reading future books in the series. Thank you, Storm Publishing and NetGalley, for the chance to read and review an advance reader copy.
Profile Image for Wendi Flint Rank (WendiReviews).
512 reviews47 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
June 6, 2026
Goodness, Annie and Fletcher really had what seem
like multiple situations that became important to
nearly everyone in their small, tight knit community.
With families fussing over money (and keeping it
secret) and other entwined family issues, it's a
busy time for Novel Detectives. This is a fairly
fast paced story, which is nice, and because we
know all of the characters, it's easy to just
enjoy everyone and their quirks and foibles.
The Author is clearly a pet lover, which is
sweet. Book 3 in the series is very good!
It's not required one start at the beginning.
but now that the folks are clearly are all
fleshed out, it is time to maybe peek at
"A very novel murder."
My thanks to Storm Publishing for the
download copy of the book for
review purposes.
Profile Image for Tracy Wood.
1,316 reviews32 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
June 10, 2026
When Bernadette Garst, a wealthy resident of Redwood Grove, disappears without trace the local police ask private investigators, Annie Murray and Fletcher Hughes to look into it for them. With everyone involved keeping secrets and no sightings of the almost eighty-year-old matriarch, it's clear speed is of the essence but how do you find someone who has vanished when their own family doesn't seem at all worried?

I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Storm Publishing, but the opinions expressed are my own. This is a really good story, with a cast of characters who all have good reasons to dislike their mother/grandmother/boss and have secrets to keep. I enjoyed this very much.
1,075 reviews13 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
June 11, 2026
Annie and Fletcher have a new client, the family of an extremely wealthy heiress hires them to assist the police to look for their missing mother. The suspects include the daughter, the son, the grandson, the attorney, the caregiver/pool boy, and her poodle’s carer. Sitting through the clues with Annie and Fletcher is great fun!
The Novel Detectives Mysteries keep getting better and better and I am already looking forward to the next one. Settling down with the book is like visiting old friends in a lovely town and catching up on their lives while solving a mystery.
Thanks to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC.
Profile Image for Mary.
520 reviews10 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
June 21, 2026
As a first-time reader of this author, I was instantly reeled in by the cozy bookshop setting. I love a good traditional whodunit, and A Murder at the Mansion did not disappoint! What made this a unique standout for me was the first-person perspective. Because I usually read mysteries in the third person, experiencing the plot directly through Annie’s eyes was a refreshing twist. It felt like I was solving the clues right alongside her. The pacing kept me completely hooked—I couldn’t put it down because I just had to find out who did it. I'm highly recommending this to anyone looking for a stellar cozy mystery, and I can't wait to dive into the author's backlist
Profile Image for Joanie Hinton.
793 reviews29 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
June 10, 2026
Another good story and another case for the Novel Detectives! While searching for a missing older, very wealthy woman, Annie finds the dead body of the woman's lawyer. Is his murder connected to the missing woman? Annie and Fletcher intend to find out, and hopefully find the missing woman before something bad happens to her. It will take all their resources and help from their friends to accomplish their task, but they are all up for it.
(Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy)
Profile Image for Lizzie.
42 reviews9 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
June 15, 2026
You had me at “Ellie Alexander” - swoon.

This was such a fun cozy mystery.

I loved following Annie and Fletcher as they tried to untangle the disappearance of a wealthy heiress and uncover the truth behind all the family secrets.

The mystery kept me interested, but what I really love about this series is spending time in Redwood Grove with its charming bookstore, great coffee, and wonderful community.

A cozy, enjoyable read from beginning to end and I cannot wait for the next installment.

Thank you so much to Ellie Alexander, Storm Publishing, & NetGalley for this great read.
Profile Image for Serena Smith.
494 reviews1 follower
June 17, 2026
Another winner in my book. I did figure it out once she had the right conversation with the right person. The characters were wrote so well. You loved to hate them. Rich people, would it be so bad to have kind rich people that we’re giving with kind lovable children for once though. I felt that the stereotype is over done some. No matter what I love a mystery and this one set it up for more to come with extra characters! Thank you Storm Publishing through NetGalley for allowing me to read this one! Well done and well played Sherlock!
Profile Image for Suzan.
1,728 reviews18 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
June 20, 2026
I am enjoying this Novel Detective series. This is book number three, and it has all the elements of a great cozy. A lovely small town, Redwood Grove, CA, plus a great cast of characters, Annie and Fletcher are the detectives/owners of Novel Detective agency. They are hired to find a wealthy 80-year-old woman who has gone missing, and let's just say her family is a bit dysfunctional. Add in a doggy element, a very wealthy doggy, and you have yourself a great story.
Thank you, Netgalley and Storm Publishing, for this ARC. This review is my unbiased opinion.
Profile Image for Robin’s Nest of Books.
69 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
June 9, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the opportunity to review this story. These stories are my favorite cozy mysteries and I never pass on a chance to read what Annie, Fletcher, and the crew get into. This story is centered around a missing woman. Her family members are questionable at best. We have a whole cast of characters including a poodle with an attitude. Readers who love a good Agatha Christie type of mystery will love these books.
Profile Image for Jess Robinson.
190 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
June 19, 2026
Read as an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Such a cozy little murder mystery, the characters and the overall story were intriguing and I loved the amount of MYSTERY there was throughout the whole book. The only thing that made this a 4 star was that I felt there was a lot of repetition that wasn’t necessary making it slow to read at a few points. Otherwise, very well written.
3 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy
June 20, 2026
A great third installment in the novel Detective series by Ellie Alexander. A Murder at the Mansion begins with Annie and Fletcher being hired to investigate the disappearance of a missing heiress. The cast of suspects are secretive and the mystery takes some twists and turns. The resolution of the main mystery reveals some unexpected “treasures” and the ongoing mystery makes a little progress.
I am looking forward to continuing this series. Thank you Netgalley for the early access read.
Profile Image for Kate Wells.
439 reviews16 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
June 19, 2026
A well crafted mystery, Annie and Fletcher are hired to find a missing elderly and very wealthy woman. Lots of threads to follow and they unravel them methodically, uncovering some surprises along the way. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Profile Image for Michelle.
13 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
June 16, 2026
I received an advance copy from Netgalley.

Such a charming and cozy whodunit. I like that I didn't need to have read the previous books to still enjoy this one. Redwood Grove is a place I would love to call home.
484 reviews11 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
June 16, 2026
The latest Novel Detectives find them searching for an elderly eccentric woman who has disappeared from her home. Her family seems less concerned than one would expect and while suspects are plentiful there are few clues. Excellent cozy mystery with wonderful characters.
Profile Image for Laura Mauro.
2,040 reviews23 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
June 17, 2026
I had such a fun time with this one. I think that this book was a rather quick listen. I really like how this series has a overall mystery and then a book focuced mystery. I also enjoyed seeing a more isolated setting in this one and i liked the new characters!!
Profile Image for Jane Smith.
276 reviews2 followers
June 13, 2026
Good read. It was an interesting plot A rich, elderly woman goes missing and The Novel Detectives get called in to help out.
Profile Image for Lori Peterson.
1,296 reviews41 followers
June 6, 2026
Received as an ARC through Netgalley to read and review, this is an honest review.

Thank you to Storm Publishing for the pre-approval to read this book.

The Novel Detectives have their most mysterious case yet when prominent heiress Bernadette Garst has vanished and no one is entirely sure is if she's off own her own or has been taken. All of it is overwhelming for team: the wealth, the quirky individuals that make the family and secrets beyond secrets that makes everyone a suspect. Unlocking a secret at the heart of a childhood story leads to unravel that having all the wealth in the world can be the most destructive and saddest of things.

Highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews