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A Deadly Little Thing Called Love
There's nothing romantic about murder…or is there?
Robin Osbourne only wants three things: for her new detective novel to hit the bestseller chart, to master the art of keeping her banana plant alive, and to never see her toxic ex again.
When she receives an invitation to a murder mystery party at the Nightingale Hotel, deep in the Yorkshire countryside, circumstances mean she can't say no. What starts as a game of betrayal and secrets turns terrifyingly deadly.
To her horror, a killer is using her debut novel as a how-to guide. Suddenly Robin is the prime suspect, trapped with eight other guests, one mirroring murders from her dark imagination.
Against her better judgment, she accepts help from the one person she’s despised for fifteen years–Wren Hastings, the flirtatious lead singer of The Larks.
They’ve orbited each other's lives for too long, but now they're colliding in a soul shattering way. She is everything Wren didn't know he needed.
Robin is the light guiding the rockstar home, whilst he's her likely suspect for murder.
Who knew love could be so deadly?
BOOK ONE/PART ONE OF DUET IN THE DEADLY DUET SERIES
CRIME MYSTERY ROMANCE
ROCKSTAR X WRITER
HATE TO LOVE
MURDER MYSTERY
DUAL POV
SLOW BURN SPICE
Robin Osbourne only wants three things: for her new detective novel to hit the bestseller chart, to master the art of keeping her banana plant alive, and to never see her toxic ex again.
When she receives an invitation to a murder mystery party at the Nightingale Hotel, deep in the Yorkshire countryside, circumstances mean she can't say no. What starts as a game of betrayal and secrets turns terrifyingly deadly.
To her horror, a killer is using her debut novel as a how-to guide. Suddenly Robin is the prime suspect, trapped with eight other guests, one mirroring murders from her dark imagination.
Against her better judgment, she accepts help from the one person she’s despised for fifteen years–Wren Hastings, the flirtatious lead singer of The Larks.
They’ve orbited each other's lives for too long, but now they're colliding in a soul shattering way. She is everything Wren didn't know he needed.
Robin is the light guiding the rockstar home, whilst he's her likely suspect for murder.
Who knew love could be so deadly?
BOOK ONE/PART ONE OF DUET IN THE DEADLY DUET SERIES
CRIME MYSTERY ROMANCE
ROCKSTAR X WRITER
HATE TO LOVE
MURDER MYSTERY
DUAL POV
SLOW BURN SPICE
528 pages, Paperback
Published March 6, 2026
3 people are currently reading
17 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
February 13, 2026
Okay, I cannot even deal with how much I loved A Deadly Little Thing Called Love. From the dedication alone, I was sold. Murder, She Wrote and Midsomer Murders?! Childhood vibes hitting me HARD. I felt like the author knew exactly the cozy mystery fan in me, and I was here for it.
The murder mystery weekend? Literal perfection. From the very first chapter, I was completely hooked. The pacing was brilliant, the tension kept me turning pages, and I loved the way the story dropped little clues along the way. I felt like I was playing detective alongside the characters, piecing everything together; but never getting too far ahead, which is honestly the best kind of mystery. And as a die-hard Agatha Christie fan, the references to her books were SUCH a treat. It made the whole experience feel like stepping into my very own Christie-inspired adventure.
The romance… oh my goodness, the romance! It didn’t take over the story, and it wasn’t just a side note; it blended perfectly with the mystery. The chemistry between the characters added warmth and tension, and it made the story feel full and alive. That balance between heart-pounding suspense and swoony romance is so rare, and this book absolutely nailed it.
Can we talk about the map for a second? I LOVED it. Serious Cluedo vibes. It made the setting feel immersive, like I could actually walk around, investigate rooms, and try to figure out whodunit myself. It was such a clever, playful addition that made me feel even more part of the story.
And that ending… wow. I literally gasped. I was not ready. I NEED the second book now. Like, I am officially counting the days, pacing my floor, and trying not to scream “WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?!”
Honestly, if you love clever, well-plotted mysteries, nostalgic nods to classic crime, and a romance that actually enhances the story instead of distracting from it, you need to read this book. It was smart, funny, suspenseful, and absolutely addictive. I’m obsessed, and I know this one is going to stick with me for a long time.
The murder mystery weekend? Literal perfection. From the very first chapter, I was completely hooked. The pacing was brilliant, the tension kept me turning pages, and I loved the way the story dropped little clues along the way. I felt like I was playing detective alongside the characters, piecing everything together; but never getting too far ahead, which is honestly the best kind of mystery. And as a die-hard Agatha Christie fan, the references to her books were SUCH a treat. It made the whole experience feel like stepping into my very own Christie-inspired adventure.
The romance… oh my goodness, the romance! It didn’t take over the story, and it wasn’t just a side note; it blended perfectly with the mystery. The chemistry between the characters added warmth and tension, and it made the story feel full and alive. That balance between heart-pounding suspense and swoony romance is so rare, and this book absolutely nailed it.
Can we talk about the map for a second? I LOVED it. Serious Cluedo vibes. It made the setting feel immersive, like I could actually walk around, investigate rooms, and try to figure out whodunit myself. It was such a clever, playful addition that made me feel even more part of the story.
And that ending… wow. I literally gasped. I was not ready. I NEED the second book now. Like, I am officially counting the days, pacing my floor, and trying not to scream “WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?!”
Honestly, if you love clever, well-plotted mysteries, nostalgic nods to classic crime, and a romance that actually enhances the story instead of distracting from it, you need to read this book. It was smart, funny, suspenseful, and absolutely addictive. I’m obsessed, and I know this one is going to stick with me for a long time.
February 24, 2026
4.5 rounded for GR to ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ & 1.5 🌶️. This book, although a bit lengthy was such a great read. I enjoyed all of the murder mystery themed drama and getting to know these if not slightly naughty, great bunch of people.
I’m not sure how the rockstar romance etc all fitted in but it did. Author Jessica Oliver did a fantastic job or weaving a sort of love a first sight style quick romantic connection into the story line.
I adore our MMC Wren. The way this man cares for Robin?!?! oh my lawdy I was swooning. I also liked Robin, Phin and Cardinal too!
The plot was a little slow in that we were getting drip fed the clues and the action/plot twisty bits were all mostly towards the end. But that’s my only grumble, as I wish we maybe got a few more titbits earlier on to keep me engaged. I zoned out a little in parts as it was such a long book.
I did predict sort of who done it around the 60% mark, but the way it panned out was still well done! I will definitely be wanting to read the sequel as that ending?!? I know it’s likely not what it seems but REALLY?!?! Fantastic read!
Thank you to the author for sending me this advanced copy for an opportunity to read and review. All opinions here are honest and my own and have been left voluntarily!
I’m not sure how the rockstar romance etc all fitted in but it did. Author Jessica Oliver did a fantastic job or weaving a sort of love a first sight style quick romantic connection into the story line.
I adore our MMC Wren. The way this man cares for Robin?!?! oh my lawdy I was swooning. I also liked Robin, Phin and Cardinal too!
The plot was a little slow in that we were getting drip fed the clues and the action/plot twisty bits were all mostly towards the end. But that’s my only grumble, as I wish we maybe got a few more titbits earlier on to keep me engaged. I zoned out a little in parts as it was such a long book.
I did predict sort of who done it around the 60% mark, but the way it panned out was still well done! I will definitely be wanting to read the sequel as that ending?!? I know it’s likely not what it seems but REALLY?!?! Fantastic read!
Thank you to the author for sending me this advanced copy for an opportunity to read and review. All opinions here are honest and my own and have been left voluntarily!
February 17, 2026
If I could give this book 10 stars I would. This murder mystery is written in an exceptional way as it’s both engaging and the myriad relationships between the characters and the conflicts of a certain few make this both highly entertaining and at times volatile but that being said it does not take away from the fantastic story that is revealed before your eyes. There is something happening in each chapter, but it isn’t overwhelming and I can’t give anything away but the ending I screamed.. it’s one of the best books I have read so far this year
February 18, 2026
A Deadly Little Thing Called Love by Jessica Oliver is such a brilliant cosy mystery, with proper whodunnit vibes and a little sprinkle of romance. It honestly gave me Cluedo energy in the best way, I was completely immersed and definitely stayed up far too late because I had to know what happened next! The characters are so easy to love, and I really enjoyed how the clues are dotted throughout so you can play detective along the way. It’s an impressively well thought-out debut, and it also hints at so much more to come… I’m already impatient for the next book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved this book it’s full of mystery and some raunchy bits also. I could not put it down. The description of the characters and surroundings let build a clear picture in my mind of what people and places would look like. If you love a murder mystery then this book is for you.
Review of advance copy received from Author
kept me hooked. ended on a cliffhanger so looking forward to the next! need it now
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 15, 2026
LOVED! The story is original, if you like mystery/romance then this is for you! Great characters, twists and turns and the ending makes me SO excited for the next book!
April 23, 2026
A perfect murder mystery with a touch of romance/spice. I'm sorry but that ending and the whole book had me hooked. I need the next book like yesterday. Like what happens next?!!!! I need to know?!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Such a brilliant first book! A deadly thing called love is something Jessica should be super proud of! The murder mystery theme had me hooked from the start and had me guessing constantly. The ending though…… was not prepared for that! There’s obviously so much more to come to this and this book deserves a sequel. Cozy vibes throughout.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I have read this book as a Beta reader and absolutely adored the characters and the arc of the book, it is beautifully written and the author clearly loved writing it and has had fun with the characters she has created! I enjoyed the mystery and romance aspect of the book, and can see she has made brilliant changes to the book as it goes into its ARC stages, its a stunner of a book, I hope you give this a chance that it fully deserves!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews