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Novel Detectives Mystery #4
A Murder at Midnight
It's autumn in Redwood Grove, and Annie and Fletcher have their hands full running the Secret Bookcase and handling their growing caseload at the Novel Detectives.
To add to the excitement, a popular ghost hunter has set his sights on the old English estate to feature on his hit TV show―Sleeping with Spirits. He's going to record an episode overnight at the bookstore and will provide guests with special haunted tours. It seems like a great idea for publicity and a fun way to generate more revenue.
But when one of the crew members is found dead, Annie and Fletcher know they're dealing with something much more alarming than an angry poltergeist.
It's up to the Novel Detectives to track down the real culprit and put an end to any otherworldly rumors―before someone else gets hurt.
This gripping cozy mystery will have you sleeping with the lights on! Perfect for fans of Lauren Elliott, Merryn Allingham and M.C. Beaton.
To add to the excitement, a popular ghost hunter has set his sights on the old English estate to feature on his hit TV show―Sleeping with Spirits. He's going to record an episode overnight at the bookstore and will provide guests with special haunted tours. It seems like a great idea for publicity and a fun way to generate more revenue.
But when one of the crew members is found dead, Annie and Fletcher know they're dealing with something much more alarming than an angry poltergeist.
It's up to the Novel Detectives to track down the real culprit and put an end to any otherworldly rumors―before someone else gets hurt.
This gripping cozy mystery will have you sleeping with the lights on! Perfect for fans of Lauren Elliott, Merryn Allingham and M.C. Beaton.
272 pages, Paperback
Published October 13, 2026
About the author
Ellie Alexander
93 books3,317 followersEllie 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...
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...
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Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Book four in the Novel Detectives Mystery series featuring Annie and Fletcher who jointly run the Secret Bookcase bookstore and a detective agency called Novel Detectives. The story takes place in the lead up to Halloween when they, rather foolishly I thought, agree to allow a TV show to record a ghost hunt overnight in the bookstore. A mysterious death occurs and Annie and Fletcher are on the case.
It is a tricky mystery to solve as all of the TV crew members seem to have motives. At the same time our detectives are exhausted by staying up most of the night and still working by day. As always in this series it is a good story well told with a very seasonal atmosphere and plenty of red herrings. Very enjoyable. Four and a half stars.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
It is a tricky mystery to solve as all of the TV crew members seem to have motives. At the same time our detectives are exhausted by staying up most of the night and still working by day. As always in this series it is a good story well told with a very seasonal atmosphere and plenty of red herrings. Very enjoyable. Four and a half stars.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A Murder at Midnight by Ellie Alexander
Synopsis /
It's autumn in Redwood Grove, and Annie and Fletcher have their hands full running the Secret Bookcase and handling their growing caseload at the Novel Detectives.
To add to the excitement, a popular ghost hunter has set his sights on the old English estate to feature on his hit TV show―Sleeping with Spirits. He's going to record an episode overnight at the bookstore and will provide guests with special haunted tours. It seems like a great idea for publicity and a fun way to generate more revenue.
But when one of the crew members is found dead, Annie and Fletcher know they're dealing with something much more alarming than an angry poltergeist.
It's up to the Novel Detectives to track down the real culprit and put an end to any otherworldly rumours―before someone else gets hurt.
My Thoughts /
First and foremost, a huge THANK YOU to NetGalley, Storm Publishing and author, Ellie Alexander for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
If, like me, you have been following the protagonists in this series - Annie Murray and Liam Fletcher from the very beginning with, A Very Novel Murder, you already know that stepping into their world feels like wrapping yourself in a warm soft velvety blanket on a cold and windy Winter day.
If not, why not? Go – visit the library, the bookstore or hit that 'BUY NOW' button online and get yourself a copy of A Very Novel Murder – THEN – grab yourself a velvety, buttery-smooth, plush blankie (yes, I said blankie, because – well – it sounds a lot cozier than 'blanket'), make yourself your favourite hot toddy (alcoholic or not….this is a judgment free zone!), find yourself a comfortable reading spot and settle in for a few hours of entertainment.
🍂 A Murder at Midnight the fourth instalment in Ellie Alexander's Novel Detectives Mystery series has the perfect Autumn vibe and setting. If you are familiar with this author's previous works, you will know that she excels at world-building. And no, that's not a typo - word-building and world-building mean different things. Word-building is the linguistic or lexical creation of words, while world-building is the design of the universe where your story takes place – or in layman's terms – a place that feels rich, immersive and believable. In A Very Novel Murder you can almost smell the pumpkin spice, crunchy leaves, and old pages of the books within the Secret Bookcase. Turning the beloved bookshop into the set for a cheesy paranormal TV show (Sleeping with the Spirits) was a flash of brilliance. It balances the cozy, comforting bookstore energy with a perfectly eerie, locked-in midnight atmosphere.
🔍 The mystery itself is exceptionally well-paced. When the ego-driven star of the ghost-hunting show (Sleeping with the Spirits) ends up dead, the stakes immediately skyrocket. What makes this particular mystery shine is how the author 'plays' with the supernatural elements. As a reader, you are constantly guessing: Is Redwood Grove actually haunted, or is a highly calculating human killer using the town's folklore as a cover? Red herrings are expertly placed and it seems that every (TV show) crew member and local eccentric has a motive.
Character development is another highlight, and in this instalment, the partnership between Annie Murray and Liam Fletcher reaches a new level of maturity. Annie continues to rely on her sharp criminology training, while Fletcher’s classic, intricate "Sherlockian" deductions keep the investigation grounded. The supporting cast of Redwood Grove regulars also injects the perfect amount of humour and community warmth to balance out the murder investigation
This one will have you turning the pages well past midnight.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to one of my favourite publishers, Storm Publishing 💗 for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for October 13, 2026.
Synopsis /
It's autumn in Redwood Grove, and Annie and Fletcher have their hands full running the Secret Bookcase and handling their growing caseload at the Novel Detectives.
To add to the excitement, a popular ghost hunter has set his sights on the old English estate to feature on his hit TV show―Sleeping with Spirits. He's going to record an episode overnight at the bookstore and will provide guests with special haunted tours. It seems like a great idea for publicity and a fun way to generate more revenue.
But when one of the crew members is found dead, Annie and Fletcher know they're dealing with something much more alarming than an angry poltergeist.
It's up to the Novel Detectives to track down the real culprit and put an end to any otherworldly rumours―before someone else gets hurt.
My Thoughts /
First and foremost, a huge THANK YOU to NetGalley, Storm Publishing and author, Ellie Alexander for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
If, like me, you have been following the protagonists in this series - Annie Murray and Liam Fletcher from the very beginning with, A Very Novel Murder, you already know that stepping into their world feels like wrapping yourself in a warm soft velvety blanket on a cold and windy Winter day.
If not, why not? Go – visit the library, the bookstore or hit that 'BUY NOW' button online and get yourself a copy of A Very Novel Murder – THEN – grab yourself a velvety, buttery-smooth, plush blankie (yes, I said blankie, because – well – it sounds a lot cozier than 'blanket'), make yourself your favourite hot toddy (alcoholic or not….this is a judgment free zone!), find yourself a comfortable reading spot and settle in for a few hours of entertainment.
🍂 A Murder at Midnight the fourth instalment in Ellie Alexander's Novel Detectives Mystery series has the perfect Autumn vibe and setting. If you are familiar with this author's previous works, you will know that she excels at world-building. And no, that's not a typo - word-building and world-building mean different things. Word-building is the linguistic or lexical creation of words, while world-building is the design of the universe where your story takes place – or in layman's terms – a place that feels rich, immersive and believable. In A Very Novel Murder you can almost smell the pumpkin spice, crunchy leaves, and old pages of the books within the Secret Bookcase. Turning the beloved bookshop into the set for a cheesy paranormal TV show (Sleeping with the Spirits) was a flash of brilliance. It balances the cozy, comforting bookstore energy with a perfectly eerie, locked-in midnight atmosphere.
🔍 The mystery itself is exceptionally well-paced. When the ego-driven star of the ghost-hunting show (Sleeping with the Spirits) ends up dead, the stakes immediately skyrocket. What makes this particular mystery shine is how the author 'plays' with the supernatural elements. As a reader, you are constantly guessing: Is Redwood Grove actually haunted, or is a highly calculating human killer using the town's folklore as a cover? Red herrings are expertly placed and it seems that every (TV show) crew member and local eccentric has a motive.
Character development is another highlight, and in this instalment, the partnership between Annie Murray and Liam Fletcher reaches a new level of maturity. Annie continues to rely on her sharp criminology training, while Fletcher’s classic, intricate "Sherlockian" deductions keep the investigation grounded. The supporting cast of Redwood Grove regulars also injects the perfect amount of humour and community warmth to balance out the murder investigation
This one will have you turning the pages well past midnight.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to one of my favourite publishers, Storm Publishing 💗 for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for October 13, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Secret Bookcase was busy in the lead up to the Halloween celebrations, and Redwood Grove locals were all in for the fun and entertainment. When a contact came from the TV show, Sleeping with Spirits to Annie Murray, owner of the Secret Bookcase, her gut reaction was to refuse to participate. But persuaded, they got into the spirit (hehe) of things, decorating the store before the TV crew arrived. The ghost hunter was positive there were ghosts in the Secret Bookcase, which included Annie & Franklin's office upstairs for the Novel Detectives, plus Hal's apartment, also upstairs. When the crew arrived, Annie could immediately see that it would be a heavy weekend, with the tensions of the crew standing out. With filming going all night, Annie and her staff would all be exhausted once it was done.
But when someone died during the night of filming, and angry ghosts were blamed, Annie knew for sure that wasn't the case. She and Fletcher took over, calling Dr / Detective Caldwell, who was Annie's long term mentor and good friend. As the investigation deepened with Annie & Fletcher finding snippets of information, they hoped the puzzle pieces would eventually fit together. Meanwhile, Annie and her significant other, Liam Fletcher, were by one another's side when they could, with Liam helping out with the murder investigation.
A Murder at Midnight is the 4th in the Novel Detectives Mystery series by Ellie Alexander and it was another enthralling, fast paced episode. I love the Secret Bookcase (would love to visit) and the new venture of the Novel Detectives. Annie & Fletcher work well together, while Annie and Liam fit well together. I'm looking forward to the next in the series, and recommend this one (and the series) highly.
With thanks to NetGalley & Storm Publishing for my digital ARC to read and review.
But when someone died during the night of filming, and angry ghosts were blamed, Annie knew for sure that wasn't the case. She and Fletcher took over, calling Dr / Detective Caldwell, who was Annie's long term mentor and good friend. As the investigation deepened with Annie & Fletcher finding snippets of information, they hoped the puzzle pieces would eventually fit together. Meanwhile, Annie and her significant other, Liam Fletcher, were by one another's side when they could, with Liam helping out with the murder investigation.
A Murder at Midnight is the 4th in the Novel Detectives Mystery series by Ellie Alexander and it was another enthralling, fast paced episode. I love the Secret Bookcase (would love to visit) and the new venture of the Novel Detectives. Annie & Fletcher work well together, while Annie and Liam fit well together. I'm looking forward to the next in the series, and recommend this one (and the series) highly.
With thanks to NetGalley & Storm Publishing for my digital ARC to read and review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the chance to read an advance copy of A Murder At Midnight, book four in Ellie Alexander’s excellent Novel Detectives cozy mystery series. It’s always good to be back in Redwood Grove, California with Annie and Fletcher and friends, and there’s always an interesting mystery involved.
Annie and Fletcher not only comprise the Novel Detectives agency, but they also manage the Secret Bookcase mystery-themed bookstore. So they always have their hands full. This one takes place in “spooky season” and the store is decked out accordingly. Annie is approached by a ghost-hunting reality TV show. They want to film in the store, which occupies an old mansion. After deliberating, Annie and Fletcher decide to allow it, even though they’ve never watched the show and aren’t believers in ghosts. But things go awry when one of the crew dies on set while being filmed!
There’s a lot of seasonal atmosphere in this one and I enjoyed the mystery. I did miss Pri and Penny, Hal and others, who barely appear in this installment. Liam also wasn’t in this much, but there’s significant progress in his relationship with Annie, which was nice to see.
The Author’s Note is always a favorite thing for me to read and this one was good. Ms. Alexander talks about how much she loved the Scooby-Doo cartoon series when she was growing up, with ghost stories that weren’t too scary.
Annie and Fletcher not only comprise the Novel Detectives agency, but they also manage the Secret Bookcase mystery-themed bookstore. So they always have their hands full. This one takes place in “spooky season” and the store is decked out accordingly. Annie is approached by a ghost-hunting reality TV show. They want to film in the store, which occupies an old mansion. After deliberating, Annie and Fletcher decide to allow it, even though they’ve never watched the show and aren’t believers in ghosts. But things go awry when one of the crew dies on set while being filmed!
There’s a lot of seasonal atmosphere in this one and I enjoyed the mystery. I did miss Pri and Penny, Hal and others, who barely appear in this installment. Liam also wasn’t in this much, but there’s significant progress in his relationship with Annie, which was nice to see.
The Author’s Note is always a favorite thing for me to read and this one was good. Ms. Alexander talks about how much she loved the Scooby-Doo cartoon series when she was growing up, with ghost stories that weren’t too scary.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A television ghost hunter comes to spend the night inside the Secret Bookcase, dies during filming, and Annie’s immediate problem is somehow not “my bookstore is cursed now.” It is “which member of this deeply dysfunctional production crew hated him enough to make him stop breathing?” Because of course. This woman cannot host one cute seasonal event without somebody turning autumnal marketing into a homicide investigation.
The crew of Sleeping with the Spirits arrives already behaving like they have been trapped together in a van for seven years and somebody controls the aux cord. Nobody likes anybody. There are grudges. There are old resentments. There are conversations where you can practically hear the words “per my last email.” Annie and Fletcher agreed to the overnight shoot because spooky bookstore plus hit ghost show equals money and publicity, and for a few innocent minutes that probably sounded adorable. Then the star drops dead and suddenly the Secret Bookcase has gone from cozy destination to crime scene with merch.
Annie, thank God, is not buying the ghost explanation for even one second. Everybody else is staring at flickering equipment and whispering about spirits while she is basically standing there thinking, no, one of you weird little television people did this with your human hands. That is why I continue to enjoy her. She hears “possibly paranormal” and responds like someone who has already opened a spreadsheet titled MOTIVE. Fletcher is right there with her, obviously, because apparently the Novel Detectives business model is “books downstairs, amateur homicide unit upstairs, no work-life balance anywhere.”
And these suspects make it easy to become nosy. Every time Annie starts talking to somebody from the show, a new layer of “oh, THAT’S why you hate him” peels off. Nobody is simply a coworker. Everyone has history. Everyone is withholding one useful little detail until Annie comes back and asks them again. I spent half the book changing my suspect every six pages because this crew is basically a workplace grievance seminar with paranormal equipment.
The funniest part is that the ghost angle keeps handing everybody excuses. Strange noise? Ghost. Weird shadow? Ghost. Something happened at midnight? Ghost. Meanwhile Annie is standing there like, sure, Gary, but did the ghost also lie about where it was between 11:15 and 11:42? The more she strips away the spooky nonsense, the more this turns into the exact kind of human mess I wanted. Petty grudges. Old secrets. Ego. Money. People who have worked together too long and should have gone to therapy three seasons ago.
Fletcher remains deeply charming because he treats murder-solving like a normal extension of bookstore ownership. This man can stock shelves, discuss Sherlock Holmes, help Annie dismantle an alibi, and still somehow give the impression that he has remembered to hydrate. He and Annie are fully in their investigative married-couple era without actually being married to each other, just exchanging one look across a room and silently agreeing that somebody is lying.
Meanwhile Annie and Liam are HOUSE HUNTING, which is hysterical timing because apparently Annie has not had enough suspicious properties in her life. She is trying to imagine countertops and future bedrooms while also investigating a dead ghost hunter, and Liam continues to accept that this is simply what loving Annie looks like. She may be touring a potential forever home while mentally replaying witness statements. He is not asking her to stop being this way. He is just standing next to her like, yes, the backsplash is nice, and yes, that guy’s timeline makes no sense. That got me a little. Moving on.
There were still a few spots where I wanted everybody to stop sipping seasonal drinks and GET BACK TO THE MURDER, but once the crew’s secrets started cracking open, I was in. The ghost-show setup is exactly the kind of cozy nonsense I want from this series because it lets Redwood Grove be ridiculous without making the murder feel weightless. The Secret Bookcase can smell like cinnamon and still have a corpse in it. Range.
A Murder at Midnight gets 4 stars from me. It is cozy, nosy, suspicious, and packed with people who should have resolved their interpersonal issues before agreeing to be locked overnight in a bookstore with cameras. Annie and Fletcher remain a delight, Annie and Liam are getting dangerously adorable, and at this point I need the Secret Bookcase to start charging a murder surcharge for events because this cannot keep being financially sustainable.
Whodunity Award: For Turning a Ghost-Hunting TV Shoot Into a Workplace Murder Audit With Seasonal Beverages
Huge thanks to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC, and for once again sending me to Redwood Grove, where the bookstore is charming, the coffee is excellent, and every event planner should probably include “possible homicide” between catering and parking.
The crew of Sleeping with the Spirits arrives already behaving like they have been trapped together in a van for seven years and somebody controls the aux cord. Nobody likes anybody. There are grudges. There are old resentments. There are conversations where you can practically hear the words “per my last email.” Annie and Fletcher agreed to the overnight shoot because spooky bookstore plus hit ghost show equals money and publicity, and for a few innocent minutes that probably sounded adorable. Then the star drops dead and suddenly the Secret Bookcase has gone from cozy destination to crime scene with merch.
Annie, thank God, is not buying the ghost explanation for even one second. Everybody else is staring at flickering equipment and whispering about spirits while she is basically standing there thinking, no, one of you weird little television people did this with your human hands. That is why I continue to enjoy her. She hears “possibly paranormal” and responds like someone who has already opened a spreadsheet titled MOTIVE. Fletcher is right there with her, obviously, because apparently the Novel Detectives business model is “books downstairs, amateur homicide unit upstairs, no work-life balance anywhere.”
And these suspects make it easy to become nosy. Every time Annie starts talking to somebody from the show, a new layer of “oh, THAT’S why you hate him” peels off. Nobody is simply a coworker. Everyone has history. Everyone is withholding one useful little detail until Annie comes back and asks them again. I spent half the book changing my suspect every six pages because this crew is basically a workplace grievance seminar with paranormal equipment.
The funniest part is that the ghost angle keeps handing everybody excuses. Strange noise? Ghost. Weird shadow? Ghost. Something happened at midnight? Ghost. Meanwhile Annie is standing there like, sure, Gary, but did the ghost also lie about where it was between 11:15 and 11:42? The more she strips away the spooky nonsense, the more this turns into the exact kind of human mess I wanted. Petty grudges. Old secrets. Ego. Money. People who have worked together too long and should have gone to therapy three seasons ago.
Fletcher remains deeply charming because he treats murder-solving like a normal extension of bookstore ownership. This man can stock shelves, discuss Sherlock Holmes, help Annie dismantle an alibi, and still somehow give the impression that he has remembered to hydrate. He and Annie are fully in their investigative married-couple era without actually being married to each other, just exchanging one look across a room and silently agreeing that somebody is lying.
Meanwhile Annie and Liam are HOUSE HUNTING, which is hysterical timing because apparently Annie has not had enough suspicious properties in her life. She is trying to imagine countertops and future bedrooms while also investigating a dead ghost hunter, and Liam continues to accept that this is simply what loving Annie looks like. She may be touring a potential forever home while mentally replaying witness statements. He is not asking her to stop being this way. He is just standing next to her like, yes, the backsplash is nice, and yes, that guy’s timeline makes no sense. That got me a little. Moving on.
There were still a few spots where I wanted everybody to stop sipping seasonal drinks and GET BACK TO THE MURDER, but once the crew’s secrets started cracking open, I was in. The ghost-show setup is exactly the kind of cozy nonsense I want from this series because it lets Redwood Grove be ridiculous without making the murder feel weightless. The Secret Bookcase can smell like cinnamon and still have a corpse in it. Range.
A Murder at Midnight gets 4 stars from me. It is cozy, nosy, suspicious, and packed with people who should have resolved their interpersonal issues before agreeing to be locked overnight in a bookstore with cameras. Annie and Fletcher remain a delight, Annie and Liam are getting dangerously adorable, and at this point I need the Secret Bookcase to start charging a murder surcharge for events because this cannot keep being financially sustainable.
Whodunity Award: For Turning a Ghost-Hunting TV Shoot Into a Workplace Murder Audit With Seasonal Beverages
Huge thanks to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC, and for once again sending me to Redwood Grove, where the bookstore is charming, the coffee is excellent, and every event planner should probably include “possible homicide” between catering and parking.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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.
Although not fans themselves, the owners of the Secret Bookcase, in Redwood Grove, Annie Murray and Fletcher Hughes can't resist when asked to take part in the new series of Sleeping with the Spirits, after all, any publicity is better than none, right? Well, maybe not any! After enduring the constant bickering between the production team and the show's star they're looking forward to getting their bookstore back to normal as soon as possible. Unfortunately, after one of their guests dies right in front of Annie, that looks a long way off! With the Novel Detectives once again being seconded to the Redwood Grove police they have their hands full trying to solve a murder, while dealing with the aftermath of a violent rainstorm, and in Annie's case finding a new place to live! All this plus trying to shut down the rumour that an angry spirit was responsible for the death means everyone is more than a little on edge!
Book four in Ellie Alexander's fun cosy series takes a little bit of a darker turn with witch hunters trying to take over everything. All the main protagonists make an appearance and the back stories continue to entertain alongside the main investigation. The Halloween activities planned sound great and I thoroughly enjoyed reading this latest episode of Annie's story. My only gripe is there is lots of delicious food mentioned but no recipes included! Recommended.
Although not fans themselves, the owners of the Secret Bookcase, in Redwood Grove, Annie Murray and Fletcher Hughes can't resist when asked to take part in the new series of Sleeping with the Spirits, after all, any publicity is better than none, right? Well, maybe not any! After enduring the constant bickering between the production team and the show's star they're looking forward to getting their bookstore back to normal as soon as possible. Unfortunately, after one of their guests dies right in front of Annie, that looks a long way off! With the Novel Detectives once again being seconded to the Redwood Grove police they have their hands full trying to solve a murder, while dealing with the aftermath of a violent rainstorm, and in Annie's case finding a new place to live! All this plus trying to shut down the rumour that an angry spirit was responsible for the death means everyone is more than a little on edge!
Book four in Ellie Alexander's fun cosy series takes a little bit of a darker turn with witch hunters trying to take over everything. All the main protagonists make an appearance and the back stories continue to entertain alongside the main investigation. The Halloween activities planned sound great and I thoroughly enjoyed reading this latest episode of Annie's story. My only gripe is there is lots of delicious food mentioned but no recipes included! Recommended.
October 12, 2026
Another lovely cosy mystery with plenty of twists, turns and a little spooky atmosphere! 🍂📚
It was great to be back with Annie and Fletcher as they juggle running the Secret Bookcase and their work with the Novel Detectives. This time, things take a rather creepy turn when a famous ghost hunter arrives to film an episode of his TV show at the bookstore. What starts off as an exciting opportunity for publicity soon becomes something much more sinister when he ends up dead!
I really enjoyed the mix of mystery, books and spooky goings-on. The old English estate and autumn setting added a wonderful atmosphere, and I loved how the story kept me guessing about what was really happening. Was there something supernatural going on, or was someone using the ghostly rumours to cover up something far more sinister?
Annie and Fletcher make a great team, and it was fun following them as they pieced together the clues and tried to uncover the truth before anyone else got hurt. There was plenty to keep me intrigued, with just the right balance of suspense and cosy mystery charm.
If you enjoy bookshop mysteries, amateur sleuths, suspicious characters and a touch of the paranormal, this is definitely one to add to your reading list.
A fun, atmospheric and entertaining cosy mystery that’s perfect for an autumn evening, although you might want to leave a light on while reading! 👻📖
It was great to be back with Annie and Fletcher as they juggle running the Secret Bookcase and their work with the Novel Detectives. This time, things take a rather creepy turn when a famous ghost hunter arrives to film an episode of his TV show at the bookstore. What starts off as an exciting opportunity for publicity soon becomes something much more sinister when he ends up dead!
I really enjoyed the mix of mystery, books and spooky goings-on. The old English estate and autumn setting added a wonderful atmosphere, and I loved how the story kept me guessing about what was really happening. Was there something supernatural going on, or was someone using the ghostly rumours to cover up something far more sinister?
Annie and Fletcher make a great team, and it was fun following them as they pieced together the clues and tried to uncover the truth before anyone else got hurt. There was plenty to keep me intrigued, with just the right balance of suspense and cosy mystery charm.
If you enjoy bookshop mysteries, amateur sleuths, suspicious characters and a touch of the paranormal, this is definitely one to add to your reading list.
A fun, atmospheric and entertaining cosy mystery that’s perfect for an autumn evening, although you might want to leave a light on while reading! 👻📖
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Can you imagine a woman calling a bookstore and telling the person who answers the phone—not even in person—that the bookstore is haunted? Annie Murray has handled countless telephone inquiries in her years at the shop, but never from a television producer. After receiving the producer's introduction, Annie learns Nicole Straight of "Sleeping with the Spirits" wants to rent the property for the film crew for two nights and feature the bookshop in the season premiere.
No matter the season or occasion, whether it's a bookstore event or a new case for Annie and Fletcher—partners at the Secret Bookcase and the Novel Detectives Agency—the reader is immediately engaged. The author's lively, sensory-rich writing transports you straight into the heart of a charming California town, letting every scene unfold vividly in your imagination.
This installment shines especially bright because the secondary characters—bookstore staff, friends, and Redwood Grove locals—are as captivating as Annie, Fletcher, and Hal themselves. I especially enjoyed seeing Annie step back from her role as Event Coordinator to join the beloved autumn festival alongside longtime residents and visiting tourists.
This is the perfect autumn read—no costume necessary, just an eagerness to turn the page. You'll want to learn if the bookstore is truly haunted, and for fans following Annie and Liam's relationship, there's an extra delight in store.
Thank you to Ellie Alexander, Storm Publishing, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an eARC of this novel.
No matter the season or occasion, whether it's a bookstore event or a new case for Annie and Fletcher—partners at the Secret Bookcase and the Novel Detectives Agency—the reader is immediately engaged. The author's lively, sensory-rich writing transports you straight into the heart of a charming California town, letting every scene unfold vividly in your imagination.
This installment shines especially bright because the secondary characters—bookstore staff, friends, and Redwood Grove locals—are as captivating as Annie, Fletcher, and Hal themselves. I especially enjoyed seeing Annie step back from her role as Event Coordinator to join the beloved autumn festival alongside longtime residents and visiting tourists.
This is the perfect autumn read—no costume necessary, just an eagerness to turn the page. You'll want to learn if the bookstore is truly haunted, and for fans following Annie and Liam's relationship, there's an extra delight in store.
Thank you to Ellie Alexander, Storm Publishing, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an eARC of this novel.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This series is a spin-off from the Secret Bookcase mystery series. Both the original and this spin-off are centered around an Agatha Christie themed bookstore but in the spin-off, Annie and Fletcher now own the bookstore and are also officially private detectives.
The main case in each book stands on its own, but there is a subplot that has continued across the last few books, but it's way in the background of this book, so it works well as a standalone. The case that takes center stage involves a ghost hunting show filming in the bookstore. Annie has reservations, but agrees to it since the publicity could be good for the bookstore's bottom line.
This is a fun, well-written series. It's a great book to meet Annie and Fletcher and perfect for this time of year since it takes place around Halloween and ghost hunting is key to the mystery. Annie and Fletcher get a close look at what goes on behind the scenes of a reality show and it isn't pretty. It is heavily scripted, overly dramatic, and the ghost hunter and crew are constantly fighting. When the host is killed while filming the episode, it's up to Annie and Fletcher to find the very human killer. This isn't easy since everyone seems suspicious. I had so much fun trying to determine the guilty party and guessed incorrectly! The interesting mystery and great bookstore setting make this a winner for your cozy Halloween reading.
I received an advance copy of this ebook from Storm Publishing and NetGalley. My review is voluntary and unbiased.
The main case in each book stands on its own, but there is a subplot that has continued across the last few books, but it's way in the background of this book, so it works well as a standalone. The case that takes center stage involves a ghost hunting show filming in the bookstore. Annie has reservations, but agrees to it since the publicity could be good for the bookstore's bottom line.
This is a fun, well-written series. It's a great book to meet Annie and Fletcher and perfect for this time of year since it takes place around Halloween and ghost hunting is key to the mystery. Annie and Fletcher get a close look at what goes on behind the scenes of a reality show and it isn't pretty. It is heavily scripted, overly dramatic, and the ghost hunter and crew are constantly fighting. When the host is killed while filming the episode, it's up to Annie and Fletcher to find the very human killer. This isn't easy since everyone seems suspicious. I had so much fun trying to determine the guilty party and guessed incorrectly! The interesting mystery and great bookstore setting make this a winner for your cozy Halloween reading.
I received an advance copy of this ebook from Storm Publishing and NetGalley. My review is voluntary and unbiased.
October 13, 2026
I love the Novel Detective series. The mysteries are always interesting. But most importantly I really like the two main characters, Annie and Fletcher. What a dream these two have built. They are avid readers who own a bookstore and now own their own personal detective agency.
When a ghost hunting show wants to film an episode at the Secret Bookcase, Annie and Fletcher decide it would be good for the bookstore, although neither of them believe in ghosts.
They get a little more than they bargained for when this quirky film crew shows up. The tension is thick, but it gets dialed up when one of the crew members ends up dead. The film crew wants to blame the death on an angry ghost, but Annie and Fletcher know this murderer is fully alive. They just need to figure who and why.
The author provides plenty of suspects and more than a few red herrings to throw you off the scent of the real culprit because honestly it could be any of them. The setting is right before Halloween so this lends another spook factor to the mystery. This entire series and this book are binge worthy and truly addictive.
Thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
When a ghost hunting show wants to film an episode at the Secret Bookcase, Annie and Fletcher decide it would be good for the bookstore, although neither of them believe in ghosts.
They get a little more than they bargained for when this quirky film crew shows up. The tension is thick, but it gets dialed up when one of the crew members ends up dead. The film crew wants to blame the death on an angry ghost, but Annie and Fletcher know this murderer is fully alive. They just need to figure who and why.
The author provides plenty of suspects and more than a few red herrings to throw you off the scent of the real culprit because honestly it could be any of them. The setting is right before Halloween so this lends another spook factor to the mystery. This entire series and this book are binge worthy and truly addictive.
Thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4-1/2 stars. A Murder at Midnight is the 4th book in Ellie Alexander's Novel Detectives Mystery series and it is a good addition to the series. It is almost Halloween and the TV show Sleeping with Spirits wants to tape a show at Secret Bookcase bookstore. They will tape for two nights and the staff at the bookstore get to help out behind the.scenes. There are several people with the TV show including the star Palmer Haufmann, Nicole the producer, Tara, RJ, Wilson and Molly. There is a lot of fighting among them and when one of them is murdered the others become the suspects. The book had a slow pace with the mystery not starting until a third of the way in and there were a couple of slow spots. The main characters are wonderful and Annie and Fletcher work well together as the Novel Detectives. Annie and her boyfriend Liam are house hunting so they can move in together which is sweet. This is an enjoyable cozy mystery set at Halloween. #AMurderAtMidnight #NovelDetectivesMystery#NetGalley #StormPublishing
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was a good one. Annie is approached by the producer of 'Sleeping with the Spirits', a TV reality show going through 'haunted' places and filming paranormal activity, who want to film at The Secret Bookcase. At first she's hesitant but ultimately agrees. From the moment the film crew arrive they're bickering and arguing. And, halfway through the first night of filming, there's a body. Annie and Fletcher are stunned by the crew's reaction to the death and start investigating. Several twists and turns, plenty of red herrings and lots of suspects! A really enjoyable, fast paced murder mystery. And, is The Secret Bookcase haunted .... ?
Thanks to Netgalley, Storm Publishing, and Ellie Alexander for the free ARC. All opinions are my own.
Thanks to Netgalley, Storm Publishing, and Ellie Alexander for the free ARC. All opinions are my own.
October 13, 2026
Annie and Fletcher’s staff at the bookstore were excited when a famous ghost hunter came to film there, but it wasn’t so fun when something caused a death at midnight that first night. It was just creepy cozy enough for a fun Halloween story, but of course we know they were hunting for a killer that was very much alive. It’s great that Annie can officially work on cases now she’s a PI, and she pretty much had things right. The plan to flush out the killer was a good showdown. Then then ending was just too cool and was followed by a town Halloween party. As always, food, friends, candy and Halloween good times were had by all except the killer.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Storm Publishing, and my opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Storm Publishing, and my opinions are my own.
September 6, 2026
Thank you to Ellie Alexander, Storm Publishing, and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Another absolute banger of a cozy from Ellie. She is truly the queen. None of her stories, even from other series, are the same and each one is a new story with new mysteries to be solved and this one was no exception. With spooky Halloween ghost vibes, it’s perfect for the fall. I wish we got more paranormal aspects in this but it was very well done and I did not guess who the killers were! Pick this up for a spooky cozy good time.
Another absolute banger of a cozy from Ellie. She is truly the queen. None of her stories, even from other series, are the same and each one is a new story with new mysteries to be solved and this one was no exception. With spooky Halloween ghost vibes, it’s perfect for the fall. I wish we got more paranormal aspects in this but it was very well done and I did not guess who the killers were! Pick this up for a spooky cozy good time.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was another really good book in this series. It was a good mystery and keeps you guessing. I love Annie and Fletcher together as detectives. I love the sound of the bookstore and the whole town sounds perfect. Definitely looking forward to their next adventure.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Fall has fallen on the town of Redwood Grove, and the Secret Bookcase is all ready for it. They have decorated with all the spooky Halloween decorations and brought in pumpkin treats. So when they receive a request to use the book shop for a television show about haunted places, they are all in. Little do they know that this will turn into a murder investigation. So the Novel Detectives are on the case.
This is book 4 in the Novel Detectives series, and they just keep getting better and better. Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for an ARC. This is my honest review.
This is book 4 in the Novel Detectives series, and they just keep getting better and better. Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for an ARC. This is my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The story was a slow start, I’ll be honest. I did enjoy getting immersed in the town and learning about the different characters that worked in the bookstore (the main setting of the story), but they all seemed to fade a little into the background as soon as one of the main characters who ends up dead arrives on the scene, so to speak. Plus, with all the different characters muddling around, it was difficult to distinguish between many of them until a little further into the story than I would have liked.
The cast of potential suspects was intriguing. Was it the sound guy? The camera guy? The project manager? The intern? The show’s researcher? The cat??? Ok, maybe not that last one. But anything’s possible! The clues were laid out like breadcrumbs scattered on a path, some leading to nowhere, others leading to red herrings.
The “cozy” aspect of this genre was definitely heavily leaned into, with Annie, our FMC, swooning at her boyfriend’s handsomeness. It was a little overdone in my opinion, and that’s saying something as a diehard romantic. I think if it had been worded a little better, I wouldn’t feel such a cringe toward those moments in the story.
Similarly, Annie likes to mention how petite and short she is, and how difficult it is being so small. As a person who actually is petite and short (I’m under 5 ft tall, with shoes on and with my back straight), it felt infantilizing and a exaggerated in a way that I did not enjoy. A better way to portray her stature would have been including subtle things like how she has to have multiple ladders or stools to reach the tops of bookcases, or how she might need to stand on her tiptoes if the counter of a cafe is just a little too tall for her to see over. That last one might be just a ‘me’ thing, and I fully accept that. But still, we as readers do not need to hear how difficult it is being short, we should be able to feel it in the story. The only time I felt there was an accurate description of the height difference was when she is trying to keep pace with her friend as they’re running.
While the story had a good premise, it fell short in its delivery by drawing the plot so far out that the conclusion seemed rushed and wrapped up far too quickly. It definitely felt like a template novel that used a beat sheet to mark the major action points. While that would normally work for a story like this, the sudden change in the story from slow build to inciting incident to climax to conclusion left me wanting more. While the conclusion tied up all loose ends for the reader (as far as I could tell), it was not a a satisfactory story as a whole.
I’ll admit that I’m not the most familiar with cozy mysteries, and that this is my first one that I’ve read fully. The combination of a small-town vibe with an overarching mystery is nice, but I don’t know if it’s the writing of THIS story that I wasn’t a fan of, or the genre in general. I hate to generalize like that, so I will definitely be picking up more cozy mysteries in the future.
The cast of potential suspects was intriguing. Was it the sound guy? The camera guy? The project manager? The intern? The show’s researcher? The cat??? Ok, maybe not that last one. But anything’s possible! The clues were laid out like breadcrumbs scattered on a path, some leading to nowhere, others leading to red herrings.
The “cozy” aspect of this genre was definitely heavily leaned into, with Annie, our FMC, swooning at her boyfriend’s handsomeness. It was a little overdone in my opinion, and that’s saying something as a diehard romantic. I think if it had been worded a little better, I wouldn’t feel such a cringe toward those moments in the story.
Similarly, Annie likes to mention how petite and short she is, and how difficult it is being so small. As a person who actually is petite and short (I’m under 5 ft tall, with shoes on and with my back straight), it felt infantilizing and a exaggerated in a way that I did not enjoy. A better way to portray her stature would have been including subtle things like how she has to have multiple ladders or stools to reach the tops of bookcases, or how she might need to stand on her tiptoes if the counter of a cafe is just a little too tall for her to see over. That last one might be just a ‘me’ thing, and I fully accept that. But still, we as readers do not need to hear how difficult it is being short, we should be able to feel it in the story. The only time I felt there was an accurate description of the height difference was when she is trying to keep pace with her friend as they’re running.
While the story had a good premise, it fell short in its delivery by drawing the plot so far out that the conclusion seemed rushed and wrapped up far too quickly. It definitely felt like a template novel that used a beat sheet to mark the major action points. While that would normally work for a story like this, the sudden change in the story from slow build to inciting incident to climax to conclusion left me wanting more. While the conclusion tied up all loose ends for the reader (as far as I could tell), it was not a a satisfactory story as a whole.
I’ll admit that I’m not the most familiar with cozy mysteries, and that this is my first one that I’ve read fully. The combination of a small-town vibe with an overarching mystery is nice, but I don’t know if it’s the writing of THIS story that I wasn’t a fan of, or the genre in general. I hate to generalize like that, so I will definitely be picking up more cozy mysteries in the future.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Title: A Murder at Midnight
Series: Novel Detectives Mystery #4
Author: Ellie Alexander
Publisher: Storm Publishers
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Pub Date: October 13, 2026
My Rating: 4.6 Stars
Pages 272
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 #4!
Aww it is a beautiful autumn in Redwood Grove. Of course, Annie and Fletcher are busy managing the Secret Bookcase as well as managing their PI cases at the somewhat new Agency ‘The Novel Detectives’.
As we readers know Indy bookstores are so special and we wish we all had a “Secret Bookcase” -this one In Redwood Grove it said to be a wonderful gathering place for the community – kind of like “Cheers” -do you remember the TV show? Where everyone knows your name!
In this case friends aren’t meeting with a glass of booze but with a book!
In this story Annie and Fletcher are approached by a popular ghost hunter who wants to feature this English themed bookstore on his hit TV show―’Sleeping with Spirits’. An episode will be shot overnight at the bookstore. Thoughts are since it is close to Halloween they could provide guests with special haunted tours.
They are a bit apprehensive but agree that the publicity would be good and perhaps a fun way to generate more revenue.
Since it is close to Halloween the teens are doing a “Fugitive” game.
All seems like fun during this fun season.
Back to “Sleeping with Spirits”, it seems to be doing well until one of the crew members is found dead.
Annie and Fletcher know they're dealing with something much more alarming than an angry ghost!
Another great story.
I always enjoyed the Author’s Notes and/or Acknowledgements.
In this one Ms. Alexander tells us how much she enjoyed writing this series and that it was especially fun writing this. He tells us she grew up watching ‘Scooby-Doo’ and loved the ghosts’ stories they would solve, mainly because they were never too scary. She tells us that this was the grown-up version of her favorite childhood cartoon!
She also hints that the next in this series will be entitled “A Fatal Frost”.
I am sure we are going to get to know more about Annie and Liam
Want to thank NetGalley, Storm Publishing and Ellie Alexander for granting me this enjoyable Novel Detectives’ widget.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for October 13, 2026.
Series: Novel Detectives Mystery #4
Author: Ellie Alexander
Publisher: Storm Publishers
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Pub Date: October 13, 2026
My Rating: 4.6 Stars
Pages 272
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 #4!
Aww it is a beautiful autumn in Redwood Grove. Of course, Annie and Fletcher are busy managing the Secret Bookcase as well as managing their PI cases at the somewhat new Agency ‘The Novel Detectives’.
As we readers know Indy bookstores are so special and we wish we all had a “Secret Bookcase” -this one In Redwood Grove it said to be a wonderful gathering place for the community – kind of like “Cheers” -do you remember the TV show? Where everyone knows your name!
In this case friends aren’t meeting with a glass of booze but with a book!
In this story Annie and Fletcher are approached by a popular ghost hunter who wants to feature this English themed bookstore on his hit TV show―’Sleeping with Spirits’. An episode will be shot overnight at the bookstore. Thoughts are since it is close to Halloween they could provide guests with special haunted tours.
They are a bit apprehensive but agree that the publicity would be good and perhaps a fun way to generate more revenue.
Since it is close to Halloween the teens are doing a “Fugitive” game.
All seems like fun during this fun season.
Back to “Sleeping with Spirits”, it seems to be doing well until one of the crew members is found dead.
Annie and Fletcher know they're dealing with something much more alarming than an angry ghost!
Another great story.
I always enjoyed the Author’s Notes and/or Acknowledgements.
In this one Ms. Alexander tells us how much she enjoyed writing this series and that it was especially fun writing this. He tells us she grew up watching ‘Scooby-Doo’ and loved the ghosts’ stories they would solve, mainly because they were never too scary. She tells us that this was the grown-up version of her favorite childhood cartoon!
She also hints that the next in this series will be entitled “A Fatal Frost”.
I am sure we are going to get to know more about Annie and Liam
Want to thank NetGalley, Storm Publishing and Ellie Alexander for granting me this enjoyable Novel Detectives’ widget.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for October 13, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A Murder at Midnight by Ellie Alexander
Thank you to Storm Publishing, NetGalley, and Ellie Alexander for the opportunity to read an advance copy. All opinions are my own.
The Novel Detectives are back, and somehow I’m enjoying this series more with every book! A Murder at Midnight is the fourth installment, and by this point Annie, Fletcher, Liam, and the rest of the gang are starting to feel like old friends. One of my favorite things about continuing a cozy mystery series is getting to watch the characters and their relationships grow from book to book, and Ellie Alexander does a wonderful job of making that progression feel natural.
This time, the Secret Bookcase is getting a very different kind of attention when a popular ghost-hunting television show wants to film an overnight episode in the bookstore. Annie and Fletcher have their reservations, but the publicity is too good to pass up. Because apparently letting a bunch of people spend the night hunting for ghosts in your bookstore is a perfectly reasonable business decision. 😂
Of course, things go horribly wrong when one of the show's crew members is found dead. Some are quick to blame a poltergeist or other supernatural forces, but Annie and Fletcher know they're dealing with something much more corporeal. There was no shortage of suspects among the show's cast and crew, who were mostly self-centered, dramatic, and very good at making each other look suspicious. I wasn't particularly surprised by who the victim was, and there was one other person I thought could easily have ended up in that position, but I kept changing my mind about who was actually responsible.
The mystery itself kept me guessing, particularly because of the possible method of murder. I had several theories, but I didn't completely put everything together until just before the reveal—which is exactly where I like to be with a cozy mystery. The motive also made sense once everything came together.
And honestly, the Secret Bookcase remains one of the biggest stars of this series. A literal secret bookcase inside a bookstore in a picturesque California town? Yes, please. Add autumn, Halloween, ghost hunters, quirky characters, and a murder, and you have pretty much everything I want from a cozy mystery.
I’m also very invested in the ongoing storylines beyond this particular mystery, so I’m already looking forward to the next book. I want to see what happens with this group of friends, how their relationships continue to evolve, and—perhaps most importantly—what progress they make on the larger mystery running throughout the series.
Another thoroughly enjoyable installment from Ellie Alexander. At this point, I’m happily along for the ride wherever the Novel Detectives take me next.
4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to Storm Publishing, NetGalley, and Ellie Alexander for the opportunity to read an advance copy. All opinions are my own.
The Novel Detectives are back, and somehow I’m enjoying this series more with every book! A Murder at Midnight is the fourth installment, and by this point Annie, Fletcher, Liam, and the rest of the gang are starting to feel like old friends. One of my favorite things about continuing a cozy mystery series is getting to watch the characters and their relationships grow from book to book, and Ellie Alexander does a wonderful job of making that progression feel natural.
This time, the Secret Bookcase is getting a very different kind of attention when a popular ghost-hunting television show wants to film an overnight episode in the bookstore. Annie and Fletcher have their reservations, but the publicity is too good to pass up. Because apparently letting a bunch of people spend the night hunting for ghosts in your bookstore is a perfectly reasonable business decision. 😂
Of course, things go horribly wrong when one of the show's crew members is found dead. Some are quick to blame a poltergeist or other supernatural forces, but Annie and Fletcher know they're dealing with something much more corporeal. There was no shortage of suspects among the show's cast and crew, who were mostly self-centered, dramatic, and very good at making each other look suspicious. I wasn't particularly surprised by who the victim was, and there was one other person I thought could easily have ended up in that position, but I kept changing my mind about who was actually responsible.
The mystery itself kept me guessing, particularly because of the possible method of murder. I had several theories, but I didn't completely put everything together until just before the reveal—which is exactly where I like to be with a cozy mystery. The motive also made sense once everything came together.
And honestly, the Secret Bookcase remains one of the biggest stars of this series. A literal secret bookcase inside a bookstore in a picturesque California town? Yes, please. Add autumn, Halloween, ghost hunters, quirky characters, and a murder, and you have pretty much everything I want from a cozy mystery.
I’m also very invested in the ongoing storylines beyond this particular mystery, so I’m already looking forward to the next book. I want to see what happens with this group of friends, how their relationships continue to evolve, and—perhaps most importantly—what progress they make on the larger mystery running throughout the series.
Another thoroughly enjoyable installment from Ellie Alexander. At this point, I’m happily along for the ride wherever the Novel Detectives take me next.
4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
October 13, 2026
If Annie and Fletcher had ever heard of “Sleeping with the Spirits”, they might have been more excited when they received a call about featuring their business, The Secret Bookshelf, on the show. As it is, business being business, they agree…and quickly learn to regret it. All of Redwood Grove is thrilled, but their small town doesn’t have to listen to the cast and crew’s endless bickering. The locals aren’t there to witness the show’s host, Palmer, die dramatically during filming, either. But who murdered the ghosthunter and why?
I’m a newcomer to the Novel Detectives Mystery, and starting with book 4 is less than ideal, but I didn’t feel like I was catching up. A Murder at Midnight, while no doubt richer with series familiarity, held its own as a standalone. Redwood Grove, a Californian coastal town with plenty of cafes and boutiques, is a wonderful setting for a cozy mystery. The cast is believable for a bookshop (Ash the teen, Hardy the young adult, Mary Jane of the darker reads, and Hal the former owner/current co-owner and occupant of the apartment in the same Clue-style house). You can actually run a business with that many staffers.
The police procedures were slightly questionable—opening a business, which was the scene of a crime, the morning after the murder—and Annie’s style of investigating does seem to involve creating a theory based on one or two clues, and then confronting the associated suspect with, “and that’s why you killed them, isn’t it?” I will give her credit, however, for wielding this approach intentionally rather than being fully convinced of her own intuition. It weakens the plot, but does not undermine the story.
In recent years, there have been a fair number of mysteries that don’t invite the reader into the investigation itself by planting clues that create a clear path of deduction. A Murder at Midnight has plenty of red herrings, but it is still a solvable puzzle. I did not guess the conclusion; I overlooked possibilities because certain people annoyed me or seemed more suspicious.
A Murder at Midnight is thoroughly cozy and a fantastic seasonal read, thick with cinnamon rolls and cottages, crows and Halloween fun. It’s less insulated than is typical in the genre, with a TV crew and ghost-hunting show in town that bring some external disruption to this delightful pumpkin-spice world. Ellie Alexander has written a lovely escapade, rich in atmosphere, twists, and with a poignant drop or two.
Thank you to Storm Publishing for the opportunity to read this book. I received a complimentary copy through NetGalley, and I am voluntarily writing this review.
I’m a newcomer to the Novel Detectives Mystery, and starting with book 4 is less than ideal, but I didn’t feel like I was catching up. A Murder at Midnight, while no doubt richer with series familiarity, held its own as a standalone. Redwood Grove, a Californian coastal town with plenty of cafes and boutiques, is a wonderful setting for a cozy mystery. The cast is believable for a bookshop (Ash the teen, Hardy the young adult, Mary Jane of the darker reads, and Hal the former owner/current co-owner and occupant of the apartment in the same Clue-style house). You can actually run a business with that many staffers.
The police procedures were slightly questionable—opening a business, which was the scene of a crime, the morning after the murder—and Annie’s style of investigating does seem to involve creating a theory based on one or two clues, and then confronting the associated suspect with, “and that’s why you killed them, isn’t it?” I will give her credit, however, for wielding this approach intentionally rather than being fully convinced of her own intuition. It weakens the plot, but does not undermine the story.
In recent years, there have been a fair number of mysteries that don’t invite the reader into the investigation itself by planting clues that create a clear path of deduction. A Murder at Midnight has plenty of red herrings, but it is still a solvable puzzle. I did not guess the conclusion; I overlooked possibilities because certain people annoyed me or seemed more suspicious.
A Murder at Midnight is thoroughly cozy and a fantastic seasonal read, thick with cinnamon rolls and cottages, crows and Halloween fun. It’s less insulated than is typical in the genre, with a TV crew and ghost-hunting show in town that bring some external disruption to this delightful pumpkin-spice world. Ellie Alexander has written a lovely escapade, rich in atmosphere, twists, and with a poignant drop or two.
Thank you to Storm Publishing for the opportunity to read this book. I received a complimentary copy through NetGalley, and I am voluntarily writing this review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
It sounded like a win-win. The chance to host the popular reality show "Sleeping With the Spirits" was an opportunity to not only bring in new customers but immediately add a tidy sum to the Secret Bookcase shops' bank accounts. Although Annie initially hesitated, the enthusiasm of her team for the idea quickly convinced her. After all, Halloween is quickly approaching. The cast and crew of the show would record an episode of the show overnight at the bookshop and provide guests with a special "haunted tour".
Only one problem. Well, actually there were many problems. The best laid plans go out the window when the show's star, Palmer, has an on-camera seizure and dies. The crew initially thinks it's all part of his act and are quick to announce it's ghostly doings. Even before Palmer is pronounced dead, Annie, who never believed for one moment the bookstore was haunted despite the occasional creaking and bumps in the night from the old building, isn't buying that theory, however. I won't detail the plot further, it's much to much fun to ruin by sharing, but will note that she almost instantly has a list of suspects. After it was determined for sure that the death wasn't accidental, Detective Caldwell asks Annie (and her detective partner Fletcher) to come aboard and assist in the investigation. It's already clear that not only doesn't the cast and crew get along but that there is a shadowy history there. One that perhaps hides a former murder?
Bottom line, a thoroughly enjoyable, fun plot that moves along quickly while still giving us breathing space to catch us up on the current relationship between Annie and boyfriend Liam. Seems they're, whoa, house hunting. What fun although they're discovering homes listed for sale go fast in their area. Will they actually be able to look at homes while Annie's focus is divided? Gotta give Liam credit that he seems to be laid-back enough to just go with the scattered flow. Not giving away any more of the plot other than that it's a mix of reality show non-reality, old grudges and egos, secrets of the past and present, jealousy, and how far someone might be willing to go to pave their way to a big paycheck. All the regulars are there and get some time, not to mention Annie's rather chaotic thoughts concerning Hal's continuing sage focused on his lineage. Thanks #StormPublishing and #NetGalley for the early peek at Annie's sometimes complicated life as well as for introducing her to me in the first place. Oh, and readers, make sure you read the author's comments. They add to the fun.
Only one problem. Well, actually there were many problems. The best laid plans go out the window when the show's star, Palmer, has an on-camera seizure and dies. The crew initially thinks it's all part of his act and are quick to announce it's ghostly doings. Even before Palmer is pronounced dead, Annie, who never believed for one moment the bookstore was haunted despite the occasional creaking and bumps in the night from the old building, isn't buying that theory, however. I won't detail the plot further, it's much to much fun to ruin by sharing, but will note that she almost instantly has a list of suspects. After it was determined for sure that the death wasn't accidental, Detective Caldwell asks Annie (and her detective partner Fletcher) to come aboard and assist in the investigation. It's already clear that not only doesn't the cast and crew get along but that there is a shadowy history there. One that perhaps hides a former murder?
Bottom line, a thoroughly enjoyable, fun plot that moves along quickly while still giving us breathing space to catch us up on the current relationship between Annie and boyfriend Liam. Seems they're, whoa, house hunting. What fun although they're discovering homes listed for sale go fast in their area. Will they actually be able to look at homes while Annie's focus is divided? Gotta give Liam credit that he seems to be laid-back enough to just go with the scattered flow. Not giving away any more of the plot other than that it's a mix of reality show non-reality, old grudges and egos, secrets of the past and present, jealousy, and how far someone might be willing to go to pave their way to a big paycheck. All the regulars are there and get some time, not to mention Annie's rather chaotic thoughts concerning Hal's continuing sage focused on his lineage. Thanks #StormPublishing and #NetGalley for the early peek at Annie's sometimes complicated life as well as for introducing her to me in the first place. Oh, and readers, make sure you read the author's comments. They add to the fun.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
📱📖 Read on Kindle 📃 272 pages
Genre: Cozy Mystery 🏷️ Storm Publishing
ARC by NetGalley
Four books into the series, Annie and Fletcher are well rooted in their detective agency and quite tight with the cops to handle crimes on their own. In this mystery, a ghost hunting team comes to visit their bookstore. Hunting for ghosts ends up with a dead body, and it is up to Annie and Fletcher to find out who is the killer.
The mystery itself is pretty neat. I would never have guessed the way the killer operated. It was pretty smart. My issue with the book though was the free rein Annie and Fletcher were given in this whole investigation. I understand that both of them are registered detectives, but that shouldn't mean the police should entirely rely on Annie and Fletcher for all of the witness interviews and figuring out what happened, and the police would come at the end to arrest the culprit. That doesn't sit well with me.
However, I really liked the character development in this book. The cast and crew of the Novel Detective team really develop over the book's span, and the story arc of Hal's Agatha Christie ancestry that is overarching this set of books is also very intriguing. I am curious how this story arc will end. In the meanwhile, the detective duo could do with a little less free rein for authenticity.
Would I recommend it?
Four books in, A Murder at Midnight still delivers a genuinely clever whodunit, I never saw the killer's method coming, and that alone makes it worth picking up. The character work here is the real highlight, especially watching the Novel Detectives team grow and the Agatha Christie ancestry thread deepen. My one gripe is how much free rein the police hand Annie and Fletcher, it stretches believability a bit thin for my taste. Still, this is a fun entry in a series I keep coming back to. Mark your calendar for October 13, and add this one to your TBR.
Genre: Cozy Mystery 🏷️ Storm Publishing
ARC by NetGalley
Four books into the series, Annie and Fletcher are well rooted in their detective agency and quite tight with the cops to handle crimes on their own. In this mystery, a ghost hunting team comes to visit their bookstore. Hunting for ghosts ends up with a dead body, and it is up to Annie and Fletcher to find out who is the killer.
The mystery itself is pretty neat. I would never have guessed the way the killer operated. It was pretty smart. My issue with the book though was the free rein Annie and Fletcher were given in this whole investigation. I understand that both of them are registered detectives, but that shouldn't mean the police should entirely rely on Annie and Fletcher for all of the witness interviews and figuring out what happened, and the police would come at the end to arrest the culprit. That doesn't sit well with me.
However, I really liked the character development in this book. The cast and crew of the Novel Detective team really develop over the book's span, and the story arc of Hal's Agatha Christie ancestry that is overarching this set of books is also very intriguing. I am curious how this story arc will end. In the meanwhile, the detective duo could do with a little less free rein for authenticity.
Would I recommend it?
Four books in, A Murder at Midnight still delivers a genuinely clever whodunit, I never saw the killer's method coming, and that alone makes it worth picking up. The character work here is the real highlight, especially watching the Novel Detectives team grow and the Agatha Christie ancestry thread deepen. My one gripe is how much free rein the police hand Annie and Fletcher, it stretches believability a bit thin for my taste. Still, this is a fun entry in a series I keep coming back to. Mark your calendar for October 13, and add this one to your TBR.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is the first book in The Novel Detectives series that I have read (4th in the series). I’m thrilled that there’s a new female private detective series. There just aren’t enough of them in my opinion.
Annie Murray is unique among private detectives in that she also runs a mystery book shop from a mansion on an old English estate. The setting is ideal for a cozy mystery.
It happens to be near Halloween and the mystery bookstore is bedecked in spooky, mystery-themed decorations and displays. Everyone is in the mood for pumpkin lattes and Fall-inspired desserts.
The festive mood is interrupted when, unexpectedly, a ghost hunter show crew calls with a request to film an episode in the mansion that houses the bookstore.
Annie and her business partner, Fletcher have their concerns but in the end they decide to go through with it.
This turns out to be a bad idea as the film crew and star spend most of the time sniping at each other.
Things go from bad to worse when the show’s star is found dead.
Fledgling detectives Annie and Fletcher must jump into the fray and investigate to determine who wanted the star dead. There’s plenty of ill will to go around so Annie has her work cut out for her.
I enjoyed this cozy mystery - especially the cozy part. The obnoxious film crew nearly spoiled that for me though.
As a detective, Annie seems a bit unsure of herself but catches her stride by the end.
I will definitely be reading the other books in the series.
I’d like to thank the publisher for providing this book to NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Annie Murray is unique among private detectives in that she also runs a mystery book shop from a mansion on an old English estate. The setting is ideal for a cozy mystery.
It happens to be near Halloween and the mystery bookstore is bedecked in spooky, mystery-themed decorations and displays. Everyone is in the mood for pumpkin lattes and Fall-inspired desserts.
The festive mood is interrupted when, unexpectedly, a ghost hunter show crew calls with a request to film an episode in the mansion that houses the bookstore.
Annie and her business partner, Fletcher have their concerns but in the end they decide to go through with it.
This turns out to be a bad idea as the film crew and star spend most of the time sniping at each other.
Things go from bad to worse when the show’s star is found dead.
Fledgling detectives Annie and Fletcher must jump into the fray and investigate to determine who wanted the star dead. There’s plenty of ill will to go around so Annie has her work cut out for her.
I enjoyed this cozy mystery - especially the cozy part. The obnoxious film crew nearly spoiled that for me though.
As a detective, Annie seems a bit unsure of herself but catches her stride by the end.
I will definitely be reading the other books in the series.
I’d like to thank the publisher for providing this book to NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Once again we have a lesson in "trust your first instinct"! A paranormal hunter television show all but demands to film in the Secret Bookcase shop for the season premiere. Annie is skeptical, but the money is good, Fletcher and Hal are willing. One of their employees is a huge fan of the show, so they agree. Needless to say, there is a murder on the first night of filming. Annie and Fletcher jump in to assist the local police in their investigation, all while trying to run their bookstore and their private detective business.
I always enjoy the way Ms. Alexander crafts a story and while this is the 4th book in this series, which is a spinoff of a previous series, you can easily pick it up and read it as a stand-alone. There are a couple of references to over-arching cases they are working, but not enough to interfere with enjoying this story. I would suggest reading not just the first three books in this series, but going back and reading the 6 book Secret Bookcase series. It not only introduces the characters and sets the stage for this series, but the books are a fun read!
There was just enough intrigue and excitement to keep me turning the pages and those necessary characters I just want to shake, like that overly focused producer! I admit, I had an inkling who the killer might be, but it's always worth it to find out the motive and just what other little twists might be in store for me. Looking forward to the next installment!
My thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the opportunity to read an early copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
I always enjoy the way Ms. Alexander crafts a story and while this is the 4th book in this series, which is a spinoff of a previous series, you can easily pick it up and read it as a stand-alone. There are a couple of references to over-arching cases they are working, but not enough to interfere with enjoying this story. I would suggest reading not just the first three books in this series, but going back and reading the 6 book Secret Bookcase series. It not only introduces the characters and sets the stage for this series, but the books are a fun read!
There was just enough intrigue and excitement to keep me turning the pages and those necessary characters I just want to shake, like that overly focused producer! I admit, I had an inkling who the killer might be, but it's always worth it to find out the motive and just what other little twists might be in store for me. Looking forward to the next installment!
My thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the opportunity to read an early copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
October 14, 2026
As Halloween nears, Annie and Fletcher, who run both the Novel Detective Agency and the Secret Bookcase Bookshop, have an interesting offer: a "reality" TV show about ghosthunters wants to stage the next show at the bookshop and detective offices. Annie and Fletcher are intrigued, the money is good, and they decide it will be fun.
It is fun for a bit, but they soon discover that the tensions between TV show employees is even scarier than the possibility of finding a ghost in the office! Sure enough, shortly after the crew arrives, one of them is murdered.
Annie and Fletcher are hired as consultants by their friend and mentor, police detective Dr. Caldwell, and soon find themselves embroiled in mystery where the tv crew wants it to be death by ghost. But Annie isn't falling for that, and soon learns that everyone involved had motive for murder.
This is another excellent entry into the series. I love how Fletcher and Annie work so well together without being romantically involved at all. I also enjoy their relationship is with Dr. Caldwell. Their group of friends and employees are all involved in this mystery since it happened at their place of business, and it's fun to see them all together. Oh, and Annie and her boyfriend Liam are house-hunting in this book, the next step in the evolution of their friendship!
This is a great entry in a great series! Highly recommend.
I received an ARC from NetGalley.
It is fun for a bit, but they soon discover that the tensions between TV show employees is even scarier than the possibility of finding a ghost in the office! Sure enough, shortly after the crew arrives, one of them is murdered.
Annie and Fletcher are hired as consultants by their friend and mentor, police detective Dr. Caldwell, and soon find themselves embroiled in mystery where the tv crew wants it to be death by ghost. But Annie isn't falling for that, and soon learns that everyone involved had motive for murder.
This is another excellent entry into the series. I love how Fletcher and Annie work so well together without being romantically involved at all. I also enjoy their relationship is with Dr. Caldwell. Their group of friends and employees are all involved in this mystery since it happened at their place of business, and it's fun to see them all together. Oh, and Annie and her boyfriend Liam are house-hunting in this book, the next step in the evolution of their friendship!
This is a great entry in a great series! Highly recommend.
I received an ARC from NetGalley.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I really enjoyed this book! It has the perfect blend of ghost hunting, spooky atmosphere, and cozy fall vibes. The story flowed well, and the natural, engaging dialogue made it easy to get swept up in the setting.
The characters were richly developed without ever feeling like caricatures or stereotypes. I especially loved the bookshop and the charming town—I practically wanted to move there! Reading about the setting was the next best thing.
The mystery was also very well done. Although I had suspicions about the culprit, the clues were breadcrumbed so cleverly that I was never completely sure of myself. The twists kept me guessing right through to the end and I was left genuinely surprised by the culprit and the motive.
This is the fourth book in the series and the first novel I’ve read by this author. While the characters and series are established, I never felt like I was playing catchup and found it easy to dive into their world. There is another overarching mystery that is briefly referenced and the book also touches on issues that have occurred in previous books but it is done with a light hand and never feels exclusionary. I love discovering new-to-me authors I click with, and I’ll definitely be going back to read the series from the beginning.
I was gifted an advanced copy of this cozy mystery in exchange for my honest opinion.
The characters were richly developed without ever feeling like caricatures or stereotypes. I especially loved the bookshop and the charming town—I practically wanted to move there! Reading about the setting was the next best thing.
The mystery was also very well done. Although I had suspicions about the culprit, the clues were breadcrumbed so cleverly that I was never completely sure of myself. The twists kept me guessing right through to the end and I was left genuinely surprised by the culprit and the motive.
This is the fourth book in the series and the first novel I’ve read by this author. While the characters and series are established, I never felt like I was playing catchup and found it easy to dive into their world. There is another overarching mystery that is briefly referenced and the book also touches on issues that have occurred in previous books but it is done with a light hand and never feels exclusionary. I love discovering new-to-me authors I click with, and I’ll definitely be going back to read the series from the beginning.
I was gifted an advanced copy of this cozy mystery in exchange for my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This was my first Ellie Alexander book, and I totally get the hype now...
I came for the murder mystery, but I stayed for the vibes. 😂
Seriously, this author made me nostalgic for a town that doesn't even exist. The bakery, the cozy streets, the people... I wanted to move there immediately.
And don't even get me started on the food descriptions. Every pastry, warm drink, and autumn treat had me ready to skip straight to sweater weather. I swear I was craving cinnamon and cider the entire time I was reading.
The mystery was exactly what I wanted from a cozy. It kept me guessing without getting too dark, and I was genuinely surprised by the reveal. I never landed on the right culprit, which is always a win in my book.
This was such a comforting read without feeling boring. It had enough mystery to keep me turning the pages, but the setting and characters were what really made it memorable. The ending was chef's kiss.
I'll definitely be picking up more from Ellie Alexander. If all of her books are this cozy, consider me officially influenced.
4⭐ — Come for the murder, stay for the pastries and the feeling of curling up with a warm drink on a crisp fall day.
This was my first Ellie Alexander book, and I totally get the hype now...
I came for the murder mystery, but I stayed for the vibes. 😂
Seriously, this author made me nostalgic for a town that doesn't even exist. The bakery, the cozy streets, the people... I wanted to move there immediately.
And don't even get me started on the food descriptions. Every pastry, warm drink, and autumn treat had me ready to skip straight to sweater weather. I swear I was craving cinnamon and cider the entire time I was reading.
The mystery was exactly what I wanted from a cozy. It kept me guessing without getting too dark, and I was genuinely surprised by the reveal. I never landed on the right culprit, which is always a win in my book.
This was such a comforting read without feeling boring. It had enough mystery to keep me turning the pages, but the setting and characters were what really made it memorable. The ending was chef's kiss.
I'll definitely be picking up more from Ellie Alexander. If all of her books are this cozy, consider me officially influenced.
4⭐ — Come for the murder, stay for the pastries and the feeling of curling up with a warm drink on a crisp fall day.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was the perfect read for the spooky season, blending mystery, intrigue, and atmospheric charm from beginning to end. One of my favourite aspects was the inclusion of Sherlock-inspired elements throughout the story, which added an extra layer of enjoyment and made the plot feel both clever and familiar.
The mystery itself was very well crafted. It kept me guessing throughout, with enough twists and red herrings to stop the outcome from feeling predictable. Every time I thought I had worked out what was going on, the story took another turn and kept me invested until the final reveal.
I also absolutely loved the descriptions of the Secret Bookcase bookstore. As a book lover, it sounded like a magical place that I'd happily spend hours exploring. In fact, visiting it would probably be dangerous for my bank balance because I would want to buy every book on the shelves! The bookstore became almost a character in its own right and added to the cosy yet mysterious atmosphere of the novel.
Overall, this was an enjoyable and immersive read, packed with mystery, bookish charm, and just the right amount of spooky-season vibes. If you enjoy clever mysteries, Sherlock-inspired references, and stories set around enchanting bookshops, I would definitely recommend giving this one a try. 📚
The mystery itself was very well crafted. It kept me guessing throughout, with enough twists and red herrings to stop the outcome from feeling predictable. Every time I thought I had worked out what was going on, the story took another turn and kept me invested until the final reveal.
I also absolutely loved the descriptions of the Secret Bookcase bookstore. As a book lover, it sounded like a magical place that I'd happily spend hours exploring. In fact, visiting it would probably be dangerous for my bank balance because I would want to buy every book on the shelves! The bookstore became almost a character in its own right and added to the cosy yet mysterious atmosphere of the novel.
Overall, this was an enjoyable and immersive read, packed with mystery, bookish charm, and just the right amount of spooky-season vibes. If you enjoy clever mysteries, Sherlock-inspired references, and stories set around enchanting bookshops, I would definitely recommend giving this one a try. 📚
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A Murder at Midnight by Ellie Alexander is the fourth book in the Novel Detectives mystery series and we meet up once again with Annie and Fletcher. This time, a ghost hunting TV show, Sleeping with the Spirits, wants to use the Secret Bookcase bookstore as a location for an episode. The woman who called is pushy and annoying, and based on her personality alone, it would have been a hard no for me. However, Annie and Fletcher see it as good opportunity for the bookstore and their detective business.
This book is a tough read for me because I was feeling like I missed a book before this with Annie discussing Hal and coming clean to him about their snooping into his private home and his life. Also, while Annie has been pondering moving in with Liam, in this book, they are actively looking for places to live. I just felt off kilter with these two events.
Even though the murdered man isn’t very likeable and the cast of the series isn’t that great either, I think readers will find the ending a surprise.
Redwood Grove remains unmatched. Ellie Alexander writes the setting so vividly that you'll wish you could move in next door and hang out with the characters. I think readers will enjoy this story as it epitomizes cozy mystery at its finest.
Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book is a tough read for me because I was feeling like I missed a book before this with Annie discussing Hal and coming clean to him about their snooping into his private home and his life. Also, while Annie has been pondering moving in with Liam, in this book, they are actively looking for places to live. I just felt off kilter with these two events.
Even though the murdered man isn’t very likeable and the cast of the series isn’t that great either, I think readers will find the ending a surprise.
Redwood Grove remains unmatched. Ellie Alexander writes the setting so vividly that you'll wish you could move in next door and hang out with the characters. I think readers will enjoy this story as it epitomizes cozy mystery at its finest.
Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 13, 2026
Annie and Fletcher, the Novel Detectives are at it again. Now the show Sleeping With the Spirits wants to film at The Secret Bookcase. They agree, because its large viewership will be great publicity. All the staff except Annie are excited. She has to binge watch the show she never heard of to get a feel for what to expect. (I can totally relate to being out of the loop on the "latest and greatest" TV shows. Books are soooo much better!)
When the crew arrive to start preping for the show, tensions abound among them. The "star" of the show is Mr. Ego and the producer, camera and sound guys, researcher, and intern all seem to have a problem with him. When he is murdered as they are filming the "ghost hunt" in the middle of the night, Annie and Fletcher are asked to work with the local police.
As they find background on all the crew and look for missing objects, all the clues finally come together and they know WHO and WHY but must find a way to prove it.
Also, Annie and boyfriend Liam are house hunting to move in together, as both their present places are too small. Finding the perfect place may be more elusive than finding whodunnit.
Redwood Grove sounds like a great place to live and the people are pretty like small towns everywhere.
I enjoy this series and am looking forward to finding out if Hal Christie really is related to Agatha!
When the crew arrive to start preping for the show, tensions abound among them. The "star" of the show is Mr. Ego and the producer, camera and sound guys, researcher, and intern all seem to have a problem with him. When he is murdered as they are filming the "ghost hunt" in the middle of the night, Annie and Fletcher are asked to work with the local police.
As they find background on all the crew and look for missing objects, all the clues finally come together and they know WHO and WHY but must find a way to prove it.
Also, Annie and boyfriend Liam are house hunting to move in together, as both their present places are too small. Finding the perfect place may be more elusive than finding whodunnit.
Redwood Grove sounds like a great place to live and the people are pretty like small towns everywhere.
I enjoy this series and am looking forward to finding out if Hal Christie really is related to Agatha!
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