The Mysterious Death of Aunt Jane

by S. E. Rayner

Could there really be a murderer in Shadey Cove?

Fern Cassidy owns the local bookstore in a sleepy coastal village where nothing ever happens.

So when the local bank manager is found dead after being investigated for embezzlement, everyone is shocked. When his lady friend and village confidant Aunt Jane is found dead at the bottom of her stairs a few months later, people start talking. When a third death occurs just a few weeks later, Fern decides to investigate.

With her local knowledge, Fern is more than willing to assist when a fatherly police inspector and a rather handsome young detective are sent to investigate the latest body. But no one expects their investigations to lead them into the dark and dangerous world of gangland London.

Romantic attractions aside, can our trio uncover what exactly is going on in Shadey Cove, before anyone else winds up dead?

297 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 28, 2026

Reviews

[Lis · Rating 2 out of 5]

This didn't really work for me, but I think it might work for others. This felt more like reading a screen play that was adapted to a novel then a novel. There were too many characters for me to really remember them all and keep who they were straight. I think the mystery was interesting but the pacing felt off so I kept putting it down for other books and not having any interest to pick it back up again.

Maybe I'll try again at a later date, I think the audio version might help.

Thanks NetGalley and Troubador Publishing for an advance copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review.

[Jessica Chiles · Rating 3 out of 5]

This came across as quirky and different (plus that adorable cover) so I signed up for the ARC. Overall, I enjoyed it. It was on the quirky side although not as much as I anticipated it to be. The writing style is different, more matter of fact, less descriptive. If you like that I think you'll love the book. If you prefer different it might not be a top pick for you. It typically isn't my style but I'm glad I stayed with it. It was a good story but I would have loved the added visual level of the quirky little town.

[Erika Spondike · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am so disappointed in this ARC. This book is jam packed with too many characters and too many plot lines to distract from the fact that there are no fully developed characters. Every piece of dialogue is written in the same style and tone. The writing is boring and repetitive. Nothing really snapped into place until well past the 50% mark.

This book lacks many descriptors so the reader is forced to come up with ways to keep everyone and everything straight. Often, many facts of the case(s) are repeated over and over again as if to anticipate the audience forgetting information (congratulations, you were right!). The writing style is quite bland, and while I can see why the author wanted to frame the book with a third person narrative to bounce between different plot lines, this book really could have benefitted from a singular narrative to lay everything out clearly and with actual perspective.

I have many issues with this book, and some feel as though they could have been avoided through proofreading. Correct me if I’m wrong, but I believe midnight is 12am everywhere? Early on in the book, they kept saying the estimated time of death for Gary was 12PM-4am. As if to say he could have been dead before the party even started???

Later in chapter 35 when Blossom is giving Adam all of the gossip she heard at the salon, she mentions Marion being seen in Steve King’s car and them being together. I found it weird immediately that Adam didn’t seem to take note of that information, but then in chapter 36, Fern is the one telling Blossom they’ve been seen together/potentially having an affair and Blossom is the one acting completely surprised at this information???

What I found to be the most infuriating about this book was character of Timmy. Rayner introduces this socially awkward, quiet, reserved, anti-social teenager who works at the bookshop with Fern and Blossom who is clearly on the spectrum. When there are notebooks written in code that no one can break or understand, obviously the autistic teenager can crack it because he’s good with numbers and these sorts of things. Are you kidding me? It’s 2026 and we’re still writing poorly written autistic characters for the sake of solving a clue by being some sort of left-brained genius? This trope is insulting and demeaning.

A good murder mystery should have all of the clues laid out so that the reader can put together the puzzle as the story goes on. This book sporadically drops the answers to questions randomly and matter-of-factly in a way that is so abrupt and unsatisfying. The entirety of the book, there is a note with the initials “HM” written on it, so as I’m reading I’m trying to note characters with those initials of which there are none. Then out of the blue Penelope says “I remembered that before they officially came out as a couple they used to meet up down by the Harbour Master’s office…” Welp. Mystery solved.

The reader doesn’t get to figure out anything in real time. Adam and Wally just recount new information as fact after having figured it out themselves and take out the fun of solving the puzzle. It feels more like a procedural drama on tv than a twisty cozy murder mystery book. But even clues are better laid out in those shows than they were in this.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

[Get Your Tinsel in a Tangle · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Mysterious Death of Aunt Jane is trying to do about five things at once, some of them successfully, some of them like a cat chasing a laser pointer through a murder scene... but I had so much fun watching it try.

This is S. E. Rayner’s debut, and baby, she came out SWINGING. We’ve got Fern Cassidy, who runs a cozy little bookshop in Shadey Cove and is approximately five minutes away from turning into the cardigan-wrapped, murder-sniffing menace of my dreams. There’s just something deliciously competent about her. She clocks when things start going sideways and doesn’t hesitate to get nosy with a purpose. She’s smart, charming, and exactly the kind of accidental detective I’d want leading my village watch party slash criminal investigation unit.

And the vibe? Chef’s kiss. It starts full-on cosy... tea, gossip, dead banker. Then Aunt Jane dies (rude), then someone else dies, and suddenly you’re knee-deep in secrets, side-eyeing that sweet old man who feeds the ducks because honestly, what does he know?

But THEN, just when you’re settling into your sleepy seaside chaos, the plot throws you in a van and drives you straight into gangland London like it’s auditioning for season two of Happy Valley. It’s a bold move, Cotton. And while it made me feel like I accidentally changed the channel, I kind of loved the audacity of it? This book is like, “Plot twist? You want ten? Buckle up.”

Yes, it’s messy. Yes, the POVs change faster than a Bridgerton scandal. And yes, sometimes it felt like Fern got shoved to the side while other characters elbowed their way into the spotlight like, “Hi! I’m important now!” But I stayed up past midnight finishing it, and that counts for something.

And let’s be real. For a debut, this is wildly promising. The tone is already fun, the murder is juicy, and the core trio (shoutout to Hot Detective and Kindly Inspector Dad) is weirdly endearing in that “crime-solving found family who might also have sexual tension” kind of way. I would absolutely read the next book just to see Fern roll her eyes while cracking another case and maybe, just maybe, kiss someone with her whole chest.

So yes. 3.5 stars. Is it a little chaotic? Sure. But it’s also clever, funny, ambitious, and full of potential... the literary equivalent of a chaotic-good D&D bard who occasionally sets off fireworks indoors but gets the job done. And honestly? I’m already rooting for whatever S. E. Rayner does next.

Whodunity Award: For Getting Murdered in a Quaint Seaside Town and Somehow Ending Up in a Gritty BBC Crime Drama

Thanks to Troubador and NetGalley for the ARC. Y’all gave me murder, a meddling bookshop owner, and British men with emotional walls... which is basically my love language.

[Thio Moss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shadey Cove is all abuzz over the sudden and unexpected death of Aunt Jane, who acted as everyone’s confidante and safe space. It’s almost unbelievable, although still more believable than the thought that anyone would want to hurt her. Everyone loved Aunt Jane.

The Mysterious Death of Aunt Jane was not what I expected. The title made me think of Miss Marple, and I am a hard-core Christie fan. However, this story was more Midsomer Murders/Death in Paradise, minus the tropical paradise. It’s cinematic in a curious way; it feels like I read a TV episode — a complicated one. There is no one main character. Even the main cast — Wally, Adam, and Fern — are utilized in a rather casual manner. It was confusing to begin with — there are a lot of characters introduced right off, with almost no physical description. Yet, they stuck with me; their voices and thought patterns, once learned, set them apart.

This is not a restful mystery; the pacing offers few breaks, and without a distinct main character to hang your hat on, it makes for brisk reading. It isn’t rushed, but it is unrelenting. In a curious twist, this story’s peculiarities become strengths. This was utterly unlike anything I’ve ever read, although nestled in the quintessential English village.

The mystery is compelling; it’s unexpected, yet realistic. The thread of romance is the picture of restraint, yet follows a clear and natural arc. Wally is a delight, and the police tactics, culture, and procedures — including buzzer envy — made me feel like I was eavesdropping at police headquarters. The relationships felt old, weathered, habitual. Lived-in.

I’m still trying to define what S. E. Rayner did here, but it was successful. The Mysterious Death of Aunt Jane would be best for those who like their mysteries to be challenging — not just in the puzzle of whodunnit, but in the narrative style itself. This will keep your brain reeling. It’s crisp and satisfying.

Thank you to Troubador Publishing for the opportunity to read this book. I received a complimentary copy through NetGalley and am writing this review voluntarily.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Mysterious Death of Aunt Jane is exactly the kind of cosy mystery that feels like settling into a comfy armchair with a cup of tea—right before someone in the village turns up dead.

Fern Cassidy, the bookshop‑owning amateur sleuth of Shadey Cove, is instantly likeable. She’s observant, funny, and has that delightful small‑village insider knowledge that makes her perfectly placed to notice when things in town stop adding up. And things definitely stop adding up.

When the local bank manager dies under suspicious circumstances and, months later, the beloved Aunt Jane is found at the bottom of her stairs, Fern’s curiosity kicks in. By the third death, she’s fully in detective mode—and honestly, who wouldn’t be? Shadey Cove might be a sleepy coastal village, but the bodies piling up suggest otherwise.

The dynamic between Fern, the fatherly police inspector, and the rather handsome young detective adds a fun spark to the story. Their mixture of banter, mutual respect, and tiny hints of romantic tension keeps things light even as the stakes rise. And I loved the twist of their investigation leading them out of the cosy village and straight into the shadows of London’s underworld—an unexpected but enjoyable contrast.

The mystery itself has just the right amount of intrigue without ever losing that cosy vibe. It’s humorous, engaging, and filled with quirky characters who make the village feel alive.

If you enjoy charming mysteries with strong characters, gentle humour, and a touch of danger, this one is a delight. Perfect for fans of village whodunits and amateur-sleuth tales with personality.

with thanks to SE Rayner, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

[Jessi L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cons:
-Too many characters introduced in the beginning of the book, made it had to keep track of everyone. After a while it wasn't much of an issue, but initially it was.
- inconsistent plot/ time frame. A death at the beginning of the book kept being written as having occured after a party in the evening and discovered the next morning. Time of death was repeatedly referred to as occurring between 12:30pm and 4am.

Now to the good:
I live a good mystery/who done it, The Mysterious Death or Aunt Jane definitely fit the bill. There are a lot of moving parts and characters in the story. Anyone could be a suspect.

Within the first three chapters there are three deaths that have occurred. Two before the book begins, and one that is followed throughout. We get to follow along with the detectives as they follow where the case leads them. There was enough mystery/suspense to keep me wanting to see where it all ends. I will definitely be reading more books by S.E. Rayner, especially if they are mysteries.

[K McKenzie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had not read anything by this author before and was happy to get an advance copy based on the description. It was an enjoyable read, with a quick moving mystery and some interesting characters and connections. You get a real sense for how the police in this book gathered their information and tied it together. The narrative style is as if an all-knowing narrator is describing the events and people, which I found a little off putting as it meant multiple things and people were just described factually rather than developing a sense of them as events went on. It also meant that you end up knowing the thoughts and reactions of multiple different characters at different points, which as a personal preference is just not my favorite. Again, though, it’s an enjoyable, quick read. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy. All views are entirely my own and offered voluntarily.

[Susan Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone loves Aunt Jane. She is the glue that sticks the community together. So when she dies in a tragic accident, the entire town mourns. No one thinks twice about the cause of her death until some very odd occurences including the mysterious death of a rock star makes the local police begin to question how this connects to two previous deaths including Aunt Jane’s. There will be a lot through which to sort but the two detectives in charge are wise enough to seek local insights. They both find bookshop owner, Fern, an excellent sounding board. And the young detective finds Fern appealing in other ways too.

If you like lots of plot twists and unexpected connections with a touch of romance, you will enjoy this book as much as I did. The characters are all very realistic and well developed and Shady Cove is a rather pleasant place to visit, aside from the murders. Five purrs and two paws up.

[BookNCaffenineMom · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Mysterious Death of Aunt Jane is a fun cozy mystery book told from the perspective of third person omniscient, or more-so an all knowing narrative following different characters around as they try and solve the mysterious deaths in town.

Personally, I found the writing lacked depth since we didn’t get much emotion behind the actions of the characters. We observed what they did and said but not the reasoning behind it. This is just my personal opinion though. It could just be that I am not used to this type of point of view in the type of books I normally read.

All in all, I enjoyed the twist and the journey. It was a 3 star read for me because it did keep my attention and I was able to finish it despite my initial feelings with the writing.

Thank you to NetGalley and Troubador Publishing for an advanced reading copy for my honest review.

[Alexandra · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book had an interesting premise of a mystery set in a tight-knit rural community but unfortunately, it didn’t fully deliver for me. The writing felt quite unpolished, especially the dialogue, which came across as very basic and didn’t add much depth to the characters.

There were also too many characters introduced without enough development, which made it hard to keep track of who was who or feel invested in them. The pacing was another issue: the story moved very slowly for most of the book and then the ending felt rushed and a bit underwhelming.

Overall, while the idea had potential, the execution just didn’t quite work for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Troubador Publishing for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Shaina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much to NetGalley and S. E. Rayner for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for The Mysterious Death of Aunt Jane. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This is a new author for me. I love cozy mysteries. I love the quaint countryside setting. It was good. I would check out more books by this author.

[Kacey/Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun and enjoyable book. It has great characters and lots of twists and turns. This story has murder, romance, chases, and so much more. Highly recommend

[Paige · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the characters, but there was way too much going on here.

[Liesel Hirsch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC!! This was such a fun and cozy read