What do you think?
Rate this book
Let Nothing Astonish You
Lieutenant Carl Sarabia, a newly retired homicide detective, moves with his wife Greta from Houston, Texas to Glamis, Connecticut to be closer to their daughter Sarah and her family. The idyllic river town is upended when Merlin Glenmore is found murdered on April Fools' Day, midway through his seance-themed birthday party at the place he despised the most, The Glenmore-Pace Castle, a gothic mansion built by his great-great grandfather, and now a museum run by his sister Jade. Merlin is notorious in Glamis for his abrupt second marriage to a much younger woman only a month after his first wife's tragic death.
There is no shortage of suspects present at the party who wanted Merlin dead. Only two of the guests do not have alibis-and one of them is Carl's son-in-law. Carl swore to Greta he wouldn't involve himself in any more homicide cases, but will he be able to stay out of this one? Meanwhile, Greta conspires with her daughter and in-laws to involve Carl in solving the murder without his knowledge.
There is no shortage of suspects present at the party who wanted Merlin dead. Only two of the guests do not have alibis-and one of them is Carl's son-in-law. Carl swore to Greta he wouldn't involve himself in any more homicide cases, but will he be able to stay out of this one? Meanwhile, Greta conspires with her daughter and in-laws to involve Carl in solving the murder without his knowledge.
368 pages, Paperback
Published March 31, 2026
About the author
Lauren Opper
1 book23 followersLauren Opper is the author of Let Nothing Astonish You. After working for many years in the publishing business in New York and Connecticut, she moved home to Houston, where she now writes full time. Lauren is an Ironman triathlete and in her spare time can be found coming up with story ideas while swimming, biking, and running.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
April 25, 2026
Let Nothing Astonish You is a murder mistery in the likes of Agatha Christie.
I really liked the atmosphere in its all. The descriptions of the castle where the murder takes place and of the small town where it's located added depth to the story.
There's a large cast of characters (that is, suspects) and they were all distinct enough that it wasn't hard to tell them apart once all introductions were done.
I also enjoyed the instances of humor added in, which helped make the characters seem more real and the story more enjoyable.
I struggled with placing the time period, though. Up until page 70, at the mention of cell phones and security cameras, I was confused as to when the story is supposed to take place. The way the characters talked and interacted with each other made it feel like all events ocurred in the early twentieth century.
Al in all, it was a solid mistery and, although I saw some of the reveals coming, I didn't figure out who the murderer was until the end.
It's an entertaining read and it managed to develop a full story and set of three-dimentional characters in less than 250 pages. I'd recommend!
The ARC of this book was provided by NetGalley, and all opinions are my own.
I really liked the atmosphere in its all. The descriptions of the castle where the murder takes place and of the small town where it's located added depth to the story.
There's a large cast of characters (that is, suspects) and they were all distinct enough that it wasn't hard to tell them apart once all introductions were done.
I also enjoyed the instances of humor added in, which helped make the characters seem more real and the story more enjoyable.
I struggled with placing the time period, though. Up until page 70, at the mention of cell phones and security cameras, I was confused as to when the story is supposed to take place. The way the characters talked and interacted with each other made it feel like all events ocurred in the early twentieth century.
Al in all, it was a solid mistery and, although I saw some of the reveals coming, I didn't figure out who the murderer was until the end.
It's an entertaining read and it managed to develop a full story and set of three-dimentional characters in less than 250 pages. I'd recommend!
The ARC of this book was provided by NetGalley, and all opinions are my own.
March 29, 2026
Netgalley review
4.4/5
Quick Thoughts: A fast to medium paced mystery that has you guessing who’s the killer. At his book is similar to a locked room mystery but in a significantly smaller space.
What I Loved:
* the pacing was well done. At no point did I the story moving too slowly or too fast.
* the inclusion of LGBTQ+ members that were accepted and welcomed.
* decently developed characters for such a large cast.
What Didn’t Work for Me:
* there are some characters that user old English or phrases and it confused me at first what time period we were in. Took me a bit to realize that these people just speak that way.
I’d recommend this book to anyone who truly enjoyed the knives out movie series. It felt very similar with the atmosphere of a mansion and a murder that seems impossible. I was unable to put this book down and devoured it in 2 days. I was constantly trying to guess who the killer was or how the murder took place.
4.4/5
Quick Thoughts: A fast to medium paced mystery that has you guessing who’s the killer. At his book is similar to a locked room mystery but in a significantly smaller space.
What I Loved:
* the pacing was well done. At no point did I the story moving too slowly or too fast.
* the inclusion of LGBTQ+ members that were accepted and welcomed.
* decently developed characters for such a large cast.
What Didn’t Work for Me:
* there are some characters that user old English or phrases and it confused me at first what time period we were in. Took me a bit to realize that these people just speak that way.
I’d recommend this book to anyone who truly enjoyed the knives out movie series. It felt very similar with the atmosphere of a mansion and a murder that seems impossible. I was unable to put this book down and devoured it in 2 days. I was constantly trying to guess who the killer was or how the murder took place.
April 20, 2026
I received an advanced reader copy from NetGalley.
I found this mystery to be very unpredictable. Which is exactly what you want in a mystery! I love the setting and the party! It felt like a classic “who done it”and reminded me of the clue movie. I did see that the author reads the book for the audio book and I feel like that would really add a lot to the experience.
I found this mystery to be very unpredictable. Which is exactly what you want in a mystery! I love the setting and the party! It felt like a classic “who done it”and reminded me of the clue movie. I did see that the author reads the book for the audio book and I feel like that would really add a lot to the experience.
April 4, 2026
We relish traditional mysteries and murder stories, particularly those that revolve around the “who done it?” plot. Especially when it has cozy elements.
I purchased this book and in audiobook format for a road trip, and it certainly did not disappoint! The author herself reads the book, and she brings the characters and the town to life in a captivating manner. It was an incredibly entertaining experience.
March 8, 2026
Book Title: Let Nothing Astonish You
Author: Lauren Opper
Publishers: Independent (author)
Pub Date: March 31, 2026
Dates Read/Listened: February 17, 2026 – March 1, 2026
🗣️ 𝚀𝚞𝚒𝚌𝚔 𝚃𝚊𝚔𝚎: I feel very torn about this book. Opper is an indie author publishing her own debut novel and she created an engaging and twisty read with wonderful characters that kept me guessing. However, it did have some inconsistencies such as full names being used for characters at random even after they had been introduced. For example, I would see the first name of a character and then 2 paragraphs later she used both first and last name, or vice versa. Also, the language didn’t feel right to me. It had a very old-fashioned English feel (i.e. the UK) versus modern day Connecticut. I mostly looked past these things, but I have to admit they got very distracting and eventually detracted from the book a bit for me. That being said, this was still a great debut that left the door open for a sequel which I would definitely pick up. And since I honestly don’t know how much of this is down to the galley vs. finished copy, I would highly recommend picking it up if it sounds good to you!
T͏h͏i͏s͏ B͏o͏o͏k͏ i͏n͏ 5͏ E͏m͏o͏j͏i͏’s͏ o͏r͏ L͏e͏s͏s͏: 👖🧤🕵🏼🏰🐦
𝙱𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: ⭐⭐⭐💫
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Author: Lauren Opper
Publishers: Independent (author)
Pub Date: March 31, 2026
Dates Read/Listened: February 17, 2026 – March 1, 2026
🗣️ 𝚀𝚞𝚒𝚌𝚔 𝚃𝚊𝚔𝚎: I feel very torn about this book. Opper is an indie author publishing her own debut novel and she created an engaging and twisty read with wonderful characters that kept me guessing. However, it did have some inconsistencies such as full names being used for characters at random even after they had been introduced. For example, I would see the first name of a character and then 2 paragraphs later she used both first and last name, or vice versa. Also, the language didn’t feel right to me. It had a very old-fashioned English feel (i.e. the UK) versus modern day Connecticut. I mostly looked past these things, but I have to admit they got very distracting and eventually detracted from the book a bit for me. That being said, this was still a great debut that left the door open for a sequel which I would definitely pick up. And since I honestly don’t know how much of this is down to the galley vs. finished copy, I would highly recommend picking it up if it sounds good to you!
T͏h͏i͏s͏ B͏o͏o͏k͏ i͏n͏ 5͏ E͏m͏o͏j͏i͏’s͏ o͏r͏ L͏e͏s͏s͏: 👖🧤🕵🏼🏰🐦
𝙱𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: ⭐⭐⭐💫
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
April 7, 2026
Let Nothing Astonish You by Lauren Opper is a wildly entertaining, cleverly constructed mystery that feels like a modern love letter to classic whodunnits. With its richly drawn setting, sprawling cast of characters, and a puzzle that keeps you guessing, this is the kind of book that fully pulls you in and refuses to let go.
One of the standout elements for me was the strong sense of place. The atmosphere is vivid and immersive, giving the story that perfect closed-circle, manor-house mystery feel. It creates the ideal stage for a complex web of relationships, secrets, and motives to unfold—and it absolutely delivers on that promise.
The large cast of characters adds so much fun and intrigue to the story. While it may take a moment to settle into who’s who, each character brings something unique to the table, and the interconnected relationships are clearly being set up for even more drama down the line. It feels like the perfect series opener, with so many dynamics already in place and ready to be explored further.
I also loved how many characters stepped into amateur sleuth roles. It adds a lively, almost chaotic energy to the mystery, with multiple perspectives and theories constantly in play. There’s a sense that this group could easily find themselves tangled up in many more mysteries in the future—and I, for one, would happily follow along.
The pacing kept me engaged throughout, and I especially enjoyed how each chapter seemed to end with a little hook that made it hard to stop reading. There are plenty of clues woven into the story, giving readers the chance to piece things together alongside the characters, which always makes for a more satisfying experience.
Overall, this is a fun, clever, and engaging mystery with a great foundation for a series. If you enjoy ensemble casts, cozy mysteries with a classic twist, and stories that let you play detective, this is absolutely one to pick up. I’m already excited to see where this series goes next!
✨ Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the ARC—these are my honest thoughts.
One of the standout elements for me was the strong sense of place. The atmosphere is vivid and immersive, giving the story that perfect closed-circle, manor-house mystery feel. It creates the ideal stage for a complex web of relationships, secrets, and motives to unfold—and it absolutely delivers on that promise.
The large cast of characters adds so much fun and intrigue to the story. While it may take a moment to settle into who’s who, each character brings something unique to the table, and the interconnected relationships are clearly being set up for even more drama down the line. It feels like the perfect series opener, with so many dynamics already in place and ready to be explored further.
I also loved how many characters stepped into amateur sleuth roles. It adds a lively, almost chaotic energy to the mystery, with multiple perspectives and theories constantly in play. There’s a sense that this group could easily find themselves tangled up in many more mysteries in the future—and I, for one, would happily follow along.
The pacing kept me engaged throughout, and I especially enjoyed how each chapter seemed to end with a little hook that made it hard to stop reading. There are plenty of clues woven into the story, giving readers the chance to piece things together alongside the characters, which always makes for a more satisfying experience.
Overall, this is a fun, clever, and engaging mystery with a great foundation for a series. If you enjoy ensemble casts, cozy mysteries with a classic twist, and stories that let you play detective, this is absolutely one to pick up. I’m already excited to see where this series goes next!
✨ Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the ARC—these are my honest thoughts.
April 20, 2026
This book is a fun mystery, although it features a plot used previously in mystery books like Knives Out and Agatha Christie: a cast of characters are attending a party at a venue ( in this case an old castle) when a murder occurs. One of the characters has a background in murder investigations and is thus tasked to find the murderer.. Although this is a familiar plot line, I still found the mystery intriguing and wasn't able to identify the culprit until the end of the book, even though plenty of clues were dropped.
The castle is so thoroughly described that it almost becomes an additional character looming over the small town in which it is situated, It is appropriately spooky and provides lots of hallways and rooms, making the investigation suitably complicated.
There are quite a few characters in this story. It took me a while to figure who each one was and how each related to other characters. This made it difficult for readers to ultimately figure out who the murderer was, but was pretty frustrating to me.. I kept having to go back in the story to remind myself of a character's background and relationships. I think some of these characters could have been eliminated, thus tightening the story.
If you enjoy ensemble murder stories ( like those by Christie), you will likely enjoy this book. Just be sure to bring a scorecard to help you .
The castle is so thoroughly described that it almost becomes an additional character looming over the small town in which it is situated, It is appropriately spooky and provides lots of hallways and rooms, making the investigation suitably complicated.
There are quite a few characters in this story. It took me a while to figure who each one was and how each related to other characters. This made it difficult for readers to ultimately figure out who the murderer was, but was pretty frustrating to me.. I kept having to go back in the story to remind myself of a character's background and relationships. I think some of these characters could have been eliminated, thus tightening the story.
If you enjoy ensemble murder stories ( like those by Christie), you will likely enjoy this book. Just be sure to bring a scorecard to help you .
April 24, 2026
Let Nothing Astonish You is a murder mystery set in Glamis, a small town in Connecticut, where several people attend a birthday party for a universally reviled man, Merlin Glenmore. The party is held at their family mansion, the Glenmore Castle, which is very spooky and foreboding, and what better way to celebrate than with a seance? Unfortunately it all goes terribly wrong when the guest of honor’s body is found in a cabinet during the seance.
The premise here was really fun, you get all the spooky gloomy vibes from small-town New England, in an old, crumbling castle no less, but this was missing a little depth for me. There was an expansive cast of characters and murder suspects, but we didn’t really get very deep descriptions of them, so it was hard to keep track of who each character was and how they were related to each other. We also didn’t really get many descriptions of the characters between dialogue, which was a heavy part of the book, which felt like a missed opportunity to give them all a bit more personality and distinguish them from each other.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author, Lauren Opper, for the opportunity to read this ARC!
The premise here was really fun, you get all the spooky gloomy vibes from small-town New England, in an old, crumbling castle no less, but this was missing a little depth for me. There was an expansive cast of characters and murder suspects, but we didn’t really get very deep descriptions of them, so it was hard to keep track of who each character was and how they were related to each other. We also didn’t really get many descriptions of the characters between dialogue, which was a heavy part of the book, which felt like a missed opportunity to give them all a bit more personality and distinguish them from each other.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author, Lauren Opper, for the opportunity to read this ARC!
March 8, 2026
So so good!!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Let me begin my saying that self-publishing your first novel is an incredibly impressive and gutsy feat. This is exactly what debut author Lauren Opper, former Director of Publicity at Blackstone Publishing, has accomplished with her release of the mystery novel LET NOTHING ASTONISH YOU.
Opper has obviously been inspired by both the novels she has read in her lifetime in addition to those she worked on professionally. The end result is a story that has already been compared to the likes of Dame Agatha Christie and the “Knives Out” films. At the center of this tale is a murder which is surrounded by a large cast of characters, each of whom had motive for the deadly deed. We then have another classic mystery novel element, the shrewd Detective, who is called in to make sense of the insanity and uncover the individual or individuals behind the murder.
The action takes place in the town of Glamis, Connecticut, pronounced ‘Glahms’ in recognition of its’ Scottish etymology. It is here where we being to meet the plethora of characters who will all be called together for the historical literary themed costume birthday party of the wealthy Merlin Glenmore which is scheduled for April Fools’ Day.
In this case, Merlin may turn out to be the fool because he has invited at least one murderer to this gathering. Before we dive into the story, Opper provides us with a brief historical backstory set in 1869 at Glenhurst Castle, which will be the site of the modern-day birthday party. In this brief chapter we read a letter in which Ernest G. Glenmore is commissioning a nearby cabinet maker to create some unique and special items for his castle. This needs to be kept in mind later for the fun to come at the same location.
As previously stated, there are a lot of characters in this story, so it is advised that you keep either a checklist or scorecard handy if you are going to attempt to solve this murder mystery from your armchair. To name a few, we have some of the Glenmore family like Jade, Robin who is in a same-sex relationship, and teenager Scott. Autor Lewis Waterhouse and Italian restaurant owner Sal Marotta and his son, Justin. Sarah, Justin’s wife, whose parents are Carl and Greta. Carl happens to be the Police Detective that will take on the eventual murder case. There are several other characters to make note of, and these are just the ones readers will meet within the first two chapters.
Merlin is Jade’s younger brother and the party at the castle is to celebrate his 50th birthday. In attendance there will be many people from town, friend and foe to Merlin alike, in addition to his wife Arielle who is far younger than him and often rumored to have a roaming eye. Once the night of the party on April 1st rolls around things really pick up. Not only are guests dressed as various historical and fictional figures, but the evening is filled with supernatural games like seances. When a staged séance is revealed some very unplanned things begin to happen like random knocking and people turning up where they are not supposed to be.
The biggest surprise is when Merlin is found with a dagger in his chest in what guests initially assume is just another theatrical stunt. When it turns out to be very real, panic ensues and the authorities are called. What proceeds from that point on is a detailed and quite twisty investigation, led by Carl, who is unwittingly duped into the role after first having been a mere guest and potential suspect himself. I do not wish to reveal anything else for fear of giving something vital away. LET NOTHING ASTONISH YOU is not just a title named for a quotation located at the castle, but it is also a warning to readers to be on your guard and try your best to figure this one out before the big reveal.
Reviewed by Ray Palen for Book Reporter
Opper has obviously been inspired by both the novels she has read in her lifetime in addition to those she worked on professionally. The end result is a story that has already been compared to the likes of Dame Agatha Christie and the “Knives Out” films. At the center of this tale is a murder which is surrounded by a large cast of characters, each of whom had motive for the deadly deed. We then have another classic mystery novel element, the shrewd Detective, who is called in to make sense of the insanity and uncover the individual or individuals behind the murder.
The action takes place in the town of Glamis, Connecticut, pronounced ‘Glahms’ in recognition of its’ Scottish etymology. It is here where we being to meet the plethora of characters who will all be called together for the historical literary themed costume birthday party of the wealthy Merlin Glenmore which is scheduled for April Fools’ Day.
In this case, Merlin may turn out to be the fool because he has invited at least one murderer to this gathering. Before we dive into the story, Opper provides us with a brief historical backstory set in 1869 at Glenhurst Castle, which will be the site of the modern-day birthday party. In this brief chapter we read a letter in which Ernest G. Glenmore is commissioning a nearby cabinet maker to create some unique and special items for his castle. This needs to be kept in mind later for the fun to come at the same location.
As previously stated, there are a lot of characters in this story, so it is advised that you keep either a checklist or scorecard handy if you are going to attempt to solve this murder mystery from your armchair. To name a few, we have some of the Glenmore family like Jade, Robin who is in a same-sex relationship, and teenager Scott. Autor Lewis Waterhouse and Italian restaurant owner Sal Marotta and his son, Justin. Sarah, Justin’s wife, whose parents are Carl and Greta. Carl happens to be the Police Detective that will take on the eventual murder case. There are several other characters to make note of, and these are just the ones readers will meet within the first two chapters.
Merlin is Jade’s younger brother and the party at the castle is to celebrate his 50th birthday. In attendance there will be many people from town, friend and foe to Merlin alike, in addition to his wife Arielle who is far younger than him and often rumored to have a roaming eye. Once the night of the party on April 1st rolls around things really pick up. Not only are guests dressed as various historical and fictional figures, but the evening is filled with supernatural games like seances. When a staged séance is revealed some very unplanned things begin to happen like random knocking and people turning up where they are not supposed to be.
The biggest surprise is when Merlin is found with a dagger in his chest in what guests initially assume is just another theatrical stunt. When it turns out to be very real, panic ensues and the authorities are called. What proceeds from that point on is a detailed and quite twisty investigation, led by Carl, who is unwittingly duped into the role after first having been a mere guest and potential suspect himself. I do not wish to reveal anything else for fear of giving something vital away. LET NOTHING ASTONISH YOU is not just a title named for a quotation located at the castle, but it is also a warning to readers to be on your guard and try your best to figure this one out before the big reveal.
Reviewed by Ray Palen for Book Reporter
April 5, 2026
Let me start my saying that self-publishing your first novel is an incredibly impressive and gutsy feat. This is exactly what Lauren Opper, the former Director of Publicity at Blackstone Publishing, has accomplished with the release of LET NOTHING ASTONISH YOU.
Opper obviously has been inspired by both the books she has read in her lifetime and those she worked on professionally. The result is a story that already has been compared to the likes of Dame Agatha Christie and the Knives Out films. At the center of this tale is a murder that is surrounded by numerous characters, each of whom had motive for the deadly deed. We then have another classic mystery element, the shrewd detective, who is called upon to make sense of the insanity and uncover who is responsible.
The action takes place in Glamis, Connecticut, which is pronounced Glahms in recognition of its Scottish etymology. We begin to meet the plethora of characters who will be called together for the literary-themed costume birthday party of the wealthy Merlin Glenmore, which is scheduled for April Fools’ Day. In this case, Merlin may turn out to be the fool because he has invited at least one killer to this gathering.
Before we go any further, Opper provides us with a brief backstory set in 1869 at Glenhurst Castle, which will be the site of this celebration. Here, we read a letter in which Ernest G. Glenmore is commissioning a nearby cabinet maker to create some unique and special items for his castle. This needs to be kept in mind later for the fun to come at the same location.
Due to the enormous cast, I advise you to keep a checklist or a scorecard handy if you are going to attempt to solve this mystery from your armchair. To name a few characters, we have some members of the Glenmore family --- including Jade; Robin, who is in a same-sex relationship; and teenager Scott; author Lewis Waterhouse; Italian restaurant owner Sal Marotta and his son, Justin; and Justin’s wife, Sarah, whose parents are Carl and Greta. Carl happens to be the detective who will take on the eventual murder case.
Merlin is Jade’s younger brother and is turning 50. Attending the festivities will be many people from town, both friend and foe to Merlin, in addition to his wife, Arielle, who is far younger than him and often rumored to have a roaming eye. Not only are guests dressed as various historical and fictional figures, the evening is filled with supernatural games. When a staged séance is performed, some very unplanned things begin to happen, like random knocking and people turning up where they are not supposed to be.
The biggest surprise comes when Merlin is found with a dagger in his chest in what guests initially assume is just another theatrical stunt. When it turns out to be very real, panic ensues and the authorities are called. What proceeds from here is a detailed and quite twisty investigation. I will not disclose any more information for fear of giving away something vital.
LET NOTHING ASTONISH YOU is not just a title named for a quotation located at the castle. It’s a warning to readers to be on your guard and try your best to figure this one out before the big reveal.
Reviewed by Ray Palen
Opper obviously has been inspired by both the books she has read in her lifetime and those she worked on professionally. The result is a story that already has been compared to the likes of Dame Agatha Christie and the Knives Out films. At the center of this tale is a murder that is surrounded by numerous characters, each of whom had motive for the deadly deed. We then have another classic mystery element, the shrewd detective, who is called upon to make sense of the insanity and uncover who is responsible.
The action takes place in Glamis, Connecticut, which is pronounced Glahms in recognition of its Scottish etymology. We begin to meet the plethora of characters who will be called together for the literary-themed costume birthday party of the wealthy Merlin Glenmore, which is scheduled for April Fools’ Day. In this case, Merlin may turn out to be the fool because he has invited at least one killer to this gathering.
Before we go any further, Opper provides us with a brief backstory set in 1869 at Glenhurst Castle, which will be the site of this celebration. Here, we read a letter in which Ernest G. Glenmore is commissioning a nearby cabinet maker to create some unique and special items for his castle. This needs to be kept in mind later for the fun to come at the same location.
Due to the enormous cast, I advise you to keep a checklist or a scorecard handy if you are going to attempt to solve this mystery from your armchair. To name a few characters, we have some members of the Glenmore family --- including Jade; Robin, who is in a same-sex relationship; and teenager Scott; author Lewis Waterhouse; Italian restaurant owner Sal Marotta and his son, Justin; and Justin’s wife, Sarah, whose parents are Carl and Greta. Carl happens to be the detective who will take on the eventual murder case.
Merlin is Jade’s younger brother and is turning 50. Attending the festivities will be many people from town, both friend and foe to Merlin, in addition to his wife, Arielle, who is far younger than him and often rumored to have a roaming eye. Not only are guests dressed as various historical and fictional figures, the evening is filled with supernatural games. When a staged séance is performed, some very unplanned things begin to happen, like random knocking and people turning up where they are not supposed to be.
The biggest surprise comes when Merlin is found with a dagger in his chest in what guests initially assume is just another theatrical stunt. When it turns out to be very real, panic ensues and the authorities are called. What proceeds from here is a detailed and quite twisty investigation. I will not disclose any more information for fear of giving away something vital.
LET NOTHING ASTONISH YOU is not just a title named for a quotation located at the castle. It’s a warning to readers to be on your guard and try your best to figure this one out before the big reveal.
Reviewed by Ray Palen
April 21, 2026
i ended up feeling a little mixed on this one, but overall i did enjoy it. let nothing astonish you has all the ingredients of a classic cosy mystery: a small-town setting, a theatrical murder, an eccentric circle of suspects, and that very familiar whodunnit energy where everyone seems to be hiding something. the strongest part for me was definitely the atmosphere. the gothic mansion turned museum, the séance-themed birthday party, and the slightly dramatic april fool’s day backdrop gave the novel a playful, old-school mystery charm that made it easy to sink into. you can also tell the book really wants the reader to participate in the puzzle, and i appreciated how it leaned into red herrings, family tensions, and the slow unraveling of motive.
that said, i think this is one of those books i can admire a bit more than i completely connected with. the writing style is accessible and readable, and the pacing keeps things moving, but i personally sat somewhere in the middle with the characters. there are quite a few people to keep track of, and while that works for the puzzle element, it also made it harder for me to feel deeply attached to everyone in the cast. carl is a solid anchor for the story, especially with his reluctant return to detective mode, and i liked the warmth and humour brought in by his family, but i wanted just a little more depth or distinctiveness in certain character dynamics. theme-wise, the book plays nicely with ideas of performance, secrecy, family mess, and the contrast between quiet small-town life and the chaos hiding underneath it. i’d recommend this most to readers who love cosy mysteries with a strong setting, a traditional murder puzzle, and a christie-style feel. for me, it was a good read rather than a great one, but i can absolutely see why readers who enjoy knives out, poirot-style intrigue, or character-packed small-town mysteries would have a lot of fun with it.
thank you NetGalley and the author for the arc 💕✨
that said, i think this is one of those books i can admire a bit more than i completely connected with. the writing style is accessible and readable, and the pacing keeps things moving, but i personally sat somewhere in the middle with the characters. there are quite a few people to keep track of, and while that works for the puzzle element, it also made it harder for me to feel deeply attached to everyone in the cast. carl is a solid anchor for the story, especially with his reluctant return to detective mode, and i liked the warmth and humour brought in by his family, but i wanted just a little more depth or distinctiveness in certain character dynamics. theme-wise, the book plays nicely with ideas of performance, secrecy, family mess, and the contrast between quiet small-town life and the chaos hiding underneath it. i’d recommend this most to readers who love cosy mysteries with a strong setting, a traditional murder puzzle, and a christie-style feel. for me, it was a good read rather than a great one, but i can absolutely see why readers who enjoy knives out, poirot-style intrigue, or character-packed small-town mysteries would have a lot of fun with it.
thank you NetGalley and the author for the arc 💕✨
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 7, 2026
Carl Sarabia and his wife, Greta, have just relocated from Houston, Texas, eager to be closer to their daughter, Sarah, their toddler granddaughter, Rosie, and Sarah's husband, Justin Marotta. Their arrival in the charming town of Glamis, Connecticut, happened to coincide with the extravagant celebration of Merlin Glenmore's 50th birthday at the storied Glenmore-Pace Castle. Justin's father, Sal, renowned for his warm hospitality and mouth-watering cuisine at Dolce Far Niente, was in charge of catering the lavish affair. By the end of the weekend, Carl, a newly retired homicide detective, and Greta, a sharp former investigative reporter, would find themselves unexpectedly drawn into a mystery that demanded every ounce of their seasoned skills.
I absolutely loved the author's debut mystery! The atmosphere was suspenseful, capturing the spirit of an Agatha Christie locked-room mystery while still feeling fresh and original. The birthday party at the imposing, history-soaked gothic mansion provided the perfect backdrop—whispers of the past lingering in its halls since 1870 and family drama awaiting an important decision from Merlin. From the moment Carl and Greta arrived in Glamis, I was hooked by the cast of vividly drawn characters—building anticipation for the shocking crime to come. The author's skillful plotting and immersive world-building made it impossible to put the book down.
I hope the author is already writing her next mystery, as I won't hesitate to start a countdown until the release date.
I absolutely loved the author's debut mystery! The atmosphere was suspenseful, capturing the spirit of an Agatha Christie locked-room mystery while still feeling fresh and original. The birthday party at the imposing, history-soaked gothic mansion provided the perfect backdrop—whispers of the past lingering in its halls since 1870 and family drama awaiting an important decision from Merlin. From the moment Carl and Greta arrived in Glamis, I was hooked by the cast of vividly drawn characters—building anticipation for the shocking crime to come. The author's skillful plotting and immersive world-building made it impossible to put the book down.
I hope the author is already writing her next mystery, as I won't hesitate to start a countdown until the release date.
April 13, 2026
I may be in the minority here, but this book just did not work for me. From the get go, the use of archaic language in a present-day setting was very off-putting, and I couldn't find a reasonable explanation for why the author chose to write dialogue this way. The blurbs on this book compared it to Knives Out and Louise Penny's Inspector Gamache, and while the campy humor of Knives Out may be a fitting comparison, I didn't get the sense that the camp was intentional. And regarding the Louise Penny comparison, I found that to be very aspirational. The writing was not polished enough nor was the character development substantial or believeable enough for that to be a reasonable comparison. There was an overabundance of characters, and it quickly became hard to keep track of who was who and how everyone was related. Some of the characters were just too over the top such as Sal and even Merlin himself. The book was entertaining enough to keep me reading, but once I finished, there was nothing memorable about the plot or the characters for me to recommend. The bones of a good story were there, but the execution was not for me.
I am grateful to have received this book as an ARC through NetGalley.
I am grateful to have received this book as an ARC through NetGalley.
May 15, 2026
This was a fun, and quick “who done it” style murder mystery. It had all the nostalgic elements that make these types of novels so enjoyable. There were also little side stories that were related to the main story, but also their own story. That really helped me to become invested in all of the different character’s personal lives.
There were some pretty predictable elements, but also some fun twists and secrets that I did not predict! Part of the fun was getting to see the lieutenants notes and work right along side him to try to solve the mystery. I also enjoyed some of the historical elements of the family castle and the family lore.
I had a bit of a difficult time getting into the book at the start. It kind of starts in a weird place with the characters and having to piece together who each character was and who they were in the scene with, was somewhat disorienting. The verbiage and language used at first felt like it was a different country and in an older time as well. That through me off a bit. That goes away after a couple of chapters and things start to feel more modern as you go. The purpose of that was lost on me.
All in all I liked this book and had a lot of fun once I got going. Definitely worth a read!
There were some pretty predictable elements, but also some fun twists and secrets that I did not predict! Part of the fun was getting to see the lieutenants notes and work right along side him to try to solve the mystery. I also enjoyed some of the historical elements of the family castle and the family lore.
I had a bit of a difficult time getting into the book at the start. It kind of starts in a weird place with the characters and having to piece together who each character was and who they were in the scene with, was somewhat disorienting. The verbiage and language used at first felt like it was a different country and in an older time as well. That through me off a bit. That goes away after a couple of chapters and things start to feel more modern as you go. The purpose of that was lost on me.
All in all I liked this book and had a lot of fun once I got going. Definitely worth a read!
May 21, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing an advance reader copy in exchange for my honest review.
As others have mentioned, I have mixed feelings about this book. Opper is an independent author who self-published her debut novel, which is a very impressive accomplishment.
There are many characters, and aside from Sal and Scott, most of them speak in the same voice. Even then, nearly all of the dialogue sounds as though it belongs in a Regency-era novel, despite the story taking place in present-day Connecticut. That took some getting used to and sometimes made it difficult to keep track of who was who.
While Greta, Carl, and Sarah were conducting their investigation, I found many of their conversations with other characters unrealistic. People were often willing to reveal large amounts of information immediately, and many of the exchanges felt repetitive, partly because the characters shared the same unnatural speaking style.
Overall, this book didn’t fully resonate with me, but I admire Opper’s accomplishment in self-publishing a debut novel.
As others have mentioned, I have mixed feelings about this book. Opper is an independent author who self-published her debut novel, which is a very impressive accomplishment.
There are many characters, and aside from Sal and Scott, most of them speak in the same voice. Even then, nearly all of the dialogue sounds as though it belongs in a Regency-era novel, despite the story taking place in present-day Connecticut. That took some getting used to and sometimes made it difficult to keep track of who was who.
While Greta, Carl, and Sarah were conducting their investigation, I found many of their conversations with other characters unrealistic. People were often willing to reveal large amounts of information immediately, and many of the exchanges felt repetitive, partly because the characters shared the same unnatural speaking style.
Overall, this book didn’t fully resonate with me, but I admire Opper’s accomplishment in self-publishing a debut novel.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This mystery gave me a historic/English vibe, with the conversations, the town setting, and the way everything felt formal. However, it is definitely set in the present day with cell phones!
Who killed Merlin? I had no idea and didn't even come close to guessing who the killer might be. Many hands were involved in uncovering the clues. I chuckled at how Greta and others decided to uncover information and feed it to Carl, without him actually working on the case. He is retired after all. But that was more at Greta's insistence than his desire.
I felt for Carl. He moved to this small Connecticut town from Texas, and nothing was spicy enough for him. No jalapenos, habaneros, or other traditional items found in Mexican food. The things you do to be close to family.
I don't know if this will become a series, but I would love to see future mysteries, and perhaps Greta will let Carl investigate. You can't stop a detective from detecting!
Who killed Merlin? I had no idea and didn't even come close to guessing who the killer might be. Many hands were involved in uncovering the clues. I chuckled at how Greta and others decided to uncover information and feed it to Carl, without him actually working on the case. He is retired after all. But that was more at Greta's insistence than his desire.
I felt for Carl. He moved to this small Connecticut town from Texas, and nothing was spicy enough for him. No jalapenos, habaneros, or other traditional items found in Mexican food. The things you do to be close to family.
I don't know if this will become a series, but I would love to see future mysteries, and perhaps Greta will let Carl investigate. You can't stop a detective from detecting!
April 21, 2026
Lauren Opper’s *Let Nothing Astonish You* is a profound and beautifully rendered exploration of resilience and the human spirit’s ability to find meaning amidst upheaval. The narrative is anchored by a remarkable emotional intelligence, navigating complex themes of change and uncertainty with a prose that is both lyrical and grounded in raw, honest observation. Opper excels at creating deeply relatable characters whose internal journeys are just as compelling as the external events unfolding around them, making every revelation feel earned and deeply impactful. The pacing is masterful, allowing the reader space to reflect on the story’s philosophical undercurrents without ever losing the momentum of the plot. Ultimately, it is a luminous and life-affirming work that challenges the reader to find wonder in the unexpected, marking Opper as a distinctive and powerful voice in contemporary fiction.
May 15, 2026
This was my mystery book club's pick for the month, and we had the pleasure of hearing the author's presentation of it, her debut book. Clearly, she is a fan of Agatha Christie as she utilized the same method of introducing a plethora of characters. Unfortunately, there were a few too many to keep straight. It would have been nice to have a list describing all of the characters in the beginning.
It was the story of Merlin Glenmore, who is found stabbed to death in a cabinet, on April Fool's Day, his birthday, at the Castle his father had built. The Castle had evolved into a museum and a popular tourist site in Glamis, a small Connecticut village, where everyone knows each other's business. Merlin had a bad reputation after marrying soon after his first wife died in a suspicious car accident. Many relatives stood to inherit his millions after his death or had other motives. The resolution of the crime was a bit convoluted with a different type of result. It will be interesting to read any sequels.
It was the story of Merlin Glenmore, who is found stabbed to death in a cabinet, on April Fool's Day, his birthday, at the Castle his father had built. The Castle had evolved into a museum and a popular tourist site in Glamis, a small Connecticut village, where everyone knows each other's business. Merlin had a bad reputation after marrying soon after his first wife died in a suspicious car accident. Many relatives stood to inherit his millions after his death or had other motives. The resolution of the crime was a bit convoluted with a different type of result. It will be interesting to read any sequels.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A self-published debut novel is worth cheering for, and I feel privileged to have read this one in advance of its publication date. The story was parallel to a game of Clue, including the naming of specific rooms in the sprawling Glenmore-Pace Castle. It felt akin to an old Agatha Christie novel or a Knives Out escapade. If that style is something you reach for, you’ll find this a comfortable read.
I was distracted by the mismatch between the modern-day Connecticut setting and the intermittent Old English vibes, and it felt incomplete. I also didn’t find many of the characters particularly likable. I wasn’t rooting for someone specific, and in the end, I didn’t care too much “who did it.”
I am grateful to have received this book as an ARC through NetGalley. #LetNothingAstonishYou #NetGalley
I was distracted by the mismatch between the modern-day Connecticut setting and the intermittent Old English vibes, and it felt incomplete. I also didn’t find many of the characters particularly likable. I wasn’t rooting for someone specific, and in the end, I didn’t care too much “who did it.”
I am grateful to have received this book as an ARC through NetGalley. #LetNothingAstonishYou #NetGalley
May 17, 2026
With a large supporting cast and a large ancestorial home as the backdrop, it is easy to compare this to murder mysteries like the Knives Out, The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, and Clue. The home in Let Nothing Astonish You very much harkens to the one in Clue where sections of the home are very thematic and get a little wacky. It all lends to a fun, and at time very wacky, mystery.
I will say that I personally found the amount of POVs and supporting characters to be a bit overwhelming and hard to keep track of. I feel it would have been easier to keep track on it on screen. for a book it was simply too much.
I also was not the largest fan of the author's writing style, finding it too often be jittering and characters often speaking in unnatural ways.
Thank you NetGalley and the author for providing me an ARC to review.
I will say that I personally found the amount of POVs and supporting characters to be a bit overwhelming and hard to keep track of. I feel it would have been easier to keep track on it on screen. for a book it was simply too much.
I also was not the largest fan of the author's writing style, finding it too often be jittering and characters often speaking in unnatural ways.
Thank you NetGalley and the author for providing me an ARC to review.
April 13, 2026
This mystery plunges you straight into the world of New England, where old money lingers like the scent of cedar. When the heir to the Glenmore fortune is found dead on the grounds of his family’s crumbling castle, revealing a tangle of grudges, secrets, and generational rot.
The investigation unfolds with a slow‑burn tension that feels true to the quiet character. Each suspect is drawn with just enough ambiguity to keep you guessing, and the final reveal lands with the satisfying click of a long‑held puzzle piece.
If you enjoy mysteries, where the setting is as much a character as the people this one delivers.
The investigation unfolds with a slow‑burn tension that feels true to the quiet character. Each suspect is drawn with just enough ambiguity to keep you guessing, and the final reveal lands with the satisfying click of a long‑held puzzle piece.
If you enjoy mysteries, where the setting is as much a character as the people this one delivers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Some reviews mentioned that there were too many characters in this book, but I took notes and read it at a relaxed pace, so I didn’t find that to be a problem at all. I went in expecting an Agatha Christie–style murder mystery set in a castle, and it absolutely delivered. I really enjoyed the reading experience, and I love the cover too!
“A castle fantasia with a view worthy of the gods.”
My thanks to #NetGalley for the chance to read and review this fantastic, free ARC copy. My opinions are my own and am giving this honestly and voluntarily.
“A castle fantasia with a view worthy of the gods.”
My thanks to #NetGalley for the chance to read and review this fantastic, free ARC copy. My opinions are my own and am giving this honestly and voluntarily.
April 20, 2026
Reviewing for NetGalley:
I am so thankful that NetGalley and many publishers allow so many readers access to books! This book is a self-published one, which is so amazing! I enjoy a good whodunnit, and this had a wonderful setting for it! However, there were so many characters that I did not get the chance to really care about any one of them (okay- maybe I did like Carl). I did not really care to find out who the murderer was, and was not super shocked at the end.
I am so thankful that NetGalley and many publishers allow so many readers access to books! This book is a self-published one, which is so amazing! I enjoy a good whodunnit, and this had a wonderful setting for it! However, there were so many characters that I did not get the chance to really care about any one of them (okay- maybe I did like Carl). I did not really care to find out who the murderer was, and was not super shocked at the end.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
It's a nice mystery with that Agatha Christie feeling. It reminds me a lot of classic mysteries. The castle was amazing and I really liked the environment it created.
The mystery was nice but at some point there was too many characters and I was kind of confused between them.
I want to thank the author,Netgalley and the publisher for sending me this ARC in exchange for a review
The mystery was nice but at some point there was too many characters and I was kind of confused between them.
I want to thank the author,Netgalley and the publisher for sending me this ARC in exchange for a review
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5/5
Yeah, I definitely see the Knives Out comparisons. Especially at the end, how everything came together and was revealed and explained.
I did like the Clue-style environment and the theming of the situation. The was a really fun and vibey setting for this story and mystery.
This was funny and rather fast-paced, but I did want more from the characters and their dynamics.
Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
Yeah, I definitely see the Knives Out comparisons. Especially at the end, how everything came together and was revealed and explained.
I did like the Clue-style environment and the theming of the situation. The was a really fun and vibey setting for this story and mystery.
This was funny and rather fast-paced, but I did want more from the characters and their dynamics.
Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley for the preview copy of this book. I didn't love the writing with this one, but I did like the plot and the mystery. It's pretty easy to figure out the "who" did it about halfway through, but the "how" is a little tougher. It reminded me of old Agatha Christie books where everyone is a suspect. A fun, fast read.
April 2, 2026
I enjoyed the sense of place and the wide cast of characters in this one. It could be a perfect series opener as we have many established relationships primed for conflict. Many characters took on amateur sleuthing duties so there is no end to the number of future scrapes they could get themselves into and out of.
NetGalley provided me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
NetGalley provided me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 14, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Let Nothing Astonish you is a murder mystery to end. I did not find the story super engaging, but the murder was not revealed until the end which I did like. It was never a super obvious answer, but the investigation felt very drawn out.
Let Nothing Astonish you is a murder mystery to end. I did not find the story super engaging, but the murder was not revealed until the end which I did like. It was never a super obvious answer, but the investigation felt very drawn out.
May 3, 2026
I raced through the pages of Lauren Opper’s debut book, Let Nothing Astonish You. Be prepared to be astonished at the surprise ending of this skillfully written whodunnit. If you enjoy mysteries with plenty of twists and turns, this suspenseful thriller is for you.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews