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Harry & Emma Mystery #1
A Field Guide to Murder
A cranky widower and his spirited caregiver team up to solve his neighbor’s murder in this charming and original mystery, perfect for fans of Richard Osman and Benjamin Stevenson.
Once a globe-trotting anthropologist, Harry Lancaster is now certain that all his grand adventures are behind him. Recently widowed and suffering from a fractured hip, Harry spends his days and nights behind a pair of binoculars, nose-deep in his neighbors’ affairs. His millennial caregiver, Emma, is determined to get him out of his armchair and back into the world.
Fate intervenes when Harry’s mysterious neighbor Sue phones, pleading for help. But instead of rescuing her, Harry and Emma find Sue dead: poisoned, days after a break-in at Sue’s house. Harry resolves to find out what happened, and Emma insists on going along for the ride. Together, they discover motives and suspects abound in Harry’s quaint condominium community—putting them both in the crosshairs of a cold-blooded killer.
Readers of Kristen Perrin and Deanna Raybourn will be charmed by this quirky, cross-generational murder mystery.
Once a globe-trotting anthropologist, Harry Lancaster is now certain that all his grand adventures are behind him. Recently widowed and suffering from a fractured hip, Harry spends his days and nights behind a pair of binoculars, nose-deep in his neighbors’ affairs. His millennial caregiver, Emma, is determined to get him out of his armchair and back into the world.
Fate intervenes when Harry’s mysterious neighbor Sue phones, pleading for help. But instead of rescuing her, Harry and Emma find Sue dead: poisoned, days after a break-in at Sue’s house. Harry resolves to find out what happened, and Emma insists on going along for the ride. Together, they discover motives and suspects abound in Harry’s quaint condominium community—putting them both in the crosshairs of a cold-blooded killer.
Readers of Kristen Perrin and Deanna Raybourn will be charmed by this quirky, cross-generational murder mystery.
Audiobook
First published January 27, 2026
About the author
Michelle L. Cullen
2 books70 followersMichelle L. Cullen's books are informed by her experiences as an anthropologist.
She has lived and traveled all over the world: from working as a (decent if powered by enough espresso) bilingual secretary in Paris to backpacking around Europe, Central America, and Southern Africa, to helping rebuild communities after war throughout Africa, East Asia, South Asia, and the Pacific. She studied sociology at the London School of Economics in England and anthropology at Melbourne University in Australia.
She currently lives in Annapolis, Maryland.
She has lived and traveled all over the world: from working as a (decent if powered by enough espresso) bilingual secretary in Paris to backpacking around Europe, Central America, and Southern Africa, to helping rebuild communities after war throughout Africa, East Asia, South Asia, and the Pacific. She studied sociology at the London School of Economics in England and anthropology at Melbourne University in Australia.
She currently lives in Annapolis, Maryland.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 160 reviews
January 28, 2026
A puzzle-like whodunnit perfect for anyone who loved the feel of The Thursday Murder Club or the the characters in Only Murders in the Building, A Field Guide to Murder managed to combine the two into the perfect cozy mystery for this crime fiction lover. The first book in a brand-spanking-new series, this debut novel had everything I could want in a contemporary Agatha Christie-esque read. You see, with a heavy dose of dry humor, quirky characters, and an unguessable surprise ending, I had a blast with this unlikely duo of amateur sleuths. True-to-life and endearing, Harry and Emma were not only strong characters in their own right thanks to their well-developed personas but their sweet friendship easily sealed the deal for me on this novel. After all, their story was a tender exploration of grief and companionship that I just flat out wasn’t expecting.
All said and done, despite a somewhat slow start as we got to know each of the characters, this modern-day mystery won me over hook, line, and sinker with its classic whodunnit vibe, even pacing, and palpable emotion. Yup…that’s right. It was most definitely a feel-good kind of read. Complete with heart and humor as well as plenty of suspicious behaviors and twist-hiding red herrings, it was the perfect palate cleanser between two seriously dark thrillers. That being said, the tight-knit community where this book was set also offered up plenty of secrets and suspects. Packed with eccentric side characters that made this book come alive, I couldn’t stop grinning the entire time I was reading. So if you’re looking for your next sure-to-be winner, grab this one now. After all, you’re going to want to meet Harry and Emma ASAP. Rating of 4.5 stars (upgraded).
SYNOPSIS:
Once a globe-trotting anthropologist, Harry Lancaster is now certain that all his grand adventures are behind him. Recently widowed and suffering from a fractured hip, Harry spends his days and nights behind a pair of binoculars, nose-deep in his neighbors’ affairs. His millennial caregiver, Emma, is determined to get him out of his armchair and back into the world.
Fate intervenes when Harry’s mysterious neighbor, Sue, phones, pleading for help. But instead of rescuing her, Harry and Emma find Sue dead: poisoned, days after a break-in at Sue’s house. Harry resolves to find out what happened, and Emma insists on going along for the ride. Together, they discover motives and suspects abound in Harry’s quaint condominium community—putting them both in the crosshairs of a cold-blooded killer.
Thank you Michelle L. Cullen and Crooked Lane Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are mine.
PUB DATE: January 27, 2026
Content warning: none of significance
All said and done, despite a somewhat slow start as we got to know each of the characters, this modern-day mystery won me over hook, line, and sinker with its classic whodunnit vibe, even pacing, and palpable emotion. Yup…that’s right. It was most definitely a feel-good kind of read. Complete with heart and humor as well as plenty of suspicious behaviors and twist-hiding red herrings, it was the perfect palate cleanser between two seriously dark thrillers. That being said, the tight-knit community where this book was set also offered up plenty of secrets and suspects. Packed with eccentric side characters that made this book come alive, I couldn’t stop grinning the entire time I was reading. So if you’re looking for your next sure-to-be winner, grab this one now. After all, you’re going to want to meet Harry and Emma ASAP. Rating of 4.5 stars (upgraded).
SYNOPSIS:
Once a globe-trotting anthropologist, Harry Lancaster is now certain that all his grand adventures are behind him. Recently widowed and suffering from a fractured hip, Harry spends his days and nights behind a pair of binoculars, nose-deep in his neighbors’ affairs. His millennial caregiver, Emma, is determined to get him out of his armchair and back into the world.
Fate intervenes when Harry’s mysterious neighbor, Sue, phones, pleading for help. But instead of rescuing her, Harry and Emma find Sue dead: poisoned, days after a break-in at Sue’s house. Harry resolves to find out what happened, and Emma insists on going along for the ride. Together, they discover motives and suspects abound in Harry’s quaint condominium community—putting them both in the crosshairs of a cold-blooded killer.
Thank you Michelle L. Cullen and Crooked Lane Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are mine.
PUB DATE: January 27, 2026
Content warning: none of significance
February 20, 2026
Ever since Richard Osman published The Thursday Murder Club, its success has inspired other authors to jump on the older character bandwagon. I don't mind because I'm an older adult myself and I have been enjoying fiction that features characters of my own age. Often the main character is a woman, but this novel features a man, Harry Lancaster, who has had a fall and injured a hip. He has hired a caregiver, Emma, to help out while he heals. This is an excellent way of introducing a younger sidekick to the action.
I appreciated that Harry was written as still being intellectually sharp and curious, just hindered by a temporary physical ailment. He assumes a somewhat paternal relationship with Emma, but isn't pushy with his opinions. Emma is supposed to be happily planning her wedding but is actually experiencing ice cold feet. Her fiancé seems to expect to run her life because he will make more money than her, which is bothering her (as it should). Harry encourages Emma to trust her feelings, even as she is pressured by her family to go ahead with the wedding.
The title of this volume inspired me to hope for a birding connection, what with the crow and binoculars on the dust jacket and the title including Field Guide. It turns out that Harry keeps an eye on his neighbours as a way of distracting himself from his grief for his late wife, not birds. So that was a tiny disappointment. More distracting was the stiff writing style. The author is an anthropologist turned writer and this appears to be her first novel. There is potential here, as I managed to lose myself in the action from time to time despite what I perceived as stilted expression. As usual with an amateur sleuth book, I found the level of meddling in an active investigation to be unrealistic and the detective involved puts up with far more interference than he should. This is a perennial complaint of mine, however, and Cullen is just following the established pattern of the cozy mystery genre.
Publicity for this novel recommends it for readers of Osman or Deanna Raybourn. Take that advice with a grain of salt, as Cullen is not nearly as skilled as either of those authors, but you could certainly do worse in the cozy mystery category.
I appreciated that Harry was written as still being intellectually sharp and curious, just hindered by a temporary physical ailment. He assumes a somewhat paternal relationship with Emma, but isn't pushy with his opinions. Emma is supposed to be happily planning her wedding but is actually experiencing ice cold feet. Her fiancé seems to expect to run her life because he will make more money than her, which is bothering her (as it should). Harry encourages Emma to trust her feelings, even as she is pressured by her family to go ahead with the wedding.
The title of this volume inspired me to hope for a birding connection, what with the crow and binoculars on the dust jacket and the title including Field Guide. It turns out that Harry keeps an eye on his neighbours as a way of distracting himself from his grief for his late wife, not birds. So that was a tiny disappointment. More distracting was the stiff writing style. The author is an anthropologist turned writer and this appears to be her first novel. There is potential here, as I managed to lose myself in the action from time to time despite what I perceived as stilted expression. As usual with an amateur sleuth book, I found the level of meddling in an active investigation to be unrealistic and the detective involved puts up with far more interference than he should. This is a perennial complaint of mine, however, and Cullen is just following the established pattern of the cozy mystery genre.
Publicity for this novel recommends it for readers of Osman or Deanna Raybourn. Take that advice with a grain of salt, as Cullen is not nearly as skilled as either of those authors, but you could certainly do worse in the cozy mystery category.
August 27, 2025
No longer being a globetrotting anthropologist was something Harry Lancaster thought he could handle until his beloved wife, Margaret, died, his daughter and her family moved to India, and he had a fall resulting in a broken hip! Depressed and lonely, he watches his neighbours from his window, but his caregiver, Emma, is gradually getting him to step outside his front door. The sudden death of an unpopular neighbour seems to change everything, and Harry soon discovers everyone in his neighbourhood is hiding something. As he gets more mobile he and Emma begin investigating, much to the dismay of Detective Nate Bradford, and they're sure things are falling into place until there's another attack and things get a little muddled! Determined to discover the person responsible once and for all Harry and Emma double their efforts, but secrets abound in Lakeview Lane and no-one is as they seem. In fact, someone might be down right lethal!
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Crooked Lane Books, but the opinions expressed are my own. This is the author's debut novel, which I thoroughly enjoyed. The two main protagonists are easy to like, as is Detective Bradford, and I was rooting for them throughout. There are quite a few characters here, but I didn't find it difficult to follow even though I wasn't at all sure who the killer would turn out to be! Once I had read a couple of chapters, I was hooked, and the whole book was a pleasure. I shall definitely be on the lookout for more from this author in the future.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Crooked Lane Books, but the opinions expressed are my own. This is the author's debut novel, which I thoroughly enjoyed. The two main protagonists are easy to like, as is Detective Bradford, and I was rooting for them throughout. There are quite a few characters here, but I didn't find it difficult to follow even though I wasn't at all sure who the killer would turn out to be! Once I had read a couple of chapters, I was hooked, and the whole book was a pleasure. I shall definitely be on the lookout for more from this author in the future.
March 16, 2026
A field guide to amateur sleuthing.
Once a globe-trotting anthropologist, Harry Lancaster now spends most of his time confined to his condo, recovering from a broken hip, mourning the loss of his wife, and observing the neighborhood through a pair of binoculars. His millennial caregiver Emma, meanwhile, is determined to drag him - somewhat reluctantly - back into the world.
When Harry's enigmatic neighbor Sue calls one night asking for help, Harry and Emma rush over (at least, as quickly as his hip will allow) -only to discover Sue dead, apparently poisoned shortly after a suspicious break-in at her home. With the police investigation moving slowly and suspects multiplying within their quiet condo community, the unlikely duo decides to start asking questions of their own.
In A Field Guide to Murder, debut author Michelle L. Cullen delivers exactly what the title promises: a delightfully cozy mystery filled with quirky characters, dry humor, and a puzzle that's far more intricate than it first appears.
This is very much a character-driven story, and it works beautifully on that level. Harry and Emma make for a wonderfully mismatched investigative team - he's cranky, stubborn, and convinced his adventurous days are behind him, while Emma brings warmth, persistence, and just enough exasperation to keep him moving. Their evolving friendship becomes the emotional heart of the novel, and what initially looks like a lighthearted mystery gradually reveals a surprisingly tender exploration of grief, aging, and companionship.
The mystery itself is equally satisfying. Cullen layers the investigation with plenty of suspects, motives, and small revelations, creating a plot that's more intricate than many entries in the cozy genre. Only Emma's romantic subplot feels somewhat predictable and occasionally unnecessary, though it does contribute to her character development over time.
Tone-wise, the novel strikes a lovely balance between cozy comfort and a clever whodunit. The tight-knit condominium community - filled with eccentric neighbors, quiet rivalries, and more than a few secrets - evokes the spirit of The Thursday Murder Club and Only Murders in the Building, with just enough dry humor sprinkled throughout to keep things lively.
The audiobook version is a particular treat. Eric Fox captures Harry's gruff exterior and underlying vulnerability perfectly, while Shaina Summerville brings warmth and energy to Emma's perspective. Their performances complement each other beautifully, reinforcing the characters' cross-generational dynamic and making their growing friendship feel especially authentic.
A Field Guide to Murder is an enormously enjoyable debut. With its endearing characters, cleverly layered mystery, and plenty of heart, it's exactly the kind of contemporary cozy that feels both familiar and fresh.
I had an absolute blast with Harry and Emma, whom I very much hope we will see again - and I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for whatever Michelle L. Cullen writes next.
Once a globe-trotting anthropologist, Harry Lancaster now spends most of his time confined to his condo, recovering from a broken hip, mourning the loss of his wife, and observing the neighborhood through a pair of binoculars. His millennial caregiver Emma, meanwhile, is determined to drag him - somewhat reluctantly - back into the world.
When Harry's enigmatic neighbor Sue calls one night asking for help, Harry and Emma rush over (at least, as quickly as his hip will allow) -only to discover Sue dead, apparently poisoned shortly after a suspicious break-in at her home. With the police investigation moving slowly and suspects multiplying within their quiet condo community, the unlikely duo decides to start asking questions of their own.
In A Field Guide to Murder, debut author Michelle L. Cullen delivers exactly what the title promises: a delightfully cozy mystery filled with quirky characters, dry humor, and a puzzle that's far more intricate than it first appears.
This is very much a character-driven story, and it works beautifully on that level. Harry and Emma make for a wonderfully mismatched investigative team - he's cranky, stubborn, and convinced his adventurous days are behind him, while Emma brings warmth, persistence, and just enough exasperation to keep him moving. Their evolving friendship becomes the emotional heart of the novel, and what initially looks like a lighthearted mystery gradually reveals a surprisingly tender exploration of grief, aging, and companionship.
The mystery itself is equally satisfying. Cullen layers the investigation with plenty of suspects, motives, and small revelations, creating a plot that's more intricate than many entries in the cozy genre. Only Emma's romantic subplot feels somewhat predictable and occasionally unnecessary, though it does contribute to her character development over time.
Tone-wise, the novel strikes a lovely balance between cozy comfort and a clever whodunit. The tight-knit condominium community - filled with eccentric neighbors, quiet rivalries, and more than a few secrets - evokes the spirit of The Thursday Murder Club and Only Murders in the Building, with just enough dry humor sprinkled throughout to keep things lively.
The audiobook version is a particular treat. Eric Fox captures Harry's gruff exterior and underlying vulnerability perfectly, while Shaina Summerville brings warmth and energy to Emma's perspective. Their performances complement each other beautifully, reinforcing the characters' cross-generational dynamic and making their growing friendship feel especially authentic.
A Field Guide to Murder is an enormously enjoyable debut. With its endearing characters, cleverly layered mystery, and plenty of heart, it's exactly the kind of contemporary cozy that feels both familiar and fresh.
I had an absolute blast with Harry and Emma, whom I very much hope we will see again - and I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for whatever Michelle L. Cullen writes next.
February 14, 2026
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Harry Lancaster is not used to sitting still. His career as an anthropologist has taken him around the world, but he recently lost his wife and is now dealing with a broken hip. He may be sidelined, but that doesn’t mean his big adventures are over. For now, he is keeping his eyes on his neighbors and the neighborhood.
Emma Stockton is Harry’s caregiver. Her job as a critical care nurse had taken its toll, and caregiving is a role she can easily handle. She is young, friendly, and knows how to put Harry through his paces for a successful recovery.
When Harry receives a phone call from his neighbor, Sue Daniels, begging for help, Emma rushes to Sue’s home, and Harry follows. They find the woman has died, apparently poisoned. Harry is determined to find out who killed her and why. Emma is ready, willing, and able to help. As they work to uncover what has been happening in their community, they realize they both have become targets of the person they want to put behind bars.
Will Harry and Emma get to the truth and catch the killer? Or will the killer catch them first?
Harry is a cantankerous human being right now because of his current situation. He has lost most of his independence because of his lack of mobility. His mind is not lacking, though; his knowledge about many things sets him up to be a great amateur sleuth. Millennial Emma is on a mission to help Harry get back on his feet while dealing with a variety of things in her personal life. She is a wonderful Watson to Harry’s Sherlock. The author impressed me by taking the time to introduce these characters, and gave this reader time to get invested in their lives. Then we witnessed a friendship that bloomed naturally as Harry and Emma came to trust each other and realize their importance to each other overall.
Something was happening in Harry’s neighborhood. He watched some strange happenings behind a pair of binoculars. Sue’s death was thought to be an accident, but Harry did not believe it. Detective Bradford soon learned Harry was not going to back down. There were plenty of suspects to observe and question. After another neighbor was attacked, people started to open up to Harry and Emma while the police were hitting walls. Clues started to come together during a gathering, but the actual killer remained unclear. Harry has an a-ha moment that sets up a tragic showdown in the middle of a powerful thunderstorm. Ms. Cullen’s vivid descriptions enable readers to feel they are right on the scene. But wait, that’s not the end of the story; Harry is still following clues.
A Field Guide to Murder contains a clever, twisted whodunit with engaging protagonists and quirky supporting characters set in an intriguing condominium community. It’s an emotional story with a feel-good ending. Harry and Emma’s relationship is genuinely heartwarming. The ending hints at a new adventure, which put a huge smile on my face, knowing this is not the end of their story. A Field Guide to Death and Deceit is coming September 15, 2026. I am excited to tag along on Harry and Emma’s next adventure.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
Harry Lancaster is not used to sitting still. His career as an anthropologist has taken him around the world, but he recently lost his wife and is now dealing with a broken hip. He may be sidelined, but that doesn’t mean his big adventures are over. For now, he is keeping his eyes on his neighbors and the neighborhood.
Emma Stockton is Harry’s caregiver. Her job as a critical care nurse had taken its toll, and caregiving is a role she can easily handle. She is young, friendly, and knows how to put Harry through his paces for a successful recovery.
When Harry receives a phone call from his neighbor, Sue Daniels, begging for help, Emma rushes to Sue’s home, and Harry follows. They find the woman has died, apparently poisoned. Harry is determined to find out who killed her and why. Emma is ready, willing, and able to help. As they work to uncover what has been happening in their community, they realize they both have become targets of the person they want to put behind bars.
Will Harry and Emma get to the truth and catch the killer? Or will the killer catch them first?
Harry is a cantankerous human being right now because of his current situation. He has lost most of his independence because of his lack of mobility. His mind is not lacking, though; his knowledge about many things sets him up to be a great amateur sleuth. Millennial Emma is on a mission to help Harry get back on his feet while dealing with a variety of things in her personal life. She is a wonderful Watson to Harry’s Sherlock. The author impressed me by taking the time to introduce these characters, and gave this reader time to get invested in their lives. Then we witnessed a friendship that bloomed naturally as Harry and Emma came to trust each other and realize their importance to each other overall.
Something was happening in Harry’s neighborhood. He watched some strange happenings behind a pair of binoculars. Sue’s death was thought to be an accident, but Harry did not believe it. Detective Bradford soon learned Harry was not going to back down. There were plenty of suspects to observe and question. After another neighbor was attacked, people started to open up to Harry and Emma while the police were hitting walls. Clues started to come together during a gathering, but the actual killer remained unclear. Harry has an a-ha moment that sets up a tragic showdown in the middle of a powerful thunderstorm. Ms. Cullen’s vivid descriptions enable readers to feel they are right on the scene. But wait, that’s not the end of the story; Harry is still following clues.
A Field Guide to Murder contains a clever, twisted whodunit with engaging protagonists and quirky supporting characters set in an intriguing condominium community. It’s an emotional story with a feel-good ending. Harry and Emma’s relationship is genuinely heartwarming. The ending hints at a new adventure, which put a huge smile on my face, knowing this is not the end of their story. A Field Guide to Death and Deceit is coming September 15, 2026. I am excited to tag along on Harry and Emma’s next adventure.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
December 4, 2025
I won this one as a giveaway. Unfortunately, DNF @ 100 pages. That's how it goes with giveaways occasionally. I'm thankful for the opportunity to have been able to get an advanced copy.
Since my TBR shelf is already overflowing, if a book hasn't grabbed me by 100 pages then it's time to put it down. No sense in forcing my way through a book that I'm not enjoying.
This one sounded really interesting. An older man teaming up with his young caregiver to investigate a potential murder in his neighborhood filled with unique and interesting characters. He's a former anthropologist with a ton of travel, experience and knowledge. I can see where people who enjoy The Thursday Murder Club series would be drawn to the synopsis of this one. I loved TMC, but this book couldn't quite live up to what it's selling itself as.
Basically, I had 3 major problems with the book.
1. I do not understand the hair obsession. After 30 pages, it became eye rollingly frustrating to read yet another sentence about someone's hair. What color it was, what style it was cut in, whether or not they used hair dye to maintain their russet hues, the texture of it, and how the hair was moving in the wind...or swaying in a ponytail as they walked. By page 100...when every chapter had something like this...I was just ready to throw the book across the room. I have my suspicions as to why this was so prevalent in the writing, but there's no way to know for sure.
2. While the characters had some interesting and unique traits, they mostly spoke in the same voice. Using Agatha Christie as the GOAT example, her mysteries were also populated by an often large cast of unique and interesting people. They all had unique voices and accents which came through in her writing. I don't believe it's fair to compare anyone to Christie, particularly a debut novel, but it became tedious to read when every voice was the same. Beyond the characters, the flow of the book felt slow. I found myself re-reading sentences and really struggling. I'm typically a pretty fast reader, but when the flow of the words is as clunky as it was with this book, I struggle to find that pace that I normally read at.
3. I'm not really sure what to call this one. Continuity, I guess? Towards the beginning, we are told that it's October but it feels like June. Very common for the Midwest, I agree. Then, we are told that people are wearing winter jackets and there's a chill. Shortly after that, the humidity is causing someone's hair to be frizzy. Granted, October-December in the Midwest has a huge range of temperatures, this feels more like either the author couldn't make up her mind about the weather or just didn't go back to look at how she had described it in the previous chapter and just kept going. But...also...why do we need to hear about the weather in every chapter? Or people's hair?
So...overall this book just didn't end up appealing to me. I love mysteries and this seemed like it would be perfect for me but because of the three things I listed above, I couldn't keep reading this one. My frustration grew right along with the page numbers. I began to dread going back to pick up the book, which I hate saying because books are my favorite. But...not every book is going to appeal to every reader, as was the case here. I wish the author the best of luck in the future and I hope that I'm an outlier in my opinion of it. It looks like so far I am so...who knows? Maybe it's me and not the book.
Since my TBR shelf is already overflowing, if a book hasn't grabbed me by 100 pages then it's time to put it down. No sense in forcing my way through a book that I'm not enjoying.
This one sounded really interesting. An older man teaming up with his young caregiver to investigate a potential murder in his neighborhood filled with unique and interesting characters. He's a former anthropologist with a ton of travel, experience and knowledge. I can see where people who enjoy The Thursday Murder Club series would be drawn to the synopsis of this one. I loved TMC, but this book couldn't quite live up to what it's selling itself as.
Basically, I had 3 major problems with the book.
1. I do not understand the hair obsession. After 30 pages, it became eye rollingly frustrating to read yet another sentence about someone's hair. What color it was, what style it was cut in, whether or not they used hair dye to maintain their russet hues, the texture of it, and how the hair was moving in the wind...or swaying in a ponytail as they walked. By page 100...when every chapter had something like this...I was just ready to throw the book across the room. I have my suspicions as to why this was so prevalent in the writing, but there's no way to know for sure.
2. While the characters had some interesting and unique traits, they mostly spoke in the same voice. Using Agatha Christie as the GOAT example, her mysteries were also populated by an often large cast of unique and interesting people. They all had unique voices and accents which came through in her writing. I don't believe it's fair to compare anyone to Christie, particularly a debut novel, but it became tedious to read when every voice was the same. Beyond the characters, the flow of the book felt slow. I found myself re-reading sentences and really struggling. I'm typically a pretty fast reader, but when the flow of the words is as clunky as it was with this book, I struggle to find that pace that I normally read at.
3. I'm not really sure what to call this one. Continuity, I guess? Towards the beginning, we are told that it's October but it feels like June. Very common for the Midwest, I agree. Then, we are told that people are wearing winter jackets and there's a chill. Shortly after that, the humidity is causing someone's hair to be frizzy. Granted, October-December in the Midwest has a huge range of temperatures, this feels more like either the author couldn't make up her mind about the weather or just didn't go back to look at how she had described it in the previous chapter and just kept going. But...also...why do we need to hear about the weather in every chapter? Or people's hair?
So...overall this book just didn't end up appealing to me. I love mysteries and this seemed like it would be perfect for me but because of the three things I listed above, I couldn't keep reading this one. My frustration grew right along with the page numbers. I began to dread going back to pick up the book, which I hate saying because books are my favorite. But...not every book is going to appeal to every reader, as was the case here. I wish the author the best of luck in the future and I hope that I'm an outlier in my opinion of it. It looks like so far I am so...who knows? Maybe it's me and not the book.
December 4, 2025
♥️ WHAT I LOVED
Harry and Emma’s friendship is hands-down the heart of this story. Harry’s still grieving his wife, hobbling around with a healing hip, and missing his daughter and grandkids who live overseas. Emma shows up as his hired caregiver—but honestly, she becomes so much more than that. She’s a former nurse in the middle of her own life wobble: a wedding she’s not sure she wants, a career shift she didn’t plan for, and a whole lot of ”what now?” energy.
Together, they click in this wonderfully natural, father-daughter way. Emma lost her dad young, Harry’s aching for family connection, and they just… fill those empty spaces for each other. It’s tender, grounding, and honestly the best part of the book. The surrounding neighbours bring that warm, slightly nosy community vibe—everyone with their own little secrets and quirks, but all adding colour to the mystery without ever being confusing. You really get that cozy-condo-village feeling.
💡 OVERALL
Overall, this was such a feel-good read. I adored Harry and Emma’s bond, and the mystery delivered too—classic whodunnit energy with a twisty little ending that landed perfectly.
💫Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review💫
Harry and Emma’s friendship is hands-down the heart of this story. Harry’s still grieving his wife, hobbling around with a healing hip, and missing his daughter and grandkids who live overseas. Emma shows up as his hired caregiver—but honestly, she becomes so much more than that. She’s a former nurse in the middle of her own life wobble: a wedding she’s not sure she wants, a career shift she didn’t plan for, and a whole lot of ”what now?” energy.
Together, they click in this wonderfully natural, father-daughter way. Emma lost her dad young, Harry’s aching for family connection, and they just… fill those empty spaces for each other. It’s tender, grounding, and honestly the best part of the book. The surrounding neighbours bring that warm, slightly nosy community vibe—everyone with their own little secrets and quirks, but all adding colour to the mystery without ever being confusing. You really get that cozy-condo-village feeling.
💡 OVERALL
Overall, this was such a feel-good read. I adored Harry and Emma’s bond, and the mystery delivered too—classic whodunnit energy with a twisty little ending that landed perfectly.
💫Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review💫
January 30, 2026
3.5 stars
This is a slow-paced cozy with quirky characters and a puzzle for the main characters to solve that will have them getting into all kinds of trouble, so your typical whodunnit. I enjoyed the book as I was reading it, but I finished a few days ago and I cannot remember much of anything that happened, so it was pretty par for the course. I would read another book by the author and even another book if this became a series, but I would have zero retention of this book a week from now. It just wasn't unique, memorable, or standout enough.
This is a slow-paced cozy with quirky characters and a puzzle for the main characters to solve that will have them getting into all kinds of trouble, so your typical whodunnit. I enjoyed the book as I was reading it, but I finished a few days ago and I cannot remember much of anything that happened, so it was pretty par for the course. I would read another book by the author and even another book if this became a series, but I would have zero retention of this book a week from now. It just wasn't unique, memorable, or standout enough.
March 13, 2026
i was a lot meaner about this book than i meant to be and for that i am sorry. in reality its an absolutely FINE whodunnit that is very simple. tbh i just didn’t care about any of the side plots and i only really cared for the main character. but girl, what the fuck do you mean my 80 year old narrator is using “emo kitten goth” or some shit to describe someone’s outfit?! he’s 80! please!
there was a weird amount of deliberation by the main female character about her food intake and weight and appearance that just felt out of place too. ALSO, there were a lot of like, ads? whenever they would talk about a car it’d say something like “and they took harry’s BMW because of its 400x horsepower and bluetooth audio, but emma was always startled by its ability to accelerate from 0-60 in under 3 seconds” ok sure
there was a weird amount of deliberation by the main female character about her food intake and weight and appearance that just felt out of place too. ALSO, there were a lot of like, ads? whenever they would talk about a car it’d say something like “and they took harry’s BMW because of its 400x horsepower and bluetooth audio, but emma was always startled by its ability to accelerate from 0-60 in under 3 seconds” ok sure
May 1, 2026
Retired anthropologist Harry Lancaster is r4ecently widowed and recovering from a fractured hip. His caregiver, Emma, accompanies Harry as he attempts to solve the mystery of two murdered neighbors. Entertaining, lots of red herrings, recommended to mystery readers.
May 18, 2026
This was so much fun! I loved the combination of Harry and Emma, both at different stages in their lives, as they worked together (eventually) to find out what happened to his neighbor. The mystery was well-paced, but what really stood out for me was the friendship that developed between the two, and how Harry helped Emma figure out how best to take control of her life. Harry's observations, based on his former occupation as anthropologist, added some interesting tidbits to the investigation as well. I am looking forward to their adventures in the next one.
December 4, 2025
This is a warm and engaging cosy mystery with great main characters and a strong sense of community. While the mystery itself doesn’t have the same strength as other debut cosies I’ve read, the heart of this book is the characters and that’s where it shines the brightest.
Harry is an elderly protagonist recovering from a hip injury and he is a standout. He’s smart, thoughtful, stubborn, and full of warmth. Emma is his carer and is just as wonderful. She's grounded, compassionate, and believable. Their dynamic is the highlight of the story, and I adored spending time with them.
Supporting characters also add colour to this mystery. Diana brings humour and emotional weight, Grace provides delightful lighter moments, and the wider community feels genuine and well suited to the setting.
The mystery and setup is engaging. A poisoning initially brushed off as a foraging accident. But the eventual conclusion feels a bit rushed and not as strong or surprising as it could have been. Still enjoyable but just not a standout.
Despite that, the characters have so much potential that I’d read more from this author in a heartbeat. If this turns into a series, I’d be curious to see how future mysteries get introduced into Harry and Emma’s world.
A solid debut with heart, warmth, and two protagonists I genuinely adore.
Thanks to Netgalley for providing a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Harry is an elderly protagonist recovering from a hip injury and he is a standout. He’s smart, thoughtful, stubborn, and full of warmth. Emma is his carer and is just as wonderful. She's grounded, compassionate, and believable. Their dynamic is the highlight of the story, and I adored spending time with them.
Supporting characters also add colour to this mystery. Diana brings humour and emotional weight, Grace provides delightful lighter moments, and the wider community feels genuine and well suited to the setting.
The mystery and setup is engaging. A poisoning initially brushed off as a foraging accident. But the eventual conclusion feels a bit rushed and not as strong or surprising as it could have been. Still enjoyable but just not a standout.
Despite that, the characters have so much potential that I’d read more from this author in a heartbeat. If this turns into a series, I’d be curious to see how future mysteries get introduced into Harry and Emma’s world.
A solid debut with heart, warmth, and two protagonists I genuinely adore.
Thanks to Netgalley for providing a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 26, 2025
What a fun book!
Harry Lancaster, a widower recovering from a fractured hip, and his caregiver Emma stumble into a murder case. This book follows the two as they subtly question members of Harry's community, trying to uncover the truth behind what happened to Harry's neighbor, Sue.
I love reading from the perspective of older main characters, and this book reminded me of the joy I get from watching and reading about Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple. Harry and Emma make a wonderful team, and their interactions throughout the story are wholesome and heartwarming as their friendship gradually deepens.
I found the pacing at the beginning to be a bit slow, and it tended to remain that way at times throughout the book. It was also a bit difficult to keep track of all the characters as they were introduced, but that mostly resolved itself about halfway through.
Overall, I enjoyed this book!
Thank you to Michelle L. Cullen, Crooked Lane Books, and NetGalley for the ARC of this book!
Harry Lancaster, a widower recovering from a fractured hip, and his caregiver Emma stumble into a murder case. This book follows the two as they subtly question members of Harry's community, trying to uncover the truth behind what happened to Harry's neighbor, Sue.
I love reading from the perspective of older main characters, and this book reminded me of the joy I get from watching and reading about Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple. Harry and Emma make a wonderful team, and their interactions throughout the story are wholesome and heartwarming as their friendship gradually deepens.
I found the pacing at the beginning to be a bit slow, and it tended to remain that way at times throughout the book. It was also a bit difficult to keep track of all the characters as they were introduced, but that mostly resolved itself about halfway through.
Overall, I enjoyed this book!
Thank you to Michelle L. Cullen, Crooked Lane Books, and NetGalley for the ARC of this book!
March 12, 2026
Based on the synopsis, this book should have been a slam dunk for me. An older former anthropologist teaming up with his younger caregiver to investigate a possible murder? Quirky neighborhood characters? Unfortunately, the execution didn’t live up to what the premise promises.
My biggest struggle was with the excess—specifically, the overwhelming amount of extraneous detail—and I didn’t ultimately find the characters as interesting or quirky as I’d hoped.
That said, not every book hits every reader. This one simply wasn’t for me, and I seem to be in the minority. I genuinely wish the author success going forward, and I wouldn’t discourage others from giving it a try. I did appreciate the relationship between Harry and Emma and the way they encouraged and supported each other.
My biggest struggle was with the excess—specifically, the overwhelming amount of extraneous detail—and I didn’t ultimately find the characters as interesting or quirky as I’d hoped.
That said, not every book hits every reader. This one simply wasn’t for me, and I seem to be in the minority. I genuinely wish the author success going forward, and I wouldn’t discourage others from giving it a try. I did appreciate the relationship between Harry and Emma and the way they encouraged and supported each other.
September 9, 2025
3.5 stars rounded
This was such a charming and enjoyable cozy mystery. What I loved most was the unlikely sleuthing duo of Harry and Emma. Harry, grumpy and recovering from a fractured hip, brings dry humor and sharp observations, while Emma gradually finds her confidence and voice throughout the story. Their relationship feels warm and authentic, sometimes like a father–daughter bond, sometimes like true partners, and their dynamic adds so much heart to the mystery.
The murder itself is set in a small community brimming with secrets and eccentric neighbors. There are plenty of suspects and clues to sift through, and while the pacing is a bit slow in the first half, the gradual buildup worked well once the pieces started to fall into place. It reminded me of classic detective fiction, with shades of Miss Marple or even The Thursday Murder Club.
Overall, this is a calm yet engaging whodunit, more about the characters and their journey than shocking twists. If you enjoy cozy mysteries with gentle humor, emotional warmth, and a touch of old-school charm, this one is definitely worth picking up.
This was such a charming and enjoyable cozy mystery. What I loved most was the unlikely sleuthing duo of Harry and Emma. Harry, grumpy and recovering from a fractured hip, brings dry humor and sharp observations, while Emma gradually finds her confidence and voice throughout the story. Their relationship feels warm and authentic, sometimes like a father–daughter bond, sometimes like true partners, and their dynamic adds so much heart to the mystery.
The murder itself is set in a small community brimming with secrets and eccentric neighbors. There are plenty of suspects and clues to sift through, and while the pacing is a bit slow in the first half, the gradual buildup worked well once the pieces started to fall into place. It reminded me of classic detective fiction, with shades of Miss Marple or even The Thursday Murder Club.
Overall, this is a calm yet engaging whodunit, more about the characters and their journey than shocking twists. If you enjoy cozy mysteries with gentle humor, emotional warmth, and a touch of old-school charm, this one is definitely worth picking up.
January 28, 2026
Audiobook Review⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to the author @michellelcullen, @spotify, @spotifyforauthors and @tlcbooktours for the #gifted audiobook.
If you’re craving the perfect cozy mystery, this one absolutely delivers. Quirky, charming, and delightfully clever, this debut hooked me fast.
Harry is a cranky widower recovering from a broken hip, and Emma is his spirited, no-nonsense caregiver. When his neighbor turns up dead, these two unlikely allies team up to solve the case—and I adored every minute of their crime-solving partnership. Harry + Emma = instant favorite cozy duo.
The mystery itself feels like a puzzle-box whodunit with dry humor, quirky characters, and that comforting, feel-good vibe cozy fans love. It’s original, charming, and so enjoyable—and yes, this is book one in a series, which makes me very happy.
🎧 Audiobook lovers—don’t skip this one. Narrated by Eric Fox and Shaina Summerville, the audio was fantastic and truly brought the characters to life. It enhanced the humor, heart, and charm in the best way.
A delightful, cozy mystery with amateur sleuths you’ll want to spend more time with. Highly recommend!
Thank you to the author @michellelcullen, @spotify, @spotifyforauthors and @tlcbooktours for the #gifted audiobook.
If you’re craving the perfect cozy mystery, this one absolutely delivers. Quirky, charming, and delightfully clever, this debut hooked me fast.
Harry is a cranky widower recovering from a broken hip, and Emma is his spirited, no-nonsense caregiver. When his neighbor turns up dead, these two unlikely allies team up to solve the case—and I adored every minute of their crime-solving partnership. Harry + Emma = instant favorite cozy duo.
The mystery itself feels like a puzzle-box whodunit with dry humor, quirky characters, and that comforting, feel-good vibe cozy fans love. It’s original, charming, and so enjoyable—and yes, this is book one in a series, which makes me very happy.
🎧 Audiobook lovers—don’t skip this one. Narrated by Eric Fox and Shaina Summerville, the audio was fantastic and truly brought the characters to life. It enhanced the humor, heart, and charm in the best way.
A delightful, cozy mystery with amateur sleuths you’ll want to spend more time with. Highly recommend!
January 27, 2026
I enjoyed the storyline was a slow burn for me but it didn’t pick up!!
Once a globe-trotting anthropologist, Harry Lancaster is now certain that all his grand adventures are behind him. Recently widowed and suffering from a fractured hip, Harry spends his days and nights behind a pair of binoculars, nose-deep in his neighbors' affairs. His millennial caregiver, Emma, is determined to get him out of his armchair and back into the world. Fate intervenes when Harry's mysterious neighbor Sue phones, pleading for help. But instead of rescuing her, Harry and Emma find Sue dead: poisoned, days after a break-in at Sue's house. Harry resolves to find out what happened, and Emma insists on going along for the ride. Together, they discover motives and suspects abound in Harry's quaint condominium community-putting them both in the crosshairs of a cold-blooded killer.
Once a globe-trotting anthropologist, Harry Lancaster is now certain that all his grand adventures are behind him. Recently widowed and suffering from a fractured hip, Harry spends his days and nights behind a pair of binoculars, nose-deep in his neighbors' affairs. His millennial caregiver, Emma, is determined to get him out of his armchair and back into the world. Fate intervenes when Harry's mysterious neighbor Sue phones, pleading for help. But instead of rescuing her, Harry and Emma find Sue dead: poisoned, days after a break-in at Sue's house. Harry resolves to find out what happened, and Emma insists on going along for the ride. Together, they discover motives and suspects abound in Harry's quaint condominium community-putting them both in the crosshairs of a cold-blooded killer.
February 16, 2026
The main character of this mystery is Harry, a retired anthropologist and recent widower. Having recently had a fall, he reluctantly hires a caregiver, Emma, who recently left her intensive care nursing job. The form not only an unlikely intergenerational friendship, but a sleuthing team when Harry’s neighbor ends up dead and they’re both sure she was murdered.
This was a fun read, combining the burgeoning “old people solve a mystery” genre with the intergenerational friendship novel, as Harry and Emma are definitely better together and solving a mystery gives them both the pep they need to improve their lives. I don’t know if this one is intended to be a stand alone or a series, but I’ll definitely read a sequel if there is one, and if not I’ll check out whatever Michelle Cullen writes next.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy (out now); all opinions are my own.
This was a fun read, combining the burgeoning “old people solve a mystery” genre with the intergenerational friendship novel, as Harry and Emma are definitely better together and solving a mystery gives them both the pep they need to improve their lives. I don’t know if this one is intended to be a stand alone or a series, but I’ll definitely read a sequel if there is one, and if not I’ll check out whatever Michelle Cullen writes next.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy (out now); all opinions are my own.
April 11, 2026
This book is in desperate need of a better editor if only to deal with the story's inexplicable focus on extraneous superficiality, tedious redundancy & obvious continuity issues ... never mind some significant plot absurdities and emotional lacunae.
I found the narrators annoying and inauthentic.
The author shows promise but this book was not ready to be published; that it was is stunning to me.
Perhaps it might be enjoyable to readers who abhor silence, and as such listen to audiobooks as a background filler while walking outdoors or otherwise multitasking. If you are a detail oriented, careful listener give this one a pass.
I found the narrators annoying and inauthentic.
The author shows promise but this book was not ready to be published; that it was is stunning to me.
Perhaps it might be enjoyable to readers who abhor silence, and as such listen to audiobooks as a background filler while walking outdoors or otherwise multitasking. If you are a detail oriented, careful listener give this one a pass.
Did Not Finish
September 2, 2025unfortunately this is a dnf on chapter 3 💀 it seems interesting i guess…but the mc is nonstop casually mentioning pagan things and witchcraft and whatnot so imma pass
thank you to netgalley for the arc though!
thank you to netgalley for the arc though!
May 11, 2026
This was fine- a little slow but I think it has potential
February 20, 2026
4 🌟
Mood/Seasonal Reading: October (pumpkins included)
After coming off of such a high from loving The Thursday Murder Club I decided to give this a shot. As others have mentioned, I expected a bit more nosey neighbours vibes but was still overall pleased with the result.
Our two main characters Harry and Emma were wonderful to read and had fantastic chemistry. Emma’s lost soul vibe paired very well with Harry’s wisdom and age. My favourite moments were of the two of them together as they worked to solve the mystery and their own personal problems. I think they were very well written.
I also enjoyed the secrets of the lane’s inhabitants. I did find some of the characters blended together as I struggled to tell them apart, which played a factor in a less than exciting reveal sadly.
Unfortunately, I think it was lacking a bit of the wit and cleverness that others like it have. A nice read but nothing that stood out to me.
Mood/Seasonal Reading: October (pumpkins included)
After coming off of such a high from loving The Thursday Murder Club I decided to give this a shot. As others have mentioned, I expected a bit more nosey neighbours vibes but was still overall pleased with the result.
Our two main characters Harry and Emma were wonderful to read and had fantastic chemistry. Emma’s lost soul vibe paired very well with Harry’s wisdom and age. My favourite moments were of the two of them together as they worked to solve the mystery and their own personal problems. I think they were very well written.
I also enjoyed the secrets of the lane’s inhabitants. I did find some of the characters blended together as I struggled to tell them apart, which played a factor in a less than exciting reveal sadly.
Unfortunately, I think it was lacking a bit of the wit and cleverness that others like it have. A nice read but nothing that stood out to me.
March 19, 2026
I wanted to like this, and really thought the main characters had promise, but the writing was awful. Repetitive scenes, too many non-descript characters...I couldn't remember who was who but it didn't really matter. The motive was odd. I can't believe this was the final draft. Oh well.
January 28, 2026
It’s book review time! This month, I went with a cozy mystery. A Field Guide to Murder by Michelle L. Cullen was released yesterday (the 27th) from Crooked Lane Books. As usual, I must thank them and NetGalley for access to an ARC in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. Let’s do the thing!
A Field Guide to Murder follows Harry, who has recently fractured his hip and believes his globetrotting life is behind him, and Emma, his caregiver who is trying to get Harry back into the world while avoiding her own problems. When a neighbor calls him during her death throes, Harry finds life in trying to solve her (maybe) murder. Emma gets dragged along for the ride until she realizes she’s finding herself as well. Can they help each other find renewed purposes for their lives? Can they solve the case?
Plot: enjoyable. I’m growing fond of stories that follow people post-retirement. Harry is an older gentlemen and Emma becomes like a second daughter to him. Found family! The mystery part of the plot is standard, but with little twists that make it fun. An upscale gated neighborhood basically (not sure if it’s actually gated or just has that feel) where everyone knows each other and it turns out most of them are shady. One of them dies mysteriously. Drama is revealed. Plus Emma’s drama. It’s all woven together pretty well for the most part. No real complaints here.
Characters: there are too many. This is my only real complaint about this book. There are far too many named characters that don’t really need to exist. It happens a lot when stories are weak, so the author throws in a bunch of names to confuse the reader in an attempt to hide what’s happening. I hate it, especially when it isn’t needed. This story is strong. We don’t need to meet every single neighbor. I knew who the bad guy was, but I kept confusing another name with his, so it was super weird. There are like 12 neighbors plus Emma’s family and Harry’s family and his acquaintances. Oh, and the police officers. It was an unnecessary amount. That said, I loved Harry and Emma. There wasn’t enough page time to get to know everyone else properly.
Writing: smooth. There wasn’t anything particularly special about the writing. It was unobtrusive and let the story shine. Made for a quick, smooth read.
Ultimately, I really enjoyed A Field Guide to Murder. Aside from the annoying amount of characters, I liked this one. I’ll definitely pick up book two if there is one.
Overall, I gave it 4 out of 5 stars. I do recommend it for anyone who loves cozy mysteries, older protagonists, or even just found family stories.
A Field Guide to Murder follows Harry, who has recently fractured his hip and believes his globetrotting life is behind him, and Emma, his caregiver who is trying to get Harry back into the world while avoiding her own problems. When a neighbor calls him during her death throes, Harry finds life in trying to solve her (maybe) murder. Emma gets dragged along for the ride until she realizes she’s finding herself as well. Can they help each other find renewed purposes for their lives? Can they solve the case?
Plot: enjoyable. I’m growing fond of stories that follow people post-retirement. Harry is an older gentlemen and Emma becomes like a second daughter to him. Found family! The mystery part of the plot is standard, but with little twists that make it fun. An upscale gated neighborhood basically (not sure if it’s actually gated or just has that feel) where everyone knows each other and it turns out most of them are shady. One of them dies mysteriously. Drama is revealed. Plus Emma’s drama. It’s all woven together pretty well for the most part. No real complaints here.
Characters: there are too many. This is my only real complaint about this book. There are far too many named characters that don’t really need to exist. It happens a lot when stories are weak, so the author throws in a bunch of names to confuse the reader in an attempt to hide what’s happening. I hate it, especially when it isn’t needed. This story is strong. We don’t need to meet every single neighbor. I knew who the bad guy was, but I kept confusing another name with his, so it was super weird. There are like 12 neighbors plus Emma’s family and Harry’s family and his acquaintances. Oh, and the police officers. It was an unnecessary amount. That said, I loved Harry and Emma. There wasn’t enough page time to get to know everyone else properly.
Writing: smooth. There wasn’t anything particularly special about the writing. It was unobtrusive and let the story shine. Made for a quick, smooth read.
Ultimately, I really enjoyed A Field Guide to Murder. Aside from the annoying amount of characters, I liked this one. I’ll definitely pick up book two if there is one.
Overall, I gave it 4 out of 5 stars. I do recommend it for anyone who loves cozy mysteries, older protagonists, or even just found family stories.
February 26, 2026
I fell in love with Harry on page one as soon as he said dagnabit. By the end of the book I wished Harry was my neighbor, and I could travel with him on his next adventure.
March 12, 2026
A murder mystery that ignores common sense and the rules of evidence. Meh.
August 23, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - a solid 4/5 star!
have y'all seen that Anne Hathaway movie with Robert De Niro, "The Intern"? now take that, add a murder mystery, and make Robert's character under Anne's care. it's very much giving that as they become amateur detectives in this murder mystery. (or maybe it's just because i happened to have that movie playing in the background at one point, so they kind of fit this book. 😅)
it's a cozy, mystery read. so if you're expecting a suspenseful, fast-paced thriller... this isn't that. but it's for sure a fun read. there's an eccentric cast of characters/neighbors that get introduced to the reader as both Harry and Emma try to solve the whodunit. they all tend to kind of blur together at first, but you get the hang of it somewhere in the middle, and some of them are quite interesting.
i initially fell in love with the premise of this book because i used to be a caregiver for the elderly. i know how tough they can be to handle at times. Harry's character stayed true to that in some of the most amusing ways, and it made him lovable tbh. Emma's character growth was real, believable, and refreshing. when you're a caregiver, you learn a lot about life from the people you take care of. it doesn't matter how much older they are than you, or even younger. Emma's proximity to Harry gave her the confidence she never thought she had. i loved that for her.
would i recommend this? absolutely! it was such a pleasure to read this. it's a well-written story about more than just solving a mystery. it's got heart and humor from an unlikely duo sent out to solve a mystery. their journey as individuals, and as a team, make the story what it is. and i loved it!
thank you to the author and publisher for allowing me the opportunity to read an advanced copy via NetGalley. i leave this review of my own volition. all thoughts and opinions are my own.
have y'all seen that Anne Hathaway movie with Robert De Niro, "The Intern"? now take that, add a murder mystery, and make Robert's character under Anne's care. it's very much giving that as they become amateur detectives in this murder mystery. (or maybe it's just because i happened to have that movie playing in the background at one point, so they kind of fit this book. 😅)
it's a cozy, mystery read. so if you're expecting a suspenseful, fast-paced thriller... this isn't that. but it's for sure a fun read. there's an eccentric cast of characters/neighbors that get introduced to the reader as both Harry and Emma try to solve the whodunit. they all tend to kind of blur together at first, but you get the hang of it somewhere in the middle, and some of them are quite interesting.
i initially fell in love with the premise of this book because i used to be a caregiver for the elderly. i know how tough they can be to handle at times. Harry's character stayed true to that in some of the most amusing ways, and it made him lovable tbh. Emma's character growth was real, believable, and refreshing. when you're a caregiver, you learn a lot about life from the people you take care of. it doesn't matter how much older they are than you, or even younger. Emma's proximity to Harry gave her the confidence she never thought she had. i loved that for her.
would i recommend this? absolutely! it was such a pleasure to read this. it's a well-written story about more than just solving a mystery. it's got heart and humor from an unlikely duo sent out to solve a mystery. their journey as individuals, and as a team, make the story what it is. and i loved it!
thank you to the author and publisher for allowing me the opportunity to read an advanced copy via NetGalley. i leave this review of my own volition. all thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 6, 2026
loved the characters. it was a fun, enjoyable book.
July 23, 2025
#AFieldGuidetoMurder #NetGalley is a unique cozy mystery featuring two main characters, Harry and Emma, and not your typical pair of sleuths.
Harry is recovering from hip surgery and his cranky demeanor seems off putting in the beginning.
Harry spends his days spying on his neighbors, worrying about falling again, as well as trying not to feel like a burden. Once a strong man with an exciting career, Harry hates depending on others, even though his caretaker seems content helping him.
Emma, now responsible for Harry, was a nurse previously, but she's decided that career is no longer what she wants.
Taking care of Harry isn't bad, he's stubborn, but she cares about him and wants him to be independent again.
Harry's neighbors are very odd, and when one of them calls him, gasping for breath and asking for help, he and Emma embark on a wild investigation of possible murder.
There were parts that seemed to drag on, but overall I liked the book, and Harry and Emma made quite the team.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
Harry is recovering from hip surgery and his cranky demeanor seems off putting in the beginning.
Harry spends his days spying on his neighbors, worrying about falling again, as well as trying not to feel like a burden. Once a strong man with an exciting career, Harry hates depending on others, even though his caretaker seems content helping him.
Emma, now responsible for Harry, was a nurse previously, but she's decided that career is no longer what she wants.
Taking care of Harry isn't bad, he's stubborn, but she cares about him and wants him to be independent again.
Harry's neighbors are very odd, and when one of them calls him, gasping for breath and asking for help, he and Emma embark on a wild investigation of possible murder.
There were parts that seemed to drag on, but overall I liked the book, and Harry and Emma made quite the team.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Harry Lancaster spends his golden years rage-watching his neighbors through binoculars like a suburban cryptid with trust issues. Once a swashbuckling anthropologist, now a cranky widower with a bad hip and a worse attitude, Harry is basically one “Back in my day…” away from turning to dust. Enter Emma, a millennial caregiver with a burnout halo and a fiancé she probably wouldn’t miss if he got eaten by wolves.
Their lives do what cozy mysteries do best, go completely off the rails when someone gets dead. Neighbor Sue calls Harry in a panic, and by the time he and Emma hobble over like the world’s most reluctant Scooby-Doo duo, Sue is very much poisoned and very much not living her best life anymore. The police shrug it off, but Harry smells murder and Emma’s too nosy to walk away. Let the amateur sleuthing commence.
Now, this is not a high-speed, cliffhangers-every-chapter kind of book. The first half ambles like Harry on stairs. But once the story finds its rhythm, it’s delightfully nosy. It’s all HOA politics, back porch gossip, and neighbors who definitely have matching alibis and matching wallpaper. The actual mystery is a classic cozy puzzle, twisty, fun, slightly predictable, but you’re not here for the body count. You’re here because Harry and Emma are pure chaos wrapped in dry wit and unresolved trauma.
Harry, bless his grouchy soul, is one of the most emotionally stunted men I’ve ever loved. He’s still mourning his wife, deeply unsure of his place in the world, and fighting to matter again without admitting that’s what he’s doing. His sharp observational skills make him a great detective and a terrible neighbor. I would 100% be scared of him at book club. But then you watch him quietly support Emma, cheering her on with book recommendations and hard truths, and you realize the man is a crusty cinnamon roll with abandonment issues.
And Emma. EMMA. This girl is trying so hard not to collapse into a pile of stress-eating and people-pleasing. She’s overworked, underwhelmed by her life choices, and engaged to a man who probably lists “networking” as a hobby. Watching her unravel that mess, reclaim her voice, and low-key adopt Harry as her found family? That was the real plot twist. I didn’t cry, you cried, okay?
Their dynamic is what absolutely sells this book. It’s not romantic, thank god, but it’s intimate in that way that only trauma bonding over neighborhood homicides can be. They bicker. They protect each other. They make wildly bad decisions with full confidence and no backup plan. It’s giving The Intern meets Only Murders in the Building with a side of please someone stop them before they interrogate another Pilates instructor.
Is it a perfect book? Nah. Too many neighbors to track early on. The pacing is sleepy. The killer’s reveal doesn’t slap as hard as it could. But honestly? I didn’t care. This is a book about two lonely, broken people deciding they’re not done living yet. And they’re gonna live loudly. In orthopedic shoes. 3.5 stars of cozy mystery serotonin.
Whodunity Award: For That One Condo Board Meeting That Probably Should’ve Ended in a Mistrial
Thank you to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for the ARC. Y’all gave me a gift wrapped in grief, poison, and peak elder sass, and I would absolutely show up to the sequel with a casserole and a murder board. Appreciate you for letting me ride shotgun on this weird little emotional rollercoaster. Love you. Don’t change.
Their lives do what cozy mysteries do best, go completely off the rails when someone gets dead. Neighbor Sue calls Harry in a panic, and by the time he and Emma hobble over like the world’s most reluctant Scooby-Doo duo, Sue is very much poisoned and very much not living her best life anymore. The police shrug it off, but Harry smells murder and Emma’s too nosy to walk away. Let the amateur sleuthing commence.
Now, this is not a high-speed, cliffhangers-every-chapter kind of book. The first half ambles like Harry on stairs. But once the story finds its rhythm, it’s delightfully nosy. It’s all HOA politics, back porch gossip, and neighbors who definitely have matching alibis and matching wallpaper. The actual mystery is a classic cozy puzzle, twisty, fun, slightly predictable, but you’re not here for the body count. You’re here because Harry and Emma are pure chaos wrapped in dry wit and unresolved trauma.
Harry, bless his grouchy soul, is one of the most emotionally stunted men I’ve ever loved. He’s still mourning his wife, deeply unsure of his place in the world, and fighting to matter again without admitting that’s what he’s doing. His sharp observational skills make him a great detective and a terrible neighbor. I would 100% be scared of him at book club. But then you watch him quietly support Emma, cheering her on with book recommendations and hard truths, and you realize the man is a crusty cinnamon roll with abandonment issues.
And Emma. EMMA. This girl is trying so hard not to collapse into a pile of stress-eating and people-pleasing. She’s overworked, underwhelmed by her life choices, and engaged to a man who probably lists “networking” as a hobby. Watching her unravel that mess, reclaim her voice, and low-key adopt Harry as her found family? That was the real plot twist. I didn’t cry, you cried, okay?
Their dynamic is what absolutely sells this book. It’s not romantic, thank god, but it’s intimate in that way that only trauma bonding over neighborhood homicides can be. They bicker. They protect each other. They make wildly bad decisions with full confidence and no backup plan. It’s giving The Intern meets Only Murders in the Building with a side of please someone stop them before they interrogate another Pilates instructor.
Is it a perfect book? Nah. Too many neighbors to track early on. The pacing is sleepy. The killer’s reveal doesn’t slap as hard as it could. But honestly? I didn’t care. This is a book about two lonely, broken people deciding they’re not done living yet. And they’re gonna live loudly. In orthopedic shoes. 3.5 stars of cozy mystery serotonin.
Whodunity Award: For That One Condo Board Meeting That Probably Should’ve Ended in a Mistrial
Thank you to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for the ARC. Y’all gave me a gift wrapped in grief, poison, and peak elder sass, and I would absolutely show up to the sequel with a casserole and a murder board. Appreciate you for letting me ride shotgun on this weird little emotional rollercoaster. Love you. Don’t change.
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