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Murder by the Book
Listening time: 8 hours and 53 minutes
A riveting, dark, and layered thriller that cuts through the glamorous façade of the publishing world to expose the true cost of ambition.
Some stories are too dangerous to tell, especially when they’re your own.
Addison Comstock is a literary icon, known for her bestselling crime novels, razor-sharp tongue, and relentless rise to the top. But behind her polished brand lies a ruthless past filled with secrets, betrayals, and broken lives—including those of the writers she’s employed to ghostwrite her success.
When her longtime editor collapses and dies during a team retreat in Jamaica, what appears to be a medical emergency soon begins to feel like something far more sinister. Tensions rise, loyalties fray, and whispers of sabotage grow louder. Someone in Addison’s inner circle has decided enough is enough, and truth is becoming stranger than fiction.
As the body count climbs and buried truths resurface, Addison is desperate to maintain control of her crumbling empire. But with accusations flying and her dirty past threatening to go public, even Addison begins to question who she can trust … and how far she’s willing to go to protect her legacy.
A riveting, dark, and layered thriller that cuts through the glamorous façade of the publishing world to expose the true cost of ambition.
Some stories are too dangerous to tell, especially when they’re your own.
Addison Comstock is a literary icon, known for her bestselling crime novels, razor-sharp tongue, and relentless rise to the top. But behind her polished brand lies a ruthless past filled with secrets, betrayals, and broken lives—including those of the writers she’s employed to ghostwrite her success.
When her longtime editor collapses and dies during a team retreat in Jamaica, what appears to be a medical emergency soon begins to feel like something far more sinister. Tensions rise, loyalties fray, and whispers of sabotage grow louder. Someone in Addison’s inner circle has decided enough is enough, and truth is becoming stranger than fiction.
As the body count climbs and buried truths resurface, Addison is desperate to maintain control of her crumbling empire. But with accusations flying and her dirty past threatening to go public, even Addison begins to question who she can trust … and how far she’s willing to go to protect her legacy.
9 pages, Audible Audio
Expected publication May 26, 2026
About the author
J.L. Campbell
113 books312 followersJ.L. Campbell is fascinated with Jamaican flora and has hundreds of photos in her collection. She writes contemporary and sweet romance, romantic suspense, women's fiction, as well as new and young adult novels.
Campbell, who features Jamaican culture in her stories, has written over forty books. She is also a certified editor.
Feel free to join her mailing list for news and updates https://sendfox.com/lp/1rk5gx or connect with her on social media.
Campbell, who features Jamaican culture in her stories, has written over forty books. She is also a certified editor.
Feel free to join her mailing list for news and updates https://sendfox.com/lp/1rk5gx or connect with her on social media.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
May 26, 2026
Happy publication day!
2⭐
Genre ~ drama fiction
Setting ~ Jamaica & Florida
Publication date ~ May 26, 2026
Publisher ~ RB Media
Est Page Count ~ 294 (43 chapters)
Audio length ~ 8 hours 53 minutes
Narrator ~ Nicole Cash
POV ~ multiple 3rd
Featuring ~ dual timeline, authors, writing retreat, murder, revenge, references to child abuse, molestation and abandonment
Addison, Casey & Alecia are our main characters. The drama with them is in abundance and I didn't like any of them. Did I feel bad after learning their backstory? Maybe a smidgen.
Since there was a lot of going on, somewhat confusing at times, I wasn't as fully engaged in the story as I'd hoped to be. While I do like a good revenge story, the burn was a little too slow for me. I wouldn't call this a thriller either as the blurb indicates. A slow burn drama mystery is more like it.
Overall, not for me, but I'm sure there will be many readers that'll enjoy it.
Narration notes:
While she did do a fine job, and made her voice distinct for all the different characters, this would have benefited from multiple narrators since all POV's are women. She does do a good Jamaican accent.
2⭐
Genre ~ drama fiction
Setting ~ Jamaica & Florida
Publication date ~ May 26, 2026
Publisher ~ RB Media
Est Page Count ~ 294 (43 chapters)
Audio length ~ 8 hours 53 minutes
Narrator ~ Nicole Cash
POV ~ multiple 3rd
Featuring ~ dual timeline, authors, writing retreat, murder, revenge, references to child abuse, molestation and abandonment
Addison, Casey & Alecia are our main characters. The drama with them is in abundance and I didn't like any of them. Did I feel bad after learning their backstory? Maybe a smidgen.
Since there was a lot of going on, somewhat confusing at times, I wasn't as fully engaged in the story as I'd hoped to be. While I do like a good revenge story, the burn was a little too slow for me. I wouldn't call this a thriller either as the blurb indicates. A slow burn drama mystery is more like it.
Overall, not for me, but I'm sure there will be many readers that'll enjoy it.
Narration notes:
While she did do a fine job, and made her voice distinct for all the different characters, this would have benefited from multiple narrators since all POV's are women. She does do a good Jamaican accent.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley and RB Media for the audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This audiobook completely pulled me into its world. The drama, secrets, betrayals, family tensions, and nonstop intrigue made it incredibly addictive listening from start to finish. At times, it almost feels like a soap opera — something the book even playfully acknowledges itself — but for me, that only added to the experience. Every chapter seemed to uncover another layer of scandal, hidden history, or emotional fallout, and I constantly wanted “just one more chapter.”
What really elevated this beyond a standard twisty thriller for me was the emotional depth underneath all the chaos. This story goes to some very dark and heartbreaking places, especially in its portrayal of violence and sexual abuse against women and the way those experiences are minimised, hidden, or quietly accepted by those around them. Beneath all the twists and drama is a heavier story about silence, generational damage, power, and survival, and that emotional weight gave the book real impact.
The characters were one of the strongest parts of the novel. Nearly everyone felt multifaceted and deeply human — flawed, messy, sometimes frustrating, but understandable once their histories and motivations are revealed. I especially loved Addison as a main character. She felt wonderfully complex, and I loved slowly uncovering the deeper layers of her personality throughout the story. The book does such a good job of showing both the good and bad sides of people without turning anyone into a simple caricature.
I also loved the cultural richness woven throughout the story. The contrast between island life and those who left for America added so much texture and emotional tension, and the use of old Jamaican sayings and expressions passed down through generations made the dialogue feel authentic, vivid, and lived in. It gave the story such a strong sense of place and family history.
Nicole Cash’s narration was absolutely fantastic and added so much to the audiobook experience. The different character voices, Jamaican accents, emotional delivery, and pacing brought the story to life beautifully. This is one of those audiobooks where the narrator genuinely enhances the entire experience.
The ending also tied everything together really well. The twists were satisfying, emotionally grounded, and made several character dynamics click into place in a way that felt earned rather than purely shocking.
An emotional, dramatic, dark, twist-filled audiobook that fully embraces its soap-opera energy while still delivering layered characters and real emotional depth. I was completely hooked.
This audiobook completely pulled me into its world. The drama, secrets, betrayals, family tensions, and nonstop intrigue made it incredibly addictive listening from start to finish. At times, it almost feels like a soap opera — something the book even playfully acknowledges itself — but for me, that only added to the experience. Every chapter seemed to uncover another layer of scandal, hidden history, or emotional fallout, and I constantly wanted “just one more chapter.”
What really elevated this beyond a standard twisty thriller for me was the emotional depth underneath all the chaos. This story goes to some very dark and heartbreaking places, especially in its portrayal of violence and sexual abuse against women and the way those experiences are minimised, hidden, or quietly accepted by those around them. Beneath all the twists and drama is a heavier story about silence, generational damage, power, and survival, and that emotional weight gave the book real impact.
The characters were one of the strongest parts of the novel. Nearly everyone felt multifaceted and deeply human — flawed, messy, sometimes frustrating, but understandable once their histories and motivations are revealed. I especially loved Addison as a main character. She felt wonderfully complex, and I loved slowly uncovering the deeper layers of her personality throughout the story. The book does such a good job of showing both the good and bad sides of people without turning anyone into a simple caricature.
I also loved the cultural richness woven throughout the story. The contrast between island life and those who left for America added so much texture and emotional tension, and the use of old Jamaican sayings and expressions passed down through generations made the dialogue feel authentic, vivid, and lived in. It gave the story such a strong sense of place and family history.
Nicole Cash’s narration was absolutely fantastic and added so much to the audiobook experience. The different character voices, Jamaican accents, emotional delivery, and pacing brought the story to life beautifully. This is one of those audiobooks where the narrator genuinely enhances the entire experience.
The ending also tied everything together really well. The twists were satisfying, emotionally grounded, and made several character dynamics click into place in a way that felt earned rather than purely shocking.
An emotional, dramatic, dark, twist-filled audiobook that fully embraces its soap-opera energy while still delivering layered characters and real emotional depth. I was completely hooked.
May 26, 2026
First of all I’d like to congratulate Campbell on the release of their book and thank you NetGalley for this ALC.
I am very sad to say this wasn’t for me. I felt like there were too many characters and too much going on which led me to struggle following the story and caring for the characters.
I’m 100% sure there are many many readers out there for whom this will be a far more enjoyable experience but I just wasn’t one of them.
Audio notes: whilst the narrator did a brilliant job all on her own I feel as though this would benefit from multiple narrators.
I am very sad to say this wasn’t for me. I felt like there were too many characters and too much going on which led me to struggle following the story and caring for the characters.
I’m 100% sure there are many many readers out there for whom this will be a far more enjoyable experience but I just wasn’t one of them.
Audio notes: whilst the narrator did a brilliant job all on her own I feel as though this would benefit from multiple narrators.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5 stars!
I’m new to this author, but I couldn't help but be drawn in by the cover! It perfectly captures the dark, suspenseful, and twisty vibe I enjoy. However, I found the pacing to be quite slow and detailed.
This story follows Addison Comstock, a celebrated crime novelist with a shadowy past filled with deceit and betrayal. After her editor dies under mysterious circumstances during a retreat, paranoia escalates within her team, leading to fears of sabotage. As tensions rise and hidden truths emerge, Addison enlists a private investigator to protect her legacy while grappling with whom to trust amidst increasing danger.
The story unfolds through multiple perspectives and a dual timeline, allowing us to fully engage with the narrative. You may initially pass judgment on some characters, but as you get to know them better, your views might shift. It’s fascinating how we see most characters at their worst, revealing their flaws, and then gradually learn about their backgrounds. This helps us understand why they might come across as bitter or resentful. Life isn’t always straightforward; the experiences we endure shape who we are. It’s how we choose to deal with the trauma that truly defines us.
This writing style is unique, with a slow-burning plot that keeps you intrigued. Set in a villa in Jamaica, the story has a sense of seclusion and claustrophobia, enhancing the dark, twisty drama of the publishing world. The themes revolve around literary ambition, stolen credit, the politics of authorship, childhood trauma, and unresolved pasts filled with complex emotions.
I was lucky to receive the audiobook, and the narrator did an excellent job. Her upbeat narration conveyed the mood and emotion beautifully, and her accents added an extra layer of life and energy to the story. What a fantastic choice of narrator!
Overall, this book offers a twisty murder mystery beach read with a slow-burning revenge plot brimming with intrigue. If you enjoy stories about power, privilege, and flawed characters, this will definitely catch your attention. I found that listening to the audiobook made the experience more enjoyable; the slow pace might challenge readers who tackle the text on their own.
Thank you, RBMedia and NetGalley, for the DRC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I’m new to this author, but I couldn't help but be drawn in by the cover! It perfectly captures the dark, suspenseful, and twisty vibe I enjoy. However, I found the pacing to be quite slow and detailed.
This story follows Addison Comstock, a celebrated crime novelist with a shadowy past filled with deceit and betrayal. After her editor dies under mysterious circumstances during a retreat, paranoia escalates within her team, leading to fears of sabotage. As tensions rise and hidden truths emerge, Addison enlists a private investigator to protect her legacy while grappling with whom to trust amidst increasing danger.
The story unfolds through multiple perspectives and a dual timeline, allowing us to fully engage with the narrative. You may initially pass judgment on some characters, but as you get to know them better, your views might shift. It’s fascinating how we see most characters at their worst, revealing their flaws, and then gradually learn about their backgrounds. This helps us understand why they might come across as bitter or resentful. Life isn’t always straightforward; the experiences we endure shape who we are. It’s how we choose to deal with the trauma that truly defines us.
This writing style is unique, with a slow-burning plot that keeps you intrigued. Set in a villa in Jamaica, the story has a sense of seclusion and claustrophobia, enhancing the dark, twisty drama of the publishing world. The themes revolve around literary ambition, stolen credit, the politics of authorship, childhood trauma, and unresolved pasts filled with complex emotions.
I was lucky to receive the audiobook, and the narrator did an excellent job. Her upbeat narration conveyed the mood and emotion beautifully, and her accents added an extra layer of life and energy to the story. What a fantastic choice of narrator!
Overall, this book offers a twisty murder mystery beach read with a slow-burning revenge plot brimming with intrigue. If you enjoy stories about power, privilege, and flawed characters, this will definitely catch your attention. I found that listening to the audiobook made the experience more enjoyable; the slow pace might challenge readers who tackle the text on their own.
Thank you, RBMedia and NetGalley, for the DRC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Some Secrets Were Never Meant to Stay Buried
Murder by the Book by J.L. Campbell is the kind of novel that grabs you by the collar on page one and refuses to let go. Set against the lush, sun-drenched backdrop of Jamaica, this layered psychological thriller take apart the glamorous facade of the literary world with surgical precision — and what lies beneath is far darker than fiction.
Campbell's protagonist, Addison Comstock, is a literary icon you'll love to loathe — brilliant, ruthless, and hiding secrets that would unravel everything she's built. When a seemingly routine team retreat turns deadly, the tension escalates with each chapter in ways that feel both inevitable and completely surprising. Campbell's expressive, confident writing style keeps the pacing razor-sharp, and the plot twists land hard.
What elevates this book beyond a standard whodunit is its moral complexity. My heart aches for Addison — because beneath the polished, steely exterior is a survivor of childhood sexual abuse and incest who never received the healing she deserved. She carried unresolved trauma silently into adulthood, and it quietly shaped every relationship, every decision, and every ruthless move she made. Campbell portrays this with unflinching honesty. The dysfunction didn't begin with Addison, and it didn't end with her either. This is a story steeped in generational trauma — the kind that gets passed down, buried, and eventually explodes.
Campbell isn't interested in easy answers. She asks uncomfortable questions about ambition, exploitation, loyalty, and the cost of silence, and she makes you sit with the discomfort.
This is a bold, fearless, and deeply satisfying thriller from one of Jamaica's most gifted storytellers.
My only recommendation: This book would benefit from a content/trigger warning prior to publication. Although not graphic, incidents of incest, child sexual abuse, and child abandonment, are wound throughout the story — content that can be deeply triggering for survivors. Adding a trigger warning is a meaningful, trauma-informed gesture that respects and protects your readership.
Highly recommended for fans of dark psychological thrillers with complex characters, dysfunctional family dynamics, and high-stakes secrets.
—Marie McKenzie | BSN, RN | Award-Winning & #1 Bestselling Author | Trauma-Informed Educator | Founder & CEO, ISACI
Murder by the Book by J.L. Campbell is the kind of novel that grabs you by the collar on page one and refuses to let go. Set against the lush, sun-drenched backdrop of Jamaica, this layered psychological thriller take apart the glamorous facade of the literary world with surgical precision — and what lies beneath is far darker than fiction.
Campbell's protagonist, Addison Comstock, is a literary icon you'll love to loathe — brilliant, ruthless, and hiding secrets that would unravel everything she's built. When a seemingly routine team retreat turns deadly, the tension escalates with each chapter in ways that feel both inevitable and completely surprising. Campbell's expressive, confident writing style keeps the pacing razor-sharp, and the plot twists land hard.
What elevates this book beyond a standard whodunit is its moral complexity. My heart aches for Addison — because beneath the polished, steely exterior is a survivor of childhood sexual abuse and incest who never received the healing she deserved. She carried unresolved trauma silently into adulthood, and it quietly shaped every relationship, every decision, and every ruthless move she made. Campbell portrays this with unflinching honesty. The dysfunction didn't begin with Addison, and it didn't end with her either. This is a story steeped in generational trauma — the kind that gets passed down, buried, and eventually explodes.
Campbell isn't interested in easy answers. She asks uncomfortable questions about ambition, exploitation, loyalty, and the cost of silence, and she makes you sit with the discomfort.
This is a bold, fearless, and deeply satisfying thriller from one of Jamaica's most gifted storytellers.
My only recommendation: This book would benefit from a content/trigger warning prior to publication. Although not graphic, incidents of incest, child sexual abuse, and child abandonment, are wound throughout the story — content that can be deeply triggering for survivors. Adding a trigger warning is a meaningful, trauma-informed gesture that respects and protects your readership.
Highly recommended for fans of dark psychological thrillers with complex characters, dysfunctional family dynamics, and high-stakes secrets.
—Marie McKenzie | BSN, RN | Award-Winning & #1 Bestselling Author | Trauma-Informed Educator | Founder & CEO, ISACI
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Murder by the Book is what happens when a group of deeply damaged publishing people go to Jamaica and collectively decide healing is for losers. Every single person in this book has the energy of someone smiling through clenched teeth while mentally rehearsing your downfall, and honestly? That part was delicious.
Addison Comstock is a famous crime writer with a razor-sharp public persona, a mountain of secrets, and the emotional warmth of a decorative knife set. The woman has built an empire of bestselling thrillers while leaving a trail of ghostwriters, betrayals, and ruined relationships behind her like she’s the Miranda Priestly of murder fiction. Then her editor dies during a luxury retreat and suddenly everybody starts acting like they’re in the season finale of Big Little Lies if every character had unresolved childhood trauma and a publishing contract.
The setup absolutely hooked me because the idea of someone using the plot of Addison’s next book as revenge bait is so gloriously petty and chaotic. That’s rich people thriller behavior at its finest. These people aren’t just angry, they’re artistically angry. Weaponized resentment with hardcover distribution rights.
And Nicole Cash knew exactly what kind of book this was. Her narration fully commits to the glam melodrama of it all without tipping over into parody. She gives the characters this heightened emotional tension that makes every conversation sound like somebody’s about to either confess a murder or slap their ex with a linen napkin. Honestly, she carried some of the slower sections for me because this is definitely more of a simmering drama-thriller than a pedal-to-the-floor murder mystery.
Because whew, this book has A Lot going on. Affairs. Abuse. Family secrets. Ghostwriting scandals. Generational trauma. Half this cast needs a detective and the other half needs several years of intensive therapy in a facility with ocean views. There were moments where I genuinely lost track of who was betraying who because everybody had motives stacked on motives like they were building emotional Jenga.
But weirdly, the messiness kind of became part of the charm for me. This isn’t a sleek little precision-engineered thriller where every clue clicks neatly into place. This is a glossy, messy, emotionally chaotic revenge drama where everybody’s bad decisions are sweating through expensive resort clothing. At one point it honestly started feeling like Revenge and Dynasty had a baby and handed it unresolved trauma instead of a birth certificate.
What surprised me most was how emotionally heavy the story underneath all the chaos actually gets. Addison especially becomes more interesting the more the layers peel back. She’s controlling and cruel and exhausting, but there’s also something deeply sad about watching someone spend their entire life trying to outrun pain by becoming untouchable. The book doesn’t excuse anybody’s behavior, which I appreciated. It just quietly lets you see how damaged people keep passing hurt around like it’s a family heirloom nobody wanted.
That said, the pacing definitely dragged in spots. There were stretches where I felt like the story was circling itself instead of moving forward, and because the cast is huge, some reveals landed softer than they probably should’ve. But every time I considered mentally checking out, somebody would expose another horrifying secret and I’d immediately sit back up like a raccoon hearing a bag of chips open.
I ended up around 3 stars because this audiobook fully entertained me even when it was being messy as hell. It’s dramatic, complicated, occasionally exhausting, and very committed to making sure absolutely nobody in this story has a healthy coping mechanism. Nicole Cash’s narration honestly elevated the whole experience because she understood this assignment was less “quiet literary suspense” and more “rich people emotionally detonating in paradise.”
Whodunity Award: For Making Me Suspect Every Person at This Retreat Except Maybe the Pool Guy, and Even Then I Was Watching Him Closely
And thank you to RBmedia and NetGalley for the ALC, because apparently my favorite genre is now “deeply dysfunctional people unraveling near beautiful water.”
Addison Comstock is a famous crime writer with a razor-sharp public persona, a mountain of secrets, and the emotional warmth of a decorative knife set. The woman has built an empire of bestselling thrillers while leaving a trail of ghostwriters, betrayals, and ruined relationships behind her like she’s the Miranda Priestly of murder fiction. Then her editor dies during a luxury retreat and suddenly everybody starts acting like they’re in the season finale of Big Little Lies if every character had unresolved childhood trauma and a publishing contract.
The setup absolutely hooked me because the idea of someone using the plot of Addison’s next book as revenge bait is so gloriously petty and chaotic. That’s rich people thriller behavior at its finest. These people aren’t just angry, they’re artistically angry. Weaponized resentment with hardcover distribution rights.
And Nicole Cash knew exactly what kind of book this was. Her narration fully commits to the glam melodrama of it all without tipping over into parody. She gives the characters this heightened emotional tension that makes every conversation sound like somebody’s about to either confess a murder or slap their ex with a linen napkin. Honestly, she carried some of the slower sections for me because this is definitely more of a simmering drama-thriller than a pedal-to-the-floor murder mystery.
Because whew, this book has A Lot going on. Affairs. Abuse. Family secrets. Ghostwriting scandals. Generational trauma. Half this cast needs a detective and the other half needs several years of intensive therapy in a facility with ocean views. There were moments where I genuinely lost track of who was betraying who because everybody had motives stacked on motives like they were building emotional Jenga.
But weirdly, the messiness kind of became part of the charm for me. This isn’t a sleek little precision-engineered thriller where every clue clicks neatly into place. This is a glossy, messy, emotionally chaotic revenge drama where everybody’s bad decisions are sweating through expensive resort clothing. At one point it honestly started feeling like Revenge and Dynasty had a baby and handed it unresolved trauma instead of a birth certificate.
What surprised me most was how emotionally heavy the story underneath all the chaos actually gets. Addison especially becomes more interesting the more the layers peel back. She’s controlling and cruel and exhausting, but there’s also something deeply sad about watching someone spend their entire life trying to outrun pain by becoming untouchable. The book doesn’t excuse anybody’s behavior, which I appreciated. It just quietly lets you see how damaged people keep passing hurt around like it’s a family heirloom nobody wanted.
That said, the pacing definitely dragged in spots. There were stretches where I felt like the story was circling itself instead of moving forward, and because the cast is huge, some reveals landed softer than they probably should’ve. But every time I considered mentally checking out, somebody would expose another horrifying secret and I’d immediately sit back up like a raccoon hearing a bag of chips open.
I ended up around 3 stars because this audiobook fully entertained me even when it was being messy as hell. It’s dramatic, complicated, occasionally exhausting, and very committed to making sure absolutely nobody in this story has a healthy coping mechanism. Nicole Cash’s narration honestly elevated the whole experience because she understood this assignment was less “quiet literary suspense” and more “rich people emotionally detonating in paradise.”
Whodunity Award: For Making Me Suspect Every Person at This Retreat Except Maybe the Pool Guy, and Even Then I Was Watching Him Closely
And thank you to RBmedia and NetGalley for the ALC, because apparently my favorite genre is now “deeply dysfunctional people unraveling near beautiful water.”
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Murder By The Book
Story Snapshot
Murder by the Book is a gripping thriller about bestselling author Addison Comstock, whose glamorous publishing career begins to unravel after a suspicious death at a writers’ retreat in Jamaica. As secrets from her past surface and the murders start mirroring her own stories, Addison realizes someone may be turning fiction into deadly revenge.
My Thoughts
Beyond the suspense and shocking twists, the novel explores trauma, family dysfunction, ambition, and the lasting cost of silence with raw honesty. J. L. Campbell delivers a bold, emotionally layered thriller that stays with you long after the final page.
J. L. Campbell keeps the tension high with shocking twists, fast pacing, and a writing style that feels confident and immersive from start to finish.
What makes this thriller stand out is the emotional weight beneath the mystery. Addison isn’t just ruthless — she’s deeply wounded, carrying years of unresolved trauma that quietly shaped the person she became. Campbell explores generational trauma, silence, ambition, and exploitation with honesty and complexity, making this more than just a murder mystery. It’s dark, layered, uncomfortable at times, and incredibly compelling.
Listening Experience
The narrator perfectly captures the tone of this glamorous, high-stakes world, bringing the drama and tension to life in a way that feels immersive and cinematic. The audiobook amplifies the story’s intensity and makes it incredibly easy to binge in one sitting.
Is it Worth Picking Up?
If you enjoy dark psychological thrillers with complex characters, dysfunctional family dynamics, and high-stakes secrets, this may be a great fit for you. I genuinely enjoyed the book overall, but I did feel there were too many characters introduced early on, which made it harder to settle into the story before getting to the central twists.
I also wish there had been a content or trigger warning included, maybe even in the beginning of the book. While not graphically depicted, themes of incest, child sexual abuse, and child abandonment are woven throughout the narrative—material that could be deeply triggering for some readers.
Final Thought
Overall, I really enjoyed the book and J. L. Campbell’s writing style. I’d definitely be interested in reading more of her work, especially if she continues exploring psychological thrillers like this. This feels like an ambitious and confident step into the genre, and I think it pays off. It’s absolutely worth picking up.
Story Snapshot
Murder by the Book is a gripping thriller about bestselling author Addison Comstock, whose glamorous publishing career begins to unravel after a suspicious death at a writers’ retreat in Jamaica. As secrets from her past surface and the murders start mirroring her own stories, Addison realizes someone may be turning fiction into deadly revenge.
My Thoughts
Beyond the suspense and shocking twists, the novel explores trauma, family dysfunction, ambition, and the lasting cost of silence with raw honesty. J. L. Campbell delivers a bold, emotionally layered thriller that stays with you long after the final page.
J. L. Campbell keeps the tension high with shocking twists, fast pacing, and a writing style that feels confident and immersive from start to finish.
What makes this thriller stand out is the emotional weight beneath the mystery. Addison isn’t just ruthless — she’s deeply wounded, carrying years of unresolved trauma that quietly shaped the person she became. Campbell explores generational trauma, silence, ambition, and exploitation with honesty and complexity, making this more than just a murder mystery. It’s dark, layered, uncomfortable at times, and incredibly compelling.
Listening Experience
The narrator perfectly captures the tone of this glamorous, high-stakes world, bringing the drama and tension to life in a way that feels immersive and cinematic. The audiobook amplifies the story’s intensity and makes it incredibly easy to binge in one sitting.
Is it Worth Picking Up?
If you enjoy dark psychological thrillers with complex characters, dysfunctional family dynamics, and high-stakes secrets, this may be a great fit for you. I genuinely enjoyed the book overall, but I did feel there were too many characters introduced early on, which made it harder to settle into the story before getting to the central twists.
I also wish there had been a content or trigger warning included, maybe even in the beginning of the book. While not graphically depicted, themes of incest, child sexual abuse, and child abandonment are woven throughout the narrative—material that could be deeply triggering for some readers.
Final Thought
Overall, I really enjoyed the book and J. L. Campbell’s writing style. I’d definitely be interested in reading more of her work, especially if she continues exploring psychological thrillers like this. This feels like an ambitious and confident step into the genre, and I think it pays off. It’s absolutely worth picking up.
Read
May 16, 2026I love books about writers for the same reason I love books about NYC: it's fun to read about a world you recognize. The title immediately sold me on this.
Premise - Addison Comstock, a bestselling crime author, is a fraud. She's been hiring out her novels to ghostwriters, and that's just one of her dirty secrets.
During a team retreat in Jamaica, her longtime editor collapses and dies. Addison is sure it wasn't a run of the mill tragedy, but something more sinister. She hires a private investigator to infiltrate her team, but when your pool of suspects is a bunch of crime creatives, anything can happen.
Dishy right? Unfortunately, this one didn't quite land for me. It's told in disparate halves, but for me those halves were so tonally different (and running in parallel, rather than starting as one and gradually growing into the other) that it didn't come together into a cohesive whole.
On one hand, you have the over-the-top soapy story described in the premise, following a 2D writer (who I wish I got the chance to understand better!) and her long-suffering staff. On the other, you have the very dark, painful, and slow story of the
Premise - Addison Comstock, a bestselling crime author, is a fraud. She's been hiring out her novels to ghostwriters, and that's just one of her dirty secrets.
During a team retreat in Jamaica, her longtime editor collapses and dies. Addison is sure it wasn't a run of the mill tragedy, but something more sinister. She hires a private investigator to infiltrate her team, but when your pool of suspects is a bunch of crime creatives, anything can happen.
Dishy right? Unfortunately, this one didn't quite land for me. It's told in disparate halves, but for me those halves were so tonally different (and running in parallel, rather than starting as one and gradually growing into the other) that it didn't come together into a cohesive whole.
On one hand, you have the over-the-top soapy story described in the premise, following a 2D writer (who I wish I got the chance to understand better!) and her long-suffering staff. On the other, you have the very dark, painful, and slow story of the
May 26, 2026
Murder By The Book started off giving me strong And Then There Were None vibes, which immediately hooked me in. There was that same isolated tension and “somebody here knows more than they’re saying” atmosphere that made me settle in for what I thought was going to be a wild ride. A few chapters in, though, the story started shifting into its own lane, and not always in ways that fully worked for me.
One thing I struggled with was understanding the complete necessity of Emily and Rachel beyond their connection to Addison. Maybe I missed something along the way while multitasking and trying to keep tomato plants alive against the will of nature, but their roles never felt fully developed or essential to the bigger picture. Around the halfway mark, the pacing also started to lull a bit. The repeated back-and-forth between Addison and Casey dragged on longer than it needed to and became somewhat repetitive after a while.
That said, Addison definitely managed to get a reaction out of me because every scene with her had me gritting my teeth. The ongoing abuse and the way everyone seemed to just stand by and absorb it without exploding sooner honestly stressed me out more than the murder plot at times. Humans really do have a remarkable ability to tolerate nonsense far beyond reasonable limits. Couldn’t be me.
Even with those frustrations, this was still an enjoyable audiobook overall. I listened while gardening, which has apparently become my natural habitat at this point, and Nicole Cash did a solid job bringing the story to life. Her narration was smooth, easy to follow, and the character voices were differentiated nicely enough that conversations never became confusing.
While this one didn’t fully stick the landing for me, I’d still read more from J.L. Campbell in the future.
Huge thank you to NetGalley and RBmedia for the opportunity to listen to and review Murder By The Book. I always appreciate the chance to discover new authors and audiobooks
One thing I struggled with was understanding the complete necessity of Emily and Rachel beyond their connection to Addison. Maybe I missed something along the way while multitasking and trying to keep tomato plants alive against the will of nature, but their roles never felt fully developed or essential to the bigger picture. Around the halfway mark, the pacing also started to lull a bit. The repeated back-and-forth between Addison and Casey dragged on longer than it needed to and became somewhat repetitive after a while.
That said, Addison definitely managed to get a reaction out of me because every scene with her had me gritting my teeth. The ongoing abuse and the way everyone seemed to just stand by and absorb it without exploding sooner honestly stressed me out more than the murder plot at times. Humans really do have a remarkable ability to tolerate nonsense far beyond reasonable limits. Couldn’t be me.
Even with those frustrations, this was still an enjoyable audiobook overall. I listened while gardening, which has apparently become my natural habitat at this point, and Nicole Cash did a solid job bringing the story to life. Her narration was smooth, easy to follow, and the character voices were differentiated nicely enough that conversations never became confusing.
While this one didn’t fully stick the landing for me, I’d still read more from J.L. Campbell in the future.
Huge thank you to NetGalley and RBmedia for the opportunity to listen to and review Murder By The Book. I always appreciate the chance to discover new authors and audiobooks
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I really enjoyed this one overall, and I think it’ll especially appeal to readers who love layered, character-driven mysteries. The story opens in Jamaica with bestselling author Addison Comstock and her team, and a murder happens almost right away, instantly setting everything in motion. It’s an atmospheric, intriguing start with a strong literary hook that pulls you in.
This is a complex, ambitious mystery with a large cast and plenty of moving parts. One of the standout elements for me was the lingering controversy surrounding Addison’s first big success—it adds a slow-building psychological tension and a morally gray edge that keeps things interesting throughout.
It’s a smart, fast-paced read that kept me turning the pages. J.L. Campbell blends a cozy, small-town feel with sharp, engaging character dynamics, creating a story that feels both comforting and suspenseful.
The premise is compelling from the start, and the mystery unfolds at a steady, satisfying pace. The clues are well-layered—enough to keep you guessing without ever feeling overwhelming or overly complicated. The cast adds depth and personality, making it easy to stay invested in how everything plays out.
The writing is smooth and accessible, and the setting has that perfect “bookish mystery” charm. While it leans into some familiar cozy mystery elements, it still manages to feel fresh and entertaining.
The audiobook narration adds another layer to the experience—Nicole Cash does a fantastic job bringing the story to life. Her performance captures the tone and tension of the mystery well, and she gives each character a distinct voice, making it easy to stay immersed in the story.
Overall, this was an engaging and enjoyable read (and listen) that mystery fans will definitely appreciate.
Thank you to J.L. Campbell, RBMedia and NetGalley for the ALC.
This is a complex, ambitious mystery with a large cast and plenty of moving parts. One of the standout elements for me was the lingering controversy surrounding Addison’s first big success—it adds a slow-building psychological tension and a morally gray edge that keeps things interesting throughout.
It’s a smart, fast-paced read that kept me turning the pages. J.L. Campbell blends a cozy, small-town feel with sharp, engaging character dynamics, creating a story that feels both comforting and suspenseful.
The premise is compelling from the start, and the mystery unfolds at a steady, satisfying pace. The clues are well-layered—enough to keep you guessing without ever feeling overwhelming or overly complicated. The cast adds depth and personality, making it easy to stay invested in how everything plays out.
The writing is smooth and accessible, and the setting has that perfect “bookish mystery” charm. While it leans into some familiar cozy mystery elements, it still manages to feel fresh and entertaining.
The audiobook narration adds another layer to the experience—Nicole Cash does a fantastic job bringing the story to life. Her performance captures the tone and tension of the mystery well, and she gives each character a distinct voice, making it easy to stay immersed in the story.
Overall, this was an engaging and enjoyable read (and listen) that mystery fans will definitely appreciate.
Thank you to J.L. Campbell, RBMedia and NetGalley for the ALC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I was provided Murder by the Book by J.L. Campbell and narrated by Nicole Cash as an audiobook ARC through NetGalley by RBMedia. I am SO glad that I requested this book and that they chose to share it with me. This book was not the kind of book I typically go for. I’m usually a cozy mystery girl. My anxiety thrives in the comfort of the cozy, but holy cow the book gods were shining down on me when I requested this book, and it was honored, because I LOVED it.
Addison Comstock is a “literary icon, known for her bestselling crime novels, razor-sharp tongue, and relentless rise to the top.” And, hello, she is RELENTLESS. Every time this woman spoke or had a thought, I was like, EXCUSE ME MA’AM?! Did you just say/do/think that outloud in this book for real?! She does not care about anyone but herself, and it’s beautiful. At one point, she says, “That works for people who give a damn about others. I’m not one of them.” And I was figuratively dead from choking on my laughter.
Along with Addison, we follow two of her ghostwriters, both of whom have twisted connections to Addison’s past, and they did their share of keeping my mouth dropping open the entire time I was listening/reading. The trauma that these three women have endured kept me on the struggle bus, trying to weigh their actions and finding myself incapable because I have no idea what I would do in their situations. They each overcame the unfathomable, and I was gifted the experience of watching them try to untangle this web of bonkers that connects them to each other.
5 stars. Would read again. Would immediately read another book by this author.
Addison Comstock is a “literary icon, known for her bestselling crime novels, razor-sharp tongue, and relentless rise to the top.” And, hello, she is RELENTLESS. Every time this woman spoke or had a thought, I was like, EXCUSE ME MA’AM?! Did you just say/do/think that outloud in this book for real?! She does not care about anyone but herself, and it’s beautiful. At one point, she says, “That works for people who give a damn about others. I’m not one of them.” And I was figuratively dead from choking on my laughter.
Along with Addison, we follow two of her ghostwriters, both of whom have twisted connections to Addison’s past, and they did their share of keeping my mouth dropping open the entire time I was listening/reading. The trauma that these three women have endured kept me on the struggle bus, trying to weigh their actions and finding myself incapable because I have no idea what I would do in their situations. They each overcame the unfathomable, and I was gifted the experience of watching them try to untangle this web of bonkers that connects them to each other.
5 stars. Would read again. Would immediately read another book by this author.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
𝗤𝗨𝗜𝗖𝗞 𝗣𝗟𝗢𝗧 𝗣𝗘𝗘𝗞
A famous crime writer’s luxury retreat in Jamaica turns deadly when secrets, ghostwriters, and betrayals begin surfacing. As suspicious deaths pile up, Addison Comstock fights to protect her reputation while someone close to her plots revenge using the storyline of her next book.
𝗔𝗨𝗗𝗜𝗢 𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗘
The narrator does an excellent job matching the vibe of this glamorous, cutthroat world. The audiobook enhances the drama and makes everything feel larger than life. It definitely made this easy to binge.
𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗬 𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗘
The vibe is toxic, catty, and melodramatic. It felt more like a glossy revenge drama, reminding me of shows like Revenge or The Perfect Couple.
The multiple POV allows us to zero in on the main characters which is helpful as there’s a lot of them. There’s breadcrumb-style clues dropped and shifting suspicions which I always enjoy.
FMC Addison is fun to hate and it wasn’t surprising that nearly everyone around her had believable motives to sabotage and murder.
There’s multiple betrayals and reveals throughout, which matches the high-drama energy of it all.
𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗛 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗?
This is much more relationship and drama-focused than the thrillers I usually go for. Even though it wasn’t my jam, I can absolutely see this being popular with readers who love glam, gossip, and messy revenge stories.
Thank you RBmedia and NetGalley for this gifted ARC.
🎧 Narrated by Nicole Cash
📖 Release 05•26•26 | 288 pages | 8h 38m
A famous crime writer’s luxury retreat in Jamaica turns deadly when secrets, ghostwriters, and betrayals begin surfacing. As suspicious deaths pile up, Addison Comstock fights to protect her reputation while someone close to her plots revenge using the storyline of her next book.
𝗔𝗨𝗗𝗜𝗢 𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗘
The narrator does an excellent job matching the vibe of this glamorous, cutthroat world. The audiobook enhances the drama and makes everything feel larger than life. It definitely made this easy to binge.
𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗬 𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗘
The vibe is toxic, catty, and melodramatic. It felt more like a glossy revenge drama, reminding me of shows like Revenge or The Perfect Couple.
The multiple POV allows us to zero in on the main characters which is helpful as there’s a lot of them. There’s breadcrumb-style clues dropped and shifting suspicions which I always enjoy.
FMC Addison is fun to hate and it wasn’t surprising that nearly everyone around her had believable motives to sabotage and murder.
There’s multiple betrayals and reveals throughout, which matches the high-drama energy of it all.
𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗛 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗?
This is much more relationship and drama-focused than the thrillers I usually go for. Even though it wasn’t my jam, I can absolutely see this being popular with readers who love glam, gossip, and messy revenge stories.
Thank you RBmedia and NetGalley for this gifted ARC.
🎧 Narrated by Nicole Cash
📖 Release 05•26•26 | 288 pages | 8h 38m
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I requested to review “Murder by the Book” because it sounded like a locked-room style murder mystery. Not really. There is a great line towards the end of the book that sums up how I felt about this audiobook. One of the main characters finds themselves in a surreal conversation and thinks to themselves, “Feels like I am in a soap opera.” Yes, indeed. I agree.
Now, listen, that is not a bad thing. I grew up watching “Dallas”, “Days of Our Lives”, “Santa Barbara” and my all time favorite, “Knots Landing”. I tell people how much I hate drama, but back in the day, I loved a good soap opera. The more over the top the situation, the better. Get the popcorn and join Michael Jackson in the theater seats.
This plot and the perfect narration by Nicole Cash had me feeling like I was going back in time and I was screaming, “NO, GIRL! Don’t let him get away with that!” “SHE IS STABBING YOU IN THE BACK! STOP BEING STUPID!!!” “No way she did that to that poor girl’s mama!” In hindsight, since I was listening to this audiobook on my earbuds, I may have startled a few shoppers at Walmart yelling those things out.
So, if you like your drama with a little bit of intrigue, then this is the book for you. I won’t tell if you don’t tell.
I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.
Now, listen, that is not a bad thing. I grew up watching “Dallas”, “Days of Our Lives”, “Santa Barbara” and my all time favorite, “Knots Landing”. I tell people how much I hate drama, but back in the day, I loved a good soap opera. The more over the top the situation, the better. Get the popcorn and join Michael Jackson in the theater seats.
This plot and the perfect narration by Nicole Cash had me feeling like I was going back in time and I was screaming, “NO, GIRL! Don’t let him get away with that!” “SHE IS STABBING YOU IN THE BACK! STOP BEING STUPID!!!” “No way she did that to that poor girl’s mama!” In hindsight, since I was listening to this audiobook on my earbuds, I may have startled a few shoppers at Walmart yelling those things out.
So, if you like your drama with a little bit of intrigue, then this is the book for you. I won’t tell if you don’t tell.
I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you NetGalley and RBmedia for the audio ARC.
Murder by the Book landed somewhere around a 3.25–3.5⭐ read for me. I enjoyed quite a bit of this and can see it working well for readers who like layered, character-driven mysteries, even though it didn’t fully come together for me.
The story opens in Jamaica with bestselling author Addison Comstock and her team, where a murder happens almost immediately and sets everything in motion. The setup is strong and atmospheric, with a great literary hook that pulls you in right away.
This is a very ambitious, complex mystery with a large cast and a lot of moving parts. I liked the added layer of long-standing accusations surrounding Addison’s first success, which brings a slow-burn psychological tension and a morally grey edge that keeps things interesting.
That said, the complexity sometimes worked against me. There are a lot of characters and backstory threads, and I occasionally had trouble keeping track of connections, which slowed the pacing and pulled me out of the story a bit.
I listened to this via audiobook, and the narration didn’t fully work for me. I do think this may be better in print where it’s easier to follow the multiple threads. Trigger warnings include rape, sexual assault, and incest.
Murder by the Book landed somewhere around a 3.25–3.5⭐ read for me. I enjoyed quite a bit of this and can see it working well for readers who like layered, character-driven mysteries, even though it didn’t fully come together for me.
The story opens in Jamaica with bestselling author Addison Comstock and her team, where a murder happens almost immediately and sets everything in motion. The setup is strong and atmospheric, with a great literary hook that pulls you in right away.
This is a very ambitious, complex mystery with a large cast and a lot of moving parts. I liked the added layer of long-standing accusations surrounding Addison’s first success, which brings a slow-burn psychological tension and a morally grey edge that keeps things interesting.
That said, the complexity sometimes worked against me. There are a lot of characters and backstory threads, and I occasionally had trouble keeping track of connections, which slowed the pacing and pulled me out of the story a bit.
I listened to this via audiobook, and the narration didn’t fully work for me. I do think this may be better in print where it’s easier to follow the multiple threads. Trigger warnings include rape, sexual assault, and incest.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is my second time reading a J.L. Campbell book, and this one blew me away! Blending suspense and drama, MURDER BY THE BOOK is a gripping mystery novel filled with secrets and revenge. I loved it!
The book didn’t hook me immediately upon reading. There were some pacing issues, but around the 40% mark, things started to fall into place. What impressed me the most was how Ms. Campbell was able to craft her storyline, hinting at clues to unlock the main mystery. I was all for it!
When I read the climax and major reveal of the story, I was shocked by how everything escalated. I could feel my heart pounding as the twists came one after another, leaving me completely tense and glued to the page. The surprises kept me guessing until the very last moment, and when all was finally revealed, I felt an immense sense of satisfaction. Ms. Campbell executed it perfectly! This alone made me smile from ear to ear.
MURDER BY THE BOOK is an excellent, vibrant read! I highly recommend it for mystery readers like us.
Thank you, Netgalley and Black Odyssey Publishing, for the advance readers' copy to read and review.
The book didn’t hook me immediately upon reading. There were some pacing issues, but around the 40% mark, things started to fall into place. What impressed me the most was how Ms. Campbell was able to craft her storyline, hinting at clues to unlock the main mystery. I was all for it!
When I read the climax and major reveal of the story, I was shocked by how everything escalated. I could feel my heart pounding as the twists came one after another, leaving me completely tense and glued to the page. The surprises kept me guessing until the very last moment, and when all was finally revealed, I felt an immense sense of satisfaction. Ms. Campbell executed it perfectly! This alone made me smile from ear to ear.
MURDER BY THE BOOK is an excellent, vibrant read! I highly recommend it for mystery readers like us.
Thank you, Netgalley and Black Odyssey Publishing, for the advance readers' copy to read and review.
May 23, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley, RBMedia, and J.L. Campbell for the opportunity to review the audiobook version of Murder by the Book.
I really wanted to love this book because the premise had so much potential. Unfortunately, for me, it ended up being a slow burn that never fully ignited. The story moved at a very gradual pace and often felt repetitive and predictable. I kept waiting for the plot to shift into something more intense or suspenseful, but it mostly stayed at the same level throughout. While there were moments that hinted at deeper intrigue, the storyline never quite hit the mark I was hoping for.
That being said, the audiobook narration by Nicole Cash was excellent. She did an incredible job capturing the personalities and emotions of the characters, helping bring more life and atmosphere to the story. Her performance kept me engaged even during the slower sections of the book.
Overall, this wasn’t a bad thriller, but it felt like it needed more momentum and stronger twists to truly stand out. If you enjoy very slow-burning suspense with a focus on atmosphere over action, this may work better for you than it did for me.
Thank you to NetGalley, RBMedia, and J.L. Campbell for the opportunity to review the audiobook version of Murder by the Book.
I really wanted to love this book because the premise had so much potential. Unfortunately, for me, it ended up being a slow burn that never fully ignited. The story moved at a very gradual pace and often felt repetitive and predictable. I kept waiting for the plot to shift into something more intense or suspenseful, but it mostly stayed at the same level throughout. While there were moments that hinted at deeper intrigue, the storyline never quite hit the mark I was hoping for.
That being said, the audiobook narration by Nicole Cash was excellent. She did an incredible job capturing the personalities and emotions of the characters, helping bring more life and atmosphere to the story. Her performance kept me engaged even during the slower sections of the book.
Overall, this wasn’t a bad thriller, but it felt like it needed more momentum and stronger twists to truly stand out. If you enjoy very slow-burning suspense with a focus on atmosphere over action, this may work better for you than it did for me.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.25⭐️
*Thank you Netgalley for providing me with an audiobook copy of this book*
Murder by the Book is a thriller, following multiple characters, circling around an author with controversy about her rights on books and her shadow-writing team. The book starts with a death of one of the members, and thats when the suspicion starts rising. Stakes get higher, betrayals and secret unravel and lies become so twisted, you dont know what is true and what is not.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book especially with the multi-POV, granting us with more information and details. You couldnt fully judge anyone because of their backround and how life didn't treat them as fairly as it should have. There is a lot of talk about topics like SA, rape, harassment, substance abuse, domestic violence and workplace negligence, so be aware of that if youre picking up the book.
Although it was a little confusing at times, I think this book was well-balanced and kept you on your toes. I would definitely recommend this as an audiobook, seeing that the narrator has done such a great job with narrating. She handled accents, different tones and emotions, which enhanced my listening experience.
*Thank you Netgalley for providing me with an audiobook copy of this book*
Murder by the Book is a thriller, following multiple characters, circling around an author with controversy about her rights on books and her shadow-writing team. The book starts with a death of one of the members, and thats when the suspicion starts rising. Stakes get higher, betrayals and secret unravel and lies become so twisted, you dont know what is true and what is not.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book especially with the multi-POV, granting us with more information and details. You couldnt fully judge anyone because of their backround and how life didn't treat them as fairly as it should have. There is a lot of talk about topics like SA, rape, harassment, substance abuse, domestic violence and workplace negligence, so be aware of that if youre picking up the book.
Although it was a little confusing at times, I think this book was well-balanced and kept you on your toes. I would definitely recommend this as an audiobook, seeing that the narrator has done such a great job with narrating. She handled accents, different tones and emotions, which enhanced my listening experience.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was a complete miss for me, and unfortunately I think the audiobook experience was the biggest reason why.
I’m thankful to have received a complimentary ALC from RB Media via NetGalley, which gave me the opportunity to share my voluntary thoughts. Sadly, narrator Nicole Cash just wasn’t the right fit for me. I found her phrasing awkward at times, and the performance crossed that fine line between engaging narration and overly dramatic delivery, which ultimately pulled me out of the story instead of drawing me in.
Because of that, it became difficult to connect with the prose itself. The writing often felt repetitive and disconnected, making it hard for me to stay invested. I did appreciate the representation woven throughout the story and felt like I learned a few things along the way, but the heavy level of detail eventually became tedious and overwhelming, taking away from what could have been the book’s strongest aspect.
Unfortunately, this just wasn’t a good fit for me personally, though I can absolutely see other readers connecting with it more than I did.
I’m thankful to have received a complimentary ALC from RB Media via NetGalley, which gave me the opportunity to share my voluntary thoughts. Sadly, narrator Nicole Cash just wasn’t the right fit for me. I found her phrasing awkward at times, and the performance crossed that fine line between engaging narration and overly dramatic delivery, which ultimately pulled me out of the story instead of drawing me in.
Because of that, it became difficult to connect with the prose itself. The writing often felt repetitive and disconnected, making it hard for me to stay invested. I did appreciate the representation woven throughout the story and felt like I learned a few things along the way, but the heavy level of detail eventually became tedious and overwhelming, taking away from what could have been the book’s strongest aspect.
Unfortunately, this just wasn’t a good fit for me personally, though I can absolutely see other readers connecting with it more than I did.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is a clever, fast-paced mystery that kept me turning the pages. J.L. Campbell blends small-town atmosphere with sharp character dynamics, creating a story that feels both cozy and suspenseful.
The premise is engaging from the start, and the mystery unfolds at a satisfying pace. I especially appreciated how the clues were layered—enough to keep me guessing without feeling confusing or overly complicated. The cast of characters adds depth and personality to the story, making it easy to stay invested in what happens next.
The writing is accessible and smooth, and the setting has that perfect “bookish mystery” charm that fans of the genre will enjoy. While the story leans into familiar cozy mystery elements, it still manages to feel fresh and entertaining.
Overall, this was a solid, enjoyable read that mystery lovers will appreciate. I look forward to reading more from J.L. Campbell in the future.
The premise is engaging from the start, and the mystery unfolds at a satisfying pace. I especially appreciated how the clues were layered—enough to keep me guessing without feeling confusing or overly complicated. The cast of characters adds depth and personality to the story, making it easy to stay invested in what happens next.
The writing is accessible and smooth, and the setting has that perfect “bookish mystery” charm that fans of the genre will enjoy. While the story leans into familiar cozy mystery elements, it still manages to feel fresh and entertaining.
Overall, this was a solid, enjoyable read that mystery lovers will appreciate. I look forward to reading more from J.L. Campbell in the future.
Review of advance copy received from Author
If the book Yellowface Had a Body Count… It Would Look Like This
📚 On Casey’s Bookshelf
Book: 71
Dates read: 04.05.2026 – 04.06.2026
Title: Murder by the Book
Author: J.L. Campbell
Format: digital
#caseysbookshelf
It is incredibly jarring to open a book about murder and see your FULL maiden name on page one. I’m talking first and last. In a story where bodies are dropping?? Yeah… I had to get my mind right before I kept reading 😂
But once I locked in? Oh this one was GOOD.
If you take some of the things we loved about Yellowface and add a suspenseful murder plot woven through it, this would be that book. It pulls back the curtain on the publishing world and replaces the gloss with secrets, ambition, and betrayal.
At the center is Addison Comstock, a bestselling author whose world starts to unravel when people connected to her begin dying. Coincidence… or murder? Is someone plotting her downfall, or is she at the center of it all? The questions stack up fast, and the pages keep turning until you get answers.
While Addison is the core of the story, Casey and Alecia are just as critical. The tension between the three is there from the beginning, adding another layer to the mystery of who is really driving the chaos.
What really stayed with me is the emotional weight underneath it all. As we move between past and present, there’s a pattern of these women being failed by the people who were supposed to protect them. That kind of trauma doesn’t just disappear… it shapes decisions, relationships, and the paths they take in ways that feel very real.
By the time everything starts unraveling? Yeah… my mind was spinning. The author ties it all together with the who, how, and why in a way that feels earned.
This is one of those thrillers that gives you mystery, drama, and just enough messy chaos to keep you turning pages.
⚠️ Check StoryGraph for content warnings before reading.
This book releases May 26, 2026. Thank you Black Odyssey for the #giftedcopy in exchange for an honest review.
Another book off the shelf. We keep reading with intention. 📚
📚 On Casey’s Bookshelf
Book: 71
Dates read: 04.05.2026 – 04.06.2026
Title: Murder by the Book
Author: J.L. Campbell
Format: digital
#caseysbookshelf
It is incredibly jarring to open a book about murder and see your FULL maiden name on page one. I’m talking first and last. In a story where bodies are dropping?? Yeah… I had to get my mind right before I kept reading 😂
But once I locked in? Oh this one was GOOD.
If you take some of the things we loved about Yellowface and add a suspenseful murder plot woven through it, this would be that book. It pulls back the curtain on the publishing world and replaces the gloss with secrets, ambition, and betrayal.
At the center is Addison Comstock, a bestselling author whose world starts to unravel when people connected to her begin dying. Coincidence… or murder? Is someone plotting her downfall, or is she at the center of it all? The questions stack up fast, and the pages keep turning until you get answers.
While Addison is the core of the story, Casey and Alecia are just as critical. The tension between the three is there from the beginning, adding another layer to the mystery of who is really driving the chaos.
What really stayed with me is the emotional weight underneath it all. As we move between past and present, there’s a pattern of these women being failed by the people who were supposed to protect them. That kind of trauma doesn’t just disappear… it shapes decisions, relationships, and the paths they take in ways that feel very real.
By the time everything starts unraveling? Yeah… my mind was spinning. The author ties it all together with the who, how, and why in a way that feels earned.
This is one of those thrillers that gives you mystery, drama, and just enough messy chaos to keep you turning pages.
⚠️ Check StoryGraph for content warnings before reading.
This book releases May 26, 2026. Thank you Black Odyssey for the #giftedcopy in exchange for an honest review.
Another book off the shelf. We keep reading with intention. 📚
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Description
A riveting, dark, and layered thriller that cuts through the glamorous façade of the publishing world to expose the true cost of ambition.
Some stories are too dangerous to tell—especially when they’re your own.
Addison Comstock is a literary icon, known for her bestselling crime novels, razor-sharp tongue, and relentless rise to the top. But behind her polished brand lies a ruthless past filled with secrets, betrayals, and broken lives—including those of the writers she’s employed to ghostwrite her success.
This book had so much going on and many characters. I struggled to keep track of what was happening. It had to re read chapters. For me it had too many moving parts. Overall story was good.
Thank you Netgalley and RBmedia for my ALC in exchange for my honest review.
A riveting, dark, and layered thriller that cuts through the glamorous façade of the publishing world to expose the true cost of ambition.
Some stories are too dangerous to tell—especially when they’re your own.
Addison Comstock is a literary icon, known for her bestselling crime novels, razor-sharp tongue, and relentless rise to the top. But behind her polished brand lies a ruthless past filled with secrets, betrayals, and broken lives—including those of the writers she’s employed to ghostwrite her success.
This book had so much going on and many characters. I struggled to keep track of what was happening. It had to re read chapters. For me it had too many moving parts. Overall story was good.
Thank you Netgalley and RBmedia for my ALC in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I enjoyed listening to Murder by the Book by J. L. Campbell, narrated by Nicole Cash. The story had an engaging mystery at its core, and I liked how the plot gradually unfolded as the investigation developed. While the pacing felt a little slower in some parts than I usually prefer, the storyline itself kept me interested and made me want to continue listening to see how everything would come together.
Nicole Cash did a wonderful job with the narration and really brought the characters to life. Her performance made the audiobook easy to follow and added personality and emotion to the story, which made the listening experience even more enjoyable.
Overall, this was an entertaining mystery audiobook with a solid plot, interesting characters, and strong narration.
Nicole Cash did a wonderful job with the narration and really brought the characters to life. Her performance made the audiobook easy to follow and added personality and emotion to the story, which made the listening experience even more enjoyable.
Overall, this was an entertaining mystery audiobook with a solid plot, interesting characters, and strong narration.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you RBMedia and Netgalley for the opportunity to review this ALC. This is my honest opinion.
This story has drama at every turn! It's a tangled web of subterfuge. All of the women were carrying heavy generational trauma leading them all to make regrettable (sorta) decisions. Speaking of, trigger warning for considerable talk of incest and child abandonment. I can't say that I was drawn to any character within this story or rooting for anyone. The multi-POV narration was handled well with this audiobook. The characters were distinct. I enjoyed the behind the curtain glimpse into the world of writers (but hopefully many aren't experiencing any of this!). Overall, it was a quick and satisfying fast-paced, character-driven story.
This story has drama at every turn! It's a tangled web of subterfuge. All of the women were carrying heavy generational trauma leading them all to make regrettable (sorta) decisions. Speaking of, trigger warning for considerable talk of incest and child abandonment. I can't say that I was drawn to any character within this story or rooting for anyone. The multi-POV narration was handled well with this audiobook. The characters were distinct. I enjoyed the behind the curtain glimpse into the world of writers (but hopefully many aren't experiencing any of this!). Overall, it was a quick and satisfying fast-paced, character-driven story.
May 18, 2026
This book was jam packed with drama! Never a dull moment. I am a big fan of the multiple POV’s and timelines. It was interesting to see how it all fit together as we learned more and more about each character and their past.
I enjoyed the plot, felt it was different from anything else I’ve read and for the most part I could not predict what was going to happen (which is always a plus!)
I listened to the audiobook and loved the narrator! She did a good job with the different POV’s.
I would definitely recommend this to anyone who’s looking for some twists & drama. Be sure to check the trigger warnings though if that is something you struggle with as I could see this being triggering for some.
Thank you NetGalley and RB Media for the advance copy!
I enjoyed the plot, felt it was different from anything else I’ve read and for the most part I could not predict what was going to happen (which is always a plus!)
I listened to the audiobook and loved the narrator! She did a good job with the different POV’s.
I would definitely recommend this to anyone who’s looking for some twists & drama. Be sure to check the trigger warnings though if that is something you struggle with as I could see this being triggering for some.
Thank you NetGalley and RB Media for the advance copy!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Murder by the Book is a layered, character-driven mystery told through dual timelines and multiple perspectives. The story gradually unfolds, revealing complex backstories while exploring themes of trauma, family dysfunction, and revenge. It kept me engaged throughout, though with so many characters and intertwining storylines, it occasionally became difficult to keep track of everyone.
This is a good pick for readers who enjoy psychological thrillers with emotionally heavy themes and steadily building suspense. The audiobook does require trigger warnings for rape, incest, and child sexual abuse, and since I received an ARC, I hope the final version includes those warnings for listeners.
Overall, a solid 3.75/5 listen. Thank you to NetGalley and RBMedia for the ARC.
This is a good pick for readers who enjoy psychological thrillers with emotionally heavy themes and steadily building suspense. The audiobook does require trigger warnings for rape, incest, and child sexual abuse, and since I received an ARC, I hope the final version includes those warnings for listeners.
Overall, a solid 3.75/5 listen. Thank you to NetGalley and RBMedia for the ARC.
May 25, 2026
many thanks and gratitude to NetGalley and RBmedia for providing me with an early audiobook copy of Murder By the Book by J.L. Campbell in exchange for my thoughts and honest review.
this is the first novel i’ve read by this author and i was impressed by the way all of the characters and POVs were portrayed without feeling overwhelming or confusing. i listened to the audiobook and i think the narration enhanced my experience. the narrator, Nicole Cash, did an incredible job portraying the various voices and accents, tones and emotions.
this is a slow burn mystery with a multifaceted plot the blends spine-chilling thrills, unpredictable suspense, and plenty of drama to keep the story entertaining.
Murder By the Book will be published May 26, 2026.
this is the first novel i’ve read by this author and i was impressed by the way all of the characters and POVs were portrayed without feeling overwhelming or confusing. i listened to the audiobook and i think the narration enhanced my experience. the narrator, Nicole Cash, did an incredible job portraying the various voices and accents, tones and emotions.
this is a slow burn mystery with a multifaceted plot the blends spine-chilling thrills, unpredictable suspense, and plenty of drama to keep the story entertaining.
Murder By the Book will be published May 26, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The premise of this story was genuinely interesting, and the reveals at the end were well-executed and kept me engaged through the final pages. It’s clear there was a solid vision for how the mystery should unfold.
However, the journey getting there was a struggle. The narrative felt confusing rather than mysterious; there was a lot of hinting at secrets that never quite landed as foreshadowing and there wasn’t enough character development for me to feel really invested in any of them. Combined with a massive cast of characters to keep track of, the plot felt cluttered. Ultimately, I think the writing style of this author just isn't a great fit for me. #MurderbytheBook #NetGalley
However, the journey getting there was a struggle. The narrative felt confusing rather than mysterious; there was a lot of hinting at secrets that never quite landed as foreshadowing and there wasn’t enough character development for me to feel really invested in any of them. Combined with a massive cast of characters to keep track of, the plot felt cluttered. Ultimately, I think the writing style of this author just isn't a great fit for me. #MurderbytheBook #NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I really wanted to like Murder by the Book by J. L. Campbell because the premise had a lot of potential, especially with the dark publishing world drama and ghostwriter angle. Unfortunately, this one just didn’t hold my attention. The narrative felt more confusing than mysterious, and I found myself struggling to stay invested in both the characters and the plot.
There were some interesting moments, but overall it felt slow and a bit boring for a thriller. I kept waiting for the tension to really build, but it never fully clicked for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.
There were some interesting moments, but overall it felt slow and a bit boring for a thriller. I kept waiting for the tension to really build, but it never fully clicked for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 20, 2026
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for letting me listen early.
Unfortunately this was a total miss for me. The only thing I actually liked was the very nice Jamaican representation and roots of the characters.
Other than that, this was extremely confusing and repetitive. I couldn’t stand a single character and by 30% I just wanted them all to die.
The end was very obvious and not shocking at all. Idk this just didn’t work for me.
But huge shoutout to the narrator! It was very well performed😌
Unfortunately this was a total miss for me. The only thing I actually liked was the very nice Jamaican representation and roots of the characters.
Other than that, this was extremely confusing and repetitive. I couldn’t stand a single character and by 30% I just wanted them all to die.
The end was very obvious and not shocking at all. Idk this just didn’t work for me.
But huge shoutout to the narrator! It was very well performed😌
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
2.75/5 rounded up because this could totally just be a me thing.
The plot and mystery of this was entertaining and really intriguing to me (I really did like the dark side of the publishing industry angle and how that was turned into a spooky thriller), but the characters really threw me off.
I really could not get behind these characters at all, they were all so unlikable and weirdly desperate. It made it really hard for me to care about them and what was happening to them.
Thanks to NetGalley for the audiobook ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
The plot and mystery of this was entertaining and really intriguing to me (I really did like the dark side of the publishing industry angle and how that was turned into a spooky thriller), but the characters really threw me off.
I really could not get behind these characters at all, they were all so unlikable and weirdly desperate. It made it really hard for me to care about them and what was happening to them.
Thanks to NetGalley for the audiobook ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
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