Librarian’s note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Jessica Fletcher (born Jessica Beatrice MacGill, and writes under the initialed J.B. Fletcher) is a fictional character from the US television series Murder, She Wrote.
In keeping with the spirit of the TV show, a series of official original novels have been written by American ghostwriter Donald Bain. The author credit for the novels is shared with the fictitious "Jessica Fletcher." The series has been continued by authors Renée Paley-Bain, Jon Land, Terrie Farley Moran, andBarbara Early.
When the first novel in the series, Gin and Daggers, was published in 1989 it included several inaccuracies to the TV series including Jessica driving a car which she could not do as she never learned to drive. Due to fans pointing out the errors, the novel was republished in 2000 with most of the inaccuracies corrected.
I just finished reading Murder, She Wrote: A Killing in Real Estate by Jessica Fletcher and Terrie Farley Moran. Reading this book felt like I was climbing into a time machine.
I remember watching Murder, She Wrote in the 90s and never missed an episode if I could help it, even going so far as to set my VCR to watch it later. Reading this brought all of that rushing back immediately. I could practically hear Angela Lansbury’s voice in my head while reading. Jessica Fletcher still feels exactly like herself all these years later: sensible shoes, bicycle rides to clear her mind, quiet intelligence, and a knack for finding murder wherever she goes.
This mystery takes place in Cabot Cove, where tensions are rising over a developer hoping to build a four-star hotel in the area. Naturally, not everyone wants the beautiful small-town landscape turned into a tourist destination. At the same time, the town is searching for a new mayor who will protect Cabot Cove from overdevelopment. When murder enters the picture, Jessica starts untangling the secrets and motives hiding beneath the town’s polite surface.
What I enjoyed most was the atmosphere and nostalgia. Cabot Cove still feels cozy and familiar, almost like visiting an old friend. The town itself remains one of the strongest “characters” in the series. I also appreciated that Jessica has not been dramatically modernized or changed into someone unrecognizable after 62 books. She is still calm, observant, compassionate, and quietly sharp.
The mystery itself was solid and entertaining, although this was not one of those books that kept me awake all night because I absolutely had to know what happened next. Instead, it felt comfortable and reliable. The pacing was steady, the small-town politics added an interesting layer to the plot, and the story captured the same cozy charm that made the television series so beloved.
As for content warnings, this is a cozy mystery, so readers should expect murder and investigation themes, but nothing felt overly graphic or disturbing.
Overall, I gave this one 4 out of 5 stars. If you love cozy mysteries, small-town settings, or grew up watching Jessica Fletcher solve crimes from her little corner of Maine, this is a very enjoyable nostalgic read. Even though this is the 62nd book in the series, it works perfectly well as a standalone cozy mystery.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for providing me an advance review copy in exchange for an honest review.
Oh, what a treat! I just finished A Killing in Real Estate, the 62nd book in the Murder, She Wrote series, and I’m once again reminded why I’ve read every single one. There’s truly nothing more comforting than settling in with Jessica Fletcher and the quirky folks of Cabot Cove for tea, one of Maeve O’Bannon’s delicious scones, good conversation, and, of course, a murder to solve.
This one is extra special because it’s set right in Cabot Cove, which are always my favorites. The town is more divided than ever with a heated mayoral race underway and the arrival of ambitious developer Lionel Watts. He’s courting local landowners for a big luxury hotel project, and suddenly tongues are wagging, and every conversation turns into a lively debate: bring in the tourist dollars and progress, or protect the town’s old-fashioned charm? Tensions are high, and then Watts turns up dead in the woods. It looks like a simple heart attack at first, but Jessica isn’t convinced. What follows is a classic whodunit layered with local politics, community loyalties, and some decades-old secrets that keep you guessing.
Terrie Farley Moran captures that perfect small-town nostalgia while tackling a very tricky issue about development and change. Jessica is her usual wonderful self: calm, observant, a clever peacekeeper, and sharp as ever, even while juggling work on her latest novel and dog-sitting Eve Simpson’s Cecil, an adorable chihuahua who I’d be very happy to read about in future installments.
The mystery progresses at a measured pace, revealing clues along the way that make the final solution feel both logical and satisfying. A compelling subplot centered on a long-forgotten financial scandal serves as an effective red herring, adding complexity and depth to the story. At times, I found the real estate angle particularly intriguing, but every thread ultimately came together in a cohesive and rewarding conclusion.
If you’re a fan of the series, this one delivers exactly what we love: a compelling puzzle, memorable characters you feel like you know, and that irresistible Cabot Cove atmosphere. It’s charming, comforting, and left me smiling at the end. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys a well-crafted cozy mystery that feels like visiting old friends. Now I’m already looking forward to the next one!
Jessica Fletcher returns home to beautiful Cabot Cove, Maine from visiting her nephew Grady, his wife, and their precocious son, Frank. She's looking forward to getting to work on her next book and the slower pace of life after all of the hustle and bustle of NYC. She isn't home a day before the tranquility of Cabot Cove is in question when the mayor decides he isn't going to run for another term and all of Jessica's friends are worried that another mayor might mean an end to the way of life they know and love in their hamlet on the sea. As if to prove their concerns are going to come to fruition, it's only a day or so later when Jessica finds out there is a developer in town who wants to build a resort hotel on the fallow fields near the cove! She soon finds her hands full trying to form a committee to help choose a mayoral candidate who is like minded to herself and others who want to keep Cabot Cove a small town but she is also tasked with taking care of the dog of her friend, Eve Simpson, who just happens to be the realtor who brought the developer into town. And since this is a Murder, She Wrote story, there is also a murder to solve before long, as well. All the usual characters are in the story and they make it a terrific step back into the life of Jessica Fletcher who we have all come to know and love through all the books and television shows we have seen over the last several decades. Terrie Farley Moran really does the series justice and writes Jessica Fletcher so close to the television character that you clearly see Angela Lansbury tooling around town on her bicycle! A definite must read for all Murder, She Wrote fans!!
Murder, mystery, small-town politics, and one very lovable dog.
This was a thoroughly enjoyable cozy mystery that kept me engaged from beginning to end. What started as a suspicious death gradually unraveled into a story involving hidden secrets, a decades-old financial scandal, local politics, and a community determined to protect the town they love.
One of the things I appreciated most was that the mystery felt fair. Looking back, the clues were there all along, particularly the references to the yew bushes and taxine poison. The reveal didn’t feel forced or out of nowhere, which is something I always appreciate in a mystery.
While I found Lionel Watts’ hidden past and the REI scandal fascinating, that storyline occasionally overshadowed the actual murder investigation. Still, it added depth to the story and created a strong red herring that kept me guessing.
The real standout, however, was Cecil. His dog park adventures, endless charm, and ability to steal every scene he appeared in brought so much warmth and heart to the book. The sense of community throughout Cabot Cove was equally enjoyable and made the ending feel especially satisfying.
Overall, this was a cozy, entertaining mystery with a well-earned solution, memorable characters, and plenty of small-town charm. Not an all-time favorite, but definitely a worthwhile read.
As a fan of the Murder, She Wrote tv series who has watched every single episode, I was very excited to dive into this book. I went in with high expectations, fully prepared to love it. Ultimately, while I did enjoy the book, it didn't quite reach spectacular heights for me. The overall tone felt a bit monotone, the pacing was quite calm, and there was a decent amount of repetition that led me to skim through a few parts. The mystery wrapped up with an abrupt, anti-climactic ending that lacked the emotional punch I was hoping for.
That being said, the absolute best part of the book was the atmosphere and the pure nostalgia it brought. It was so wonderful to go on another mystery with Jessica Fletcher—watching her ask questions, do her research, and talk to the right people. The authors did a great job of keeping her true to form; she felt exactly like the same character I met all those years ago. She is still the wonderful Jessica we all know and love: thoughtful, inquisitive, kind, sharp-witted, and warm.
While it wasn't a thrilling page-turner that kept me up late into the night, it was an easy book to put down and pick back up. It didn't completely blow me away, but the comfort of the setting was enough that I can see myself picking up other books in the series whenever I'm in the mood for a cozy, nostalgic mystery read.
I received this as an ARC from Berkley Publishing Group via Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion. My opinion has not been influenced by receiving this book for free.
I enjoyed this mystery. It took me back in time to when I would watch the show. This book is a bit of an update on the show. They have the internet and cell phones. But there are still the nostalgic elements of Seth and the gossip mill. Some of the characters are different, which is fine. We have Mort's wife being different and some other new characters. We still have lovely Floyd, Eve, Seth, and Mort.
Overall, it was a great read. The quest to find a new mayor candidate did play a big role, and the murder itself wasn't at the forefront of the book, which was okay. I got to read about the characters in the town and their political motivations. Also, Jessica babysitting Eve's dog played a big role as well in the book. I think some people would be turned off by those two plot points. I enjoyed it, though it reminded me of how the show didn't just focus on Jessica solving the murder but also what was going on around her.
So for me, this was a quick trip down memory lane. Time for me to pull out my murder she wrote dvds and relive the past.
Jessica Fletcher and a suspicious death in the world of luxury real estate? Count me in.
A Killing in Real Estate delivered exactly what I want from a Murder, She Wrote mystery: a charming coastal setting, a cast full of potential suspects, and Jessica quietly outsmarting everyone around her. The real estate backdrop added a fun twist, with secrets, rivalries, and plenty of motives hiding behind beautiful properties and polished appearances.
The mystery kept me guessing without becoming overly complicated, and spending time with Jessica always feels like visiting an old friend. While this wasn’t my favorite in the series, and I’ve read 30 or so of them, it was an enjoyable, cozy whodunit that reminded me why I keep coming back to Cabot Cove and Jessica Fletcher.
Perfect for fans of classic cozy mysteries, amateur sleuths, and murder without the gore.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
A Killing in Real Estate brings readers back to Cabot Cove, Maine, with the small town charm and nostalgia that defines the traditional Murder, She Wrote franchise, while still offering a mystery that feels current. When an ambitious real‑estate developer arrives in town with big plans, tensions rise quickly. His sudden death has Jessica Fletcher sorting through a host of motives and suspects.
As always, Jessica is a steady and insightful presence. Author Terrie Farley Moran uses classic whodunit tropes to examine the pros and cons of development—or whether small towns should grow at all.
This is a satisfying read for fans who enjoy visiting the Cabot Cove universe and its inhabitants, and it continues the series’ tradition of providing quality mystery in a comforting, cozy format.
Full Disclosure--NetGalley and the publisher provided me with a digital ARC of this book. This is my honest review.
I love Jessica Fletcher. I jumped at the opportunity for this ARC because I have such fond memories of Murder She Wrote in the 90s. I was surprised by the setting, I went in thinking it would be set in the past. I was quite surprised Jessica was answering a cell phone. She is still the loveable, diplomatic character she always has been and it was comforting seeing her up to her same tricks.
It was a fast read and as far as cozy mysteries go it was fine. The mystery itself I figured out early on. The political portion I think was a little overdone. I started to become irritated over the energy that was wasted on a mayoral race. I know red herrings are often a staple in a whodunit, but I think that line was a bit much. I will read additional books in this series, however, as I love cozy mysteries and look forward to another Murder She Wrote visit.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I came across this ARC and was pretty intrigued. I haven't read any previous MSW books but I remember the show fondly. I'm also a fan of cozy mysteries, which there just aren't enough of anyone.
However, I found A Killing in Real Estate (MSW #64) to be really slow and boring. The townsfolk are supposed to be colorful and humorous, basically the backbone of any cozy mystery. But to me they were just blah. There were too many characters in general and fairly early on my brain just started glazing over them.
We don't get a dead body until about 40% of the way in, and at that point I don't think I could even tell you what happened in that 40%. In the end, the mystery isn't exactly much of a mystery and things are wrapped up neatly.
This was a fast read, around maybe 3 hours I guess. So if you're looking for Readers Digest fiction, this is for you. Light, cutesy, mild mystery for your brain to ponder.
Thanks to Netgalley and Berkley/PRH for this digital galley.
Growing up watching Murder, She Wrote, I immediately requested this on NetGalley the second I saw it available. Jessica Fletcher honestly feels nostalgic at this point, so just being back in Cabot Cove was fun for me.
The small-town drama and the debate over protecting Cabot Cove versus bringing in new development were probably my favorite parts of the story. It gave the mystery a more realistic feel instead of being overly dramatic or twist-heavy. That said, the mystery itself didn’t completely wow me and the pacing was definitely on the slower side.
Still, this felt like a cozy comfort read and I enjoyed spending time with these familiar characters again. If you grew up loving Murder, She Wrote or enjoy classic cozy mysteries, this is an easy one to settle into.
Another great mystery hits in Cabot Cove with Jessica Fletcher and her friends trying to solve it. I love the atmosphere of a small town in Maine and how all the neighbors know each other. The pacing was steady, an easy read and a great cozy mystery. Even though this book is part of a series, it works fine as a standalone mystery. The town is fighting over land development whether to leave the farmland undeveloped or build a hotel on the land. Also, the current mayor is stepping down, and the town is trying to find a new mayor to step in. With all this fighting over politics and then when the developer is murdered it is up to Jessica to find out who murdered him. Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for providing me with an advance review copy in exchange for an honest review. (3.5 stars)
Even though I had only seen a little portion of Murder She Wrote with Angela Landsberry, I could still visualize her in the television series as I read. I found this to be a delightful, cozy mystery. I could also understand why Angela was first chosen to be the show's lead. This is an enjoyable escape that would be suitable for your book group.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Another nostalgicly fun installment of this wonderful series! All lovers of the show should read these. This one is set in Jessica's hometown of Cabot Cove, I always enjoy reading about this town ans the residents. We get a lot more if the town politics and even a bit of insight to Jessica's writting method, I wish there was a bit more if that, actually. The political behind the scenes was interesting but started to get a bit repetitive. I think the murder took a bit if a back seat to the mayoral election but I love these characters and this setting so it didn't take away from my enjoyment too much. I was especially pleased when one of my favorite characters makes a cameo twards the end. Another excellent Murder, She Wrote novel!
I received an ARC of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I absolutely love this series and was over the moon to receive an ARC of the latest installment. Terrie Farley Moran is easily my favorite MSW author for a reason - she knows how to weave a great story while staying true to the characters and setting. I loved every page and was sad when it ended. I enjoyed revisiting the familiar cast of characters as the story takes place in Cabot Cove, and I found the political storyline especially interesting. If you love Murder, She Wrote, you have to read this book!
This is a cozy murder mystery that takes place in Cabot Cove. So much nostalgia reading this making me think about growing up in the 90s watching Jessica Fletcher sleuth around and solve murders in the tv series.
I’m giving this a strong 4 Stars. At 202 pages long this is a book that can be read in an afternoon. It’s very fast paced with short chapters that will keep you reading on and on.
I will be recommending this book to family and friends.
Thank you #NetGalley for the ARC read of this book.
This was my first Murder, She Wrote novel, and overall I enjoyed it. It was a light, easy cozy mystery with an engaging setting.
That said, the mystery was fairly straightforward and not very complex. There were also too many characters to keep track of, and the lengthy descriptions sometimes slowed the pace. At times, the dialogue and situations felt a bit hokey and bordered on cheesy.
Overall, it was an enjoyable read, but I was hoping for a more intricate mystery and a tighter cast of characters. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance review copy.
This was my first Murder, She Wrote book (I'm ashamed) and I loved it! Something about a friendly community where everyone knows everyone feels so nostalgic. Since this was my first book, I felt like some characters & stories weren't necessary (Eve/Cecil), but it didn't deter from the original story. I will definitely be making my way backwards and reading more!
Thank you NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for providing me this advanced copy of Murder She Wrote: A Killing in Real Estate. This was a quick read that was also fun! I appreciated the attention to detail and the succinct flow of the story. I’d absolutely read more of these books!
Just wanted to share my thoughts on a book I recently finished – it was Murder, She Wrote: A Killing in Real Estate. I ended up giving it a solid 3.5 out of 5 stars!
If you're into those classic cozy mysteries that just wrap you up in a warm blanket of intrigue, or if you, like me, have a fond memory of Jessica Fletcher and her uncanny ability to stumble upon a murder, then this one's a treat. It truly whisks you away to the quaint, picturesque setting of Cabot Cove. There’s something wonderfully comforting about diving back into that familiar world, and I honestly think anyone would find themselves charmed by the lovely characters and the gentle pace, even if they're new to Jessica's adventures.
Now, a little heads up, it wasn't an immediate page-turner for me. It did take a little bit for the plot to really find its footing, and I had to push through the initial chapters to get fully invested. But once it hit its stride, it became a delightful escape, just as you'd hope for from a Cabot Cove mystery.