Murder, Mystery, and the Worst First Date: A Small Town Cozy Murder Mystery

by A.P. Wells

132 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 25, 2026

Reviews

[Gina Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Instantly obsessed with this premise! A Murder Mystery Weekend is the ultimate elite cozy mystery trope, and the vibe was so deliciously fun and trendy that I was ready to book a ticket for me and my own little dog immediately. 🎟️🐕 But things go from 0 to 100 real quick when fake danger turns into a literal real-life crime scene on Hazel's first date. Talk about the ultimate worst case scenario icebreaker! 💀 The pacing is fast, the suspect lineup is beautifully chaotic, and the plot twist had me guessing the entire time. Let’s be honest, though, while the humans were busy stressing, Watson was out there carrying the entire investigation on his furry back. He is once again the absolute superstar of this series! I could have just died from overload cuteness when Hazel pulled out his little lion mane. He is the ultimate fuzzy BFF and a flawless, iconic king of sleuthing. This series is a total no-skip and just keeps getting better and better! 🌟🐾

[M Darnoc · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 ARC...thank you A.P. Wells

This book had me from the start with the murder mystery date. I immediately thougt of the movies "The Private Eyes" and "Clue"...love them. So if you are a fan of those types of stories then this book is for you and not to mention that it is a quick read.

[Heart DeCoupeville · Rating 1 out of 5]

Acquired Kindle edition when offered free on Amazon.

I think I made it through four pages on the second, more determined attempt. The writing is terrible. I don't think AI can produce something this unreadable.

[GinaB. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve enjoyed all 5 stories in this series with Hazel Winslow & Watson, the adorably fluffy, helpful K9. You don’t have to read these funny stand-alones in order to enjoy them. This one starts with her getting a big game hunter costume & a ‘bloody’ candlestick, meaning she’s the ‘killer’ in the immersive fake murder mystery experience she’s going to with Kyle as their first date. When the lights go out, she can’t commit the ‘murder’ because she can’t find the host. When the lights come back on & the host is really dead, everyone is a suspect. Hazel sorts through the twists & turns before she solves the whodunnit & decides if she’ll go on a second date with Kyle. I got this funny cozy mystery as an ARC from Book Sprout & am leaving an honest review.

[Ingrid Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fast paced mystery in this series, with a fake murder mystery turning to reality and a date turning out different than expected.
The mystery felt a bit confusing at times, but it still kept me captivated to the end.

Favorite quote from this book: “Instead, in the silence, Hazel heard the sound of liquid against leather.”

This series is the perfect in-between bigger books and I will patiently wait for the next one.

[Deborah Veres · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorable mystery

First, I want a Watson! An adorable floofy dog.
Also, this was a great short story. Her writing flows well and I enjoy reading her stories.
Looking forward to her next.

[Reba Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a very suspenseful story, its keeps you guessing on several points. The book covers a lot of scenarios from comedy to real life. I loved it!!!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid 3.5 stars

This was such an adorable, cozy mystery. I really like the FMC. I love the idea of a murder mystery dinner gone wrong… This was fun. I will totally read more of these just because it made me happy.

[Sue Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder mystery and the worst first date

The book once again features Hazel and her dog Watson. It starts with her accepting a first date which is to attend a murder mystery evening. A real murder takes place and the mystery begins.

It features interesting new characters and we follow the mystery with Hazel and Watson determined to find out who the real killer is.

It’s a lovely story with plenty to keep you interested and guessing.

This is a very talented author who keeps producing high quality cozy mystery books.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bookstore owner Hazel and her dog Watson have been invited to a fake murder mystery event for a first date. What should have just been a fake turns very real when the host is stabbed to death! Since everyone is in costumes, it could have been anyone and there's plenty of suspects! With a storm trapping everyone inside, a flooded bridge and missing cell phones, Hazel and Watson need to work fast before the killer can escape for good! Adorable characters and a superstar dog just make this short read an absolute treat!

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hazel just can't catch a break! She meets Kyle and decides to go a murder mystery which then turns out to be an actual murder mystery when the host is stabbed by a costumed strangers. There are so many suspects from a mistress, her husband, an estranged wife and more. Thank goodness for Winston! (Actually Winston just needs to sit there and he's my favorite!) I didn't figure out the murderer right away. A.P. Wells always makes the mystery part a little hard to figure out and I appreciate that. Cozies need to be a light read but do not have to be easy to solve.
I love the characters and they keep getting more interesting. I can't pick a favorite book in this series because I love them all. They are quick, easy, and entertaining reads. I cannot wait for the next book in the series!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hazel planned a murder mystery dinner party. Unfortunately, the pretend victim really was murdered. Police could not be called, as all the phones were missing. Hazel was able to piece together the clues and solve the mystery.
This is a short suspense story with interesting characters, serious and humorous dialog, and suspicious behavior. With the addition of a very cute dog, this was a very enjoyable reading experience.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was definitely a fast paced cozy mystery that had me laughing from the start especially at the different characters in the story. Hazel met a guy named Kyle and theydecided to go to a mystery dinner where everyone was dressed up as different characters. There was supposed to be a fake murder but it turned into a real murder instead. This story kept me guessing until the end and I definitely didn’t guess who was responsible. Really like the writing style, the setting of this story and the plot.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

'When the host of a fake murder mystery event ends up actually dead, a night of fun becomes real. And a first date gets real awkward, real fast.'

The characters were very appealing and likeable and complicated and compelling. Plot was intriguing and exciting and well paced. World building was excellent and solidly drawn. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Eric Colard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although it s a short story, it has everything a cozy mystery needs. There s a murder, a love interest and a cozy setting. In he 80 pages A. P. Wells knows how to capture the readers and take the away to a different place and make them forget their daily issues, only to wonder who did it and why. Hazel and Watson are rapidly becoming one of my favourite murder solving couples.

[Beverley Ammeter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series. There’s murder, mystery, and humour what more can you want! There is also a little puppy who is so cute even when he is making the situation worse. You just have to read this book, it we’ll make your day. And maybe even remind you of your first date.
I received a copy of this book as a ARC and I’m leaving a voluntary review.

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is a parody of the game Clue. Hazel is going on a date with someone she just met and it is to a manor with everyone in costume like clue. Then there is a real murder and the evening gets worse from there. Cute story.
I received an arc and this is my review.

[Ingrid Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fast paced mystery in this series, with a fake murder mystery turning to reality and a date turning out different than expected.
The mystery felt a bit confusing at times, but it still kept me captivated to the end.

Favorite quote from this book: “Instead, in the silence, Hazel heard the sound of liquid against leather.”

This series is the perfect in-between bigger books and I will patiently wait for the next one.

[B.J. Hyman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Newest entry in a fun series. I've read them all now and find our heroine fun. I absolutely adore her dog, Watson. The stories are all snarky fun and easy to read. I highly recommend this series!

[Mrs K.Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder, Mystery, and the Worst First Date is a Superb story about Hazel who owns a Bookstore and goes on a date to a murder mystery weekend with her new Boyfriend Kyle but not all went as per script. They are all marooned as the bridge was flooded. But what will happen in the end?
I enjoyed reading this story very much and I highly recommend that you read this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been enjoying this series and I think this is my favorite book so far. The creativity of joining a bad first date with a murder was genius and quite entertaining. I look forward to how she comes across a murder during her marathon.